There is just so much beauty in and around the San Francisco Bay Area — Mother Nature has seriously spoiled us rotten on this side of the world. And while we have our fair share of nationally and internationally recognized landmarks right at our fingertips, some of the more modest state parks are serious gems in their own right. Here are 10 of the best state parks to visit around San Francisco....
Delaware was one of the first places settled by Europeans in the 1600s, and it was the official “First State” of the United States of America. Because of this, Delaware history is full of incredible stories and places that hold keys to the past. There are a lot of landmarks in Delaware that are well known to those from the area, such as the Lightship Overfalls, the Harriet Tubman/Underground Railroad Houses, Fort DuPont and Fort Delaware, but there are also a lot of hidden gems that are off of the beaten path....
The French Quarter is so much more than just a collection of bars on Bourbon. There are dozens and dozens of hidden gems including restaurants, museums, attractions, and shopping opportunities just waiting for you to explore. Pharmacy Museum New Orleans Pharmacy Museum/Facebook Housed in the site of America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., the Pharmacy Museum showcases a unique and extensive collection of the history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana....
When it gets so hot in Kansas that you don’t want to move, then a water park is exactly the medicine you need to keep cool! At this point, the most you can do is lay back and do nothing for a while as you try to beat the heat. A big favorite when you need to relax, these lazy rivers in KS are always cool and always there for us....
It’s the time of year to make sure you’re on You-Know-Who’s “Nice List.” But we’d probably all agree that with or without impending piles of lavish gifts from the North Pole, any time of year is probably a good time to make sure you make the “Nice List,” right? Let’s take a look at how some Nebraska cities and villages ranked on the “naughty” scale this year. These rankings are based solely on reports from Roadsnacks, who on their own “About Us” page says their “goal is to show you the real side of places that not everyone wants to hear....
The tiny town of Duncan, Arizona has quite an incredible claim to fame. It’s the childhood home of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as an Associate Supreme Court Justice! Duncan is also where you’ll find one of the best small-town hotels in Arizona, the Simpson Hotel. Located in the heart of town on Main Street, this historic inn is the perfect place to set up camp while you explore all the charming ins and outs of Duncan....
Are you feeling the need for a getaway? If so, you’re in luck because Alabama offers a variety of destinations that are perfect for a relaxing getaway, including Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama. For information about this state park, including how to rent one of its charming lakeside cottages, take a look below. Joe Wheeler State Park is a wonderful state park that’s located off the beaten path in Rogersville, Alabama....
Do you ever find yourself longing for the good old days – before the internet, when kids played outside until the street lights came on, and when mom and pops outnumbered big box stores? Stroll through the front door of Boonville Store Café in Missouri, and you might feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from yesteryear. The adorable, old-school café and shop promises a unique experience that’s sure to keep you coming back again and again....
Fayetteville, dust off those fairy wings and get ready for the most whimsical adventure in Northwest Arkansas. The Firefly Fling festival is back at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. And this year’s event, will be bigger and better than ever. So, bring the family, and immerse yourselves into the magic. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is located at 4703 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville, and it’s known for all its many spectacular events....
When you’re looking to get away from it all, there’s nothing quite like being on top of a mountain. You’ll feel like you got a sweet escape without even leaving the city area. Burbank Peak features some of the best mountain hikes in Southern California, and it’s the perfect place to go for a nice hike and a nicer view. One of the most pleasant ways to see Burbank Peak is by hiking the Hollywood Sign to Upper Lake Hollywood Loop....
During the summer, the beach communities see an influx of tourists. Although completely warranted (hey, our beaches are some of the best in the country!), sometimes we want to get away from the crowds, not join them. So, where does one go? Well, we found one of the least touristy destinations in Massachusetts. If you want to get away but want some solitude, book a campsite at the underrated Laurel Lake....
If you walked into one of Coney Waffle’s ice cream parlors without knowing what you were getting into, you would be absolutely blown away. The milkshakes and ice cream creations here are unlike any other spot we’ve ever seen, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ve got to plan a visit. Coney Waffle is like no other place on Earth! This New Jersey milkshake bar and ice cream parlor serves up outrageous creations....
North Carolina has so many wonderful small towns that are worthy of a day trip. One of our favorites is the charming town of Brevard, a scenic little town in Transylvania County with a population that hovers around 8,000. As the town is the gateway to the Pisgah National Forest, it’s a popular pit stop for nature lovers on their way to the many scenic spots and waterfalls in the area, but it’s much more than that....
While you might not immediately think of autumn leaves when you think of our region, you can definitely find them if you know where to look! Seasonal colors mostly exist outside of the major cities, so when you’re ready to find some photo-worthy hues, head to Jackson Lake with your mountain bike to see some gorgeous fall foliage in Southern California. Found in Angeles National Forest, Jackson Lake to Vincent’s Cabin is a moderately challenging 9-mile trail that will bring plenty of smiles to your face along the way....
Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, Maggie’s has permanently closed. Maggie’s Restaurant in Wisconsin ensures there’s a beachy vibe, no matter the season. Sometimes called the Pink Palace or even just FlamingoLand, Maggie’s is a bar with a theme – and boy, do they stick to it. Take a drive down to Bayfield and experience the whimsy for yourself. If a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance, then never has a “mascot” so perfectly described a place....
When it comes to family-friendly destinations in Texas, it’s hard to beat Galveston. This island city is just a stone’s throw from Houston, but instead of a bustling metropolis, it’s a relaxed beach town with tons of attractions for all ages. I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember – my hometown is about an hour away, so it’s a quick and easy day trip. For old times’ sake, my sister and I recently visited to enjoy all the activities we used to love as kids....
There’s certainly no shortage of paranormal activity in Washington. From haunted houses to spooky old asylums and more, there’s plenty of places in the Evergreen State where you can check out creepy urban legends of the spirits of old that haunt locations throughout the state. However, a haunted hiking trail in Washington may seem like a bit of a stretch, at least, at first. But a recent list from The Travel Channel ranked the Scariest Haunted Hiking Trails in the U....
Northeast Ohio is an absolutely spectacular place to have fun. Our landscape has parks, playgrounds, wineries — truly, there’s something here for everyone. As soon as autumn is on locals’ minds, people head out to one Greater Cleveland orchard to keep the fun going. It’s perfect for those with an adventurous streak, as well as for those in search of the best place to attend a fall festival near Cleveland. And, if that’s not enough, there’s also a ginormous hillside slide and a pumpkin patch....
When the summer heat starts to retreat and cool air sweeps in, you know it’s fall in Maine. The green of one season gives way to a vast array of colors everywhere you look. This beautiful display is something that we have celebrated for years and years. There is one fall festival in Maine that has been celebrating the season annually for 22 years, and this year they are coming back for an event you will not want to miss....
Located in Oregon’s spectacular Columbia River Gorge, Tunnel Falls is a stunning waterfall that plunges 130 feet down a sheer, moss-covered rock wall into a beautiful clear basin. The waterfall originally earned its name from the tunnel that was blasted through the rock behind it, allowing hikers to pass behind the roaring cascade. For anyone searching waterfalls near me in Oregon, this one might be the most magical you’ll find....
