VacationistUSA

I inhaled with all my senses and thought to myself, This is Memphis: blues and barbecue.

If you’re headed to the Northeastern part of the US but tired of the everyone’s-been-there-done-that tourist traps, don’t worry—this part of the country has its fair share of weird and wonderful places that are off the beaten path.

Cleveland, OH ended up being one of the best trips we had ever taken together.

Take a road trip along the California coast, from Santa Barbara to Big Sur

The Star in Frisco, Texas, is more than just a place for the Dallas Cowboys to practice.

It’s near impossible to get my extended family together for Christmas, so a few years ago my cousin Christine and I instigated a tradition of getting everyone together a couple of weeks prior to the holiday.

With so many alluring sights to see in L.A., narrowing down your must-see list can be a daunting task. We'll make it easy with our recommendation of seven places you have to explore while visiting La-La Land.

I hadn’t come to eastern Wyoming’s Platte County for Hartville, or any of its other four towns, but it’s because of those towns that I stay longer than planned.

As we drove past emerald hills and quaint towns on our way to Martinsburg, West Virginia, I felt giddy to experience a new place with my family.

Weird America is wonderful America. So get off the beaten path and visit our endless variety of quirky takes on tourism.

Mrs. Kay suggested I be Annie Oakley for our 4th grade class's living wax museum.

Explore trendy bars and clubs in The Magic City’s lesser-known neighborhoods.

Our pact was simple: visit all 50 states over the course of the next 50 years together, one state a year. This year, we wanted to travel to North Carolina.

Snow-covered mountains, miles of deep untouched powder, six downhill ski areas and acres of backcountry terrain, plus winter festivals and warm, cozy lodging in charming small towns all make for the perfect winter getaway.

No matter if you’re from the South, or just passing through, here are 11 Southern myths for you to explore on an epic road trip.

Chris and I love everything about Ludington State Park. It’s considered one of Michigan’s best state parks for good reason. Spanning 5,300 acres, it offers incredible natural beauty along with a boatload of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, bicycling, and tranquil inner-tube floats down the Big Sable River. It’s seriously a vacation all by itself!

Disney has put Anaheim on the map for many families, but there is so much more to the city than the theme park, and, as we were to discover, plenty to keep a young family engaged.

While you would be remiss to skip over the “must sees” that make Louisville an American classic, there are some hidden tracks to explore in Derby City.

Un-messed-with Alaska is stunning from every angle. If you agree it’s worth seeing and worth preserving, here are a handful of green travel ideas to consider for your trip.

On past trips, we’d each focused quite a bit on activity surrounding the Las Vegas Strip; this time we both wanted something with all the Vegas fanfare but slightly more personal.

When my girlfriend and I were invited to spend time with her parents, it afforded an opportunity to stop in San Diego and experience one of the things San Diego has become known for… beer.

This would have been just a normal business trip were it not for a 10-year anniversary that had me looking for something special.

It was early October, so kids were back in school and most others were saving their vacation days for the holidays. This meant we could enjoy the famous theme parks of Orlando without the crazy lines. And, without the stress of crowds, I was able to reach a new level of adventure.

Even after spending just three days in Stillwater, John and I had long ago realized they had every reason to be proud.

As long as you’re ready to fill your life with as many enriching experiences as possible, at Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re in the right place.

When people ask me what they should see while visiting the OBX, I make sure they don’t miss these.

All four of us left the Black Hills with a much stronger sense of American history—and of South Dakota—than we’d had when we moseyed into town.

Everything’s bigger in Texas. And San Antonio—the second largest city in the Lone Star State—is no exception.

Explore from below sea level to more than 600 feet above ground to see how Seattle is rising to meet whatever comes next.

Here are seven landmarks crossing the compass that are less than a two-hour drive from the heart of Portland. Let’s go!

Omaha's art scene has developed in many ways since I was a kid, and public art is one area where the city has really stepped up its game.

Whether you’re giving gifts to Connecticuters or presenting your loved ones with a trip to the Nutmeg State, here are some gift ideas to make sure you’re giving memories rather than clutter.

My children would have so much fun learning in L.A. they wouldn’t know they were doing it—which is the very best way to learn.

Visit Meow Wolf because no amount of explanation will suffice. And if you’re into craft beer or cider at all, stop by the breweries because no description will quench your thirst.

We knew we would see even more wildlife, not to mention the iconic sulphur springs and geysers, when we road-tripped 50 miles the next day to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

It was sprinkling, though the sun was shining just over the mountain as I drove the rolling road through Marion County, West Virginia.

An overview highlighting Asbury’s historic past while comparing it to its colorful present.

Thanks to a youthful arts scene, a budding beer community, and some of the best food in the South, Richmond is raking in the accolades and landing on travelers’ must-see lists.

Full of history and beautiful views, Manchester, Vermont, has become a popular place to visit for travelers of all ages.

Breathtaking adventure in southwest Utah’s pristine Zion National Park. There, modern community meets ancient wilderness.

