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The Unforgettable Beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Driving around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the United States. A road trip here comes dotted with charming little towns that give way to the untouched landscape of the coast with the more than 70,000 acres of national parkland waiting to be explored. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Throw out your itinerary for the weekend. Simply driving along the lakeshore, you’ll find charming small towns you’ll want to stop and meander through. Munising is the largest and, as the closest to the park entrance, it’s where you’ll want to stay if you’re not camping in the park.  It’s full of shops that will have you wishing you packed an extra suitcase, but, even if you’re not in a shopping mood, make sure to stop at Muldoons Pasties & Gifts and get yourself a pasty. Further from the park entrance, it’s hard to resist stopping in a community called Paradise. Check out the shipwreck museum before taking in Tahquamenon Falls, and follow it up with a craft brew at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub.

 

Pictured Rocks Cliffs

No visit to this part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is complete without taking in the namesake Pictured Rocks Cliffs. The sandstone cliffs stretch out along Lake Superior towering 200 feet above the lake at their highest point. But more than their sheer size, it’s the colors of the cliffs, streaked with red, orange, blue-green, white brown and black, that will strike you the most. Pro viewing tips: the cliffs are best seen from the water and there are boat tours you can take, but, you can also see them by taking a 10-mile hike along the Chapel Basin.

pictured rocks national lakeshore cliff

 

Munising Falls

Waterfalls seem to pop up everywhere along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but the must-visit for us is Munising Falls. The 50-foot waterfall, located a short, easy walk off Miners Castle Road, is a must-visit for how incredibly powerful the falls are. Take the stairs up to the elevated platforms and watch in awe as the water drops over the cliff. On your way back from the falls, stop at Miners Castle Rock, one of the most famous landmarks in the park and one of the few places you can see the Pictured Rocks Cliffs on foot.

pictured rocks national lakeshore

 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Lighthouses

Wander down a 1.5-mile trail from the Hurricane River Campground and you’ll find an active light station standing guard over the lakeshore. Depending on the season, you can tour the Au Sable Lighthouse, originally built in the 1800s, but even if the lighthouse isn’t open when you visit, the views along the trail are worth the walk alone.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore lighthouse

Nashville: A Foodie Tour of Music City

When you think of the food scene in Nashville, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you said either buttermilk fried chicken, biscuits or barbeque, we’re not surprised. But long gone are the days of Music City being an exclusively Southern-cuisine scene. With a list of international hot spots added to the mix, ranging from Thai to Kurdish delights, it’s easy to see why Nashville is staking its claim as a culinary destination location. Here are the memorable Music City eats you’ll want to make on your next trip to Nashville!

 

Henrietta Red

Located in charming Germantown, Henrietta Red is as visually appealing as it is appetizing. Bursting with natural light and contemporary décor mixed with a bit of rustic flair, this is probably the most beautiful restaurant on our list. The menu designed by executive chef Julia Sullivan and GM/sommelier Allie Poindexter offers seasonal contemporary cooking and a raw oyster bar. The simple, fresh ingredients, stunning space, and shareable plates makes this spot an instant hit.

 

Biscuit Love

First coming onto the Nashville foodie scene as a loveable little Airstream food truck, Biscuit Love quickly gained a following as the fun spot to have a Southern brunch. The owners, husband-and-wife duo Karl and Sarah Worley, set this establishment apart by serving up breakfast and lunch items made from scratch (with a heaping side of love). To boot, their ingredients are consciously and locally sourced. Fan of a good photo op? Enjoy a giant, neon “NASHVILLE” or “MUSIC CITY” sign in the background of you getting down on some buttermilk biscuits on your next #NashvilleEats post here.

 

Arnold’s Country Kitchen

 

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One word to describe Arnold’s Country Kitchen? Legendary. Owners Jack and Rose Arnold have been cranking out southern favorites for over three decades. From country music stars to ordinary working folk, everyone has a seat at the table at Arnold’s. Don’t skip out on the fried green tomatoes or heavenly banana pudding here; it’s a rite of passage, so leave your diet at the door! This classic spot is the epitome of the infamous “meat ‘n’ three” plate. Just a word to the wise though: choose your sides carefully or you’ll come running back for more.

 

Thai Esane

 

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When your hands get cramps up making steam dumplings. But you got to keep it moving!! #cheflife #thaiesane 🥟🥟

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Owner Nina Sayasack has been serving Nashvillians with easily some of the tastiest traditional Thai cuisine in town over the past few years. You’re sure to find your favorite Thai dish done right here – think Tom Kha, Drunken Noodles, and a handful of mouth-watering curries, as well as some down-home family recipes. Don’t expect to find any glitz or glamour here, but expect that your taste buds will be met with full, authentic Southeast Asian flavor.

 

House Of Kabob

If you’re looking for a delicious switch-up from familiar American bites, head over to House of Kabob for traditional Kurdish cuisine. Some of the more well-known dishes include chicken kabobs, falafels, and gyros, alongside lesser known dishes like joojeh (grilled Cornish hen). Interesting fact: Music City is actually home to one of the country’s largest Kurdish populations, and you can be sure to enjoy food like a true ‘Kurd’ does here.

