Places

  • How to Spend a Day at Huntington Gardens in Pasadena

    ByLindsey

    The Huntington Library & Gardens has one of the best gardens in the U.S. While the Huntington Library is a few miles from downtown Los Angeles, many visitors to LA don’t put the Huntington on their to-do list. 

    In my opinion, a day trip to Huntington Gardens is one of the best ways to spend a day in LA (even though it’s not actually in Los Angeles, but in nearby Pasadena). 

    I’m sharing some of my favorite garden photos and my recommendations for the best things to see and do at the Huntington – since it’s so large, you can’t see it all, even if you spend the entire day, like I did!

  • The Best Las Vegas Day Trips by Car

    ByLindsey

    Las Vegas is best known for its glitz and glamour, from the vibrant neon signs and over-the-top stage shows to the “anything goes” vibe of the Strip. Las Vegas day trips by car deliver a new perspective on a destination known for its party scene.

    While many of the best day trips from Las Vegas cross state lines to venture deep into the nearby mountain ranges and desert landscapes, there are worthy adventures to be had without straying too far from the Strip. From short hikes through Red Rock Canyon to kayaking on Lake Mead and touring Hoover Dam, I loved the activities I chose – which is why I’m sharing my favorites with you!

  • Kayak Lake Mead Emerald Cove: Everything You Need to Know for a Half Day Tour

    ByLindsey

    Kayaking to Emerald Cove was the highlight of my Las Vegas trip, but finding all the logistical information to actually plan my Lake Mead kayak trip was rough.

    I know how frustrating it can be to plan trips when you don’t have the answers. Especially when it comes to planning a day trip from Las Vegas by car.

    I’ve put together this helpful guide to kayak Lake Mead Emerald Cove so you don’t have to research the way I did. It’s packed with everything I wish I knew ahead of time!

  • What To See And Do In Zagorohoria Greece

    ByLindsey

    The Zagori region of Greece is one of my favorite places I’ve visited. It’s nature at its finest, a unique cultural landscape, and – my favorite part – none of the crowds you find in other top places to visit in Greece!

    The Zagorohoria consists of 46 remote mountain villages, linked together by old footpaths and stunning stone bridges. Tucked in these tiny towns are monasteries, churches, residential homes, guesthouses and inns, and so much more.

    On my day trip to the Zagori villages, I fell in love with the stone bridges, the peaceful villages, and the epic views of Vikos Gorge. Read on to learn about the top things to do in Zagorohoria, Greece, where to stay, where to eat, and my exact day trip itinerary for an unforgettable road trip through this unique cultural landscape.

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    Unengendered Terrain – LGBTQ Essay Contest Winner

    ByCaro Tyner

    Caro Tyner shares their first bike packing trip in this story, which took first place in our LGBTQ essay contest, themed on firsts.

    Before my first bikepacking trip, I impulsively grabbed the razor in my childhood bathroom, which had probably sat idle for years, and took it to my pits. I’d been fixating on the damp, sweaty hair under my arms when I woke up, and I didn’t want to deal with it on the road.  

    As I dried off, the bare skin in the mirror left me a little queasy. I hadn’t shaved in years, and the sudden loss made me worry… Do I look less queer?

  • How to Find Petoskey Stones: Tips + Where to Look

    ByLindsey

    While driving from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, my wife and I made a rockhounding stop at Petoskey State Park. Since it’s widely advertised as the best place to find Petoskey stones, I figured all the good ones would be picked over. But within half an hour of searching the shoreline, we had a couple dozen small, smooth Petoskey stones perfect for turning into jewelry. That day sparked my continuing fascination with these fossilized coral treasures unique to Michigan.

    In this blog post, I want to share tips from my Michigan road trip for spotting Petoskey stones. I’ll cover what exactly Petoskey stones are, what to look for when hunting for them, and where the best place to find Petoskey stones is.

  • Rockhounding Michigan: A Beginners Guide to Great Lakes Rock Hunting

    ByLindsey

    When I set out on a road trip to Michigan, I really didn’t know what I’d find. So it was a total surprise when I learned that Michigan’s lake shores had more than pretty views, they had a secret trove of minerals and fossils waiting to be discovered!

    I’ve always loved collecting rocks and shells, and it turned out that the unexpected highlight of my trip was rockhounding Michigan.

    As an avid outdoors enthusiast who stumbled upon rockhounding in Michigan, I’m thrilled to offer a beginner guide you to looking for fossils in Michigan and the Great Lakes. So read on to discover common types of rocks in Michigan, where to find them and recommended tools.

  • A Local’s Guide to Lake Onteora Trails in Kingston NY

    ByLindsey

    Lake Onteora has some of the easiest and most accessible hikes near Kingston, New York. It’s located up Route 28 just three miles west of Kingston, within the Bluestone Wild Forest.

    As a Kingston local, I’ve hiked each of Lake Onteora’s trails multiple times, from water snowshoe treks to summer blueberry picking hikes. So read on for all the Onteora Lake Trail details and my favorite locals’ tips to make the most of these accessible hikes near Kingston, NY!