Nestled in the bluegrass hills of Kentucky is Louisville—a big city with the heart of a small town that is steeped in tradition. Brimming with history, culture, bourbon, and a penchant for southern hospitality, it’s no wonder this charming metropolis is becoming an increasingly popular destination for a host of reasons. (Travel + Leisure recently named it one of best food cities in the
Read more
America is experiencing a great brew awakening with more cities making their mark on the emerging craft beer scene. As more and more people try their hands at the fine art of brewing IPAs, sours, stouts, pilsners, and the like, you may be wondering who does it best? So, we've compiled a list of our favorite cities to visit in search of the best frothy glass of beer. Asheville, North CarolinaA
Read more
Visiting America's National Parks can feel like a post card come to life; from Grand Teton's mesmerizing mountain views to Yosemite's iconic plunging waterfalls. But, what about some of the newer or smaller parks that you might never have heard of? With a whopping 63 national parks across the nation, you can avoid the masses and experience some of the most spectacular and natural places that this
Read more
There are few things that go as hand-in-hand as the city of Chicago and deep dish pizza. From crispy, crunchy crust to gooey cheese and mouth wateringly savory tomato sauce (on top, of course) – just thinking about a deep dish pizza from one of Chicago’s famous pizza joints is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. In fact, Bill Murray, a native of the Chicago suburbs, has been known to say that, “u
Read more
The drive from Santa Barbara to Monterey is an unforgettable one, to say the least. This route follows the El Camino Real road and California's Highway 1 as it wends its way through the core of coastal California. Following this course, the ocean is always on your left so you can't lose direction. But with the beauty that surrounds you, you may lose your heart south of San Francisco. Sunsets ancho
Read more
When you're on the road and hunger strikes, it's easy to succumb to the ease of fast food joints and gas station snacks. If you lead a lifestyle that requires you to be away from home much of the time — or if you're planning a cross-country road trip — it can be especially difficult to keep up with a clean-eating routine. However, healthier food options have a positive impact on your body, making
Read more
Packing lightly can really pay off when traveling, but it takes some strategy to be able to do it without sacrificing comfort and style. Experienced travelers will tell you whether you’re packing up a small car or trying to fit everything into a carry-on bag, it’s best to only bring the essentials. But embracing this strategy takes a pinch of skill and a dash of sacrifice. So for those who notorio
Read more
Whether you're planning a bachelorette party, a birthday weekend, or just a girls' weekend getaway, choosing a destination can be the hardest part of planning. Luckily, Rand McNally has your back. Check out our list of best girls' trip destinations, sure to make your trip one to remember!Portland, OregonWhile Portland may be known as a Mecca for all things hipster, it also boasts some serious natu
Read more
Although St. Patrick's Day honors the patron saint of Ireland, the largest celebrations are in the United States. Originally a sedate, religious holiday, the St. Patrick's Day we know today was reinvented by Irish immigrants as a way to celebrate their heritage. While most cities across the U.S. have some type of celebration, we've rounded up the destinations that really go all out for St. Paddy's
Read more
African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, is a dedicated time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and how they helped shape United States history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. But you don't need to wait to visit the many important parks, monuments, homes, and other landmarks that are
Read more
The capital of Georgia, Atlanta, also known as "Hotlanta," or the ATL, is a wonderful blend of art, shopping, outdoor activities, history, and southern charm. We think it's a "peachy" idea to visit this buzzing place, so if you're planning a trip to visit Atlanta, here are some fun things to do while you're in town:Georgia Aquarium225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313The Georgia Aquarium is the
Read more
When picking a travel destination, many people are drawn to the big cities like New York and Chicago. But we want to inspire you to think outside the box and discover some places that are a little different. These small towns have so much to offer — culture, natural beauty, and a little whimsy. Here are some of the best small towns to visit in America according to our travel experts.Bisbee, A
Read more
From its humble beginnings in Naples, Italy, pizza first came to America in the 1800’s. But this dish we all know and love didn’t really become popular until the mid-1900’s when—rumor has it—that soldiers returning from Europe after WWII were craving Italian food.Today, the American pizza industry spends about $40 billion annually on ingredients, with approximately 75,000 pizzerias around the coun
Read more
Craving the adrenaline rush of cutting through fresh powder first thing in the morning? The United States has some amazing ski towns that are rich in history, culture, and of course, slopes, slopes, and more slopes. We know that a lot of people have their favorites they keep going back to, but we’ve rounded up some of the best skiing in America if you feel like trying somewhere new!Sun Valley, Ida
Read more
Every bottle of wine tells a story. When you sip on a glass of wine, you can taste the region from which it came — the rich history, culture, climate, and ingenuity. Yes, you can pick up a bottle at the store, but nothing compares to the experience of visiting a vineyard, talking to winemakers, and really getting to know the vino that you are drinking. While there are wine destinations all over th
Read more
