Tag: US Travel

Explore the Nature of Smyth County, Virginia

One of the most memorable and beautiful areas of the country lies in the curving mountain roads of Southwest Virginia. The destination that allows you to quite literally reach new heights and visit destinations straight out of a painting is Smyth County, Virginia, and with this guide to exploring the county from Southern Living, you’ll be set for an unforgettable return to nature.

As a reminder, no matter where you’re traveling to in these uncertain times, it’s always a responsible move and a good idea to check local travel advisories, city ordinances, and state mandates that may have been implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel safely and rest assured that you’ve done your due diligence by referring to CDC travel guidelines.

Smyth County is filled to the brim with natural wonders around every corner due to it being in such close proximity to State Parks and National Recreation Areas. So, if you’d like to experience the most of these beautiful environments along with someone knowledgeable of how to safely navigate the area, you should consider booking a local guide for the weekend. For instance, if you reserve a hike with White Blaze Outdoors, not only will your hike be all the more elevated because you get to explore the expansive views and tumbling creeks of the Appalachian Trail, but you’ll be shown literal off-the-beaten paths by your knowledgeable nature guide.

Two of the most popular tourist destinations in Smyth County are the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Hungry Mother State Park, and Grayson Highlands State Park. When travelers find themselves in Smyth County, they’re typically drawn to the centermost valley located within the boundaries of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, as it’s the meeting spot of three converging forks of the Holston River. Once inside Mount Rogers NRA, you’ll be able to walk a portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail, a rail-to-recreation trail that runs between Abingdon and Whitetop, Virginia.

On the other hand, if you find yourself at Hungry Mother State Park, you’ll find yourself within a seemingly boundless enclosure of over 100 acres begging to be explored. Known locally as being one of the crown jewels of the Virginia park system, Hungry Mother State Park is filled with activities for families of all ages, offering plenty of fishing, boating, swimming, and more. Similarly, Grayson Highlands State Park, which is located near Virginia’s highest peaks: Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, is a celebrated State Park that offers hiking trails, scenic views of alpine-like mountain peaks of over 5,000 feet, and waterfalls and overlooks that allow you to see Virginia in all its natural splendor.

Survey a wide array of unique experiences and a rich tapestry of historical events at Smyth County’s Museum of the Middle Appalachians in Saltville, VA. Stop in for an afternoon and discover what types of one-of-a-kind geology had attracted the earliest human settlers and wildlife. Oh, and that includes the single most complete Mastodon remains on display in the United States of America. Afterward, feel free to check out the natural salt marsh that made Saltville such an attraction during the Civil War or simply look over the expansive, beautiful city at the Lilypad, a casual picnic overlook.

The best part about all of the nature sites, parks, and experiences to be had in Smyth County, is that there are plenty of accommodation options that allow you to be mere steps away from the forests, trails, and mountainsides that will surely tire you out. Consider reserving a stay at a historic Inn such as the refined, redbrick General Francis Marion Hotel or the charming Collins House Bed and Breakfast Though, you might prefer to literally “bunk in nature” by booking a stay in one of the unforgettably cozy log cabins inside of Hungry Mother State Park. No matter where you stay, you’ll be sure to return ever ytime you hear the Virginia air beckon you back to the mountains.

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Travel Tip: Do What the Locals Do

Vacationers and worldly travelers have many different ways of experiencing a new, unfamiliar city. Sometimes they go to restaurants and shops based only on the recommendations given to them by their close friends and family, but they still miss out on some experiences unique to that city. Other times, travelers will book a stay at a hotel and only venture within a certain mile radius of the lobby and make a judgment of the city that doesn’t take a lot of its offerings into account. But if you really want a fool-proof guide filled with travel tips to see this unfamiliar town through the eyes of a local resident, then you’re all set thanks to this list of handy tips and tricks to experience a new city as though you are a local from Trip Adviser, the true authority on the subject.

Whenever you find yourself out in a new city after weeks or months spent anticipating this escape from your own town, you’ll often want to avoid the touristy neighborhoods, and see just how the locals live their lives. The following suggestions from Trip Adviser travelers that were compiled by Wendy Perrin demonstrate how you can get an authentic reading of how it feels to live in your new city on a day-to-day basis.

As a reminder, no matter where you’re traveling to in these uncertain times, it’s always a responsible move and a good idea to check local travel advisories, city ordinances, and state mandates that may have been implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel safely and rest assured that you’ve done your due diligence by referring to CDC travel guidelines.

