Tag Archives: Travel

#BBQbound: Atlanta

Hotlanta was a great city to wind down my BBQ Bound adventure. The hickory smoked meats coming out of Atlanta’s smokehouses I visited ranked right up there with any I’d had along the way, and were cooked to perfection with equal parts hillbilly grit and city slicker sophistication Continue reading

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Roam Around Rome: The City’s Best Street Food (Great Italian Chefs)

As is the case throughout Italy, I’m sure that Rome has an excellent restaurant and fine dining scene. However, despite having travelled there a number of times, I can’t seem to get past the phenomenal pizza and street food. For budget bites while seeing sights, there’s possibly no better destination in Europe than the Eternal City Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Athens, Georgia

Before I start my rave about how amazing Athens, Georgia is, please allow for full disclosure. I lived there most of the 90s (making the town second only to London for number of years lived in one place as an adult), I studied as an undergrad there at the University of Georgia, and I enjoyed the hell out of keeping this small open-minded oasis as an off-and-on base during my 20s. For nightlife, art, live music, food and fun, I’m pleased to report that a couple of decades later, the town still excels at showing folks a good time. And one up on when I used to live there, Athens has even better BBQ than it had back in my day. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Macon, Georgia

For not such a big town, Macon, Georgia has produced a preponderance of world famous musicians: among them the Allman Brothers, Little Richard, and one of the greatest of them all, Otis Redding. Something in the water? Nah,it’s in the BBQ. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: St Simons Island

Locals and vacationers alike know the best bites on St Simons Island are cooked in the kitchens and smoked in the pits at Southern Soul. You’re more than welcome to add my nod of approval to the consensus. Continue reading

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Celebrate St Andrew’s Day in Scotland (OneTravel)

Scotland’s patron saint is St Andrew (who, FYI, is also the patron saint of Greece, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and Barbados) and November 30th is day to celebrate the saint and generally have a great time in Scotland. The Scottish … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Savannah

From Charleston, I skirted my way along the South Carolina coast until I made it to my home state of Georgia for a few days more of BBQ and kindly hospitality before heading back to London. First stop in Georgia was picturesque and gracious Savannah, where a too-short but so-good lunch set a delectable tone and kept the bar raised high for an especially for delicious finale of my trip. Continue reading

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7 Thanksgivings from Around the World (OneTravel)

Thanksgiving is as American as it gets. But it’s not only celebrated in America. Here’s a look at a few other places across the globe that give thanks American style or have their own festive traditions similar to those in … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Charleston

Next stop on my carnivorously inclined Deep South expedition was the beautiful and historic port city of Charleston, South Carolina where a new breed of pitmaster appears to be taking over the culinary scene with an approach to making wood fired, slow cooked meats that’s as yummy and inventive as it is a mouth-watering tribute to the area’s great BBQ traditions. Continue reading

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7 of England’s Best Christmas Markets and Winter Fairs (OneTravel)

Some of England’s most beautiful National Trust sites are also among the best places to get into the festive spirit. The National Trust protects and keeps open to the public 350 historic houses, gardens, and ancient monuments (as well as … Continue reading

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Pit Stop: A Barbecue Road Trip Across the American South (Great British Chefs)

Here comes American Thanksgiving, a day set aside to be thankful for what you’ve got… and eat way too much food. As an American, it’s an occasion I take seriously, the giving of thanks (and, of course, the eating part). … Continue reading

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The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving in London (London Pass Blog)

London Pass published a post on its blog about spending American Thanksgiving in London and enlisted the help of a few American bloggers (yep, including me) in London to help with suggestions. Spending one of the most important American holidays … Continue reading

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The South’s Best BBQ Road Trips (OneTravel)

Today is Go for a Ride Day, a day to hit the road to head off and discover something new – or at least inspire you to start planning that epic road trip you’ve been dreaming of for years. One … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Pitt County, North Carolina

An epicentre of epicurean wonder (as long as you love whole hog BBQ), Pitt County is a prime destination for some of the best tasting meat in America. I had no idea so much good BBQ could come from such a concentrated and largely rural area. Continue reading

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A Musical Visit to Memphis Sure Sounds Good! (OneTravel)

Love American music? Then get yourself to Memphis, Tennessee where the roots of rock ‘n roll, country, blues and soul are on dynamic display for you see and of course to hear! Have a look at this list for some … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill is a city I know fairly well from more youthful days. But I’d not been back there for well over a decade – and I must admit I knew nothing of the BBQ there. I’m pleased to report the town is as agreeable place as even – and that the BBQ is fantastic. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Hillsborough, North Carolina

The small town of Hillsborough, North Carolina made a big impression on me, despite only being able to drop in for a short overnight stay. Completely off my radar before planning my BBQ Bound itinerary, the town is now my top choice for a repeat visit of all the stops I made during my three weeks on the road. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Lexington, North Carolina

