When you find yourself in paradise, such tempting thoughts steal in, like a mist that separates you from your senses. Not sure what I mean? Go to Kauai, the oldest of the eight Hawaiian islands, and you’ll find out. Its ancient soul renders a powerful magic that seeps in without your knowing.

My son, Ross, and I decided to embrace the simpler pleasures of life on a trip to the same region that spawned Ms. Lindbergh’s book, Gifts from the Sea. We hoped to reconnect with nature and spend quality time in one of the world’s prettiest paradises.

I saw a coyote in Albuquerque, and I rode horses in the cottonwoods. I ate green chiles and met a cowboy. I learned about history and culture and people whose roots go deep into the land. I saw the landscape and marveled at its vastness.

Peter and I are here to enjoy a few days of horseback riding and experience a quintessential dude ranch vacation. So saddle up the palomino, and come along on our adventure.

Palm Springs is multi-dimensional, and those who care to look will find much more than a playground for Hollywood’s rich and famous. 

While Paradise, Kentucky, lives on only in song, you can find your own paradise in the Bluegrass State without trying very hard.

Don’t miss these quintessential Big Easy activities. 

Get to the roots of American music at this summer festival—and find your happy place.

At Massanutten, I planned to check out the changes in this once quaint ski resort perched atop the mountain for which it is named.