Posts

Tucked away in Patrick County, Virginia, you’ll find one of the six original Virginia State Parks. Its name, Fairy Stone, immediately conjures up mythical imagery of a fairy-tale like setting. Experience this park in person, and you’ll be delighted to discover that the gorgeous natural area certainly lives up to its name. The namesake feature of Fairy Stone State Park is a small, cross-shaped crystal that’s said to bestow good luck upon those that find one....

Summertime activities in West Virginia are boundless, especially ways to stow away for a weekend or longer, like the amazing houseboats you can rent at Sutton Lake Marina. While some houseboat rentals elsewhere many confine you to being tied to the dock the entire time, on a houseboat rental from Sutton Lake Marina, you’ll have the keys to the ship and can take her on more than just a three-hour tour!...

Just north of Cleveland is a grand body of water to whom we owe our early prosperity: Lake Erie. Today, this great lake maintains something of an unfavorable reputation (and so, too does Cleveland, otherwise referred to as the Mistake on the Lake by the occasional disgruntled resident or Steelers fan), but its actually a beautiful feature that offers incredible views and a little taste of island life. Tourists have adored its shores and islands since the 1800s, a history that has created some stunning ruins near Cleveland and throughout the area....

If you’re trying to find the best sausage sandwich in the state, look no further than Forest Park, Illinois. There’s a tiny joint in this town with a couple options that are totally out of this world. Whether you like Polish or Italian sausage, this place will have you covered. Check it out: Situated in the northeast corner of the state, Starship Restaurant was established in 1977 as a little local soup and sandwich shop....

The Hawaiian archipelago was created millions of years ago when underwater volcanoes emerged from the ocean’s surface. Each Hawaiian Island is home to at least one volcano, though Hawaii Island — the youngest of the main islands — consists of five volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which are both considered to be active, and Kohala, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. We hear a lot about Kilauea and even Mauna Kea but rarely do we get the chance to learn about — or explore — Hualalai....

When you feel like you need a trip to the islands but can’t get away for more than a day, head over to the Iowa Great Lakes for a vacation that will take you far away from it all. The best tiki bar in Iowa is a great place for the whole family to hang, and you’ve got to plan a visit. Lake Okoboji is one of the top vacation destinations in the Midwest, and it is home to the best tiki bar in the country - the Barefoot Bar....

Alaska has some of the best pizza places in the United States, and Cordova is no exception! To find the best pizza in Cordova, look no further than the delicious Harborside Pizza. With tons of rave reviews, it’s clear everyone loves this little restaurant right on the water! This beautiful new building is located on the harbor in Cordova, Alaska. Harborside Pizza / Facebook This cool little restaurant is family owned and operated since 2006....

The days of hanging out at bowling alleys, rollerskating rinks, or old fashioned soda fountains seem long gone, but they’re actually still alive and well in some places. Get a good dose of nostalgia by visiting a retro rollerskating rink in North Dakota. Strap on some skates, listen to the music, and enjoy some time out on that shiny wood floor you’ll be brought right back to the good old days....

When you’re craving comfort food, fried chicken might be just what you need. It’s not all created equal though – you certainly don’t want bland chicken with soggy breading, do you? Head to Basilisk in Portland, where you’ll find perfectly seasoned fried chicken served three different ways. Welcome to Basilisk - a quirky, charming little restaurant with a large dining room, a tiny menu, and the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted....

There’s always something fun to do in the Hawkeye State, and if you haven’t discovered this charming Iowa carousel yet, it’s time to put it on your list for the summer. This gorgeous work of art is one of the only old-time carousels still running, and it opens for the spring and summer seasons in May. Des Moines is home to a gorgeous park in the heart of the city — Union Park....

