About our IFWTWA Homepage
As food, wine and travel writers we take mouthwatering, refreshing, exotic, inviting photos every day. Now we’re excited to share more of our members’ photos with you. Each month we update our homepage with a new image and anecdote from our featured member photographer.
Pam and Gary Baker
IFWTWA Home Page Photography Committee
Featured Member & January 2026 Banner Winner
A Norwegian Fisherman's Wife © Barbara Redding
The midnight sun cast a warm glow on the Fisherkona sculpture as our cruise ship slipped out of the Svolvær harbor in Norway’s Lofoten Archipelago on a June night in 2025. Sculptor Per Ung’s statue of a woman scanning the horizon honors the wives and families who once waited anxiously for cod fishermen to return from the perilous North Sea. Viewing the sculpture from the Havilia Voyages ship brought home the sacrifices made by those who depended on the sea’s bounty.
Barbara Redding is a freelance travel writer based in Austin, Texas. She’s an experienced journalist who began her career as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor. Her focus now is on writing about destinations, food, accommodations, and adult beverages for a variety of print and online publications. She is also a skilled photographer, adding a visual dimension to her storytelling. Barbara’s love for travel and cultural exploration is evident in her work. She has written about a Hindu wedding in India, snorkeling in Cuba’s Bay of Pigs, luxury resorts in Bali, and saving sea turtles in Jamaica. Closer to home, she has written about an Italian-style hotel in Austin and her whale-watching adventure in Victoria, Canada.
Featured Member & December 2025 Banner Winner
Have Coffee Will Travel © Dawn Damico
This was taken at a coffee shop in Asheville, North Carolina. Sitting by the window, thumbing through a coffee table book and drinking espresso, you feel as if the world can be your playground.
Dawn Damico is a Florida-based travel writer, photographer, and founder of Vitabella Magazine, an online magazine focused on culinary, wellness, and light adventure travel with a sprinkle of history and culture. With an eye for detail and a passion for exploration, Dawn brings a wealth of experience to her travel writing. Her versatility and optimism make her as comfortable paddling serene lakes, hiking mountains, and RV travel as she is exploring wellness destinations and seeking out local culinary excellence.
Featured Member & November 2025 Banner Winner
Slovenia Salt Pans © Sharon Kurtz
In May 2024, my husband and I visited the Sečovlje Salt Pans near Portorož, the only part of Slovenia on the Mediterranean seashore. As we walked along the wooden planks, we approached an old stone building once used for salt harvesting. This living museum offered a fascinating glimpse into the centuries-old tradition, where nature and craftsmanship have thrived together for generations.
Author: Sharon Kurtz is a Texas-based freelance travel, food, and spirits writer, photographer, and videographer. She shares her passion for travel, culture, and food by exploring local customs and flavors at home and around the globe. She launched her writing career in 2018 with over 100 published articles and videos to date.
Featured Member & October 2025 Banner Winner
Woman Dressed as a Catrina During Day of the Dead Festivities © Amy Harris
The Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) is a two-day Mexican holiday tradition where the living are reunited with the dead that occurs October 31st-November 2nd. During my recent trip to Mexico to experience the traditions, I made the journey to San Andres Mixquic to see the traditional family celebrations throughout the city.
Amy Harris is a freelance writer and photographer. She has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 3 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. But she is always planning the next trip as a curious traveler. Amy started a travel blog called The Travel Addict to share stories from the road and useful information for the site’s community of readers.
Featured Member & September 2025 Banner Winner
Bohinj Bridge © Sharon Kurtz
Lake Bohinj, nestled within Triglav National Park—Slovenia’s largest and only national park—is a tranquil spot that feels truly off the beaten path. My husband and I visited in May, 2024 and we came across this rustic bridge, its simplicity blending perfectly with the pristine beauty of the landscape. Beneath the bridge, the crystal-clear water revealed a stunning array of colorful stones, a testament to the park’s untouched charm.
