August's Best Destinations

Mackinac Island, Michigan (Pronounced Mack'-i-naw) August is a wonderful time to experience Mackinac Island. And 'experience' is the correct word. Mackinac Island is a throwback in time. There are no cars on the island, so you travel around via horse-drawn carriages or bicycles. Rent a bike and circle the island, explore the wooded trails of Mackinac Island State Park or simply wander through town with a piece or two (or three!) of their world-famous fudge. Visit Arch Rock during the warm day and relax on the porch of the Grand Hotel during the cool evening.

Reykjavík, Iceland Midnight Light With long daylight hours, mild temperatures and easy access to Iceland's spectacular natural wonders, Reykjavik is an ideal base for exploring. Wander the colorful streets, admire the striking architecture of Hallgrímskirkja, browse local art galleries and enjoy the city's vibrant cafés before venturing out to waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal lagoons or the famous Golden Circle. The dramatic landscapes and welcoming Nordic culture make Reykjavík a fantastic August destination.

Buenos Aires, Argentina Tango and Tradition It's winter in Buenos Aires right now, bringing crisp temperatures that are perfect for exploring the city on foot. Stroll the colorful streets of La Boca, admire the grand architecture along Avenida de Mayo, browse the antique shops and cafés of San Telmo or spend an afternoon at the renowned Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. As evening falls, settle into a neighborhood parrilla for a traditional Argentine steak before experiencing the passion and elegance of a tango performance. Buenos Aires blends European charm with unmistakable South American energy.

Innsbruck, Austria Alpine Charm August is a wonderful time to visit Innsbruck, where colorful medieval streets meet the dramatic peaks of the Austrian Alps. Ride the Nordkette cable car for breathtaking mountain views, stroll through the charming Old Town to see the famous Golden Roof or explore the Imperial Palace and its beautifully preserved state rooms. Whether you're hiking alpine trails, lingering at an outdoor café or simply soaking in the mountain scenery, Innsbruck offers the perfect blend of history, culture and outdoor adventure.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Artful Rating: 5 Brushstrokes 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨

Every once in a while, I finish a book and immediately want to hand it to someone else. Allen Levi's Theo of Golden is one of those books.

The story centers around an artist, so I was probably destined to love it from the very first page. But it was about more than just an artist. It was about people. And their relationships. And their stories.

This is one of those wonderfully uplifting books that reminds us how much kindness matters. In a world that often seems consumed by conflict and division, Theo of Golden celebrates generosity, community and the extraordinary impact ordinary people can have on one another. The characters are authentic and the writing is heartfelt, though it never felt sappy or forced. It was just beautiful. I didn't want it to end.

It also made me think about how art brings people together. It's a theme that runs gently through the novel without ever feeling heavy-handed, and one that resonated deeply with me. I gather regularly with four separate groups of people in an art centric environment. Yet, there's still crossover. Just this morning, I volunteered at my local art museum for a children's travel-based imagination event...and a friend from another art group showed up with her husband and grandchildren. I love it when my worlds collide!

I was also amazed to learn that this was Allen Levi's first novel and that he originally self-published it in 2023. What an extraordinary debut!

If you're looking for a book that will leave you smiling, restore a little faith in humanity and perhaps even inspire you to see the people around you a bit differently, I couldn't recommend Theo of Golden more highly.

Kindness is never overrated.

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