
Arts + Culture
From the highest caliber creations and truly awesome historical points of interest to completely questionable how-does-that-even-qualify-as-art art, read about it here. Put on a beret and play the role of artiste, or stay in your workout clothes. Either way, this is your entry point to a creative realm in the US. Be inspired. Be very inspired!
The Iris Festival
The Iris Festival
I was also looking forward to checking out Sumter's annual Iris Festival held at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
Get InspiredBeautiful Bardstown, Kentucky
Beautiful Bardstown, Kentucky
My love affair with Bardstown started with its physical beauty. Situated in central Kentucky, it's legendary for its picturesque rolling bluegrass hills that have inspired songwriters and painters for generations.
Get InspiredFrom the Farm to Gatlinburg
From the Farm to Gatlinburg
I was trying to figure out how something could be new and old-fashioned at the same time, but Dad had that taken care of—he just needed help from us kids to plan “Operation Gatlinburg.”
Get InspiredAn Unforgettable Getaway to Stillwater
An Unforgettable Getaway to Stillwater
Even after spending just three days in Stillwater, John and I had long ago realized they had every reason to be proud.
Get InspiredThe D.C. You Don't See
The D.C. You Don't See
Exploring Washington, D.C., between the monuments
Get InspiredThe Adventure of a Lifetime—Hawaii
The Adventure of a Lifetime—Hawaii
A couple eats their way from Oahu to Kauai
Get InspiredLooking Up and Peering Back
Looking Up and Peering Back
It seemed like the perfect time to take a weekend drive to Columbia, SC, and check out the South Carolina State Museum and their new planetarium and observatory.
Get Inspired5 for Families in Phoenix
5 for Families in Phoenix
Greater Phoenix boasts plenty of kid-friendly fun. Explore 13,000 square feet of sugary delights at Sweeties Candy of Arizona, take in scenic views on the Verde Canyon Railroad, and more.
Get InspiredJust the Two of Us
Just the Two of Us
We packed our flip-flops and made the four-hour drive from Charlotte to the stretch of sand, sun, and natural beauty known as the Hammock Coast
Get InspiredSounds Like Alpharetta
Sounds Like Alpharetta
Friends in North Atlanta clued us in to a cool entertainment district close to downtown Alpharetta called Avalon.
Get InspiredSmall Town Art on Florida's Treasure Coast
Small Town Art on Florida's Treasure Coast
Martin County, an enticing collection of small towns located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, offers visitors sidewalk art shows, colorful murals, artist cottages, and classes.
Get InspiredA Timeless Destination
A Timeless Destination
We're kayaking through a grassy salt-marsh briny with the rich scent of the Lowcountry, the clusters of barrier islands between Charleston and Savannah that shelter the historic little town locals know as BYOO-fort.
Get InspiredRockford Family Getaway
Rockford Family Getaway
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.
Get InspiredRediscovering a Family Favorite
Rediscovering a Family Favorite
Whatever your age, the whole family will enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Chesapeake Bay in quaint and historical Hampton, Viriginia.
Get InspiredTaking a Page from Beaufort’s Book
Taking a Page from Beaufort’s Book
With 17 working art galleries on Bay Street alone, it's not hard to understand why Beaufort was named “one of the top 25 arts towns in America” by American Style Magazine.
Get InspiredTour de Phoenix
Tour de Phoenix
Delve into the details of Greater Phoenix by joining local outfitters that offer unique tours, such as Adventures Out West’s Segway off-roading experiences.
Get InspiredSumter Entertainment
Sumter Entertainment
A movie theater during the Great Depression, the Sumter Opera House was the reason we went to central South Carolina.
Get InspiredA Spirit of Resilience in Huntington
A Spirit of Resilience in Huntington
A tour that touches the heart. Discovering Huntington, West Virginia, in light of events that inspired the movie We Are Marshall.
Get InspiredLoretta's Legacy in Humphreys County
Loretta's Legacy in Humphreys County
Humphreys County is a breathtaking pastoral region tucked away just an hour west of Nashville, flanked by the banks of the Duck and Tennessee rivers.
Get Inspired5 Indy Things To Do on the Cheap
5 Indy Things To Do on the Cheap
Many of Indianapolis' top attractions are free or very low-cost, making this an inviting destination for any budget.
Get InspiredCharming Martinsburg
Charming Martinsburg
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.
Get InspiredLovely Lewisburg
Lovely Lewisburg
My best girlfriends and I decided to take a long summer weekend to recharge and have some fun.
Get InspiredGetting Pampered in Sevierville
Getting Pampered in Sevierville
I take my nieces Emily, 23, and Madison, 21, to Tennessee over their spring break. We zero in on Sevierville—a destination with lots of attractions to suit each of us.
