Select Travel Stories

Over the years, I’ve been a regular contributor for The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Cruise Critic.

Today, I scout out all that’s new and notable in Mid-Atlantic travel. Visit my column in Arlington and Bethesda magazines.

Sedona image by Amy Brecount White
  • Chestertown, Maryland Sculpture art The Wolves

    An Art Lover's Guide to Chestertown, Maryland

    The historic Eastern Shore town is packed with studios, galleries and a sprawling contemporary sculpture collection.

    Photo by Pamela Cowart-Rickman

  • Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mermaid, by Christine Koubek

    DC Beach Guide: Virginia Beach

    Where to Stay, What to Eat, plus, three ways to get into Virginia Beach surf culture.

    Photo by Christine Koubek

  • Photo by Kate Simon Staunton, Virginia Wizarding Festival

    Where Wizards Meet

    Find potions, spells, Quidditch and cosplay at Staunton, Virginia’s Queen City Mischief & Magic festival.

    Photo by Kate Simon

  • Glass Art at Glass Hotel, Norfolk Virginia

    Explore Norfolk’s Illuminating Glass Art Scene

    Not just a maritime port, this Virginia city is home to glass masterworks by the likes of Dale Chihuly, Peter Bremers and Tiffany Studios.

  • Cape May County, New Jersey, Department of Tourism

    New Jersey's Island Gem

    The 7-mile barrier island anchored by Avalon and Stone Harbor is a paradise for birding, pampering, lounging and sticking your toes in the sand.

    Photo courtesy of Cape May County, NJ Dept. of Tourism

  • Photo by Christine Koubek, Leesburg Virginia Bed & Breakfast

    Find Your Hygge Place at These Cozy Winter Retreats

    Escape to an artsy inn, a romantic B&B or a chalet in the woods, Danish-style.

  • Off the Grid in the Mid-Atlantic

    Inspired by Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, I set out to find mid-Atlantic places that are revitalizing refuges where you can unplug and recharge.

    Photo by Jennifer Dobson

  • Christmas and Holidays in Williamsburg, Virginia, Photo: Christine Koubek

    Christmas Past and Present

    From Colonial traditions to modern-day amusements, Williamsburg is brimming with holiday cheer.

  • St Clement's Island, Maryland. Photo by Christine Koubek

    Where Maryland Began

    Explore Colonial History in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

  • Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean Group, Cruising to Chicago (with prosciutto antipasto!)Chicago the musical aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

    Cruising to Chicago (with prosciutto antipasto!)

    When William Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances,” I doubt he envisioned flying entrances, underwater exits, and stages housed in ships atop rippling waters.

    Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean Group

  • Photo by Tim Koubek, post-race at Virginia Beach's Rock n' Roll ½

    Running Away

    Mid-Atlantic footraces worth the drive

    Distance race organizers have fueled a boom in tourism and in the sport of running by pairing popular destinations with runs ranging from 5-Ks to marathons.

    Photo by Tim Koubek

  • Disney ship at Castaway Cay, photo by Christine Koubek

    Shipboard Shows Make Waves

    Cruise ship entertainment has come a long way from lounge singers and cheap cabaret. Marquee productions include Blue Man Group, Nickelodeon, and Disney musicals.

  • Runners from cruise. Photo: Disney Cruise Line

    Up for the Challenge

    Today’s shore excursions offer fun ways to test your mettle

    Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

  • Two cruise ships in port, Christine Koubek

    Screen the Ships

    Marketers know that where you shop and the shows you watch say a lot about your preferences. But, what do stores and TV shows have to do with picking a cruise, you ask. Well, let’s just say your favorites are clues to the right cruise for you.