Where to Go Railbiking in the Northeast
Railbiking is popping up everywhere. This four-wheeled open-air activity on abandoned railroad tracks or tracks set aside for heritage rail service is gaining steam (pun intended).
Erin Gifford
I am a Washington, DC-based travel & outdoor writer. My writing has appeared in USA Today's GoEscape, The Wall Street Journal, AFAR.com, CNN.com, The Washington Post, LonelyPlanet.com, Parents, Family Circle, HGTV.com, TravelChannel.com, AAA Traveler Worldwise, Northern Virginia Magazine, Brides.com and AAA World. I also write about hiking in Virginia at GoHikeVirginia.com and have written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides. When not seeking out new adventures, I'm crossing off the next state in my quest to run a half-marathon in all 50 states (so far, I've run in 38 states).
15 Elopement Destinations We Love
From sandy beaches and mountains to lakes and towering forests, here’s where to say “I do.”
12 Best Things to Do in Wytheville, Virginia
At the intersection of two major highways, I-77 and I-81, you’ll find Wytheville, a small town named after George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and friend and mentor to Thomas Jefferson. Wytheville is rich in American history, but it’s also noted for its quirky, must-visit attractions, like one of America’s smallest churches, a rainbow-painted hot air balloon water tower, and a 100-foot-tall lookout tower that boasts wildly scenic panoramas across the mountains.
Here everyt
Destination Dupes: Hiking Trails on North and South of I-66
Plan your next trek based on where you live for the utmost convenience.
There are many great hikes in Northern Virginia, but Northern Virginia is a vast region. But because it’s so big, we can get in on the latest trend: “destination dupes.” In this case — hikes on the north side, say north of Interstate 66, that have near duplicates on the south side. You know, so you don’t need to drive as far for a good hike. Here are six to check out.
On 88.5-acre Theodore Roosevelt Island, a 1.8-mile loop
How to Plan a Bike Camping Trip
The pandemic was filled with firsts for me – first time backpacking, first time kayak camping and first time bike camping (also called bike touring or bikepacking). The latter had inched onto my radar a few months into the pandemic when I bought my first bike in 20 years.
It was June 2020. Most indoor attractions had shuttered, and like everybody else, I was rediscovering the outdoors. We were all scooping up bikes, backpacks, tents and all types of paddle craft. I was lucky to get my hands on
15 Favorite U.S. Towns for Relaxing Vacations
Ready for a “slowcation?” We’ve got you covered with these laid-back locales across the U.S.
Explore Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
With Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox, Arizona, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, now may be the best time to explore what’s often called a Wonderland of Rocks. Not because of the centennial, but because it may be our next national park, thanks to federal legislation that’s been introduced to redesignate this public land from national monument to national park.
Want to Try Bike-packing? Here’s the Easy Way to Do It.
Bike packing, where you load camping gear onto two wheels, can be a great way to explore wild corners not reachable by car. But it can be intimidating for those new to the world of panniers, tents, and Jetboil camp stoves.
8 Hidden Gem Road Trips in the West
If you haven’t gone on a leisurely road trip in a while, now’s the time to start planning one. There’s so much beauty to enjoy in the West that it’s hard to know where to start, so try one of these off-the-beaten-path routes—most doable in a day—that offer starry night skies, wildlife, and quirky roadside attractions.
You’re Not Imagining It: Hotel Parking Fees Are Way Up. Here’s a Solution.
How to avoid a scary parking bill at checkout? Know what to look for when booking and research other options. Here, expert strategies.
5 Can’t-Miss Winter Adventures in Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada
Known for crystal-clear alpine lakes and majestic mountains, Banff National Park sits high atop many lists as a choice summer vacation destination. Yet, this Alberta, Canada, gem may shine most bright in winter, thanks to snow-covered pine trees; frozen, glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls; and soaring snowcapped mountain peaks.
To Find the Best Tacos in Tucson, You Need a Guide, a Bike, and Cash
Tucson is home to more than 30 types of tacos, from carne asada to barbacoa to birria to pescado. You can find them everywhere, too—gas stations, strip malls, diners, casinos, and taco trucks are all fair game.
This Walkable Town Outside Of Washington, D.C. Is The Ultimate Weekend Escape
There’s a lot to love about Reston, Virginia. Just 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., this vibrant town can feel both urban and suburban. Reston was one of the first planned communities in the country and was designed as a place to work, play, learn, shop, and get involved. Today, it’s noted for its open-air town center, green spaces, arts and culture, and walking and biking trails that make it easy to get around Reston. Book a room at the Hyatt Regency Reston to be at the center of the action wh
How to Find Great Food When You Travel
For many of us, food is a big part of the travel experience. Food can reveal so much about a destination. It has the power to articulate the vibe and, yes, the flavor of a city or region.
We checked in with chefs for the scoop on what they do to find great food when they travel. When you’re ready to sink your teeth into something delicious, here’s how to find your next favorite dish while on vacation.
Many travelers default to Tripadvisor and Yelp when searching for a good meal. You may want
5 Buzz-Worthy Coffee Shops in Virginia
There’s something about coffee that spurs many of us to go out of our way for a good cup of joe. The experience is all the better when the flavorful java is accompanied by great food and served in an Instagram-worthy shop with comfy chairs and supersize picture windows.
This Small Virginia Town Attracts Mountain Music Enthusiasts From Around The World
In Southwest Virginia, you’ll find dozens of small mountain towns, but for old-time mountain music, the place to go is Galax, a quaint town of fewer than 7,000 residents. It’s been called the “World Capital of Old-Time Mountain Music,” and for good reason, attracting world-class fiddlers, banjo players, cloggers, and bluegrass musicians.
The Old Fiddlers’ Convention has been held in Galax every August since 1935. Some of the earliest musicians to record country music hail from the Galax area, i
15 Horror Movie Locations That Will Still Scare You Today
All across the country, you’ll find film locations that may still scare you years after the release of some of the most iconic horror movies of all time. Sports bars, barbecue joints, comic book stores and theme parks all played roles in some seriously scary movies, even scary movie spoofs. When you’re ready for a truly horror-fying road trip, here’s where to go.
Your Guide to Hiking Shenandoah National Park
There’s something for everyone across the national park’s miles of wooded trails.
Fall is the ideal time to visit the mountains and valley to our west. In our September 2023 issue, we reveal where to go for great hikes and how to see the area by plane or by car. Plus, we’ve found the best places to eat, drink, and shop — and where to kick back and stay awhile.
Thanks to more than 500 miles of hiking trails that crisscross Shenandoah National Park, there are scenic hikes for all ages, interests
25 Best Hiking Cities in the US
We all know that nature and hiking are good for mental and physical health. There’s just something about breathing in fresh air, scrambling to summit views and basking in the warm sunshine. When you’re ready for a good hike, or maybe a new travel destination that’s chock-full of beautiful trails and natural beauty, we’ve got you covered.
We researched and put together a list of 25 US cities that are absolutely tops for these who love hiking, or at least, love to get outside from time to time. T
A Road Trip Along Nevada's Alien Highway
The Extraterrestrial Highway begins at a rest area in Crystal Springs, Nevada, but you’d be wise to first take a quick detour to E.T. Fresh Jerky, where State Route 318 bisects U.S. Route 93. It’s less than one mile east, and it’s worth a stop for beef jerky in more than a dozen flavors, including hickory, lemon pepper, and honey teriyaki. The proprietors boast that it’s “out of this world delicious.” You’ll also find creative types such as ahi tuna and wild boar jerky.
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