'The Crown Jewel Of South Carolina' Is An Artificial Lake Renowned For Fishing, Boating, And Dining On Water
Lake Murray, a 50,000‑acre artificial reservoir in central South Carolina, has become a premier destination for fishing, boating, and waterfront dining. Built in the 1920s to power a hydroelectric dam, the lake now boasts 650 miles of shoreline, multiple public marinas, and island attractions like Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park. Visitors can park for $10 a day, rent pontoon boats for $200, and enjoy restaurants such as Liberty On The Lake with lake‑front views. The lake lies just a 30‑minute drive from Columbia, making it an easy day‑trip hotspot.
Sandwiched Between Fort Wayne And Akron Is An Ohio City With Small-Town Charm, Tasty Eats, And Lake Fun
Willard, Ohio, a small‑town getaway nestled between Fort Wayne and Akron, blends historic charm with easy access to major cities. Founded as Chicago Junction in 1874 and incorporated in 1960, the city offers mid‑century homes, farmland views, and a relaxed suburban...
11 Most-Visited Pennsylvania State Parks, Ranked
A new ranking based on 2024 visitor data identifies the 11 most‑visited Pennsylvania state parks, with Pymatuning State Park leading at over 3.8 million guests and Presque Isle close behind at 3.5 million. The list spans a variety of amenities—from expansive lakes...
Just Touching Your Phone At A Red Light Can Get You A Ticket In These Strict US States
A growing majority of U.S. jurisdictions now enforce "no‑touch" cellphone laws, prohibiting drivers from handling phones even at red lights unless mounted. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports 33 states, D.C., and several territories have such bans, with fines ranging...
Between Fort Wayne And Cleveland Is An Affordable Ohio City With A Charming Downtown, Art, And Friendly Vibes
Fostery, Ohio, a 13,000‑person former glass‑making hub, markets itself as an affordable Midwestern getaway. Hotel rooms start around $74, and visitors can explore free attractions like the Iron Triangle Rail Park, where more than 100 trains pass daily, and the Glass...
China's 'Venice Of The East' Is A Historic Canal City Near Shanghai With Arched Bridges And Lantern-Lit Waterways
Suzhou, a historic city just west of Shanghai, is crisscrossed by canals that form part of the UNESCO‑listed Beijing‑Hangzhou Grand Canal and serve as a cultural lifeline for its 8 million residents. The city’s classical gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s...
Between Chicago And Madison Is Wisconsin's Scenic Lake With Trails, Camping, And Fishing
Whitewater Lake, a 625‑acre artificial reservoir created in 1947, sits within Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine State Forest and serves as a year‑round recreation hub. The lake is a short drive from Chicago (under two hours), Madison (one hour) and Milwaukee, making...
Santa Cruz's Wildly Charming Victorian Bed And Breakfast Is Just Steps From The Beach And Memorable Eats
West Cliff Inn, a restored 1877 Italianate mansion on Santa Cruz’s historic Millionaire’s Row, operates as a boutique bed‑and‑breakfast with ten rooms. Guests enjoy king‑size beds, ocean‑view suites, soaking tubs, fireplaces, and private balconies, plus a complimentary homemade breakfast and nightly wine hour....
Utah's Once-Thriving Railroad Locale Is Now An Abandoned Ghost Town With Historic Ruins To Explore
Terrace, Utah, once a bustling terminal on the First Transcontinental Railroad from 1869 to 1904, supported up to 1,000 residents before the line was rerouted 40 miles south. The town’s decline left only rail remnants, a cemetery, and scattered foundations,...
5 Affordable Travel Destinations To Visit In South America
South America offers diverse travel experiences that can be enjoyed on a budget, with five destinations highlighted for their affordability and cultural appeal. Sucre, Bolivia, and Asunción, Paraguay, rank among the cheapest cities, while Quito, Ecuador, and Cusco, Peru, provide...
Michigan's Once-Thriving Mining Site Is Now A Scenic Nature Preserve Home To The State's Longest-Known Cave
The former Fiborn quarry, active from 1904 to 1936, has been reborn as the 480‑acre Fiborn Karst Preserve in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The site houses the Hendrie River Water Cave, the state's longest known cave at roughly 1,500 feet, formed 7,000‑10,000...
Between Tampa And Fort Myers Is An Underrated Florida State Park Perfect For Camping, Trails, And Fishing
Oscar Scherer State Park, nestled between Tampa and Fort Myers, spans 1,400 acres of trails, camping, and fishing opportunities. The park provides over 100 campsites with water and electric hookups, two glamping safari tents, and ADA‑accessible sites, plus pavilions and...
