Sue is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer whose travel features appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and online publications. She's also an on-air contributor to Around the World Travel Radio and writes a blog about all things Canadian titled Closet Canuck. She loves telling tales from the road and the only "second home" she ever wants is her suitcase, laptop, camera and cell phone.

More Articles
Topics

USA TODAY's 10 special spots to see Santa

Window on the World : Hong Kong

Travel through music, from Feist in Victoria to Sarah McLachlan in Vancouver

Turkey Tale : Flying high from Seattle to New York with a frozen bird in the overhead bin

The Zero Star Hotel opens in a former Swiss air raid shelter

Seattle Examiners

Lew Wright
Washington State Cougars Examiner
Most Recent Post
Cougs look to return to their winning ways at home

Bryan Edge-Salois
Seattle PC Game Examiner
Most Recent Post
Fear 2 banned by aussies

Doug Cassell
Seattle Business Preparedness Examiner
Most Recent Post
Disaster Recovery Exercises, Part 1

John Berkowitz
Washington Huskies Examiner
Most Recent Post
UW coaching search : Mike Leach on the plane to Seattle

Brian, Brandon and Gabe
Showbox Examiners
Most Recent Post
This week's shows

Send us your topic suggestions

This article is part of Seattle's Holiday Guide

USA TODAY's 10 special spots to see Santa

Add a Comment

December 1, 12:45 PM

by Sue Frause, Seattle Travel Examiner

Santa Claus at North Pole, Alaska. Sue Frause photo.

Even though it's December, I still haven't caught a glimpse of Santa Claus. But across the country there are plenty of places to see the guy in the red and white suit, whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart. USA TODAY has a cool interactive map of where to find him:

10 great places to catch up with Santa

I saw this larger than life Santa photographed here several years ago while in North Pole, Alaska. The jolly old man is located at the aptly named Santa Claus House, started by Con and Nellie Miller in 1952. Located 13 miles south of Fairbanks, it's the home of the Original Letter from Santa -- a personalized Santa letter that features a genuine North Pole postmark and Santa's Official Mail seal.

I wrote about North Pole, Alaska in a previous Examiner blog titled

Yes, Virginia, there is a North Pole -- Alaska

Christmas Town USA: That's what McAdenville, North Carolina has been transforming into every December since 1956. Thousands of strings totaling more then 450,000 red, green and white lights light up the trees, businesses and houses of this community. The lighting takes place on Dec. 1 and the display continues through Dec 26.

Topics: Alaska

Feed

Comments

Window on the World : Hong Kong

Add a Comment

November 29, 7:53 AM

I love Hong Kong. And if you're planning an Asian adventure, don't leave out this city. Here are some suggestions of how to navigate this Chinese destination from Fodor's Travel Guides, specifically 1,001 Smart Travel Tips. Hong Kong Travel Tips .... Read More
Topics: Asia

Travel through music, from Feist in Victoria to Sarah McLachlan in Vancouver

Add a Comment

November 28, 9:53 AM

If you're a music lover like me, you sometimes travel to a city or locale just to hear a favorite musician or band. Last summer, I went to an outdoor concert in Victoria, celebrating British Columbia's 150th anniversary. Since I was staying at The Fairmont... Read More
Topics: Vancouver

Turkey Tale : Flying high from Seattle to New York with a frozen bird in the overhead bin

2 comments

November 26, 1:58 PM

Living with a turkey farmer has resulted in many a memorable moment. But flying with one of our homegrown birds on Alaska Airlines from Seattle to New York City was an all-time high. First, a clarification. My husband is not a full time turkey... Read More
Topics: Tales from the road

The Zero Star Hotel opens in a former Swiss air raid shelter

Add a Comment

November 25, 11:54 AM

Zero Star Hotel, the world's first "no star hotel," has opened in Switzerland. Located in a former Swiss civil defense air raid shelter in Sevelen, the unusual hostelry was conceived by artist-twins Frank and Patrik Riklin of the... Read More
Topics: Hotels

Mexico City : One of five "safe" Mexican spots

Add a Comment

November 24, 12:15 PM

I haven't done a lot of traveling in Mexico, but wherever I've roamed, I've felt pretty safe. So far, my destinations have included:Rancho La Puerta - My favorite spa, located in TecateVerana - Luxury spa and romantic getaway in YelapaLoreto Bay - A... Read More
Topics: Mexico

Twilight puts Forks, Washington on the map

2 comments

November 22, 3:16 PM

Forks, Washington is a former lumber town on the Olympic Peninsula, sandwiched between the Olympic Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. A few years ago, the spotted owl was the talk of the town.But a couple of things have changed... Read More
Topics: Western U.S.

New York, New York : Where to sleep and eat

Add a Comment

November 21, 12:00 PM

I don't want to get ahead of myself holiday wise, but I'm looking forward to Christmas in New York. This will be the second time my hubby and I will be spending the holiday with our son in Manhattan. He's been living in the BIg Apple for five years now... Read More
Topics: New York

San Francisco on ice : New York isn't the only city on the rocks

Add a Comment

November 20, 6:31 PM

San Francisco's Union Square has always been a popular destination during the holidays. This season, there will even be more reason to head for SF's urban park, bordered by Stockton, Geary, Powell and Post streets.The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is... Read More
Topics: New York

Yes, Virginia, there is a North Pole -- in Alaska. Complete with a frozen turkey!

Add a Comment

November 19, 4:37 PM

New York City may have its famous tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3, but in North Pole, Alaska they light a giant frozen turkey sculpture. The ice-sculpture bird, standing more than eight feet tall, will be illuminated... Read More
Topics: Alaska