Author: Sharon Kurtz is a Texas-based freelance travel, food, and spirits writer, photographer, and videographer. She shares her passion for travel, culture, and food by exploring local customs and flavors at home and around the globe. She launched her writing career in 2018 with over 100 published articles and videos to date.
Featured Member & August 2025 Banner Winner
Rockport Motif © Meryl Pearlstein
This replica of an original fishing shack in Rockport, Massachusetts is considered one of the most painted scenes among travelers.
Originally from Boston, Meryl Pearlstein has lived in New York City for longer than she can remember. A passionate foodie and travel junkie, Meryl writes about her experiences exploring the world and, in particular, New York City. On any given night, you’ll find her discovering a new bistro in Queens, a dance troupe in Brooklyn, or a play that has just opened on Broadway. She shares her world finds in TravelAwaits, Go World Travel Magazine, Real Food Traveler, GoVisit.com, Splash Magazines and New York Lifestyles Magazine. Foodies can read her many restaurant reviews on Gayot.com. If you’re curious about what’s happening in New York City (and beyond), read her column on AllNY.com or her entertaining blog Travel and Food Notes. Meryl is the author of Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids and has also written for AAA Magazine, Fodor’s, the Boston Herald, GQ, New York Magazine, The Daily Meal and Crain’s 5boros. Meryl is a Board member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a member of NATJA and New York Travel Writers (NYTW). Follow her on social media @merylpearlstein.
Featured Member & July 2025 Banner Winner
Carlsbad Village Alley Mural © Cori Solomon
I find art murals often define a city. In the case of Carlsbad Village many of the murals have a water theme. Carlsbad became known for its alkaline mineral water. This mural was created by several artists and each section tells a story.
Cori Solomon, an award-winning freelance writer/photographer, based in Los Angeles, California, focuses on travel, art, food, wine, and pets. Cori’s background is real estate and art. Her art plays a vital role in her writing as she utilizes the palette both visually and verbally in many of her articles. Cori shares her experiences and joy of her subjects in a passionate, candid, caring, and entertaining way. Like her animal art where she looks beyond the eyes to find an animal’s inner soul and spirit, Cori looks for the story that is behind the restaurant, chef, winery, winemaker, or artist. As Cori often travels with her dogs, some of her travel articles deal with pet-friendly hotels and locations. Currently, in addition to writing her blog, The Written Palette, she is a contributor to Big Blend Magazine, FWT Magazine, Great Escape Publishing, Travel World International, and Wander with Wander. Cori has also been featured on several radio shows including Big Blend Magazine and SoCal Restaurant Show. Cori founded LA Wine Writers, a group of approximately 50 seasoned wine writers, who get together to learn more about wine and the winemakers behind a winery. She organizes lunches, field, and FAM trips for this group. Cori earned her WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits, the NASA American Wine Specialist Certification, and the NASA Spanish Wine Specialist Certification. Cori's article Toby: A blind dog’s journey won a Maxwell Medallion Award in the 2014 Writing Competition sponsored by the Dog Writers Association of America in the category of Online Article – Any Other Topic. In 2017 Cori was awarded the Kari Winters Cat Rescue and Rehabilitation award for her article The Gift: The Story of a Cat Rescue. Cori is also a member of NATJA and SATW.
Featured Member & June 2025 Banner Winner
Huli Wigmen of Papua New Guinea © Amy Harris
The men of the Huli tribe in Tari area of Papua New Guinea dress in traditional clothes and face paint. I traveled to the Highland region of the country to photograph the traditional tribesman and their ceremonial practices.
Amy Harris is a freelance writer and photographer. She has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 3 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. But she is always planning the next trip as a curious traveler. Amy started a travel blog called The Travel Addict to share stories from the road and useful information for the site’s community of readers.
