Laurie's light travel travel tips

Okay, I'm biased. I was probably conceived very near this town, and the first pictures of me - or some of them - are of my cherubic infantile self smiling and gurgling in my Unkie's arms on Northwood Street. Then there's the memory of playing in Mickey Hans' red wheelbarrow or rushing into Alice First Baptist church for Vacation Bible School. Don't get me started on the time Stephanie introduced me to my first pseudo-boyfriend at age 12 on Highland Avenue. Small towns are sacred because they're guardians of our memories. My grandmother, grandfather, and uncle are buried just beyond the animal hospital, in a cemetery that I am pleased to say enjoys a nice view of the open Texas fields (yes, beside the highway, but I'm sure my grandmother would have smiled knowing it was an easy turn-off.) But beyond knowing my relatives eternally rest close by, I have the pleasure of hearing about them among the locals. Church members remember a man I never will, my dear g...

When I saw that Showtime's "The Affair" was shot in Montauk, it was thrilling. But also a little unsettling - because when I discovered the easternmost tip of Long Island in the Hamptons back in 2004, I felt isolated. Walking off the train and into town was a soulful experience, a retreat from the more gentrified folk in Southhampton and East Hampton. Yet, nothing can spoil such natural beauty, not even more tourists, more expensive homes, or the Hollywood intrusion (and a fine dramatic one at that - crisp writing and compelling acting.) Following are my top 10 to-dos in Montauk, but first be clear on where it's located and how to get there: I like to take the Long Island Railroad out of Penn Station. But then, I love trains and abhor traffic. If you are like me bring a good book, your mineral water and a PB&J and settle in for a gorgeous ride out of the city and into the Hamptons. Along the way you'll pass those stuffier places I mentioned (although they...

Grand Junction, Colorado is a sleepy suburb surrounded by soaring mountains near the stunning red-rock Colorado National Monument, four hours southwest of Denver. Quiet, serene, brimming with fantasies of the wild west at every turn. You'll half expect to see a shootout outside the local saloon or John Wayne jumping off his horse. To get to Grand Junction, fly into the local airport ($300 from New York City or just $230 from LA ) and drive a few miles into town. The drive itself is stunning, miles and miles of clear vistas interspersed with jagged buttes and squat, chunky trees. You might even see an eagle soaring above along the way. Activities here include horseback riding, biking, visiting parks (such as Confluence Park in nearby Delta), mountain biking, and wine tasting. There are many wineries peppering the area including Two Rivers (also an inn), Desert Sun Vineyards , and Ptarmigan Vineyards/Stoney Mason . I had the joy of watching my younger niece Kristen, now a coll...