TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR

"My trip itinerary (that I encourage you to use!)"
BY MERYL LASSEN, WASHINGTON STATE PARKS | September 10, 2024 at 10:05 a.m.

Explore Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks

On a recent trip to Minnesota, I made a detour along my route to stop at Split Rock Lighthouse. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Split Rock is a famed landmark in the state and receives thousands of visitors annually. It sits atop a dramatic 130-foot cliff and …

Taste and explore Raleigh with Triangle Food & City Tours

On a recent visit to Raleigh, North Carolina, I opted for a day of foodie fun with Triangle Food & City Tours.

Experience the magic of Appalachia in Boone, NC

On my recent trip to the state, I first spent time in the Outer Banks to experience the coastal region, then headed west to Boone for the mountains. Boone and its surrounds has long been a destination for adrenaline junkies and leisure seekers alike. It makes the perfect escape, as …

Hotels Are Catering to the Mobility-Enhanced Senior Traveler

With senior travel on the rise, finding accessible accommodations isn't just an afterthought—it's essential

Ride the wave train through Utah’s Cataract Canyon

The sign on the left of the river warned of the rapids to come. We were as prepared as we could be, having heard about the intense Class 4+ whitewater that we would encounter after reaching the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers in Utah’s Cataract Canyon. The water …

Immerse yourself in a pristine wilderness at Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park

It’s almost unheard of to be on a popular trail in a national park and only see a handful of people in the span of several hours. Most of the time, you have to share nature’s riches with the masses and it’s often hard to find a quiet spot to …

Lots to love about the Outer Banks

On a recent trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, my first stop was at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. For geographical reference, the Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands along the coastline of the state. It boasts 100 plus miles of wide-open …

Dive into all things pop culture at Seattle’s MoPOP

It’s hard not to miss Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP as it’s commonly called. The building’s gleaming, sheet-metal facade and curvy, futuristic design definitely makes an eye-popping statement.

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring landscape of Patagonia

I had promised myself I wouldn’t get up on another horse – ever – as past horseback riding experiences have shown me that horses and I don’t get along. Typically, I would be told I would be riding a gentle mare only to have that “gentle” mare persistently nip at …

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Take a Hike! – To Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The 0.7-mile lake trail loop is completely flat, beginning with a short boardwalk before transitioning into an easy-to-navigate gravel path

Tacoma museum shines a spotlight on the artistry of glass

The first thing you’ll notice about Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is the ginormous cone. It rises ninety feet in the air like a futuristic smokestack and its tilted, stainless steel shingles glisten.

12 Ways to Plan a Wellness Cruise

How to experience a cruise that cultivates health and wellness instead of overindulgence

Little Rock is an Arkansas gem

Little Rock might not be the most obvious choice for a vacation destination, but once you learn what this dynamic capital city has to offer, you’ll know why it deserves a spot on your travel radar.

Discover Bellingham: the gem of the Northern Cascades

Bellingham and its surrounds has much to offer visitors, from picturesque coastal views, abundant nature and outdoor adventure to a vibrant arts scene, historical attractions and plenty of good food. People are friendly and their enthusiasm for all that makes this place special is contagious.