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Milwaukee in the WinterWillie Nelson celebrated the city of New Orleans, Elvis Presley sang the praises of Las Vegas, and Will Smith welcomed us to Miami. It’s strange, then, that no one seems to be singing about Milwaukee. While Wisconsin’s largest city may not have the shallow, flash-in-the-pan qualities of conventional winter destinations (like above-freezing temperatures), it’s got a charm all its own. |
Chicago By TrainI thought about simply driving — which is the usual way I get to Chicago — but I cast a dark glance from the gas pump to my SUV and back again, and didn’t like the looks of that, either. And then a novel thought hit me: why not check out Amtrak? |
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A Trip To New YorkThe first thing I’m going to tell you about New York City is: Take the subways. Buy a week-long MetroCard right at the airport, and you can go everywhere. Whether you arrive at JFK or LaGuardia, a handy shuttle bus to the start of the subway lines boards near the baggage claim. If you ask airport staff where to catch it, they’ll tell you. The questioning breaks the “Minnesota ice” we tend to carry with us, and puts you in a speaking relationship with New York. This is important. New York is made out of talk: questions, answers, discussions and disputes, jokes and stories. Best start immediately, and get used to speaking to strangers. It’ll make things a lot more interesting. |
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A Journey Around Lake SuperiorThe circle tour offers awe-inspiring sights. |
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A Moveable FeastHow do you say “delicious” in French? There are a lot of ways to get the concept across, but perhaps the most convenient shorthand is “Côte d’Azur.” The Mediterranean coast of France has a culinary focus on garlic and olive oil, with plenty of fresh seafood. It’s also a warm, beautiful place, with seaside cliffs and Roman ruins. In other words, it’s perfect for a vacation—and Rondi Erickson, of Nokomis Restaurant here in Duluth, is sponsoring a trip there this October. |