Get InspiredA Fresh Look at The First State: Visit Delaware
A Fresh Look at The First State: Visit Delaware
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.
Get InspiredHow Elvis Saved Our Tradition
How Elvis Saved Our Tradition
A timely ladies getaway featuring spa pampering and the King of Rock & Rock—Elvis Presley—in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Get InspiredNaked People Vacation Here
Naked People Vacation Here
If you’re thinking about exposing yourself to new things for your next vacation, look to Pasco County, Florida.
Get InspiredHats Off to Lexington
Hats Off to Lexington
It's the first time Lexington is hosting the Breeders' Cup, and I've invited my mom.
Get Inspired10 Ways to Explore Richmond
10 Ways to Explore Richmond
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.
Get InspiredCelebrating a Sesquicentennial
Celebrating a Sesquicentennial
Spending a weekend in Hampton, Virginia, exploring the history of the area and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Hampton University.
Get InspiredGaining Perspective in Gainesville
Gaining Perspective in Gainesville
Our time in Gainesville reminded us of our love for the arts and helped us reconnect.
Get InspiredVacation Starring Houston, Texas
Vacation Starring Houston, Texas
Houston is poised to replace Chicago as the third largest city in the nation. I was anxious to check it all out.
Get InspiredCreate and Rejuvenate in Marion County
Create and Rejuvenate in Marion County
It was sprinkling, though the sun was shining just over the mountain as I drove the rolling road through Marion County, West Virginia.
Get InspiredHorses, Hounds, and Polo
Horses, Hounds, and Polo
An equestrian getaway to Aiken County, SC.
Get InspiredMonumental Sightseeing in South Dakota
Monumental Sightseeing in South Dakota
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.
Get InspiredDeep in the Art of Florida
Deep in the Art of Florida
Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid remind me why I love Florida. Rolling hills, citrus groves, placid lakes, and small towns take me back. And there is art. Miles and miles of art.
Get InspiredUndiscovered Gems
Undiscovered Gems
Knoxville: There’s music and mountains, art and history, delicious food, and adventure galore.
Get InspiredAlpharetta American Girl Getaway
Alpharetta American Girl Getaway
Sisters and cousins get together for a heart-warming American Girl Store Experience in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Get InspiredThe Best of Baltimore
The Best of Baltimore
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.
Get InspiredBooking it to Iowa City
Booking it to Iowa City
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.
Get Inspired5 Miami Nightlife Hot Spots That Aren’t South Beach
5 Miami Nightlife Hot Spots That Aren’t South Beach
Explore trendy bars and clubs in The Magic City’s lesser-known neighborhoods.
Get InspiredFamily Vacation Meets Valuable Education
Family Vacation Meets Valuable Education
My husband, Brian, and I like supplementing our kids’ classroom time with learning vacations. We discovered a new favorite destination for “studying” after visiting Sevierville, TN.
Get InspiredRecreating the Curious Life of Annie Oakley
Recreating the Curious Life of Annie Oakley
Mrs. Kay suggested I be Annie Oakley for our 4th grade class's living wax museum.
Get InspiredYou Pick: Streetcar Edition
You Pick: Streetcar Edition
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.
Get InspiredSun-Kissed Winter Reunion
Sun-Kissed Winter Reunion
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.
Get InspiredGorgeous Greenbrier
Gorgeous Greenbrier
A romantic weekend escape to the elegant Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Get InspiredDiverse Adventures in Maine
Diverse Adventures in Maine
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.
Get InspiredEver Heard of a Camp-cation?
Ever Heard of a Camp-cation?
Here, summer camps allow mom and dad a free morning while kids learn about the environment, learn a new skill and just have plain ol’ fun.
Get InspiredYou Pick: Twin Cities Edition
You Pick: Twin Cities Edition
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.
Get InspiredFamily Fun Bucket List
Family Fun Bucket List
Whether you’re just passing through or making the city your ultimate destination, here are five of our favorite family fun Atlanta attractions.
Get InspiredBusting Boredom
Busting Boredom
In Rock Hill, SC, we found a great variety of activities within a short driving distance; Kings Mountain State Park was our first stop.
Get InspiredGlorious Greenville
Glorious Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina, a lively, modern town with roots buried deep in the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills.
Get InspiredMeow Wolf in Santa Fe
Meow Wolf in Santa Fe
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.
Get InspiredAnaheim for Families
Anaheim for Families
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.
Get InspiredFamily Adventure in the Past
Family Adventure in the Past
My husband and I brought the kids along for an investigative trip into our family history in Sumter County.
Get InspiredTrack Your Adventure
Track Your Adventure
When we heard about Sumter, South Carolina’s Track Your Adventure program, my husband and I began making plans for a fun-filled trip with our three kids.