One of the best ways to measure just how different your travel destination is compared to your home city is to pursue an unfamiliar supermarket’s shelves. Not only will locals be around, but you’ll also be able to stock up on groceries for your stay. Plus, grocery stores sell some of the more affordable, edible souvenirs to bring home to loved ones expecting a gift. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to strike up a conversation with your cashier or fellow shopper who might recommend a must-try restaurant that’s right around the corner.

One traveler from GreenSpot.travel gave a unique suggestion that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit for some people: to get a haircut mid-vacation. Not only will you have some lengthy face-time with your barber who will likely strike up a conversation on where you have to visit, but the barbershop’s group of customers likely consists of people who have lived in the city for years and want to have a say in where you go to next.

Most cities and towns of a certain size will organize a community event such as a farmer’s market that sets up shop every weekend. Oftentimes these Saturday morning markets are located either within or nearby a lively neighborhood that gives you an idea of just how involved the local community is in their produce-growing and craft-selling. Not only will the farmer’s market be a melting pot of citizens, foods, arts, and more, but you’ll be able to assess for yourself just how passionate these locals are about their region in a new and exciting way that also gives you a chance to bring home some unique finds.

If you’re finding yourself in a major metropolitan area, there’s a fine chance that it has an efficient public transportation system. Whether it’s by bus, subway, or train, you’ll likely be able to purchase something like an Oyster Card, which will allow you to travel by bus or train for ‘free’ once you reach a minimum daily amount, or some cities offer an unlimited day or weekend pass. Either way, you’re bound to see the same sites that your average tourist bus would take you to, or at least you’ll be closer to a new area of town that you’d otherwise not see. Just be sure to read up on your city’s public transit system so as to find the best and most efficient way of navigating it.

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What to Do During a Weekend in Memphis

A trip to Memphis, Tennessee is a trip to what is widely considered to be the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, as there is no other city that holds a candle to the development of popular music in the 20th century, and with this guide to spending the weekend in Memphis from Dangerous Business travel blog, it’s never been easier.

As always, it’s important to consider the possibility that recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

When it comes to the origins of musical subgenres, it’s generally accepted that as far as modern American music is concerned, soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll all have deep roots planted in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. So if you’re looking to spend a long weekend in a vibrant, living museum of musical legacy, there are three specific landmarks that exist as a lasting tribute to their Memphis music history and heritage: Rock and Soul Museum (191 Beale Street), the Blues Hall of Fame (421 S. Main Street), and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music,(926 E. McLemore Avenue), which is located at the site of the original Stax Records.

Additionally, you’ll want to make a point to take an unforgettable journey through the world’s most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world by visiting Elvis Presley’s Graceland. In visiting this musical landmark, you’ll explore the personal life of Elvis Presley and learn about how his revolutionary style, infectious charm, and unique sound changed the face of popular music and American culture forever. If you’re so inclined, Graceland also offers an extraordinary resort hotel experience that allows you to book a stay in The Guest House, which is located just steps away from the iconic Graceland Mansion. You’ll be treated to unparalleled Southern Hospitality, royal treatment, and luxurious amenities worthy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.

Featuring live musical performances of rock and blues and a whole lot of history, Beale Street is one of those quintessential Memphis experiences that you simply cannot pass up. Book yourself a guided walking tour of this infamous street and allow yourself to quite literally walk in the revered footsteps of Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. In booking a Beale Street walking tour, your knowledgeable tour guide will take you through the ins and outs of the storied past of this street on a path that traces the street’s transformation from the red-light district to the home of blues. You’ll learn about Memphis’s significance during the Civil Rights Movement and be alerted to locations along the way that are guaranteed to interest you such as the over-a-century-old A. Schwab General Store or Lansky Brothers, where one Mr. Elvis Presley would shop.

As many can attest, one of the best ways to experience a city is by setting your own path, walking around the city, and discovering new sights for yourself. So, if you’re a fan of community art, one of the best ways to see the various areas of Memphis is by “mural spotting,” or seeking out the various public street art murals located around the city, but particularly throughout its downtown district. Some key pieces to check out are: “Sound of Memphis,” “I am a Man,” and “A Day in the Life,” all located in South Main.

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Exciting 2022 Travel Destinations

Each time New Year’s Eve passes, many vow to travel more in search of new opportunities, settings, and experiences. With this suggested list of the most exciting 2022 travel locations from Travel + Leisure, that New Year’s Resolution just got a lot more achievable.