 

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

No trip to Nashville would be complete without making a stop at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, the place that’s red-handed for putting hot chicken on the map. How spicy does spicy get here? The heat levels range from “Southern” (no heat) to “Shut the Cluck Up” (burn notice). You might want to start a few heat levels down to acclimate yourself. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

 

Mas Tacos Por Favor

 

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All smiles around here!! 🤣 and it’s tamale day!!! 📸: @foodiefaceny #mastacosporfavor #mastacos #foodiefaceny

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Taco lovers, take delight in coming to a joint where you won’t at-all be judged for ordering more street-style tacos than you can eat because you can’t decide on just one! Mas Tacos Por Favor is another one of those food-truck-turned-restaurant success stories and it’s not hard to see why. There is only one requirement here: Come hungry! Taco times starts NOW.

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

 

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Tandoori. Skirt. Steak. #weekend #dinnergoals #spiceitup #eatatchauhan

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How does a love-child of Indian and Southern cuisine sound? It’s every. bit. of tantalizing that it sounds. Co-owner and Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan combined his Indian roots with his love for traveling and Southern cuisine to create something undeniably special at Chauhan. Where else can you try tandoori chicken poutine, a breakfast parantha taco or meatballs makhani? Regularly featured on Nashville’s “best of” lists, this revolutionary restaurant is truly a can’t-miss.

 

Martin’s Bar-B-Que

 

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Happy Labor Day! We are open at all locations today. Come get ya some Que! Thanks for the pic @nashville_eats

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Martin’s Bar-B-Que is on one simple mission: to spread the gospel of whole hog bar-b-que. Award-winning pit master Pat Martin’s original joint, nestled about 30-minutes south of Music City in Nolensville, already had a name for itself in the barbeque world. However, it wasn’t until he secured a 13,000-square-foot restaurant, bar, and backyard beer garden space in SoBro that his barbeque “got wings”. This is hands-down the spot to be to pig out on the best smoked meats in town.

The Best Spicy Food Restaurants in the US

Raise your hand if you’re always ordering the spiciest dish on a restaurant’s menu. Sure, your friends may look at you in horror while they munch on their, shall we say, bland dish? But spicy food lovers know the joy of the stages to tasting spice. First you get the flavor, then you get layers of flavor, and then you get the heat.  Plus, according to a study from the University of Vermont, consumption of red hot chili peppers is associated with a 13 percent reduction in total mortality. So really, you’re being healthy when you order that craft beer brewed with ghost peppers. Here are five restaurants in the U.S. that will help satisfy your thirst for spicy food.

 

When in Nashville, make it spicy chicken at Hattie B’s

Nashville is known for its iconic hot chicken, basically, your traditional buttermilk-fried chicken doused in hot sauce. You should order it from Hattie B’s. The no-frills restaurant knows its spice. While they do serve a mild chicken for your friends that can’t stand the heat, you’re going to want to order their five-alarm fried chicken, “Shut the Cluck Up.” Don’t forget the side of mac and cheese.

hattie Bs spicy food
Photo: Jimmy Emerson, DVM via Flickr

 

Drink your spice in North Carolina

You’ve heard of ghost chili peppers, probably even tried them, but have you had them in a beer? Charlotte, North Carolina-based Ass Clown Brewing has two spicy brews you’re going to want to try: the Go Reap Yourself IPA, made with Carolina Reaper peppers, and a Ghost Chili IPA, made with ghost peppers.

 

When in NYC or San Francisco, try Mission Chinese

Eating at one of Mission Chinese Food’s locations (Brooklyn, Manhattan, San Francisco) is like throwing your very own spice party. The food is based loosely on Szechuan cuisine from southwestern China, which, on its own, is known for bringing the heat, but Mission Chinese Food takes it to another level by incorporating classics from around the world. It was one of the favorite NYC restaurants of the late Anthony Bourdain. Order the Chongquing Chicken Wings.

mission chinese spicy food
Photo: Foodie Buddha via Flickr

 

Spice up your BBQ at Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbecue

Don’t be scared by the dive bar exterior. Baltimore’s Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque is one of the city’s hidden gems, and it has some of the best BBQ in the country. Douse whatever you order in their sauces that range from mild to “Hot Enough for the Devil,” for a sweet and spicy taste you’ll never forget.