Decide what’s most important for you to see and do while you’re in Montana—Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, charming small-towns, scenic byways, backroads adventures, backcountry exploration, luxury lodging, wildlife watching, history, arts and culture, or all of the above.

Exhilarating, invigorating, liberating—Sebring is fun at any speed.

A love for books is luring me to Iowa City, along with the desire to explore a region of this country I had never seen.

Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s hidden gems that offers fun activities in sun or snow. Choose the itinerary that matches your vacation inclination, or mix and match the elements that inspire you to book a weekend getaway.

Whether you’re just passing through or making the city your ultimate destination, here are five of our favorite family fun Atlanta attractions.

Our time in San Francisco amounted to a whirlwind tour of some its coolest attractions, but we know we only scratched the surface this time.

A couple eats their way from Oahu to Kauai

There is fun to be had for everyone in Table Rock Lake—from young kids to the young at heart.

Inspired by the immeasurable amount of love we all have for Albuquerque, here are some favorite attractions that people of all numbers—I mean ages—will enjoy.

Precious and fun pieces of history of soccer's slow growth in the United States are now on full display with some of the most modern technology, and toys, conceivable to enhance them.

Your head can be in Colorado, your heart in New Mexico, and one foot each in Arizona and Utah—or whatever Twister configuration you want. It’s your weird and wonderful vacation.

While I love old stuff, I am still a product of the new century. So it was a delightful surprise to find that Wyoming offered me that perfect mix of old and new, of vintage country pleasures and modern twists.

There’s more to the South than biscuits and gravy, drawling accents, and country and blues music.

Upon our arrival, based on posters, guides, and restaurant signs, Alex happily pointed out that good food was going to be the focus of our trip.

Many travelers long to take the Pacific Coast Highway trip, but it certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.

Baltimore, Maryland has a rich history, beautiful coasts, and a number of can't-miss activities and sightseeing opportunities. Whether you're in town for a weekend getaway or spending a full week, you’ll find everything you're looking for in Baltimore.

My sister and I were still high on holiday spirit, so when we saw that this theme park had an entire section devoted just to Christmas, and that Santa was there year-round, we figured it would be perfect because we could have a fun trip to a theme park and thank Santa all in one go.

Chicago is one of my top cities, and Jen—a friend of mine who lives there—is always down to host. Even better, she lives in the center of a killer cityscape, surrounded by award-winning museums, creative restaurants, and idyllic beaches.

Art, history, nature, food, science, beer—it’s hard to plan a trip when there are so many great options. Take this quiz to build a custom itinerary and find inspiration for your next visit to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Home to the famous du Pont estates and gardens, this region’s culture, history, and beauty draw millions of travelers from across the globe each year.

Perched on the outskirts of Idaho’s vast national forest lands, Coeur d’Alene and the lake it’s named for make up one of the most perfect getaway destinations a traveler could wish for.

Traverse City sounded perfect! And on our drive up, we both agreed to keep open minds about sampling each other's favorite beverages.

For a family who lives in the moment but is always looking ahead, the call of the wild coming from the “Crown of the Continent" could not be any louder.

I was feeling the need for some fresh air and rejuvenation, and I knew Dan was, too. So, I surprised him with an Adventure Pass, to one of our favorite spots—Dogwood Canyon, a 10,000-acre wild paradise near Table Rock Lake, Missouri.

I visited a destination that delivers one of America’s biggest stories: Gettysburg.

New York City is the perfect destination if you want to travel, find inspiration, experience new cultures, and not break the bank.

Take the following quiz to unveil Sun Link Streetcar-inspired itineraries full of good food, amazing art, unique accommodations, and places to create your very own, one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Skip over the obvious cities like Palm Springs and Scottsdale for the true mid-century getaway… Tucson, Arizona.

I admit, I didn't know much about Philadelphia. The whole reason we were on the train to the 30th Street Station was to extend our Baltimore trip, and Philly wasn't too far.

Don’t miss out on a trip to Arlington, where you’re surrounded by culture, great food, and our nation’s history.

Exploring Washington, D.C., between the monuments

There’s no question downtown Tucson is full of great places to eat. To pay homage to awesome restaurants, a group of us pen-wielding locals has decided to showcase favorite downtown dishes.

It was time to experience Brew City for myself, and I knew who I wanted to be my tour guide.

Spending a few nights away from the hustle and bustle of our routine seemed like the perfect chance to pursue our respective passions, and share these activities with our kids.

Maine's coastal city is home to world-class art, a storied heritage, and bountiful natural beauty. Thanks to the city’s compact size, it's easy for families to spend a few days dipping their toes into all three.

Pair any of these four West Virginia experience gifts with a heartfelt card, and you’ve got yourself a match made in (almost) heaven.

Houston is poised to replace Chicago as the third largest city in the nation. I was anxious to check it all out.

Experience 10 guided tours along Boston's Freedom Trail.

Music fans who circle the globe to see arena bands and attend massive festivals know New Orleans.

A couple's getaway in the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado

From first sips at the brewery to last crumbs from the boat's freshly baked rolls, and every bite in between, our friends' recommendation of Stillwater proved to be a delicious gift.