This small town (population 19,000) is home to its own signature Lexington style of BBQ (also known as Piedmont or Western Carolina style). Made with wood-smoked (a mix of hickory and oak) and chopped pork shoulder (aka Boston butt) and usually served “wet” with a vinegar and ketchup based red sauce, the BBQ as a sandwich or more typically as a tray jammed full of BBQ and a side of “red” coleslaw that’s been mixed with the same red sauce instead of mayonnaise, and hushpuppies. It’s distinctive and delicious. Continue reading

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Grosvenor House Apartments: View From The Penthouse

“There’s luxury, and then there’s sophistication,” says Maddie Salters, and “The Penthouse at Grosvenor House Apartments embodies the latter: true elegance, presented with grace, not overstating itself.” Continue reading

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#BBQbound | Road Notes: Arkansas and Tennessee

Blazing a path from Dallas to Memphis and then on through Tennessee to my next destination (stay tuned), I made a few tasty stops along the way. What was on the menu for my roadside dining? Well, BBQ of course! Continue reading

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A Hot Time at the Home of Tabasco (Great British Chefs)

To consist of three simple ingredients – aged red peppers, vinegar and salt – and to be produced on a small island in southern Louisiana, Tabasco packs a piquant punch. Chris Osburn visits the factory to find out more. Like … Continue reading

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Visit Georgia’s Golden Isles (OneTravel)

Spanning the 100-mile stretch between Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida is the Georgia coastline. Clustered around the historic port city of Brunswick are the Golden Isles, a group of four barrier islands including St Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll … Continue reading

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Sponsored Post: Dublin, Top Choice … for Second Place?

Yes, the World’s Second Friendliest City (according to the video) is as fun loving and vibrant a destination as any you’ll ever visit and makes an excellent choice for as a city break destination. In fact, Dublin won runner up for Europe’s Leading City Break Award for 2015. And if you’re thinking of investing in property, guess which city recently came in the number two position as the best place to invest in real estate? You got it. Dublin! Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Memphis

It had been more than 20 years since I’d last been to Memphis, and I was glad my BBQ Bound road trip passed through it, affording me the chance to reacquaint myself with this fantastic town so prominently set on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Indeed, a tour of the best BBQ destinations in the South without a stop in Memphis would have been remiss. Continue reading

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5 of the Best Berlin Blogs (OneTravel)

Today marks the 27th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down. A lot’s changed since 1989, and today a unified Berlin is an undeniably dynamic destination. Arguably the hippest city in all of Europe with a culture and history unlike … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Dallas

From Austin I headed north to Dallas, a city I’d never visited before and one that I really wasn’t certain whether I’d take to or not. I ended up regretting not having more time to spend there. As for the BBQ, Dallas wound up being one of the tastiest pit stops of my three week road trip. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Austin and the Hill Country

If y’all ain’t never been, let me tell you that Austin is as happening a place to visit as any in the USA. With a booming local economy and a population busting at the seams with an unprecedented number of folks flocking to live there (as much for the opportunity as for the all-but-guaranteed blue skies and sunshine) the city nevertheless retains a warm and informal feel that would have even the prickliest of pears soon feeling at home. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: An Epic Quest for the Best BBQ in the American South

I don’t mean to rub it in, but I’ve just returned from one of the sauciest adventures I’ve ever undertaken: a three-week road trip covering more than 2,500 miles across six states. The aim of my low ‘n slow sojourn was as straightforward as it was overindulgent – to find (and devour) the best BBQ in the American South. Continue reading

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4 London Spots to Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night 2015 (OneTravel)

Remember remember the fifth of November! It’s the day when Britain commemorates the events of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes (yes, the guy those V for Vendetta masks are supposedly modelled after) tried to blow up the … Continue reading

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A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Travel? (espressoCrazy)

Ever wondered what the world’s top destinations for coffee lovers are? In this post, our guest blogger Tiki Chris shares the best places in the world for coffee with us. While having a cup of coffee this morning and dreaming … Continue reading

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Vietnam Airlines Adds More Nonstop Flights from LHR

The national flag carrier of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines, is to add a sixth weekly flight to its Heathrow winter schedule with its new Dreamliner to fly nonstop three times per week each to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Following … Continue reading

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America’s Most Haunted Lakes and Ponds (OneTravel)

What’s that lurking in the lake? Just a great story to add some fun to your Halloween holiday. Here’s a list of America’s most haunted lakes and ponds guaranteed to make a spooky splash! Read my complete post at OneTravel.

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Quiz: Which Area of London is Most “YOU”?

Do you love London but can’t decide which area would suit you most? Are you a foodie, sport and outdoors lover, fashionista? Or you prefer things quiet and relaxed? Compliments of London Pass, this fun visual quiz shows you which … Continue reading

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5 of the Coolest Things to do in Vienna (OneTravel)

Vienna is one of Europe’s most beautiful and cultured cities with something for everyone — especially for those of us who like a dose of style while we travel. Here are five of my favorite things about Vienna, some you … Continue reading

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Inspired and Aspiring Travel with IHG’s Spire Elite

Over the summer, IHG unveiled its Rewards Club’s new top membership level: Spire Elite. When asked to give it a test run with a jaunt over to the Continent, I did not hesitate to take IHG up on the offer. … Continue reading

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