Tag: US Travel

Places to Check out in Franklin, Tennessee this Season

Franklin, Tennessee is a beautiful southern city that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, and according to this travel blog post by Southern Living, the fall season is the perfect time to visit Franklin with the cooler temperatures and the leaves changing color.

Although the city is small, you’ll still find plenty of variety when it comes to entertainment. With an incredibly eclectic 16-block historic downtown district, this town is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end this autumn. Consider taking a stroll around Main Street to learn more about the businesses along the way, experience the best of Southern hospitality with a stay at one of the city’s quaint bed and breakfasts, or attend a festival celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage, such as the Heritage Foundation’s Fall Festival.

Simply stated, the fall season is the best time to visit Franklin, TN, because the weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing colors, and there are plenty of fun events happening around Franklin, TN. Be sure to check out events such as Franklin’s Pumpkinfest Fall Festival or the Main Street Festival if you’re looking for a great time within a great community. Additionally, fall is the perfect time of year for you to go on a hayride or to visit a pumpkin patch. There’s nothing more quintessentially fall than going on a hayride or picking out your perfect pumpkin at a local farm; luckily, Franklin has no shortage of both!

When visiting Franklin, Tennessee in the Fall, there are many great places to stay. For those looking for a luxurious experience, The Hermitage Hotel is a great option. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown and offers stunning views of the city. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, The Marriott Franklin Cool Springs is a great choice. This hotel is located just outside of downtown and offers easy access to all of the city’s attractions.

If you’re looking to see the beautiful sights of Franklin while in nature, you’re in luck because Franklin is surrounded by nature trails that are perfect for hiking. Take one of the city’s hiking trails to get some fresh air and take in the autumn scenery while getting some exercise. Specifically, Franklin, Tennessee is home to many beautiful parks that are perfect for a nature-filled day, such as Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This park is perfect for those who want to learn more about the state’s history and natural beauty.

You can also check out Harpeth River State Park, which is ideal for those who love being outdoors and enjoying nature. With over 10 miles of trails, visitors can hike, bike, or paddle their way through the park while enjoying the scenic views of the Harpeth River. Lastly, you can check out Radnor Lake State Natural Area, as this park is perfect for those who want to experience wildlife up close. The park offers many opportunities to see deer, otters, beavers, and other animals in their natural habitat.

When visiting Franklin, Tennessee in the Fall, there are plenty of great places to eat such as Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant or The Bootlegger Bistro. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant is a local favorite that’s known for its down-home cooking, live music, and famous fried chicken. The Bootlegger Bistro, on the other hand, is an upscale restaurant that offers a menu full of delicious Southern comfort food with a modern twist; be sure to check out the shrimp and grits! Lastly, it’s simply not a successful trip to Franklin without a stop in Merridee’s Breadbasket. This cozy bakery is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or picking up some treats to take home with you. Their breads and pastries are all made from scratch using traditional baking techniques, making them a delicious addition to any trip.

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Make the Most of a Visit to Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo, Texas is an underrated American city that not only serves as the midpoint to the historic Route 66 highway,but also boasts a vibrant art scene, historical landmarks, and thriving local economy that demands to be explored. In its time, the city of Amarillo has seen its fair share of wild west legends, including Billy the Kid and Doc Holliday, and while there are plenty of museums and historic sites dedicated to these figures—and other famous cowboys like Jesse James—there’s so much more to do in Amarillo than just learning about its history. Thanks to this detailed travel blog from Southern Living, the following are the top picks for things to do the next time you’re in Amarillo.

Spray paint a car monument at Cadillac Ranch

If you’re looking for a place to get creative and add your own touch to one of the most popular roadside attractions in America, then you should consider making your way out to the stunning collection of Cadillac cars, known as the Cadillac Ranch. Resembling an automotive Stonehenge, this attraction features ten Cadillacs that are lined up in the desert, each with their front ends buried in the sand and covered in thousands of layers of spray paint from visitors over the years. So, get on the road and get ready to start drawing. Note: when you approach Cadillac Ranch, follow signs that point towards where you can start adding your own masterpiece onto one of these classic cars. You’ll receive a free stencil kit when you arrive at this free attraction that’s sure to stick in your memory for a lifetime.

Visit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the famed American Quarter Horse, the most popular breed of horse in the country. The Hall of Fame & Museum is free to visit and is located in downtown Amarillo, where you can observe a large collection of horse artifacts, including a look at the most famous horses of this breed. Trophies, photographs, memorabilia, and the stories of these great horses are on display throughout the museum. Additionally, the American Quarter Horse Association also has an online databasewhere you can search for horses going back as far as 1854 until the present day, who are registered with AQHA or otherwise. If you’re at all interested in the development, history, or legacy of the horse breed that literally shaped the American West and was favored by Texan cowboys, then this is a must-stop attraction.

