Category Archives: Travel Destinations

Journey through the Badlands: A Camper’s Guide

03 Friday Mar 2017

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badlands-south-dakotaSouth Dakota’s Badlands National Park is a treasure trove of green prairies, rich fossil beds, and a variety of wildlife. There are plenty of great activities to discover in the area surrounding the park, so set up camp at Sage Creek Campground, and get ready to explore. At Sage Creek Campground in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park you’ll awaken to herds of buffalo, view breathtaking sunsets over waves of grassy prairies, visit historic homesteads and embark on incredible hikes.

1880 Town

1880 Town is an attraction for all ages, featuring 30 buildings, all of which were built between the 1880s and the 1920s. The town has authentic furniture and relics from the past; a museum dedicated to Casey Tibbs, the nine-time World Champion Rodeo Cowboy (yeehaw!); and even props from the movie “Dances with Wolves”. We can’t guarantee that you’ll be dancing with any wolves, but we do know that you’re in for a good time. The site even offers costume rentals so you can fit right in with your surroundings.1880-town

Prairie Homestead

Built in 1909 by the Brown Family, the Prairie Homestead is one of the last remaining sod homes in the United States. Take a tour of the home, find some great souvenirs in the new gift shop, or get the whole family to dress up in period clothing (perfect for funny photo shoots). Make sure to check out their adorable prairie dogs, too. Bonus: Children under nine are able to go in free!

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was founded in 1999 in order to show Americans how close our country was to WWIII. The site is one of the only places that you’re able to view a real nuclear missile that was set up for use during the Cold War. A guided tour of the site includes silos as well as the control room. You’ll probably leave thinking that this place is… the bomb!minuteman-missile-national-historic-site

Castle Trailhead

Castle Trail is the longest trail in Badlands National Park, spanning approximately 10 miles. Used far less than many of the other trails in the park, peaceful Castle Trail provides many opportunities for you to view the wildlife of the park. The trail also winds right by the Fossil Exhibit Trail, where you can view and read about fossil replicas.

Two Bit Saloon & Steakhouse

During your trip, stop by Two Bit Saloon & Steakhouse for a local experience—and some of the best burgers in South Dakota. Make sure to visit on a Friday or Saturday, as those are the only days that they serve their full menu. On weekends, the place is packed with locals, and that’s always a good sign.two-bit-saloon-and-steakhouse

Wall Drug Store

Wall Drug Store is an attraction not to be missed in South Dakota. The store grew famous for going from being a small drug store offering free ice water in the 1930s to growing into a massive tourist attraction. The store offers an old-fashioned soda fountain, five-cent coffee, and a variety of kitschy gifts for everyone in its labyrinthine complex of shops and restaurants. And don’t miss the 80-foot-tall dinosaur!

Sage Creek Campground

At Sage Creek Campground, you’ll get to camp out surrounded by Badlands beauty and native wildlife. This campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, but camping here is completely FREE! Keep in mind that the campground does not offer water, hookups, or bathroom facilities, but who needs those things when you’ve got cute prairie dogs and a beautiful sunrise?sage-creek-campground

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is truly a divine demonstration of geologic beauty. Featuring a 60-mile multicolored wall of sediment layers, the park is also home to a whole host of buffalo, prairie dogs, and antelope. There’s even an opportunity to gaze at the ancient fossils of extinct creatures. The park is a treasure for all ages.

Rushmore Cave

We all have heard of Mount Rushmore, but how about Rushmore Cave? Wind your way through narrow passageways and view rare geological formations in South Dakota’s ninth largest cave. The guided tours are fun for the whole family, and you even can upgrade your ticket to include a ride on their famed zip-line. Kids also can pick out and crack open their own geodes. It’s a rockin’ time!rushmore-cave

A haven for earth and animal lovers alike, Badlands National Park offers a unique experience in the wild prairies of South Dakota. Get ready to camp under the stars and wake up next to buffalo on your next adventure of a lifetime.

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Southeast Nevada: An outdoor adventurer’s playground

24 Friday Feb 2017

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southeast-nevadaFrom waterfalls to slot canyons to… aliens?

