First in aviation, Catherine Parker has traveled across North America for 25 years. For the last 10 years she has created online and print features for books, magazines and online publications.
Discover the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun Family Friendly All Inclusive
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun a Family Friendly All Inclusive offers a slice of paradise. Along the white sands of Quintana Roo, guests enjoy a secluded getaway with just 146 suites, spread across 11 buildings.
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10 best places to see fireworks: 2025 guide to summer's dazzling displays
Fireworks may not have originated in the United States, but they're certainly a longstanding American tradition. The first 4th of July fireworks display dates back nearly 250 years, and fireworks have long been a mainstay for a wide variety of other holidays and festivities as well.
Beyond being such a feast for the eyes, public firewor...
From Brats to Cheese: 21 Super Fun Things to Do in Wisconsin
In the heart of the Midwest, Wisconsin offers the best of the region. From the bounty of the land and lake, Wisconsinites treat all to their warm hospitality. It offers a diverse landscape to explore, from the college kid cool Madison to the urban oasis in Milwaukee to the summertime chill in Door County, visitors will find lots to do. Don’t forget the Dells, the waterpark capital of the world and the Oshkosh Air Show. Here are the top super fun things to do in Wisconsin.
Why Visit Wisconsin
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From Skyline Drive to Waterfalls: Magical Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Just 75 miles outside of the Washington, DC metro area, Shenandoah National Park offers a forested escape. Running for 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is a long, skinny park with mountain views, summertime wildflowers, wildlife and waterfalls. Visitors can explore this park for days or drive through it in a few hours. Here are the top things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
14 Magical Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Stop at the Visitor Center
Take Skyline Drive
Stop fo...
Digging for FREE Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only finders-keepers diamond mining park in the U.S. So set out and Strike it rich in the hills of Arkansas on your next vacay. With the hope of hitting it big, visitors first learn how diamonds ended up in Arkansas. Before visitors head out to the 37-acre site, would-be diamond miners get a demonstration of how to mine for diamonds. Here is what you need to know about Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas.
Diamonds in Arkansas
The first dia...
11 Out-of-this-World Campgrounds to Experience in Canada This Summer
With its out-of-this-world scenery and a favorable exchange rate for U.S. travelers, now is the time to plan a trip to the National Parks of Canada. This is the summer to camp at the top of North America. Before recoiling into a flashback of leaky tents and musty cots from a scout camp, Parks Canada has it figured out, especially for car campers. It offers comfortable and convenient alternatives to setting up a tent in the great outdoors. Here are the best campgrounds in Canada.
11 of the Bes...
Popping From Boston to San Diego: 9 Best 4th of July Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks. Pack a lawn chair or a blanket for the best 4th of July fireworks. The celebrations usually start early with fun activities, food trucks and live music. End the evening with a stunning fireworks show bursting overhead in every color of the rainbow.
9 Best 4th of July Fireworks
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in NYC
Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th Fireworks in Nashville
Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington DC
Ce...
From Cheese to Cherries: The BEST 25 Things to Do in Door County Wisconsin
The peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan is Door County, Wisconsin. Marrying maritime adventure with quaint towns, Door County is packed with cheese and cherry goodness. Here, travelers will find land and lake activities to keep busy. However, Door County is rich in agritourism, from cider apples to lavender to local seafood. The weather in Door County is often cooler than the mainland, with many pleasant, sunny days. In fact, Door County has been a top summer holiday for generations. Here ...
From Bethesda Fountain to Bow Bridge: 20 BEST Things to Do in New York City’s Central Park
With over 800 acres, it’s impossible to explore all of Central Park in one visit. Central Park is a backyard for NYC residents and top destination for visitors. So pick an area and explore by foot or rent a bike and the southern portion of the park offers the most to see and do. If you want to learn more about Central Park, arrange a tour. Find playscapes, lawn for picnicking, museums in or next to the park along with food carts and even a zoo. Here are the top things to do in New York City’s...
From Fenway to the Freedom Trail: 23 Best Things to Do in Boston
Boston feels like a bit city with a small-town feel. For an urban city, it features brick-lined narrow streets and lots of history in its downtown core. Sure, there are some tall buildings, and lots of people work in Boston. However, there is a friendliness to Boston, like you’re part of the family, as residents share their unique New England culture with travelers. From the bountiful seafood to the integral part that it played in American History to its world-class museums, Boston is a top d...
Where to Earn Junior Ranger Badges on an Alaskan Cruise
Consider an Alaskan cruise for a cool summer getaway,. With its epic scenery and lots of outdoor activities, it’s an ideal vacation for families. An Alaskan cruise is an easy way to see the Alaska panhandle and the Inside Passage. Alaska offers lots of opportunities to learn more about the land, animals and people of Alaska. To do that, families should visit a National Park and earn a Junior Ranger badge, a fun and free activity. Here is where to earn Junior Ranger badges on an Alaskan cruise...
From Hot Soaks to Hot Cakes: Top 9 Things to Do in Hot Springs Arkansas
With its rolling mountain scenery and mineral hot springs, this area has eased spirits for generations. The Ouachita Mountains are located about 50 miles southwest of Little Rock, Arkansas. Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a mountain getaway centered around the outdoors with a national park, lakes to paddle, along with lots of independently owned restaurants. It was one of the first natural areas to be protected by the U.S. government, Here are the top things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Hot ...
Top 7 Things to Do at the Gateway Arch National Park
St. Louis was the last stop before heading to the sparsely populated west back in the 19th century. As emigrants headed west, they hoped for free land and more opportunity. St. Louis was the last place to load up on supplies since it was the gateway to the West. Designed by Eero Saarinen, the arch represents the inspirational and transcendent vision of Thomas Jefferson as he built a unified continental nation. Here are the top things to do at the Gateway Arch National Park.
Top Things to Do a...
Get the Heck into Dodge City: Top 10 Things to Do with Kids
The Midwest can seem like an unending journey with miles of fields along the horizon. To counter the tunnel visit you can get on a drive day, a good road trip stop is a must. Dodge City is that. Dodge City is on the way to South Dakota’s Black Hills and east of Colorado. Here are the Top Things to do in Dodge City.
Why Visit Dodge City
For many like me, visiting Dodge City in Kansas sat on my bucket list for years, especially after watching National Lampoon’s Vacation with Chevy Chase and Bev...
Krause Springs–A Legendary Central Texas Swimming Hole
If the sun is high, then the best place to be is in the water. Central Texas is home to several natural springs, and the water is cool and refreshing in the summer. The water of some of the natural springs is funneled into pools, like Deep Eddy in Austin. In the Texas Hill Country, there’s an oasis with Cypress trees, a natural spring and a pool filled with spring water. Krause Springs offers a natural swimming hole with a rope swing, lots of shade and even camping.
Krause Springs
Located in ...