Creative Wanderings in Toronto

Even biking the Toronto Islands off-season is a delight. Taking a guided tour with Toronto Bicycle Tours, I discovered a pristine, undeveloped stretch of sand.

Sculptor Duane Linklater created this series of concrete gargoyles that are replicas of those found around Toronto. This series that’s set in a green space populated with box elder, maple and hickory is referred to as Monsters for Permanence, Beauty and Individuality. It’s along a section of the Lower Don Valley Trail that’s well used by everyone from walkers to cyclists.

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A Vibrant, Creative Resort in Barbados

I gravitate to resorts that give me a sense of well-being and optimism, that are replete with contemporary art and design, that provide an abundance of learning opportunities, and that are populated by staff members that express a genuine concern for their guests. I found all of this at the new O2 Beach Club and Spa on the southern coast of Barbados. This is my article on this resort for ForbesLife. 

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An Evocative, Luxe Property in Barbados

 It’s certainly difficult to tire of this view of Dover Beach at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados.

Contemporary art and design details suffuse this five-star, all-inclusive property.

I became infatuated with the abundant creative art and design found at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados, including in their just-opened spa, Acqua where an ocean theme is ever present.

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A Luxe, All-Inclusive Property in Barbados

 From morning to night, I found plenty of spots to relax at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados. This luxe all-inclusive sits along Dover Beach on the south coast where it’s a pleasant walk to the myriad restaurants, bars, clubs and informal shopping opportunities along St. Lawrence Gap. 

At the resort, a contemporary design aesthetic is ever present. The Sun Terrace is one of several perfect venues to take in the views and soak up the chill vibe.

Stellar views predominate at this property, whether from one of the rooftop venues or along the beach and pool areas. 

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Architecture in Cape May, New Jersey

The Victorian-era architecture in Cape May’s historic district couldn’t be more enchanting.

There are plenty of surprising architectural and design details at the Lokal Hotel Cape May.

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Off-Season Travels in Cape May, New Jersey

Traveling to Cape May, New Jersey off season has many advantages, from stellar bird watching to empty, windswept beaches.

Without a car, you can still access Cape May by New Jersey Transit Buses — you have to connect through Atlantic City from New York City. The five-hour trip, is worth it for the sense of solitude, whether you roam through the historic district, West Cape May that’s dotted with cafes, coffee shops and restaurants, as well as numerous green spaces.

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Photos - Travels in Niantic, Connecticut

Scenic Niantic, Connecticut radiates a chill vibe no matter where you wander.

A mere two-hour drive from New York City, the village of Niantic on Connecticut’s shore front offers cool breezes, scenic waterfront views, placid green spaces, and a calming vibe.

hi It’s easy to practice mindfulness in the early morning when walking the beaches in scenic Niantic, Connecticut.

On the Niantic River that opens to the bay, Connecticut’s Port Niantic marina couldn’t be more picturesque.

The village of Niantic on the Connecticut shore offers myriad opportunities to be enwrapped with nature.

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Photos: Bahamas - Long Island

In the Bahamas Out Islands, Long Island is for travelers who desire a low-key, laid-back environ with nothing in the way of shopping malls, water parks, mega resorts or casinos. Instead, it's all about protected coves and desolate stretches of sand. In essence, an island that appeals to nature lovers.

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Photos: Fiji

Fiji is almost solely known for its stunning white sandy beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming, diving and snorkeling. But on my recent trip, I found numerous other sights and activities, including hiking trails coursing through the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. One trail allows access to numerous swimmable pools with waterfalls and also provides bird watching opportunities. I also found an eco ethic at many of the resorts, including Castaway Island, Fiji, a resort on a private island. Given that this and other waterfront resorts depend on healthy coral reefs that are home to a variety of different fish and shellfish species, it’s no wonder that conservation efforts are underway to restore coral that have died as a result of climbing water temperatures. These photos show some of the numerous sights and vistas I discovered in Fiji, including Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Nanuku Auberge Resort, and Castaway Island’s North Beach that’s the focus of the myriad water-based and many other activities, including a massage table set up on the golden sands at the end of this beach where, at low-tide, you can walk around the rocky point to yet another and more desolate beach. (You can also kayak there.)

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Photos: Anguilla

I still haven't made it beyond St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport or ferry terminal. Instead, I took a ferry barely 30 minutes to Anguilla, an island where you have your choice of beaches. After all, the island is dotted with more than three dozen sandy beaches. Racing around the island, I managed to check out 20 of them. Though the island was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma, Anguilla has come back better than before.

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Photos: Montenegro

With its hilltop fortresses, chapels snuggled in pine forests, network of hiking trails and family-owned vineyards, Montenegro appeals to oenophiles, those who embrace nature, history lovers or visitors who simply prefer hanging out on a thin crescent strip of sand. This photo essay depicts some of the many treasures that Montenegro offers.

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A Connecticut Coastal Town Not Far From Manhattan

On Connecticut's scenic coast, not far from New Haven, the town of Madison is a true gem. The downtown is walkable and chock full of contemporary works of art, like this sculpture. (Pick up a self-guided brochure at the visitor's center and try to find all the public works of art.) In addition, it’s a short stroll from main street to three public beaches and an easy bike ride to a fourth. Among the must-dos: sipping a glass of wine at Bar Bouchee, a French bistro with a large selection of wines by the glass; browsing the numerous staff recommended titles at R.J. Julia Booksellers, a large independent bookstore; and enjoying a lunch of crab cakes or mac and cheese at the low-key Elizabeth's Cafe.

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