There’s so much to see and do just outside the bright neon lights of Las Vegas. It’s a veritable outdoor playground for adventurers and explorers to discover! From majestic sandstone arches to twisting slot canyons to lush waterfalls, you could easily spend a few days, a week, or even a month exploring Southeast Nevada… oh, and you might even encounter some extraterrestrial life along the way.

 Little A’Le’Inn

Located right near the notoriously top-secret military base Area 51, the Little A’Le’Inn is a great roadside attraction to stop by during your trip across Nevada. The Little A’Le’Inn triples as a motel, restaurant, and gift shop, where you can stock up on kitschy alien souvenirs. As it’s located pretty much in the middle of nowhere, it’s a welcome sight for travelers. Friendly service, good food, and cold beer can be hard to come by in the middle of the desert, and they provide all of that, plus a few great alien conspiracy theory stories, to boot.Little A'Le'Inn

Tikaboo Peak

The closest (legal) spot to peer into Area 51, Tikaboo Peak offers a rare glimpse into the famed bastion of extraterrestrial lore. The base is still about 26 miles away from the peak, but on a clear day, you can see the buildings as well as aircraft taking off. But, if you’re looking to spot UFOs, bring flashlights and make the trek around sunset… you never know what you might see.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

 Cathedral Gorge State Park is a stop you shouldn’t miss. The park’s bounty of dramatic cathedral-like spires eroded from bentonite clay are fodder for both professional and amateur photographers. Hike a variety of trails to explore the formations, and then take a break at the well-maintained picnic facility. Cathedral Gorge is not just a paradise for geologists; ornithologists will be thrilled with the abundant bird life as well.Cathedral Gorge State Park

Beaver Dam State Park

Featuring deep canyons and rushing streams, Beaver Dam State Park is a relaxing place to spend your day hiking, camping, and fishing. Make sure to check out the Overlook Trail, which gives you a panoramic view of the entire park. The park’s history dates back to 1849, when a family of pioneers named the Hamlins settled down in the area and built a blacksmith shop, house, and schoolhouse for local children. The remains of the Hamlin settlement are still available for public view and are located in the northern part of the park.

Virgin River Canyon

Located within 10 miles of the Arizona, Nevada, and Utah borders, Virgin River Canyon is a delight for people of all ages. The canyon contains two short hiking trails that lead to the Virgin River and provide the opportunity to spot bighorn sheep, which are plentiful in the region. The campground is well maintained and only costs $8.00 per night. If you really want to get away for a night, this is the place to stay!Virgin River Canyon

Lost City Museum-Archaeology

Built to preserve artifacts from southern Nevada, the Lost City Museum is an amazing celebration of human history. With artifacts from a variety of sites along the Muddy River Valley (discovered by explorer Jedediah Smith), the museum now contains a theater, a library, and some outdoor exhibits. The main gallery focuses on Ancestral Puebloans, but you also can check out displays on fossils and ancient baskets, as well as a reconstructed pit house. Wild fact: All of the artifacts were nearly lost under water when the Hoover Dam (then the Boulder Dam) was built. They were excavated just before Lake Mead was created by the dam!

Valley of Fire Slot Canyon

Located along the White Domes Trail in Valley of Fire State Park, the Valley of Fire Slot Canyon is a dream come true for desert landscape-lovers. The 1.1-mile trail loops through an old Western movie set and then brings you to a slot canyon, which features a narrow opening that drops a hundred feet below. Visiting the canyon is a truly magical experience that you won’t want to miss.valley-of-fire-slot-canyon

Arch Rock Campground

For only $10.00 a night, Arch Rock Campground is a great place to bed down. Each campsite is located in a notch in the canyon, providing visitors with a sense of privacy as well as with the ability to get up close and personal with the rock formations. Plus… free showers and dump stations! (Bonus: The facilities are immaculate.) Desert nights can be far colder than desert days, so make sure to pack accordingly.

Mary Jane Falls

Picturesque Mary Jane Falls and its surrounding areas offer a variety of activities, from rock climbing to hiking to just picking wildflowers. The hike up has a pretty steep incline, so get ready to work up a sweat as you make your way to the falls. The payoff is definitely worth it.mary-jane-falls

As you explore the alien legends, desert rock formations, and ancient archaeological sites around Nevada, you’ll forget entirely that the state is mostly known for the bright neon and bustle of Las Vegas. There’s so much more to the state than Sin City, so get ready for the adventure of a lifetime exploring everything Nevada has to offer!

