Beth Jalazo

The British Virgin Islands are a place my husband and I are continually drawn back to. Over the years, we’ve visited numerous times on island-hopping sailing trips, exploring the BVIs by boat and experiencing many of the marinas and anchorages throughout the islands.

On this most recent trip, however, we decided to experience the destination differently. Instead of visiting Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina as a stop along a sailing itinerary, we returned specifically to stay at the resort itself and experience it from land rather than from the marina dock.

Most people immediately think of Kentucky during Derby season—big hats, packed grandstands, and reservations made months in advance. But what makes bourbon country truly special isn’t the spectacle—it’s the slower moments in between. This is a place where the rhythm of the experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit. When you time it well, you’ll find quieter distillery tours, conversations that linger, and back roads lined with horse farms that feel like the real heart of Kentucky.

The Finger Lakes are a place where water meets hills and history meets modern winemaking. Eleven lakes stretch across rolling terrain, each lined with vineyards, waterfalls, and small towns with character. With more than 100 wineries scattered across the region, it’s impossible to see everything in one trip, so this itinerary focuses on the highlights—the experiences I think are unmissable: lakeside paddling, hiking through gorge trails, intimate winery visits, and local eats that feel authentically Finger Lakes. Whether you visit in summer, when the lakes invite kayaking, or autumn, when the hills burn with red, gold, and orange, these four days offer a balance of outdoor adventure, tasting, and lakeside relaxation.

Newport is where coastal New England elegance meets laid-back seaside energy. It’s a town that feels equally at home hosting yacht races as it does serving lobster rolls by the pier. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the ocean, or the oysters, Newport delivers a perfect long weekend of history, style, and sea air.

Charleston has been my part-time home in the Low Country for almost a decade. It’s a true foodie paradise, where every meal feels like a discovery. The three-season weather makes it easy to savor life outdoors, while the cobblestone streets and historic charm never lose their magic. For me, Charleston is the perfect blend of history, flavor, and laid-back Southern beauty.