By Tom Adkinson CLEAR LAKE, Iowa – It’s understandable if you have a curious urge early every February to scout up recordings of Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue,” Ritchie Valens’ “Donna” and the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.” Feb. 3 is the …
(A personal note: When Sept. 11 rolls around every year, Americans pause to remember and reflect on that date in 2001. Here’s what goes through my mind.) NEW YORK – A couple of years ago, I was in New York City …
KEY LARGO, Fla. — The African Queen, the actual boat from the movie of the same name, has been resurrected. The putt-putt-puttering steam-powered boat has led an amazing life in its 100+ years (it was built in England in 1912), …
AVERY ISLAND, La. – This spot in Louisiana Cajun country is famous the world over for little bottles of a spicy red sauce. Of course, it’s Tabasco sauce, and 2018 is a major anniversary year — 150 years of spicing …
SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Expectations for small-town museums often are understandably low, but expect to be impressed at the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield. It delivers the ultimate small-town-girl-who-hit-it-big story in a prominent location on Smithfield’s main street. One of Hollywood’s …
HODGENVILLE, Ky. – Illinois calls itself the “Land of Lincoln,” but Kentucky is where Abraham Lincoln was born. There’s no escaping that historical fact when you visit Hodgenville and the rolling countryside that surrounds this little town about 50 miles …