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Feel the sand between your toes at Camp Gulf in Destin, FL

03 Friday Feb 2017

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Camp Gulf - Destin. FLA family RV trip to the beach sounds like the perfect vacation… but finding the perfect place to put it in park is crucial to the trip. If you plan for a stay at Camp Gulf in Destin, Florida, though, you’re pretty much guaranteed an awesome getaway. Why? Because not every RV resort offers campsites right on the beach. Like, literally in the sand. Nope, this is not an island fantasy… this real-life Kokomo is for real!

Camp Gulf

Camp Gulf’s beachfront sites are, as they say, “as close as you can get” to the ocean, with the sand and waves right outside your door. That means incredible views of the water, 24/7. They also have other sites that aren’t on the shore— which means less sand, and a shorter walk to the solar-heated pool and activity center. Even the sites that are the furthest away from the beach are only a 5-minute walk.

Camp GulfShould you ever tire of the beach (which seems impossible, right?) they offer water slides, a spa pool, ice cream socials, pancake breakfasts, basketball courts, even golf cart and yolo board rentals to make your beach experience even more enjoyable. If you’re traveling with friends or family who don’t have an RV, they’re welcome as well: Camp Gulf offers cabins and a massive beach house for rent!Camp Gulf

And even though there’s no real reason to leave the Camp, it’s a quick drive to other sandy shores like Destin Beach, Crystal Beach, and Henderson Beach State Park. The location is also near classic attractions like Big Kahunas Water and Adventure Park or even Power Up Watersports, which lets you try on a water-propelled jetpack and soar above the ocean. And, when you’re all done for the day, you can come back to your RV and rest up for the next day’s adventure!

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The Best-Kept Secret Swimming Holes of Central Florida

30 Friday Dec 2016

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swimming-holes-of-central-floridaCentral Florida is home to much more than just theme parks. It’s also where Floridians find refreshment on hot days and warm nights. Take a day off from Mickey Mouse and friends and get ready to soak up the sun (and the water) in one of the many hidden swimming holes in Central Florida.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

A reminder of what Florida used to look like when it was inhabited by the Timucua Indians, Wekiwa Springs State Park will be the first stop on your wet and wild adventure. Along with a beautiful cold spring to swim in, the park offers 13 miles of hiking trails as well as opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The swimming spring is only five feet deep, making it a great and safe spot for the whole family to take a dip. Make sure to arrive early, as the parking lot fills up quickly.wekiwa springs state park

Kelly Park Rock Springs

With a year-round temperature of 68°F, Kelly Park Rock Springs is a wonderful place to cool down on a hot day. Because the park’s creek flows freely and swiftly, one of the most popular activities among visitors is tubing. A float down the “lazy river” takes about 30 minutes to complete. The park also hosts an ever-popular Cardboard Canoe Regatta, normally held in the fall. Build your boat and sign up!

kelly park rock springs

De Leon Springs State Park

With more than 625 acres of fun, De Leon Springs State Park is ideal for travelers with varied interests. The spring remains at 72°F year round and produces 19 million gallons of water per day. That’s a whole lotta agua! The swimming area is handicap accessible and offers both scuba and snorkeling opportunities, and the park rents out kayaks, and canoes. Make sure to check out the nearby Sugar Mill Restaurant where you can cook your own pancakes right at the table. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

de leon springs state park

Ocala National Forest

The southernmost woodland in the United States, Ocala National Forest is a wonderful place to explore the beauty of nature. The park has an impressive number of crystal-clear springs, ponds, lakes and springs (more than 600, actually) which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The park also hosts a 66-mile stretch of the Florida Scenic Trail as well as a variety of bike and horse-friendly trails. In December, Ocala is one of the few places you can go to cut down your own Christmas tree.

ocala national forest

Rainbow Spring State Park

There’s evidence that people have been using this spring for more than 10,000 years—and you, too, can make history at Rainbow Spring State Park. Featuring the fourth-largest spring in Florida, this park is a popular site for canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and of course, swimming. In all, the park’s spring pumps 500 million gallons of water per day! Helpful tip: Make sure to arrive when the park opens at 8 a.m. Once it’s at capacity, which typically happens by 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays, all other visitors will be turned away. Also, tubing is only available on the weekends.

