Champagne, Ceremony and Celebrity

It's not often that one has the opportunity to witness a Naming Ceremony for a brand-new cruise ship, but that's exactly the experience my husband and I enjoyed in November, 2025. As guests of Celebrity Cruises for the naming of its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel--the event proved to be quite memorable. 

Getting There

The view from our room at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

We flew from our new home in South Carolina to Fort Lauderdale and spent the night before embarkation at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Comfortable, well appointed, and just steps from the beach, the resort was an ideal place to ease into cruise mode.

The beach at Fort Lauderdale.

The following day we caught an Uber to the port--only to discover that Sunday traffic near the terminals is not for the faint of heart. A four-mile trip stretched into a two-hour crawl, so future cruisers should plan accordingly.

Once on board, however, our travel frustrations quickly faded. After settling into our stateroom--spacious, thoughtfully designed and outfitted with an exceptionally comfortable bed, we set out to explore.

Our stateroom was a nice size and the bed was very comfy.

Life Onboard the Xcel

The Celebrity Xcel offers an impressive range of onboard experiences.  The Attic at the Club is designed for relaxed fun with darts, pool tables and classic arcade games and The Bazaar showcased artisan goods from around the world. We left with hot sauce and candy and I even spotted the captain of Below Deck Sailing Yacht 

The captain of Bravo's Below Deck Sailing Yacht was onboard.

Dining options were plentiful, with more than 30 venues across the ship. We chose to dine at Blu both nights of our two-night stay and were rewarded with impeccable service and beautifully executed dishes. The filet was delicious and was followed by desserts that were elegant and indulgent.

A filet served at Blu on the Celebrity XCel.

Dessert at Blu.

A casino onboard allowed us to have a fun time while dropping a few bucks. Let's just say I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon.

The casino on the Celebrity XCel.

For those interested in a bit of pampering, the spa on the Celebrity XCel has been described as an "expansive wellness retreat." With 30 treatment rooms, guests can take part in  facials, massages, state-of-the-art Dome Beds and more.

And for those who enjoy a cocktail or two, 12 lounges were located across the ship and staff didn't seem to have a problem juggling both passengers and barware, ala Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail.

With more than 1,400 crew members from 66 different nationalities, the passenger-to-staff ratio was noticeable--in the best possible way.

The Naming Ceremony 

The highlight of the voyage was the naming ceremony.  Celebrity chose Chef Janaina Torres as godmother of the ship, honoring her commitment to connecting travelers with destinations through regional recipes, local sourcing and elevated hospitality.

Chef Janaina Torres

Torres led the procession, which included a pipe and drum corps performance, blessings led by Bishop Delton Fernander and Rabbi Lawrence Schuval, a cast performance, addresses by Celebrity Cruise President Laura Hodges Bethge and Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. The ceremony concluded with the U.S. National Anthem, performed by Celebrity Xcel Guest Guitarist Jeff Arnold and the bottle break--a time-honored tradition for maiden voyages.

Two Fully Booked Days

Beyond the ceremony, the schedule was packed: art, architecture and design tours, professional photo sessions, a runway show, a golf and sports simulator open house, a vintage Louis Vuitton and designer watch showcase, Texas Hold 'Em tournaments, an art scavenger hunt and so much more. There was far more offered than time allowed, which is a good complaint.

Before we knew it, it was time to disembark. There was truly a special experience and one I won't soon forget. 

A Holiday Invitation to History: Inside Greenville's Kilgore-Lewis House

If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina, region and have yet to visit The Kilgore-Lewis House, the holiday season offers an especially inviting reason to go. Built in 1838, the stately home is dressed in its winter finery this time of year, thanks to the dedicated members of the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, which has maintained the property as its headquarters since 1974.

The Kilgore-Lewis House was built in 1938.

One of the earliest surviving structures in Greenville County, the Kilgore-Lewis House originally stood near the intersection of College, Academy and Buncombe Streets in downtown Greenville. In 1974, it was carefully relocated to its current location on North Academy Street, where it overlooks a tranquil expanse of gardens and woodland.

