U.S. travel

Whether you’re empty nesters celebrating your newfound freedom or someone just looking for a great destination where you can unplug and while away the afternoons together, I found the best Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin resort. As we drove past vast, wide open spaces on the one hour drive from Milwaukee airport, I could literally feel my shoulders drop and my breaths lengthen. Within minutes of arriving on the lakefront, I knew this place was going to …

Being an East Coast girl, I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t spent much time (ok, any time) in the Pacific Northwest. I pictured dense forests with tall trees, cool, breezy weather and rugged outdoor activities. So what would a lounge-by-the-beach girl possibly find to do there? I was about to find out on a weekend adventure to San Juan Island and its charming seaport, Friday Harbor. Getting to the San Juan Islands is half the …

Don’t let this year’s summer road trip be “the one that got away.” Opt for a throwback Southeast road trip, kicking back at a few fish camps along the way. Originally a place for fishermen to hang their waders for the night and fry up their daily catch, today’s fish camps . still offer some of the best fishing, but also the best eating. Their no-frills accommodations are often overlooked as great places to stay, …

You might be surprised to know that Mardi Gras lasts much longer than the 5-day New Orleans grand event. For some, Mardi Gras lasts all year long, especially those responsible for building the vibrant, iconic floats for the parades. The magic happens at Mardi Gras World where more than 500 floats are built and housed for the 35+ Mardi Gras parades that happen each February. Thirty full-time artists and 300 seasonal artists work 365 days …