It’s hard to describe the grandeur and beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow-capped mountain peaks, meadows, tundra, wildlife, and beautiful alpine lakes can be found within the over 265,000 acres that make up the park. Once you arrive, you will understand why this park typically ranks in the top five national parks for visitation, with well over 4 million visitors a year. We recently spent a few days enjoying the park as part of a Colorado family vacation. This gave us time to hike to beautiful alpine lakes, drive parts of Trail Ridge Road, and search for wildlife. You can see our three-day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary below to get a better sense of how we planned our days in the park.
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When you think of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, you probably imagine it's all about the well-known Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address. And rightly so, as Gettysburg National Military Park sees over one million visitors a year. Tours have blossomed in the area, expanding access to historical sites by car, foot, bike, segway, and horseback. But in addition to all the history, this vibrant small town is home to a growing food scene. Farm-to-table menus and historic restaurants give visitors plenty of dining choices. A favorite way to explore the local restaurant scene is via a food tour. Recently, we discovered that Savor Gettysburg Food Tours offers the perfect way to enjoy tasty foods, dished with a side of history, and something sweet for dessert!
 Have you heard of beautiful Estes Park, Colorado? Its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park—just minutes down the road—makes it the perfect place to stay when visiting the park. Even if you don’t plan to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, there are plenty of things to do in Estes Park. Getting there from Denver is relatively easy, roughly 70 miles from downtown, and just under 90 minutes drive time. We spent four nights as part of a summer vacation in Colorado, with plenty of time to explore both downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. With an elevation of 7,522 feet in town, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery no matter the season. Keep reading to learn more about what to do in Estes Park during the summer.
Just a few short hours from Miami is a place where palm trees sway in the breeze, restaurants and tiki bars pop up along the blue-green water, and colorful signs greet you at many of the local shops. It’s the Florida Keys, a chain of islands connected from Key Largo to Key West by the Overseas Highway. Often people ask: Is the Florida Keys kid friendly? With state parks like Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda for swimming and snorkeling, the Key West Aquarium and colorful Mallory Square, and accommodations like the family friendly Hawks Cay Resort, there are plenty of things to do throughout the Keys. We found it to be the perfect place for a tropical summer family vacation. Our kids who were teens at the time enjoyed a variety of activities, from snorkeling to a ghost tour. Here are 10 things you should put on your list when visiting the Florida Keys with teens.
One of my favorite things about the Mid-Atlantic area is the seemingly never-ending places to explore. And what better way to see them than from a bike trail. Besides the physical benefits of getting out on a bicycle, it’s the perfect way to view an area from a different perspective. One scenic bike trail that tops our list is the Mount Vernon Trail. You can’t beat the views of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial as you pedal along the trail on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Besides the popular DC bike trails, there are other wonderful places nearby well-suited for an active day or overnight trip from the DC area. These include Maryland’s Eastern Shore and bike-friendly Lewes, Delaware. Here you can combine fun cycling routes with delicious local food and drink. So if you live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, and wonder Where are scenic bike trails near me? keep reading for our top picks throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Plus we include some favorite stops for coffee, a beautiful garden, and gelato!
Since I was a little girl, I have visited Rehoboth Beach, Delaware almost every summer. We would spend at least a week or two at the beach during the summer, along with weekends in the spring and fall, staying at our family cottage in nearby Dewey Beach. My childhood memories are filled with days on the beach, sailing in Rehoboth Bay, and nights roaming the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. I continued this tradition with my own kids, creating new memories along the way. Although I have been to other beaches over the years, I am always drawn back to the Delaware beaches. Rehoboth Beach is located within easy driving distance from the Washington, DC area, and over the years has earned its nickname as the “Nation’s Summer Capital.” If you are looking for a great East Coast beach vacation spot, here are three good reasons why you should consider a warm-weather vacation at Rehoboth Beach. Plus keep reading for more activities in the area and a few tips from our many trips to Rehoboth over the years to help make the most of your visit.
 What do a bonsai museum, cherry blossoms, and the National Herb Garden have in common? Visitors can find all three and much more at the fabulous U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. A true gem in the city, this 451 acre facility less than 15 minutes from the U.S. Capitol was established by Congress in 1927 as a facility to conduct research for the U.S. Department of Agriculture while also providing public education programs and serving as a public garden. While slightly off the main tourist path, the National Arboretum in DC still draws over half a million visitors per year, and if you visit, you will understand why. It’s an easy drive from downtown DC, and there’s plenty of free parking in several lots found throughout the Arboretum. So here’s my 6 reasons to add a visit to the U.S. National Arboretum to your Washington, DC bucket list.
Are you planning a trip to Alaska? If so, you’ll want to spend at least a day or more visiting Denali National Park & Preserve. Ranked by landmass, Alaska holds claim to some of the largest national parks in the United States, with Denali coming in at number three at a whopping 6 million acres (with Wrangell-St. Elias and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve at one and two, respectively). It’s certainly the largest national park that I have ever visited, with its namesake Denali towering at 20,310 feet. But don’t let the massive size scare you. There are activities for everyone, including easy hikes, bus tours, and a visit with the famous sled dogs. Whether you are visiting Alaska on a land trip or on a cruise, here are some things to do with at least two full days to spend enjoying the spectacular landscape of Denali National Park.
Now that the cold days of winter are here to stay, it’s a perfect time to daydream about spring weather and seeing the iconic Washington DC Cherry Blossoms. Any good DC bucket list should include a spring visit to see these beautiful trees in full bloom. You’ll find the majority of the trees, along with the largest crowds, near the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park. Here’s 5 tips and things that we have learned over the years to help make the most of viewing DC's Cherry Blossoms. Be sure to read our helpful Guide to Visiting Washington, DC for more resources and things to do while you are in town.
Have you been to Denver lately? It had been a while since we visited, and the Mile-High City did not disappoint! We spent five days exploring Denver and the surrounding area and discovered it’s the perfect base for city adventures and outdoor recreation. The weather in mid-October was mild with sunny skies and moderate temperatures. Besides all the great things to do in downtown Denver, you don’t have to travel far from the city to find scenic parks like Roxborough State Park for hiking and outdoor activities. Plus there are easy day trips, including a spectacular train ride through Royal Gorge. As you make your list of things to do around Denver, Colorado, check out these 8 fun ways to explore the area, including several free things to do.
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