The Gardens

A spring on the property dates to 1765.

Nestled among tall trees on a gently sloping landscape, the property includes a restored spring that dates to 1765.  Both the house and spring are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Long before the home was built, the spring served as a water source for native Americans and early settlers. 

Today, the five-acre wooded grounds provide a meeting place for the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, including its Board of Directors and committees and its 14 member clubs. The gardens are certified as both an arboretum and a backyard wildlife habitat.

During the school year, children often visit to explore the sensory and butterfly gardens and view the many wildflowers that are scattered throughout the property. Arbor Day is a particularly special day at the Kilgore-Lewis House and is celebrated in partnership with the public schools, the City of Greenville, TreesUpstate and sponsoring industries.

Wildlife often spotted on the grounds include hawks, owls, songbirds, squirrels and chipmunks. Ducks and Great Blue Herons are sometimes seen as well. 

Holiday Open House

Visitors are especially encouraged to experience the house during the holiday season, when the Garden Clubs transform the interior with tasteful seasonal decor. Period furnishings and decorations offer a glimpse into the rhythms of 19th-century life.

The side entrance where guests are welcomed. 

Originally associated with Josiah Kilgore, who purchased the property in 1838, the house later passed to Kilgore's daughter and her husband in 1855. It remained in the Kilgore/Stokes/Gaines/Lewis families for about 130 years. The house is notable for its Classical-Revival style, which was uncommon for upcountry farmhouses at that time. 

The first room guests see when entering the house.

Square grand pianos were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A cozy room perfect for curling up with a good book.

This beautiful piece of history may not have lasted were it not for an intervention. After the last family members left, it was used briefly by the Buncombe Street Methodist Church and later slated for demolition until the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs saved the historic home. 

Today the Kilgore-Lewis House stands as a link to Greenville's past. It remains free to tour and also serves as an event space for weddings, receptions, family celebrations and small business meetings.

Contributions are gladly accepted to grow the endowment and secure the property as the Garden Clubs' headquarters in perpetuity.

If you go:

The Kilgore-Lewis House is located at 560 North Academy Street in McPherson Park.

For information on planning your visit during the holidays or at other times during the year, visit the website at https://kilgore-lewis.org/, or email kilgorlewishouse@gmail.com.

Spas, Slopes and More Winter Fun in Northeastern Pennsylvania

As the weather cools, Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) gears up for the ski season, where the region’s resorts take center stage offering everything from family-friendly bunny hills to black diamond thrills. But winter fun here isn’t just about skiing.  Those who would rather stay warm can retreat to cozy inns, luxury spaces and resorts that provide pampering, pools and plenty of relaxation.

Hitting the Slopes

Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For five decades the resort has offered fun for all ages and ability levels. Guests can enjoy 23 trails, two terrain parks and snow tubing. Shawnee is also known for having one of the best children’s programs in the region, according to Rachel Wyckoff, Marketing Director. “Our Snowsports School and other dedicated learning areas are designed to create confidence and a lifelong love of winter sports,” she said.

High in the sky at Shawnee Mountain

Big Boulder in Lake Harmony and Jack Frost in Blakeslee (JFBB) are sister resorts which also offer winter fun. Big Bolder is the perfect launchpad for beginners with a dedicated learning hill and gentle slopes designed to build confidence, while Jack Frost offers a natural progression for more advanced runs. “We’re not just teaching people how to ski, we’re helping them fall in love with winter,” said Tony Santora, JFBB General Manager.

Camelback Resort in Tannersville touts 166 skiable acres, 56 snowtubing lanes and a hotel and waterpark, making it a year-round destination. Jason Bays, the new Vice President and General Manager at Camelback, said, “With new automated snowmaking on key trails and the modernization of the Stevenson Express chair lift, guests can look forward to more time enjoying the slopes and less time waiting.” And it isn’t often that skiers have a choice to spend all day on the mountain and later splash away at an on-site water park.

Enjoying a cozy evening at Camelback.