rainbow spring state park

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

With swamps, pines, and springs, Rock Springs Run State Reserve is your next stop. The park has 17 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails, as well as designated hunting areas. The park (along with 74 other Florida state parks) offers a geocaching program for those looking to go on a high-tech treasure hunt. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife within the park, such as the Florida black bear and the sandhill crane.

rock springs run state reserve

Yellow Dog Eats

Named for a painting of a yellow dog owned by Chef Fish Morgan, Yellow Dog Eats is a perfect place to refuel during your trip. All of the delicious meals—which feature creative titles such as “What the Fig?” and “Are You Chicken?”—are made from scratch, and the ingredients are locally grown. They even have a menu for the “pups” (kids)!

yellow dog eats

Lake Louisa State Park

Next up on your journey is the peaceful Lake Louisa State Park—a wonderful escape right outside of Orlando. The park, which lies within the Green Swamp, features a variety of lakes for your swimming pleasure and is a great place to spot bald eagles. It also has quiet campsites and cabins. Make sure to watch the sunset over the lake—it’s a photo op that cannot be missed!

lake louisa state park

Bok Tower Gardens

Also known as the “Singing Tower,” Bok Tower Gardens is a jaw-droppingly beautiful attraction. An ornate, pink 205-foot tower (which houses a museum) dominates the skyline at this garden, and there are many paths on which you can explore Florida’s diverse flora and fauna. Don’t forget your bug spray so you can explore the area in peace.

bok tower gardens

Tropical Palms Resort & Campground

What trip to Florida would be complete without a stop to visit America’s favorite animated mouse? Tropical Palms Resort & Campground, located two miles away from Walt Disney World, is the perfect place to park your camper and head on over to sing “It’s A Small World” with all of the beloved Disney characters.With more swimming holes than you can shake a stick at, central Florida is the perfect setting for a great time. Bask in the great weather, lush greenery, cool and fresh spring water, and vacation vibes as you explore the heart of the state. What are you waiting for? Dive on in!

tropical palms resort and campground
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Six Great National Parks to Enjoy the Holidays

14 Wednesday Dec 2016

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National Parks for the HolidayA little secret: Among the best ways to escape holiday stress is a national park trip. Though often thought of as a summer destination, only a couple of the parks close in winter, and almost all offer warm, cozy and peaceful holiday experiences. A bonus is that almost all parks are less crowded during winter.Here are six great holiday-themed must-do’s at our national parks:

 Winter Wonderland

Yellowstone National Park

Book a getaway at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, which can only be reached this time of year by snow coach or snowmobile. The Christmas-decorated lodge keeps its fireplace burning with plenty of hot cocoa for visitors. During the day, hike past “ghost trees,” formed when the steam from the Old Faithful geyser freezes on pine tree needles. Bison with snow-covered manes often feed across the geyser valley.Bison in winter

Polar Express Train Ride

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Throughout December before Christmas, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Polar Express chugs through the scenic Ohio park. Among the highlights on the refurbished passenger train is a reading of the children’s book “Polar Express,” which inspired a movie and this trip. Many passengers ride the train in their pajamas! If in the Southwest, a private company also runs a Polar Express to Grand Canyon National Park.polar express

Luminaria-Lit Skiing

Denali National Park

Every December, rangers light the small paper lanterns that line ski trails at the Alaska park. Visitors also can snowshoe or stroll the route, which leaves from the Murie Science and Learning Center, Denali’s Winter Visitor Center. Several other National Park Service sites offering luminaria displays and hikes including Florida’s De Soto National Memorial and Arizona’s Tonto National Monument.luminaria display

Snowshoe Wildlife Hike

Rocky Mountain National Park

Ranger-led snowshoe tours lead visitors of this Colorado park to a variety of wildlife, including elk, coyotes, deer and snowshoe hares. The trail is utterly quiet as snow-capped mountains and evergreens rise around you on all sides.
snowshoe trails

New Year’s Eve Candlelight Walk

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Bonfires, roasted marshmallows, and miles of candlelit trails can be enjoyed throughout the National Park Service area surrounding North America’s longest river. The festivities are centered on historic Fort Snelling State Park, which sits in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area’s national river and rec area.roasting marshmallows

Caroling in a Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park

In early December each year, the Kentucky park holds Christmas carol singing in the world’s longest cave system. It’s a tradition that goes back to 1883 when local residents held the first Christmas celebration in the cave’s passageways. Though this year’s caroling has passed, mark it on the calendar for 2017’s must-do’s!Mammoth Cave National Park

About the author:

Rob Bignell is the author of several hiking books, including the bestselling “Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks.”

