How to Find Petoskey Stones: Tips + Where to Look

How to Find Petoskey Stones: Tips + Where to Look

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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.
Pile of rocks by lake shore

Rockhounding Michigan: A Beginners Guide to Great Lakes Rock Hunting

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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.
Onteora Lake covered I snow in winter.

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

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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!
Best State Parks in California

12 Best California State Parks to Visit This Year

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California has some of the most epic National Parks out there. But did you know it is also home to hundreds of beautiful state parks, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences? Add these 12 best California state parks to your travel bucket list to explore some magnificent landscapes!
Great National Parks in Nevada to Visit

Great National Parks in Nevada to Visit

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National parks in Nevada may be some of the state's best kept secrets. Also, Nevada is one of the most LGBTQ friendly states to visit! Discover the best things to do at national parks in Nevada and the best time of year to visit. You'll also learn where to eat and where to stay that's LGBTQ friendly!
Rocky outcropping at Slabsides

Hudson Valley Hiking at Slabsides

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Planning a Hudson Valley hiking trip and searching for the perfect day hike? Slabsides is an approachable hike near Kingston, NY that's beginner friendly, kid friendly and dog friendly. Here's a hiking route that takes you to the best spots at Slabsides, including my recommendation of where to eat after your hike.
Hudson River and farm fields seen from a hike

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Hudson Valley Day Trips

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Planning Hudson Valley day trips? This list of day trips in the Hudson Valley highlights the best things to do from an insider's perspective, with plenty of tips on what to eat and how to avoid the crowds.ย I've lived in the Hudson Valley for seven years. But I've been exploring the region since collegeโ€“so I know a lot about what to see and do in the Hudson Valley, including Hudson Valley towns that are LGBTQ friendly.
Fiery orange and yellow trees

Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley for Fall

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Are you looking for the best hikes in the Hudson Valley in the fall? This list of Hudson Valley hikes with fire towers offers incredible views of forests full of red, yellow and orange leaves. Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Hudson Valley. Fall foliage blazes in vibrant hues. From up high, you can take in breathtaking fall views of forests, mountains, and rivers.ย  While all of these trails rank among the best hikes in the Hudson Valley for fall, some are more challenging than others. I've listed mileage and difficulty to help you choose the best hike for you.