Featured Member & May 2025 Banner Winner
Maui Rainbow © Sharon Kurtz
On a November morning in 2024 after a passing rain shower, I caught a double rainbow stretching over the waters off Ka’anapali Beach in Maui. In Hawaiian culture, a double rainbow, or ‘ka ulana o ka lewa’, is a symbol of good luck. The vibrant arcs appeared just as the sky cleared, and I quickly snapped the shot, knowing it was a rare moment. Every time I look at the photo, it’s a reminder of the island’s beauty and the good fortune it brings. This spot in Maui is my husband and my favorite place to recharge and refresh. We have visited for many years, and this is the first double rainbow I have ever captured.
Author: Sharon Kurtz is a Texas-based freelance travel, food, and spirits writer, photographer, and videographer. She shares her passion for travel, culture, and food by exploring local customs and flavors at home and around the globe. She launched her writing career in 2018 with over 100 published articles and videos to date.
Featured Member & April 2025 Banner Winner
Moais of Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island, Chile © Amy Harris
Moai are large monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. Many people do not realize that some of the Moai are located so close to the ocean. By climbing up on some higher rocks, I was able to get this unique perspective in photos for an unusual photo of the statues.
Amy Harris is a freelance writer and photographer. She has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 3 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. But she is always planning the next trip as a curious traveler. Amy started a travel blog called The Travel Addict to share stories from the road and useful information for the site’s community of readers.
Featured Member & March 2025 Banner Winner
Gojii Berry Vanilla Cake with Matcha Frosting © Julie Diebolt Price
I was researching a roundup article of the best vegan restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona. And because life is uncertain, it is best to eat dessert first.
Julie Diebolt Price is a professional photographer, educator, travel writer and journalist. She helps corporations and solo entrepreneurs establish their brand with imagery and business training. She educates and mentors aspiring photographers. As a journalist who loves to travel, she creates memorable experiences and shares them with pictures and words.
Featured Member & February 2025 Banner Winner
Blue Fog Sunrise © Meryl Pearlstein
I woke up to view sunrise in Penobscot Bay from my perch on the deck of the schooner Ladona. Fascinatingly, there was no sunrise. Instead, a blue fog encircled the boats in the harbor, setting off the moon and the light on the mast of the boat with reflections on the water. Everything was calm, still, beautiful and magical.
Originally from Boston, Meryl Pearlstein has lived in New York City for longer than she can remember. A passionate foodie and travel junkie, Meryl writes about her experiences exploring the world and, in particular, New York City. On any given night, you’ll find her discovering a new bistro in Queens, a dance troupe in Brooklyn, or a play that has just opened on Broadway. She shares her world finds in TravelAwaits, Go World Travel Magazine, Real Food Traveler, GoVisit.com, Splash Magazines and New York Lifestyles Magazine. Foodies can read her many restaurant reviews on Gayot.com. If you’re curious about what’s happening in New York City (and beyond), read her column on AllNY.com or her entertaining blog Travel and Food Notes. Meryl is the author of Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids and has also written for AAA Magazine, Fodor’s, the Boston Herald, GQ, New York Magazine, The Daily Meal and Crain’s 5boros. Meryl is a Board member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a member of NATJA and New York Travel Writers (NYTW). Follow her on social media @merylpearlstein.
Featured Member & January 2025 Banner Winner
Bordeaux Water Mirror © Laura Danforth
Bordeaux is known worldwide as a wine region. But when I visited, I also enjoyed exploring the city itself, with amazing sites like the La Cité du Vin museum and the Miroir d’eau shown here. Right across from Place de la Bourse, this giant water mirror was designed by Michel Corajoud. It alternates between a shallow reflective pool and a gentle mist, magically transforming the historic square with each 15-minute cycle. This innovative installation is the largest in the world of its kind and was named a contemporary World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Laura is the founder and writer behind Wine Travelista, a website for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and stories from 30 countries and counting, Laura inspires wine lovers to explore the world, one glass at a time.