Before planning any 2022 travel or renting any accommodations or booking any flights, it would be a responsible, beneficial idea to check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account due to recent COVID-19 surges that may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures having been set. Once you’re supplied with the most health-forward, preventative, and up-to-date information and guidance, you can enjoy your vacation or trip without looming anxiety in a fun and safe manner!

Traveling in 2022 is unlike any other year due to the fact that the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, which caused many, many hotels, resorts, and other vacation properties to make the most of lockdowns and mandated downtime to renovate rooms, install additional amenities, and expand upon existing outdoor areas. They’ve done this to welcome new and returning guests with exciting new offers, so it’s possible that there’s never quite been a better time to take advantage of exciting, adventurous travel opportunities like the ones that follow.

Alaska

This past year one state received a unique increase in tourism due to many countries closing their international borders, and those that traveled northward to the vast expanse of Alaska were delighted by the unforgettable abundance of soaring, ice-capped mountains, exciting, thriving wildlife, and postcard-perfect wide-open spaces that beg exploration. One of the more exciting areas of the state is the Denali National Park and Preserve, located in Interior Alaska and centered on Denali, the highest mountain in North America and the third most prominent and third most isolated peak on Earth, after Mount Everest and Aconcagua. Formerly known as Mount McKinley National Park,this park and continuous preserve contains a landscape that is an elegant mixture of forest, deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers, particularly the longest glacier of the Alaska Range, the Kahiltna Glacier which runs at an impressive length of 44 miles.

Greater Palm Springs, California

Escape into a land of scenic vacation iconography and self-care by treating yourself to a glamour-filled Southern California escape. Bounding with a certain “laid-back vibe,” Greater Palm Springs is an area that is known for being a particular geological wonder with valleys filled with date-palms, oasis springs, mountains, and rock formations. Some of the best ways to “get a lay of the land”  are to take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you’re taken 2.5 miles up to Mountain Station Summit, book a hot air balloon tour over the Coachella Valley, or ride along with a local expert on a naturalist-guided Jeep tour. Additionally, one of the best experiences in the area is to explore 200,000 hectares of wilderness by rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park.

Sedona, Arizona

Starting with a viral interest in the Devil’s Bridge attraction, Sedona, Arizona has seen continuous surges of tourism, and it’s for good reason: the area is home to the geological wonderland known as Red Rock Country. One of the best avenues to go down in order to see the most of what Sedona has to offer is by experiencing the “Sedona Secret 7,” which is a collection of lesser-known Sedona trails that are secluded and worth the trip. Alternatively, many tourists appreciate the quiet, reflective, and inspiring experiences to be had by immersing themselves in Sedona’s brilliant canyon environments and exploring ancient Sinagua civilizations, reenergizing at a vortex site, and learning about the vast cultural history of the Sedona Verde Valley. Lastly, if you’re in need of accommodations, then you ought to consider booking a stay at the Sky Rock Hotel, which offers truly breathtaking views of Sedona’s landscape in a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience.

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A Guide to Staying in Pleasant Virginia Beach

An important occasion such as the turning of a new year calls for many changes, and for some that time specifically calls for a change in scenery. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic location in which you can set your sights on something familiar, new, profound, and simple, then look no further than Virginia Beach, Virginia’s largest coastal city, as outlined in this travel guide from the state’s own travel blog.

As the state of Virginia is one of the original Thirteen Colonies, there lies a lot of history, sentiment, and spectacle in the state, its wilderness, waters, and cities. Specifically, the town of Virginia Beach, which is the most populous city in the state, is located on the Atlantic Ocean right at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, and it’s known as a resort city with miles of beaches, hotels, oceanfront restaurants, shops, and much more, thus making it the perfect location for your next trip. As collected from Virginia’s Travel Blog’s suggested Weekend Vacation Guide to Virginia Beach, the following suggestions all come well-reviewed and in good faith.

Though, it should be noted that recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

Where to Stay

Many, many of Virginia Beach’s hotels and rental properties are oceanside or located directly on the beach itself, but one of the most astounding and luxurious places that you can book is the award-winning Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. The hotel itself offers many deluxe rooms and suites to its patrons who often like to partake in the many amenities offered on behalf of the hotel. One such amenity is the rooftop infinity pool that guests can swim in, making their experience all the more spectacular. Located literally next door to Neptune’s Park, beside the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, ten minutes away from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and less than four miles away from Ocean Breeze Waterpark, this hotel can stand proudly as the perfect epicenter of your vacation.

