There is a hush along the Ohio River that asks for patience before it offers anything back. Ripley, Ohio sits in that quiet pocket, where brick streets and porch flags move at the mercy of river wind. You find yourself lowering your voice as the ferry horn echoes, because the place carries its own rhythm…
Despite the political and economic turmoil that affected family travelers in 2025, I hope you are planning family getaways for the new year.
Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the west coast of Norway in the heart of the famous fjords
These days, heading to a snow resort offers a lot more than skiing and riding wherever you find yourself looking for some fun in the snow. And even the fittest person will likely need a day off from the slopes.
Holiday gifts they’ll appreciate from socks to first aid kits to merino wool garments to comfy boots…
Many of us are forgoing expensive vacations or flying this holiday season. But we could enjoy holiday traditions – or make new ones without spending a fortune by visiting a big hotel’s gingerbread display or seeing light displays at local zoos and botanic gardens.
The good news is there are holiday light displays in small towns, as well as big cities across the country and many are free. And for those who have had to forgo an expensive holiday vacation this year, spending the money to see the terrific holiday lights displays at local botanic gardens and zoos will not only be fun but an affordable holiday splurge.
Hidden in the quiet reaches of Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains, Eagles Mere is a sleepy forest village that many travelers still overlook. This serene lakeside community offers clear, shimmering water, winding woodland paths, and a calming atmosphere that feels far removed from the pace of everyday life. It’s an ideal place to slow down, breathe deeply,…
Michigan holds secrets from its past that most people never get to see. Scattered across the state are ghost towns and abandoned villages waiting to tell their stories. These forgotten places offer adventure seekers a chance to step back in time and explore history on their own terms. Pack your camera and sense of curiosity…
Colorado’s famous trails get all the glory, but some of the best adventures hide in plain sight. While everyone crowds around Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake, incredible paths wait quietly for explorers willing to venture beyond the usual spots. These lesser-known hikes offer stunning views, peaceful solitude, and memories that’ll last way longer than your…
Timber beams, red-painted portals, and the soft echo of footsteps on old planks, covered bridges have a way of pulling you into another era. Some span dramatic gorges, others rest in postcard-perfect countryside, but all offer the same irresistible charm that keeps travelers coming back. This roundup highlights 12 of the most scenic covered bridges…
Believe me, I’ve been there – the oven that conked out Thanksgiving morning; the relative who stormed out in a huff mid-dinner; the complaints about sitting at the kids’ table
Whistles once echoed through small-town streets, steam curled above rooftops, and these historic depots stood at the heart of everyday life. Long before highways and airports took over, train stations shaped communities, sparked industry, and carried countless stories across the rails. Many of those charming red-brick and wooden depots still exist today: restored, reimagined, and…
California isn’t just about crowded beaches and tourist traps. Tucked away in the Golden State are secret canyons that most locals keep to themselves, places where you can hike, explore, and escape the usual crowds. These hidden gems offer stunning views, cool trails, and the kind of adventure that makes for an unforgettable day trip….
Tucked away in Oregon’s diverse landscapes are lakes that offer tranquility and natural beauty without the crowds. These hidden gems are the perfect escape for those seeking serene waters, stunning vistas, and a chance to connect with nature. Each one boasts its own unique charm, inviting outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike to explore, unwind, and…
Utah might be famous for its stunning red rock landscapes and national parks, but the real treasure hunt begins when hunger strikes on those long desert drives. Hidden between canyon walls and mountain passes are sandwich shops serving up masterpieces that’ll make you plan your entire road trip around lunch. From Italian delis to Vietnamese…
The days are shorter, the nights longer in the Northern Hemisphere this time of year. What’s your preference for a winter family getaway? Sun or Snow? Or something else?
Texas is famous for cowboys, barbecue, and wide-open spaces, but hidden beneath its vast landscape are canyons that rival the beauty of any natural wonder in America. These secret gorges showcase towering cliffs, colorful rock layers, and desert wildlife that seem almost too magical to be real. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker or just someone…
Soul food carries the warmth of family recipes passed down through generations, bringing comfort with every bite. In New York City, you can find incredible restaurants that cook up dishes just like grandma used to make, from crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese. Whether you’re craving collard greens or sweet potato pie, these…
Beneath the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of the Bluegrass State lies a world of hidden underground wonders waiting to be discovered. From vast cave systems to abandoned mines, Kentucky is home to some of the most captivating subterranean spaces in the country. These underground gems offer more than just stunning formations, they hold history,…
Imagine stepping off the mainland and onto an island where time slows down, the air is crisp, and the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. Michigan is home to a collection of secluded islands that feel like worlds of their own, each offering its own…
Maybe this year is the time to give travel as a holiday gift. Research suggests people now prioritize experiences over acquiring more things – 72 percent, according to a recent survey from Longwoods International.
