New Jersey is often cited for its proximity to New York City, but many parts of the state feel like a completely different world from that urban hustle and bustle. In Butler, New Jersey, the Apshawa Preserve is one of those places. The 576-acre nature preserve provides a quiet escape from the manufactured quality of contemporary life. Read on to learn more about this kid-friendly hiking trail in New Jersey!...
It’s no secret that most unique and wonderful discoveries are often tucked away in the most unexpected places – and this is especially true throughout the charming rural regions of Michigan. Here in the Great Lakes State, our quieter communities hold some of the best hidden gems imaginable. When you’re looking for the opportunity to step into the past while enjoying a tasty meal, there’s one middle-of-nowhere general store in Michigan that belongs on your must-visit list....
Thirty acres of stunning nature is waiting for you. With the grand Guadalupe River nearby, Camp Huaco Springs is the ideal camping destination and place for tubing near Austin! Bring your friends and spend a weekend in the best way possible. You’ll have an unforgettable tubing adventure at this river campground near Austin. Camp Huaco Springs sits in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country. Camp Huaco Springs/Facebook You’ll find this picturesque camping destination in New Braunfels....
Small towns are pretty nice, right? So many are charming enough that they’re worthy of a day trip all on their own. Some small towns are known for quirky things, like their delightful antique shopping, arts districts, histories, and more, but our favorite thing to love about small towns is the FOOD! Who doesn’t love food, right? Well, we found a small Hoosier State town that’s got as many great restaurants as it does residents....
Before the rise of water parks and public pools, the best way to cool off on a hot summer day involved visiting the nearest river or lake. In fact, the act of finding those precious natural swimming holes was all part of the experience! Relive the good ole days when you seek out this one particular swimming hole located along the South Fork of the Yuba River. Known as the Emerald Pools in Northern California, this gorgeous swimming spot will take you back to the good, old days!...
Are regular day trips feeling empty or less interesting? Maybe you need to learn a bit of New Jersey history on your travels! Explore a ghost town resurrected into a museum and stay the night in a nearby old Victorian home with this 2-for-1 New Jersey day trip idea. It’s bucket list time, so grab your planner. Exploring a museum can sometimes be more than walking a few hallways. In New Jersey, it can span an entire village!...
Welcome to the perfect time of year in Maine! While we all love the summer, there’s just something remarkably special about the fall season in Vacationland. The tourists have cleared out, the air has a slight chill in the morning and the leaves — well — they speak for themselves. As we get ready for colder temperatures later in the year, why not get outside and enjoy this perfect in-between time....
Old-fashioned camping isn’t for everyone. Sleeping on the hard ground. Dealing with bugs. Unexpected rain. For some it’s heavenly; others would rather avoid such a rustic adventure. However, if you love the idea of quiet time among nature, roasting marshmallows and stargazing, you’ve got a pretty good shot of falling in love with glamping. These campgrounds in Missouri all feature yurts, a unique way to spend a night or two....
Camping can be a fun experience but sometimes it’s a bit too rustic for some people. Glamping is a great alternative for those wanting to be close to nature but also want to enjoy some modern luxuries at the same time. Over the last several years, Oklahoma has added some great glamping options in the most beautiful settings. Keep scrolling to check out 7 camping spots with yurt-like rentals for an unforgettable overnight adventure....
One of the best parts of living in Ohio is the opportunity to get out and experience nature. Hiking trails, waterways, cave tours, and more mean there are endless ways to immerse yourself in the natural landscape. And sometimes, incredible natural wonders are right there at your doorstep. That’s certainly the case with the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls. It’s located right on the Cuyahoga River, offering breathtaking views of the rapids and falls right from the building....
All across Idaho, you will find some incredible hidden gems. One of these comes in the form of a boardwalk trail in northern Idaho. The Blackwell Island Wetland Trail is where you can see wildlife, capture remarkable views of the Spokane River, and so much more. It is a true treasure near Coeur d’Alene. The Blackwell Island Wetland Trail is found at the Blackwell Island Recreation Site near Coeur d’Alene. This little-known recreation area sits on the northwest shore of Lake CDA and is where the Spokane River meets the lake....
