NearandFarAZ

Coronado Island – a little slice of beach heaven

The Spanish explorers obviously knew a good thing when they saw it. When 17th century explorer Sebastian Vizcaino happened upon the sandy strand that juts into the Pacific Ocean off the southern-California coast, he promptly named it Coronado,… Read More

Iron Springs, AZ: Prime spot for a ‘hike and a bite’

For a true western experience that combines rugged high-desert terrain with refreshments in an authentic historic train-depot setting, Prescott, Arizona offers a classic duo: A strenuous hike in the Granite Mountain Wilderness Area, capped off with a fitting… Read More

A Hike and a Bite: South Mountain, Phoenix

Mention hiking in Phoenix, and a few prominent spots likely come to mind – Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Peralta Trail in the Superstitions. Each is amazing in its own way – offering variations on stunning desert terrain and… Read More

The lure of the lonesome train whistle: Impossible to resist in Durango-Silverton

What is it about trains? I’m far from a railroad buff, but still, there’s something in the lonesome whistle of an old locomotive that speaks to me. I was reminded of that again and again on my recent… Read More

A Hike and a Bite: Durango, Colorado

Every now and then, you visit a place that seems to have it all: Jaw-droppingly gorgeous surroundings, charming city streets, a fun vibe, and uniquely entertaining activities. Durango, Colorado is just that kind of town. At a population… Read More

A Hike and a Brew: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When it comes to life’s simple pleasures, I believe there are few things that can top a walk through beautiful scenery, capped off with a bite to eat or a frosty brew (or both!) in an out-of-the-way café… Read More