Get InspiredA Solo Traveler’s Adventure in St. Louis, Missouri
A Solo Traveler’s Adventure in St. Louis, Missouri
Love my people as I do, I wanted an adventure all to myself. I decided on an overnight trip to St. Louis, Missouri.
Get InspiredAn Enriching Coastal Escape
An Enriching Coastal Escape
Voted “The South’s Best Small Town” by Southern Living, I knew we’d find much more than charm, history, and beautiful waterways in this Lowcountry gem.
Get InspiredRomance in Bardstown
Romance in Bardstown
Our friend’s wedding was in Bardstown, Kentucky—gateway to the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Get InspiredHopping Off in San Francisco
Hopping Off in San Francisco
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.
Get InspiredThe Sumter Iris Festival
The Sumter Iris Festival
The beauty of the Iris Festival is that it’s in such an idyllic location, Swan Lake Gardens. In the midst of all the activity and excitement you can just relax.
Get InspiredThe Gettysburg Experience
The Gettysburg Experience
I visited a destination that delivers one of America’s biggest stories: Gettysburg.
Get InspiredMid-Century Tucson
Mid-Century Tucson
Skip over the obvious cities like Palm Springs and Scottsdale for the true mid-century getaway… Tucson, Arizona.
Get InspiredMust-See, Must-Hear Memphis
Must-See, Must-Hear Memphis
I inhaled with all my senses and thought to myself, This is Memphis: blues and barbecue.
Get InspiredAs Above, So Below
As Above, So Below
Explore from below sea level to more than 600 feet above ground to see how Seattle is rising to meet whatever comes next.
Get InspiredHuntington: the Hidden Jewel City
Huntington: the Hidden Jewel City
Finding a hidden gem has always been my favorite part of traveling, and in West Virginia—a state of raw, wild beauty—Huntington may be the most hidden of them all.
Get InspiredA Wellness Weekend in a New Kind of Neverland
A Wellness Weekend in a New Kind of Neverland
Escape to the beach for a "wellness weekend" in Martin County, Florida.
Get InspiredRendezvous in Downtown Cleveland
Rendezvous in Downtown Cleveland
Cleveland, OH ended up being one of the best trips we had ever taken together.
Get InspiredArt is All Around in Omaha
Art is All Around in Omaha
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.
Get Inspired10 Ways to Explore San Antonio
10 Ways to Explore San Antonio
Everything’s bigger in Texas. And San Antonio—the second largest city in the Lone Star State—is no exception.
Get InspiredGood for the Soul Getaway
Good for the Soul Getaway
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.
Get InspiredAmerica's Untold Story
America's Untold Story
The missing century of South Carolinian and American history that Santa Elena represents is ripe for exploration, and the Santa Elena Foundation is poised to tell these remarkable stories to the world.
Get InspiredA Winning Lake Charles Getaway
A Winning Lake Charles Getaway
A cacophony of bings, rings, and ka-chings surrounds us as our group busts through the doors of Lake Charles’ Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino.
Get InspiredThe Wickedest History of Wholesome Jerome
The Wickedest History of Wholesome Jerome
Jerome, Arizona has evolved from the “Wickedest Town in the West” into an intriguing blend of the past and the present.
Get InspiredThe Big Reveal
The Big Reveal
The ‘A’ is for astronomy, because there is nowhere in South Carolina where you can get a better glimpse of the stars.
Get InspiredHistoric Adventures in Platte County
Historic Adventures in Platte County
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.
Get InspiredLay of the Land
Lay of the Land
Where to stay, things to do, sights to see, and restaurants to try in Victoria B.C., Canada. Get valuable information to make the most of your next vacation.
Get InspiredWelcome to Asbury Park
Welcome to Asbury Park
An overview highlighting Asbury’s historic past while comparing it to its colorful present.
Get InspiredWho Knew About Knoxville?
Who Knew About Knoxville?
“If it can host a World’s Fair,” said my boss when he saw my raised eyebrows, “it can host 200 salespeople.”
Get InspiredBeyond the Strip
Beyond the Strip
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.
Get InspiredFall Fun
Fall Fun
Martin County’s Old Florida flavor perfectly complements its rich trove of fun. Events and festivals to make this fall memorable in the best way.
Get InspiredAlbuquerque by the Numbers
Albuquerque by the Numbers
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.
Get InspiredCasino Fun in Greater Phoenix
Casino Fun in Greater Phoenix
Try your luck at Greater Phoenix casinos, including Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
Get InspiredFree Phoenix
Free Phoenix
Pack your calendar with 10 free things to do in the Phoenix area, from Glendale’s Cerreta Candy Company to the ASU Art Museum in Tempe.