 

Some like it hot at Torchy’s Tacos in Texas

Every August, Texas-based Torchy Tacos rolls out a special “Some Like Hot” menu, and every year, people flee from the spicy tacos. (OK, we can’t confirm this, but the tacos seem to get hotter each year.) Even if you don’t hit up the place in August, though, the casual taco joint brings the spice during the rest of the year with classic options like “The Brush Fire: American Jerk Chicken,” with grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro, with diablo sauce that will have you reaching for a glass of milk.

torch's tacos spicy food
Photo: Michelle Lee via Flickr

Into the Badlands in South Dakota

Southwestern South Dakota is home to 244,000 acres of towering tawny pinnacles and buttes overlooking one of America’s largest protected prairielands. Established as a national monument nearly 80 years ago, the wind-ravaged, eroded formations were named “Mako Sica,” or “land bad,” by the Lakota Sioux Native Americans who reside primarily in the Dakotas. Badlands National Park is considered one of the world’s richest deposits of mammal fossil beds, where the remains of ancient carnivores, reptiles, and marine life rest indefinitely in the otherworldly veins of Chadron and Brule rock. Living mammals are in equal abundance – the park is a fountainhead of bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, endangered black-footed ferret, and more than 200 kinds of bird. Maybe your first experience with the park was on social media, where it inspired the Alt National Park Service, a vocal and rogue defender of environmental protections and conservation under the Trump administration.

Politics aside, the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park transcends discourse and facilitates respect for a history beyond our years. If you’re looking for a summer of unstinted travel, explore these suggested hikes and sights for an emotionally refreshing sojourn.

 

The Door Trail

This facile, one-mile hike takes you into the heart of the Badlands, where dramatic views of ravines and gullies follow you to the edge of the park’s famous “Wall,” and lets you walk through it. A short boardwalk winds along the perimeter to a viewing deck of broken, prepossessing landscape. Continuing past the Door Trail, you’re rewarded with more challenging terrain deep into the canyons and up into the spires of the Badlands. This trail is marked with daffodil-colored posts to keep you on track.

Sunset along the Door Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Sunset along the Door Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

 

Castle Trail – Medicine Loop

One of the park’s most strenuous hikes, this multi-junctioned looped trail winds through extensive prairie, rolling hills, carved buttes, sod tables, and washes pressed against the north edge of the Badland Wall. It bends southeast to the Medicine Root Trail – Saddle Pass Trail junction, allowing hikers the option of hiking up to eight miles through various landscapes. These trails are best for wildlife viewing, especially at dusk and dawn. These trials offer the most comprehensive views of the park’s topographic features.

Sunrise over Castle Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Sunrise over Castle Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

 

Fossil Exhibit Trail

For an intimate encounter with the park’s expansive fossil beds and geological anomalies, this brief, well-trafficked boardwalk trail is unparalleled. Although a popular tourist attraction, the trail offers prehistoric remains, wildflower fields, and birding opportunities.

badlands national park
Badlands Exhibition

 

Pinnacle Overlook

A photographer’s paradise, the short walk up to Pinnacles Overlook yields staggering views of the rocky pinnacles, overhangs, and chimneys that compose Badlands National Park. Once you arrive at the overlook, find the observation area below the parking lot along the Badlands Loop Road for views of the park’s most unlikely collection of Rocky Mountain juniper trees. Compression caused by fallen rocks allows the trees to thrive in the dry region. Views of the nearby Black Hills are also visible from Pinnacles on a clear day.

pinnacle overlook badlands south dakota
Pinnacle Overlook, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

 

Mount Rushmore National Monument

If you missed that class field trip to Mount Rushmore, your excursion to the Badlands region is a good excuse to make up for lost time. Located roughly 80 miles from the park, this national monument in South Dakota’s Black Hills is a manmade marvel. Massive carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln rest in the mountain’s granite stone.

mount rushmore black hills south dakota
Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, South Dakota

7 U.S. Places to See the Aurora Borealis

Flashes of green, purple, and yellow light up the night sky as you stare in awe, immune to the cold. Experiencing the majesty of the Northern Lights first hand is one of those things that should be on everyone’s bucket list, but don’t think that seeing the Aurora Borealis in person requires a flight to Europe. While the views in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland are no doubt unbelievable there are incredible spots to watch the Northern Lights in the U.S. From Alaska to Maine here are seven of the top U.S. locations to take in the Aurora Borealis.

 

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska is without a doubt the U.S. locale with the most options for Northern Lights viewing. And in Fairbanks, you have a shot at seeing the Aurora Borealis almost any time of year thanks to Fairbanks’ location within the Auroral Oval, the huge ring around the Earth’s Geomagnetic North Pole, above which the Northern Lights display. Whether you want to camp out under the lights or rest your head in a boutique hotel you’ll find plenty of options in Fairbanks as well as enough other activities from outdoor sports to shopping to eating to make a visit a weeklong vacation.

Photo: Aaron Hockly on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Aaron Hockley on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Acadia National Park, Maine

New England might not be top of mind when you think of places to see the Northern Lights but there are actually a few spots in Maine where views of the Aurora Borealis are truly breathtaking, if your timing is right. Heading to Acadia National Park is the easiest; there’s little light pollution and the town of Bar Harbor is only a few miles away meaning there are plenty of places to rest your head at night that don’t involve camping in freezing weather. All you need a clear night, moonless night, and it helps if there is a solar flare occurring.

acadia national park
Photo: Mike Lewinski on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

 

Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho

You’ll need to bundle up for one of the most extraordinary views of the Northern Lights in the U.S. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests contain three forests stretching out 3,220,000 acres across three states. In Idaho the forests border with Canada and it’s there you want to head to Priest Lake where two campsites on Bartoo and Kalispell Islands (accessible only by boat) are two of the most remote places to see the Northern Lights in the U.S. The campsites accommodate only 10 to 30 people so make your reservations well in advance.