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Amazing Roadside Attractions Planning Tools are a Click Away

02 Friday Dec 2016

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Roadside AttractionsSpontaneous detours are fun but RVers know better than to exit highways on a whim. We understand that it’s not smart to unexpectedly travel down a bumpy dirt road just to see an oddball curiosity like the Alley Oop Museum and Fantasy Land Park in Iraan, Texas. The good news is you don’t have to totally avoid those kitschy roadside attractions when you’re on the move: just plan ahead. These four great roadside attractions planning tools will help you do just that, so you can enjoy all the fun of traveling off-the-beaten path.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is a web and mobile travel planning platform whose unique content covers the wonderful “off the beaten path” places to visit and their unique database contains millions of the world’s most interesting locations. Roadtrippers helps people discover the world around them in an entirely new way by streamlining discovery, planning, booking and navigation into an engaging and intuitive process. The web and mobile applications are free to use.  Their alluring trip guides include exciting categories like Weird Guides, Movie Filming Locations, Ghost Guides, and 48-Hour City Guides.  You must check them out!Devil's Tower

Roadside America

As the name implies, Roadside America covers fun pit stops in all fifty U.S. states, plus Canada. Formed in 1996 by three avid roadtrippers, it’s a kamikaze assortment of big and small detours alike. Planning tools include interactive maps, interesting articles and a semi-regular newsletter about highlighted destinations. Roadside America has a grassroots charm and relies on community members to share information about destination hours, directions and other important details. If hours have changed or a destination has permanently closed, you’ll know before you make the drive.

Roadside America also has the added advantage of an iPhone app. It’s not free, but you have a choice of paying $2.99 to download just one U.S. region or you can take a leap of faith and pay $5.99 for every oddball attraction in the U.S. and Canada. The app is much easier to navigate than the primary website, making this roadside attractions planning tool a great investment.Cadillac Ranch

 

Atlas Obscura

Not only does Atlas Obscura cover thousands of oddball attractions in the U.S., but also on every continent! The creators leave no stone unturned when it comes to sharing fun and funky places from The Thing in Arizona to prehistoric ruins in Zimbabwe. With great writing and amazing photos, Atlas Obscura is easy on the eyes for trip planning purposes. You’ll also find it useful if you’re planning travels into Mexico and beyond.Sears Tower

Find-a-Grave

Are you a “taphophile”? You are if you enjoy looking for interesting epitaphs in cemeteries. Thankfully this website and accompanying app can put you on the highway to heavenly adventure. Simple and functional, Find-a-Grave allows you to search through over 152 million burial sites. You can search by name, claim to fame, death date and more. The only problem? It’s so comprehensive that your searches must be very specific to find who you’re looking for. For example, when I search for “Isaac Hayes” grave, it gives me 144 matches.Find A Graveyard

One of the greatest things about RVing is you’re always within one tank of many fascinating destinations. These roadside attraction planning tools help you find them. And while you won’t add much more time to your journey, you will create many more adventures. The only downside? Once you find all of these interesting detours, it might take you twice as long to get to your original destination.

About the Author:

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com.

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Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks in Winter

16 Wednesday Nov 2016

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National Park sights in winterMost travelers think of summer as the best time to hit national parks – but winter also offers several spectacular sights that make for memorable visits.

So when the snow starts falling, consider a road trip to one of the following parks.

