Posts

When a polar vortex reached its frigid fingers down from the arctic in 2013-14, it gripped the Upper Midwest and caused one of the coldest winters in Minnesota history, sinking the North Star State into several long stretches of sub-zero temperatures. Minnesotans are accustomed to cold winters, but the winter of 2013-14 was one of the coldest on record. Minnesota DNR - National Climate Data Center It was the kind of cold that happens maybe once in a generation....

There is nothing better than living in Idaho. The beautiful scenery, family-friendly cities, and countless recreational opportunities make the Gem State the perfect place to live. As Idahoans, we are not only proud of our great state, but we will defend it, especially against those who want to pick a fight. Here are just seven controversial hills that most Idahoans are willing to die on. Idaho is full! Sarah/Flickr We know that Idaho is a wonderful place to live and we want to keep it that way....

Route 66 is home to an iconic side of America that is starting to see a new breath of life. When Interstate 40 was opened, towns and otherwise popular tourist spots saw their lives dwindle to non-existence when the new highway bypassed these places in favor of saving time. This led to many areas becoming underpopulated or completely abandoned ghost towns that can only offer a glimpse of their former lives....

From classics with a Hawaiian flair to original Christmas songs from the islands, Hawaii is perhaps the only state lucky enough to lay claim to some incredibly unique holiday music. In celebration of Christmas – and our great state – here are nine best Hawaiian Christmas songs that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer today and every day throughout the holiday season! So sit back and enjoy these lovely holiday serenades....

Montana is home to eight National Parks for a reason. If you’ve ever been, you’re probably aware that that state is home to some of the country’s most diverse natural beauty and wildlife. The impressive sights of Montana continue to bring visitors to the state. On average, about 12.5 million people travel to Montana each year! Besides its exceptional outdoor settings, the state is also rich in history, Native American heritage, and paleontology!...

We get it: as the temperature outside drops, the temptation to stay indoors increases. The idea of going outside in the frigid air may not necessarily sound pleasant at first thought. But just because the weather is frightful doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of delightful winter activities in New York to enjoy! Buffalo Canalside is one of our favorite places in the state. They feature a variety of fun activities throughout the year....

Sometimes the best way to put a smile on your face is to sink your teeth into some delicious comfort food. If, for example, you’re in the mood for some ah-mazing macaroni and cheese, plan to dine at Hatfield’s Goode Grub in Cleveland, Ohio. Hatfield’s Goode Grub is a labor of love that started out as a food truck and catering business. Nowadays, this family-run restaurant in Ohio is the place to go if you’re craving a hearty meal, great atmosphere, and a good time!...

With so many attractions in Arizona that are worth exploring, why not combine a few for the ultimate day trip adventure? We have an itinerary that will take travelers to an incredibly rare museum and a desert-themed garden in one day. Start by spending some time wandering through the Musical Instrument Museum before venturing off to the Desert Botanical Garden. Sounds like the perfect afternoon? Just wait until you see these two exciting attractions in Arizona....

Keep your eyes on the sky in December! The following celestial phenomenon is sure to fill your chilly evenings with a bit of wonder and awe. Read on to learn more about the Geminids, and prepare for a spectacular lightshow that only Mother Nature can provide. During the month of December, there will be plenty of man-made light shows to see. But how about a light show that only nature can provide?...

Here in Alabama, you know the state is full of gorgeous places to visit. Why not choose a place and make a weekend trip out of it, giving yourself time to truly experience and appreciate your time there? Not exactly sure where to go? No worries! We realize there are a variety of places perfect for weekend getaways in Alabama, so we’ve picked seven of our favorites to get you started....

Any hike to a lake in Utah is lovely, but there’s something special about the trail to Brighton Lakes in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Maybe it’s the potential for seeing a mouse, the trailhead location that’s only 31 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, or the opportunity to recreate at a popular ski resort outside of the traditional time frame. In any case, the surroundings are striking, especially at any of the four lakes you can visit during the full hike of a 4....