Hey, night owls! This one’s for you! Even if you’re usually asleep early, you’ll probably want to stay up late for this fast-paced, thrilling adventure. Buckle up for an unforgettable ride on a moonlight zipline in Missouri, where you’ll soar across a sky twinkling with stars. Stay up late for an unforgettable zipline tour at Adventure Ziplines in Branson. Facebook/Adventure Ziplines of Branson Prefer getting up early instead of staying up late?...

Malasadas — fluffy Portuguese doughnuts without a hole — are wildly popular throughout the Hawaiian Islands. A crispy golden brown exterior gives way to a soft and chewy inside in flavors like cinnamon sugar; some malasadas are even filled with custard, haupia, lilikoi, and guava. And while many argue that Leonard’s Bakery — the shop that made us fall in love with malasadas — is the best, there are countless other bakeries across the islands that do this magnificent treat justice, including this off-the-beaten-path bakery housed in a food truck....

Did you know that Iowa has an island city? While it might not be as tropical or volcanic as Oahu, Sabula is Iowa’s island city and you’ll want to make it a point to visit on a day trip this year. Sabula, Iowa’s only island city, is a gorgeous enclave in the middle of the Mississippi River. Flickr / CJ Oliver If you visit Sabula, you’ll want to make time to stop at the unassuming Sandbar Restaurant....

With the incredible weather our state has been experiencing, an outdoor adventure has never sounded better. Start the spring season off right and plan to spend some time outdoors soon. After all, we know just the place you should visit. Hiding in southern Nevada is a natural oasis that surprises many visitors upon first seeing it. As you follow this park’s lovely boardwalk trail, you’ll be led into a stunning landscape that you never would’ve expected to be hiding out in the desert....

Enjoy learning about the Civil War? Are you a self-proclaimed history buff? If you answered yes to one (or both) of these questions, then you’ve got to book a stay at The Generals’ Quarters Inn. Not only is the inn Civil War-themed, it’s located in the heart of Corinth – a town that played a huge role in the war. Take a look: Located near the state’s northern border, Corinth is home to about 15,000 people and a charming downtown full of restaurants, boutiques, shops, museums, and galleries....

Hiding at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range is the charming little town of Clark Fork. Home to approximately 500 residents, it’s a rustic community that has a huge appreciation for its stunning natural surroundings. It’s also here that you’ll find the most charming country bakery in the state. Boasting some of the best-tasting pastries you’ve ever had, including giant cinnamon rolls that could feed a family, this place is simply a must-stop when you find yourself in the area....

There might not be a better sign of summer than biting into a ripe, juicy, flavorful strawberry. Sometime in the late spring or early summer, Wisconsin’s berry farms become ripe with sweet, red strawberries just waiting for you to come to pick them and take them home. These delicious fruits are grown all over Wisconsin, but one of the best places to spend the day with your family is White Pine Berry Farm....

Greater Cleveland and the surrounding communities abound with natural splendor. Gorgeous waterfalls, incredible sandstone walls, and open, grassy meadows delight the eye and beckon to adventure seekers. What’s more challenging to find, however, are lovely places like these that provide overnight accommodations. When a Clevelander is dreaming of camping… where can we go? You’ll be delighted to learn that there are several campsites close to home, and some are hidden in your favorite parks....

The types of attractions here in New York where can bring along the entire family are some of our favorites, allowing everyone to enjoy a day full of fun. If you’ve been looking for a deliciously awesome way to keep your entire group of loved ones busy this summer, then it’s time you find out about the u-pick blueberry farm here in Onondaga County! Out in Central New York where you’re only 15-minutes away from destinations like the city of Syracuse, Abbott Farms is a wonderful seasonal attraction to explore....

Railroads are some of the best-preserved and most interesting aspects of history in our nation. They’re responsible for economic development, the spread of language and culture, and so much more. One Arizona train station stands out among all the rest, and it’s a must-visit attraction. Home to fewer than 4,000 people, Clifton was a flourishing mining town in the early 1900s. Remnants of its rich past can still be seen today in the form of historic buildings that have hardly changed over the years....