![Wilmington's Top-Rated Free-To-Visit Attraction Is A Large Family-Friendly Garden With Paved Beauty [Publish 3/29]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://www.islands.com/img/gallery/wilmington-north-carolina-new-hanover-county-arboretum-free-visit-garden-family-friendly/l-intro-1774365960.jpg)
Wilmington's Top-Rated Free-To-Visit Attraction Is A Large Family-Friendly Garden With Paved Beauty [Publish 3/29]
The New Hanover County Arboretum, a 7‑acre free public garden east of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, opened in 1989 and features themed sections such as a Japanese garden, butterfly sanctuary, carnivorous‑plant exhibit, and a child‑friendly play area. It offers free...
Michigan's Quaint Downriver City Is An Outdoor Hub For Camping And Hiking With A Charming Downtown
Trenton, Michigan, has been recognized as a Trail Town and now offers over 10 miles of hiking and biking paths, including a segment of the 2,000‑mile Iron Belle Trail. The city’s historic Elizabeth Park and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge...
Among Europe's Most Beautiful Beaches Is A Turkish Hideaway With Serene Sands And Mountain Views
Ölüdeniz Beach on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is ranked among Europe’s most beautiful beaches, famed for its crystal‑clear Blue Lagoon and dramatic backdrop of Mount Babadağ. The destination draws adventure seekers with world‑renowned paragliding, scuba diving and hiking along the Lycian Way,...
San Francisco's 5 Best Affordable Places To Stay On A Tight Budget, According To Guests
San Francisco remains one of the nation’s priciest tourist markets, but a recent guide identifies five accommodations that balance cost and comfort for budget‑aware travelers. The Chancellor Hotel and Handlery Union Square Hotel offer historic settings near downtown for $130‑$250 per...
New York's Once-Thriving Adirondack Village Is Now An Eerie Ghost Town With A Presidential History
Tahawus, a former Adirondack mining village, has been abandoned twice—first in 1858 after iron operations failed and again in 1989 when titanium‑dioxide mines closed. The town briefly entered national history when Vice President Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the Tahawus Club...
Texas' Newest One-Of-A-Kind Resort For Children And Kids-At-Heart Is Opening In 2026
Universal Destinations & Experiences is set to launch Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, slated for 2026. The family‑focused theme park will feature seven immersive lands, including Jurassic World Adventure Camp and SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom, alongside a 300‑room on‑site hotel....
California's Walkable North Side Berkeley Neighborhood Charms With Victorian Homes And Unique Shops
North Berkeley’s north‑side neighborhood combines a Walk Score of 93 with historic Victorian homes, boutique shops and easy BART access, creating a highly walkable enclave near the Bay Area’s major airports. Residents enjoy tree‑lined streets, local cafés, grocery stores and...
Sandwiched Between Columbus And Pittsburgh Is Ohio's Scenic Lake With Fishing Thrills And Cute Cabins
Ohio’s Clendening Lake, the state’s largest undeveloped reservoir, spans 1,800 acres and more than 40 miles of shoreline, offering a low‑key retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can choose rustic log cabins that sleep up to 12 guests, booked for seven‑night...
5 Of Frank Sinatra's Favorite Places To Stay And Visit During His Life
Frank Sinatra’s five favorite U.S. destinations—Palm Springs, Chicago, Miami Beach, New York, and Las Vegas—have become pilgrimage sites for fans and heritage tourists. Each city preserves venues where the crooner lived, performed, or dined, from Twin Palms’ desert modernist estate to the Golden Steer’s...
Unexpected Traits Tour Guides Always Notice About You
Tour guides do more than narrate; they constantly read guests' body language, energy, and engagement levels. By noticing signs of boredom, shyness, or dominance, they adjust their pacing, humor, and questioning to keep the group inclusive. This real‑time observation shapes...
Minnesota's Longest Fishing Pier Is A Midwest Gem Amidst Scenic Campgrounds And Lakeside Disc Golf
Dower Lake Recreation Area in central Minnesota boasts the state’s longest fishing pier, a 45‑site campground, and a well‑maintained 9‑hole disc golf course. Campsites range from rustic to electric‑hookup options, priced between $15 and $30 per night, and include amenities...
Nestled Between NYC And Albany Is A Charming Hudson Valley Hamlet Near A Scenic Nature Preserve
Ulster Park, a hamlet of fewer than 4,000 residents in New York’s Hudson Valley, sits roughly two‑and‑a‑half hours north of New York City and an hour and a half south of Albany. The community centers on the 96‑acre Esopus Meadows Preserve, a...
