Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1486263
Washington, D.C. Our nation's capital has one of the best culture-to-dollar ratios you'll find anywhere; there's a lot to do and most of it is free. A walk along the National Mall, with its plethora of monuments and memorials, brings American history to life. Explore the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and so many others. Every city has free ways to enjoy the local ambiance, but D.C.'s offerings are a cut above. Check out washington.org for a list of 100 free activities in the region. Austin, Texas Those who live in the Lone Star State already know that Austin is a great place for live music, and from festivals to free concerts, there's something to love in nearly every genre. The sheer volume of remarkably talented artists gives you plenty to choose from. Looking for something just a bit more unusual? Between March and October, make your way to Austin's Congress Bridge just before sunset to watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats put on a show as they forage for a meal. It is said to be the largest urban bat colony in North America. Pack Your Bags And, when you want to splurge, an adventure may be in order. Take a page from actor-producer Ryan McPartlin's book and plan a family outing. McPartlin has been so busy with various projects that he has missed three birthdays and Thanksgiving with his family due to work. So when it came time to plan a vacation, he and his wife Danielle wanted to spend time with each other and their sons, Wyatt and Dylan. They chose to take a cruise to Alaska, leaving from Seattle in July, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. In Ketchikan, the family took a hike through a temperate rainforest and had the opportunity to view lots of bald eagles. In Juneau, they enjoyed a whale-watching excursion, being fortunate enough to view an entire pod of the massive creatures. Then, in Juneau's Red Dog Saloon, the family got to see a pistol that was left behind by Wyatt Earp — McPartlin's son's namesake. At the last stop, Skagway, the quartet hopped on ATVs and rode up to a glacier. McPartlin said the entire family had a great time, and that it was restful and rejuvenating to be away from the phones and computers that can take up so much of our time and attention. "What made it a good vacation? We got away from our devices and we got out in nature," he said. "I got to learn more about my kids." The Deluxe Getaway When it comes to vacation destinations, Portugal tops SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher's list. She had the opportunity to visit in August, and couldn't get enough of the Iberian nation. "Portugal, I decided, is my happy place. I feel so happy when I'm there … beautiful people, wonderful weather," she said. Drescher said Lisbon and its neighborhoods are in some ways reminiscent of Los Angeles in terms of weather, topography and flora — but so much less stressful. One major difference, however, is that Lisbon is a walkable city with trollies available if you want to rest your feet. Drescher and her ex-husband and best friend, Peter Marc Jacobson, spent their time strolling the neighborhoods and sampling the local cuisine. It was a perfect wind- down before returning to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, back in Southern California, Rosie O'Donnell has perfected the staycation. During the pandemic, she rented a house in Malibu while working in Los Angeles, and since then, she hasn't taken a "real" vacation — because she doesn't need to. O'Donnell enjoys taking her kids, who range in age from 9 to 27, on walks along the pier, stopping to get lunch on the way. They walk the beach, rent wooden chaise lounges and sit and eat at the Paradise Café. "I feel very lucky to be living this kind of life, even if it's just for a year," she said. • Juneau, Alaska Ryan McPartlin Malibu, California Rosie O'Donnell and Dakota Lisbon, Portugal Fran Drescher SCAN FOR Behind the Scenes of Fran in Portugal! B I Z B U Z Z / Special Section 87