A dazzling Christmas tree shimmers with holiday lights while a brass band fills the air with traditional Christmas music. The aroma of roasted nuts, freshly baked delicious stollen, and gingerbread envelopes the air. Visitors sip Glühwein in little boot-shaped souvenir holiday mugs as they stroll through the half-timbered beautifully decorated chalets and wooden stalls selling…

Take a trip back in time to get a glimpse of olden German-American life and experience the slower pace of life strongly tied to the land and reconnect with the life which was simple and true in a charming setting comprising a historic 1800’s German villa, barns, windmills, grassy fields, and farmland. The Volkening Heritage…

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” – John F.Kennedy Bright sunshine making the endless sea shimmer; rhythmic ebb and flow of the Pacific tides setting the tone of the sea;…

Described by conservationist John Muir as “the best tree-lovers monument that could be possibly found in all the forests of the world” Muir Woods, located just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County near the town of Mill Valley is home to some of the most stunning and incredible coastal redwood…

Strolling in this garden evokes a Zen-like state of mind. The classic elements of Japanese gardens – stones, colors, plants, and water – placed all around create a feeling of tranquility, harmony, and peace. Cascading waterfalls, serene Koi pond, arched drum bridge, stone lanterns, beautiful pagodas, statues and swirling patterned rock pathways all in perfect…

Pumpkin Everything, Apple Treats, Backyard Bonfire, Cozy Decor, and, of course, Vibrant Foilage. The crisp fall splendor of the Midwest is truly unmatched! Chicago is bathed in the radiant hues of mahogany, crimson, orange and yellow. Fall foliage forms a backdrop everywhere you walk. A beautiful season of colors and crisp & sunny days is…

A perfect summer day for a  walk in the oasis of serenity in the middle of nature. Rolling woods, meandering trails, water streams, a log cabin, a natural lake and home to songbirds, woodpeckers, squirrels, and wild rabbits.

Frosted pine trees, snow covering the grass and walkway, clear blue sky, rising sun giving a crimson hue to the sky – this is the beautiful pristine snowy landscape I woke up to as I pulled the curtains back and peeked out of the window.