Any trip to San Diego is likely filled with visits to the beach, perhaps the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, maybe even Sea World, or the museums of Balboa Park. Once you’ve checked off the ‘must-do’ tourist items on any San Diego sightseeing list, how about some off-the-radar stops popular with locals to grab a little peace and quiet and re-center?
#1 Self Realization Temple and Gardens — Encinitas
Located 20 miles north of Downtown San …
The first thing you’ll notice as you get closer to the Northern Idaho town of Coeur D’Alene is the ethereal beauty of the mountains, lakes, and forests surrounding it.
And the first thing you’ll notice as you enter the town is that this place is different.
Coeur D’Alene (pronounced kor duh·layn), in fact, seems delightfully stuck in another era. As you enter town, for example, you’ll find plenty of authentically restored, early-1900s Craftsman and Queen …
The worst thing one can do at Niagara Falls is to simply stop and look at the falls.
Niagara Falls might be an iconic North American destination, but there is so much to do here than stand and watch. The best way to experience Niagara Falls is to explore the scenery, to become part of it, to meet nature head-on. If you don’t get wet here, you haven’t gotten your time or money’s worth out …
The September Alaskan air was cool but not cold. Nevertheless, I didn’t begrudge the coat I brought with me. I was too excited by what lay ahead to feel anything but anticipation in any event. It was my first trip to Alaska, and the second for my wife Judi. Today, we were going to have the opportunity for a special adventure. Our destination: the glaciers of the Knik River Valley, a mere 45-minute drive north …
Missouri is often called one of the “flyover” states. The thought is that it’s not worth an actual trip. That couldn’t be further from the truth—especially regarding St. Louis. In this city, you’ll find tons of family activities, and a lot of them are free! Many of these are located in Forest Park.
Gateway Arch National ParkSt. Louis is most known for the iconic Gateway Arch. You can see it from anywhere in the …
Mankind has always sought to leave a mark on the world, a testament to our existence, beliefs, and art. Among the most puzzling and fascinating imprints of our ancestors are the ancient geoglyphs—colossal figures etched into the earth’s surface. These gigantic artworks depict a variety of figures, from geometric shapes to animals and humans, spread across diverse geographies. They are enigmatic remnants of ancient civilizations, their purpose, construction, and symbolic meaning often shrouded in mystery. …
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a vibrant, 9-Day event held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, painting the sky with a palette of colors and a tradition that began with just 13 balloons in 1972. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was born out of a birthday celebration for 770 KOB Radio. The station’s general manager, Sid Cutter, owned a hot air balloon, and the …
Iowa is often missed when picking vacation spots. Still, the Hawkeye state has much to offer, especially in these towns along the Mississippi River, often visited by domestic river cruises.
Dubuque
The Fenelon Elevator is a unique attraction in Dubuque that is nearly 300 feet long. From the top, you’ll have views of Iowa, as well as Illinois and Wisconsin. It’s open from April through November. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is open …
With a population of 35,000 in town and about 100,000 in the region, Fairbanks isn’t a very big city. In terms of truly-unique experiences, however, it ranks up there with much larger cities. Only 140 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks makes an indelible impression on visitors.
It all started on August 26, 1901, when a man named E.T. Barnette founded a trading post on the south bank of the Chena River. Mr. Barnette …
Key West is described as the southernmost city giving visitors a taste of the Caribbean without even leaving the US. The tourist board even states Key West is a “unique tropical island city.” However it is defined, Key West is alluring, entertaining and peaceful all at the same time with sightseeing tours conducted on conch trains down roads lined with Colonial houses.
The Conch Train
One of the coolest things to see is the conch …
Utah County, about an hour south of Salt Lake City, is a destination that’s really come into its own in recent years. It’s also known as Utah Valley, a place with growing corporations such as Ancestry.com, and so many tech start-ups that it’s earned the nickname “Silicon Slopes.” It’s also studded with natural wonders, from towering snow-capped peaks reaching close to 12,000’ to shining alpine lakes to mountaintop caves to lush meadows. And as a …
Green Bay, Wisconsin, is not well known beyond the legendary Packers who call it home, but a AAA Four Diamond hotel and a growing complex of food and fun are helping to make it a place everyone wants to visit.
The Full Packers Experience…
In full disclosure, I am not a football fan. I will go to an Illini college game to support my local team, but you’ll never catch me tuning into an NFL …
Marie Catherine Laveau was a powerful figure in New Orleans during the 19th century. She was known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans and is still remembered today for her spiritual abilities, her healing powers, and her mystical legacy. Born in 1801, Marie Laveau lived through a time of great change in New Orleans, including the Civil War and Reconstruction. She played a significant role in the city’s history, and her influence is still …
