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).

5 Great Destinations for a Fall RV Road Trip

Fall is an ideal time for an RV road trip. The cooler weather makes driving and exploring more comfortable, and the vibrant foliage adds a stunning backdrop to your travels. Fall festivals, harvest markets and scenic byways add a special charm to the journey. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 27 million Americans plan to take an RV trip this fall, including 40 percent of boomers and the silent generation and 45 percent of Gen Xers. Jeremy Puglisi,...

8 Must-Visit Coastal State Parks in California

California's coastline is home to some of the most breathtaking state parks in the country. Beyond postcard-perfect Pacific Ocean views, these wonders offer plenty of fun, adventure, relaxation, and space for reflection. California’s coastal state parks promise unique and unforgettable experiences, from paddling and hiking to tide-pooling and scuba diving. Even better: They rival the grandeur of our national parks. Here are eight must-visit spots, from north to south.

The Best Roadside Attractions on California’s Pacific Coast Highway

It’s always a good time for a coast-hugging road trip on California’s Highway 1. This 656-mile marvel overwhelms the senses with jaw-dropping views around every turn. Arguably the most famous stretch winds between Monterey and Santa Barbara, with the crown jewel being the 85-mile Big Sur stretch from Carmel to San Simeon.Unfortunately, natural disasters have forced closures of several sections in the Big Sur area, including a 14-mile stretch in Monterey County that’s off-limits until further not...

Explore This Historic Virginia Town Along The Blue Ridge Parkway

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke beckons with an alluring mix of natural beauty, vibrant urban culture, and historic charm. Outdoor lovers will find paradise here with world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Indulge in Roanoke’s craft beverage scene and comfort-driven cuisine, which contribute to the city’s irresistible charm. Easily accessible via Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, Roanoke may be the perfect destination for a car-...

A Foodie’s Guide to Our National Parks

There’s more to America’s national parks than epic views and miles of scenic hiking trails. There are also delicious adventures to be had thanks to the park restaurants’ specialty dishes and regional foods. “The experience of the outdoors can be magnified by the right type of food,” says Linda Ly, author of The National Parks Cookbook. “I associate so many memories with food, especially from national parks. The food and the memory of the place that you’re in are very tied together.” When you’re...

Here's What to Know Before Hiking Old Rag

Old Rag may be the most popular hike in Virginia. It’s certainly on more than a few bucket lists, as hikers from near and far flock to Shenandoah National Park for Old Rag’s rock scrambles and 360-degree panoramas. This 9.8-mile hike, which may take anywhere from five to eight hours to complete, is wildly Insta-worthy, but it’s also undeniably strenuous. That’s not to say that you should remove this hike from your bucket list. However, you will want to wear the right shoes (no flip-flops), brin

5 Great Trails for Family Bike Rides

This summer, break out the helmets and kick your next family trip up a notch with a cycling escapade along one of Virginia’s many picturesque and beginner-friendly bike trails. No matter if you have the afternoon or a whole weekend to spend outside, these scenic trails offer sweet views and then some, with pit-stop options ranging from coffee shops to restaurants and camping accommodations for overnight trips. Get excited to embark on an open-air adventure with the family along these 5 bike trai

The 20 Most Beautiful Places In Virginia, According To A Local

When you’re ready to discover for yourself the most beautiful places across Virginia, here are the 20 best places to start, as suggested by a local who’s criss-crossed the state more than a few times. Virginia has soaring mountains , ocean breezes, gorgeous state parks, and more than 500 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail. When you want lake life and quaint towns, it's got that, too. In Virginia, you’ll find way more than historic settlements, like Jamestown, colonial architecture, and presi

Get to Know the Types of Virginia Oysters and Where to Find Them

Virginia’s oysters are as distinct as the region they come from. They’re wildly flavorful, too. Oysters have been harvested in Virginia for 400 years, and no two oysters are alike. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is home to four oyster regions: Seaside, Upper Bay Eastern Shore, Lower Bay Eastern Shore, and Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay. “In Virginia, you have an opportunity to experience the merroir of the oysters,” says Heather Lusk, vice president of H.M. Terry Co., Inc., a family-owned shellfish c

Little Kids Meet Big Flavors at These 7 Hotel Dining Experiences for Children

As a parent, you want to create memories for your children. You want experiences they’ll take with them, like watching a mesmerizing luau show, taking a tasty cooking class or participating in a buzzworthy, hands-on activity about honeybees. Child-friendly culinary programs can transform an everyday food journey into an immersive, exploratory escapade into taste and texture — and even heritage and sustainability. These hotel dining experiences for kids open up a world in which food becomes the

How to Spend a Weekend in Bermuda

It hasn’t been easy to reach the pink sand beaches, mysterious shipwrecks, and azure waters of Bermuda, a small island in the Atlantic Ocean with an area of just 21 square miles. Now, thanks to new nonstop flights from Reagan National on American and Baltimore-Washington International on BermudAir you can have a rum swizzle, Bermuda’s national drink, in your hand by lunch. Bermuda has been waiting for this moment, too. For one, the country opened a shiny new airport terminal in late 2020 (entir

This Historic Virginia Town Makes For A Charming Escape

In Northern Virginia, you’ll find plenty of walkable suburbs and historic villages, including Leesburg, a charming town and county seat that’s less than one hour northwest of Washington, DC. Brick-lined sidewalks, art galleries, coffee shops, and quaint boutiques welcome visitors in town for the day or the weekend. It’s also home to historic stays, like the Leesburg Colonial Inn. Here’s what to do when you’re ready to explore Leesburg, Virginia.
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