MUSINGS FROM US TO YOU.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be whatever you want to make of it. After all, the trail spans over 2,100 miles and is housed within 14 states. So, while a multi-day thru-hike might be your thing, it’s totally understandable if you want to stick to the day hikes. Any Appalachian Trail map is going to show you some of the spots to check out along the most popular routes. But, if scouring over a full map of the Appalachian Trail isn’t in the cards for you, here are some of the best day hikes that you should be sure to check out.

Cove Mountain
Located in Tennessee, the hike up Cove Mountain is about 7.5 miles and gains an elevation of about 2,000 feet. The trek will include making your way across wooden bridges and even passing by a waterfall. Some of the other sites you can expect to see are the James River, the Town of Buchanan, and Purgatory Mountain. You’ll also get a good sighting of Cove Creek Valley.

Angel’s Rest
Don’t confuse this hike with the Angel’s Rest located in Oregon. This 4.5 mile hike is located in Pearisburg, Virginia. Though it isn’t very long, the trek does gain about 1,600 feet of elevation, which is sure to make you break a sweat. However, it’s well worth it when you reach the top and can take a rest atop the iconic boulder. The views of the New River and the town of Pearisburg aren’t too bad either.

Kelly’s Knob
If you’re looking for a more challenging day hike, check out Kelly’s Knob, which is also located in Virginia. This journey will lead you through the forest canopy to the knob, which is situated between Johns Creek Mountain and Clover Hollow Mountain. It’s a bit of a longer hike at 6.5 miles round trip, but you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights around you as you go.

Blood Mountain
Blood Mountain, while it may sound daunting, is actually one of the best hikes in all of Georgia. It actually is said to have got its name from a battle between two Native American tribes. So, don’t worry. You’re unlikely to shed any blood on this mountain nowadays. Instead, you’ll enjoy some stunning scenery along its 4 mile loop.

Raven Cliff Falls
If you’re in North Carolina, you won’t want to miss Raven Cliff Falls. The trail is packed with smaller waterfalls that all lead to a stunning 40-foot cascade that stems from atop a daunting cliff. Along the 2.5 miles to reach the last waterfall, you’ll be greeted with blooming flowers, vibrant green moss, and towering trees. This is a relaxing trail nestled in the forest canopy that is sure to make your top list of Appalachian Trail hikes.

The state of New Hampshire has 48 4,000-foot mountains to climb. If you’re an avid climber, we definitely recommend trying to tackle them all at some point in your life, as they all provide absolutely stunning experiences. If that’s your thing, then investing in an NH 4,000 footer map can help you customize your climbs even further and commemorate each trip.
 
Of course, 48 climbs might not be the most realistic for every climber. So, next time you’re in the state, make sure to check out at least one of these.

Mount Washington
Mount Washington is the tallest and most famous of the New Hampshire 48. It isn’t the easiest climb, but it promises a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain ranges that you really will not want to miss. On a clear day, the views from the summit can extend far beyond New Hampshire — sometimes as far as 130 miles to Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Mount Pierce
This is a great option for those hikers who are looking for spectacular views without so much strenuous physical activity involved. At the summit, you’ll have nearly 360-degree views, including Mount Washington’s southern aspect, the Ammonoosuc Ravine and the Cog Railway. The great part about Mount Pierce is the sheer number of paths to get to and from the top. Whether it’s your first time hiking the mountain or you’re a seasoned alum, you’ll surely still be surprised by all it has to offer.

Mount Carrigan
This 10-mile hike is well worth the time and effort it will take to get to the summit. Luckily, it’s only five miles in each direction — and the view from the top is sure to take your mind off the steps it took to get there. From the summit, you’ll have views of Mount Washington and the mighty Presidential Range, as well as the Pemigewasset Wilderness and Signal Ridge.

Mount Madison
Mount Madison is another of the more difficult hikes, though it is well worth the sweat for the stunning views that you’re going to get at the top. Despite being under eight miles round trip, this is a route that is rocky and rugged. It also gains roughly 3,500 feet in elevation. Once at the summit, the dramatic sightings of Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, and Mount Washington will be undeniably magnificent.

