Empire State Building, New York

The Empire State Building is 102 stories high and is a true icon of New York City. It was completed in 1931, by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, and is in Art-Deco design. You can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views from the observation deck of the surrounding city. This landmark is one to visit if the Big Apple is on your list of destinations.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

The Guggenheim Museum is a great place to explore art exhibitions. But the building itself is a piece of art! It is truly unique with its cylindrical free-flowing design. Finished in 1956, after both the deaths of both Solomon R. Guggenheim and Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect. James Johnson Sweeney finished the construction of the building which has been said to be both awkward and beautiful.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

The 125-foot tall concrete building, the JFK Presidential Library, and Museum, opened in 1979. It was designed by architect I.M. Pei, who, at the time was a relatively unknown architect. His design uses simple geometric shapes and a meticulously landscaped grounds.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

Frank Gehry’s 2003 concert hall in Los Angeles is known as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Its design is certainly free-flowing and uses a variety of materials including stainless steel. Inside the design is polar opposite and includes rich woods like Fir and Oak that provide wonderful acoustics for the building’s concerts.  

Space Needle, Seattle

Architect Tom Kundig designed Seattle’s famous Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it is now an observation tower standing 605 feet tall. It allows for 360-degree views of the city and even has a restaurant at the top.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This 1.7-mile suspension bridge can be said to be the most famous in America. There were several engineers who designed a bridge to span across San Francisco Bay, but it was Joseph Baermann Strauss’s design that was built in 1937. The bridge is not named for its color, rather the Golden Gate Strait which is a narrow entrance between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The bridge itself is painted in orange to accentuate its features.

The White House, Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital has numerous inspiring architecture but The White House made our list for its neoclassical design. Irish-born architect James Hoban designed the house for the first president, George Washington in 1800. The White House has undergone some changes and updates throughout the years. It has been documented to have 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. That’s a lot of house! White House tours to the public are held almost every day.

PSFS Building, Philadelphia

Now known as the Loews Hotel, this 581-room hotel is in America’s first International Style-skyscraper. Built in 1932, it was designed by architects by architects William Lescaze and George Howe. The skyscraper is topped by a red neon sign with the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society’s initials (PSFS) on it which the building was originally constructed for.

Chicago Building, Chicago

The Chicago Savings Bank Building was, built in 1905 and designed by architectural firm Holabird & Roche. It is one of many buildings in the city that follow what is known as “ Chicago school of architecture”. These structures are metal framed with very large windows and terra cotta cladding. The Chicago Building makes for a beautiful city to visit.

Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas

One of the most impressive buildings in Las Vegas, the Luxor Hotel was built in 1993 and is considered “postmodern” architecture. It was designed by renowned hotel architect, Veldon Simpson. The building features an ancient Egyptian theme complete with a pyramid. Definitely, this is a popular destination on the strip.

We hope you enjoyed reading about cool buildings in the U.S.A. Which one would you like to visit first?

Send your itinerary to your family or close friends.

It is helpful to have family or close friends in the know of your whereabouts. Include where you are staying and when, how you are getting from place to place and any other travel details. Keep the knowledge that you are traveling to a need-to-know basis until you come back. It is unwise to share your travel plans online prior or during your trip.

Be informed about your destination.

Do some research on where you will be traveling. Read books, ask people you know, and use the internet. If you google safety for the location you are travelling, you’ll be sure to find out more about potential risks and tips on staying safe.

Have a list of emergency numbers.

Should you need it in an emergency, have phone numbers written down and in a safe accessible place, such as in your wallet or purse. Include phone numbers for people back home as well as the local police and officials in the area you are traveling. It also is advised to have copies of your identification, credit card info and wallet contents somewhere other than your wallet. If something goes wrong, you’ll have this information.

Get Travel Insurance.

Travel Insurance is a good idea. Just like any insurance, it’s great when you need it. Shop around as there are numerous companies that offer different coverage. 

Have emergency cash.

In a world of ATMs, it’s easy to not have cash. But in a true emergency, cash may be the key to getting the help you need. Hide some cash in a place other than your wallet or purse.

Conceal your Valuables.

