One of the best things about living in Washington is discovering its many hidden gems, some of which happen to be hiding in plain sight. Unless you grew up in Lynnwood or Edmonds, you’ve most likely never heard of Meadowdale Beach Park. This quiet sandy beach is flanked by lush, green forest, and the scenery is spectacular. Meadowdale Beach Park is an oasis of native forest vegetation. Terry Ruby / alltrails....
No one likes to think about the criminals living next door, especially sex offenders. But it is good to know where criminals live so that you can protect your family. You can actually check online where sex offenders live in your area. Here are the 10 counties in Illinois with the most sex offenders. Hardin County Daniel Schwen/Wikipedia In Hardin County, there are 25.49 sex offenders per 10,000 people. White County nyttend/Wikipedia White County has 25....
Just like much of the country, the 1960s in Ohio was a time of great change and historic events. From politics and war to river fires and retro fashion, Ohio in the 1960s looked very different from the Ohio we know and love today! This era has a huge historical significance for Ohio history, however, and it’s fascinating to dig through the archives and get a better picture (literally) of this pivotal decade....
There are towns in every state with weird names, the kind that makes you wonder if your map app is messing with you. While many New Mexican town names are unfamiliar because they’re in Spanish or because they have Native American origins, others are just bizarre. Here are some of our all-time favorite weird New Mexico town names – which ones have you heard of? Mesilla Flickr/Jasperdo Although Mesilla rolls off the tongue in a pleasant way, its Spanish meaning is “small table” or “side table....
Acadia National Park is simply one of the most beautiful places in Maine. Travelers from all over make their way to this popular destination. This park has been in the top ten most visited parks in our country. Year after year, thousands of people will come to enjoy this amazing piece of land. Mount Desert Island has a plethora of great activities, but this easy trail in Acadia will be a peaceful departure from hikes like the Precipice Trail....
There are plenty of places to swim in Mississippi. However, paying a visit to one of the state’s more popular swim spots means you’ll likely have to fight crowds of people – and that’s no day at the beach. Luckily, there are lots of hidden beaches in Mississippi, where crowds aren’t the norm, and peace and quiet are. One such spot is Hickory Ridge. One of the best hidden beaches in Mississippi, it boasts sand, sun, and, most importantly, a secluded locale....
Are you ready for a road-trip-dip? Just off Route 100, south of Warren Center in the Mad River Valley, is one of Vermont’s most unique swimming experiences. Warren Falls is a natural water park and has everything including picturesque waterfalls, natural watersides, platforms for daring jumpers and serene pools for families with small kiddos. Let’s check it out! A view from the top of the falls. Flickr/Jay Parker This is the quintessential VT swimming hole....
If you’re looking for a short, yet magical hike in Oklahoma that’s filled with epic scenery, Cliffside Trail and the Nature Trail are great options. Both are located inside Heavener Runestone Park and offer a fairy-tail setting with a waterfall, ancient rocks with hieroglyphics, and footbridges. Heavener Runestone Park is a 55-acre park that used to be a state park but is now run by a non-profit organization. It might be small but it is packed full of magical scenery....
When one thinks of the European country of Portugal, amazing wines, footwear, seafood, and architecture often come to mind. But did you know that on a tiny island a little more than an hour and a half flight from there they make great cheese? Come along as we delve our taste buds into a Northern California locale where a generational Portuguese family has brought that tradition and created a cheese haven that can’t be missed!...
When your team is playing in the big game, it is fun to enjoy it with like-minded fans, a cold beer, and delicious bar food. Agree? Where does one find all of this game-day magic? You can find it at the aptly-named Stadium Sports Grill in South Dakota: Located in Spearfish and Belle Fourche, the Stadium Sports Grill “brings excitement into otherwise ordinary meals,” beginning with the lively ambiance. Google/Eric Walsh...
