A former Civil War-era mansion has been recast as the Heights House Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood overlooking downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.
We're Michael & Therese
Award-winning Photographers & JournalistsU.S. States
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We’ve won a number of travel writing and photography awards along the way.
Recent Travel Posts
We are travelers. Always have been. We engage. We explore. We immerse ourselves everywhere we go. We are both uber-curious and enthusiastic about sharing our experiences. Here are a few of our latest travel stories.
“Top of Adventure” fun and views at Grindelwald-First in Jungfrau Switzerland
Grindelwald-First, above the town of Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau region, offers a taste of adventure for everyone — you don’t have to be a climber or paraglider to enjoy it all.
Best Berlin museums highlighted during Long Night of Museums Berlin
Imagine staying up all night going in and out of any number of Berlin museums. When the annual Long Night of Museums in Berlin rolled around, we joined in the fun — wandering through museums until 2 a.m. It is a great way to explore some of the best Berlin museums.
Potsdam Palace Night with artists, food, fun in Park Sanssouci
Potsdam Palace Night lets you stay out late with your friends in Park Sanssouci enjoying artists, illuminations, food, and drink – sans curfew – just fun in the dark at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do in New Bern, NC – Discover historic small-town charm
There are plenty of things to do and see in New Bern, North Carolina, which should not come as a surprise since the city’s tagline is “We’ve spent over 300 years preparing for your visit.”
Benjamin Ellis House offers casual luxury in New Bern, North Carolina
New Bern, North Carolina, is a darling city worthy of a stopover to experience small town charm on the Neuse River. We’d recommend you stay at the luxurious Benjamin Ellis House, a spectacular historic inn that gives travelers comfortable, centrally located lodging for a walkable visit.
New Korean War Memorial Wall of Remembrance in D.C. is personal
A Wall of Remembrance was added in July 2022 at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Therese was there to honor the memory of her uncle Capt. Ara Mooradian, USAF, MIA, at the family ceremony prior to the public dedication. She took that moment to explore her own relationship to her uncle and his memory.
Wildlife Photography Tips: 9 tips to improve your wildlife photos
It is not difficult to take eye-catching images of animals if you know a few wildlife photography tips. These nine tips improved my wildlife photos immediately, and they will improve your photographs, too.
Getting weird in Nevada with art, history, ghosts & clowns
Traveling through Nevada there are a lot of very weird things to see, do and experience. It is a weird state that touts its weirdness with pride. Discover weird Nevada with me as I show you a few odd things you too will want to discover.
Hyatt Centric Sacramento: centrally located historic boutique hotel
When you visit California’s capital city of Sacramento consider staying at the Hyatt Centric, a superbly located upscale boutique hotel that shows off the building’s history.
Grass Valley travel journalists win three photography gold medals
Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian win three gold medals, a silver medal, and two bronze medals in the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association 2022 photography awards.
Clean your luggage after every trip to protect against bed bugs and germs
Don’t bring germs and bugs into your home after you travel. Know how to properly clean and sanitize your carry-on and checked luggage to keep your suitcases looking good as well as bug and germ free.
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