Cannon Mountain
If a lower effort hike sounds like it's more in the cards for you, then try Cannon Mountain. This is a 4.4-mile round trip hike up the Hi-Cannon Trail, and it only gains around 2,000 feet throughout the course of the trip to the top. Once you reach the summit, you’ll have a great vantage point to spot the Franconia Ridge and, of course, will be able to spot the Presidentials as well. To the south, you will be able to see the Kinsmans. To the west, you’ll spot the Connecticut River and Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Do you have an avid golfer in your life? If you aren’t as familiar with the sport, it can be tricky to figure out what to get for the person you know who is always hitting the fairway. But, rest assured there are plenty of great easy and accessible presents you can consider for them. From golf course art to a subscription box, consider one of these next time you’re looking for that perfect gift for your special someone.

Golf Course Art
One of the more unique gifts you might consider for anyone who loves golf is a piece of art to commemorate their favorite courses. For example, you could commission a custom golf course map. The piece will beautifully depict the golf course layout and allow your loved one to have a piece of their favorite course wherever they choose, whether that’s their office, their bedroom, or anywhere else. Another piece of golf course art to consider might be a map of the top courses in your region, or in the entire country.

Golf Subscription Box
This is a great idea if you’re having trouble settling on one item. Maybe you aren’t quite sure what they’ve got or what they’ll use. Or, you just want to be able to give your loved one a variety of items without breaking the bank. In either case, find a subscription box! These boxes will be sent to the recipient on an ongoing basis (monthly, quarterly, etc) and will include a ton of items from clothing to equipment for them to use on their next golfing trip.

Refillable Golf Log
If you have a more sentimental or competitive golfer in your life, they might like to record their games to look back on — whether to improve their scores next time or just remember their games for old times sake. If so, then consider buying them a refillable golf log. This will allow them to track their games without ever running out of room — since the log is refillable.

One of the best parts about a ski resort is that, while the slopes are bound to be a great time, there are also generally a ton of other activities to partake in. So, whether you’re looking for a break from skiing, or the sport just isn’t your thing, there’s still always something to do. Did you know that some of the best golf resorts in the world are hosted at ski resorts?

That’s right, next time you’re pouring over a ski map for your next vacation, don’t rule out a tee time as well.

Telluride Ski & Golf Resort
Golfing at the Telluride Ski & Golf Resort feels like you’ve found a hidden treasure. As you’ll know by looking at any Colorado mountain map, Telluride is home to the highest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks in the United States — and you could be nestled right in between those peaks for your next 18 holes. Surrounded by fir and aspen forests, the Telluride Ski & Golf Resorts greenway shouldn’t be missed.

Traveling with kids can be both daunting and rewarding. While finding the perfect destination might take a bit of extra care and consideration, you are bound to make some of the best memories once you do so. The U.S. National Parks are some of the best places to take the whole family, because the outdoor activities are endless. While you could literally just pick up a National Parks map and point to any random destination, there are a few that are even better suited for kids and families.

Next time you’re looking for a place to visit with the kids, consider one of these state parks.

The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona. This natural chasm in the early stretches 277 river miles in length. At certain points, it reaches up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, according to the National Park Service. There are a ton of activities from camping to hiking to river expeditions, making it close to impossible for your family to not find the perfect activities. There is just so much to explore, which is one of the reasons that the Grand Canyon is the perfect destination for your kids with curious minds.

Yellowstone National Park
If you take a look at any Wyoming National Parks map, Yellowstone National Park is sure to stand out. It is one of six that are within the state, and it is surely the best one to plan a trip for the whole family. The park sits atop a volcano, making it a site filled with geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and more. It is a beautiful park with so much to explore, and your family is sure to spot a few bison roaming around as well.

Everglades National Park
While it isn’t as popular as some of the other spots on the U.S. National Parks Map, Everglades National Park is full of wildlife to explore. As one of the largest National Parks, the Everglades has several beautiful hiking trails, where you are sure to spot an alligator or two (or more!) as well as many birds, snakes, insects and more. If your kids love animals, this is the place to go. You can even finish your visit with an airboat ride, which is sure to be a thrilling addition to the trip.

