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Life’s so much sweeter with chocolate. Rich and creamy, milk or dark (or white, if that’s your thing), in candy bars or gourmet truffles, chocolate is a universally loved confection that’s just plain delightful. And Oregon’s Columbia Gorge Confections makes some of the most decadent and divine chocolate in the state. These creamy, dreamy chocolates are edible works of art that are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. Let’s take a look…...

Missouri is a fantastic state for hiking. We have so many spectacular trails that you could spend years exploring them all. If you’re looking for a few easy hikes to tackle to this spring, check out our list of spectacular hikes. We’ve selected some of the best spots across the state for a short, easy hike. So, which trail will you hit first? Osage Bluff Scenic Trail - Westphalia Craig F....

Camping is a great way to get outside and appreciate nature. But sometimes you just don’t want to deal with all the tenting gear. So, fortunately, these three state park lodges and cabins offer you amazing access to the great outdoors, but with minimal hassle. Also, for those of you who prefer an actual roof over your head, these are the perfect lodging option. So check out these great options and book your stay today....

Have you been itching for a good hike? Some of the best and prettiest scenery is hiding out in everyday Louisiana state parks. This easy loop trail is one way to get your fill. If you’ve never been here before, bookmark Sugarmill Nature Trail for a future road trip. It’s a beautiful day to explore, don’t you think? This easy loop trail is a great hike for any hiker, new or experienced....

It’s getting cold out, and nothing is better when it gets cold than getting cozy with some delicious food or a nice drink. If you are looking for a place to stay warm with friends this season, check out Campfire Lounge in Salt Lake City, Utah. This unique spot features two fire pits and heavy-duty heaters on the patio to keep you warm while you enjoy exploring the food and drink menu....

Hiking can sometimes be all work with no reward, but not at Camelback Mountain! During the holiday season, Santa and a fully ornamented Christmas tree will be awaiting your arrival at the summit. What a unique family tradition to adopt! Check it out: Echo Canyon Trail is the quickest way up the mountain, clocking in at just 2.4 miles. AllTrails/Zosia King. It is relatively tough, with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet, but the effort definitely pays off....

Searching for a magical place to stretch your legs this winter? While many of us enjoy strolling through local downtown shopping areas or heading out for an icy beach walk, there’s something uniquely wonderful about checking out a perfectly groomed outdoor attraction during the wintertime. When you’re ready for the most exciting and enchanting adventure of the season, check out this unforgettable winter garden walk in Michigan. Dow Gardens is situated along Eastman Avenue in Midland....

One great thing about living in the Golden State is the fact that you can find just about every cuisine imaginable here. Puerto Rico is a long way from California, but you can still enjoy authentic Puerto Rican flavors without booking an out-of-state vacation. El Coqui proudly serves up iconic dishes from Puerto Rico in a fun, lively environment. And if you have yet to try this delicious cuisine, consider this your sign that you need to!...

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are slowly beginning to change…it must be spooky season! If you’re someone who loves to embrace all that the more chilling side of fall has to offer, we have the perfect adventure in mind. Forest of Screams offers haunted hayrides, and let’s just say it’s an experience that’s not for the faint of heart. This nighttime thrill is one that you surely won’t forget anytime soon....

Hey, night owls, this one’s for you! Even if you’re not a night owl but like an adventure when the sun goes down, this one’s for you, too. Snow tubing in West Virginia just might be one of the most fun winter activities ever. Zipping down the mountain under the cold winter sun; it just doesn’t get any better, does it? It does. Go galactic snow tubing at Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia for an incredibly fun adventure at night....

South Carolina’s Lake Jocassee was once named One of the World’s Last Great Places by National Geographic — and it still is! Created in 1973 in a partnership with Duke Power, the lake is by far the clearest and most pristine lake in the state. But access to the lake is coveted and very hard to come by. One state park is located on the shores and getting into the park in the height of the summer season requires arriving very early in the morning before the maximum occupancy is reached… or, camping overnight or even renting a cabin in the park, thus having access in the morning by default....

Do you view soup as a pre-meal snack, or as the meal’s main attraction? If you think it’s difficult to fill up on this piping-hot comfort food goodness, you’ve clearly never been to Soup and Such in Billings. Between the endless salad buffet and unlimited soup, you’ll be happy and full before you know it. Soup and Such has two Billings locations, one downtown and one at Shiloh Crossing. Soup and Such / Facebook While the downtown location is only open Monday - Friday during lunch hours, the Shiloh Crossing location is open seven days a week and has more extended hours....

We often find so many culinary gems hiding in Pennsylvania’s small towns. That’s good news, especially for those of us who are sweets fans. If you’re a fan of pie – classic, whoopie, or shoofly – you’re about to meet a bakery that deserves the top spot on your dessert bucket list. McClure’s Bakery in Pennsylvania may not look like much from the outside, but the pies and other goodies? You’ll keep coming back for more....

There’s nothing like staring into the night sky and seeing the Milky Way above, our eyes transfixed on something that’s bigger than all of us. While there are numerous areas to see the night sky clearly, there is only one place designated as an official Dark Sky Park in Illinois. For those of us who enjoy stargazing, a trip to Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Penfield is a must....

The best restaurants aren’t just found in cities. In fact, there’s a wonderful restaurant filled with history, tradition, and delicious cuisine hiding out in the countryside. Set on an idyllic 600 acres, Salem Cross Inn is a charming restaurant housed in an 18th-century farmhouse. If you’re looking for a culinary destination, head to West Brookfield and visit this historic restaurant in Massachusetts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Salem Cross Inn occupies a historic farmhouse that was built in 1705....

We sure do love our pie here in Montana, and we make no apologies for it. Pie is the signature dessert at many of our favorite places, but there’s just something special about savoring a freshly baked slice at a small town cafe. If you’ve never heard of Shade Tree Cafe, you’re not alone. Not only is it located in a rural town of fewer than 300 people, but it also doesn’t have a website and has virtually no social media presence....

Round Top has a population of less than 100, so it isn’t even on most people’s radars. That’s a shame, however, because this tiny town is hiding some of the best pie in Texas. Royers Round Top Cafe has been featured on several national TV programs for its mouthwatering homemade pies, and it’s the sweetest day trip you’ll ever take. Royers Round Top Cafe is a quirky little restaurant that attracts hungry customers from all corners of the country....

Northern California is home to some pretty spectacular landscapes, from the waterfalls and granite cliffs of Yosemite to the rugged cliffs and redwood forests of the North Coast. Featured here is one landscape that every outdoor enthusiast should spend time exploring: Lava Beds National Monument. This vast swath of land is a geologic wonder shaped from volcanic eruptions. Home to numerous lava tubes, you could easily spend an entire day hiking through dozens of caves and still not see ’em all!...

In a world of fast food and flashy advertising, it can be easy to overlook the more humble restaurants hiding right under our noses. Take, for example, Stateside Restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Despite its unassuming exterior, Stateside draws a small but loyal crowd with its sparkling fusion menu and a vibrant interior design that is sure to impress even seasoned Seattle restaurant-goers. Tripadvisor/ misopiso88 Inside Stateside, you’ll find a minimalist, palm-leaf theme that feels cool on the hottest days of summer and warm on the chilly winter months....

Washington has some beautiful scenic byways, but many of them are seasonal drives. The North Cascades and Chinook Pass, for example, tend to be especially treacherous in the winter. There are few places you can go in the state where your road trip won’t be impacted by the water, but the Olympic Peninsula Highway 101 loop is definitely one of them. Not all of Olympic National Park’s attractions are open year-round, but the majority of the Peninsula is accessible all winter....