Top 25 “Travelers’ Choice” Landmarks – How Many Have You Seen?

Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada

Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada

TripAdvisor recently announced their 2013 “Travelers’ Choice” Top 25 World Landmarks list. I was surprised in viewing the list that I have had the privilege of traveling to seven of the top sites listed. [Read more...]

Birmingham, Alabama

This week, I had the distinct privilege of spending a few days in Birmingham, Alabama. At the moment, the real reason for my “mission” to “the Magic City” remains under wraps. This was not really a touristic trip, but rather a work trip. But I thought it would be great to share a few highlights of the journey in another video. I hope to get back to Birmingham soon for a full exploration!

Destination Name:

Birmingham, Alabama

Location:

Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama with a population currently estimated at 242,820, and a metro population of 1,079,089.

Closest Catholic Church:

  • Parishes in the Diocese of Birmingham
  • The Cathedral of Saint Paul
  • EWTN
Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

A Bible passage to ponder while you’re here:

Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor! Proverbs 31:8-9

Saintly Companions for your Journey:

  • St. Paul the Apostle (3-65) is the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Birmingham.

What you’ll find here:

  • Birmingham was a center of the Civil Rights movement. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, adjacent to the 16th Street Baptist Church, paints a vivid portrait of the city’s place in history.
  • The television studios of EWTN — the Eternal Word Television Network — are located in Irondale, Alabama, a short drive from Birmingham. Plan to make a visit to the small EWTN chapel, to enjoy the studio tour, and perhaps to even take in a live taping. The studio grounds also has a lovely gift and book shop. If you have more time, consider a day trip to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery.
  • A walking tour of Birmingham’s historic downtown offers sightseeing, religious houses of worship, cultural opportunities and shopping.

Be sure to check out:

If you’re looking to shop, dine or simply want a lovely view of the city, check out The Summit.

Learn more at:

  • City of Birmingham
  • Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Trip Advisor

Bass Lake, California

Nestled in the Sierra National Forest less than an hour from my home town of Fresno, California is the perfect getaway: Bass Lake. Yesterday, I shared my hotel review of The Pines Resort, the perfect play for a short or long stay at Bass Lake. [Read more...]

A Day in San Francisco

Another video, this time from San Francisco… [Read more...]

Ave Maria Grotto

One of my all-time favorite destinations is Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama. I made the following video a few years ago [Read more...]

Israel Day 2: Jaffa, Caesarea, Haifa, Nazareth

Today was an amazing and full day of touring and praying around Israel. As I write this in the lobby of my Nazareth hotel, I am definitely feeling the lack of sleep, but my heart is full of peace and joy. [Read more...]

Israel Day 1: Arriving in Tel Aviv

While I’m getting this new site set up, I will be sharing some travel archives from previous adventures. Enjoy. LMH [Read more...]