William Faulkner once said, “To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” This week I had a chance to test that principle for myself, including a visit to Faulkner’s home in Oxford, Mississippi. I spoke at the University of Mississippi’s The Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom about my book, “Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution.”  As I often do, I decided to take some pictures as I explored the campus and the nearby environs of Ole Miss. This is an extraordinary place filled with the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. I could not recommend a visit more highly. Continue reading “Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty: A Leisurely Stroll Through Ole Miss” →

I was fortunate enough to speak in Naples, Florida on my book  Rage and the Republic. I wanted to share a few photos of this uniquely beautiful place. Continue reading “The Radiant Beauty of Naples, Florida” →

This week, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking at the Reagan Presidential Library on my book, Rage and the Republic. I was able to spend time with the outstanding staff of the library and the foundation, who were kind enough to give me a tour of this unique and inspiring place. I hope that sharing some pictures from the visit might lead some of you to plan a visit to the library in Simi Valley. It is truly extraordinary in the breadth of its collection and its presentation of historical artifacts. Give yourself a few hours because you will want to explore every corner of this amazing place. Continue reading “A Visit With The Gipper: My Trip to the Reagan Presidential Library” →

I am on a book tour for Rage and the Republic in California this week that began with an event at the 131-year-old Jonathan Club. The building and collection of the club are a delight for anyone who, like me, relishes historical preservation. It is filled with incredible art, antiques, and period designs. I wanted to share some pictures from my visit. Continue reading “A Visit with the Historic Jonathan Club” →

Today I am flying back to Washington after a book tour in Colorado and California discussing Rage and the Republic. It was a great trip and I am thrilled by the interest in the book. While in San Francisco and Los Angeles, I took a few pictures that I wanted to share as part of our travel blog series. Continue reading “The Vibrant Beauty of California” →

I am returning today from a speech in Boise, Idaho. I love coming to Idaho and Boise in the “Treasure Valley” is always a delight. This city was initially founded as a fort along the Oregon Trail and grew rapidly during the Gold Rush. It remains an American gem, a quiet and graceful city along the Boise River. Continue reading “The Beauty of Boise in the Fall” →

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of debating Harvard Professor Randall Kennedy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Before returning to Washington, I made a pilgrimage to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and wanted to share a few pictures. Nashville is a favorite city that has been featured on this blog previously. However, no trip would be truly complete without a trip out to Hermitage. Continue reading “The Beauty of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage” →

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking about free speech in Prague and my book,“The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.” While the trip was relatively brief, I was able to venture out to see this unique city. Prague is, in a word, magical. This ancient city on the Vltava River is overwhelming in its beauty, history, and culture. It is one of my favorite places on Earth, and I hope that readers will visit Prague if they are coming to Europe. Trust me, you will leave in awe of the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Continue reading “The Old World Beauty of Prague, The City of Spires” →

Recently, I spoke in Utah and was able to take a day of hiking and fishing with my wife, Leslie, near Park City. It was spectacularly beautiful, even though it shattered the harmony of my marriage. Continue reading “The Beauty of Deer Valley . . . and the Battle of “El Diminuto”” →

I had the pleasure of speaking to different groups in Kansas City this week about my book, “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.” When I was first contacted about the events, I was unsure that I could fit it into the schedule. That is when one of the hosts told me that one of the events would be held at the National World War I Museum. As a military history nut, that ended any doubt. I have wanted to visit the museum for years and could not resist the opportunity. It would turn out to be an overwhelming experience. Kansas City is a beautiful city filled with great food and wonderful people. However, if you come just for the museum, you would consider yourself well served. This is a unique space and captures the causes and costs of the Great War. Continue reading “Over There: A Visit to National World War I Museum and Memorial” →