With the movie just being released (based on the bestselling book series), I thought that Hobbit fans might be interested… Destination: Hobbit Hot Spots Where to go for a glimpse of Middle Earth (aka New Zealand) BY JESSICA PASSANANTI The movie set built in Matamata, New Zealand, to represent Hobbiton, Bilbo Baggins’s hometown; Hobbit Valley, seen from a Hobbiton window…. Read More
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Quarter-inch-long bioluminescent glowworms that radiate a tiny blue light dangle from the ceiling of these caves deep in the lush, subtropical hills of New Zealand’s North Island. Visitors ride in an inflatable raft along the underground Waitomo River with Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours. Slowly adjusting to the darkness, they admire what looks like a turquoise starscape. Why… Read More
Sailing Stones, Death Valley
Sailing Stones, Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, CA No one has ever seen one of the “sailing stones” on Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa move, but evidence of their travels is visible in the long track marks that trail behind them in the dusty ground. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how the rocks—which can weigh hundreds of pounds—make their way across the dry… Read More
If Going to Ireland, Be Sure to Kiss the Blarney Stone
If you’re planning on traveling to Ireland this year, be sure to include a trip to the Blarney Castle. The word blarney came to mean flattery because of the grand tales surrounding the stone’s powers. Its past can be traced back a millennium, during which people have constantly bickered over its ownership. The bluestone block eventually became a symbol of… Read More
New Year’s Resolutions and Beercycling
I’ve been thinking that I need to combine my favorite interests with my New Year’s resolutions to ensure that I succeed. Just when I was pondering my resolutions, I came across an article about beercycling. There are tours that combine exploring the best sights of Europe with cycling and beer drinking. Now we’re talking! The tours typically last a week… Read More
Donations and Destinations
DONATIONS You can play Santa to those in need…As we start the final countdown to Christmas (single digits now, folks), I want to remind everyone that this is THE season to remember charitable contributions. Not only will you get tax credit for 2012 if you donate before 12/31, but you’ll also know that you’ve done a good (and oh so… Read More
Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