Banner Winners for 2024
January
Northshore Mountains
@ Michelle Fedosoff
Vancouver is known for being quite grey and rainy in the winter and this is mostly true. One day in December, between Christmas and New Years, I was taking a walk around Stanley Park with my visiting parents, my son, and my husband. Being a photographer, I always have my camera with me. My son was also carrying his camera. As we walked around the 10km seawall, I wasn’t paying attention, I was busy talking to my parents when my son called to me to look. He was pointing across the water. The cloud cover had broken and the sun was shining on a very specific section of the mountains. Both my son got busy taking photos of this amazing view. Several years and many walks later, and I have never seen the sky shine on the mountains in the same way.
February
Mussels @ Debbra Dunning Brouillette
If mussels are on the menu, you can guarantee that I will order them! These delicious mussels, perfectly steamed in a garlic butter/white wine sauce, were enjoyed at Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, overlooking Anna Maria Sound, Florida, in September 2022. Floridays is located next to Compass Hotel Margaritaville, where I stayed along with other International Food, Wine Travel Journalists Assn. (IFWTWA) members. We were there as part of a pre-conference media trip before the Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, FL.
March
Vineyards and Snow-Covered Mountains @ Jan Smith
Grape vines sit dormant in view of rare snow-covered mountains in Southern California.
April
New Brunswick Harbor Boats View
@ Cori Solomon
New Brunswick is a province of Canada that is defined by the tides. The dramatic change from high to low tide influences and characterizes the area. This photo was taken at Shediac Harbor during high tide. We had just come in from a lobster cruise on the Northumberland strait. The calm of the harbor in the late afternoon with the reflections of the masts in the water inspired me to take this photo.
May
Sunrise Camel Ride in Wadi Rum @ Rosemarie Palmer-Sungail
One of the most memorable ways to see the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan is to take a sunrise camel tour, and in this photo, a group of IFWTWA members are doing just that.
June
Vancouver Sunset
@ Kat Anderson
One beautiful sunny day, when my partner and I were both done with work for the day, we headed up to the 22nd floor to enjoy the views. I decided to fly my drone from the rooftop patio to capture some of Vancouver’s views. I love the different perspectives that a drone’s camera offers. As I flew it around English Bay Beach and over to Sunset Beach, I was able to capture the Burrard Street Bridge from a bird’s eye view. As the sun was setting, the sunset was an incredible scene to capture.
July
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
@ Athena Lucero
This far-as-the-eye-can-see view from the tower rooftop at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, England, was worth climbing the narrow spiral staircase. In 1930 author/poet/horticulturalist Vita Sackville-West and author-diplomat husband Harold Nicholson purchased the abandoned country estate. It took the couple 30 years to restore the land into a sanctuary of 10 “garden rooms” earning its status as one of the world’s most famous gardens.
August
Lazy Isle Mujeres Beach
@ Andrew Der
Lazy Beach, one of many secluded Isla Mujeres beaches near Cancun all year round with nearby facilities. This was actually a past FWT magazine cover many years ago when ISSUU version around.
September
Mountain Lake Torres del Paine @ Sharon Kurtz
As I hiked through Torres del Paine National Park, in Chilean Patagonia, I came upon a breathtaking scene of Lake Pehoé.” This stunning lake is known for its vibrant blue waters and is situated amidst the majestic peaks of the Paine Massif.
Cloudy days offer a unique perspective on the beauty of nature. The misty atmosphere creates an ethereal ambiance, infusing the scene with a touch of mystique. While reflections may not be visible in the water, the clouds themselves formed intricate patterns, casting shadows and adding depth to the landscape.
October
Sardine Mecca @ Debbie Stone
I took this pic in Lisbon, Portugal. I walked into this store because I was attracted to all the colors and at first, I thought these were boxes of chocolate.
I soon learned they were tins of sardines, a Portuguese favorite. This was a photo that begged to be taken – walls and tables stacked with rows and rows of brightly hued, multi-designed, attention-grabbing tins.
November
Delphi Ruins Greece
@ Debbra Dunning Brouillette
The religious sanctuary of Delphi is dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It was the home of the Oracle of Delphi and his high-priestess Pythia. At that time, Delphi, which dates to the 8th century BC, was considered the center of the world. Until being unearthed in 1893, it had been buried for centuries. Delphi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Itea, near the ancient archeological site of Delphi, was the first of three Grecian ports on our Windstar cruise from Athens to Barcelona.
