The heart and soul of the Prairie State truly lie within its small cities and towns. These towns have a sense of a close-knit community, a slower pace of life, and offer places to explore that you just can’t find anywhere else. If you happen to find yourself in the northern part of the state, here are a few things to do in Sandwich, Illinois, a small city that’s a worthwhile place to explore....
Book lovers in Connecticut have no shortage of great destinations to check out. We’ve got great bookstores, libraries, and even a restaurant where you can get a free book when you dine. We’ve curated a fun book-themed road trip in Connecticut for you. The total one-way driving time is a little less than two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to peruse all the shelves at each stop! This is a fun little trip that won’t take up much of your time, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves books in Connecticut....
Located in Southern San Diego on beautiful Coronado Island, the Hotel del Coronado is both a luxury resort and a haunted hotel! Its island location makes it unique in the Southern California city, and locals in San Diego all recognize its beautiful buildings and the famous ghost story accompanying it. Perhaps the most famous hotel in San Diego, the Hotel del Coronado is known for its unique red roofs, its proximity to the Coronado bridge, and its well-known haunted room....
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is unlike anything else you’ll see in Montana. The 3,000-acre park is located 12 miles east of Whitehall, and although the cavern does close for winter (with one exception), you can explore the rest of the recreation area all year long. And caverns aside, this is a place that’s well worth an off-season visit. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park was established in 1937, making it Montana’s oldest state park....
Livingston is known for many things. For one, it has more books than people, perhaps because it’s home to more writers per capita than any other city in America. Surrounded by rugged nature, this historic train town was once known as the original Gateway to Yellowstone National Park. These days, it’s simply a laid-back little city with friendly people, great restaurants, and a short distance to abundant outdoor recreation. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a change of scenery, you’ll love it here—especially since there are some fantastic bookstores and breweries....
The Irish culture of fun and merriment is summed up in one word: craic. The slang term refers to joyful banter and carefree conversation. One spot where you can find plenty of craic is one of the many Irish pubs in New York. One of our very favorites is Kitty Hoynes in Syracuse’s Armory Square. New York has a particularly large population of Irish Americans. Even if you aren’t of Irish heritage, a visit to this place will have you sipping a Guinness and dancing a jig...
Sometimes we want the best of both worlds – a quiet hideaway where we can relax and recharge. However, we might also want to be within easy distance of all of the amenities – and excitement – that the city has to offer. That’s where this mural-themed Airbnb in Missouri comes in. Stroll through the front door of this colorful home, and you’ll feel a million miles away from it all....
Golden, sun-soaked days, the soft sand between our toes, and the warm temperatures – does it get any better? It sure does, especially if you pair that perfect beach day with a meal at this beachfront restaurant in Missouri. Bring the whole family, a group of friends, or that special someone for a delicious meal, beautiful views, and a laidback vibe. Franky & Louie’s Beach Front Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach boasts something for everyone with its sandy beach, generous menu, and live entertainment....
Flea markets are real-life treasure hunts, and there’s an epic destination in southern Oregon sure to make every thrifter’s heart flutter. Boasting a massive array of objects old, new, and everything in between, the Southern Oregon Flea Market is a veritable treasure trove. And with an ever-changing inventory and both regular and seasonal shopping events, this Oregon flea market is one you’ll want to visit again and again! You know the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?...
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be above the clouds? While you can always hop a plane or charter a spacecraft (a la William Shatner), there is a much easier way, which is staying the night at this dreamy Colorado hotel that is so high in terms of altitude, it is above the clouds: Welcome to the Peaks Resort & Spa, which sits at an altitude of 9,500 feet and will make you feel above the clouds....
There’s no shortage of scenic places to hike in Arkansas, and while many of the trails are tried-and-true favorites, there are countless others that offer nothing but peace and quiet (and, you know, the opportunity to get your heart pumping a bit!) Here are some of the best hikes in Arkansas for those days you need the R&R only Mother Nature can provide: Flatside Pinnacle Trail - Perryville AllTrails/Afton Tucker Flatside Pinnacle is a perfect place to go and reflect on life....
There’s no denying that Florida offers countless outdoor opportunities, including some of the best hiking opportunities around. If you’ve been wanting to begin exploring our state’s many trails, but you’re not exactly sure where to start, no worries. We’ve compiled a list of nine easy hikes in Florida that are great for beginners. They’re also some of the best hikes in Florida. Wekiwa Springs State Park Trails - Apopka Flickr/Meagan Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, USA...
If you want to get out and enjoy everything that the Big Island has to offer, there’s a secluded cabin in Hawaii that you have to see in person. Tiny, cozy, and extremely charming, this little cabin is located just a short 25 minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Pack your bags and head on out to this rustic little cabin in the jungle! If you’re headed out to the Hawaiian Islands, make the Big Island one of your stops....
New Jersey has a lot of things in abundance: a lot of excellent pizzerias, a lot of amazing beaches, a lot of memorable bagel shops — and a lot of amusement parks! You can find so many interesting amusement parks in the state from the massive franchises (Six Flags) to smaller, boardwalk rides. One of our favorites is a mini-theme park that’s designed just for kids. If you’re looking for an incredibly fun adventure with your kids in New Jersey, we recommend Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park....
Just because the cold weather is upon us, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy al fresco dining! At Willamette Valley Vineyards, visitors can reserve a heated igloo for a private dining experience that’s pure, unadulterated hygee. This winter, stay warm and cozy in your very own igloo while enjoying a freshly prepared meal at one of the most beautiful vineyards in Oregon. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is immensely beautiful and bountiful, home to an abundance of world-renowned vineyards and wineries....
Have you ever taken a trip along one of Minnesota’s scenic byways? There are many all across the state, and they take travelers along beautiful rivers, around sparkling lakes, and through prairies, forests, and even cities. There is a beautiful drive for people interested in just about every type of landscape. Today, we want to introduce one of our favorite scenic drives. It’s Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, and it’s a beautiful 54-mile drive through Minnesota’s lake country....
Donuts are the perfect sugary indulgence. They’re hand-held, so you can eat them while driving, walking the dog, or typing with one hand on your computer. They come in a large variety of flavors, so whether you’re in the mood for an apple fritter or a chocolate bar, you can get your sugar fix to your exacting specifications. And, they’re inexpensive enough that you can enjoy one every day, if you’re so inclined....
What’s better than spending a day with your loved ones? Spending a day with your loved ones without spending a single dime! Luckily for those of us who live in the Motor City, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to make memories. When you’re searching for a great adventure that will keep both your family and your wallet happy, check out these nine free activities in Detroit. There’s something for everyone to enjoy....
In 2019, the National Recreation and Park Association recognized Tennessee as having some of the best state parks in the entire country, and we couldn’t agree with them more. From the mountains of East Tennessee to the waterfalls of the Cumberland Plateau and the bluffs of the Mississippi, Tennessee has some of the most stunning places you’ll find anywhere in the country. We compiled some of our favorite state parks to visit in Tennessee that highlight all of the reasons the Volunteer State absolutely deserves its recognition, and we think after seeing these pictures you’ll agree, too....
Is there anything better than a delicious cookie? You can share it, savor it, dunk it in milk, and so much more. In Hamden, you’ll find one small cookie shop that not only sells the most delicious (and dare we say best) cookies in Connecticut and has a fascinating history, but is also doing great things for the community. In fact, this Connecticut cookie shop is creating a community of friends, family, and cookie lovers....
