We’ve just returned from an Epic Canadian Road Trip, driving from our home in Kalamazoo, Michigan all the way out to St. John’s, Newfoundland (yes, a ferry was involved). Why? Well, I’m the co-founder of Writing Walking Women, and we chose St. John’s as the site of our conference this year – MUCH more on that to come!

Love art, wine, and caves? How about history, mountains, and lakes? Well, I’ve got the perfect place for you! Head to France, and explore the Occitanie region. It’s chock-full of all of the above, and more (think food: cassoulet!). 

Florida Culture for the Week of June 4, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

TODAY – June 4 at 6 pm – The 2017 “Applause Awards”
The Dr. Phillips Center “Applause Awards” program honors excellence in high school musical theater. Theater professionals and educators serve as judges to review high school productions with tabulated results determining the awards in a constantly surprising, one-time-only show that features performances from the lead actor, lead actress, and Best Musical nominations. Recommended, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Have you ever read a memoir that you couldn't put down? They are rare, but I've found one: A World Erased: A Grandson's Search for His Family's Holocaust Secrets. Author Noah Lederman (we've shared his book, Traveling the Cambodian Genocide, here) delves into his family's past - both in the United States, and at different concentration camps and towns in Europe.

This spring, Acorn TV proudly premiered the three-part docuseries Martin Clunes' Islands of Australia. In this gorgeously shot new documentary, Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) is on a quest to discover the islands of Australia. There are over 8,000 to choose from, and Martin visits 16 that offer a cross-section of island life. Along the way, he learns about the diversity, history, and challenges of island life Down Under.

While travelling through the Arizona desert, I came across something that I never imagined I’d love quite this much: desert flowers. As you walk through the desert you see cacti,
 

dry bushes, and beautiful, yet surprising, spots of color.

Road Trip 101: Ten Tips to Save Money on Accommodations
 

Israel has much to offer curious visitors - from sacred and holy churches to buoyant city landscapes, there is a plethora of things that will intrigue and satisfy. 

Tel Aviv is one of the many cities in Israel that will amaze you. It’s more than just the country’s financial center and technology hub. It has so much more to offer. The annual MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index once ranked the city as fifth among all the visited cities of the Middle East and Africa in 2012.