December
La Madonnina at Sunset
@ Valerie Fortney
Standing at the seaside in Castellabate, she is the protectress of sailors and many come to pay homage, leave a rosary, say a prayer, or just enjoy her presence here where the town meets the sea.
(Santa Maria di Castellabate, Italy)
Banner Winners for 2023
January
Mozzarella appetizer at Belvedere Hotel Grindelwald @ Therese Iknoian
I sat down for our first dinner at the Belvedere Hotel in Jungfrau Switzerland and was greeted by this appetizer plate that was as gorgeous as it was tasty: Tender pillows of Schangnauer buffalo mozzarella sat on arugula leaves with a splash of tomato ragout and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Every bite melted gently in your mouth with the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Yes, I dream of this appetizer.
February
Camel Trek Shadows in Wadi Rum @ Sharon Kurtz
While on the IFWTWA Media Trip hosted by VisitJordan, several of us took a sunrise camel trek into the majestic Wadi Rum desert landscape.
On the way back to our bubble tent camp, the early morning sun cast shadows on the golden sand; a dramatic ending to a incredible experience.
March
The turquoise waters of Moraine Lake @ Kat Anderson
Moraine Lake is famous for its stunning, bright turquoise water. When sunlight reflects off the rock silt particles, it produces a naturally vibrant, blue-green hue. These glacial waters are found in Banff National Park, Alberta. While Moraine Lake may look like an inviting spot for a swim, its waters are icy cold year-round.
April
Postcard Perfect Burano @ Debbie Stone
On a day trip from Venice to the island of Burano, I was mesmerized by the eye-popping, neon hues of the houses. I learned that each house is painted a different color from its neighbors and in fact, anyone that wants to paint his/her place needs to get approval from the local community government first.
This particular scene stood out– the bridge over the canal, the rainbow colored houses, their reflection in the water and the bright blue sky – because it encompassed everything that I wanted to remember about this charming place.
May
Schooner Mary Day During Rendevous @ Teresa Bitler
I took this photo from the deck of the Schooner Mary Day during Rendezvous. The event is when the entire Maine Windjammer Association’s fleet meets in a harbor for food, live music, and fun. The next morning, a thick fog had moved into the harbor. Luckily, it burned off after an hour or two, and the fleet was on its way again.
June
Caribbean Sunset, St. Vincent and the Grenadines @ Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Approaching Petit St. Vincent private island resort after an idyllic day sail in the Grenadines.
July
Wild Horses in Shackleford Banks — Outer Banks in North Carolina @ Michael Hodgson
The power and grace of these Spanish Wild Mustangs galloping through the shallow shoals is something to behold, especially from so close (but not too close) and while sitting chest-deep in the water watching them. Shot in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
August
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest @ Kim Jackson
This photo was also taken when I went to Uganda in 2019. Unfortunately, my guide was not able to join me on the Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The night before, I fell and hurt myself. Luckily, the next morning I felt better and went on a gorilla trekking with other people.
It only took us about an hour to find a family of Gorillas. When we got there, I was breathless. There was a family with a huge male (in the picture), along with a female and a few young ones. It was an absolutely amazing experience to be so close to these beautiful animals.
September
Rockefeller State Preserve @ Irene S. Levine
We are fortunate to live close to Rockefeller State Park Preserve, a 1,771-acre public park in Pleasantville, New York. Sited on land donated by the Rockefeller family, the stunning landscape changes with the seasons.
October
Autumn in Solvang @ Cori Solomon
One of my favorite places to visit in the fall is the Santa Ynez Valley. I love the changing colors in the vineyards and surrounding landscape. Each year, the Santa Ynez Valley puts on Scarecrow Fest. The area merchants get creative and festive, creating scarecrows. As I drove from Solvang to Los Olivos, I passed Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard and saw the pumpkin and gourd patch with the scarecrow on the tractor. I had to stop and take a photo. I think this picture represents everything about autumn and harvest.