As much as we love road travel, driving can be a slog. Whether it’s sitting in traffic or seeing the same billboards over and over, it’s easy to forget about the joys of the open road. In this season of giving, we wanted to bring back some of the magic of the car trip with our favorite scenic drives. From the granite peaks of New Hampshire to the red rocks of Arizona, these are road travels meant
Read more
The Great Smoky Mountains just might be America's largest time machine. When you visit the national park and the gateway communities that surround it, you feel as though you've traveled back to the 1950s. Although you can't fully escape traffic and other signs of today, there's still a welcoming, relaxing sense of the past. Towns like Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Bryson City, Waynesville, and o
Read more
With 95,000 miles of coastline, two distinct oceans, and the world's largest gulf, the U.S. offers up an endless platter of seafood options. From tiny coastal seafood shacks to upscale swanky restaurants, there are many ways to enjoy the nation's seafood bounty. But where can you find some of the best in the country? Read on to find out.Chesapeake Bay, MarylandSummertime on the Eastern Shore of Ma
Read more
Boulder, Colorado is a bustling town nestled where the High Plains and Rockies meet. Its active outdoors and cultural scene has made it a wonderful place to visit. Plus, its perpetual sunny weather means there's something to do year round. Here are some of our favorites: Pearl Street MallSome of the best restaurants, bars, shops, and people watching can be found on beloved Pearl Street. Four
Read more
Sprawling cityscape, southern hospitality, and delicious food are just some of the reasons to visit Dallas, TX. As one of the country's fastest growing cities, there's more to do each day in "The Big D," but here are some of our favorites: The Sixth Floor MuseumStep into political history at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza where the fatal shots against President John F. Kennedy were fi
Read more
While Madison, Wisconsin wears its college-town moniker proudly, the city's vibrant arts, culture, and foodie scenes prove it has much more to offer. Although we would never suggest skipping the seemingly city-wide football tailgate parties on Saturdays in the fall, there is definitely more to experience. Madison is also home to several James Beard-nominated restaurants, more than 200 miles o
Read more
Few methods of travel have inspired filmmakers as much as the great American road trip. With summer around the corner, you might start feeling the itch for an epic journey. If you hunger for adventure and the open road but aren't sure where to go next, try popping in one of these films for some inspiration! 1. Crossroads (2002)Three childhood friends take a life changing cross-country road tr
Read more
Don't be fooled—spring break doesn't have to break your budget. From the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to the chic metropolis of Montreal, we've found wallet-friendly destinations perfect for the whole family. Pigeon Forge, TNTucked away in the Smoky Mountains, this Tennessee resort town may be best-known as the home of Dollywood. However, Pigeon Forge has much more to offer than Dolly Parton'
Read more
The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is the stretch of US 1 that travels through some of the nation’s most spectacular tropical scenery from Mile Marker 110, north of Key Largo, to Mile Marker 0 in Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States.Driving down the highway where the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet is an unparalleled experience, with the shallow sandy shelf of clea
Read more
Beautiful grass with a bluish hue is the inspiration behind Kentucky's nickname: The Bluegrass State. This popular grazing plant grows throughout much of the state, and its name has been associated with the music native to the region. Kentucky, though, is probably best known as the home of the most famous annual horse race in the country, the Kentucky Derby, held each May.
Read more
Galleries, arts and crafts studios, cafés, and fine restaurants—all nestled within the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, and the recreational opportunities they have to offer—make visitors to Asheville, North Carolina not only enjoy their vacation, but leaves them wanting to come back again and again. Begin your North Carolina road trip in Black Mountain and head east out of town on
Read more
Chicago might claim to be the "Blues Capital of the World," but if you're looking for an atmosphere of gritty, from-the-roots blues, you must head to the juke-jointin', Colt-45 swiggin', dust and dirt-ridden backroads of the Mississippi Delta.Better known for its opulent plantations, endless cotton fields, and rich Civil War heritage, the Mississippi Delta is also the birthplace of the blues. Deve
Read more
If you’re planning to take a trip across the country, beware of the laws that differ from state to state. Some of these laws (somehow) are still in place from hundreds of years ago, while others are slightly modernized—but strange nonetheless. Here are the weirdest laws in each state*:AlabamaIf you can successfully drive your vehicle while blindfolded, then good for you! There is a law on the book
Read more
Stress can have serious mental and physical effects on adults. As people look for creative ways to unwind, it’s no wonder that adult activity books have taken the world by storm. Wouldn’t it be nice to be as carefree as a child again?These books for grownups are designed to promote relaxation and. “Mindfulness,” a meditative practice with Buddhist roots meant to help people achieve a state of acti
Read more
You don’t have to drive to the West Coast to visit an award-winning winery or take a picturesque drive along a winding shore. Michigan’s own Harbor Country has these in spades, putting any notion of a flat and boring Midwest to rest. Here are our top tips for enjoying a trip along Michigan’s beautiful south-western shore.Ditch the freewayOnce you make it to New Buffalo, escape the multi-lane highw
Read more