Palmerton’s Blue Mountain Resort, with 171 skiable acres across 40 trails, recently implemented cutting-edge snowmaking and has brightened some of the favorite runs for an enhanced skiing experience. “Three hundred and eighty lights have been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDS, brightening Challenge, Razor’s Edge, Main Street, Chute, Midway, Nightmare, Dreamweaver and Switchback,” said Marketing Director Ashley Seier.

There’s so much to do at Blue Mountain, both on and off the slopes. After hitting the trails, guests can kick back at Last Run Lounge with trivia nights or live music, or grab a bite at Slopeside Pub & Grill and take in the incredible mountain views from the Summit Lodge. “Swap your skis for tubes and check out the country’s largest Snow Tubing Park – and after 5 p.m., it lights up with music and magic for guests of all ages,” said Seier.

Winter Pampering

If skiing isn’t your idea of fun, NEPA offers other indulgent winter activities. Consider a luxury escape in the heart of the Pocono Mountains at The Swiftwater, where guests can frolic year-round in a heated indoor/outdoor saltwater pool. “It lets guests swim through the stream as snow falls around them and is one of our most loved experiences,” said Julian Beltran, Creative Director, Marketing.

Guests can also enjoy fine dining at The Olivet. “Our on-site fine-dining restaurant adds to the cozy indulgence with seasonal menus, an exceptional wine list and fireside ambiance,” said Beltran, adding that their private plunge pool suites are popular for an elevated winter escape.

Then there’s The French Manor Inn & Spa—a four-diamond winner for lodging and dining. The serene retreat perched atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland is a family-owned business run by the Reese family, with Genni Reese and Bridget Weber as second-generation owners. “It works out well as a destination for couples and girlfriend getaways for those looking to escape the city,” said Reese. Guests can enjoy stunning 28 -mile views from their balconies and in November and December can enjoy wine tastings.

The French Manor Inn and Spa is a four-diamond winner for lodging and dining.

For an all-inclusive experience, Woodloch Resort in Hawley spans three distinct properties. Woodloch Pines caters to families--there are go-carts, bumper cars, indoor climbing areas, a splash zone and water slide, along with a kids’ club supervised by staff.

The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa for ages 16+, refreshes its facilities annually. “This year there’s new tilework, new flooring and an upgraded locker room,” said Erica Bloch, Associate Director of Communications. Guest who need a bit of a refresh can book a post-Christmas appointment when the spa re-opens. Treatments include Ayurvedic therapies, hot stone massages, customized facials, deep tissue massages and more.

The Spa at Woodloch offers many services to help guests feel pampered.

For the golf enthusiast who wants to work on his or her game, Woodloch Springs is located across the street from the spa. The golf community is comprised of 400 guest homes--70 of which are managed by Woodloch.

Winter Wrap Up

Whether you’re sailing down the slopes, bumping over tubing hills, or unwinding at a spa retreat, Northeastern Pennsylvania offers countless ways to celebrate the season. With activities that get the blood pumping, it’s the perfect place to emerge from hibernation.

 Credits: Thanks to Poconomountains.com and Woodloch for photos.

Discovering Greenville through the Upcountry History Museum

As many of you know, I've recently relocated to Greenville, South Carolina after spending my entire life in Pennsylvania.

As a travel writer, I'm excited to explore the South with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that I brought to my years of covering the Mid-Atlantic. Just last week I visited the Upcountry History Museum, where I learned about 300 years of cultural, social and economic development that shaped the Greenville region. 

The Upcountry History Museum is one of a cluster of museums on Heritage Green.

The museum, which opened in 2007, is operated by Furman University and is part of the cultural campus known as Heritage Green. The cluster also includes the Children's Museum, the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Sigal Music Museum, the county's main library and the Little Theatre. The museum covers about 15 Upstate counties from settlement to the present day, offering a sweeping look at the area's story.

As a person who is new to the area and encounters the name McBee a lot around here, I was interested to learn that Vardry McBee is often called "The Father of Greenville." McBee established a saddlery, mills, an ironworks, a brickyard, a stone quarry and more in the Greenville area. Eager to give back to his community, he donated land for schools and churches and became an advocate for the railroad, fueling even more development. (Ironically, I once worked for a company called McBee Systems, while in college. I didn't realize it was based in Greenville. Of course, now I do.)

