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.

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.

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.

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.

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

From music to art to history, local collections throughout Greater Phoenix will feed your soul.

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

Jane, Emilie, and I had been friends since college, and they loved my idea of a Smoky Mountain getaway in Gatlinburg. Like me, they were also amateur artisans, so Gatlinburg had plenty to keep us busy.

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.

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.

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.

2020 WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL SERIES: In recognition of the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, we celebrate women leaders in our community.

Wedding dreams come true in a small, romantic Tennessee town called Gatlinburg, nestled on the grand slopes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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

Try your luck at Greater Phoenix casinos, including Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.

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.

Whatever your age, the whole family will enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Chesapeake Bay in quaint and historical Hampton, Viriginia.

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

America’s Comeback City, Detroit, Michigan, boasts an impressive array of free and affordable attractions. You'll find several on Belle Isle.

I was also looking forward to checking out Sumter's annual Iris Festival held at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

Top 10 Favorite Things to Do in Gainesville with my family.

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.”

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

Greater Phoenix boasts plenty of kid-friendly fun, from sweets shops to hands-on museums. At the Musical Instrument Museum, don't miss the chance to bang a gong or hear a mechanized violin play itself.

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.

It's the first time Lexington is hosting the Breeders' Cup, and I've invited my mom.

The best of both worlds: It's not far from the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, while bearing the distinction of being a bustling, mid-sized city with plenty to offer.

We'd booked two nights in Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of none other than the King of Rock ‘n' Roll, Elvis Presley.

My husband and I brought the kids along for an investigative trip into our family history in Sumter County.

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

Revel in perfect winter weather in Greater Phoenix with spring training in Glendale and Goodyear, exploring working studios at Celebration of Fine Art, and Old West fun in Wickenburg.

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.

What’s better than 32 miles of sugar-white beaches to explore and enjoy? Not much.

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.

A movie theater during the Great Depression, the Sumter Opera House was the reason we went to central South Carolina.

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.

Exploring Washington, D.C., between the monuments

A couple eats their way from Oahu to Kauai

Our friend’s wedding was in Bardstown, Kentucky—gateway to the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

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.

A timely ladies getaway featuring spa pampering and the King of Rock & Rock—Elvis Presley—in Tupelo, Mississippi.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Friends in North Atlanta clued us in to a cool entertainment district close to downtown Alpharetta called Avalon.

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.

Shocked to discover the kids didn’t know who Elvis Presley was, the trip suddenly became a necessity. We were off to Tupelo.

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.

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.

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.

A romantic weekend escape to the elegant Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Jerome, Arizona has evolved from the “Wickedest Town in the West” into an intriguing blend of the past and the present.

Whether you’re exploring the city for two days or two weeks, there are must-visit spots and mouthwatering meals everyone should experience on a Seattle vacation.

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.

For a town of 35,000 people, Tupelo has a lot to offer.

In Rock Hill, SC, we found a great variety of activities within a short driving distance; Kings Mountain State Park was our first stop.

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

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.

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.

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.

Love my people as I do, I wanted an adventure all to myself. I decided on an overnight trip to St. Louis, Missouri.

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.

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

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.

When she mentioned the words “Retail Trail,” that was enough for me to agree to a last-minute, girls-only 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.

Spending a weekend in Hampton, Virginia, exploring the history of the area and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Hampton University.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

My family and I love making the most out of summer festival season. Here are our favorite family-friendly summer music festivals

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.

Greenville, South Carolina, a lively, modern town with roots buried deep in the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills.

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.

Seventy-seven years ago, Sumter hosted its first Iris Festival.

If you’re thinking about exposing yourself to new things for your next vacation, look to Pasco County, Florida.

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.

An equestrian getaway to Aiken County, SC.

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.

Many of Indianapolis' top attractions are free or very low-cost, making this an inviting destination for any budget.

“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.

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

Knoxville: There’s music and mountains, art and history, delicious food, and adventure galore.

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.

My best girlfriends and I decided to take a long summer weekend to recharge and have some fun.

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.

Experience 10 guided tours along Boston's Freedom Trail.

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.

While looking at carousels online, we found a spectacular antique wooden one in Hampton, Virginia, just a short road trip from our house.

A tour that touches the heart. Discovering Huntington, West Virginia, in light of events that inspired the movie We Are Marshall.

I’ll soon be sampling a unique sweet treat on a day trip to Sevierville, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s hometown

“If it can host a World’s Fair,” said my boss when he saw my raised eyebrows, “it can host 200 salespeople.”

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.

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

Our time in Gainesville reminded us of our love for the arts and helped us reconnect.

The ‘A’ is for astronomy, because there is nowhere in South Carolina where you can get a better glimpse of the stars.

From west to east, the cities of Greater Phoenix are well known for their array of premium shops, open-air marketplaces, and continually growing list of luxury designer stores.

Last summer, my buddy Paul, a craft beer fanatic, told me that Parkersburg, WV had some of the best breweries around.

Celebrating Beaufort, South Carolina, and water—the thing that defines this charming town—at the Beaufort Water Festival.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

In North Myrtle Beach, budget-conscious travelers will find a large variety of affordable and free activities, especially in the fall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sisters and cousins get together for a heart-warming American Girl Store Experience in Alpharetta, Georgia.

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

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

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.

Escape to the beach for a "wellness weekend" in Martin County, Florida.

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.

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.