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
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Uncover hidden gems and underrated destinations with our new series! First up is our director of GIS, Tom Vitacco, sharing his favorite beach destination. Stay tuned for our staff's favorite picks off the beaten path.✨Sunset Beach, NC✨The Vibe: The beauty of the Outer Banks and the sunshine of Myrtle Beach…minus the crowds. Peaceful and relaxing, this is a family beach or couples' getaway destinat
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It’s strange to think of our U.S. Presidents residing somewhere other than the White House, but each President had a place to call home before or after their presidency that helped shape them into the historical figures we know today. Whether you’re a fan of American history or not, these estates once owned by former U.S. Presidents should be on your bucket list. Take a look at the top Pr
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Planning a trip for two? Feel the love in these romantic getaways. Whether you are looking to relax and gaze into each other’s eyes or engage in daring activities and get your heart racing, our guide will help you find the destination that is perfect for you.Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts Martha’s Vineyard poses the perfect backdrop to fall in love with its elegant and classic New England c
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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
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Sometimes trip-planning can be the most stressful part of vacationing. Where is the best place to stay logistically? Is the means of travel the most reliable, quickest, or most comfortable? Does the plan and total cost exist within the same budget?For many people that require disabled access, these itinerary stressors are just the tip of the planning iceberg. Planning a trip to include a disabled
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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
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With more than a hundred-thousand miles of trails in the United States, the National Parks house some of the best hiking around. Your boots can take you places and help you experience the natural and historical legacy of the land that you just can’t experience riding in a car. Try some of our favorite trails from coast to coast that span all levels of expertise.Wizard Island Summit TrailCrater Lak
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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
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With the holidays in the rearview mirror, and the fresh snowfall turning to gray sludge, for many people, this is the time of year when winter has lost its charm. Rather than spending the rest of the season counting down the days until you can open a kitchen window without risking frostbite, take a break from the gloom and head to one of our country's sunnier destinations. These warm-weather vacat
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Some cities are strengthened in beauty and charm by the changing of the seasons. While these destinations are a great place to visit any time of year, their fall seasons boast a getaway unlike any other, offering an impeccable combination of weather, scenery, and activity. Before booking your next trip, read through our list of the best fall vacation spots in the U.S.: Boston, Massachus
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Toronto, Ontario is the 4th largest city in North America with no shortage of things to do. This diverse and beautiful city brings in more than 14 million tourists every year and is ideal for the urban adventurer. Here are just a few things to check out if you find yourself booking a trip to this awesome city: CN TowerAs one of Canada’s most recognizable symbols, and a defining point in the T
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George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Nashville, Tennessee has always been known for its creative artist and music scene – but in recent years it’s also made a name for itself amongst the foodies of the world. So hit the road and head to where the tea is sweet and the chicken is hot. If you’re in need of some restaurant recommendations, here is our list
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Virginia offers the best of both worlds: seashore and mountains. Where the sun kisses the sparkling sands of Virginia Beach through the Piedmont Plateau region and westward to the rolling Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, Virginia offers a vareity of scenic wonders with plenty to do. Visitors can frolic on the beaches and enjoy water sports, or hike through the mountains, embroidered with
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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
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A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. – "Walden, Or Life In The Woods" by Henry David Thoreau, 1854.No matter where you live, there is probably a lake relatively near home – and most offer a vacation for every season – so start taking advantage! Lakes not only offer a myriad of activ
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Mother nature has done some truly awe-inspiring things in her day. You don't need a passport to visit these naturally stunning places, but you will want a camera. Check out our list of the most photograph-worthy places in the U.S.! Bonneville Salt Flats, UtahWhen the ancient Lake Bonneville in western Utah dried up, salt deposits formed a hard white crust creating a place so barren and flat i
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Two months ago, America received its 61st national park when Indiana Dunes was awarded the official designation. Prior to February 15, 2019, the northwest Indiana beachfront was a national lakeshore. Get to know the newest U.S. National Park with these top ten tidbits about the Indiana Dunes: Indiana Dunes is Indiana's first official U.S. National Park The park borders 15 miles of beach
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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
