115 articles tagged with outdoor adventures
When most travelers think of outdoor adventure destinations, Iowa rarely tops the list. But as someone who's explored coral reefs from Thailand to Belize, I've learned that ecological wonders hide in the most unexpected places. West Des Moines surprised me...
The fog rolls in across the Golden Gate as I stand at a vista point few tourists ever find. After growing up between Florence's Renaissance splendor and Australia's untamed wilderness, I've developed a knack for uncovering the authentic pulse of...
Standing at the confluence where Barnegat Bay meets the Toms River, I felt that familiar sense of *ma* — the meaningful pause between moments that my Japanese father taught me to appreciate. The coastal ecosystem here in Toms River, New...
The Virginia coastline whispers stories that most visitors never hear, drowned out by the carnival-like atmosphere of the main boardwalk. As someone who's traversed coastlines from Hokkaido to Cape Town, I've developed a sixth sense for finding those authentic pockets...
I never expected to fall for Arkansas. My bridge-hunting expeditions typically lead me to the Pacific Northwest's moss-covered spans or Belgium's canal-crossed landscapes. But when a fellow craft beer enthusiast raved about Springdale's burgeoning brewery scene nestled in the foothills...
Like aligning a perfect bite, finding budget-friendly adventures in new cities requires precision, patience, and a bit of expert knowledge. When a recent orthodontic conference brought me to Columbia, South Carolina, I found myself with a free weekend and a...
You know that feeling when you escape the daily grind and suddenly find yourself surrounded by towering evergreens with the scent of pine filling your lungs? That's Federal Way, Washington for you—a hidden gem nestled between Seattle and Tacoma that's...
As someone who's spent decades helping others navigate emergencies, I've discovered that planning family adventures requires the same blend of preparation and adaptability. Portland, Oregon—with its quirky charm, natural beauty, and family-friendly vibe—offers the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity...
When someone mentions Kansas, your mind probably conjures endless wheat fields and tornado warnings, not adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures. I get it. Three years ago, a medical conference brought me to Wichita, and I arrived with exactly zero expectations for adventure....
As someone who's spent more time underwater than behind the wheel, I've developed a surprising affinity for coastal road trips. There's something about the rhythm of the road that mirrors the ebb and flow of tides – a scientific observation,...
When most folks hear 'Rochester, Minnesota,' their minds immediately jump to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. But as a 58-year-old theater intern who's traded corporate boardrooms for backstages, I've discovered this charming Midwest city offers far more than medical marvels. Last...
Growing up fishing with my abuelo in the Gulf of Mexico taught me that coastal destinations always hide their best secrets beyond the obvious shoreline attractions. Myrtle Beach might be famous for its 60 miles of gorgeous Atlantic beaches, but...
When most folks think of Hwange National Park, they picture the classic safari experience—Land Rovers tracking elephant herds across golden savanna. But after my recent two-week winter adventure with a group of friends from my Sheffield tennis club, I discovered...
When I first ventured to Medford, Oregon, I expected a brief stopover on my way to a women's soccer tournament in Portland. Instead, I discovered an outdoor playground that's had me returning every summer since. Nestled in the Rogue Valley...
From 35,000 feet above South Africa, the landscape transforms from the urban sprawl of Johannesburg to the undulating green carpets of Mpumalanga province. As we begin our descent into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, I'm always struck by how the terrain...