Birders paradise

Winter marks the best time to hike Florida’s Everglades National Park, as the subtropical climate means unbearably hot and muggy summers. Indeed, a number of birds already know this and spend their time in the Everglades after migrating from a northern clime. Among those you can spot on the Anhinga Trail are the double breasted cormorant, great egret, great blue heron, snowy egret, tricolored heron, white ibis and woodstork; turkey vultures congregate during the early morning hours.great blue heron

Wildlife sightings

Leafless trees and snow’s white backdrop makes sighting large wildlife a lot easier in winter than summer. The Warner Point Nature Trail on the south rim of Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers the chance to spot elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Look for the elk in clearings and the bighorn sheep on the rocky cliff sides.

Bighorn Sheep

Heavy waterfalls

At most parks, waterfalls are most active in spring and early summer, thanks to snow melts. Not so at Washington state’s Olympic National Park. Rain is more likely there during winter, meaning the water flow is higher, making for amore spectacular creeks and falls. One good trail through the park’s lush, old growth forest that ends at a waterfall is the Marymere Falls Trail.

Olympic National Park waterfall

Bearable heat

During summer, unbearable heats makes California’s Death Valley National Park at best a pass through seen from a motor vehicle. The park’s average high in January is a pleasant 67 degrees making winter the perfect time to walk the foreboding desert landscape. Among those sights is the lowest point in North America. Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level and can be accessed in a mile-long round trip hike.

Badwater Basin

 Avoid the crowds

Visitation drops during winter at most parks, so the trade-off for bundling up in coat, cap and gloves is seeing the great scenery without all of the crowds. A good bet is Yosemite National Park’s spectacular Yosemite Valley in California. The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail offers a number of fantastic views of Yosemite Falls in a 1.2-mile loop with the added coolness of falling water frozen in mid-flight on the granite rocks.

Yosemite Falls

About the author:

Rob Bignell is the author of several hiking books, including the bestselling “Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks.”

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Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park

04 Friday Nov 2016

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Key WestKey West is your gateway to Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most incredible parks in all of America. Journey through time, from the 18th century to the 20th, explore maritime history, meet a few ghosts, and eat some delicious Key Lime Pie. A walled-in island oasis located in the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park features a plethora of diverse marine life and a variety of water sports for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. On your way to the park, only accessible by boat or plane, you can enjoy many of the attractions that Key West has to offer.

Higgs Beach And Pier

A wonderful beach with clean water and a sprawling pier, Higgs Beach is a great place to stop and relax on your trip across Key West. Beachgoers can rent chairs and umbrellas for reasonable prices, and even swim and snorkel in the sea. An area often frequented by locals, Higgs Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Key West. It’s like a real-life Kokomo!

Higgs Beach and Pier

Boyd’s Key West Campground

Boyd’s Key West Campground has everything you need for a perfect FL camping trip. There’s a tiki bar, a pool, shady sites, even a boat launch and kayak rentals so you can get out on the water! Plus, it’s pretty close to everything Key West has to offer– most attractions are a short taxi ride away!

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Key lime pie is considered to be one of the ultimate vacation treats, and Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe is a great place to get your sweet fix on your trip. Not only is this shop known for its key lime pie, but it also offers a variety of other goodies, such as key lime cookies, salsa, taffy, tea, olive oil, and more.

Key Lime Pie

Captain Tony’s Saloon

Over the years, Captain Tony’s Saloon has been frequented by the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Ernest Hemingway, and even our favorite childhood author, Shel Silverstein. What many guests don’t know, however, is that the saloon started out as an icehouse and morgue! Now, Captain Tony’s is a must-see spot for Key West visitors. Make sure to put a quarter in the mouth of the giant Jewfish hanging outside (if you can reach it)—it’s considered to be a good-luck charm!

Ghosts & Gravestones

A “frightseeing tour on the Island of Bones,” the Ghosts & Gravestones tour of Key West is not for the faint of heart—but it is worth every penny. You’ll go on a spine-tingling night ride across the city, passing by famous landmarks of murder and misfortune from Key West’s past. The tour even takes you to the East Martello Fort, where you can catch a glimpse of the haunted Robert the Doll.

Ghosts and Gravestones tour

Shipwreck Historeum

Formerly known as the Shipwreck Historeum, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers a look at old shipwreck artifacts, which call to mind a decadent past when the rich dealt in gold and jewels. From 1820 to the 1850s, Key West was the richest city per capita in the USA, all due to treasure found from shipwrecks around the island. You’ll even get an opportunity to try to lift a bar of silver recovered from a Spanish shipwreck. Are you strong enough?

