Chocoholics can blame the Olmecs for their obsession…but we aren’t complaining. Join me on a chocolate tour in Oaxaca and get a taste of chocolate and history
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Travel Inspiration: Find Your Next Adventure
Eggs Benedict in Alexandria: Jackson 20 Restaurant
A morning in historic downtown Alexandria, Virginia is an opportunity to stop for breakfast at Jacskson 20. American dining with a menu of classic dishes our forefathers would have loved! Read the review here…
Cooking Classes with a Sicilian Duchess
Ten years ago, Palermo wasn’t a tourist destination. It was a bunch of rubble... A Kitchen and Castle Ruled by a Culinary Duchess Sicily Cooking Class: According to the Duchess of Palma, Nicoletta Polo Lanza Tomasi, polishing her nails is pretty far down the list of...
Pilgrims Gather at Ha Ling Peak: A Travelers Story
Ha Ling Peak: This reality met me with blue mountains, the smell of spruce, dust rising from the forest road, and the July Sun… The forest became less dense, mountains behind trees became taller... It is all about the road, not the destination I stopped to...
A Grand Experience: Minneapolis, MN (Now the Paris Dining Club)
Sometimes a place can carry you away, even when it’s close to home Grand Cafe, MN - Photo Attribution Flickr J. Annie Wang Editor's Note: UPDATE The Grand Cafe's final dinner service was November 14, 2021. You can read about why the owners closed the doors and...
Embracing the Unplanned: Redefining How to Travel and Live
It happened in May. I broke up with my boyfriend on a Monday, sent a resignation letter from an Uber to the airport on a Friday, and booked a one-way ticket across the ocean. Solo woman travel story
Things to Do, Activities, Lodging and More in Emerald Isle, NC
Explore Emerald Isle along the North Carolina Coast. This south facing stretch of beach is part of the barrier islands that border the Bogue Inlet. Surprisingly, it remains a low-key, family-friendly vacation destination with restaurants, a variety of lodging, outdoor and family activities, and unique shops.
![Perugia Chocolate Festival 2019: Chocolate and Bees in an Italian Town [Perugia, Italy]](https://www.vitabellamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/VB-Blog-Featured-Image-wText-overlay-NEW-11-2022-13-400x250.jpg)
Perugia Chocolate Festival 2019: Chocolate and Bees in an Italian Town [Perugia, Italy]
“Do not worry,” he assured me in his best English, as he gently waved his hand, “The bees…they are not aggressive.” High on a hill is Perugia, the ancient Italian city and home to the annual Chocolate Festival While bees buzzed dangerously close to my hands and face,...
Why Travel Packing Will Make You Question Everything
Before our travel photos post to social media, we must pack. Travel packing is a Goldilock’s game. Is it too much, too little, or just right? Here’s some tips: Packing light makes air travel less stressful... What do you think about when preparing for a...
Dublin Day Trip: 5 Unbelievable Spots to Explore Now
Dublin day trips will get you out of the city in a flash so you can connect with your roots, nature, and history. Here are the top 5 can’t-miss Dublin destinations perfect for a day trip, in no particular order After living in Dublin for two years, I can say...
Cliff Dwellings in the Desert: What’s the Story behind these Ancient Condos?
“The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are comprised of Anasazi ruins that date back 800-1000 years old.” The story of the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park is told at the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings museum. Their headline (shown above) may be all some people read...
3 Colorado Springs Day Trips That Stand the Test of Time
Day Trips in Colorado Springs…Where Time Stands Still A mist settles over Colorado Springs... Healthy Bubbles Delight the French in Manitou Springs French missionaries were writing about Manitou Springs long before Major Pike discovered his famous peak. And before the...
Colorado Springs Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Walking Among the Ancient Anasazi
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings stands as an unfinished story of a people who walked away from life. Mystery, and a gift shop, surround this ageless monument. What happens when a tourist discovers a connection to the past? Read the story here
What is the Best Way to Explore America?
Wondering how to travel America? You’re in luck! Camping, RV, seeing America from the road, your options are wide open…just like the road! Explore America…your way, before it’s gone. We are witnessing a real-time resurgence of interest in the good ole’ USA. The RV...
5 Reasons to Visit Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
OBX and Ocracoke island boast sweeping ocean views, wild horses, and a step back in time. Discover 5 reasons why you should visit these barrier islands on your next vacation or weekend getaway.
![Starting Fresh at Lake Atitlán [Hit Reset in Guatemala]](https://www.vitabellamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/VB-Blog-Featured-Image-wText-overlay-NEW-11-2022-7-400x250.png)
Starting Fresh at Lake Atitlán [Hit Reset in Guatemala]
A sleepy town known for yoga and the healing arts... Two weeks after quitting a high-stress job in Boston, I’m standing on the shores of Lake Atitlán in southwestern Guatemala. I can see why writer Aldous Huxley called Atitlán, the most beautiful lake in the world....