Great Sand Dunes
Once again, this choice is something of an oddball. The Great Sand Dunes are quite different from many of the other national parks, and it is surely not what comes to mind when you think of a family vacation. But, you and your family are sure to have a blast sandboarding a sledding — and the sunsets and sunrises at the Great Sand Dunes cannot be missed. Next time you’re looking for a place to take the kids that’s maybe a bit more laid back and relaxing than some of the other national parks, make sure you consider the Great Sand Dunes.

New Hampshire offers 48 mountains that reach 4,000 feet in elevation. Mount Washington is the tallest, exceeding 6,200 feet. Although most of the peaks are located in the White Mountains, you can find them in everything from the Carter Moriah Range to the Sandwich Range.

The White Mounts of NH make hiking 4,000 footers a fantastic experience. When you combine your journey with the memories of custom New Hampshire art, you’ll have something that reminds you of how much fun you had every time you see it.

With over 63 national parks to explore, the United States provides over 230 million recreational visits to global visitors annually. Some of the country’s most famous landmarks are found in these protected areas, ranging from the Grand Canyon to the stunning heights of Denali.

National park posters and maps provide a unique way to commemorate your visit to one of these incredible natural destinations. Here are some of the top protected areas to consider seeing when you get the itch to explore.

Anyone can find a great experience when referencing a list of the top 100 greatest golf courses in the US or another country. You can search for the top public golf courses, the best 200 golf courses in the world, or spend your time pouring over golf maps to find a new favorite spot.

Several underrated golf courses are out there where reserving a tee time is affordable and fun. If you haven’t taken a swing at one of these excellent destinations, you should plan a trip this year.

For many, the dream of taking an extended trip with an RV has turned into a reality. With different travel vans and other vehicles making it comfortable to drive and camp without a ton of extra gear, the open road is calling.

Let's talk about America and some of its hidden gems. 

Most underrated cities can become more than just another city to visit... it can become an adventure of a lifetime! Of course, there are too many to list here and we thought that the following 4 cities stood out more than others and they could go on your 2020 bucket list! Let us know what you think.

1.Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you like beer you have to try this place out. 

Just an hour-and-a-half north of Chicago on Lake Michigan, the city is best known for its old-school beer scene. It’s the home of Miller and you can still take a tour of the old brewery. (I don’t know about you, but beer is one of my best friends). It is pure kitsch meets day-drinking, so this is always a good idea!

The food is also one for the books as Milwaukee’s food scene is stellar. Imagine a mix of migrant-American fare combined with European comfort foods and a deep love of locally-grown and seasonal treats.

NOW DOESN’T THAT SOUND GOOD?!

2. Seattle, Washington

Beautiful Seattle kind of has it all, it's beautiful, alive and so full of stunning scenery. It’s a bounty for nature lovers (so if you are a nature lover like me, then go go go, it's amazing ) — with access to National parks, inland seas, lakes, wilderness, and Alpine mountains. There is just so much beauty to see. 

Also, it’s a music lover’s paradise with some of the best venues for rock in the country. Then there’s the wine. (You know that was coming!). It’s hard to beat Seattle when it comes to wine, thanks to the heavy agriculture on the eastern side of the state and the Pacific Ocean to the west. 

3. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is a big city with a small-town feel. It’s also cheap enough to hook you into staying awhile. The bar, baseball, and meat-centric food scene all deserve a look. There’s a great burgeoning street art scene and… did I  mention it’s inexpensive?

There is one spot you can not miss and that is Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, according to my meat-loving friends. Kansas City barbecue it all about low-and-slow with a lot of smoke. The meat is rubbed with a dry mix of salts and spices and then served with a tomato-based barbecue sauce that’s usually tangy, sweet, and spicy.

4.Savannah, Georgia

Do you feel like going on a time travel with me? Well, Savannah feels like a place from a different time. The humidity in the air, the Spanish moss billowing in the breeze, and the surrounding marshy flats leading to the ocean are a transformative corner of America. There’s a beauty to the place — both cultural and natural — that draws you in and tempts you. It's a place you will never regret going too. 

Have you been to any of these? Let us know what you think!

 

Solo travel is super fun, and can be super safe with these helpful tips! We got your back girlfriend!