Take on a Culinary Challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch

Having opened in 1960, this staple of Amarillo cuisine has become a well-known staple of great American and Texan culinary excellence. This is in part due to its 72-ounce steak challenge that is open to any member of the public. The challenge details that whoever can finish a 72-ounce steak dinner in the course of an hour eats that meal free. As of 2021, there have been 10,077 steak challenge champions out of 87,655 attempts. Do you have what it takes to be added to the Hall of Fame of this celebrated Amarillo, Texas steakhouse?

Stroll through the Amarillo Botanical Gardens

As you drive into Amarillo, one of the first things you see is a beautiful green array of colors emitting from the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. Located in the heart of the city, these beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy nature, as they are open year-round with free admission and have a variety of activities planned throughout the year.

Find the painted horses located throughout Amarillo

Although there’s no shortage of things to do in Amarillo, residents of the city likely associate the city with its painted horses. These beautiful creations can be found throughout Amarillo, including each of the locations listed above. That is because, since 2002, more than 100 horses have been placed throughout Amarillo as a way to raise funds for Center City of Amarillo and to promote art in public places. The project is sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association, and each horse is painted by a local artist, who receives a particular honorarium for the work.

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Top City Hotels in the U.S. According to Travel + Leisure Readers

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks for readers’ opinions on various travel related subjects. Those opinions are then used to create “Best” lists to guide readers when planning a trip. One of those categories is Best City Hotels, and this year’s top winners did not disappoint.

Readers were asked to choose their favorite city hotels based on certain characteristics, some of which are location, amenities, facilities, and overall value. Here are the top winners, according to this Travel + Leisure article.

The Lowell, New York City

Located in the heart of Manhattan on the Upper East Side, The Lowell has easy access to the posh shops of Fifth Avenue, the major fashion houses of Madison Avenue, and the calming retreat to nature that is Central Park. This is one of the main reasons the hotel is so popular with travelers. Of course, the luxury the hotel provides doesn’t hurt either. Established in 1927, The Lowell has a timeless elegance and grace that is perfectly reflected in its gold, cream, and white color scheme. The Lowell is small for a New York hotel, with just 74 rooms and suites across 17 floors, but many visitors preferred the cozy atmosphere this creates. The hotel even boasts wood-burning fireplaces, which are pretty rare in New York, landscaped terraces overlooking the city, and afternoon tea in the Pembroke Room.

The Loutrel, Charleston, South Carolina

The Loutrel, named for the famous landscape architect Loutrel Briggs, is a 50-room contemporary boutique hotel with a prime location just outside of the residential historic district of Charleston. The hotel just opened in November of 2021 but has already made quite an impression on travelers. Paying homage to Briggs, who designed about 100 private gardens in the area starting in the 1920s, the hotel outfits every corner with greenery and flower arrangements. Rooms are clean and minimalist with floor to ceiling windows. The rooftop terrace is the crown jewel of the hotel, and guests can expect to be wowed by the views of the historic French Quarter any time of day or night.

Pendry Chicago, Chicago

Located in the 1929 Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building, Pendry Chicago is a contemporary boutique hotel that offers luxury comforts and impressive city views. The rooms are elegantly decorated in black and white, an aesthetic that is fitting for the time period it honors. Customer service is the hotel’s specialty and concierges famously keep on top of guests’ needs through texting. The hotel also houses many popular restaurants and bars, such as the French restaurant Venteux (French for “windy”), the cocktail bar Bar Pendry, and the rooftop bar Chateau Carbide.

 Riggs Washington D.C., Washington, D.C.

The Riggs Washington D.C. is a city hotel located in the building that used to house The Riggs National Bank. It is one of the last remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in the area, and the architecture makes quite a statement. Regular roomsfeature statement wallpaper and upholstered headboards designed by the firm Voutsa. There are also four suitesinspired by four First Ladies that each have fun and unique details. The hotel has guests covered for food and drink with Cafe Riggs, a restaurant that’s open all day, and Silver Lyan, a bar housed in what used to be the bank’s vault. The hotel also has a prime location in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown area, making shopping, dining, and museum visiting very accessible.

These fine city hotels offer the best in luxurious accommodations, delicious food and cocktails, and guest services sure to make anyone feel spoiled. They also have prime locations with killer views. According to Travel + Leisure readers, travelers should not miss an opportunity to check these hotels out for themselves.