 

 

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

If you’re thinking Pennsylvania is way too far south to see the Northern Lights, you’d be correct most of the time. However, roughly every 11 years, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights much further south as the magnetic poles of the sun switch places. Cherry Springs State Park is on the low end of visibility right now with the height around 2012 but give it a few years and the views will be spectacular.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has something for every type of Northern Light seeker. City dwellers should head to Marquette where nestled along Lake Superior the area’s largest city offers plenty to do during the day while at night lower night pollution and miles of public coastline make it an ideal place to see the lights. Slightly more remote, the Keweenaw Peninsula, also along Lake Superior, has plenty of activities including dog sledding, hiking, and camping for adrenaline seekers looking to combine a vacation with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Photo: NOAA Photo Library on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: NOAA Photo Library on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

 

Cook County, Minnesota

On the other side of Lake Superior, Minnesota’s Cook County offers the chance to see the Northern Lights anytime of year thanks to the area’s northern location and dark skies. For the best viewing, though, plan a trip in the fall or winter, rent one of the many cabins along the lake, spend your days exploring the artsy, harbor town of Grand Marais or enjoy outdoor activities like snowshoeing and at night watch the skies and be patient.

Photo: Jason Carpenter on Flickr (
Photo: Jason Carpenter on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

Roughly two hours outside of Denver, Pawnee National Grassland’s vast wide open spaces and little light pollution make it a good place to see the Northern Lights, if you’re there at the right time. Similar to Cherry Hill State Park, Northern Light viewing peaks roughly every 11 years at Colorado’s Pawnee National Grassland. The last big years were 2013 and 2014 so you’ll want a wait a bit to plan a trip.

Photo: Bryce Bradford on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Photo: Bryce Bradford on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Coziest Mountain-Town Airbnbs

From the rolling Appalachians to the dense, remote Sierra Nevadas, there are dozens of mountain ranges in America to immerse yourself in the serenity of small mountain-towns. While hundreds flock to tourist destinations like Aspen or Vail during ski season, many of the underrated locales on the far east and west are overlooked. Airbnb is a website and mobile application allowing private citizens to rent out anything from spare rooms to entire houses, offering travelers and tourists a more personal, authentic stay in lieu of traditional hotel rooms. Using Airbnb is one of the fastest growing economies, on par with rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The company even launched its own apartment brand last year. If you do your research, using the marketplace can not only save you money in expensive locations like the Rocky Mountains, but afford you a quirky, unconventional space to meet locals and collect unmatched stories. Whether you’re planning a late-winter snowboarding sabbatical, or just a romantic getaway for two, these charming, five-star Airbnbs will help you kick off the new year right.

 

Peaceful Tower Retreat – Carmel Valley, California

Nightly Rate: $175

tower retreat carmel valley california
Image via Airbnb

This tower-style cabin, embedded in the lush woodlands of California’s Carmel Valley, is just a short drive from world-renowned recreation centers such as Big Sur and Pacific Grove, boasting panoramic views of Garland Park and thousands of acres of biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Bird watching, wine tasting, and a host of other California pastimes are just a few of the activities available to you if you stay in the Carmel Valley. The hosts, Jeanne and “Tiger” Steele, are longtime locals who’re happy to give directions and recommendations. The space is similar to a studio apartment, perfect for a romantic two-person escapade overlooking the California valley.

 

Modern Studio – Rocky Mountain National Park

Nightly Rate: $110

rocky mountain cabin studio
Image via Airbnb

A studio apartment in the homeowner’s walkout basement, the elevation of the space features private, unparalleled views of Rocky Mountain National Park on the slopes of Prospect Mountain. Just four miles from downtown Estes Park, it offers the sought-after solitude of the mountains, in a convenient location to experience the hustle and bustle of nearby mountain-towns. The room comes equipped with a Serta queen-sized mattress with a 3-inch memory foam mattress topper and futon sofa that can be converted to a full size bed, comfortably accommodating three to four people. Even better, the property features a hot tub for stargazing or post-hike relaxation.

 

Bittersweet Cottage – Asheville, North Carolina

Nightly Rate: $250

cottage asheville north carolina
Image via Airbnb

The Blue Ridge Mountains are scenic and mystifying. Known for having a bluish color when seen from a distance, the region’s bouquet of oaks and maples release a compound called isoprene into the atmosphere, giving the mountains its characteristic haze and moody color. On the cusp of the Appalachian Valley, the one-bedroom, two-acre Bittersweet Cottage is nestled between downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. In business for 14 years, the property owners provide a fully stocked complimentary breakfast, a private hot tub, and interactive Koi pond. Ideal for special occasions, the space may also serve as a casual bed and breakfast for friends.