Mallory Square

Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza best known for its nightly Key West Sunset Celebrations. Vendors, local musicians, magicians, clowns, and more gather for the event—but nothing can compete with the spectacular colors of a Key West sunset.

Mallory Square

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson is one of the most iconic sights in Dry Tortugas National Park. The largest masonry structure in the Americas, the unfinished fortress is made up of more than 16 million bricks! Its construction began all the way back in 1847, and even though the six-sided, four-tiered, 1,000-heavy-gun fort was never completed, it remained in active use from the Civil War until the 1930s.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park itself has plenty of activities to offer. You can reach the park via a daily ferry or by seaplane. Seaplanes allow you to get a beautiful view of the island and surrounding sea, so consider chartering one from Key West Sea Plane Charters. After you’re inside the park, you can swim, snorkel, explore the fort, stargaze, and even dive down to explore shipwrecks.

Dry Tortuga National Park

With beaches, celebrity saloons, famously tasty pie, shipwreck treasures, a magnificent park only accessible by boat or plane, and much more, Key West is a great place for your next camping trip.

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Haunted National Parks

26 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Haunted National ParksWhat are the scariest places in the world? Transylvania? A New Orleans cemetery? An abandoned, haunted asylum?

If traveling through the continental United States, try a national park. Though national parks are mainly thought of as places to get back to nature, they’re also great spots to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Among the frights awaiting are haunted caverns, woodland witches, alien skies, and even stalking bigfoots.

Ghosts

Mammoth Cave National Park

Sightings at the Kentucky caverns date to before the Civil War. They range from apparitions of slaves to the phantom coughs of tuberculosis victims buried at a park cemetery. But the most common sighting is of Stephan Bishop, a former slave who explored the cave and whose remains rest at the Old Guide Cemetery. The best chance of seeing Bishop’s ghost is on the Violet City Lantern Tour, in which you walk through the caverns with only kerosene lamps to light your way.Mammoth Cave

Witches

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Cherokees who once resided on the foggy ridges now making up the national park often told the story of Spearfinger, a witch who lured children into the woods and sang them to sleep. Then with her long finger made of sharp obsidian, she’d cut out and eat their livers. She is said to have walked a number of paths on the park’s eastern edge, including what is now the Norton Creek Trail. That trail also is famous for being the site of where a settler was murdered – and of a strange light that leads one safely out of the dark, foreboding woods.Foggy Trail

 Little Grey Men

 Great Sand Dunes National Park

Most visitors who head up the park’s Star Dune so do for the glory of scaling the 750-foot high mountain of sand. Those hikers definitely will want to keep their eyes to sky rather than to their ground below, though. For more than 60 years, numerous flying saucer reports have been made in the San Luis Valley where the sand dunes are located. Among the UFOs reported over the dunes are black triangles, cigar-shaped craft, and hovering multicolored lights. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Mysterious Moving Rocks

Death Valley National Park

In a remote section of Death Valley across a playa known as the Racetrack, large rocks continue to move, leaving tracks in the clay. No one has ever seen them move, but one far-out theory suggests aliens use telekinesis to race the hefty boulders. Though there’s no designated trail, about two miles south of the Grandstand parking area you can walk a half-mile toward the playa’s southeast corner to see the rocks and the paths they’ve meandered. A high-clearance vehicle is needed to reach the parking area.Death Valley Racetrack

 Bigfoot

Yellowstone National Park

The famous sasquatch has been reported at a number of national parks, but recently not one but four were allegedly filmed at this heavily visited park. A 2015 video shows the hairy beasts apparently stalking bison that have just arrived at Old Faithful Geyser for winter. Walk the Old Faithful Boardwalk to follow in their steps.Yellowstone Boardwalk

 Bats

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

OK, Carlsbad Caverns is not haunted, but what would Halloween be without spooky bats? Every sunset from June through October, hundreds of thousands of bats fly out of Carlsbad Cavern’s natural entrance in a tornadic-like spiral to feed for the evening then return at dawn. You can either get an up-close seat at an amphitheater where the bats leave their cave or hike the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, a half-mile loop, and watch the bats disperse across the New Mexican desert.Carlsbad Caverns

About the author:

Rob Bignell is the author of several hiking books, including the bestselling “Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks.”

