The Hudson Valley region of New York State has so much to offer - interesting historical sites, beautiful scenery, nature activities, and a growing restaurant scene.

It is also famous as a wine-producing and cider-producing region, has excellent antique shopping and serves up a wide variety of artistic and cultural experiences. All within an hour or so drive from NYC.

The Wharf DC is a popular upscale destination to enjoy a concert, eat a meal, or stroll along the waterfront. 

It’s the perfect spot to spend the evening after a day of sightseeing in Washington DC. 

New Paltz is a lively college town, a historic site, a hippie hotspot, and a center of outdoor activity in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York.

You can check out a Huguenot settlement from the 1700s, shop in the funky Main Street and artsy Water Street Market, and bike or hike on the Empire State Trail

Kingston is both a hip and historic destination. Quaint yet vibrant, the town encapsulates everything we like about the Hudson Valley area - a thriving arts scene, great dining, beautiful surrounding nature, and an affection for its own maritime past.

There is so much to see at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site, including Springwood, FDR’s home throughout his life, as well as the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, and his burial site.

Set in scenic Hyde Park in the Hudson Valley, the 1,000 acre estate is also a beautiful park with gardens and walking trails, and it’s only an easy one-hour drive from NYC.

We recently visited the Primeclass Lounge at JFK Airport’s Terminal 1 before a flight to France and we were pleasantly surprised.  The lounge offers hot food options, a bar and is very clean.

The Primeclass Lounge is a solid choice when departing from JFK Airport’s Terminal 1

Cape May, New Jersey is one of America’s oldest seashore resorts. Today Cape May keeps its Victorian charm but adds modern amenities.  The entire city of Cape May is designated a National Historic Landmark. We cover what to see and what to do.

Antibes is a beautiful seaside city in southeastern France, situated on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice. Visiting Antibes is relaxing and the town is easy to enjoy.

We have found that the South of France is not only incredibly beautiful but also very easy to visit.  Most of the towns along the French Riviera are connected by train and driving between them is easy too. 

Lyon is the third largest city in France and is recognized as the country’s gastronomic capital.

Lyon is also known for its significant architectural landmarks and its lively cultural scene.

Allentown and Bethlehem, two neighboring cities in eastern Pennsylvania, were once known as a steel manufacturing powerhouse but now offer a surprising number of entertainment options for visitors. 

Among the featured attractions are Steel Stacks, Allentown Art Museum, WindCreek Resort and America on Wheels.

We think the Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter represent the best of Paris; the cafe terraces, narrow streets plus the general vibe of enjoying a slower pace. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (the 6 arrondissement) and neighboring Latin Quarter (the 5th arrondissement) have enough attractions to keep you busy for a day or make a great base for your Paris hotel.

Eze is a stunning, hilltop medieval village located 1,400 feet above the French Mediterranean. It’s very close to Nice and Monaco.

Its location, so close to other French Riveria attractions, makes it a perfect day trip.

The Edge observation deck sits high atop New York’s Hudson Yards. The uniquely shaped deck offers a great perspective and fun experience.

The small fishing port of Cassis is a lively yet understated beach town in the south of France. It’s only a 40-minute drive east of Marseille and is the gateway to the striking cliffs of Calanque National Park.

Visiting the French city of Nice allows you to enjoy the wonderful seaside city and explore the many nearby iconic French Riviera cities. 

Saint Paul de Vence is a medieval, walled hilltop village in the South of France. It’s only a short distance from Nice and showcases art galleries and great restaurants. It’s a worthy day trip or overnight stay.

Marseille visitors can enjoy a beautiful and bustling port, a charming old town section, great restaurants, high-speed trains to Lyon and Paris, and train service to the seaside towns of the French Riveria. All these features make Marseille worth a visit. 

The Grand Mosque of Paris is a beautiful hidden gem with a fascinating history.

During World War 2 the Mosque’s members hid Paris Jews from the Nazis. Today it’s a vibrant place of Worship and a quiet oasis in the middle of Paris.

During the day the narrow streets of the French Riveria cliffside town of Eze are crowded with visitors. At night the Eze visitors have all left and the streets are mostly deserted.

I used a Canon R5 and some very long exposures to capture the empty streets.