The City of White Gold: Schwabish Hall Germany
The city was surrounded by a wide moat...Schwabisch Hall in Germany, the city that owes its wealth to ‘white gold,’ is made famous today by the Goethe Institute, which attracts students from all over the world. They come here to study German, and the courses offered...
When Good Travel Plans Go Bad
I expected to wake up surrounded by police tape... At first, things seemed to be going well.... Many people love to travel. Which is exactly why when a big event comes to a town, big prices and big crowds usually follow. It was summer and a summer getaway was in the...
In the Village Ruled by Animals: A Semi-Abandoned Georgian Story
Go away human, this is our village now... I notice a cow peeking at me from around the side of the house, the same evil eyes... To my left, two bulls are engaged in some horn- thumping fight. A herd of cows watch on. An elderly, semi crouched lady stands in her front...
![Suite Retreat: Omni Grove Park Inn [Asheville, NC]](https://www.vitabellamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/VB-Blog-Featured-Image-wText-overlay-NEW-11-2022-19-400x250.jpg)
Suite Retreat: Omni Grove Park Inn [Asheville, NC]
She’s old. She’s had some work done. Still, thousands of romantics and lovers, scholars and artisans, businessmen and families, flock to her every year for the opportunity to catch a glimpse of her rugged beauty. But her beauty is not the only draw. When...
Sweet Sweet Florida Treat: Introducing Orlando’s Signature Dessert
An Italian meringue prepared with honey, nougat and fruit confit, on a red berries sorbet… The heritage of honey in Orlando dates back 500 years... That’s the new award-winning signature dish for Orlando, Florida. The city of Orlando held a culinary competition which...
Self-Discovery during a Weekend in Marseille
Why is the idea of a young girl traveling alone horrific for some people to imagine? Fort Saint Jean... “Reckless!”, they say. “Asking for trouble”, say others. I think it’s probably the age we live in. However, women travel alone all the time and are fine, we just...
Tip to Tip: A Three-Hour Tour on Prince Edward Island
Have you ever noticed that just because you’ve lived in a place all of your life, you don’t always see the wonders that surround you? It took moving away from home to discover the treasures from my backyard... Growing up, my family never owned a car which limited how...
![Pressing Forward [an Essay: Rich Life Beneath Dusty Jewels]](https://www.vitabellamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/VB-Blog-Featured-Image-wText-overlay-NEW-11-2022-23-400x250.jpg)
Pressing Forward [an Essay: Rich Life Beneath Dusty Jewels]
I ran my hands over the green-gold and pale violet grape clusters and sang them a song to encourage growth... This glowing blue, marble-sized fruit...cleansing, detoxifying, restorative... Pressing my first Pinot Noir grapes for juice turned out to be a bittersweet...
![Which Islands Are Ready for Travelers After the Storms? [Update November 2017]](https://www.vitabellamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/VB-Blog-Featured-Image-wText-overlay-NEW-11-2022-24-400x250.jpg)
Which Islands Are Ready for Travelers After the Storms? [Update November 2017]
Which Islands Are Ready for Travelers After the Storms? Some islands were spared extensive storm damage... Months after seeing the devastation of Mother Nature as seasonal hurricanes raged over the Caribbean Islands, many are wondering which islands are ready for...
Ghostly Inns: 10 of the Top Haunted Hotels in the United States
You may be checking in for two; however, in these hotels you may find you’re sleeping with an extra guest! Don’t worry, they don’t take up much space. They won’t use extra towels. And it’s not likely they will raid the mini bar. In fact, you may barely even know they...
Top 5 Health Spa Destinations on the East Coast
“I’m going to the spaaaaaa….” Winding down the year and heading into winter hibernation can also mean that you gift yourself with a little “me” time…a little down-time, and the healthy choice of cleansing and nourishing and loving your body from the inside out. Health...
Savannah in the Fall
Come Hell or high water, get to Savannah Georgia in the fall to enjoy this historic city in the cool southern weather. If you’re lucky…diamonds will fall from the sky! Discover more…
5 of the Best Destinations to Renew Your Vows
When you got hitched, there was probably a little bit of stress preparing for a day that is supposed to be “all about you” until your wedding quickly becomes “all about everyone else.” Some people can navigate this delicate balance very easily. Many families...
Discover the Magic of Wilmington’s Gilded Age Treasure: Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is more than flowers and trees. It’s a piece of North Carolina history. Find out why locals and visitors love to spend a day or night at the gardens…