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Journeys Near and Far
Journeys Near and Far

Hello! I'm Melody

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Food

  • Fresh fruit displays inside Harrods Food Halls in London.

    How to Eat Well While Traveling (Without Missing the Good Stuff)

  • Colorful salt water taffy

    Salt Water Taffy: Atlantic City’s Sticky Treat

Hey there!

Hi, I’m Melody, a New Jersey–based freelance travel writer with a passion for discovering the history, culture, and human stories that make a destination unforgettable. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Recent Europe Stories

  • Orkney, Scotland
  • Óbidos, Portugal
  • The Scottish Highlands
  • The Czech Republic

A little vineyard whimsy in Cape May! 🍷♥️ Alice i A little vineyard whimsy in Cape May! 🍷♥️

Alice in Wonderland-inspired artwork by local artist Carol King Hood greets visitors along the winding drive at Willow Creek Winery & Farm—a delightful surprise for me, since I’ve been an Alice fan for years!

Farther along, you’ll find local wines, relaxed dining and vineyard views, all just minutes from Cape May’s beaches.

Read about my visit through the link in my bio.

#CapeMay #WillowCreekWinery #AliceInWonderland #WestCapeMay #Agritourism @agritourism_travel
There is another side to Cape May, New Jersey beyo There is another side to Cape May, New Jersey beyond the shoreline. Have you been to Willow Creek Winery & Farm?

Located just minutes from Cape May’s beaches, visitors can explore the winery’s signature three-sip tasting method, enjoy locally sourced dining, tour the vineyard by golf cart or turn a vineyard afternoon into a Cape May getaway with a stay in one of the winery’s cottages.

Read the full story through the link in my bio.

#CapeMay #JerseyShore #WillowCreekWinery #NewJerseyWine @agritourism_travel @willowcreekwinerynj #TravelWritersUniversity
I had a lovely stroll in Manhattan the other day, I had a lovely stroll in Manhattan the other day, and Bryant Park felt like the perfect little break between skyscrapers.

Do you have a favorite place to pause in the city?

#bryantpark #newyorkcity #NYC
# TravelLif#quads slife #travelquoteoftheday #tra # TravelLif#quads slife 
#travelquoteoftheday #travel #wanderlust
Barrels stacked to the ceiling. Stained glass stil Barrels stacked to the ceiling. Stained glass still filtering light in the archives room. A tasting table set with charcuterie and three glasses: Fleur de Blanc, Blueberry Champagne, and a Meritage with notes of black cherry and allspice. 

I visited Renault Winery Resort recently, and as a South Jersey local, I'm embarrassed it took me this long. Absolutely worth the detour. 

What’s one South Jersey place you kept meaning to visit and finally did?
Full story at the link in bio. 
 
#RenaultWinery #NJTravel #NJwinery #travelwritersuniversity @agritourism_travel
The Ring of Brodgar rises from a thin strip of lan The Ring of Brodgar rises from a thin strip of land between two lochs, a near-perfect circle of stones that has been standing since 2,500 BC. Of the original 60, 36 survive — 27 still upright. 

No one knows for certain what it was for. Archaeologists have suggested ceremonies, even lunar observations, but there is little evidence. 

What remains is a near-perfect circle of stones, set in one of the most extraordinary prehistoric landscapes in the world. What do you think it was for? I'd love to know. 

Full story of my trip there — link in bio. ✈️

#RingOfBrodgar #Orkney #Scotland #TravelWritersUniversity
You know those pretty London garden squares, the o You know those pretty London garden squares, the ones tucked behind iron gates, where only the lucky residents have keys? This one was across from the London House Hotel at Kensington Gardens Square, where I stayed for a few peaceful nights. Every time I passed it, I couldn’t help but think of Notting Hill, when Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant climbed over the fence☺ What fun!  It was a relaxing view after a week's stay in central London.

Have you ever stumbled across a secret garden while traveling?

#visitlondon #LondonMakesItPossible #LondonCalling #LoveLondon #ExploreLondon #LondonVibes #ThisIsLondon #secretgarden #lockedgarden #Londongarden #gardensoflondon @londonhousehotel 
4h
Sometimes travel magic is just a comfy bed, great Sometimes travel magic is just a comfy bed, great breakfast… and a bag of ice. ✈️🧊

After my flight was canceled—and with a fractured foot slowing me down—I was so grateful to find the Hilton London Heathrow Airport just a short walk from Terminal 4. My room was stylish and well-appointed, and the cheerful, light-filled lobby made the next morning brighter—especially over their fabulous breakfast buffet.

Ever had travel plans fall apart—only to be rescued by good food?

#foodiefriday #visitlondon @hiltonheathrowairport @visitlondon #hilton #travelwritersuniversity

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