Green Bay Packers & the Caribbean

Okay, so last night's Packers game against the New Orleans Saints wasn't a good time if you were wearing green & gold. But don't fret because Packer Fan Tours brings die-hard fans to a far sunnier place once the season wraps. In the November 2008 issue of Milwaukee Magazine I write about a cruise where fans can mingle with current and former players. Now that's fun in the sun!

PS: You can also read about the cruise here: http://www.packerfantours.com/cruise/

celebrity winemaker

When I heard that Kyle MacLachlan (you've seen him as "Trey" on Sex & the City and "Orson" on Desperate Housewives) was involved with a winery in his home state of Washington, I suggested to my editor that we interview him. She happily agreed and one afternoon I caught up with Kyle where we talked about his frequent trips back to Yakima, David Lynch and his infant son.

The interview is in the November 15, 2008 issue of Wine Enthusiast. To check out the wines, from Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla, Wash., visit www.dunhamcellars.com.

bikers and the law

For a fun piece I wrote for Milwaukee Magazine a few months back, I interviewed local lawyer Michael Hupy about his advocacy work on behalf of motorcyclists. Read the article here, titled "Sidecar Counselor," which was published at around the time thousands of bikes roared into my city Labor Day weekend.

http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/insider/default.asp?NewMessageID=23989

tropical eateries in Milwaukee

Just in case you're in Milwaukee and need a break from the chilly air this winter ... don't fear because I've got some recommendations for restaurants that will make you feel like you're somewhere else. Like the Caribbean. Or the Florida Keys.

In the Winter 2008 issue of Executive Living, a magazine supplement to the Business Journal of Milwaukee, my Dining Out column suggests Bosley on Brady, Edgar's Calypso and Good Life.

need a place to travel this holiday?

For an article that published on FineLiving.com earlier this month, I spent a lot of time thinking about the best places to travel this winter where holidays are celebrated in high style. Whether it's snow-shoeing or ice skating right outside your room in a mansion before a hot-chocolate break; riding a sled down a sloping, snow-covered hill while carrying a torch; or -- if cold weather is your idea of a bad, bad holiday -- lounging under a palm tree with a fruity drink, here are some leads.

Read "Ten Places to Spend the Holidays" here: http://www.fineliving.com/fine/travel/article/0,,FINE_22196_5938767_01,00.html

new web site

I've got a new web site now, so please point your browsers to www.kristineahansen.com. It's still a work in progress with new clips being added, but the basics are up and running!

underwater cameras round-up

In preparation for a Western Caribbean cruise, I began to think about what tools I would need -- both as a vacationer and a travel writer. With plans to snorkel, it dawned on me that an underwater camera would be crucial if I wanted to show friends and family all the fish and coral underfoot. In the November 15, 2008 issue of American Way, the inflight magazine for American Airlines, I write about five camera models that are totally safe for underwater snapping. Read the article, titled "Water Babies," here (scroll down): http://www.americanwaymag.com/tabid/2855/tabidext/4283/default.aspx

welcome!

If you follow my bylines you know that I get around the globe on assignments. I also enjoy reporting in my home state of Wisconsin -- whether it's spending time in the kitchen with a chef or documenting my travels around Milwaukee on a bicycle. Stay tuned to this blog for updates of what I'm up to.