You don’t always need a passport for a great adventure. This category focuses on accessible weekend trips and local gems, including deep dives into Hocking Hills in Ohio, Mackinac Island in Michigan, The Finger Lakes in Upstate New York, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Perfect for travelers looking to maximize their ‘off duty’ time closer to home.
Snow-dusted cliffs and serene trails make Hocking Hills a peaceful winter retreat. … More Winter Hiking in Hocking Hills, Ohio: A Magical Escape into Nature
Tucked away in western New York, Letchworth State Park is a nature lover’s dream, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Stretching over 14,000 acres, the park offers breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of outdoor activities that make it a perfect getaway for adventurers and serenity-seekers. I grew up near … More Discover Letchworth State Park: A Guide to NY’s Natural Wonder
I’ve lived in Ohio for more than 30 years, and I can’t believe I waited so long to visit this landmark just a short 2 hours up the highway! What is it and should you visit? Read on to find out. … More Discovering The Ohio State Reformatory: A Must-Visit for Shawshank Redemption Fans
Saugatuck, Michigan is a hidden gem nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan known for its artistic flair, stunning natural beauty, and warm community spirit. … More A Weekend Getaway to Saugatuck, Michigan
Caesar Creek Lake, located in southwestern Ohio, is a beautiful place to visit for a day trip. The lake, which is part of the Caesar Creek State Park, offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, including hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. One of the best things about Caesar Creek Lake is the stunning scenery. … More Caesar Creek Lake Ohio Day Trip
While crossing the ocean for big international adventures is always exciting, the peak of summer demands a different kind of travel strategy. I am not a fan of heat. So in the summer, my favorite way to travel is by leaning into what the cool kids are calling a “coolcation,” deliberately skipping the sweltering, crowded … More A Perfect Midweek Finger Lakes Wine Vacation
Instead of cooking at home as I usually do, my family decided, for the first time ever, to get away for the Thanksgiving weekend, spending the holiday hiking, cooking and enjoying the outdoors. We chose the Red River Gorge area in Kentucky, which is just over a 2-hour drive from our home. The weather this … More A Long Autumn Weekend in Red River Gorge, Kentucky
With two state parks, spectacular hiking, a lake and a state forest, the Hocking Hills region in Ohio makes you feel like you’ve left the state and entered another world. Starting with Old Man’s Cave, the most popular destination, you can wind your way through the 6-mile journey, connecting to two of the park’s other … More A Perfect Weekend at Hocking Hills, Ohio
Louisville, KY is a short, 2 to 3-hour drive from our home and, we discovered, a great weekend getaway. If you love history, bourbon, horses and hiking, here’s how to spend a perfect three-day weekend in Louisville, KY. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Tours Before heading to Louisville we drove on to Mammoth Cave National Park. It … More A Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Lousiville, KY
First, you should know, I hate country music. Three chords and the truth is what they say, but since the lyrics annoy me so much I’ve never really noticed. Nevertheless, country music is America’s most favorite genre, according to a CBS News poll, and it seems like a country singer is picked, by America, almost … More A Rock and Roll Marathon Weekend in Nashville, Tennessee