November
Watson Lake Prescott, Arizona @ Marni Patterson
Watson Lake is located 5 miles north of Prescott, AZ. Its unique granite dells offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during monsoon season. We arrived when the clouds were gathering before an afternoon thunderstorm, but the sun was still visible.
December
Deviled Eggs © Jacky Runice
The best deviled eggs on the planet courtesy of celeb chef, Art Smith, and his Reunion Restaurant on Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Banner Winners for 2022
January
Grape Harvest in Basilicata Italy © Valerie Fortney Schneider
Participating in the grape harvest is a treasured tradition, bringing friends together in the vineyard for a day of hard work, laughs, great food, and the end reward of good wine after its crushed, fermented and aged. We love being included in our friends’ annual vendemmia of aglianico here in Basilicata Italy.
February
The Hamburg Wasserschloss
© Michael Hodgson
The Wasserschloss is a moated castle located in the Speicherstadt of Hamburg. Surrounded by historic buildings and situated between two canals in the former free port zone, the Wasserschloss is one of Hamburg’s most photographed sites. My wife, Therese Iknoian and I were in Hamburg in late November 2021 enjoying the city in the winter (very cold, but very pretty).
March
Avocado Toast never looked so yum © Therese Iknoian
There is Avocado Toast, then there is THIS Avocado Toast at Eagle Café at Pier 39 in San Francisco. Stoking up before biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, my husband, Michael Hodgson, and myself enjoyed breakfast on the deck in San Francisco’s glorious fall sunshine. With a perfectly cooked egg trickling down the side of the avocado, it was tough to pause to take this photo and not just dig in!
April
Dierberg Star Lane Winery Cave © Cori Solomon
From their Missouri roots, Jim and Mary Dierberg started their first winery in Hermann, Missouri. After deciding to expand into European varieties, they discovered Santa Barbara County and the wonderful wines produced in this region. In 1996 they purchased the property located in Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Dierbergs built a state-of-the-art Spanish Moor style winery known as the castle. Entering the winery cave feels like you are in the catacomb of a monastery. The cave also houses the Dierberg Star Lane, the family’s legacy, a library of wines that will last for future generations.
May
Wondrous Telluride © Debbie Stone
I took this photo behind a flowerbox in the middle of Telluride’s historic Main Street, as I wanted to enhance the breathtaking view with some bold color.
June
Farm-Fresh Salad and Cheeses © Athena Lucero
When the host at Alpe Rompiago, a farm hut in the lower Alps of Ticino, Switzerland, asked what I would like for lunch, I requested a salad. Within minutes, she gently placed before me a most beautiful plate of farm-grown produce with slices of divine goat and cow cheeses. She had made the cheeses, which came straight from the cheese cellar downstairs. I savored every morsel as I sat alone in the small dining room – until I saw through the glass walls the herd of goats rushing out from the barn. I dropped my fork and ran outside to witness the fantastic “stampede.”
July
Bluefield Grapes After a Summer Shower © Jo Clark
Bluefield Estate Winery in Gainesville, Florida is a small family-owned vineyard. They grow Blueberries and Muscadine grapes for use in their wine production.
August
Watery Reflections in the Penobscot Bay © Sharon Kurtz
The highlight of our Maine windjammer cruise on the Schooner Lewis R. French was a lobster bake on a secluded island. Our trusty island transport was a traditional rowboat called “the Peapod”.
September
Dubai Spices © Norm Bour
The city of Dubai has several “souqs,” which are bazaars that specialize in certain commodities, like silver, gold—or spices.
October
View of vineyards from patio of tasting room at Opus One © Scott Kendall
Opus One in Oakville, California, is the brainchild of wine legends Robert Mondavi and the Baron Philippe de Rothschild. This porch setting overlooking the vineyards is the perfect place to enjoy the single vineyard wines made at this special place in Napa Valley.
