The highlight of my Margaritaville cruise was the Great Towel Animal Parade.

Rogers, Arkansas, is redefining what small-town growth can look like. Once a quiet railroad town, it has evolved into a thriving hub where Walmart’s influence fuels world-class art, nationally recognized BBQ, and big-city opportunity — all while holding onto its hometown charm. Check out my story in Loop North News here:

Best hotels in Door County, Wisconsin

If you're thinking about your first trip to Thailand, you'll probably hang out in Bangkok (like I did), and then head south to the internationally famous beaches. I headed north to the province of Korat, officially named Nakhon Ratchasima, about 200 miles northeast of the country's capital city. It's about a one-hour flight or a three-hour drive, which will be shortened considerably with the completion of Motorway 6 later this year. In Korat, you'll find such riches as a biodiverse national park home to wild elephants and rare hornbills; 4000-year-old cave paintings, one museum devoted to fossils and another to contemporary art, and a luxury train-themed resort.

For many travelers with the goal to visit all 50 states in the U.S., North Dakota is the last one. Maybe it's because the 39th state is pretty far north and not really on the way to somewhere else. Unlike the famous Route 66, which passes through eight states, for instance. Or maybe it's the lack of mega-attractions like the Grand Canyon or Disney World. My story, Explore the Rich History, Heritage and Art of Bismarck, ND, as published in She Buys Travel, gives you 10 very good reasons to visit North Dakota's capital city.

An ambitious pastry chef with big-city dreams visits her hometown in Door County, Wisconsin, for Christmas. While there, she runs into her former love and learns her family's cherry orchard is struggling. What happens next? You'll have to watch the adorable indie film, A Wisconsin Christmas Pie on the Great American Family network (also streaming under the alternate title A Cherry Pie Christmas) to find out. Filmed entirely in Door County, the movie features many iconic sights and sites: twinkling lights, trolley cars, fish boil, cherry pie and more. You're sure to get into the seasonal spirit with a Door County getaway -- details galore in my story, …

All-inclusive resorts have gone upscale, as I discovered at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen in Mexico. The adults-only gated community features 485 luxury suites, robust amenity program, a dozen dining options, and live theater within a magnificent tropical setting. Located on México’s Yucatán Peninsula, the AAA Five Diamond resort is part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. I spent five glorious days at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen attending a conference by the Midwesr Travel Journalists Association. Check out my story and photos, "Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen: The luxury all-inclusive resort with a romantic vibe," as published in Loop North Chicago.

(Many thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Chicago, which made this amazing trip possible.) Most travelers and tourists, when they visit Thailand, head south of Bangkok, where the beautiful beaches are. We headed north, to Chiang Rai province, all the way to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River. Along the way, the sights were astonishing: Lavishly decorated temples, ginorous statues of Buddha and other deities, sprawling ornamental gardens, an undulating countryside, cultural wonders and elephants. Read more in my story (and see my photos), "

The World’s Largest Ball of Sisal Twine sits in an open-air pavilion in Cawker City, Kansas, where it has drawn visitors from around the world. It's just one of the many quirky museums, roadside attractions and grassroots artworks that dot the vibrant cities and rural byways. Like the Pizza Hut Museum in Wichita and the Largest Czech Egg in Wilson. My story, "Quirky Kansas," and photos as published by Journal & Topics Media Group points the way to your next road trip through the Sunflower State. Read on!

Fargo, North Dakota, is a city of quirks and charms, of pioneer history and ongoing creativity. It's got connections to the infamous woodchipper scene in the film noir of the same name, legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, Viking explorers and Dairy Queen's iconic Dilly Bar. It's all part of the reason the city playfully refers to itself as "North of Normal," a reference to a way of life that is a little bit different and unexpected. Read more in my story, "Fargo: Unique charm and quirky culture" as published in Loop North Chicago.

Its enterprising spirit and artsy vibe may surprise you.

Andalucia in Southern Spain stands as one of Europe's top travel destinations. With its balmy weather, over 500 miles of stunning coastline, UNESCO World Heritage sites and diverse landscapes, it is easy to understand the appeal. Andalucia, or Andalusia as it is spelled in Spain, is home to eight provinces, with Seville as the capital. The region was under Islamic rule for almot 700 years before invading Christian monarchs took over. Though the Moors were eventually expelled, their architecture and cultural legacy still permeates today. Ancient ruins and meticulous restorations blend easily with modern artistry and endless beaches.

The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with bigger, brighter, bolder shows. I'm always thrilled to visit Music City, and this year is extra welcoming with new hotels and restaurants, and new experiences. During my latest getaway, I attended a show at Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running live radio program in the country, in celebration of is 100th anniversary.

A beachfront getaway to Florida's stunning Emerald Coast is even more alluring now that the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa has completed its $35 million makeover. And just in time for the luxury resort's 40th anniversary and a premium destination on Miramar Beach in Northwest Florida. I recently had the opportunity to visit the resort and experience its delectable dining venues and elegant spa, courtesy of Hilton. Read my report in my story, "Hilton Sandestin: Luxe Florida Beach Resort Makes New Waves After $35M Reno," as published in…

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has completed a stunning $35 million renovation just in time for its 40th anniversary, enhancing its appeal as a premier beachfront destination.