Better yet, leave valuables at home. But sometimes you can’t avoid it. If you do bring anything of substantial value, make sure you hide it well to make it difficult for thievery. Hard case suitcases are better and call ahead to your lodging to see if there are any room safes or other secure storage options. Keep them in your possession and vision at all times.

Stay sober.

Sure, a business trip or personal vacation can include some social drinking. But keep in control, be responsible and aware of what is happening around you and to you.

Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile, packing light is a huge benefit. Not only will you fit more in your bag or suitcase, being organized will help you find things while you are on your trip. Here we’ve put together some useful travel tips to pack efficiently.

Don’t over pack.

While it’s sometimes difficult to make choices, consider what you pack and only bring what you will truly need. If you are traveling by airplane, or cruise ship or train, having less luggage will cost you less in baggage fees. And if you are traveling by car, less bags will free up your car for passenger space and added visibility out your windows. Last, who likes to lift heavy bags?

Start by making a list of what you need and what you need to bring. Consider the destination, weather and events. Also, choose interchangeable color-coordinating clothing. Here’s a quick list of general must haves for your trip:

1.Underwear, undershirts, bras, socks. Bring one each for each day.

2.Shirts or dresses. Pack 2 less than the number of days. Wear the same outfit to and from your trip.

3.Pants. Bring 1 pair for every 2 days you are traveling. If you need a belt, try to keep it to one.

4.Shoes. 2 pair of casual/comfortable shoes. 1 pair of formal only if needed. Pack shoes that go with many outfits.

5.Toiletries.

Make sure to follow all TSA regulations for toiletries. Regardless, bring travel-sized toiletries to save space. Choose toiletries that have multiple uses, i.e. moisturizer with sunscreen. Pack personal items like medications, glasses or contacts. Remember that many toiletries can be purchased at your destination.

Roll your clothing.

It has been well studied that rolling your clothing is the most efficient way to pack because it saves space. Rolling your clothes compresses them as well as making it easy to stack your items in your bag or suitcase.

Take any soft clothing you have, underwear, t-shirts, pjs, and tightly roll them. The stiffer fabric items, like jeans or blazers should be folded. If you are concerned about wrinkling dressier fabrics, you can carefully fold these. Regardless of rolling and folding, take care in this process to reduce wrinkling. Make sure you are strategic in fitting the most in your bag with room to spare.

It’s Packing Time.

Once your rolled or folded your clothes and gathered your toiletries, it’s time to pack your bag or suitcase. Here are some tips:

1. Put socks/underwear into your shoes to save space. Wrap your shoes in a disposable plastic bag to keep other items in your bag clean and place shoes at the bottom of your suitcase.
2. The next items should be heavier-weight clothing like jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, wool blazers. If you have rolled your clothing, placing items tightly together will prevent unrolling. On top of these are the lighter weight clothing items, shirts, tshirts, pants etc.
3. Any other items that you need to fit into the crevices should be added. Belts, underwear, undershirts, bras, etc.
4. If you have opted to fold any items, these should be placed on top. When you arrive at your destination, it’s good to remove these right away to help with wrinkling.
5. Toiletries and extraneous items should be on top or around edges where they fit.

Final Touches.

Lay a dry-cleaning bag on top. It helps keep finer clothing wrinkle-free.

Place toiletries in a clear resealable bag. This will avoid mishaps should something spill and make finding items easier.

Store your jewelry in small containers.

Don’t forget important stuff. Pack electronic chargers, medications, passports, sunglasses and other necessary items.

Bring a compression bag. It’s a nice idea to purchase a compression bag for travel purposes. Use it to place your dirty laundry in on your trip. Simply add your dirty laundry in it and before heading home, you can compress the bag and its contents. It will easily fit into your bag and make laundry easier when you arrive home.

While staying the course to healthy eating is challenging while on vacation or on a business trip, there are ways to plan ahead and keep more of that balance. We’ll show you that eating healthy while traveling is possible and by doing this, your travel experience will be better for it.

Start with a Nutritious Breakfast

Make it a point to start off your day with a healthy meal. Breakfast is a meal that you have the best chances to control because it’s the first thing in the morning. Plan the night before, at least where and what you will eat. Make good choices such as eggs or oatmeal, or yogurt with fruit. Food that has protein will help to maintain your energy level throughout your day. This will help you to make better food choices later.