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Finding Mystery and Adventure in Northern California

18 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Northern CaliforniaNorthern California is resplendent in towering, ancient Redwoods, groves of giants and endless beaches. From charming lighthouses to miles of forest, northern California is a haven for nature lovers who want to venture off of the beaten path. With your home base at Jedediah Smith Campground, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s most magical adventures.

Jedediah Smith Campgrounds

The Jedediah Smith Campground gives you a rare opportunity to sleep under a canopy of redwood trees. Here you can choose between staying at a social campground with more people who you can mingle with, or in a more isolated area. Don’t forget to book in advance—it’s difficult to get a spot without a reservation. Bonus: The campground is known for having very clean restrooms!

Smith River

The 25-mile long Smith River snakes through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Both the river and the park were named after Jedediah Smith, an American explorer who helped blaze the Oregon Trail. Make sure to check out Smith River Kayaks for a chance to explore the river right on the river’s utterly gorgeous water.Smith River

Stout Grove

Stout Grove is a very scenic area of redwoods, so get your camera ready! The grove doesn’t contain the largest trees, but it’s located at the junction of two rivers, which creates an ethereal, open area that is perfect for pictures. It’s off the beaten tourist path, and the layers of needles on the forest floor help dampen sounds. Keep your eyes peeled for the quaint visitor’s center nestled across the river!Stout Grove

Battery Point Lighthouse

Located in Crescent City, Battery Point Lighthouse is a great stop on your trip across northern California. The lighthouse, which became operational in 1856, is still used today and is only accessible at low tides, so plan accordingly. In addition to assisting navigation, the lighthouse has a museum… and a ghost. We’ll leave it up to you to find out whether the haunting is real!Battery Point Lighthouse

Seaside Restaurant And Bar

After your trip to the Battery Point Lighthouse, stop off at Seaside Restaurant and Bar to relax. You’ll get a wonderful view of the seafront and scrumptious food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is known for its delicious burgers, seafood, incredible outdoor dining, and an ambitious dessert menu. Meat and sweets: What could be better?

Crescent Beach

Located south of Crescent City, Crescent Beach is a wonderful place to soak up the sun on your trip. Wintertime storms deposit logs and driftwood on the sand, creating lots of good spots for you to rest as you walk along the beach. Make sure to head over to Enderts Beach (a half mile from Crescent Beach) to discover a scenic overlook that gives you a wonderful view of the entire area.

Enderts Beach

Damnation Creek Trail

Not for the faint of heart, challenging Damnation Creek Trail drops 1,100 feet in elevation and offers a spectacular walk near the ocean and among the redwood groves. Commonly recommended by park rangers, the four-mile trail offers a spectacular walk amongst the redwood groves. It’s often shrouded in fog (giving the surroundings a magical feel) and ends at a small rocky beach, the perfect reward for conquering the hike.Damnation Trail

Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park

Home to Damnation Creek Trail, Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park is where tall trees meet the sea. From spectacular tide pools along the rocky beach to serene, shaded redwood paths, beauty abounds— you’re almost guaranteed to reconnect with nature here. Mill Creek Campground is the perfect place to set up camp during your stay, but make sure to reserve your spot in advance.

 False Klamath Cove Beach – Kmf

This beach’s peculiar name has a story that goes back hundreds of years. False Klamath Cove was once thought by the Yurok Indians to be the spot where the Klamath River emptied into the ocean. The river actually empties into the ocean a few miles south, but sailors would see the cove and believe it was the gateway to the Klamath River. Today, the cove features a beautiful beach and a small lagoon just to the south.False Klamath

The Trees of Mystery

Located in Klamath, California, the Trees of Mystery is a roadside attraction that you won’t want to miss. Its most popular feature, the Sky Tram, allows you to ride through the forest treetops in an enclosed car. The Trees of Mystery site is also home to a large Paul Bunyan statue and a plethora of trails. Don’t forget to pop in to the gift shop for redwood seedlings and mementos.

 With its majestic redwoods (not to mention its kitschy roadside attractions and endless wilderness trails), northern California is a fantastic place to get back to your roots (pun intended)! So, hop in your camper, start your journey, and discover how beautiful this corner of our planet truly is.

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