This is the perfect time to visit the Utah Olympic Park, with the 2026 Winter Olympic games taking place in February in Italy. Park City guests can even ride the Comet bobsled on the track that was used in the 2002 Olympic games
Families are leading the way in domestic and local winter travel this year in the US, with 80% choosing suburban and rural locations for their getaways.
Chicagoans never let the cold cramp their style. There are holiday markets and spectacular light displays, culinary celebrations, and much more
Missouri takes its pie tradition seriously, and some restaurants prove it the moment the sun comes up. Across the state, kitchens buzz at dawn as bakers roll out dough, whip up fillings, and pull steaming pies straight from the oven. Fruit pies, cream pies, custards, and towering creations fill display cases long before the breakfast…
Tucked into the quiet hills of eastern Pennsylvania lies a destination so magical, you’d swear you stepped into the Scottish Highlands. Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor is a world of towering stones, hidden pathways, and mystical structures that spark the imagination the moment you arrive. Every turn feels like discovering a secret realm, offering visitors…
New York City isn’t just about pizza and bagels, it’s also home to some of the most mouthwatering soul food you’ll ever taste. From crispy fried chicken to collard greens that melt in your mouth, these restaurants serve up comfort on a plate. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, these spots will…
California’s taco scene is legendary, but the best spots aren’t always the ones with long lines or fancy Instagram pages. Locals guard their favorite taco joints like precious secrets, knowing that once word gets out, everything changes. T hese hidden gems serve up authentic flavors that’ll make you forget about those trendy fusion places, and…
Deep in Pennsylvania’s woodlands lies a place where history whispers through overgrown paths and crumbling stone foundations. Rock Point Park Natural Area once thrived as a bustling Victorian resort, drawing crowds with music, dancing, and breathtaking river views. Today, nature has reclaimed what humans built, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful landscape frozen between past glory…
Arizona’s desert landscape holds secrets from a bygone era—crumbling buildings, dusty streets, and whispers of lives once lived. Ghost towns scattered across the state tell stories of boom-and-bust mining dreams, Wild West adventures, and communities that vanished almost overnight. Exploring these eerie yet beautiful places is like stepping into a time machine, where history comes…
We were at the famous Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, the fantastic indoor food market that has been in operation since the mid-19th century, but was moved here to this sleek building in the center of the city’s business district in 1970 and is a popular stop for tourists
Arizona’s desert landscape holds secrets that time nearly forgot. Scattered across the state are ghost towns that once buzzed with miners, merchants, and dreamers chasing fortunes. Today, these abandoned settlements stand as haunting reminders of boom-and-bust days, offering visitors a chance to step back into the Wild West and experience history frozen in time. 1….
Colorado has a special respect for a good roast. Across the state, from casino towns tucked into the mountains to elegant resort dining rooms, prime rib holds its own kind of ceremony. The carving stations shine under warm light, knives glide through tender meat, and the first slice releases that unmistakable aroma that fills the…
In Texas, brisket sits somewhere between craft and devotion. Before sunrise, fires spark to life, smoke begins its slow dance, and the day shapes itself around the patience that good barbecue demands. Across the state, Austin’s bustling pits, tiny roadside shacks, quiet corners of the south, pitmasters tend to their work with steady rhythm and…
New Jersey is packed with restaurants that skip the flashy ads and billboards, yet somehow manage to stay packed with loyal diners. Word of mouth is their secret weapon, and once locals discover these hidden gems, they keep returning for more. From legendary burgers to authentic Portuguese seafood, these spots prove that great food speaks…
Out in California’s Mojave Desert, alongside Interstate 15, sits the ghostly remains of what was once a thriving waterpark. Lake Dolores, later rebranded as Rock-A-Hoola, first opened in 1962 and finally shut its gates for good in 2004. Today, empty pools, foundation remnants of slides, and sun-scorched buildings create an eerie landscape that has become…
California isn’t just movie stars, red carpets, and the chaos of theme parks, it’s also full of hush-hush hideaways that locals treat like top-secret treasure maps. Beyond the billboards and beach crowds lie quiet coves, wild trails, and mountain getaways where the Wi-Fi fades and the real magic begins. These off-the-beaten-path escapes offer the kind…
Iowa might surprise you with its thriving food scene that rivals coastal cities. From sizzling steakhouses to inventive farm-to-table spots, the Hawkeye State has earned serious culinary cred. Getting a weekend reservation at these hotspots requires ninja-level planning and lightning-fast fingers on your phone because tables disappear faster than free samples at a grocery store….
