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A marshy area mixed with brown grasslands, under a cloudy blue sky at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Ohio.

By Melanie Johnson 12 hours ago

Between Columbus And Toledo Is A Scenic Ohio Park With Hiking, Fishing, And Wetland Beauty

Between Columbus and Toledo lies a peaceful Ohio escape where wildflower fields, scenic wetlands, and abundant wildlife are only part of the attraction.

View across Milton Reservoir and forested shores in California

By Rene Bennett 16 hours ago

Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: Visit This Less-Crowded California Paradise Inside A National Forest

Hemmed in by the towering evergreens of Tahoe National Forest, this relatively unknown lake offers the beauty of the Sierra Nevadas without the crowds.

Lake hemmed by greenery with a wooden overlook in Inverness, Florida

By Audrey Simons 23 hours ago

Situated North Of Tampa Is Florida's Charming City With Parks, Lake Access, And Affordable Living

Framed by lakes and woodlands, this small city is both lively and affordable, complete with a historic downtown district and a stunning boardwalk trail.

A portion of the recreated, wood-and-brick Fort Madison directly beside the Mississippi River with green grass and partly cloudy skies

By Tori Jane 2 days ago

Nestled On The Mississippi River Is An Iowa City With Scenic Views, Midwestern Charm, And A Walkable Downtown

Along the Mississippi River, a charming Iowa city pairs historic architecture and tree-lined streets with scenic trails and a downtown worth exploring.

Iron Lakes on a clear summer day with a small island in the middle with a few scraggly trees; the lake is greenish blue and tall skinny pines line the distant shores to the left and right of the image

By Lexi Kassler 2 days ago

Goodbye Big Bear Lake: This Refreshing, High-Elevation Escape Offers Less-Crowded Fishing And Hiking

Trade Big Bear Lake's busy shores for a secluded Sierra Nevada escape, where sapphire-blue waters, rugged mountain scenery, and outdoor adventures await.

Close up of egrets in a pond in the New Jersey Marshlands.

By Rene Bennett 3 days ago

Forget The Jersey Shore, Visit New Jersey's Former Landfill Turned Park Gem For Wildlife, Trails, And NYC Views

Just 30 minutes from the heart of Manhattan, this park is part of a 10,000-acre estuary and has been completely transformed into a wildlife haven.

Cliffs overlooking the sea at Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve in England

By Sam Scott 4 days ago

Between Middlesbrough And Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Lesser-Known Destination With Wooded Trails And Coastal Charm

Complete with enchanting woodland trails, this cliffside escape in the northeast of England is described as quiet and uncrowded by past visitors.

Devorgilla's Bridge across the River Nith in Dumfries, Scotland

By Sam Scott 4 days ago

Scotland's 'Queen Of The South' Is A Lovely Market Town With River Views, Nature Retreats, And Historic Charm

Home to famous residents throughout its history, including beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns, this town is full of fascinating sights worthy of a day trip.

Pactola Reservoir in Black Hills National Forest, Pennington County, South Dakota

By Christy Nicholson 5 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Midwestern Escape With Affordable Living, National Park Fun, And Mountain Views

For retirees who prefer mountains to Florida’s coast, a South Dakota county with access to many national parks is an affordable option in the Midwest.

Visitors on Pike Lake Beach at sunset in the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Hartford, Wisconsin

By Nally Preseault 6 days ago

Under An Hour From Milwaukee Is Wisconsin's Darling Forest Lake With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Nestled within a vast protected forest, this lake is a local gem for woodsy camping, cruising by boat, and casting a line for a variety of gamefish.

Parents laughing with their daughter on the beach

By Patrick Culhane 8 days ago

12 Best Family Vacations In The US For All Ages And Budgets, According To Research

There are a myriad of family-friendly destinations across the United States that can fit every budget. Here's where we suggest going for your next vacation.

Waves lap the shore of Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California

By Audrey Simons 8 days ago

Over Two Hours Away From Bakersfield Is A West Coast Beach With Ocean Views, Wildlife, And A Boardwalk

Known for its gemstone-strewn shores, abundant wildlife, colorful tide pools, and boardwalk atop the bluffs, this beach is an absolute must-visit.

Baker Lake with evergreen trees along the shoreline and Mt. Baker in the distance.

By Danno Wise 10 days ago

This Crystal-Clear Pacific Northwest Lake Is An Artificial Gem With Mountainside Beaches, Swimming, And Fishing

Visitors can't get enough of this lake's Caribbean-like waters, abundant year-round fishing, and gorgeous beaches with the North Cascades overhead.

