by Gigi de Jong | Mar 20, 2025 | North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Places & Experiences, Tennessee, Travel Tips, Virginia
Astronomy can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. It’s as easy as looking up at the stars. Sadly, though, experts estimate that one-third of humanity and 80% of North Americans can no longer see stars in abundance and the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution.
Luckily, DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association, founded in 1988) has been raising awareness and become the global authority on the subject, advocating for responsible outdoor lighting to protect the natural darkness in communities and parks around the world. Since Flagstaff, AZ, became the first certified Dark Sky City in 2001, DarkSky has certified over 200 places in 22 countries protecting over 60,000 square miles of land.
by Kass | Feb 18, 2025 | Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Places & Experiences, Travel Tips, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
Discover the best thru-hikes in America, from the lush forests of Vermont’s Long Trail to the rugged deserts of the Hayduke Trail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, these iconic trails offer breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable challenges, and a chance to connect with nature like never before. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the wild beauty of the U.S.!
by Kass | Jul 2, 2024 | Florida, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Travel Tips, Virginia, West Virginia
When traveling to National Parks and other incredible places on the American East Coast, you are also visiting the ancestral lands of many different Indigenous tribes. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Indigenous heritage on the East Coast during your next road trip. Indigenous communities are still very much tied to the lands and waters of this area, and you can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
by Whitney James | May 13, 2024 | Places & Experiences, Virginia
There is no better place to experience the full spectrum of history, urban excitement, and outdoor recreation that the United States has to offer than in Capital Region USA. Bike, kayak, and sightsee your way through some of the best of the area in this long-weekend itinerary.
by Colleen Goldhorn | Mar 11, 2024 | Itineraries, North Carolina, Virginia
Crossing the heart of central Appalachia from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this Blue Ridge Parkway road trip itinerary is packed with everything from history and culture to hikes and waterfalls.
by Shannon Lowery | Oct 25, 2022 | Arizona, Georgia, New York, Places & Experiences, Travel Tips, Virginia, Washington
America’s wine regions double as both culinary adventures and unforgettable road trips! Travel from one to the other for an epic cross-country road trip or spend a long weekend getting to know a single area. Appreciate both America’s agricultural offerings and epic scenery during a wine region road trip.
by Shannon Lowery | Aug 17, 2022 | Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Travel Tips, Vermont, Virginia
The best towns and communities along the Appalachian Trail are full of Appalachian history and culture. Whether you’re thru-hiking the entire trail, exploring one portion for the day, or driving a route in the general direction of the AT, these mountain towns are worth exploring.
by Shannon Lowery | Jun 30, 2022 | Florida, Itineraries, North Carolina, Virginia
Why so landlocked? The United States has miles of salt and freshwater coastline. From north to south, the East Coast is dotted with gorgeous national seashores and beaches. Scenic, enjoyable and important, these national seashores have some of the best East Coast beaches in the United States. If you’re looking for the ultimate summer road trip beach vacation, this is it.
by Shannon Lowery | Feb 16, 2022 | Florida, Places & Experiences, Tennessee, Travel Tips, Virginia
Waterfall hikes in the south provide everything from refreshing swimming holes in the summer to, if it’s cold enough, frozen natural ice formations in the winter.