There are many places to travel in Minnesota without ever leaving the state! Between our state’s dozens of state parks, hundreds of Lake Country resorts, and everything in between, it’s not hard to find a wonderful place to visit. For a perfect day trip not far from the Twin Cities, we recommend a little journey to Taylors Falls. With plenty to see and do, this lovely town 60 minutes outside the metro is sure to delight....
The best restaurants in Missouri offer one of the best ways to experience our great state. Whether it’s a neighborhood spot or a Zagat-rated find, these standout restaurants in Missouri all hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve embarked on an almost impossible task: pinpointing the top restaurants in Missouri. Whether you’ve lived in the Show-Me State for just a few years or you’re a lifelong resident, chances are you understand just how impressive our culinary scene can be....
Sit down for a relaxing homemade meal with friends and family at one of the authentic Amish restaurants in Pennsylvania. Opt for a delicious buffet-style meal or order a platter with hearty portions. These 7 best Amish restaurants in Pennsylvania promise a unique and delicious dining experience. Katie’s Kitchen – 200 Hartman Bridge Road, Strasburg, PA 17579 Yelp/J.M. Yelp/Bex L. Make sure you go to Katie’s Kitchen hungry because you’ll have plenty of home cooked Amish meals - meatloaf and home style chicken, for example - from which to choose from the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus....
Bigger may not always be better, but when it comes to parks, there’s more room for exploration if the park has a sizable number of acres. The largest state park in Kansas certainly fits that bill: you’ll find more than 4,000 acres at El Dorado State Park in Butler County. This magical park sprawls through the scenic Flint Hills and contains the mighty El Dorado Reservoir. There’s so much to see and do here, and luckily, there’s camping and cabins available, so you can spend the whole weekend and make it a multi-day adventure!...
Located in downtown Salt Lake City are charming historic buildings. In one of those, you will find The Nauvoo, the most delightful Utah café with sandwiches, salads, and soups. Whether you are shopping downtown, simply searching for a new and tasty place to eat, or you want to revisit a favorite café in Utah, The Nauvoo in Utah is an enchanting day trip destination that’s just waiting for you. Located in downtown Salt Lake City and nestled in historic Temple Square is the well-known Joseph Smith Memorial Building....
Hidden natural oases are tucked in all corners of Pennsylvania, just waiting to be discovered. This one-of-a-kind nature center in Pennsylvania promises something for visitors of all ages, both the kiddos and the adults, making it a must-visit. Wear a pair of comfy walking shoes, too, if you want to explore both indoors and outdoors. Tucked away on 65 acres in Northampton Township, Churchville Nature Center has been a natural oasis - and an ideal spot to learn more about the environment - since it opened in 1964....
Who doesn’t love looking at baby animals? No matter the species, these aww-dorable cuties are enough to melt most people’s hearts. That’s why Minnesota is so lucky to have a special spring festival that puts some of the cutest animal babies in one place. If you’re looking for a cute event that’ll delight the whole family, plan a trip to Spring Babies in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This spring festival is worthy of your bucket list every year....
Oregon’s lakes are peak #pnwonderland: clear-blue and shockingly cold, placid and pristine, superlative and world-renowned. While there are so many beautiful lakes to escape to when a case of wanderlust (or The Mondays) strikes, today we’re visiting a favorite that never fails to turn our proverbial frown upside down. In Cascadia, Oregon, Clear Lake is the source of the famous McKenzie River, formed more than 3,000 years ago when volcanic lava flow blocked a stream bed....
Pittsburgh’s often been called a big city with a small town feel. We, Pittsburghers, have the best of both worlds because we’re also within easy driving distance of a plethora of charming small towns. Here are 14 small towns near Pittsburgh that offer a glimpse into yesteryear. So, next time you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day, head to one of these friendly small towns. Ligonier Flickr/Jon Dawson Ligonier may be considered a small town....