By Danno Wise 11 days ago

Between Waco And Shreveport Is An Artificial Lake Escape For Trophy Fishing And Camping

Though somewhat overshadowed by the region's larger reservoirs, this lake has been a quaint escape for anglers, boaters, and campers for over half a century.

By Sara Caskey 12 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast Town With Mountain Views, Shops, And Tasty Eats

A picturesque retirement awaits in a charming East Coast town with nearby mountains and a vibrant sense of community at every turn.

Downtown Jackson, Alabama, in Clarke County

By Garrett Martin 14 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To Alabama's Serene Escape With Untamed Trails, Parks, And Affordable Living

This county in Alabama may not be an obvious retirement choice, but it offers affordability with access to nature through lakes, trails, and forests.

An aerial view of Rose Valley Lake, a reservoir in Gamble Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

By Nally Preseault 15 days ago

Pennsylvania's Artificial Lake Paradise To Fish, Boat, And Spot Wildlife Is Getting A Big Revitalization

A beloved Pennsylvania lake is preparing for a major transformation, and visitors may want to plan their next fishing or boating trip sooner rather than later.

Outdoor trails at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens

By Kaylee Giacomini-Moran 16 days ago

Illinois' 9 Hands-Down Best Parks In And Around Springfield For Scenic Nature Walks And Outdoor Fun

Scenic parks surround this Illinois capital, but these 9 offer the most beautiful, activity-packed, and accessible of the lot – and the locals adore them.

An inviting bench at the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars, Iowa

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 17 days ago

'The Ice Cream Capital Of The World' Is A Charming Iowa City With Quaint Shops And Colorful Local Art

Sample the finest scoops, hunt for giant cones, and visit a historic museum in this bustling town that makes over 150 million gallons of ice cream a year.

Saints Cyril and Methodius church in Shiner, Texas, with a large parking lot in front.

By Garrett Martin 17 days ago

Between Houston And San Antonio Is A Historic Charmer Called The 'Cleanest Little City In Texas'

A mandatory stop on a Texas road trip, this tiny home of Shiner Bock exudes Texan charm, offers delicious food, and truly lives up to its spotless reputation.

An aerial view of Canopus Lake in Fahnestock State Park in Carmel Hamlet, New York

By Nally Preseault 18 days ago

One Of The Best Spots For Scenic Camping Outside NYC Is This State Park With Trails And A Lake For Fishing

Less than an hour's drive from Manhattan, this 15,000-acre oasis in the Hudson Valley offers secluded camping in the woods and all kinds of activities.

A fountain and exterior of City Hall in Fruitland Park

By Madeleine Bee 18 days ago

Between Orlando And Gainesville Is A Fishing And Boating Paradise With Scenic Lakes And Foodie Finds

Prime fishing, kayaking past a 400-year-old oak, and tasty seasonal dishes in a historic mansion are just part of the appeal of this friendly lakeside suburb.

A vibrant fishing mural on the side of a building in Downtown Springdale in Arkansas.

By Ben M Stower 19 days ago

Arkansas' Charming Retirement City Is An Ozark Gem With Senior-Friendly Fun And A Low Cost Of Living

Retire to Arkansas’ Ozark landscapes in a senior-friendly, affordable city. Explore the charming, artsy downtown to get a feel for the community.

Washington State's North Head Lighthouse under a double rainbow

By Hillary Louise Johnson 19 days ago

10 Most Breathtaking Lighthouses On The West Coast

There are over 100 functional lighthouses on the West Coast, and we think these 10 offer the most breathtaking views, rich histories, and picturesque designs.

A scenic river with a rocky bed surrounded by colorful foliage at Buffalo River State Park in Minnesota

By Melanie Johnson 19 days ago

Between St. Cloud And Grand Forks Is Minnesota's State Park With Trails, Wildlife, And Riverfront Leisure

Minnesota's prairie country offers more than wide-open views at this peaceful state park, where a winding river brings wildlife and outdoor adventure.

A view of Lake Loramie's calm water in Lake Loramie State Park in Minster, Ohio

By Nally Preseault 20 days ago

Under An Hour From The Indiana Border Is An Ohio Lake State Park With Camping, Fishing, And Trails

Complete with waterfront campsites and cabins, hiking trails for all skill levels, and easily accessible fishing waters, this park is a nature lover's delight.

A pond surrounded by trees and greenery at St. Ellen Park in O'Fallon, St. Clair County, Illinois

By Nally Preseault 21 days ago

Near St. Louis Is A Once-Thriving Mine That's Now A Lesser-Known Park With A Lake To Fish, Hiking, And Wildlife

Locals can't get enough of this underrated oasis for its hiking trails, peaceful paddling routes surrounded by wildlife, and abundant fishing lake.