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Things to Do in Tyler

Located just ninety-nine miles southeast of Dallas, Tyler is one of the biggest cities in East Texas. This lively city was named after President John Tyler, to thank him for admitting the state of Texas to the United States. While many know Tyler as the “Rose Capital of America,” it is much more than roses and thorns. This charming city is full of many opportunities for exploration, from a sprawling state park, historical sites full of incredible stories, and some delicious Texas BBQ. And if you get really lucky, you might even be in town during Tyler’s famous Rose Festival, an annual event rich in tradition and history.

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Hanoi Highlights

Established over a millennium ago as Thăng Long, Hanoi has weathered centuries of imperial rule, French colonialism, and the ravages of war. Today, Vietnam’s bustling capital blends this ancient soul with rapid modern development. For tourists, exploring the narrow alleyways of the historic Old Quarter and tasting world-famous street food are absolute must-do experiences.

Whether you’re sipping egg coffee or marveling at French colonial architecture, navigating the city’s rich past is unforgettable. Plan your walking tour of Hanoi with this guide.

On my tour with G-Adventures, we only had a few afternoons in Hanoi, as we used the Northern Vietnam City as hub for trips to Ha Long Bay and Mai Chau. Consequently, I added an extra day to my itinerary to explore the Soaring Dragon City.

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24 Hours in Hue

After a day in Hoi An, we took a four-hour bus ride to Hue. It is closer to a three-hour drive, but many stop to explore Hai Van Gate, a defensive fortification used by many dynasties. Perched atop the mountain with expansive views, Hai Van Gate was very important to the frontier passage of Vietnam. It is free to enter and across the street are few open air restaurants catering to tourists.

About Hue

Founded as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802, Hue served as the imperial heart of a unified Vietnam for over a century. This era of high Confucian culture and grand imperial construction eventually shattered during the mid-20th century, as the city became a brutal focal point of the Indochina Wars and the devastating 1968 Battle of Hue.

The city is split in two by the Perfume River, with the historic Citadel on the North Bank and the new city on the South Bank. We stayed at the Asia Hotel on the South Bank, where the city’s modern pulse, French colonial history, and vibrant nightlife converge. Having arrived in the late afternoon, we had a few hours to take a stroll before dinner.

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The Highlights of Hoi An

Have you ever been someplace that you have never previously heard of and then been pleasantly surprised? Hoi An was just that for me. All I can say is…WOW! This city was my favorite during my ten-day G-Adventure tour of Vietnam that took us to Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Ha Long Bay, Mai Chau, and Hanoi.

This former trading port is a living museum of architectural fusion, where ornate Chinese assembly halls, weathered Japanese bridges, and mustard-yellow French colonial villas line the banks of the Thu Bon River. As night falls, the town sheds its quiet morning charm for a surreal, lantern-lit brilliance. Whether you’re navigating the bustling central market or floating a paper candle down the river, Hoi An’s special heritage is delightful. As a photographer, I couldn’t enough of this vibrant city!

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New York City: Weekend Walking Itinerary

You’d have to read a thousand blogs to find all the things to do in New York City. While I always stay in midtown, hit up a broadway show, stroll through Central Park, and find a few fancy places to eat, I change up the rest of my Big Apple visit.

During my most recent weekend stay in March, I logged a good 15 miles each day as I explored parks, neighborhoods, and few tourist attractions.

WANDER!

Singapore: Three Day Itinerary

Singapore is an island and city state in Maritime Southeast Asia. Ruled by England, Japan, and Malaysia before becoming an independent country in 1965, Singapore features a diverse culture. It boasts a population of nearly 6,000,000, with 43% being foreign born.

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Things to Do in Cusco

Cusco, a UNSECO World Heritage Site, is situated at 11,152 feet high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere.

The bustling, mountain city of 500,000, features remarkable Inca stonework dating back to the 13^th century as well as beautiful colonial architecture from the Spanish conquest in the 16^th century.

Being the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, Cusco attracts millions of tourists a year. It’s history and culture, gastronomic delights, and tremendous natural landscape afford tourists many things to do in Cusco.

Plan at least three days to acclimate to the high altitude and explore the city and Sacred Valley. Add more time for visiting Machu Picchu and hiking through the spectacular terrain.

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A Long Weekend in Philadelphia: 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of It

Spending a long weekend in Philadelphia doesn’t just mean the opportunity to take plenty of great photos but is a chance for you to experience a place that has a distinct role in American history. If you’re looking for a long weekend, Philadelphia provides a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and more than a few culinary delights. So, here is a little guide to help you make the most of your time:

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Things to Do in Mena

For our third annual girls hiking trip, we visited Mena in the Northwest corner of Arkansas. We normally have a group of 5 or 6, but schedules weren’t aligning, so Carol and I just drove from Dallas to Mena in hopes to soak in some fall colors. The short four-hour drive took us on highways and backroads, and we arrived just before dark.

I was in the area briefly thirteen years ago during my year-long road trip following scenic byways, and I’ve wanted to return for some leaf peeping. Unfortunately, this early November weekend didn’t bless us with vibrant reds and oranges, but we still saw some autumn colors and enjoyed ourselves around town.

History of Mena

Mena, the county seat of Polk County, Arkansas was founded as a railroad town in the 19^th Century. It is situated amid the mountains of Ouachita National Forest. Mena has a checkered past. It was once called the sundown town for its unacceptable treatment of African Americans. It was also in the news a lot for its role in a drug-smuggling operation and the Iran-Contra Scandal.

Today, while it has a diversified economy of agriculture and manufacturing, it has become a tourist destination due to its numerous recreational opportunities available in the surrounding national forest and state parks.

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