Catherine Parker

Gone are the days when ski-in dining meant a sad, overpriced sandwich and a bag of chips. These days, on-mountain restaurants are upping their game with elevated menus, cozy atmospheres, and unbeatable convenience. From craft beer bars and gourmet bistros to fine dining establishments nestled right off the slopes, skiers and snowboarders can now savor exceptional meals without straying far from the action.
A panel of experts has nominated 20 standout ski restaurants across the U.S. — and it’s...

As the sun dips below the horizon and the lifts come to a halt, ski towns across the U.S. come alive with après-ski energy. Bars and restaurants fill with skiers and snowboarders eager to unwind, swap stories, and celebrate a day well-spent on the slopes. These 20 standout après-ski spots serve up exceptional food, drinks, and atmosphere — the perfect way to toast an unforgettable day in the snow.
We asked a panel of ski and snowboarding experts to nominate their favorite post-slope watering ...

If you’re in Austin for the weekend, then head to South Congress; it’s a quick jaunt across Lady Bird Lake. This pedestrian-friendly strip is home to some of Austin’s most iconic experiences, like its murals. You might be in town for one of the music festivals, like October’s Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park or the SXSW Festival in March. It’s the Live Music Capital of Texas. Austin is friendly, sunny and welcoming to all. There are the best things to do on South Congress, Aus...

Fall is an excellent time to sample Texas Wine, so plan a weekend getaway today. October is wine month in Texas. Visitors can tour wineries, learn about winemaking and sample the bounty, then sample at vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms across Texas. From the Texas Panhandle to the Texas Hill Country, here are the top places to enjoy the Texas Wine Country.
Top Texas Wine Growing Regions
According to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, Texas features 36 members of the Vitus grape...

Along the border with France, Switzerland’s Lake Geneva offers an escape with stunning scenery from its glistening lake to its snow-capped Alps to its century-old vineyards. Known as the Swiss Riviera, it’s been a draw for centuries. European Royalty, like Sisi, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, stayed here. Music royalty, like Queen’s Freddie Mercury, bought a house. One of the most enchanting areas to visit is Montreux and Vevey. Here are the top Belle things to do in Montreux, Vevey and Le...

For those seeking a more laid-back winter sport, cross-country skiing offers a peaceful alternative to downhill thrills. While many traditional ski resorts feature Nordic trails, the most exceptional cross-country experiences are often found at dedicated resorts. To uncover the best of the best, we turned to a panel of ski experts to nominate their favorite destinations — and now it’s your turn to help us crown the winner.
Which cross-country ski resort would you most like to explore? Vote on...

With the first real cold front, the trees in Texas will burst into shades of yellow, orange and even fiery red. Plan a getaway to enjoy a hike, a camping trip, or enjoy the view. Many Texas State Parks offer the ideal location for a fall color getaway. Get inspired, then pack your favorite flannel shirt for one of the top places to find fall color in Texas.
Top Places to Find Fall Color in Texas
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Big Bend National Park
Garner State Park
McKinney Falls State Park
...

On the border of New Mexico and Southern Arizona, travelers along Interstate 10 can explore a mountaintop oasis in the middle of the desert. Known as a sky island, Chiricahua National Monument towers over the nearby grassland and offers cooler temperatures throughout the year. This area makes an ideal road trip stop with scenic drives, short hikes and distinctive scenery. Here are the top things to do in Chiricahua National Monument.
11 COOL Things to Do in Chiricahua
Stop by the Visitor Cent...

Located in Mexico’s Baja California Sur, Loreto is an ideal winter getaway sitting along the shores of the Gulf of California. With Loreto’s warm hospitality and sunny days, travelers can discover the culture and history of Baja while enjoying outdoor activities. Visitors will find a range of water sports, a diversity of animals, marine life and epic desert scenery. Best of all, it’s a quick flight from Southern California and the oldest town in Baja. Here are the top things to do in Loreto, ...

Discovered in 1960, Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Texas. Named after the 60-foot natural limestone bridge at its opening, it’s one of the top things to do in Central Texas. An easy day trip for Austin or San Antonio, it is a showstopper. Due to he year-round 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures, cave tours are a popular attraction. Here are the top things to do at Natural Bridge Caverns.
Top Things to Do at Natural Bridge Caverns
Take a Cave Tour or Two
Explore the Tw...

In Texas, the fall is a great time to plan a camping trip. With the first cold front, pack those marshmallows and your favorite flannel. With more than 15 parks across the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country, find a great spot in a Texas State Park, Lower Colorado River Authority Park, Army Corps of Engineers Park and even private parks with glamping options. The possibilities are endless in Texas. With boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more, there is plenty to do. Here are so...

Located in southern Oklahoma, Lawton is 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. From seeing buffalo graze to hiking and more, find fun things to do in Lawton. This is a great stop if you are road-tripping along Interstate 44.
7 Best Things to Do in Lawton OK
Visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Tour the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center
Visit the Museum of the Great Plains
Walk through the Holy City of the Wichitas
Tour the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum
Visit ...

As the leaves begin to turn and a chill creeps into the air, ski areas across the United States are gearing up for another thrilling winter season. Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a full-blown alpine adventure, choosing the right resort can make all the difference.
To help you find the perfect destination, USA TODAY 10BEST assembled a panel of Experts to nominate 20 top resorts known for their serious snowfall, diverse terrain, abundant lift access, and so much more. Now, it...

Newport, Rhode Island, is a seaside destination steeped in history and glamour. Dating back to the 1600s, it’s a deep-water port between Boston and New York, vital to both shipping and defense. During its heyday, Victorian industrialists built their cottages, or summertime mansions, along the shoreline to catch breezes. The most notable houses are museums and are quite popular due to a recent TV series. Here are 15 fabulous things to do in Newport, RI.
15 Fabulous Things to Do in Newport RI
L...

Located east of Los Angeles, the Mojave is the largest protected desert in the world. Mojave National Preserve is the rain shadow of the towering pine-covered mountains about 100 miles west. Located between Interstates 15 and 40, the Mojave Desert in Southern California is know for its diversity. Visitors can drive through and see the distinct animals and plants of the desert. Here are the top things to do in the Mojave Desert.
Top 9 Things To Do in the Mojave Desert
Stop by the Visitor Cente...