Parker Palm Springs

The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.

The Countryside of Taiwan

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
Though the cities are exciting, nothing beats the vivid green and bright blue of Taiwan’s rolling countryside. From Jiofen to Hualian—each small town in the Northern Taiwan countryside was not only stunning, but they each had their own charm. When you go to Taiwan, make sure to get outside of the cities.

Taiwan’s Vibrant Culture

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
I’d never been to Asia and stepping into the Taiwanese culture was thrilling, disorienting, embracing and shocking—I loved every minute of it. The Taiwanese Culture amazes—in custom, religious, attitude, and lifestyle—and it was beautiful to see and experience.

Ritual & Ceremony in Taiwan

 USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
The Taiwanese culture is based on ritual and ceremony on my tour, I was able to dive right into the local customs—from meeting a local calligrapher to praying at Longshan Temple to participating in a tea ceremony.

Food of Taiwan Guide

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
This lush island nation has so much variety in fresh local products, it’s no surprise that the food is outstanding! From street food to gourmet, famous food chains to home cooked meals, we dive into Taiwan’s food culture.

Night Markets of Taiwan Guide

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
My first Night Market in Taipei was overwhelming, sensational and addictive. I was enthralled by stall after stall of the exotic foods, wild clothing and the buzzing energy of the streets. Shillin & Ning Xia are MUST-STOPS in Taiwan—see why.

Night Markets of Taiwan Guide

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
My first Night Market in Taipei was overwhelming, sensational and addictive. I was enthralled by stall after stall of the exotic foods, wild clothing and the buzzing energy of the streets. Shillin & Ning Xia are MUST-STOPS in Taiwan—see why.

Taiwan Overview

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
For such a small island nation, Taiwan has so much to see, do, eat and experience. From Taipei to Hualien, city to the country, hyper-crowded to hyper-local—we explored it all, with the locals as our guide.

Stop & Go: Chicago’s Art Institute

Get Lost on a Train Series
A very worthy stop on your Chicago tour–this museum has so many iconic pieces of art, it is truly remarkable. Stop by the Bean next door to check off two of Chicago’s best spots.

DEEP Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s

Get Lost on Amtrak! A profile of the deep dish craze and the two main contenders: Lou Malnati’s & Giordano’s.