West Virginia is known for a lot of things, but islands aren’t typically one of them. You may know of one or two West Virginia islands (river ones, of course). But did you know about the small coal-mining island in the New River Gorge? Red Ash Island lies abandoned in an old-growth forest near the Red Ash Mine along the Southside Trail between Thurmond and Cunard — most recommend starting the Southside Trail at the Brooklyn Boat Launch near Cunard — near Fayetteville....

Abandoned Florida. Some of the best hidden gem locations throughout The Sunshine State sit abandoned, being slowly reclaimed by nature. These once-thriving attractions are now left to decay but still holding onto the history that once was. The Miami Marine Stadium was built in 1963 and was a premier place in the popular city. But today, the stadium sits in near-ruins, washed in graffiti, with nature slowly creeping in. Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key in Miami was built back in 1963 and used over the years for water sports, concerts, Easter sunrise services, powerboat races, and so much more....

There are many ways to experience Wisconsin’s winter beauty, but one of the most unforgettable ways to enjoy the season is from a horse-drawn sleigh. In Northern Wisconsin, there’s a place that can make this holiday fantasy come true. It’s arguably the best sleigh ride in Wisconsin. Here’s what’s waiting for you at On Twin Lakes. You’ll find this amazing sleigh ride experience in the Northern Wisconsin community of Birchwood. It’s a little community that was founded as a logging town – it calls itself the “Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin....

If you thought Austin was the most hippie town in Texas, you’re in for a surprise. It’s actually San Marcos! From its progressive history to its art scene and eclectic coffee shops, this city is much more than just a college town, and it would be a perfect part of a Texas road trip. Here’s why: When we think about San Marcos, two things immediately come to mind: summer days spent tubing on the river with good friends, music blasting, and a couple of cold beers…...

If you’re looking for a pleasant drive or hike this holiday season, consider the aptly named “Christmas Tree Pass” in southern Nevada. This drive features spectacular views of the mountain with an optional side trip hike for those who enjoy Native American history. It’s no wonder people call this the most festive scenic drive in Nevada. Christmas Tree Pass is a 16-mile scenic drive near Laughlin, NV. Joanna Poe/Flickr The pass goes through the Newberry Mountains and has some incredibly scenic views of the Colorado River, the Mojave Desert, and nearby Arizona....

Minnesota at Christmas is beautiful! If you’re looking for somewhere to get into the holiday spirit, exploring the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a great place to start. Under a blanket of snow, with Christmas lights twinkling on and off, many Minnesota towns come alive during this time of year. Below, you’ll find a list of beautiful Minnesota Christmas towns that look like something out of a Hallmark movie. Try visiting the best Christmas towns in Minnesota this year to add some magic to your holiday season!...

Have you ever been on a trip or out for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive and happened onto a neat place you were glad you discovered? Maybe it became a new favorite restaurant, a go-to gift shop, or a bucket list spot to visit in the future. That’s the kind of place Sparky’s Country Store is, and one of the greatest finds for you here is some of the most amazing homemade fudge in South Carolina....

We like to bring a little spirit into our homes by stringing up lights and garlands for the holidays. There are several restaurants in Connecticut that like to add some festive decor to their space to make the season more fun. But there is one spot that could easily be nicknamed the Christmas restaurant because its holiday decor features 85,000 sparkling lights and much more! Cava Restaurant is a gorgeous place to dine throughout the entire year....

Lake Michigan’s shoreline is so gorgeous that it can sometimes overshadow the beauty of Michigan’s other Great Lakes. But if you’re looking to experience the incredible sights and sounds of Lake Huron, look no further than this one-of-a-kind road trip along the state’s Sunrise Coast. The Huron Shores Heritage Route, which covers over 200 miles of shoreline along US-23, showcases the following must-see stops along the Michigan East Coast. Let’s take a look at one of the best scenic drives in Michigan, shall we?...