Pack your own snacks.

Taking the time to pack your own healthy snacks will provide you with energy needed during travel while avoiding the need to purchase unhealthy snacks when you get hungry. Pack your snacks in portion-size to make it easy for you and to not overindulge on munchies. Great snacks for travel include homemade granola bites or purchased granola, fresh or dried fruit, and low-salt nuts. If you want something a bit salty or indulgent, kale chips, popcorn or dark chocolate are good options.

If you are unable to bring your own snacks, make sure to make smart choices at airports and rest stops in purchasing food items. Read labels to consider sugar and salt levels. Again, fresh or dried fruit make a quick healthy snack. The less ingredients in a snack, usually the better.

Stay hydrated.

Don’t forget to bring and drink plenty of water. If traveling in the car, store a small cooler in the main part of your car stocked with water so that you can easily access. If traveling by airplane, consider bringing an empty bottle which you can then fill once past security. While many travelers love to drink coffee, keep this to a minimum. Tea and seltzer water can make good water alternatives while on the go. Watch your salt intake salty snack will further parch your body. Choose juicy fruits such as strawberries, melons, and oranges which are hydrating. Remember that hydration is so important despite additional restroom stops because of it.

Plan your Meals.

Eating airline food or drive-thru food can be unhealthy. Instead, plan ahead. Options at the terminal tend to be healthier than the meal options onboard the plane. Visit the restaurants at the terminal ahead of time and make wise choices and customizations to make your meal the healthiest option. If you are on a car trip, scout out ahead of time restaurants that are on-route so that you can stop and have a good nutritious meal.

When making your lodging arrangements, consider choosing a hotel room with a mini-fridge to help you eat healthy. Stock up on fruit and salads. Think about renting a home or apartment that is equipped with a kitchen so that you may opt to cook some meals instead of dining out. Scout out ahead of time where local food shops are so that you can stock up on nutritious food when you arrive.

Being prepared and giving it some thought ahead of time are the ways you will succeed in making healthy food choices while traveling. Make sure to try some local foods to enjoy the culture where ever you travel but keep balance eating healthfully. By keeping a balance during your travels, you’ll be healthier and return back to routine life with ease. 

Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii

Hawaii is home to many gorgeous beaches. Hapuna beach is no exception. This half-mile beach is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a wonderful family beach. Its soft white sand is warmed by sun on most days. Lifeguards are staffed year round and the water has a shore break which makes it great for kids to play in. There is a shaded area by the beach as well. The north and south ends are great areas for snorkeling.

Manele Bay, Hawaii

At Manele Bay, located on the island of Lanai, you’ll find amazing kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. Its water is a warm, 70 degrees and the reef is shallow which makes it great for kids. It is a marine preserve of colorful fish and the seafloor is mostly sand and gravel. Smooth sand and grass lawns make this beach a wonderful place to relax and picnic.

Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod and the islands of Massachusetts host some wonderful beaches. The Coast Guard Beach makes our list because of its picturesque views of the bay. This beach has beautifully soft white sand and rolling sand dunes and seagrass. You also are bound to spot seals playing along its shores.

Jetties Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, an island off the shores of Massachusetts, has Jetties Beach with bright blue, calm waters. Rent a sailboat or windsurf at this destination. There is a convenient beach-side restaurant and a playground nearby. A former whaling village, Nantucket is a charming backdrop to this beach.

Cape May, New Jersey

In the southern-most point of the shore, you’ll find Cape May beach in New Jersey. This beach is backdropped with charming Victorian houses. Take a bike ride on the boardwalk here. The beach offers great swimming and relaxation and maybe even sightings of dolphins.

Coopers Beach, New York

While in Long Island, New York, this beach in the summer feels like you are on a Caribbean vacation. Coopers Beach has wide sand and pristine waters. Enjoy body surfing and swimming in the rolling waves of this beach. The area mansions and dunes make for a scenic backdrop.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This family-friendly destination on the east coast in Virginia makes our list of beaches to visit. It has miles of soft sand and good waves to bodysurf. Enjoy the boardwalk for strolling or biking. The area has lots of eateries, shops, and museums.