Most people naturally associate camping with summertime. After all, the warmer temperatures, the golden sunshine, and the longer days just pair so perfectly with pitching a tent and falling asleep under the stars. However, these Missouri state parks welcome campers all-year around, so you can experience an old-fashioned camping adventure even during the quietest days of winter. Please note that while many of Missouri’s state parks welcome campers, specifically those in RVs, all-year around, modern restrooms and showers are usually only available from April 1 through October 31 annually....
There’s something undeniably appealing about waterfalls. The sound of rushing water, the sight of it sparkling like diamonds on rock, the cool, fresh smell in the air – they’re absolutely irresistible. And seeing one is even more rewarding if you’ve put in a little work to get there – say with a nice hike. Some of the best hikes in New Hampshire, in our humble opinion, all lead to stunning waterfalls....
Do you believe in magic? How about magical moments, the type of moments that stick with you for a long time, if not forever? There will be a water lantern festival in Massachusetts this fall and it has all the makings of a magical time. So, mark your calendars for the Boston/Weymouth Water Lantern Festival, an extraordinary event you won’t want to miss. Water Lantern Festivals are not only held around the U....
Delicious food, impeccable views, and fascinating history all under one roof? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Wrigley Mansion, one of the best brunch spots in Arizona. One of the only places in town offering all-you-can-eat brunch, this iconic landmark is a must-add to your dining bucket list. You’ll enjoy the usual suspects like bacon and eggs, plus chef-crafted specialties such as cheddar biscuits with green chili gravy and pineapple French toast....
Located along historic Highway 1 in Pacifica, just 20 minutes south of downtown San Francisco, Mori Point is a magical place. Come see for yourself what makes this delightful slice of nature so unique to the area. The site is named after Stefano Mori, an Italian immigrant who settled here in the late 1800s. albedo20/Flickr Back in the day, materials from a limestone quarry were used, in part, to construct the various military outposts and buildings at The Presidio in San Francisco....
If you love waterfalls so much you want to be a part of one, you’re in luck. Cooper Canyon Falls is a beautiful waterfall swimming hole in Southern California and it’s sure to become one of your top choices for nature getaways. While it’s not a deep pool, it sure is a pretty one! Found in Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness in Angeles National Forest, you’ll fall in love with the nice trail and the peaceful water features....
Editor’s Note: Since the publiation of this article, the Gander Inn has permanently closed. Getting away from home doesn’t have to mean going far, or even out of the state. If you need a bit of relaxation, this getaway in Lewellen, Nebraska, may be just the place. Welcome to the Gander Inn in Lewellen, Nebraska! TripAdvisor/management Located just 10 minutes from Lake Mac, the state’s largest lake and a favorite outdoor attraction, the Gander Inn is a terrific home base for a lake adventure in the summer....
There’s a lot to see along the following trail in Maryland. And if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous (and have a lot of time to spend) you could take this entire trail all the way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Read on to learn more about the Great Allegheny Passage, which offers bridges, tunnels, landmarks, and more. Great Allegheny Passage is a paved path that runs all the way from Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....
Nature is all around us here in West Virginia. And while most people opt to explore our state’s breathtaking mountain scenery, you’ll be just as impressed when you spend time near the water. West Virginia has plenty of wonderful lakes to choose from, but Mount Storm Lake is just a little bit different…the water stays warm all year round. So the next time you’re planning a remarkable fall adventure in West Virginia, we hope you keep this special destination in mind....
(Editor’s Note: Pumpkin Nights did not come to the Utah State Fairgrounds in 2021. Check the Pumpkin Nights website for current locations.) This fall, you’ll want to mark your calendars because there’s a glowing pumpkin trail returning to Utah that you won’t want to miss. This annual favorite is the ultimate family-friendly Halloween event that will mesmerize just about everyone. This outdoor festival features more than a half-mile walking path of over 5,000 hand-carved fresh and synthetic pumpkins, and larger that life displays that you simply have to see to believe....
