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Sometimes the weather – from the extreme heat to relentless rain – forces our outdoor plans indoors. That’s okay, though, especially when there are so many family-friendly, fun destinations, usually within easy driving distance of home. This massive indoor playground in Rhode Island, for example, is perfect when the weather has washed out your plans or you just feel like having some indoor fun. Aero Trampoline Park in Woonsocket packs a whole lot of fun – and thrills – into its 40,000 square feet of space....

One of the most surprising things about New Mexico isn’t that many parts of the state receive snow in winter – it’s the speed at which that snow melts. Glance out your door first thing in the morning and you might find three inches of powder. By lunchtime, all of it is gone, leaving stray patches of white dotting only the most heavily-shaded ground and absolutely nothing else. Regardless of snowfall, the intense blue of a New Mexican sky is enough to lure us out of our homes during the colder months....

For better or worse, long gone are the days of entertaining kids at home with coloring books, the classic Etch A Sketch, and for those old enough to remember it – Pong. Kids today need lots of stimulation. So play places, particularly indoor ones when there is very hot or inclement weather, is a must for many parents and caregivers. That’s where KidTopia indoor play center, the fun, inviting indoor playground in Northern California comes in....

With so many state parks and nature preserves across the Pennsylvania landscape, we’re never lacking a place to spend time outdoors to explore – no matter the season. It probably won’t come as too big of a surprise either that there are nature preserves that, while popular with locals, are lesser known to Pennsylvanians in other parts of the state. This little-known nature preserve in Pennsylvania, for example, is worth seeking out when you’re in Slatington....

Do you ever wish you could disappear into the depths of the sea MERMAID STYLE (as in live underwater, far away from everyone and everything)? Sadly, we cannot all be so lucky as Ariel (who, ironically, wanted to live on land), which is why events like this whimsical mermaid festival in Colorado are so darn magical: Taking place Saturday, November 5, 2022, is the can’t-miss Mystic Mermaids Under the Sea Breakfast!...

While walking tours are a wonderful way to explore a city, there are times when you’ve already walked enough and want to rest your feet, but also still want to explore. That’s where historic trolley tours come in handy! These three small Indiana towns provide relaxing, yet fun tours where you can kick back, take in the sights, and take lots of pictures, all while learning a lot about these amazing places....

While there’s no denying the beauty of famous natural wonders in Arizona like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, they’re a far cry from hidden gems. Tucked away inside Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in the tiny town of Ajo, however, is a secret treasure that few people know exists: Quitobaquito Springs. These natural pools feed into a pond that supports some of the most endangered species on earth – species that you won’t find anywhere else in the world....

Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling! At Wood Acres Farm, you’ll feel like you’re living in a classic holiday carol. This picturesque destination, nestled in the lovely town of Terryville, offers 45-minute horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow. With gentle flurries floating toward the ground, the area takes on an enchanting glow. Come and experience this winter wonderland on one of the most fun sleigh rides in Connecticut. Wood Acres Farm is a family-owned business that dates back to the mid-1800s....

When you think you have seen everything above ground in Mississippi, head below ground to one of the only mines in Mississippi, which is officially known as Chalk Mine Hollow! Among the most intriguing abandoned places in Mississippi, the secluded and deserted mine has been out of commission for decades. However, that has not stopped people from exploring its intertwining passageways. Like something from another world, the underground site boasts some incredible Mississippi history, making it more than worthy of an adventure....

With our long nights, Alaska is the perfect place to go Christmas light patrolling. Yes, that’s a thing. You load all your friends or the entire family into your car and go on a cruise to find the prettiest light display in the neighborhood! Some folks in Alaska make it a huge deal by decorating their entire yard while others keep it classy and simple. Check out some of the awesome places lit up with the best Christmas decorations in Alaska!...

Take a stroll along the waterfront of Harborview Drive in the small town of Gig Harbor, Washington, and a few things will stand out; the quaint shops, the friendly faces, and the picturesque beauty of the harbor. Locals know there’s something enchanting about The Maritime City with its vibrant downtown and laid-back charm. It’s no wonder Travel and Leisure Magazine named Gig Harbor one of the Best Small Towns In Washington....

There’s the saying that “life is better on the water,” and that holds true for many of us who live in the Bay State. No matter where we travel within this fine state of ours, we can always find a body of water for swimming, boating, and more. If you enjoy canoeing or kayaking, head to Hampton Ponds State Park where you can have a magical paddling adventure in Massachusetts....

Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the most visited in Minnesota, but many people don’t know that there are two bridges with waterfall views in the park – and you can cross them both in a single, moderately-challenging hike. Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the most visited sites in the state park system. AC97/TripAdvisor If you hike a little farther, though, you’ll lose much of the crowd. Start from the visitor center, and follow the trail toward the falls....

Virginia’s mountain communities are beautiful, close-knit, and resilient. Yet they’ve also faced struggle, particularly in the light of coal and railroad industries that have come and gone over the years. One prime example is a small community known as Ivanhoe, Virginia. Located in Wythe County, this Appalachian locale is also rumored to be cursed. In the late 19th century, a traveling preacher known as Robert Sheffey reportedly placed a curse on the town after the people there rejected his ministries and teachings....

If there are two things that we love in Georgia, it’s God and family. Religion is a huge part of our culture here in the south and it’s reflected in our family and political values. Georgia is definitely known to be a part of the Bible Belt and one of the most religious states, but there are a few cities that are way more religious than the rest of the state....

If you care to look for it, history can be found in every corner of Minnesota – even along hiking trails near Brainerd, Minnesota. Signs of ancient people, such as Jeffers Petroglyphs or Indian Mounds Park, are attractions that offer clues to the ancient past. There are more recent historical sites as well, such as Fort Snelling or the Forestville ghost town. But these well-known attractions barely scratch the surface of Minnesota historical sites....

Indiana is one of those places that’s terribly misunderstood. Seriously, think about it: the vast majority of people in the United States almost totally ignore it, with the general exception of major cultural events like, say, the Indy 500. But Indiana is home to numerous iconic places, people, and events – so much more than only NASCAR. For example, did you know that Michael Jackson himself was born here (in Gary, of all places)?...

When the stressors the day brings have you craving some solitude, head out and enjoy an exhilarating hike in Iowa. Experience the serenity the state’s trails can bring through the challenges of outdoor recreation. The Hawkeye State’s gorgeous trails, regardless of your choice of biking, cross-country skiing, or hiking, await. Whether you plan to escape for a couple of hours or a full weekend, the experiences are there for the taking at Iowa’s state parks, forests, and outdoor areas....

Are you like so many of us who have a bit of a sweet tooth? How about just chocolate? Do you dream of that sweet, bitter, creamy taste of South Carolina chocolate? Do you dream of sinking your teeth into it and feeling it melt on your tongue in sheer bliss? Ever wonder where you can find the best South Carolina chocolate shops? Wonder no more. We have found out where you can get some of the best chocolate in South Carolina!...

Almost everywhere you look these days you see advertisements for “Taco Tuesdays” – it’s that official/unofficial designated day of the week that these handheld folded sandwiches brimming with everything from beef to chicken, pork, jack fruit, and more bring in crowds from far and wide. But if you like fish tacos, then you simply must head on over to The Fishetarian Fish Market for the best fish tacos you’ve ever eaten in Northern California!...