What to Experience

One of the best experiences you can have in Virginia Beach is to find yourself in nature. Thus, one of the best spots for admiring the foliage, wildlife, and majesty of one of America’s oldest wonders is by visiting First Landing State Park. This park is named for the very first colonial settlers that stepped on the shores of Virginia hundreds of years ago, and after walking its over 20 miles of walking trails (such as the Cape Henry Trail), it’ll be easy to see why they planned to stay in the area. Furthermore, First Landing State Park borders the Chesapeake Bay, so there are over 200 beachfront campsites and fully furnished cabins that are available to be booked, giving you a unique perspective on a scenic destination.

As visiting a State Park is typically an all-day event, set aside some leisure time on your other days to visit the astounding ViBe Creative District to inundate yourself with the cultural and artistic scene of Virginia Beach. There are many art shops, storefronts, and the like in this neighborhood to check out such as Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry, North End Bag Company, Igor’s Custom, and Commune. Each of these shops located in the ViBe Creative District will give you specific insight into the sustainable arts scene of Virginia Beach and (of course) will serve as a nice change of pace to those recovering from a day of hiking.

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Fall Travel Destinations to Consider

The weather gets brisker, the leaves change color, and the crowds get thinner; that’s right, there’s generally no better time to travel than the autumnal months of October and November and with this expertly researched and curated article from Travel + Leisure, you can take the guesswork out of your next end-of-the-year trip. Keep reading for some great fall travel ideas.

Boston, Massachusetts

For some, New England is the end-all-be-all of the fall season, so what better place to travel than Boston. If visiting this pinnacle of American history in October or November, you luckily miss the cold, biting winter winds that are just around the corner, leaving you with more time to spend in the vibrant and rich community of Massachusetts’ finest.

Take some time for yourself and truly enrich yourself with America’s legacy, the Founding Fathers, and notable locations you’ve otherwise only heard tales of in History class textbooks and encyclopedia volumes by embarking on the notorious Freedom Trail. Though, October is famously a very busy month for the city of Boston, as the Boston Marathon, the annual Fall Pumpkin Float in the Boston Common Frog Pond, and the world’s largest two-day rowing event, the Head of the Charles Regatta all take place within weeks of each other.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s equal parts quaint, luxurious, and nearby to the more popular spectacles, then you could do much worse than booking your stay at Back Bay’s Mandarin Oriental. Alternatively, you can get an excellent, once-in-a-lifetime view of both the skyline and harbor if you’re staying at The Envoy and looking off its rooftop. However, if you’re more in the mood for a boutique, then you should look into staying at Beacon Hill’s Whitney Hotel, North End’s The Boxer, Seaport’s YOTEL Boston, or Hastings Park’s The Inn. Though, no matter where you stay, there’s always planned excitement around every city block so be sure to book quickly and often this autumn season.

Maui, Hawaii

It’s not a typo; Hawaii is honestly a no-brainer in the non summer months, as the temperature is more pleasant than the rest of the United States and the crowds are less touristy as well, which is always a plus. Maui sees an influx of tourism during the summer months and holiday season, so many miss out on the warm and dry October-November season, leaving it ripe for the picking so to speak.

Check out the nightlife scene and world-class restaurants found in the historic whaling town of Lahaina if you’re staying in West Maui. Speaking of West Maui accommodations, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a much sought-after venue for the out-of-towner as it houses six restaurants, a luxurious spa, and two complete golf courses on its campus. Additionally, along 40 acres of Kaanapali Beach is the notorious Hyatt Regency Maui and further down the coast is the Kaanapali Beach, which is receiving guests once again, having just undergone a striking renovation.

In South Maui, many guests reportedly enjoy staying at the beachfront luxury suites from the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea or the Grand Wailea for its variety of pools, available water-based, ocean activities, and on-site waterslide. Though, if you’re seeking privacy, then look no further than the popular and new Hana-Maui Resort with oceanfront bungalows, sandy beaches, and private lanais for you and your traveling companions. Again, no matter the location, once you’re in Maui and not squeezing between families making the most out of their summer vacation, you’ll find the true meaning of happiness in the blissful, autumnal months.

Travel + Leisure’s fall travel list goes on to suggest a visit to New Orleans, Louisiana; Providence, Rhode Island; Greater Palm Springs, California; Charlottesville, Virginia; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Cooperstown, New York;  the island of Aruba; and the country of France,

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