‘Silo Studio’ Cottage – the Berkshires

Nightly Rate: $225

silo studio cottage air bnb
Image via Airbnb

Located in western Massachusetts, this two-story Berkshire round cabin features 35-foot high ceilings and quaint east coast architecture, including multi-paned mill windows overlooking the brook and lily garden below. This Tyringham Silo cottage looks like something out of a fairy tale, with cobblestone bridges, ponds, and a stone bench seating area with “chiminea” and available firewood. The property is open year-round, each season offering its own experience. The cottage is close to the Appalachian Trail for hiking and a number of ponds for swimming or kayaking.

 

Glacier Park Log Cabin – Glacier National Park

Nightly Rate: $260

glacier park log cabin
Image via Airbnb

This space is perfect for larger groups planning a wilderness vacation. A secluded log cabin on the cusp of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area of Montana’s Glacier National Park, the property features nearly 2,000-square-feet of living space, a garden with strawberry patches, apple trees, three vegetable gardens, and an herb greenhouse. Enjoy mountain views with access to rafting, hiking, fishing, and climbing. And at night, whip up some s’mores under a clear sky using the complimentary fire pit.

5 Music Festivals That Will Make You Fall In Love with Country

If you don’t love your red solo cup or think tractors are sexy, you’re not alone. Maybe, you feel that the “country” has been ripped out of country music.  That the magical sounds of the fiddle and banjo have been replaced with pop beats and the casual guest appearance of guitars, meaning that every song sounds the same. Or, maybe, you’re a suburbanite, and the word “country” conjures images of overalls, line dancing, and bare feet. If you aren’t already in love with country music, we’re okay with that  —  those of us who are will hopefully convince you to change your mind.  Because let’s face it, the genre is an emotional punch. It’s a mixed bag of lyin’, cheatin’ exes, of epic loves and lusts, of unbearable losses.  It’s for the perfectly imperfect, people willing to flirt with situational shades of grey. There are more than 30 country music festivals in the US. So, cowgirl, grab your spurred boots – we’ve rustled up five of the best country music festivals.

Flambeau Fest 2017 – Gonzales, Louisana

Flambeau Fest
Blackberry Smoke headlines the first Flambeau Festival | Photo: Rob Blackman

After floodwaters breached a levee along the Amite River,  submerging nearly a third of all the homes in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and the Bayou Country Superfest was booted from Tiger Stadium, Mark Adam Miller, the CEO of Pi Entertainment, felt that “the Child of the Mississippi” was healthy and deserved a win.  So, he launched Flambeau Fest, a 2-day country and rock ‘n’ roll event that’s like “capturing lightning in a bottle.”  “The flambeau is…[the] torch families carried up and down the bayou,” Miller said. “We wanted to be that torchbearer to bring new music experiences here.” 2017 headliners include Hank Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Parish County Line, and Crystal Day, who’ll debut her new single “Karma Like Flowers”, a girl-power anthem about bouncing back after a breakup.  Starting at noon, three stages will simultaneously be set on fire: the main stage, the torch stage, and the songwriter in the round stage. At the food promenade, you’ll also be able to grab traditional Louisiana fare: jambalaya, crawfish pasta, fried catfish, and gator-on-a-stick.

 

Country Summer – Santa Rosa, California

Darius Rucker at Country Summer 2017 Photo Credit - Will Bucquoy
Darius Rucker jams out on Day 2 at Country Summer 2017 | Photo: Will Bucquoy

A collaboration between Impact Entertainment, Sports & Event Marketing, and Sonoma Media Group, the local owner of Froggy 92.9 , Country Summer is Northern California’s largest country music festival and Sonoma County’s biggest bash, attracting more than 30,000 fans from 35 states and four foreign countries. Since launching in 2014, every year, 14 top country artists, including Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, and Randy Houser, crank up the party on the Chevy Silverado Stage. Between the main acts, local bands like American Honey, The Scotty Mac Band, and Ryan Scripps, keep the party pumping.  Darlin’, we also reckon that you’ll love the mechanical bulls, the pit (standing room only tickets that are up close to the stage), and an ice-cold Budweiser — especially since California’s summers are hotter than a billy goat with a blowtorch.

 

Country Thunder Arizona  – Florence, Arizona

Friday, July 15, 20152:30 PM Petric4:00 PM Drake White5:30 PM Marty Stuart7:00 PM Kacey Musgraves9:00 PM Zac Brown Band
Kacey Musgraves sings “Follow Your Arrow” at Country Thunder Arizona 2017 | Photo: Samara Koenning

In 1993, Country Thunder Arizona tumbled into southwest Wisconsin and central Arizona. Twenty-four years later: 10,000 people descend in their RVs and campers, turning a dusty field into a makeshift city. It’s packed with pop-up clothing stores, tattoo parlors, and restaurants that serve Southern specialties (think corn dogs and fried Oreos). Country Thunder Arizona even has its own Rewards Program, where you can win free stuff like tickets, upgraded experiences, merch gift cards, and partner freebies. From beer pong to the Beer Olympics to a beer bong, a female mannequin that has a funnel for a head, Country Thunder Arizona has a drink-’til-you-drop culture — it even offers a $60 IV that’ll help you sober up. And, while the festival is known for its booze and its headliners (Blake Shelton, Frankie Ballard, Chris Young, and The Oak Ridge Boys), the four-day extravaganza boasts a fully-functioning pirate ship and a “Cowboy Church” that mixes traditional scriptures and horseback demonstrations.

