Parks & Gardens

The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Louisiana

Explore this beloved New Orleans City Park which surprisingly features the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world.

I Was Surprised by This Breathtaking Urban Trail in Washington

Looking for a trail that combines stunning views with powerful history? This gorgeous urban walk evokes the resilience and vision of Seattleites.

Who Needs Europe? This Lovely Garden in New Jersey Brings Old-World Beauty Stateside

You don’t need to hop on a plane to feel like you’ve escaped to Europe—New Jersey’s State Botanical Garden brings old-world beauty and charm to the East Coast.

I Was Pleasantly Surprised by This Playful Trail in Ohio

In Lancaster, a local trail offers more than just a walk in the woods. With interactive features like herb gardens, musical instruments, and tactile displays, it’s a full-on sensory adventure.

Adventure’s Calling: This Nature Park Is Ideal for Fossil Hunting in Maryland

Discover fossil hunting at Flag Ponds Nature Park in Maryland. Find shark teeth, enjoy trails, and explore this family-friendly Chesapeake Bay gem.

My Favorite Park in North Carolina Is a Little-Known Paradise for Birding

From bald eagles to indigo buntings, this county park near Raleigh has some of the best birdwatching in North Carolina.

My Favorite Park in Delaware Is a Little-Known Paradise for Biking

With paved trails, historic landmarks, and fewer crowds, Bellevue State Park is one of Delaware’s best-kept secrets for biking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.

This Is the Quietest Part of This State Park in Northern California

Salt Point State Park is home to some seriously breathtaking sights, but this quiet state preserve in the park shows off a different side of NorCal's coastal scenery.

Stroll Then Swim on This Beach Hike in Alabama That’s Perfect for Summer

Follow This Lakeside Trail in Alabama That Ends in a Refreshing Swim at a Sandy Beach

My Favorite Park in Florida Is a Little-Known Oasis for Birding

Once a utility site, now a thriving wetland sanctuary—Wakodahatchee Wetlands offers a peaceful, wildlife-rich escape perfect for birders, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

My Favorite Park in New Jersey Is a Little-Known Oasis for Biking, Hiking, and Sightseeing

Only a hop, skip, and jump away from some amazing cities, Saddle River County Park is the best county park in New Jersey.

This Uncrowded Gem in Maryland Is the Next Big Thing in Slow Travel

Swap your devices for serene waterways, scenic hiking trails, and birdwatching adventures at this hidden gem destination in Maryland.

We Love Our National Parks, but This South Dakota Park Is Just as Cool

In Rapid City, Skyline Wilderness Area offers scenic trails, sweeping overlooks, and a laid-back alternative to South Dakota’s busier national parks.

Breathtaking Flowers Are Just One Reason to Put a Glencairn Gardens Hike in South Carolina on Your Spring To-Do List

Explore the scenic Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The peaceful 0.6-mile hike features flowers with well-maintained paths perfect for hikers of all levels seeking natural beauty in every season.

Love Big Bend National Park? Try This Similar Spot in Oklahoma

Explore this wilderness area in Oklahoma, featuring endless recreational opportunities that rival the mighty Big Bend National Park.

Love Sequoia National Park? Try This Similar Spot in Michigan

Visit Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary to see Michigan’s giant sequoia tree, a hidden gem that offers a taste of Sequoia National Park right in your backyard.

This Roadside Spot in Kansas Is a Local Favorite—Here’s Why

You'll be mesmerized by the stunning architectural masterpiece in Kansas. This manmade marvel is a sight to behold!

I Live in Minnesota and This Is My Favorite Way to Celebrate Spring

Watching for the annual spring warbler migration is a wonderful way to welcome spring in Minnesota

If You Live in Florida, Exploring This Key West Botanical Garden Is Hands-Down the Best Way to Enjoy Spring

Fluttering butterflies, blooming flowers, and tropical birds make this special Key West garden a springtime must.

Spring in Massachusetts Is Best Spent Exploring Boston Public Garden

Spring is in the air in Boston. Whether you come to see the birds or to smell the flowers, a trip to the Boston Public Garden is a great way to enjoy the season.

Celebrate Spring Like a Local at This Lovely Kansas Park

Lucas Park is a stunning hidden gem in Kansas located right on beautiful Wilson Lake, offering up some of the best spring delights in the state.

If You Live in Georgia, Exploring Gibbs Gardens is Hands-Down the Best Way to Enjoy Spring

Experience the most vibrant colors of spring when you visit Gibbs Gardens, an enchanting world-class botanical garden in Northern Georgia.

This Roadside Spot in Utah Is a Local Favorite—Here’s Why

Find out why locals can't get enough of this hidden gem destination in Salt Lake City, Utah. After you visit, you'll love it too.

Dream Spring Break in South Carolina: Where I’d Go if Money Was No Object

Embrace the best of spring in South Carolina with a trip to Cypress Gardens, teeming with both wildflowers and wildlife.

This Utah Park Has a Timed Ninja Course and Makes You Feel Like a True Warrior

It's almost impossible to just sit and watch your kiddos play here.

Discover Why Winter Is the Best Time to Explore This Georgia National Forest

Ready for the ultimate winter adventure in Georgia? Chase frozen waterfalls and hike the snow-covered trails at Coopers Creek WMA in Suches and then relax inside a cozy cabin!

I Explored a Hidden Gem Garden in the Middle of Utah’s Desert

This unique destination in Southern Utah made me fall in love with the desert.

Why Winter Is This New Jersey Botanical Garden’s Secret Season

One of the most uniquely peaceful destinations in New Jersey, Rutgers Gardens is a hidden gem deserving of a spot on your winter to-do list.

This Charming Ohio Hike Is 100% Worth Braving the Cold

Dublin's Ballantrae Community Park is known for its "bunny park," but it is one of the most beautiful winter hikes in Ohio.

I Discovered This Secret Safari Adventure Hiding in a Small Town in Florida and It’s a Must-Visit

Skip the Orlando crowds and plan a trip to this small-town safari adventure in Florida. You'll get to see zebras, camels, giraffes and more. It's tons of fun for everyone!

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens Is a Magical Annual Tradition That Gets Better Every Year

Blossoms of Light is one of the best holiday lights displays in the nation. Its an annual tradition that everyone will love. I never miss it!

The Little Known Hiking Path in Oak Park, North Dakota is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

This 1.4-mile Oak Park Loop in Minot offers serene river views, winter trails, and easy, family-friendly hiking in North Dakota.

Grab the Earmuffs for This Hike in Virginia That’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

The River Loop Trail is a 4.6-mile loop that takes hikers past the Patowmack Canal ruins, Difficult Run stream, and three Great Falls overlooks. It's considered moderately difficult with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Great Falls Park is an incredible 800-acre park, perfect for birding, biking, hiking, fishing, and more.

A Local’s Guide to Cattail Marsh in Texas: Wildlife, Scenic Trails, and Serene Views

Offering a welcome escape from the constant demands of everyday life, Cattail Marsh in Texas is one of my go-to spots when I need to unwind and clear my head. The peaceful outdoor oasis features native wildlife, scenic nature trails, and beautiful views.

Grab the Gloves That Will Make This Hike in Iowa 100% Worth Braving the Cold

With the right pair of gloves, you'll agree that Carlson Park Loop is an Iowa hike worth braving the cold to do