Catherine Parker

The U.S. National Parks are for all to enjoy. From a quick hike during a day trip to a weeklong excursion, travelers will find varied and unique landscapes to experience. Some of the largest and oldest national parks offer in-park lodging. From the Old Faithful Inn, a log cabin hotel, to the Volcano House, perched on the side of a volcano crater, overnight guests can immerse themselves in one of the National Park Lodges, many of which are National Historic Landmarks. Here are the top National...

Southern California beaches come in all sizes and specialties. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, some beaches are best for water sports, some offer animal watching and others don’t even feature sand. Families will find California beaches with amusement parks, beach camping and secret surf spots. There are even cabins and vintage travel trailers to rent. Beachgoers can make sand castles, fly kites, sit in a hammock and read, or just watch the waves. Here are the best California beaches for fami...

See the National Park of Texas. It offers a wide range of varied terrain to explore. From its eastern pine forests to its UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Antonio to its desert landscape in the West, visitors can visit a Texas National Park site to learn more. There are cultural sites to explore, like the LBJ Ranch, and the newest site, an adobe schoolhouse in West Texas. Travelers can learn its history, hike through its unique landscape and see its flora and fauna. Travelers will also find ...

Most national parks are open year-round and, like other popular destinations, experience fluctuations in visitor numbers. During a recent visit to Colorado, I decided to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during Spring Break. Though a busy time to travel, in the park, there were virtually no visitors. Entering via the Estes Park entrance, there were no parking issues and no required vehicle permits. Here are the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park this Spring.
Things to Do in Roc...

With top museums, a wide array of restaurants and a vibrant live music scene, some travelers come, then set down roots. Austinites boast a laid-back vibe and a love of the outdoors. It offers forget the public art, especially its downtown murals. To top it off, Austinites love their outdoors, so follow their lead and rent a kayak or SUP and paddle downtown’s Lady Bird Lake. Here are the FUN Things to Do in Austin for a Weekend by a longtime local.
When Should You Visit Austin
After living in ...

Back in the day, drive-ins popped up like wildflowers. Texas boasts lots of wide-open spaces, perfect for drive-ins. With a handful of vintage drive-ins scattered across the state, plan a date night with your loved one to watch a movie on the big screen. It’s not all old-school screens; however, there are modern drive-ins, especially in the urban areas. Here is a guide to the Texas Drive-Ins.
Guide to Texas Drive-Ins
The Brazos Drive-In
Graham Drive-In Theatre
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
S...

As the state capital of California, travelers will find attractionswith a bit of the Old West Flavor in Sacramento. Swagger into Old Sacramento or the railroad museum to learn about Sacramento’s history. From its many museums or its foodie stops, like its farmers markets, there’s an arts and food scene to discover. With two different rivers in the area and lots of park space, Sacramento offers fun in the outdoors. Here are the best things to do in Sacramento.
Best 17 Things to Do in Sacrament...

Out in West Texas, travelers will find an eclectic mix of small towns. Steeped in history, Marfa is home to about 2,000 people and serves as the county seat for Presidio County. It started as a water stop, then evolved into a military training area. Now visitors will find a thriving art town, with a collection of galleries, museums and quirky shops. Here are the top things to do in Marfa.
Things to Do in Marfa
Judd Historic District
The Chinati Foundation
La Mansana de Chinati/ The Block
John...

Along Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is just a few hours east of Grand Canyon National Park. For travelers headed to Flagstaff, the canyon, or even Las Vegas, add a pit stop to see another National Park Service site. With its convenient location, road trippers can drive through the park on its scenic drive and see the best of the park in a few hours. Here are the top things to do at Petrified Forest National Park.
Top 9 Things to Do at Petrified Forest
Stop ...

Out in West Texas, Fort Davis is a tiny mountain getaway packed with activities. It boasts a National Park, a state park, an observatory and wide-open spaces for hiking and exploring, south of Interstate 10. While in West Texas, make time for scenic drives and sunsets. Part of the Chihuahua Desert, travelers will enjoy sunny days and cool nights. Here are the top things to do in Fort Davis, Texas.
What to Do in West Texas
While in West Texas, visit Balmorhea Pool, the largest spring-fed pool ...

In the high-stakes pursuit of athletic performance, selecting the ideal running shoe is less about about precise biomechanical alignment. Before investing in the latest high-tech foams or carbon-plated trends, enthusiasts must rigorously assess their unique gait, arch height, and strike pattern.
The "best" shoe remains an intensely personal calculation; a model that propels one runner toward a record may lead another toward injury. Prioritizing a "prescription-grade" fit over aesthetic appeal...

The winter is short in Texas. At the beginning of March, the weather starts to warm, and then the Texas Highways pop with colorful displays. Starting along the Texas Gulf Coast, travelers will find native wildflowers and native grasses along the roadsides. Plan a road trip to see Texas wildflowers this spring. The blue and pink flowers are the first to bloom, then the red and yellow flowers start and last until June. Here are the top places to find Texas Wildflowers this spring.
Top 17 Places...

Is it impossible to plan a last-minute trip to Walt Disney World? Nope, I’ve done it a few times. The first thing to remember is that a Disney trip requires planning. For my first trip, I had a couple of weeks to plan for four of us. Then, I had a last-minute trip for two adults to EPCOT for one day. After several trips over the years, I’m sharing my top tips to plan a last-minute Disney trip.
Top Tips to Plan a Last-Minute Walt Disney World Trip
Disney is not a destination where you can wing...

In 2026, the digital wellness landscape transitioned from a collection of lifestyle novelties into a vital, data-driven pillar of public health. Modern platforms now leverage "continuous care" models, utilizing AI companions and biometric syncing to provide proactive, 24/7 support that bridges the gap between traditional therapy sessions. These apps have demystified clinical techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), making them accessible and engaging through gamified interfaces. By...

Incorporating over 26,000 acres, Pinnalces National Park protects a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California. Formed by a volcano over 23 million years ago, the pinnacle rock formations are from a volcano that moved 200 miles south along the San Andreas Fault. From wildlife viewing to hiking to stargazing, here are the top things to do in Pinnacles National Park on your visit.
Top Things to Do at Pinnacles National Park
Stop by the Visitor Center
Learn about t...