 

CMA Music Festival  – Nashville, Tennessee

CMA_Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum at the 2017 CMA Music Festival | Photo: John Russell

There’s little doubt that Nashville is the heart of country music.  It’s hosted the CMA Music Festival, formerly Fan Fair, for almost half a century. A four-day festival, it features 11 stages, seven of which are free of charge to the public, and 167 hours of music from more than 350 artists. From Nissan Stadium, where the best labels in the country show off their twang and trills, to the Hard Rock Cafe, where up-and-coming musicians vie for recording contracts, the CMA Music Festival has a little something for everyone, whether or not country is in your musical wheelhouse.  Aside from autographs, meet and greets, and endless photo opportunities, country music’s brightest lights also take a swing at cancer during the City of Hope’s Celebrity Baseball Game.

 

Moondance Jammin Country  – Walker, Minnesota

Billy Currington performs at Moondance
Billy Currington, performing on Day 3 at the 2017 Moondance Jammin Country Fest | Photo: Garrett Matteson on Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

You’ve probably heard this part of the United States Postal Service’s unofficial creed: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…” It’s a motto that the performers at the Moondance Jammin Country Music Festival take to heart  — showstoppers like Maiden Dixie to Parmalee and regional bands are willing to belt it out in the aftermath of tropical storms. However, the musicians aren’t the only ones with country grit: in bad weather, festivalgoers have been known to huddle up, where they’re so close to the stage they can “see Jake Owen’s…toes while he’s singing ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night.’ ”  With rolling hills and picturesque wooded sites, “glamping” is a major part of the twenty-six-year-old festival. Well-lit with 24-hour security, owner Kathy Bieloh supplies festivalgoers with firewood, showers, fresh water, and even ice. Just a heads-up, though: the majority of on-site vendors only accept “Moondance Bucks”.

7 Beautiful Camping Locations for the Summer

Simply put, camping is its own form of medicine. Days spent hiking give away to breathtaking sunsets to magical campfires. You’re forced to unplug and simply be in the moment and whether that moment is the sense of accomplishment when you reach the peak or the peacefulness of a morning waking up to the sound of nature, you come back from a weekend or more of camping with a sense of ease. Let these seven beautiful places to camp this summer be your inspiration to get outside more.

 

Acadia National Park, Maine

Caution: the weather can be unpredictable in Acadia National Park during the summer. Temps range from a chilly 45 degrees to a blistering 90, but if you’re willing to pack all-weather gear the park on Maine’s Atlantic coast is awe-inspiring. Low light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing (it’s one of the U.S. destinations you can sometimes spot the Aurora Borealis), and history buffs will appreciate the origins of the park which date back thousands of years.

 

Arches National Park, Utah

Utah’s Arches National Park is not the easiest place to get to (it’s more than 200 miles from the closest major airport), but, hey, sometimes the best things require some extra effort. Feel humbled as you take in the deep blue desert sky and the red rocks of the 2,000 gravity-defying sandstone figurines. This park is a must-visit both for rock climbers and for hikers of all types. Don’t miss the Delicate Arch Trail.

 

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Beaches, check. Salt marshes, check. Forests, check. Wild horses, check, check, check. Let the sound of the waves crashing on Assateague Island soothe you to sleep after a day exploring some of the seashore’s 37 miles of hiking. If you’re lucky you’ll encounter at least one of the two herds of wild horses that call the island home. Just remember to enjoy the horses from afar. And camping, allowed only on the Maryland side, is first come, first served.

 

Finger Lakes, New York

Community campfires, homemade s’mores, twinkling fireflies; New York’s Finger Lakes are a magical place to spend a summer night or two. With camping options that range from D.I.Y. to the glam, complete with an actual bed to the in-between, there’s something for every type of nature lover. There are also plenty of activity options to spend your days whether it be hiking, boating, or even wine tasting.

 

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

What’s your favorite waterfall in the Smokies? @toddamacker thanks for the beautiful photo

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Hugging the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hard not to fall in love with. Waterfalls break up the lush forest as wildflowers bloom everywhere giving the landscape a whimsical quality. And various camping options, including backcountry campsites with running water and camps designed for those exploring on horseback, make this national park ideal for all types of adventurers.

 

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Chances are you’ve heard of Joshua Tree National Park, and it may even be on your bucket list. But did you know the park isn’t all deserts and famous trees? While you should plan a visit to the park’s namesake tree, Joshua Tree also has 10 mountain peaks higher than 5,000-feet. Camp at one of the nine campsites or register in advance for backcountry camping.

 

Makoshika State Park, Montana

To the Lakota Indians, ‘Makoshika’ is a variant of the spelling for the phrase ‘bad earth’ or ‘bad land’. Read into that what you will, but Montana’s largest state park is breathtaking. Juniper and pine trees give way to rock formations that have held the fossil remains of dinosaurs. The state park is now offering backcountry camping permits in addition to the camping available at the campground.