Vardry McBee is also known as the "Father of Greenville."

Another highlight of my visit was learning how the Reedy River's restoration paved the way for Greenville's renaissance. What is now the beloved Falls Park was once a blighted area. Thanks to funds from a hospitality tax, the city transformed a 32-acre area in the West End District into a beautiful public garden and area where the people can stroll, shop, or simply enjoy the view.

Another highlight of my tour was the Pepsi exhibit. I had no idea that it is based in Greenville. Visitors can enjoy learning about the history of the company and even how its logos evolved over the years. (The first one was atrocious!)

The museum has two levels of exhibit galleries, some permanent and some rotating. In 2015, the Upcountry History Museum became a Smithsonian affiliate, enabling it to host curated Smithsonian exhibits.

Music lovers will appreciate the section on the "Piedmont Blues," a style of acoustic guitar music characterized by a unique finger-picking technique that combines a steady, alternating bass line with a syncopated melody.

Influential blues artists like Rev. Gary Davis and Pink Anderson were born in nearby Laurens, leaving their mark on American music.

One thing I like about exploring the history of areas is that I often discover how common words are coined. For example, carpetbaggers got their name when South Carolinians became a bit resentful of outsiders arriving in the area to participate in state government. One common comment was that "everything these men own they could carry in a carpetbag!"

For me, one of the most moving exhibits was the interactive display on Greenville's textile history. The city was once a textile hub, with mills clustered around the Reedy River. Visitors can hear the sounds of the mills while listening to oral histories from women who worked there. The work was arduous: long hours for low pay and constant exposure to dust and noise. Many were derisively called "lint heads" since cotton fibers clung to their hair, clothes and skin, marking them in ways that fueled class prejudice.

Museum visitors will learn more about those who toiled at textile mills.

In another part of the museum is the War Dogs: K-9 Military Exhibit. It runs through February 9, 2026 and tells the stories of a different kind of military hero. The touching display explains how man's best friend exhibited bravery through during some very trying times in our past.

I found the above exhibit of a fallen service dog on an American flag especially hard to view without tearing up.

Debuting this summer is the Avengers: End Game--The Exhibition, which runs through January 18, 2026. It includes original costumes, movie props and memorabilia from the movie Avengers: End Game. Guests will see the Black Panther costume warn by Chadwick Boseman from nearby Anderson. They will also spot the Ant-Man suit and the Captain America costume worn by Chris Evans. 

Beyond exhibits, the museum hosts programs, events, lectures, family days and more special exhibitions. 

A theater for community gatherings.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Sue Reich's The Quilter's Night Before Christmas November 1-January 11, 2026.

Beyond Halloween Land Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas from October 18-March 1, 2026.

The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons from January 31- May 24, 2026.

The Upcountry History Museum is open from Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

For newcomers like me—and longtime residents alike—it’s a fascinating place to gain perspective on the region’s past and how it continues to shape the Greenville we know today.

Fall into Autumn Tourism in Northeast Pennsylvania

Fall is a great time to take a road trip to the many businesses and attractions in the Northeast Pennsylvania region.

Shopkeepers in the area prepare early to welcome leaf peepers, festival-goers, Halloween fans and more.

Celebrate Spooky Season

Horror Hall

Two businesses that gear up to embrace spooky season are Reaper’s Revenge in Blakely and Horror Hall in West Nanticoke.

John Rinehimer, chairman of the Board of Directors of HorrorHall, has been watching the attraction grow. “When we started this in 1984, we had between three and four thousand visitors. Today it’s grown to between 10,000 and 11,000,” he said.

The venue serves as a community center during the off season. Proceeds not only help keep the lights on in the 35,000 square-foot facility, but also benefit area charities like the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, little leagues, school choirs and police units, to name a few.

The fun starts in the parking lot with food vendors, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire eaters and other acts to captivate attendees.

