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We’ve made it through an excruciatingly long winter — and through mud season — and it’s finally time to get back out there on the trails. Spring is a beautiful time to hike — it’s not too hot yet, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and we’re all just so excited to be back outside without twelve layers of clothing. Of course, we’re not all in hiking shape after months indoors, so we’ve compiled some hikes that are just plain gorgeous but not too strenuous....

Abbey Farms in Illinois is not your average farm. While it does offer seasonal U-pick fruit and vegetables and U-cut Christmas trees, it’s also a family-friendly agritourism destination. It’s a place where you can spend a day enjoying the great outdoors, grab a bite to eat, window shop, and even attend one of the many events held throughout the year. The 300-acre Abbey Farms was established in 1949 and is run by and for the Monks of Marmion Abbey in Aurora, Illinois....

Long hikes have their time and place, but sometimes, it just feels nice to get outside without worrying about logging steps or miles. Buckingham Reservoir Trail at Case Mountain Park highlights everything we love about Connecticut without tying up your whole day. Check it out below and see why we’re convinced it’s among the best hikes in Connecticut – especially if you love short ones! At just 2.8 miles long, Buckingham Reservoir Trail is such a Case Mountain Park gem....

Whether you have a specific list of things to get or just looking to do a little window shopping, the Cajun Villages is a great place to spend an afternoon. This little collection of shops in southern Louisiana is a treasure trove full of incredible finds you won’t be able to live without. Clear out the trunk of your car – you’re going to be filling it up after spending a few hours here....

There are only two commercial caverns in Arizona – Colossal Cave and Kartchner Caverns – so it’s no wonder why they’re both always so busy. Next time you’re in the mood for a less crowded adventure, check out Cave of the Bells. Perhaps the most hidden cave in Arizona, this undeveloped wonder is so secretive, you need a key to get inside. Intrigued yet? Just wait until you see what lies beneath the surface....

Editor’s Note: Bacon Jam Restaurant has permanently closed. I don’t know about you but I love starting my mornings with my bae – my bacon and eggs, that is. If you’re also a fellow believer in the idea that life is always better with a bit of bacon, then we know of one restaurant that you fall in love with. So, avoid bacon your heart and pay a visit to this little family-owned diner....

Forsyth Park is a large and beautiful 30-acre park in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, and it’s perfect for your next day trip. The park is nearly 200 years old and is the oldest public park in Savannah. The park contains fountains, walking paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts, among many other areas, making it a perfect place to spend a day participating in all the wonderful activities available....

You don’t have to travel too far to find fantastic seafood in Michigan. After all, our state’s location along the beautiful Great Lakes makes way for plenty of deliciously fresh fish and shoreline eateries with unbeatable views. Whether you’re partial to fish and chips, smoked whitefish, chowder, or a finely imported item prepared with care, these seven coastal seafood restaurants in Michigan will have you returning time and time again to satisfy cravings....

The next time the family is looking for amazing food and over-the-top milkshakes and bloody marys, head to Owasso to MAD Eats. This Modern American Diner (MAD) puts a twist on comfort food in a fun and unique way. Keep scrolling to see some of their creative, diner-style food and drinks. MAD Eats is a family-friendly diner located on South Main Street in Owasso. They serve all-day brunch seven days a week, along with comfort food with creative twists....

Lavender is known as a fussy plant that’s difficult to grow outside of the perfect climate. Nebraska, of course, has anything but the “perfect” climate. But there are a couple of wonderful lavender farms making it work after a process of trial and error. Peace, Love and Lavender, just outside of Elwood, has been growing lavender since 2013, and the owners have turned their hobby into a lucrative full-time business....

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the most stunning sights in Nevada. Tucked into the Mojave Desert, this area is known for its breathtaking red sandstone peaks and rich geological history. One of the best and most accessible ways to enjoy this natural wonder is by trekking along the Red Springs Boardwalk in Nevada. This trail is likely much easier than you might imagine. The half-mile loop trail to the Red Springs Boardwalk takes you among some of those beautiful red peaks in the state....

If you want to get away from it all, you’ll find everything you need under one roof at Rhythm City Casino Resort. Located in the very north of Davenport, Iowa, you’ll see the wide-open grass stretching in front of you. But before you get there, you’ll find this technicolor palace – the perfect place for your next Iowa staycation. Step inside, and find out how time melts away in this prairie palace....

It is no secret that Idaho is home to the most soakable hot springs in the entire country. While some of these hot springs in Idaho are easily accessible and require very little effort to enjoy, others are a bit more difficult to reach. Slate Creek Hot Springs, located in the White Clouds Wilderness Area in the central part of the state, is a little-known hot spring that requires quite a hike to enjoy....

Eastlake in Lake County is an often-overlooked city… which is honestly criminal, because this community has a lot to offer. Named for its location (northeast of Cleveland), this city is home to fewer than 20 thousand people. It has a small town feel with fascinating attractions, and it comes with a slower pace of life than we’re used to about 19 miles away in Cleveland. This Greater Cleveland getaway is well worth a weekend trip, as there’s much to see....

Editor’s note: The La Vernia location of Texas Tulips is no longer open – it is now a private residence, so please do not visit. You can, however, visit the original farm in Pilot Point! One of the greatest natural wonders in Texas involves the fields of wildflowers that pop up every year blanketing the Lone Star State in color and beauty. In fact, while many people are busy being mesmerized by the bluebonnets, there is another flower making its rounds as well....

From the mountains of the west to the rugged canyonlands of the Panhandle, there are plenty of gorgeous scenic overlooks in Texas. One of the best – and most underrated – can be found at Bastrop State Park. The aptly named Scenic Overlook Trail is short, sweet, and leads to a panoramic Hill Country vista that’s almost too beautiful for words. Tucked away in Bastrop State Park, Scenic Overlook Trail definitely lives up to its name....

Rhode Island’s waterfalls aren’t known for their towering heights, but they are still beautiful. Cascade Brook Falls comes in as the state’s tallest waterfall at a respectable 12 feet. So while it can’t compete in a height contest with Hawaii’s 2,756 foot Pu’uka’oku Falls, it is a lovely visit nonetheless. So tie on those hiking boots and go check it out. Cascade Brook Falls is located in the Ken Weber Conservation Area at Cascade Brook....

Nevada is a beautiful state, so of course, we’re home to some beautiful restaurants! In fact, you’ll find one of the most scenic restaurants perched on a hill overlooking the brilliant Lake Tahoe. Chart House is a dining destination where the scenery is as memorable as the menu. Tucked away in the forest and boasting magnificent views of the famous mountain lake, this eatery combines a gorgeous setting with some of the best sea and land-inspired cuisine....

A stroll around Colonial Williamsburg will reveal some of Virginia’s most historic homes. These charming structures are so picturesque that they often appear on postcards, inviting visitors from around the world to experience one of the country’s most charming towns. And yet, after dark, Williamsburg takes on a much spookier allure. In fact, this region is home to what many consider to be the most haunted house in America: the Peyton Randolph House....

Nebraska is home to boundless natural beauty, and nowhere is that more apparent than in our state parks. Nebraska has eight official state parks, a number which doesn’t include the many, many state recreational areas and wildlife preserves around here too – which we’ll explore later. For now, here’s some information to entice you to visit the breathtaking beauty at these eight state parks! Chadron State Park West Nebraska TripAdvisor/SparkyJamers Located just nine miles south of the town of Chadron, this state park is actually within the borders of the stunning Nebraska National Forest....