Fun US Destinations for Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a great time to break out the nautical stripes and cozy tunics in preparation for long weekend excursions. Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection on equable, humid beaches, or a summer cocktail at the end of a purifying hike, these easygoing getaways will gladly welcome you to summer 2017.

 

Key West, Florida

Holiday Attractions: 27th Annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta 

The archipelago-style chain of cities you pass to arrive at Key West are as lively as the final destination. Suspended in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be treated to tropical views and equatorial weather at half the price of an Hawaiian escape. White sand beaches, swim-up bars, and lush fan palms are just a few luxuries the Florida Keys have to offer. Flights to Miami are temptingly affordable this time of year, and most accommodations include tours and other sightseeing  opportunities.

 

Palm Springs, California

Holiday Attractions: Air Museum Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop

Southern California’s Mojave and Colorado deserts generate year-round Memorial Day vibes; it’s no wonder so many flock to the Coachella Valley for some winter transcendence. Palm Springs and nearby cities like Indio, Salton Sea, and Twentynine Palms each offer its own aesthetic for your holiday. Treat yourself to a triad of succulent-themed cocktails at V hotel’s “Sunset Hour,” or take a hike to a modern-day oasis in Joshua Tree National Park. Kick off the summer like Lana Del Rey at the colorful Saguaro Hotel, grab dinner at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, and surround yourself with the region’s charming Yucca trees.

 

Asheville, North Carolina

Holiday Attractions: White Squirrel FestivalBeer City FestivalLake Lure Arts Festival

Another beautiful in the #asheville at #beercityfest

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Spend your long weekend in the heart of the prolific Smoky Mountains, where fun-loving hippie culture is alive and well. The City of Asheville offers a number of longtime music, art, and food festivals, all of which come together on Memorial Day. The city is best absorbed through nature, and camping opportunities are plentiful. For adventure seekers, the nearby forest offers an abundance of hiking, rafting, and ziplining possibilities.

 

Mackinaw City, Michigan

Holiday Attractions: 14th Annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge RunParade & Fireworks

Mackinaw City is home to one of the longest main-span bridges in the world, the Mackinac Bridge. Located on the northernmost trip of Michigan’s lower peninsula, the city is surrounded on three sides by multiple great lakes. Enjoy swimming in bracing freshwater, dining at some of the country’s finest and freshest seafood restaurants, and cooly reflecting with the encouragement of moody bridge lights.

 

Florence, Oregon

Holiday Attractions: Florence Rhododendron Festival

109th Rhododendron Festival is here! #rhodydays2016

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Oregon’s elegant coastal city, Florence, is a quiet, breezy escape from exhausting big city winters. Florence offers grassy beaches, quaint diners, and small-town magnetism. Although its nationally renowned Rhododendron festival arrives a week before Memorial Day weekend, the blooming flowers remain throughout the season.

 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Holiday Attractions: Greek FestBayou Country SuperFestNew Orleans Wine and Food Experience

Enjoy food, fun, and mysticism on the bayou this Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans. While any weekend is a great time to visit The Big Easy, traditional city energy comes to a head this holiday. Treat yourself to live jazz, swamp tours, and nighttime palm readings while walking the city’s famous art district.

 

Washington D.C.

Holiday Attractions: National Memorial Day Parade Concert

With my pals from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) at the National Memorial Day Parade🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Memorial Day is known colloquially as the first day of summer, but the holiday is rooted in reflection and tribute to members of the Armed Forces who’ve given their lives in wars past and present. Our nation’s capital serves as the best place to do just that. Take a tour of Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen soldiers, and visit the United States Holocaust Museum while you’re at it.

 

10 US Destinations for Craft Beer Lovers

From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon the United States has been undergoing a beer renaissance in the past decade. Once a humble brew of cereal grains, water, and yeast, a staple of the backyard barbecue and the corner bar, beer has become a star with chefs designing food pairing dinners around it and brew pubs rivaling wineries as weekend destinations.

But while many cities and towns are full of great breweries, there are many variables in making a city full of craft beer-lovers the ideal weekend- or even week-long destination. You need just the right number of craft brewers, and by that we mean independent breweries, and while wineries are often about the scenery, breweries have to be about the atmosphere. Some are cozy, some are laid back, some are glamorous, but all have a unique vibe. Here are 10 destinations for lovers of craft beer not to overlook.

 

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago was made to be a great beer city. Plenty of fresh water, a city full of foodies always waiting to try the latest thing, and lots of industrial space in which to brew have led dozens upon dozens of breweries to open within the past decade. You’ll find craft producers including Bell’s Dogfish Head and more in Chicago bars but you’ll also find plenty of local craft brews including La Guardia Rubia, made with local honey, DryHop Brewers, and Hopewell Brewing Company.

DryHop Brewers beer
Image courtesy of DryHop Brewers
DryHop Brewers beer
Image courtesy of Good Beer Hunting/ Michael Kiser
hopewell taproom beer
Image courtesy of Hopewell Brewing Co.