Britain's 'Best Village' Is A Pretty, UNESCO-Designated Treasure
Saltaire, a West Yorkshire village founded by industrialist Titus Salt in the 1850s, was named Britain’s “best village” by The Telegraph for 2025. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, preserves its 19th‑century mill complex, Italianate architecture, and...
Washington's 5 Deepest Lakes To Visit, Ranked
Washington boasts over 8,000 lakes, and its five deepest—Ross, Chelan, Crescent, Whatcom, and Kachess—draw visitors for recreation and scenery. Ross Lake tops ratings as a hydro‑created reservoir with boat‑only campsites, while Lake Chelan, at 1,486 ft, is the state’s deepest and...
Myrtle Beach's 5 Highest-Rated And Most Affordable Resorts Right On The Dazzling Grand Strand
A new guide ranks the five highest‑rated, most affordable resorts directly on Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand. The list—Darlington Inn & Cottages, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22, Island Vista Resort, The Horizon at 77th, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations South Beach—meets...
America's Most Iconic Suburb Is A Charming Gem Outside New York City Filled With Local Restaurants And Vibrant History
Levittown, New York, emerged in the late 1940s as the prototype of mass‑produced suburban housing, with Levitt & Sons completing a new home every 16 minutes. The town’s uniform, affordable homes sparked the post‑war suburban boom across America. Today, Levittown blends...
Judy Garland's Birthplace Is A Midwest Gem Featuring A Museum With Iconic 'Wizard Of Oz' Memorabilia
The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, showcases the legendary actress’s early life, featuring her relocated 1920s childhood home and a collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia. Highlights include a horse‑drawn carriage from the film, an Andy Warhol screen print,...
Milwaukee's Largest Public Beach Is A Top-Rated Getaway With Excellent Amenities And Beauty
Bradford Beach, Milwaukee’s largest public shoreline, earned a spot among the Travel Channel’s top 11 city beaches and is celebrated for its clean, vibrant atmosphere. The lakefront offers extensive amenities such as sand volleyball courts, a paved hiking loop, free...
'Cleveland-Style BBQ' Is Served At This Chic Must-Stop Ohio Gem
Chef Michael Symon, famed for inventing Cleveland‑style BBQ, opened Mabel’s BBQ, a chic downtown eatery that showcases the city’s Eastern European roots with Midwest flavors. The menu centers on meats smoked with local applewood and sauces built on Bertman’s Stadium...
History Buffs Go Out Of Their Way For This Lush Greek Island
Pontikonisi, known as Mouse Island, sits off Corfu’s coast and features the 11th‑century Byzantine Pantokrator chapel, a draw for history enthusiasts. The island is accessible by frequent boat trips from Kanoni Harbor, costing about 3 € (≈ $3.48 USD) per passenger. While the...
Michigan's 'Gem Of The Upper Peninsula' Is A Lovely Community With Stunning Lake Views, Beaches, And Tasty Eats
Grand Marais, a small waterfront hamlet on Lake Superior, is marketed as the Upper Peninsula’s hidden gem. The town blends historic charm—featuring lighthouses, the Old Post Office Museum, and the quirky Pickle Barrel House—with pristine beaches and forested trails like...
At The End Of Hawaii's Famous Road To Hana Is A Boutique Hotel With Wellness Experiences And Laidback Vibes
The Hana‑Maui Resort, the sole hotel in the secluded town of Hana at the end of Maui’s famed Road to Hana, has been rebranded as a Destination by Hyatt property with 66 rooms and bungalows that forgo TVs and clocks...
Just Outside Charleston Is South Carolina's Centuries-Old Natural Wonder That's Well Worth The Trip
The Angel Oak, a massive live oak on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina, is estimated to be around 400 years old and boasts a canopy covering roughly 17,000 square feet. Recognized as the largest live oak east of the...
Sandwiched Between Detroit And Chicago Is A Michigan River City With Camping, Historic Charm, And Tasty Eats
Jonesville, Michigan, a historic river town of about 2,300 residents, sits roughly 100 miles from Detroit and three hours northeast of Chicago along U.S. Route 12. The village offers secluded camping at Way Back In Campground, boutique lodging at Munro House...
A Charming Illinois Village Near Rockford Is A Historic Gem With A Walkable Downtown, Shops, And Nature Preserves
Rockton, Illinois, a village of under 8,000 residents, offers a walkable historic downtown filled with mid‑19th‑century limestone buildings and boutique shops. The town hosts a series of seasonal festivals, from the whimsical Mae Day Faerie Festival to the pelican‑celebrating Rockton...
