Cindy McCainAnna Maria Island: World Class Beaches with Old Florida Charm
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.—Jacques Yves Cousteau What can I say? I’m a Pisces and was caught in the ocean’s net long ago. When my spring break trip to Sicily was cancelled by Covid and borders began closing, I planned an escape to another island–this one in the US. My sister and brother-in-law love…
New YouTube Series Travel People: Living Authentic Lives, Finding Kindred Spirits, Fulfilling Dreams Episode 1: Spain
Watch Episode One here or skip to sections which interest you marked below. A lot of us are getting through sheltering at home by meeting online with old friends. I thank God for technology that bashes through borders during a pandemic. Looking back at how we’ve navigated change in the past can transform how we handle new norms in the present and future. Being…
Global Recipes and Music for Lockdown Comfort Food and Escape
First and foremost, I pray for those fighting the Coronavirus around the world, families grieving loved ones, and all feeling global angst and loss. I pray for protection for those on the front lines, like my daughter and sister in patient care, first responders, and grocery store employees who are caring and kind. I pray for wisdom for researchers seeking a vaccine, leaders around…
Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore
Fans have until April 7, 2020 to still enjoy Downton Abbey: The Exhibition at Biltmore. Unlike Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie, costumes are not displayed throughout the mansion for context. The Exhibition is housed at Amherst at Deerpark and The Biltmore Legacy at Antler Hill Village where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at the estate’s winery. Entrance to…
2020 Vision from Lessons Learned
Reflect, then project. For those of us who thought we’d be farther along in 2020 in some area(s) –education, career, relationships, health, finances, savings, freedom, peace–think again. Rather than be discouraged, let’s look back with gratitude at how far we’ve come! Make a list of what you did accomplish in the last decade. Identify steps you took in the direction of where you want…
How to Spend a Chill Weekend in NYC: Soho, Greenwich Village, Chelsea
On three layovers and six proper stays in NYC, I’ve marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, herded students from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, had tea at The Plaza, took an elevator to the top of the Twin Towers, volunteered after 9/11, celebrated my sis’s birthday in Times Square, found writing mojo at the Creativity Workshop, introduced Manhattan to my daughter when…
Moonstruck over New York’s Feast of San Gennaro
Months ago when my friend Kate asked me to meet her in New York City, neither of us had any idea we’d be there for the Feast of San Gennaro. Nor when another friend offered her apartment to us in Soho did we know we’d be staying one street from the celebration. Lasting eleven days, the moveable feast of food, music, and family fun…
Nashville Escapes: The Westin Rhapsody Spa and Rooftop Sunsets
Nashville can be crowded and crazy these days, so finding a place to relax is truly a treasure. Recently I was invited to try a new service at the Westin’s Rhapsody Spa, a CBD massage, chased with a stellar sunset.
The Cayman Islands, Argentina, and Nashville Meet at the Victory Cup Polo Tour
Once upon a time, I lived on a thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where I saw foals born and horse sales break records at Keeneland. Not so long ago, before moving back to Nashville, I had a farewell brunch with friends at The Selman in Marrakesh, Morocco where Arabian horses danced for us and were featured in the movie, Queen of the Desert. Last weekend I enjoyed…
Tennessee Renaissance Festival a Lifelong Quest
Once upon a time… before watching Game of Thrones or touring castles in Europe… I taught my children and literature students tales of fairies, dragons, and knights. That chivalry must never die and dreams do come true. We’d then travel to The Tennessee Renaissance Festival to wander Covington Glen, a 16th Century village located outside of Nashville. There I tried to teach my son and daughter…
Cindy McCain 