Lighthouse Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina

This pretty beach in the popular Outer Banks has amazing surfing because of large number of fish that expend energy toward the coast. The beach is staffed with lifeguards which makes for a great family beach. And its coastline is ever changing depending on the tide.

Coligny Beach, South Carolina

This beach in South Carolina is unique as it has hard-packed sand which is great for running or bike rides on the beach. It is a wide, clean and serene beach, great for sitting in a chair with a good book. This beach is great for families too as it is easy to access and has lots of local shops and restaurants.

Grayton Beach State Park, Florida

Located in northwest Florida, Grayton Beach is close to the Gulf of Mexico. This paradise of a beach has a wide expanse of fine sand and its water is a mix of salt and freshwater. Wildlife here is abundant including the endangered species, the Gopher Tortoise.

Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

Only accessible by boat, Caladesi Island State Park provided a secluded beach experience in Florida. Take the ferry from Honeymoon Island and enjoy swimming, discovering shells, kayaking, and spotting animals like dolphins and tortoise.

Rialto Beach, Washington

Massive rocks line the coast of this beautiful beach in Washington where you can explore hidden caves. Large waves crash into a beach filled with driftwood. Whales, otters, and seals are all regular visitors as well.

Coronado Beach, California

This beach is located in San Diego and is a fun family destination. Its sand is golden in color due to high mineral content. The beach is set in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado with its Victorian architecture and red roof. It’s a very flat beach which makes or great walking and swimming. Local shops and restaurants make this a top beach to discover.

South State Beach, California

This Californian beach in Carlsbad, offers hiking, swimming, fishing and even overnight camping. Located on one of the rugged coasts of California, this remote beach is one of the most natural and beautiful.

So that’s our list of beaches in America to visit. Did your favorite beach make our list?

In America, you all are familiar with many town and city names. There are the towns we grew up in, cities you’ve traveled to and the places you see in the news, read about in books, or hear of through friends. But there are many places in the U.S., you may not be aware they even existed. Some of these places names are so strange you won’t believe they are real. But they are indeed genuine places with crazy names.

#1 Pig, Kentucky

Pig is a town located in Kentucky. It was so named after many disputes over what name to choose. It is reported that one of the town’s residents spotted a small hog on a road and then the name “Pig” was accepted. Goes to show that fighting benefits no-one.

#2 Chicken, Alaska

The town of Chicken, Alaska got it’s name from the prevalence of a medium sized gamebird there. The name of the bird, “ptarmigan”, was suggested as the official town name. However, the spelling of ptarmigan is challenging and so “chicken” was used to avoid embarrassment.

#3 Toad Suck, Arkansas

“The origin of the name Toad Suck is not clear. Some say it got its name  when rivermen would gather at the local tavern and they would “suck on the bottle ’til they swell up like toads”. Others believe the name originated from a French phrase that means “a narrow channel in the river”. Either way, today the town of Toad Suck is pretty unique.

#3 Belchertown, Massachusetts

While the name Belchertown sounds like its name originated for an obvious reason,  the real deal is that it’s named after Jonathan Belcher, a colonial governor of Massachusetts.

#5 Gas, Kansas

The name of this town allows for a lot of jokes! “You just passed Gas.” Gas got its name when, no surprise, natural gas was discovered in the area in 1898.

#6 Boring, Oregon

Whether or not it is a boring place is to be determined. But, Boring, Oregon sure does have a funny name. Boring is named after William Harrison Boring, a Union soldier and pioneer whose family first settled the area in 1856 in the Oregon Territory.

#7 Ding Dong, Texas

Ding Dong sounds like a doorbell but it is also the name of a town in central Texas. Ding Dong was named when two early settlers in the community, Zulis Bell, and Bert Bell, opened a store. The store’s sign depicted two bells on it with the initials of the Bell brothers. Underneath the bells were the words “Ding” and “Dong”. Over the years, because of this sign, this town became known as Ding Dong.

#8 What Cheer, Iowa

There are a few theories of where the name “What Cheer” came from. One is that a Scottish miner exclaimed “What cheer!” on discovering a coal seam near town. Another theory suggests that it comes from an ancient English greeting “what cheer with you”. Regardless of where the name came from, the people there must be very happy.