Tucked Between Kansas City And Wichita Is An Artificial Lake Known For Fishing And Camping
John Redmond Reservoir, an artificial lake built in the 1950s on Kansas' Flint Hills, has become a popular weekend getaway for fishing, birdwatching and camping. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the site, offering low‑cost day‑use and campground fees....
California's Largest Mall Is An Upscale Destination Filled With Boutique Shops And Award-Winning Restaurants
South Coast Plaza, located in Costa Mesa, has grown from a former lima‑bean farm into California’s largest mall, featuring more than 275 boutique shops and a roster of luxury brands. The mall blends high‑end flagship stores such as Dior, Gucci,...
Seattle's Hip Warehouse Arts District Is Like New York's SoHo In The '70s
Seattle’s South of Downtown (SODO) district has evolved from a gritty industrial zone into a vibrant arts hub, echoing New York’s 1970s SoHo transformation. Empty warehouses such as the Bemis Building and the former immigration station now host live‑work studios...
Indianapolis' Most Exciting 2026 Grand Opening Is A Chic Hotel With Skywalk Access To Lucas Oil Stadium
Hilton announced the upcoming Signia by Hilton Indianapolis, a 38‑story, 800‑room luxury hotel slated to open in fall 2026. The tower will be the city’s tallest hotel and will feature a skywalk connecting directly to the Indiana Convention Center and...
Charlotte's Walkable Neighborhood Is The Place To Go For Restaurants, Nightlife, And Greenway Hikes
Charlotte, traditionally a car‑centric city, is gaining attention for its walkable enclave Wesley Heights, just over a mile from Uptown. The historic district blends early‑20th‑century bungalows with a compact dining and nightlife corridor on Thrift Road and Jay Street. Greenways...
Maryland's Historic City On The Eastern Shore Spotlights A Vibrant Downtown, Victorian Charm, And Nature Preserves
Cambridge, Maryland, a historic Eastern Shore city founded in 1684, boasts a well‑preserved Victorian‑era historic district with roughly 600 buildings. Its compact downtown offers a lively mix of restaurants, a craft brewery, and easy walkability, while nearby nature preserves such...
California's Stunning Blue Lake With Crystal-Clear Waters And Lovely Mountains Only Takes A Short Hike To Reach
Ruby Lake, a high‑altitude alpine lake in California’s Sierra Nevada, is reachable via a 2.1‑mile one‑way trail with 912 feet of elevation gain, typically taking two to three hours. The hike begins near 10,000 feet, so hikers are advised to acclimatize and...
Between Rockford And Madison Is Wisconsin's Scenic Lake Park For Hiking, Boating, And Fishing
Gibbs Lake Park, a 300‑acre public space nestled between Madison, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois, offers a 73‑acre lake with a maximum depth of 23 feet. The park features a 3.6‑mile North‑South Trail Loop, a 1.3‑mile segment of the Ice Age Trail,...
This Lovely San Juan Neighborhood Near The Airport Has Waterfront Restaurants And Vibrant Entertainment
Isla Grande, a subbarrio of Santurce in San Juan, has shed its industrial past to become a vibrant waterfront district anchored by the Puerto Rico Convention Center and a bustling T‑Mobile entertainment zone. The neighborhood hosts the city’s secondary airport, a major cruise...
New Mexico's State Park In Santa Fe Is A Scenic Mountain Getaway With Camping And Trails
Hyde Memorial State Park, perched at 8,300‑9,400 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is New Mexico’s highest state park and a short 15‑minute drive from Santa Fe. The 350‑acre park offers 50 developed campsites, three year‑round yurts, and a...
Between Dayton And Lima Is An Ohio City With A Charming Downtown And Outdoor Recreation
Sidney, Ohio, a city of just over 20,000 residents, sits on I‑75 between Dayton and Lima, offering a blend of small‑town charm and regional accessibility. Its historic downtown features the French‑Second‑Empire Shelby County Courthouse, family‑run eateries, boutique shops, and a...
Nestled In Washington's Cascade Mountains Is A Scenic City With Camping, Peaceful Vibes, And Lake Access
Morton, Washington, a town of roughly 1,100 residents, sits in the Cascade foothills just an hour from Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, making it a strategic base for outdoor enthusiasts. The community is positioned on the White Pass Scenic...
How To Travel Through Paris In Julia Child's Footsteps
Julia Child’s 1948 arrival in Paris sparked a culinary legacy that today fuels a curated walking tour. The route starts at Les Deux Magots, moves through her former apartment and the cooking school she co‑founded, and ends at iconic brasseries...