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The first trip you take as a married couple is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you won’t want to go just anywhere. There are endless lists on the internet of beautiful U.S. honeymoon destinations, but the same places seem to pop up over and over again. There are plenty of popular locales, but what about the many amazing destinations that don’t get as much recognition? Below are our top picks f
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Have a long holiday weekend coming up or just looking to use up some vacation days? Although we would love to spend a month traveling, quick trips can be just as fun if you pick the right place. So head out of work early, beat the traffic, and find yourself at one of our favorite long weekend getaway destinations. Shelter Island, New YorkThis small 29-square-mile island is a relaxing destinat
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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
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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
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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
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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
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No matter what you celebrate, holiday markets are a fun place to get all your shopping done and actually enjoy yourself. This centuries-old European tradition is a great way to get into the spirit of the season with the all of lights, decorations, tinkling music, and the bustle of people trying to pick out of the perfect gifts. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite annual pop-up markets across t
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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In America, BBQ is King. People here are so passionate about this style of cooking, its history, and its culture that you’d think that BBQ sauce courses through their veins rather than blood. Over the past century, people have curated deep and passionate opinions about what makes the best barbecue style, declaring that theirs is better than the rest. However, they can all agree that BBQ is inheren
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Let’s face it guys, our daily lives can be stressful. It’s important to take a step back every once in a while and recharge those batteries. Nothing can help eliminate the stress better than rounding up the boys and getting away from it all (ladies, we didn’t forget you – check out our girls getaways here). So, call up the crew and take off to one of these destinations. &nbs
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If you are planning your next vacation and you're looking for glamour, opulence, and extravagence, then look no further than this article. This list of luxury getaways is all about the destination and what makes each of them an indulgent experience. East Hampton, New YorkSearching for a sophisticated getaway where you'll rub shoulders with the elite? Then East Hampton on Long Island, New York
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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
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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'
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When you think today’s Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) you think of grabbing your friends and family for a night of partying in the streets - but did you know that the origins of the celebration can actually be traced all the way back to medieval Europe? This traditional festival of feasting and merriment before the long abstinence of Lent was made an official holiday on the Gregorian calendar by Pope Gr
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Take a stroll down the cobbled streets of Charleston and you can feel the history and culture thick in the air. As the oldest city in the state of South Carolina, this coastal gem oozes southern charm and draws travelers from all over the world. While the city makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different time, among the antebellum architecture, it is a thriving city with much to see
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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
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New Orleans locals don’t eat to live, they live to eat, and they want you to know it. The Big Easy’s traditional fare – which is actually a melting pot of cuisines from all over the world – is a huge part of the city’s vibrant culture, and it’s not something to miss when visiting. We’ve compiled a bucket list of some of the most famous and tried-and-true dishes that contribute to New O
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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.
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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
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Although it is the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island has over 400 miles of convoluted shoreline facing the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. The state has more than 100 beaches. Surf conditions range from calm to challenging. Annual tournaments for striper, bluefish, shark, billfish, and tuna testify to the rich fishing opportunities. Seafood is fresh and plentiful, and clambakes--in w
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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
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Any parent knows that planning a trip with kids can take a lot of planning and patience. A vacation should be fun for the whole family, and include a little something for everyone. We’ve got you covered with some ideas for family-oriented vacation spots to help minimize stress and maximize fun!Grand Canyon, ArizonaThis massive canyon in Arizona is truly a natural wonder that will leave anyone awes
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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
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People flood in from all over to visit our nation's capital. While the White House, the monuments, and the museums are all worth a visit, they can get a bit crowded during the height of tourist season. If you want a more authentic experience in DC, we’ve compiled a list of some off-the-beaten-path spots for you to try. Our guide will help you navigate the streets like a seasoned local and cultivat
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