For centuries, the Sallier Oak has symbolized survival in southwest Louisiana

In Southwest Louisiana, the names Audrey, Rita, Laura, and Delta are notorious — the powerful Hurricanes that wrought devastation and erased livelihoods for so many. But there’s one name associated with resilience in the face of Mother Nature’s fury: Sallier. The stately Sallier Oak, an enormous live oak tree named after one of Lake Charles’…

Napa Valley, California: America’s Wine Country

California’s Wine Country has become a destination for wine lovers and foodies alike. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are home to hundreds of wineries, with most offering tours of their vineyards, tasting rooms, wine cellars and caves, as well as production facilities. The region has become a hospitality destination, catering to those seeking a world-class…

‘Stumbling stones’ serve as persistent reminders of Germany’s dark past

Every time I’m in Germany, I’m struck by the sheer number of Stolpersteine or “stumbling stones” I come across. These mini memorials throughout Germany are placed outside the last known residence of Holocaust victims. 75,000 plaques have been installed in sidewalks so far. These are real people, each with a story to be remembered. Not…

Former Cold War-era NSA listening post overlooks Berlin

This hill in western Berlin was actually created from all of the rubble left over after Allied bombings in World War II. It stands 180 feet tall and contains 420 million cubic feet of debris. You might be wondering about those three white radome “balls” sitting atop Teufelsberg. During the Cold War, the U.S. constructed…

Iconic ‘Tiny Target’ razed in remote West Texas

A pile of concrete blocks is all that remains of the so-called ‘World’s Smallest Target Store,’ a popular roadside destination in West Texas. Situated along a remote stretch of U.S. Highway 90 in Brewster County, the iconic desert structure drew curiosity seekers to the town of Marathon, not far from Big Bend National Park. KOSA-TV…

Why is there a Prada store in the West Texas desert?

Perhaps you’ve heard of Prada Marfa on social media? Not far from the West Texas town made famous by its mysterious lights on the horizon, another landmark is drawing people to the remote desert community. Established in 2005, the single room structure is the vision of artists Elmgreen and Dragset. The art installation has become…

Big Bend Ranch: Where solitude meets adventure

Spectacular scenery and unmatched adventure await visitors to Big Bend Ranch State Park. The 300,000-plus-acre park in Presidio and Brewster counties is the largest in Texas. The West Texas desert landscape’s geological features and recreational opportunities draw outdoors enthusiasts from around the country. One of the easiest ways to take-in the vastness of the state…

In search of the mysterious Marfa Lights

Mysterious and unexplained lights have been reported here in the West Texas desert for more than a hundred years. According to the Texas Historical Commission, the famous Marfa Lights have been theorized as campfires, phosphorescent minerals, swamp gas, or static electricity. The first recorded sighting was by a rancher in 1883. Others say it could…

World’s largest airport chaplaincy provides peace in busy DFW Airport

At the start of the holiday travel season, countless East Texans will be among the passengers navigating crowds at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Despite the airport being one of the busiest places on Earth, people are finding their faith inside one of the five DFW Airport interfaith chapels. “You don’t ever know how travel is…

Oklahoma boasts ‘tallest hill’ in the world

Poteau, Oklahoma claims to be home to the tallest hill in the world. Located on the far eastern side of the state, the elevation of Cavanal Hill’s summit is 1,999 feet. According to the local chamber of commerce, geographical features 2,000 feet or higher are typically classified as mountains. Whatever you want to call it,…