115 articles tagged with outdoor adventures
As someone who's spent my career helping families connect with America's natural wonders, I've explored countless destinations across the country. But sometimes the most magical family adventures happen in places you'd least expect. Nestled just south of the Twin Cities,...
The rhythmic hum of cicadas greets me as I step out into the warm Alabama air, a natural soundtrack so different from the electronic beats that once defined my travels. Dothan might not be on most travelers' radar, but this...
When most think of Utah, winter sports immediately spring to mind. But having spent a gloriously heart-pounding week in Orem and Utah Valley last summer, I can assure you that this magnificent region offers far more than powder-covered slopes. With...
When most travelers think of Minnesota, the Mall of America or the majestic North Shore might come to mind. But nestled just northwest of Minneapolis lies Brooklyn Park—a vibrant suburb that's become my family's go-to weekend escape whenever we visit...
There's something magical about places that transform completely with the changing seasons, offering entirely new experiences as the calendar turns. Auburn, Maine is precisely such a destination—one that captured my heart during a two-week family visit last year. Nestled alongside...
When most people hear 'Manhattan,' their minds immediately drift to towering skyscrapers and Broadway shows. But tucked away in the Flint Hills of Kansas lies another Manhattan—affectionately dubbed 'The Little Apple'—that captured my heart during a recent hockey tournament detour....
Growing up with a Filipino father meant regular childhood visits to Manila, where I'd marvel at the fascinating blend of Spanish colonial architecture, ultra-modern skyscrapers, and the warm Filipino hospitality that makes this place so special. Now, as an engineer...
After driving buses through the concrete jungles of Liverpool and Sydney for nearly four decades, there's something bloody magical about trading tarmac for trails. Connecticut might not be Nepal or the Scottish Highlands, but crikey, these modest mountains pack a...
I'll be honest—West Valley City wasn't initially on my radar when planning a Utah adventure. But when my friend Mia invited me to visit her family there last spring, I discovered a suburban gem that deserves way more attention than...
As both a research scientist and mindful traveler, I've analyzed countless destinations for the perfect family adventure balance. Newport, Vermont—nestled along the southern shores of Lake Memphremagog—emerged in my data as a statistical outlier. This gem offers a fascinating 365-day...
The first time I ventured beyond the fairytale façade of Neuschwanstein Castle into Bavaria's alpine wilderness, I felt an immediate kinship with the landscape. These mountains, though distinctly European, resonated with the same quiet majesty I'd experienced in Japan's northern...
Okay, so I might be a 26-year-old 'retiree' (still feels weird to say that!), but there's nothing that makes me feel more alive than hitting the open road with my little co-pilot. When my son Liam asked to see 'real...
After nearly three decades managing recreation programs in Minneapolis, I never imagined I'd be writing about Norway's coastal gems from my adopted home in Sheffield. But life takes unexpected turns – like when my British wife landed that university position...
Y'all, I've jumped out of planes over five continents, but sometimes the best adventures happen closer to home. When my skydiving club planned a meetup in Kentucky, I extended my stay to explore Bowling Green—a city that perfectly balances adrenaline...
When most travelers picture Zanzibar, their minds immediately conjure images of powdery white sand beaches and crystalline turquoise waters. While these postcard-perfect shores certainly deserve their fame, I've discovered that this Tanzanian archipelago harbors an astonishing diversity of ecosystems and...