In the words of Robert Mondavi:
“Wine to me is passion. It’s family and friends. It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit.”
November
Bass Harbor Head Light @ Lisa Morales
Bass Harbor Head Light Station in Tremont, Maine, is one of three maintained by Acadia National Park. Built in 1858, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
December
Christmas in Granada, Nicaragua @ Jim Farber
Christmas celebration of lights and firecrackers on the plaza in Granada, Nicaragua. It’s very special to experience the holidays in a different country.
Banner Winners for 2021
January
Rogue Valley from Medford, the heart of the Rogue © Travel Medford
“Take in this view of the Rogue Valley from Medford, the heart of the Rogue. With rolling hills of vineyards, the wild and scenic Rogue River and a wealth of outdoor recreation, such as Roxy Ann Peak in the image, you will need several days to truly explore this award-winning, undiscovered wine country. It might also surprise you to know that the Rogue Valley is a short distance from Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake, but is also home to the World’s Best Cheese at Rogue Creamery and the renowned Harry and David. Come eat and drink your way around this hidden Southern Oregon gem and be prepared to experience the unexpected.” For more about Oregon’s Rogue Valley Wine Country, see article and podcast here.
February
Bench Overlooking the Ocean © Sofia Bournatzi
This photo was taken in Athytos, a village in Halkidiki Greece. It is built on the top of a 75-rocky cliff viewing the Aegean Sea. Athytos is known as the village of the artists due to the incredible location and the traditional architecture that inspire them. A big sea-view “balcony” hosts the village’s restaurants and bars and between them colorful benches have been located alongside. For the visitors of Athytos these benches provide small moments of romance, inspiration and happiness.
April
Charbroiling oysters at Drago’s in New Orleans © Therese Iknoian
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant of New Orleans is known for its “original charbroiled oysters” which are devoured by the hundreds each night in a show of dancing flames and speedy shucking skills. As a travel journalist, you are expected to try the house specialty, right? But what if you haven’t touched an oyster in decades due to a “bad experience?” Since it’s your job, you do the polite thing. Well, I ended up reaching for a couple more, too! Bathed in butter, garlic, parmesan and lemon, and hot from the grill, they really are pretty dang yummy. And a show to enjoy!
May
Idaho Sunset Vista © Cori Solomon
No one can resist a gorgeous sunset. While on a trip discovering wineries in the Snake River Valley, I visited 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards in the Eagle Foothills. The winery is located at one of the highest elevations in the area. During my visit I captured this spectacular view of the vineyards at sunset. There is a feeling of the Wild West and at the same time the topography reminds me of the Red Mountain AVA in Washington. The colors of the sunset as it changes the hues of the landscape seem to enhance this feeling.
v
June
Quechua Women Dying Wool © Janie Pace
Travel to the village of Chinchero to see Quechua women demonstrate the art of weaving.
Learn how the weavers prepare the baby alpaca wool through the dyeing and finishing process. Then take the opportunity to purchase the beautiful hand-made Peruvian textiles, blankets, shawls, ponchos, sweaters, socks, gloves, and hats that aren’t available at that price elsewhere.
July
Cotswolds © Scott Kendall
England is known for its gardens, and Hidecote Gardens is one of its best. This stately honey colored home on the grounds of Hidecote is surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the countryside of The Cotswolds, just two hours west of London.
August
Sigh-worthy coastal views in MidCoast Maine © Therese Iknoian
From blueberries to lighthouses, Maine is truly a delightful destination, especially MidCoast Maine where coastal views and oceanscapes are a huge part of the experience. Visiting sights is one thing when road trippin’ along the coast, but how about you pull up a chair and just enjoy the view?
September
Niagara Falls Illuminated © Michael Hodgson
The photo was taken from Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park where I was entranced with the Illumination of the Falls that occurs every night. The lights change from blue to red to orange and it really does take your breath away. I wanted to capture the flow and power of the water pouring over the top of the falls, the mist rising up and caught in the beam of light, with the backdrop of the city lights from the Canadian side behind.