#9 Zzyzx, California

This town was formerly known as Soda Springs. American radio evangelist Curtis Howe Springer gave the made-up name Zzyzx to the area in 1944, claiming it to be the last word in the English language. He was known to be a con-artist. That would explain the strangeness of this town’s name.

#10 Two Egg, Florida

Two Egg, Florida, got its name during the Great Depression. According to local folklore, two young boys were so poor that they purchased sugar from a local store by giving them two eggs. Not only did this trade give way to naming the town but the term “two egg store” spread nationally.

#11 Oatmeal, Texas

One belief in this community’s name is an alteration of the name “Othneil” –  a man with this name was the area’s first gristmill owner. Alternatively, Oatmeal could be a translation of the name German name Habermill (Haber meaning “oats”. Either way, this town sounds warm and wholesome.

#12 Booger Hole, West Virginia

While the name Booger Hole can’t help but make you laugh, this town was horribly subjected to a number of murders during a short period of time in the early 1900s. It’s community formed what they referred to as a “mob” who threatened to “get bloodhounds and detectives and run [the murderer] to the ends of the earth.” Although many think the name of this town is derived from this violence as in “boogieman”, others believe the town was named this already at the time of the murders. No matter why the town was named this, it is still a weird town name.

#13 Loafers Glory, North Carolina

Loafers Glory is located in North Carolina. Definitely sounds like you’d find a lot of shoes there. Actually, this town was named for the idle, or “loafing” men who commonplace at the town’s general store.

#14 Pee Pee, Ohio

The final strange town on our list is the town of Pee Pee. (hee hee) It took its name from Pee Pee Creek which was so named when an early settler carved his initials P. P. on a tree along its banks.

#1 Prepare your automobile.

Whether you are taking your car, minivan or RV on your trip, make sure you check to make sure it is functioning well. Does it need an oil change or any maintenance service? Are your brakes working as they should? Are the tires and spare tire inflated properly? Do you have windshield washer fluid? Consider having a mechanic check your vehicle to make sure everything is functioning properly. Make sure you have an emergency kit with jumper cables available. The effort now will give you peace of mind on the road.

#2 Get your paperwork in order. 

Make sure your driver’s license, registration, and insurance are all up to date and that you have these documents with you and easily accessible. No one wants the trouble that not having these would cause. Also, pay any traffic or parking tickets. Read up on local laws, for example, cell phone usage laws can differ state to state. In addition, if you aren’t already, become a member of a roadside assistance membership, such as AAA. It will be helpful should you need some help along the way. Consider signing up for a toll pass to be able to travel toll roads with ease.

#3 Pack thoughtfully and strategically.

When you pack your bags and your vehicle, make sure you pack only what you need and will use so as not to over pack. You don’t want your vehicle so full that you become a target for theft. At the same time, overpacking makes it very difficult for you to find what you need. It makes sense to take some time to list out what you actually need and to pack them in separate bags that you’ll access while on the road and when you reach your destination. Have a bag in the passenger area that has necessities you’ll need along the way –  tissues,  wet wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, trash bags, etc. Pack a cooler for snack and drinks.

#4  Synchronize your bathroom and food breaks.

Assuming you won’t be alone on this road trip, make it a rule that when you stop, everyone in the car tries to use the bathroom. Equally helpful is to have everyone get food at the same time. This will reduce the number of stops you’ll need to make.

#5 Clean car before and as you go.

As part of preparing your vehicle, start by making sure it’s clean. It will make your experience that much better. Use trash bags and clean your car as you go. Use rest stop trash cans to empty your car.

#6 Have activities available.

While a road trip is interesting and fun, there will be lots of time where you will not find it so. Make sure the driver packs some audio options, books on tape, podcasts etc. Gum and crunchy apples also help keep the driver alert. Equally important, the passengers should pack some things to keep occupied. Movies, books, small toys for kids are all good options. Sometimes it’s fun to incorporate learning about the states you visit as you go.

#7 Make a general plan.

