Various Topics

There is little doubt Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the US. It has such a varied landscape, from majestic mountains to lovely plains and all full of rich history. Come celebrate Colorado with Chris as she shows you some the unique and seldom seen wonders of this magnificent state.

Also available on video

We start our 1800 mile road trip across America with a visit to Ellis Island – complete with some history of what it was like for early immigrants. We stop in New York City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, South Bend, Indianapolis, Chicago, Dyersville and Kearney before getting home to Denver. It is a trip you will enjoy and likely visit places you have never been to.

Colorado’s mining boom put the state on the map as one of the most lucrative places to be in the late 1800s. Promises of riches brought gold-starry-eyed workers across America by the droves as newcomers quickly assembled towns near medal-laden landscapes on grassy meadows and rocky hillsides. Colorado Ghost Towns offers a peek into the stories of crazy characters, of standoffs in gulches viewed from foggy windows of a once-rowdy brothel, all reminding you why this was the Wild West.

Also available on video

Florida’s bizarre history, obscure happenings, and inexplicable circumstances provide the perfect October setting for some interesting ghost stories. We travel the back roads of Florida, visiting ghost towns of Atsena Otie, Pine Level, Picture City, Koreshan, Pinecrest and others. In addition, we stop at some ghostly locations like St Augustine, Key West, Pensacola, Flamingo and others. It will be a Florida trip will not forget!

With its rich history in mining, Arizona is home to over 200 ghost towns. Unfortunately, majority of these have been reduced to nothing more than the rubble of building foundations or no longer have any trace of civilization and have simply reverted back to empty land. Here are 10 of our favorite ghost towns that have been well preserved (considering Arizona’s harsh climate)… and are actually worth visiting.

Also available on video

Christmas traditions in Denmark, Brazil, Iceland, the Philippines and the continent Africa are shown and discussed in addition to learning about Hanukhah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day and other seasonal celebrations and traditions. You will see how many of the traditions we have in the US for this holiday season are carryovers from other countries and passed down through the generations. It will be a fun, educational and enjoyable hour.

Chris shares with you her top 10 favorite drives in Colorado. They are great any time of the year but especially so in the fall. From Guanella Pass to the Peak to Peak Highway to an old railroad bed that carried gold from Breckenridge to Como you will love the great views. Many of her routes take you on back roads that most do not see. You will not be disappointed and will likely want her handout showing you where these treasures are located.

Also available on video

Of the three active volcanoes in Italy (Etna, Stromboli & Vesuvius) Mount Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. After a cataclysmic eruption in 79AD buried Pompeii, killing thousands, the city remained buried for nearly 1,700 years. Come with Chris as we explore Vesuvius and some of the most famous, active and dangerous volcanoes in the world.

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday is the last day of the Carnival season that begins every year on the Twelfth Night. You will see how Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world in unique ways. Come explore, learn and see Carnival and Mardi Gras New Orleans traditions like: Lundi Gras, parades, floats, masks, costumes, krewes, King Cakes, flambeaux, the French Quarter and more with Chris. Let the Good Times Roll. Laissez les bonnes temps rouler!

Also available on video

America is blessed with diverse geographical beauty, but also striking man-made structures as well as places rich in history – all making for an astoundingly beautiful and majestic country. It was captured in a poem by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893 that became the words to America the Beautiful. Chris will take you on a journey around this great country of ours with her photos, stories and travels.

Old places matter, as they are places of the heart. Everyone has at least one place that makes their heart beat a little faster……..for many it is a lighthouse! Standing in salt-air with lots of guests means constant care to keep them looking their best. It is a labor of love! They inspire you to come closer, to hear their stories, see their splendor and create memories.

Also available on video

Celebrate the season of mulled wine, ice-skating, skiing and Christmas markets with a trip to some of the most beautiful winter wonderlands around the world. Whether decked with whimsical ice sculptures, illuminated by the majestic northern lights or basked in the jaw-dropping beauty of nature you will be sure to find many new locations to put on your travel agenda.

Also available on video

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. Yes, it’s always sad that summer is over, but that doesn’t mean Fall isn’t worthy of the same affection. The leaves change from green to an incredible display of vibrant colors, just as your cheeks get a little ruddy from the colder weather. Come enjoy some of the beautiful autumn landscapes and some incredibly colorful and awe-inspiring scenic fall drives.

Also available on video

Hiking’s Triple Crown consists of three US long distance thru-hiking trails. The Triple Crown Hiking Trails are the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. These trails travel through 22 states in the US and cover almost 8,000 miles. Their combined elevation gain is more than climbing Mt Everest 41 times. Come explore these three wonderful and challenging trails with Chris

Also available on video

Even though California is where the rush for gold started in 1849 there are far more spooky and weird stories here than just the abandoned ghost towns. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, there are a number of mysterious unexplainable incidents in California that will have you wondering. Join Chris on visits to several ghost towns before exploring several spooky destinations.