October
A Pelican Resting His Wings © Kathleen Walls
A pelican rests his wings after catching a few fish off Florida’s coast. The photo was taken while I was on a boat ride from Fort Myers to Cabbage Key. (Just about an hour’s drive from our convention site of St. Petersburg.) There are so many wading and sea birds in that area. He was just posing on a maker out in the water.
November
Sunset Over the Salish Sea © Sharon Kurtz
While on a Media trip to Whidbey Island, Sherrye Wyatt, PR & Marketing Manager for Whidbey/Camino Islands and I were finishing a spectacular dinner at Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway in Oak Harbor.
Sherry said, “We are so close to Deception Pass State Park, why don’t we head that way before we go back to Coupeville” where I was staying mid-island.
We parked in the Rosario Beach parking lot on Fidalgo island, and camera in hand, walked up the Rosario Head trail to the bluff overlooking the Rosario Strait.
Nothing could have prepared me for this sweeping sunset views, framed by the islands dotting the Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains on the horizon. The rapidly changing colors & cloud formations were mesmerizing.
It is times like this that remind me of the Ibn Battuta quote – “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”
December
Gingerbread Cookies © Marlynn Schotland
These are soft gingerbread cookies that my family makes together every Christmas. The recipe is on my website. They are great cookies to ship in care packages!
Banner Winners for 2020
June
Strawberry Chiffon © Kurt Jacobson
“Taken at Bread and Butter Bakery, a small bakery down a tiny side street a couple of blocks from Sante Fe’s plaza. Even though this is a gluten-free bakery, many who enter are captivated by the gorgeous cakes, macaroons, and cookies, finding their products appeal to gluten-loving bakery consumers also.”
July
Food and wine pairing at Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley Wine Country © Edward Quan
“This garden table setting captured my eye as I wanted to convey the authentic California wine country experience of Wente Vineyards, America’s longest, continuously operated family-owned winery, founded in 1883.”
August
Cinque Terre © Scott Kendall
“Walking the Blue Path from Monterosso to Vernazza, we stopped on the cliffside trail overlooking the Ligurian Sea back towards Monterosso. The flaming pink bougainvillea framed the magical sight, one of many I will always remember from our two hour hike in Cinque Terre.”
September
Saint Remy Market © Wendy VanHatten
“Colorful and tasty…this garlic from Cavaillon, France just begged for a photo shoot. It paired great with the olive oil, baguette, and wine we also bought.”
October
Willamette Valley Vista © Cori Solomon
“The vistas from a vineyard on a gorgeous day can bring new life to every winery. In this case it had been raining the night before and I was fortunate to get to Vidon Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA as the sky had cleared exposing puffy clouds. From a NASA scientist working on the Apollo program, Don Hagge turned his efforts into growing grapes and making wine after he retired. Mesmerized by the view, I can only imagine waking up each day to this vineyard view.”
November
Hot Air Balloon Over Albuquerque © Deborah Stone
“A hot air balloon ride often ranks atop many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s not hard to understand why, as the experience is magical. It’s an unmatched way to provide a unique perspective of the environment. And what better place to embark on this enchanting journey than Albuquerque, the ‘hot air balloon capital of the world.’ I shot this image with my iPhone when the hot air balloon I was riding in momentarily ‘kissed’ another balloon. We were so close, I could almost make out the faces of the people in the other balloon. I set the shot to encompass the panorama of the city scape and mountains in the background.”
December
Barcelona Holiday Bakery © Sharon Kurtz
“Barcelona Holiday Bakery © Sharon Kurtz” transports you to the festive streets of the Catalan capital of Spain on a chilly, 2016 December afternoon. With twinkling lights and the scent of pine needles in the air, you can’t help but feel the magic of Christmas. I shot this photo of a holiday bakery window display on a small side street in the gothic quarter. Gingerbread cookies are beloved during the holidays in Barcelona. I was taken in by the traditional trappings of the bakery, the aroma of ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon wafting from the open door.”