Try: Hopewell Brewing Company, DryHop Brewers, Beermiscuous

 

Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is to beer lovers what Napa Valley is to wine lovers. Here, the city’s many brewery taprooms serve as the equivalent to the local bar and drinking al fresco be it on a rooftop, deck, or patio. Go in September for the Great American Beer Festival, which has been celebrating American craft brews since 1980s.

Great Divid Brewing
Image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing

Try: Great Divide Brewing, Ratio Beerworks

 

Missoula, Montana

Often overlooked as a tourist destination, Missoula, Montana should be on every craft beer lover’s must-visit. A variety of breweries offer plenty of options including a coffee brew, lightly hopped brews, and even gluten-free beers. Before sampling one or two, take advantage of the many other things Missoula has to offer, including outdoor adventures that include skiing in the colder months and water rafting in the warm ones, museums, art galleries, and restaurants that offer craft beer pairings.

Montana Ale Works
Image courtesy of Montana Ale Works

Try: Montana Ale Works, Bayern Brewing

 

Portland, Oregon

Festivals, beer dinners, and 85 breweries make Portland the ultimate destination for craft beer lovers. With many breweries within a few square blocks of each other it’s easy to visit multiple breweries in a day by foot. Outside of the breweries you’ll find even more options in gastropubs, dive pubs, and even Safeway growler stations. Visit in July for the Oregon Brewers Festival or December for the Holiday Ale Festival.

produce-row-cafe-bar-shot
Image courtesy of Produce Row

Try: Produce Row, Loyal Legion

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Soak up the sun in Albuquerque, explore Old Town, and take your pick of breweries. New Mexico’s craft brewery scene is booming and the state’s largest city has been driving the growth with nearly 20 breweries in and surrounding Albuquerque. See the action at Boxing Bear Brewing  Company where glass windows let you sneak a peek at the brewing process or head to Kelly’s Brew Pub and try to choose from the more than 20 in-house options.

Boxing Bear Brewing Co.
Image courtesy of Boxing Bear Brewing Co.

Try: Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Kelly’s Brew Pub

 

Boston, Massachusetts

Put beer and Boston in the same sentence and you’re likely thinking Sam Adams. The flagship brand of the Boston Beer Company has a more than 30-year-old history and a visit to the brewery should be on any list of things to do in Boston. In the past few years though, up and coming brewmasters have opened their own breweries in Beantown and many of the city’s bars showcase not only the local brews but ones from all over the country. Head to Sunset Grill and Tap and choose from more than 380 microbrews on tap or tour Cambridge Brewing Company and you’ll likely make a new friend as the locals are always willing to share their recommendations for the best brews.

Try: Sunset Grill & Tap, Cambridge Brewing Company

 

San Diego, California

Spring, summer, fall, winter – there’s never a wrong time to visit San Diego. Grab a spot on the beach or on a patio and raise a glass. Here the beers du jour tend to be bright, fresh brews often with hints of citrus, but with nearly 100 different breweries throughout the city there are plenty of options. Those that favor darker selections will want to try one of Alesmith stouts while sour beer fans should check out Societe.

pour beer

Try: Societe, Alesmith Brewing Company, Barrel Republic

 

Baltimore, Maryland

Plan a trip to Baltimore during baseball season. Camden Yards isn’t just home to the Orioles; it’s also home to several bars serving craft beers including Dempsey’s Brew Pub, a local favorite, which offers up some house-brews. After you’ve had your fill of sports explore the city’s other beer offerings which range from the swanky along the waterfront to dive bars, all of which are likely to be serving the city’s former craft beer National Bohemian which Pabst Brewing Company recently bought. Affectionately known as Natty Boh, the brew dates back to the 1800s and is still worth sampling even if it’s no longer a craft beer.

union brewing
Image courtesy of Union Craft Brewing

Try: Dempsey’s Brew Pub, Union Craft Brewing

 

Portland, Maine

Don’t think for a moment Portland, Maine is the “other Portland,” when it comes to craft brews. The city is arguably the birthplace of the microbrewery trend – thank you, Shipyard and Allagash and with about 17 microbreweries for every 4,000 residents there’s something for every type of craft beer fan. Go old school with a Belgian style brew from Allagash Brewing Company, organic with Peak Brewing Company or inventive with Urban Farm Fermentory, where brews use local ingredients and include ciders and kombucha tea.

craft beer

Try: Rising Tide Brewing

 

Kansas City, Missouri

The Midwest is full of great beer cities and with many in driving distance of each other you could almost plan an entire trip around them. If you can only visit one, though, pick Kansas City. The laid-back city is sometimes overlooked but Boulevard Brewery has quietly led the craft brew scene there for nearly 30 years paving the way for others to start up their own. Here you’ll find cozy taprooms, breweries with BBQ pits going outside, and a friendly atmosphere that will make you wish you could stay longer.

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Image courtesy of Boulevard Brewing Co.

Visit Boulevard Brewing Co., Cinder Block Brewery

*Featured image courtesy of DryHop Brewers