We can’t think of a better way to connect with the magnificence of nature in Michigan than hiking. Thing is, some hiking experiences yield a higher payoff than others in terms of what you’ll see when you get to the finish line. That’s where Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore comes in handy, specifically Empire Bluff. We’ve found some great reasons why you should make this relatively easy hike part of your regimen....
Stunning views abound in Wisconsin; you just need to know where to look. This couldn’t be more the case than with Lion’s Den Gorge. Heard of it? If you aren’t from Grafton or the neighboring areas, chances are you haven’t. But we think after seeing just how incredible this place looks, you’ll want to make the drive. This is a 73 acre public park. Lodahin/Flickr It has remained untouched since before European settlement of Wisconsin....
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but when it comes to small towns, most Marylanders prefer quaint spots with water views. The following town is among the most scenic in the state and worth a weekend trip at least once. Tilghman Island is located in Maryland’s eastern region, offering surrounding views of the water and nature. Google Maps Lovers of fishing will especially enjoy this spot, as the rocks are the perfect place to set up a rod....
Laclede’s Landing is downtown St. Louis’ oldest district and only riverfront entertainment and dining destination. This 9-block area is paved with cobblestone and USA Today actually voted it one of the prettiest cobblestone streets in America. Before there was even electricity, trains or bridges, St. Louis was a trading post. CWMc/flickr In 1764, Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau founded a city here on what would later be called Laclede’s Landing....
New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve includes 1.1 million acres of protected farm and forestland. Spanning seven counties and over 1,500 square miles, it takes up around 20% of the Garden State’s total area. Major industries include cranberry production (3rd highest in the nation), forestry and sand/gravel mining. While you won’t find an abundance of dining options in the area, there are several fantastic restaurants worth checking out. One of these is the Sweetwater Marina’s Riverdeck....
If you live in Pittsburgh or have spent a good amount of time in the city, you may be familiar with Saint Peter and Paul Church, the now-defunct building that looms over East Liberty. First built in 1890, the abandoned church was once a popular gathering place. Check out these incredible photos of the interior, captured by urban explorer and photographer, SHVWN Cooper. SHVWN COOPER Saint Peter and Paul Church can be found in Larimer Avenue in East Liberty in Pittsburgh....
Located near the beautiful Cannon Beach, Arch Cape Inn is an enchanting oceanside retreat. This uniquely designed, elegant bed and breakfast is nestled into the most spectacular setting—and it’s the perfect place for a peaceful Oregon Coast getaway. Located on Arch Cape (just a stone’s throw away from Cannon Beach) Arch Cape Inn is a stunning oceanside bed and breakfast. yelp/ Arch Cape Inn & Retreat This serene, beautiful inn is a perfect place to get away from it all....
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I absolutely love fall time in Kansas–don’t you?! If you’re still searching for the perfect place to enjoy this colorful season, be sure to check out these 10 Kansas state parks: Cedar Bluff State Park (Ellis) Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Cedar Bluff State Park Facebook Prairie Spirit Trail State Park (Garnett) Flickr/Kansas Tourism Flickr/Kansas Tourism...
The best things in life are worth searching for, and that definitely applies to this incredible secluded lodge in Oregon. Paradise Lodge is nestled deep in Oregon’s National Forest. The only way to reach it is to make your way through the lush landscape on foot or by water. But trust us: this place is worth the extra effort. Paradise Lodge is a remote encampment on the beautiful shores of Oregon’s Rogue River....
The hidden gem restaurants are the best kind of restaurants. Here in Ohio, we’ve got several off-the-beaten-path restaurants just waiting to surprise you with their delicious food, gorgeous views and peaceful settings. One such restaurant is Spillway Lodge in Clarksville. Although it takes some time to find, it’s worth the journey. Take a look: What appears to be a country home off a dirt road in Clarksville, Ohio is actually a delicious restaurant with incredible views....
No matter where you live or what age you might be, there’s something just delightful about walking into a general store. Despite the comings and goings of malls, giant retailers, and other businesses, general stores never seem to go out of style. They’re friendly, predictable, and inspire the best kind of nostalgia. Virginia has plenty of these charming spots, and today we’ll highlight one of the best. The Paint Bank General Store has a unique inventory and just so happens to be located next to a restaurant....
For the first time in almost a century, a total solar eclipse will soon make its way across the entire United States and momentarily block out the sun. This unique phenomenon will happen in the middle of the day and may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some. The best part of this event only lasts a few minutes (though the actual eclipse will occur over the course of a few hours) so read on to learn more about how to witness it for yourself....
Middlebury is full of fantastic arts, architecture and education, and the bustling downtown has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Right through the middle of town you’ll find a powerful river and waterfall, as well as ruins that are both historic and unusual. Sure, you’ll find various ruins throughout Vermont, but certainly not many in such a magnificent downtown setting! Otter Creek is one of the largest rivers in Vermont and is roughly 112 miles long....
Camping isn’t for everyone. Sleeping on the ground, the bugs, carrying all the equipment and then having to set up the tent… I get it. But that’s where glamping comes in! Glamping (glamourous camping) can be the perfect fit for those of us who aren’t really into hardcore camping but still want to experience the great outdoors. The folks over at Louisiana Cajun Mansion have two different glamping sites that just may be your new favorite way to camp....
Frank Lloyd Wright was a ground-breaking architect who developed a style all his own. We’re lucky to have several of his masterpieces right here in Wisconsin. Most of Wright’s homes are occupied by their owners, but a few are available for public tours. Here’s one home you can tour…and you can even rent this gorgeous home for an overnight stay! World-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright built this home in 1938. The home was built for Bernard Schwartz and his family, and Wright nicknamed it Still Bend....
It’s no secret that Ohio is home to some pretty legendary sandwiches. But what might be a secret is where you can get the absolute best fried bologna sandwich in Ohio. The tiny town of Waldo is home to an unassuming yet mouthwatering restaurant that you need need to check out when you’re in the area. With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret....
Ah, Colorado…home to all-around amazing people, tasty brews, and purple mountain majesties…What else can a person possibly need?! Well, if you’re a Coloradoan, you may also need: A reliable shovel Flickr/Melissa Gutierrez Brace yourself, Colorado; the first big storm of the season is upon us and with that comes inches upon inches (or foot upon foot, in some areas) of white powder. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and invest in a sturdy, heavy duty shovel…You will thank me later!...
Most Arkansas schools start soon, but you’ve still got a whole weekend of summer left. Have you been wondering what to do with those precious few days? May we make a recommendation? Why not go up to Heber Springs and enjoy one of Arkansas’s best little towns? You’ve got the weekend, and they’ve got plenty of things to fill that weekend with fun. The town of Heber Springs only has a population of around 7,000 people, but there’s big fun waiting for you there....
Antiquing never really goes out of style, but in the past decade or so “picking” has become a pretty big thing. Antique shops are such fun to wander through…and the massive Platte Valley Antique Mall is like the mother of all antique shops. Located between Omaha and Lincoln, Platte Valley Antique Mall is in a prime location for tons of antique shoppers. Facebook/Platte Valley Antique Mall The mall is overflowing with fantastic finds from more than 150 dealers....
Nestled into the beautiful Wallowa Mountains in eastern Oregon, Wallowa Lake is the perfect place for a summer getaway. Surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, this beautiful lake is remotely located and absolutely serene. Here, you’ll find plenty of incredible opportunities for recreation including swimming, boating, hiking, camping, fishing, and taking a spectacular gondola ride that ascends nearly 9,000 feet. Next time you feel like getting away from it all, head to the beautiful Wallowa Lake for an unforgettable vacation....
