Okay pop quiz gumshoes: A terrorist is holding a hostage at gunpoint and the only way they will release them is if you can answer a quick question: “What’s the capital of Switzlerand?”  Tick, tick, tick.  ‘Whatya gonna do Jack? Huh? Whatya do!?’ If you said, “Zurich,” bye bye hostage. Actually, that’s what most people think but…

  This is a city that loves its secrets, secrets like sweet temptations, tasty savories and tart confections, all of which have been simmering like a slow-cooked stew in and around the downtown area of Traverse City, Michigan. And, until recently, the residents of this expanding foodie town were content with keeping it a well-known local…

“Stern, I’ve got another assignment for you,” barked the captain.  “I’m sending you to Switzerland to investigate the latest news in chocolate creations. Some may be old, some may be new but I want you to go check it out and get back here pronto!”  “And remember, this isn’t a vacation so just get the…

Many cities start preparing for eager crowds in late November. Lights get strung across streets, chocolate Santas are lovingly placed in window displays and craftsmen start assembling booths in town squares and along busy walkways

Welcome to my new Global Gumshoe site. My name is Stern…..Ron Stern. I’m a cop. Or at least I was one. Now I’m a travel detective with a license to snoop out the world’s most interesting destinations. I bring the same investigation techniques I used in police work to the travel beat. Sure it takes work. Lots…

It all started with a recipe and a pan she ordered online and her practicing with me as a guinea pig.