Literary Travel: In the footsteps of John Steinbeck in California

SALINAS, CA.—The first sign this region is still all about agriculture is the life-size mural of Marilyn Monroe just a few steps into the National Steinbeck Centre — she holds up artichokes as provocatively as if she were offering up herself. Marilyn Monroe was crowned Miss California Artichoke Queen in 1947. But despite her outsized personality, this region has never been known as Marilyn Monroe land. This is Steinbeck Country. […]

 

 
 
 

The Biltmore Estate and the Downton Abbey connection

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — There’s something familiar about the largest private residence in the United States. Not that it looks like any house I’ve ever been inside nor even the grandest hotel I’ve ever stayed in on my travels (or ducked into to find a public washroom while pretending I was a guest). It was the Downton Abbey connection. Watching Downton Abbey before my arrival in Asheville, North Carolina where George […]

 

 
 
 

The world of books

What happens in a bookstore when the doors close and the last customer leaves?

 

 
 
 

In the footsteps of Scarlett O'Hara and Gone With The Wind

Atlanta, GEORGIA – They call themselves “Windies”, fans so inspired by just one book that they wear re-created costumes, quote whole scenes and name their children Bonnie.

 

 
 
 

Literary Travel: Civil War and the story behind the photograph

The American Civil War was the most devastating conflict the United States ever endured.

 

 
 
 

In the footsteps of Harry Potter, Hogwarts and Scotland

Glenfinnan, SCOTLAND – This country’s most famous viaduct sneaks up on you, a curve veering into a landscape that was only a passing glimpse sideways on a journey.

 

 
 
 

In the Footsteps of Kurt Wallander - Ystad, Sweden

Ystad, SWEDEN — It’s barely dawn over the Baltic Sea and the morning light brings into view my first crime scene.

 

 
 
 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – The tattoo parlour in the Stockholm neighbourhood where The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo lives is abuzz with the sounds of sharp instruments puncturing flesh.

 

 
 
 

To Kill a Mockingbird

MONROEVILLE, ALABAMA—Sightings of Harper Lee who has given this Alabama town worldwide recognition are rare in the place she made famous.