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Outdoor Getaways to Take in the Fall

The fall season will soon be upon us and that means it’s time to get out into the world and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer.  Thankfully, this handy article from Southern Living details the best, family-friendly vacation spots to plan for this upcoming fall season. As the summer starts to wind down, it’s nearly time to step up, grab your gear, and get outside, because before you know it the leaves will be changing, the days will shorten, and the nights will become cooler. So, you better start planning for that fall vacation now and check out the exciting options that the South has to offer.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the beautiful weather without having to bundle up too much, consider visiting this gem of Northern Georgia this fall. With its quaint towns, beautiful hiking trails, and unforgettable waterfalls, there’s no better place to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful views than Blue Ridge.

Hands-down, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the scenery of Blue Ridge is by engaging in a trip to Lake Blue Ridge. Supplied with gorgeous, crystal-clear waters, Lake Blue Ridge is one of Georgia’s most picturesque mountain lakes that’s complete with a full-service marina, available campsites, and several picnic areas and boat ramps for your enjoyment. Blue Ridge is also home to some truly treasured hiking trails that you should explore, as areas such as Long Creek Falls or the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge offer some of the best trails and sights in the entire state, and the hiking trails are complete with a diversity of options for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk through the woods or a challenging hike that will take you higher up into the mountains, Blue Ridge has something for everyone!

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia is a city that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for the whole family, because whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway that’s filled with history to explore or an adventurous week-long vacation with a wide array of outdoor activities, Williamsburg has something for everyone. From hiking and biking to kayakingand horseback riding, there are plenty of ways to explore the outdoors in Williamsburg. Consider taking advantage of Virginia’s temperate climate by heading outside to explore one of the many scenic walking trails around town or if you prefer not to get your feet wet, you can try taking a tour through one of the many historical sites located about.

Williamsburg is part of Virginia’s “Historic Triangle,” a title that it shares with the towns of Jamestown and Yorktown, as they are the focal points of American history. In order to learn more about colonial America, consider spending your time at the historic district and living museum that is Colonial Williamsburg, as there’s truly no better way to learn all there is to know about colonial living than from actors who are dressed in period-accurate costumes completing daily tasks of colonial life. Outside of the historical features of Williamsburg, you visit the highly-popular Busch Gardens theme park where everyone on your vacation can enjoy exhilarating roller coasters, virtual reality rides, and much more.

Boone, North Carolina

If you’re ready to take advantage of the autumn season of beautiful weather before winter sets in, then look no further than Boone, North Carolina, as this small town is full of things to do and sights to see, making it a perfect destination for your next fall vacation. This western North Carolina town is perfect for those seeking wonderful sights and the scent of  sensational, fresh mountain air. Once in Boone, you’ll want to head out to Grandfather Mountain State Park, as this national park offers hiking and walking trail opportunities as well as panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Other excellent hiking trails can be found in Price Lake, and Elk Knob State Park, so you have plenty of options, depending on your level of skill.

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Stops to Make When Visiting Cape Cod

For many Americans, Cape Cod is the single-best destination to visit during the summer months, as it is a vibrant treasure-trove of activity and adventure. With this article of the best towns to visit whenever you’re on Cape Cod from Travel + Leisure, you’ll be making the most of your vacation the next time you’re in New England. From whale watching to lighthouse exploring, you’re sure to find a new experience on this unforgettable peninsula that stretches some 500 miles along the coast of Massachusetts and 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

Sandwich, MA

Located along the shore of Cape Cod Bay is the quaint coastal town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, and it’s a perfect destination to visit to get the ideal Cape Cod experience. If you’re looking to add some scenic, picturesque landscapes to your summer beach vacation, then look no further than the quaint and memorable town of Sandwich. Specifically if you want to explore 15 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, be sure to check out and visit the Shawme-Crowell State Forest and its 700-acre expanse of oak trees, rolling hills, mountain vistas, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Alternatively, if you can check out the Heritage Museums and Gardens, as it offers a diverse array of unique and exciting exhibits sure to amaze visitors of all ages and interests. One exhibit of the Heritage Museum that is much sought-after is the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery, which features 21 classic American automobiles and teaches visitors about the origin and rise in popularity of the American automobile across the 21st Century. The Heritage Gardens is also where you’ll find over 100 acres of precisely manicured gardens, including the recently expanded North American Hydrangea Test Garden, which showcases some of the newest hydrangea cultivars on the market.

