Attractions
An honest take on things to do
Profile: Barbara Ann Weibel worked in corporate marketing and public relations for more than 20 years before leaving to pursue her true loves of travel, writing, and photography. In 2007 she strapped on a backpack and traveled solo around the world for six months, visiting 17 countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Pacific Rim, Africa, and Europe, blogging about her experiences along the way. These days, Barbara divides her time between her popular travel and life blog, Hole In The Donut, and writing freelance articles for a variety of traditional magazines and online entities. She travels six months each year and is currently writing a memoir about her extensive travels. Barbara’s Favorite Vacations: I prefer to travel without reservations or a concrete schedule, which allows me to take advantages of opportunities I would otherwise miss if I had to stick to an itinerary. Hostels are my favorite places to stay, because backpackers are an invaluable source of information about undiscovered destinations where I can have a “real” travel experience. I love Spain, New Zealand, Bali, and Italy, although Thailand remains my all-time favorite destination, and I found living with the Maasai in Tanzania to be an eye-opening experience that put me fully in touch with my gratitude.
Posts by: Barbara Weibel
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile 2009 Lights Festival
Nov 10, 2009; No CommentMagnificent Mile Lights Festival Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival began quite humbly 50 years ago, when Saks Fifth Avenue sold its traditional metal Christmas decorations and strung tiny white Italian lights on the branches of the elm... Read more »
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida
Nov 05, 2009; No CommentBok Carillon Bell Tower The animals at Bok Tower Gardens are fearless. Squirrels chuckle and scold guests who stroll the park’s winding paths. Mockingbirds serenade from low branches. Gigantic weaver spiders tense in the center of low-strung webs,... Read more »
Safety Harbor Museum, Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Nov 03, 2009; No CommentOn the morning of May 25, 1539, Hernando de Soto sailed into what is now Tampa Bay, Florida. On the shore where the town of Safety Harbor now stands he discovered natural mineral springs that were revered by the local Indians, perhaps leading him to name... Read more »
Winter Fine Arts Festival, Englewood, Florida
Oct 29, 2009; No CommentWith its plethora of lovely old restored homes and storefronts, historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida is the site for dozens of special events throughout the year. One of the most popular, the Fine Arts Festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Englewood,... Read more »
Treatment Pools at Warm Springs, Georgia
Oct 27, 2009; No CommentNative American Creek and Iroquois warriors were probably the first to discover the mineral-rich spring waters in Warm Springs, Georgia. Believing they held special medicinal properties, sick and wounded members of the tribes traveled to the springs to... Read more »
Giant Olmec Head in Chicago
Oct 22, 2009; 1 CommentFrom a wide swath of lawn on the east side of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, a giant carved head gazes out toward Lake Michigan. More than seven feet tall, Olmec Head #8 is a replica of one of the many amazing stone carvings done by... Read more »
Muscle Car City, Punta Gorda, Florida
Oct 20, 2009; 2 CommentsRick Treworgy purchased his first beat-up old car at the age of 16. Back then, it was all he could afford; at the time he had no idea that classic cars would become a lifelong obsession. He restored that first car and sold it for a profit, then repeated... Read more »
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2009
Oct 15, 2009; No CommentWith eleven country pavilions surrounding World Showcase Lagoon, live music performances, and Disney character appearances, Epcot is fun any time of the year, but the best time to visit this theme park may be during the annual International Food and Wine... Read more »
Cruising on the Peace River, Punta Gorda, Florida
Oct 13, 2009; No CommentCharlotte Harbor, the 17th largest estuary in the nation and the 2nd largest estuary in Florida at 270 square miles, is a world apart from other waterways in Florida. It is home to 192.9 miles of canoe and kayak Blueway Trails and has 830 miles of shoreline... Read more »
19th Annual Sarasota Blues Fest, Sarasota, Florida
Oct 08, 2009; 1 CommentSince 1991, the Sarasota Blues Fest in Sarasota, Florida has featured the best blues musicians one day each October. Previous events have drawn big crowds to hear famous names such as Buddy Guy and Gregg Allman. But this year, promoters were worried... Read more »