Get InspiredThe Belle of Detroit
The Belle of Detroit
America’s Comeback City, Detroit, Michigan, boasts an impressive array of free and affordable attractions. You'll find several on Belle Isle.
Get InspiredSet List of New Orleans
Set List of New Orleans
Music fans who circle the globe to see arena bands and attend massive festivals know New Orleans.
Get InspiredActively Vacationing in Tupelo
Actively Vacationing in Tupelo
Shocked to discover the kids didn’t know who Elvis Presley was, the trip suddenly became a necessity. We were off to Tupelo.
Get InspiredYour Favorite Holiday Any Time of the Year on Vacation
Your Favorite Holiday Any Time of the Year on Vacation
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.
Get InspiredBlast in the Past
Blast in the Past
Destination: Bardstown. It’s Kentucky’s second-oldest city—settled in 1780—a cozy, quaint town with well-preserved homes, churches, and businesses that pay homage to its storied past.
Get InspiredEducation on Vacation
Education on Vacation
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.
Get InspiredThe West Main Artists Co-op
The West Main Artists Co-op
The unexpected is everywhere you turn at West Main. The variety of artists and styles is dizzying, but the camaraderie among those artists is the real treat here.
Get InspiredFalling for the City of Brotherly Love
Falling for the City of Brotherly Love
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.
Get InspiredBoston’s Freedom Trail
Boston’s Freedom Trail
Experience 10 guided tours along Boston's Freedom Trail.
Get InspiredMaking Memories in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Making Memories in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It was time to experience Brew City for myself, and I knew who I wanted to be my tour guide.
Get InspiredMusic to My Ears
Music to My Ears
Alpharetta, Georgia, is a must-visit destination with a little taste of everything to please the music and entertainment lovers, foodie fanatics, and savvy shoppers in your crowd.
Get InspiredHistory Comes to Life
History Comes to Life
This year I thought it would be fun to extend our trip by a day or two and venture beyond the park gates to check out some of the more educational sites nearby.
Get InspiredFrom the Sea to the Stars in Hampton, Virginia
From the Sea to the Stars in Hampton, Virginia
We were looking for a quick weekend getaway with our two boys, and we hadn’t been to Hampton since they were toddlers. It was perfect.
Get InspiredArlington: A Chic Alternative to D.C.
Arlington: A Chic Alternative to D.C.
Don’t miss out on a trip to Arlington, where you’re surrounded by culture, great food, and our nation’s history.
Get InspiredMaking Memories
Making Memories
I remembered the great times we had sitting by the campfire, discovering new hiking trails and fishing in the nearby creek, and decided a four-day cabin trip to Gatlinburg would be perfect for our family adventure.
Get Inspired7 Things We Love About L.A.
7 Things We Love About L.A.
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.
Get InspiredThe New Derby City
The New Derby City
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.
Get InspiredFriends with a Travel Pact
Friends with a Travel Pact
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.
Get InspiredLiving the Romantic Dream
Living the Romantic Dream
Wedding dreams come true in a small, romantic Tennessee town called Gatlinburg, nestled on the grand slopes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Get InspiredWarm Days, Warmer Memories
Warm Days, Warmer Memories
There are few things better than spending a sunny summer day in small town USA, and there are few places that embody that Norman Rockwell ideal better than Buckhannon, West Virginia.
Get InspiredHospitality Highway: A Creative Hub
Hospitality Highway: A Creative Hub
Hospitality Highway runs the length of Georgia 400, linking seven communities that share historical and cultural significance. Though each town has its own personality, they all share a passion for the arts.
Get InspiredFamily-Friendly Summer Music Festivals of 2019
Family-Friendly Summer Music Festivals of 2019
My family and I love making the most out of summer festival season. Here are our favorite family-friendly summer music festivals
Get InspiredInto the Future
Into the Future
That intertwining of yesterday and tomorrow is typical of Hampton, where the past, present and future merge to form a fascinating military, academic, and tourism center.
Get InspiredSand, Wind, and Fire
Sand, Wind, and Fire
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.
Get InspiredThe Greatest of Gainesville
The Greatest of Gainesville
Top 10 Favorite Things to Do in Gainesville with my family.
Get InspiredAwash in Good Times
Awash in Good Times
Celebrating Beaufort, South Carolina, and water—the thing that defines this charming town—at the Beaufort Water Festival.
Get InspiredFinding Balance on the Hammock Coast
Finding Balance on the Hammock Coast
“You can say ‘I told you so,’ Becky,” I said, looking out across the endless ocean in front of me. The getaway was her idea.
Get InspiredBaskets, Beads & Bowls
Baskets, Beads & Bowls
Discover a treasure trove of American Indian goods at Greater Phoenix gift shops, including handmade jewelry at Talking Stick Resort and Four Peaks Mining Company.
Get Inspired