However you envision your getaway to the snow, there have never been more options – and that includes overseas, which despite the cost of flights, can be less expensive than a comparable trip to the snow in the United States or Canada.
About Us Taking the Kids started with her son, a cat and a goldfish pond. Eileen Ogintz is a leading national travel expert. She has reported and written the nationally syndicated column “Taking The Kids™” (Tribune Content Agency) for more than three decades. Her website contains a rich repository of content focused on family travel. “Travel…
North Carolina’s barbecue scene isn’t just food, it’s folklore written in smoke. From whole-hog roasts to shoulder-chopped pork, every festival becomes a living museum of Southern cooking styles that have shaped the region’s cuisine for generations. Each pit carries its own signature, whether it’s vinegar tang sharp enough to make lips pucker or slow smoke…
Up in the Sierra Nevada, where pine air smells sweet and crisp, Plumas-Eureka State Park waits like a love letter from the earth itself. Wild meadows open into streams that sparkle like scattered diamonds, while mountains cradle skies so blue they almost hum. Among the whisper of tall pines, echoes of Gold Rush history linger…
Scottsdale is a great bet for a fall getaway with or without the kids. Many come for golf, spa, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
We’re not giving up our more rugged hiking boots for steep, rocky trails, and longer duration treks. But for everyday hiking on smooth trails and sidewalks, these shoes are great.
Do you want to have an unforgettable winter vacation with the family? Consider Utah! Here, we explain why Utah is the ultimate winter vacation destination.
Ask three people who have shared a vacation – even in the same family – and they will each likely have a different answer.
Halloween events and celebrations these days have already begun in many places from theme parks to themed festivals to haunted houses and hotels.
For the ultimate multigenerational adventure, set your sights on an African safari cruise. View animals in the wild from small tenders and dusty 4WD vehicles. Listen to their call from luxurious waterfront safari lodges and stylish river cruisers.
It is already resulting in some flight delays that experts say will grow worse the longer the shutdown.
Merino wool is not only soft but it can wick moisture, regulate temperature, and resist odors. In fact, a reviewer for the New York Times Wirecutter noted that he wore one shirt for three+ days straight.
Create magical family memories on rainy vacations. Our simple tips help you embrace unexpected indoor adventures and bond together, no matter the weather.
Imagine sleeping in the eye of the storm in the art suite Sweep Me Off My Feet, floating inside a bubble-filled world in Soap Bubbles, or feeling the cosmic power of a black hole in Spaghettification.
Balloon Fiesta (the 53rd) has become the world’s largest and premier international ballooning event. This year, it includes 543 registered Primary Pilots
Cartersville, GA, which comes alive in October with an authentic Western experience at Booth Western Art Museum’s highly anticipated annual event, West Fest on Oct. 25
In 1944, they fought in some of the toughest terrain in World War II – northern Italy. Then they came home and created ski mountains.
As fall colors sweep across Alabama, Tuscaloosa will once again transform into a hub of creativity and culture as the 54th Kentuck Festival of the Arts takes center stage. Taking place October 11–12, 2025 at Snow Hinton Park, the nationally acclaimed festival draws more than 15,000 visitors from across the country and is consistently recognized…
This Haute Chocolate at the Vail Four Seasons Resort in Vail CO is rich chocolaty goodness poured over a house made marshmallow and a lace of dark chocolate into a giant cup.
Cristoff Keyonnie couldn’t have picked a better time to visit Vail for the first time—it was peak weekend for leaf peeping… glorious yellows and oranges everywhere you looked.
Biking trails combine with bike parks and even fat biking to keep wheels spinning year-round.