Guimaraes was settled in the 9th century, and is one of the most historical cities in the country, with a UNESCO World heritage site for its city center, that was preserved when Guimarães became widely urbanized in the 19th century. Steeped in culture and history, this small and walkable city is referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality.  Photo…...

Downers Grove is a Chicago suburb with a population of about 50,000. It has a vital downtown with many shops and restaurants which attract tourists from the Chicago area. It hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. The Orange Lyman Home is purported to have been a stop on the Underground Railway. Picture of Tivoli Theater 2009 courtesy of Wikipedia and…...

Apalachicola is a small town of a few thousand people on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about an hour south of Tallahassee.  This old and wealthy fishing town has a long history due to its location on the rich fishing and oystering areas of the Gulf Coast.  Apalachicola has a very interesting downtown with many restored buildings reminiscent of the…...

Vicksburg, Mississippi could very well become one of the "hot" retirement communities in the years to come. This small town of just over 25,000 is located on bluffs overlooking the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. It has old southern charm with squares, tree-lined streets, riverfront casinos, and the Vicksburg National Military Park. The park commemorates General U.S. Grant's successful siege of…...