Once inside, visitors are treated to a stage show to learn the rules before continuing on to a 20-25-minute walk through which evokes startled jumps, screams and laughs. “Guests are entertained from the minute they arrive, to when they leave,” said Rinehimer.

Horror Hall is open weekends throughout October and culminates with even more horror on November 1—one that is so horrific that it requires a waiver, according to organizers. 

Along those same lines is Reaper’s Revenge, which is located just outside of Scranton. The attraction launched in 2009 and delivers a spine-tingling, fright-filled experience with more than five attractions.  The Haunted Hayride, Lost Carnival, Delirium, Pitch Black and Sector 13 provide thrills for thousands of haunt seekers every year.  For the less brave, Reaper's Revenge offers a day-time show "Lil' Grim's" which includes the hay-ride and Delirium walk-through.  The night show runs weekends, through November 2.  Lil' Grim's runs Saturdays and Sundays in October.  

Leaf Peeping Aplenty

Steamtown offers leaf-peeping excursions.

For those seeking a calmer fall adventure, the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton offers scenic train rides that showcase the region’s changing foliage. According to Megan Stevens, Park Ranger, options range from 30-minute rides through the historic Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad to day-long excursions with layovers, live entertainment, food trucks and more.

Another event that celebrates fall is The Fall Foliage Festival is held in the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe every October. This year’s celebration kicks off on Oct. 4 and runs weekends through Oct. 19. During this time, businesses and restaurants run specials and many offer Halloween treats for the kids, while vendors will be on hand selling homemade arts and crafts. Those who visit the town will also be able to experience the beauty of the autumn colors on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The Autumn Leaf Train runs from October 1 through November 16 and takes passengers on a 45-minute roundtrip excursion for a scenic view of the Lehigh Gorge's fall foliage, including views of the river, cliffs, and mountains.

At night, consider supporting a good cause by signing up for a ghost tour run by the Jim Thorpe Rotary. Proceeds benefit summer programs for children. The walk lasts about one hour and is recommended for ages 7 and up.

Ghost stories in Jim Thorpe.

Explore Delaware Water Gap

Buttermilk Falls in Delaware Water Gap.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area touts 150 miles of hiking and biking trails and offers stunning views to take in the breathtaking beauty of nature’s brilliance.

Those who venture into the borough of Delaware Water Gap, just minutes away from Stroudsburg, will encounter historic places like the Appalachian Trail’s oldest hiker hostel, the Deer Head Inn, known as the longest continually running jazz club in the country.

The porch at the Deer Head Inn, the longest running jazz club in the country.

The bar at the Deer Head Inn.

A painting that hangs on the wall of the Deer Head Inn.

The Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap.

Nearby there’s the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery, which is open weekends in October. The museum operates in an historic red school house, which dates to 1870 and tells the story of the town’s tourism heyday when Delaware Water Gap used to attract half a million tourists each year.

The Shawnee Inn at Delaware Water Gap.

Businesses in the borough are also open for unique shopping experiences like those to be had at The Shoppes at Castle Inn. Located in an historic hotel that dates to 1906, the Inn features a toy shop, art gallery, ice cream, antiques and more. Is anyone old enough to remember Fred Waring (waring blender, Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians)? Fred was a native of Delaware Water Gap.

And for something a little different, consider popping into Sango Kura, Pennsylvania’s first and only sake brewery. It operates as an izakaya-style restaurant, serving handcrafted sake and Japanese pub fare.

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to be. From haunted thrills to historic train rides, Northeast Pennsylvania offers many ways to celebrate autumn with activities that appeal to both visitors and locals alike.

Interested in learning more? Visit the following websites for additional information.

Reapers Revenge:  https://reapersrevenge.com/

Horror Hall: https://www.horrorhall.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JimThorpeRotaryGhostWalks/

Steamtown: www.nps.gov/steamtown 

Deer Head Inn: https://deerheadinn.com/

Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery: https://dutotmuseum.org/

The Historic Castle Inn: https://www.castleinnpa.com/

Sango Kura: https://sangokurasake.com/