This one seems obvious but it’s a good idea to do some research and plan out your route and some stops and a general timeline. The key here though is a “general” plan. Don’t over plan. Remember though that a road trip should remain flexible. Some things will happen that are not in your control. Traffic, detours, a tired driver, grumpy passengers, and so many unimaginable scenarios can occur. It’s all part of the experience. Sometimes the unexpected can afford the most enjoyable or memorable piece of it. So use these tips and then let the journey happen. Enjoy your trip!

But what do we teach children when we travel? Of course, visiting a new country teaches kids about new cultures and languages. But in addition, kids learn endless things about life and people. By being immersed in a new community and their way of life, they observe similarities and differences. They are also exposed to new climates and nature. This change in environment and culture is a huge benefit in educating them.

Want to provide your kids more travel experiences? Here’s how to make the most out of your trips with your children:

1. Make sure you discuss the experiences you have with your children. By coming together after an experience and talking about observations, what you enjoyed, what you learned, you’ll add a deeper meaning and educational value to your experience.
2.  Can’t do a big trip right now? You don’t have to always take time off from work and school and invest big money into expensive, across-the-world trips. Many times, the best moments are ones that are simple and not grandiose. Use weekends to explore local destinations including beaches and outdoor parks and trails. Art galleries, museums, and theater productions offer experiences that do expose your children to other cultures. Use online resources and apps to discover what’s around you to plan new experiences with your kids.
3. Use food to teach your kids about different countries and food traditions. When meal planning, take the opportunity now and again to take your kids to the store to pick out ingredients for a meal traditionally cooked in another part of the world. Read up on recipes and have them help prepare the meal. Kids will benefit from learning and may even be more adventurous in eating new kinds of food.
4. Reading travel books is a great way to expose your kids to new places. Go to the library and borrow travel books. Kids love reading about different places in the world. This can be a great way to plan a future trip as well.
5. There are also great travel documentaries available that you can watch with your kids. These movies are filmed in faraway places and bring great learning about various cultures. It’s also exciting for kids (and adults alike) to visit movie locations while traveling. Point out places you’ve visited in the past in movies or tv shows.
6. Make a family savings plan for your next vacation. We all have a budget and sometimes travel is cost-prohibitive. But if you save a little bit at a time and make realistic goals, it is worthwhile and fun to save as a family for a trip together. Planning, saving, and researching your family’s next destination is educational in and of itself!

While it’s a year-round destination, early Spring in Phoenix is the best time to visit. The temperature is mild, usually in the 70s and because early Spring is the end of prime time to visit, you may be able to score better pricing on things. It is also a pleasant time to visit Phoenix with the added attraction of blooming cacti and wildflowers. Explore the Sonoran Desert by hiking, biking, or kayaking. Don’t forget Phoenix’s famous golf courses.

#6 Portland, Maine

Spring is a great time to visit the Greater Portland region of Maine. Usually held the last Sunday in March, maple syrup farms welcome the public to learn more about tapping maple trees, making and sampling syrup. The Portland Flower Show and the Maine Boatbuilders Show are wonderful excursions. Get outside for walks on the Boulevard or in the Maine Wildlife Park, take a canoe or kayak ride through the Scarborough Marsh or a cruise on the Bay or in the Harbor.

#7 Naples, Florida

Naples is not a popular Spring Break destination so it is a relaxing place to vacation. Daytime temperatures this time of year hover in the 80s which is perfect beach or golf weather. Festivals include the Old Florida Festival and the Great Dock Canoe Race.

#8 Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is beautiful this time of year with vibrant colors of azaleas, dogwoods and other flowers in bloom. Visit one of Charleston’s area beaches for a beautiful walk in the warm sand. Temperatures are mild in the 60s to 70s this time of year, perfect for outdoor activities. The Piccolo Spoleto is a huge art festival with plenty of events that are either low cost or free. Walking tours, museums and shopping all are wonderful activities to do.

#9 New York City, New York

New York has so much to offer year-round but Spring is great as the weather is usually in the 60s to 70s. Shop, site see, walk the parks and attend the flea markets and festivals, like the Macy’s Flower Show. TheFrieze New York is an annual art fair that happens in May. The best Broadway shows tend to come out this time of year as well.

#10 Chicago Illinois

The ideal time to visit Chicago is April through May. Temperatures are warm and walking the city is comfortable. Bring a jacket as sometimes there is rain and temperatures can fall a little on the cool side. There are a variety of festivals that take place and crowds are manageable. Check out the Chicago Improv fesival.

