Posts

Here in Minnesota, there are countless ways to enjoy our state’s beautiful nature areas. Whether you want to go swimming, hiking, camping, or canoeing, you’ll never run out of things to do. But what about those times when you want to enjoy Mother Nature without getting out of the car? The best solution is to go on a road trip! Minnesota has nearly two dozen scenic byways that will satisfy your nature craving no matter when you visit....

Watch the sun set behind the Connecticut River and let your troubles melt away. With a plate of fresh lobster in front of you, it just doesn’t get any better. At Fresh Salt, the views are just as spectacular as the food. Come to this restaurant in Old Saybrook to enjoy a romantic meal along the Long Island Sound. You’ll love every minute of it. Tucked inside the lovely Saybrook Point Resort, Fresh Salt offers an exceptional dining experience....

If you’ve been a Northern California resident for long, it’s likely you know exactly what’s referred to as “The Three Shastas”—otherwise known as Mt. Shasta, Shasta Lake, and Shasta Dam. Together, the three iconic landmarks create one of the most well-known landscapes in all of NorCal. Seeing the Three Shastas is always a treat, but there’s something especially remarkable about viewing them from atop Chamise Peak. Set off on this hiking trail and you’ll be led to a pristine view of all-things-Shasta near Redding....

Wyoming is a state that was built by cowboys, and cowboys love their red meat. Perhaps that’s why Wyoming’s small, rural towns are destinations for many foodies who are looking for an authentic Western meal. If you’re looking for the best steaks in the state, you’ll have some distance to travel, though. Way out in Fremont County, you’ll find one of the best steakhouses in the world. Head way out there to the tiny town of Hudson, where Svilar’s Steakhouse has been serving steaks for more than 75 years....

There’s no summer quite like a Rhode Island summer. And since it’s never too early to plan a sunny season getaway, we highly recommend planning a staycation to a nice, secluded houseboat. This charming place is basically a floating villa. This 40-foot houseboat is located in downtown Providence, but you’ll feel like you’re in your own world. Airbnb The boat sits right in the harbor, minutes away from some of Providence’s best hot spots....

The best road trips are the ones that involve delicious food, right? Texas is just full of so many amazing places to eat, and it seems impossible to try all of them in a lifetime – so we’re going to do the next best thing and try a few of the very best, most iconic restaurants in a few of the major cities. Gas up the tank and get ready to enjoy this Texas restaurant road trip....

When’s the last time you had a hotdog? Chances are, it was either a hurried meal or roasted over a campfire. You may not have realized that there’s a restaurant here in Virginia, that actually specializes in this unique food. The Barking Dog in Hampton, Virginia serves all kinds of hotdogs with just about every topping imaginable. So the next time you’re in the area and are in need of a quick lunch, you’ll be glad you stopped by....

Do you need a vacation? And a drink? While travel can be both costly and time-consuming, there are several places scattered about the Centennial State that are perfect for an easy and affordable staycation, including this Eastern Plains winery bed and breakfast: Located in Stratton is the splendid Claremont Inn, a combination winery and bed and breakfast that is the very definition of a hidden gem. Claremont Inn & Winery Facebook...

During these uncertain times, pets and animals bring a sense of comfort that’s difficult to match. Whether we’re cuddling with our own dogs and cats or checking out silly videos online, the innocence of nature’s cutest creatures helps us relax, smile, and escape the stresses of everyday life. Luckily for us, the Detroit Zoo now offers a variety of live streams that allow Michiganders and viewers from across the globe to check in on a variety of adorable creatures....

Minnesota is the birthplace of many favorite people. From Bob Dylan to Prince to Charles Schultz to Judy Garland, there have been countless musicians, actors, and artists with roots in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But our state is the birthplace to many other things as well. Many common objects were invented right here in Minnesota. One of the most iconic is a cereal brand that has been around since the 1920s....

We all know that Washington is responsible for some of the top companies in the nation and the world’s most addictive cinnamon rolls. But as it turns out, the Evergreen State has been the birthplace of all kinds of ideas and inventions. If you’ve ever enjoyed any of these things, you can thank a Washingtonian. Walla Walla Sweet Onions Marie / Flickr These delicious onions were actually brought to Washington in seed form by a French soldier named Peter Pieri....

No matter what the weather is like outside, nothing beats the refreshing taste of a hand-spun milkshake. Whether you’re partial to classic chocolate or craving something a bit more creative, there’s one restaurant near the Motor City where your sugary dreams will quickly come to life. When your desire for dessert is uncontrollable, this is the perfect place to dig in. Burger 21 is located at 26425 Novi Road F in Novi, just 35 minutes from Detroit....

Have you ever noticed that your wanderlust tends to really work overtime during the summer? After all, the beautiful weather makes the idea of getting out and exploring just so much more appealing. Even if you don’t have the time or the funds to travel very far, you’ll find an abundance of fun ways to help cure that wanderlust. You might, for example, want to check into a yurt in Missouri for a unique adventure that’s not too far from home....

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art fan, or something in between, there’s no shortage of excitement and fun to be found throughout the Great Lakes State. Michigan is rich with attractions for travelers of all interests and ages, from beachfront beauty to museums to scenic strolls. If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines art with the great outdoors, we’ve got just the spot. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is located just off West 10 Mile Road in Southfield....

Visiting Minnesota state parks is probably the best way to see the state’s diverse wildlife. Each park has something to offer, from soaring eagles to hard-to-find moose to abundant white-tailed deer. Minnesota animals are great, and it’s always exciting to see them up close. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes is also home to plenty of interesting plant life. From the carnivorous plants at Big Bog State Recreation Area to the ancient trees in Itasca County, there are plenty of plants to explore!...

If you’re in the mood for some delicious Vietnamese food, particularly pho, head to Oklahoma City to Pho Cuong Restaurant — a no-frills dining establishment serving some of the best pho in the state. They have a variety to choose from — everything from basic to adventurous — so pho connoisseurs will find all their favorites on the menu. If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese food in the OKC area, head to Classen Boulevard to Pho Cuong, a family-owned restaurant in Oklahoma City’s Asian District....

I write about pizza a lot because pizza is delicious and this is New Jersey. We’re lucky to have some of the best in the U.S. and you really can’t go wrong. It’s rare to find a bad pie in the Garden State. I’m not saying it’s impossible but I’ve only had one or two in the past few decades. Today, I want to feature a few fantastic places that I haven’t highlighted yet....

As often as we love to talk about the new and exciting attractions and businesses that are opening up here inside of the Empire State, it’s always neat to explore parts of the past as well. Previously here at Only In New York, we’ve highlighted how some of our state’s best hikes and trails are ones that will lead you out to abandoned places, but what about those abandoned places that you can’t access?...

There are a few things that most Michiganders can agree on: we love our Great Lakes, Vernors is a must-have in every medicine cabinet, and there’s nothing more wonderful than getting outside for a bit of fresh air. Luckily for us, the Great Lakes State is home to countless strolling spots and trails, and there’s one such destination in Port Huron that you’ll want to check out for yourself. The Blue Water River Walk can be accessed via 51 Court St in Port Huron....

Northeastern Oklahoma is home to the second largest lake in the state -Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees -nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range. Not only is this lake a gorgeous place to visit, but it also has many unique places to explore. For example, head to Horse Creek Cove near the Bernice area of Grand Lake State Park and you’ll see an odd bridge in the middle of the lake that leads to nowhere....