Truro, MA

If you’re looking for a destination in Cape Cod that you could swear you’ve seen captured on a postcard before, then look no farther than the town of Truro. A visit to Truro is advisable for those who prefer the quieter side of Cape Cod, and it’s only located one hour away from Boston by car or train on the Outer Cape. Not only is the Turro community scattered with a typical, rugged shoreline that’s beside expanding forests, it’s also home to the famous Highland Lighthouse and Ballston Beach in North Truro. This is an active lighthouse that’s located on the Cape Cod National Seashore, and it stands proudly as the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod.

Truro is also an excellent town to peruse while in motion as you traverse the Pamet Cranberry Bog Trail, which extends down the Cape Cod National Seashore in an easy, 1.9-mile out-and-back-loop. Pamer Cranberry is just one of 11 trails that is operated by the Cape Cod National Seashore, but if you’re looking to be engaged by more of a challenge, then be sure to consider the Ryder Beach Loop. This loop is a 3.2-mile trail that offers a moderate hikealongside unforgettable beach views and inland trails.

Brewster, MA

Located in the Lower Cape and famous for its stunning views and unforgettable sunsets, the town of Brewster is the ultimate vacation destination for anyone seeking a friendly community and a relaxed atmosphere. This town is well-known for stunning views and memorable sunsets that you’ll be able to appreciate while spending an afternoon or entire day at one of Brewster’s many beaches such as Breakwater Beach, Crosby Landing Beach, or Robbins Hill Beach. Alternatively, you can stroll through historic downtown’s offering of history by visiting the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History or The Captain Freeman Inn, a charming former sea captain’s home.

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What to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located on the eastern border of Tennessee is the delightful mountain town of Gatlinburg. Supplied with its 5,000 residents and thousands of tourists who cannot resist the Appalachian charm of this must-visit treasure of the south, Gatlinburg is the perfect summer spot for anyone seeking remarkable experiences in nature, culture, and more. So check out this handy travel guide from Southern Living before hitting the road so that you can get the most out of “the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg, TN.

Due to the fact that this mountain resort city is so besieged by ever-changing fall foliage, vibrantly-blossoming springtime flowers, and mythical morning fog in the summer, it’s no wonder why tourists and locals alike attribute a sort of magic quality to this destination’s ever-growing list of attributes. So, if you’re interested in experiencing Gatlinburg first-hand in order to see what wonders are in store for you, then look no further than this list of attractions, experiences, and opportunities that will showcase the best of the mountain town just for you.

Peaking at the top of nearly every visitor’s guide to Gatlinburg is arguably the best chance to see literally everything going on in the town and the surrounding area. Of course, this is in reference to the 680-foot SkyPark, otherwise known as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the continent of North America. Honestly, if you want to take in a survey of the mountainous areas, trails, and bodies of water to explore during your stay, there’s really no better vantage point than SkyBridge or the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which stands at a height of 400 feet in the air and accessible via a glass elevator.

If you’re allured by the miles-long legend of the feuding Hatfields and McCoys, then you might want to seek out a trip to Pigeon Forge and take in a Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show so that you can be entertained by a dramatized version of the conflict. While it’s not the most historically accurate representation of this iconic feud, the performers are enthusiastic in their retelling, the country cuisine is enticing, and the atmosphere in the rustic barn-style theater is guaranteed to add some family-fun entertainment to your trip.

Alternatively, if you want more of a nature-fueled adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then consider embarking on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.4 round trip hike leading you to winding pathways, each to their own waterfall. Make an effort to embark on a hike that’s practically mythical: the Rainbow Falls hike, which leads you to a massive 80-foot tall waterfall that is the highest single drop of cascading water to be found in the entire park. If one waterfall isn’t enough for you, then you can venture out to the Place of A Thousand Drips to see dozens upon dozens of tiny cascading waterfalls. Otherwise, if you’re seeing more of an experience, you can take another pathway, the Trillium Gap Trail, that takes you to the impressive, 25-foot high Grotto Falls, a breathtakingly beautiful spot that lets you walk in the quiet secrecy that is the backside of a waterfall. This is the only spot in the entire National Park where you can experience the behind-the-waterfall perspective.

On the more commercial side of things, Gatlinburg is flush with opportunities to be entertained in all things spectacular, curious, and imaginative. Namely, Gatlinburg is home to several event centers that are an essential part of the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” franchise. For instance, if you need a high-quality, family-fun arcade to pass the time in, there’s Ripley’s Super Fun Zone, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, and (perhaps most-notably) Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium.

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