]]> https://travel.50states.com/12-breathtaking-views-u-s-roads/ Sat, 24 Feb 2018 18:19:08 +0000 http://travel.50states.com/?p=171 [...]]]> Discover breathtaking views on U.S. Roads.

Planning a road trip across the U.S.? It’s a wonderful way to take in America’s majestic beauty. Make sure you include some of these top scenic drives in your travel itinerary for some breathtaking views. These spectacular roads become a destination rather than simply a way to get somewhere. You’ll experience striking views of the water, mountains, nature, and historical architecture.  Here are our top 12 scenic roads.

#1 Hana Highway, Maui Hawaii

The 52 mile road from Kahului to Hana, it is well worth the time and effort to drive. This extremely curvy road snakes you alongside cliffs over the deep blue waters below. Make sure you stop along the way to appreciate the views and to enjoy local roadside refreshment. Hana has a red sand beach where you can sometimes spot endangered monk seals.

#2 Blue Ridge Parkway, Carolinas and Virginia

This is nearly 500 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks. Surely a beautiful winding drive, the road was built for travelers seeking Appalachian views. Any time of the year, it provides amazing panoramic views. Experience foliage, ski resorts, and bird spotting (over 50 resident species).

#3 Overseas Highway, Route 1, Florida Keys

From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway connects these Florida islands in the turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll experience a beautiful drive past lighthouses, underwater coral-reef parks, and across the 7 Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world.

#4 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

The architecture that lines Lake Michigan is worth the trip, beginning at Hollywood and extending to Jackson Park. This 26 mile trip includes the downtown buldings, the Willis Tower—formerly the Sears Tower, the Burnham and Root’s Rookery, and Mies van der Rohe architecture.

#5 Bluebonnet Trail, Texas

Texas’ most amazing views are found between Austin and Houston, especially from March to May when the wild bluebonnet flowers are in bloom. Explore seven interconnected lakes found on the Colorado River. Lake Buchanan is popular for it’s fishing and beautiful vistas.

#6 Route 12, Utah

From Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, this majestic road extends 124 miles. You’ll notice significant altitudes up to 9,000 feet and get wonderful vistas of beautiful forests, mountains and red rock and sandstone canyons. Make sure to take pit stops and drive careful on this road’s skinny cliff-hanging area called the “Hogback”.

#7 North Shore Drive, Minnesota

This drive in Minnesota includes Lake Superior’s glacial shoreline. As you drive from Duluth toward Two Harbors, you will get beautiful water views of of Gitche Gumee. Beautiful dense birch and maple trees line the ocean. You may also spot ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

#8 Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Though the White Mountains in New Hampshire is a 36 mile trip especially beautiful in the fall to view the spectacular foliage. October is a pinacle month to view many trees ( birch, maple, alder and more) change colors in a beautiful spectrum.

#9 Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

This beautiful road, through the Rocky Mountain National Park, is fully paved making it a comfortable drive through winding curves as high as 12,183 feet. Historically, this route over the Continental Divide was originated by the Native Americans. You’ll see wildlife including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep

#10 Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Highway 101 is the only way to travel. It circles around the largest road-free area in the continental U.S. Starting in Seattle, you’ll witness the Hoh River rainforest, filled with ancient Sitka spruce. Once you reach Hurricane Ridge, you’ll get views of the San Juan Islands. Visit the Olympic beaches at low tide to experience sand dollars, starfish, and other sea life.

#11 Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

The trip from Anchorage to Valdez will afford you majestic views past prehistoric glaciers and into incredibly peaked mountain ranges. This 300-mile journey will allow you to see the trans-Alaska pipeline. Closer to Valdez, you’ll come down in elevation to sea level and witness waterfalls of Keystone Canyon which spills into Prince William Sound.  

#12 The High Road, New Mexico

The 56-mile road that goes from Santa Fe to Taos provides amazing views of deserts, forests, wildflower meadows, ancient Indian settlements and 17th-century adobe towns. You’ll journey from Sangre de Cristos to the Rocky Mountains witnessing breathtaking high-elevation canyon views over Truchas Peak.