Delaware Road Trip: Beaches, History, And Charming Towns

Cruise up Route 1 along the Delaware coast and you will be treated to spectacular ocean views, sumptuous fresh seafood, and tax-free shopping.

Boasting casual beachy accommodations and oceans views that go on for days, historic cities and charming towns, the little state of Delaware is road trip worthy.

North Ocean City

Start your Delaware road trip in Ocean City (that would be Maryland). Drive north, and when you pass 146th street in North Ocean City, you have arrived in Delaware.

Kick off your drive with a stop at On The Bay Seafood for all things crab: crab cakes, soft shell crabs, Maryland crab soup, crab clusters, and other regional delicacies. Enjoy all the yummy seafood goodness on their fun outdoor patio paired with an iced sweet tea or cold draft.

Fenwick Island

The little sister of Delaware beaches, Fenwick Island is a picturesque spot.

If you are a lighthouse chaser, then Fenwick Island Lighthouse, whose first official lighting was in 1859, is certainly worth a stop.

Fenwick Island State Park is a quiet slice of beach just on the other side of hectic Ocean City. The park has a beautiful sandy beach that attracts families who enjoy swimming and splashing in the Atlantic. Amenities include a bathhouse, snack shack, lifeguards, umbrella and chair rentals, and Mobi-Mat equipment for accessibility.

Coastal Kayak offers kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat tours, rentals, and instruction. If you want to relax and enjoy the sites, sign up for the Sailing Nature Tour for a unique adventure. They sail catamarans and sometimes waves happen—getting wet is part of the fun right?

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is a quiet, family-friendly town with a beautiful beach and a relaxing vacation vibe.

Enjoy coastal casual fine dining at Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar. Ask for a seat on the porch, where you will have a view of the pond under romantic lighting. Dine on oyster stew, corn-fried Chesapeake blue catfish, or crab fra diavolo served with a side of Dirty Duck Fat Brussels. Pair it with one of their amazing wines, like Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, and you will reach dining nirvana.

Biking around this sweet beach village is the perfect combination of exercise and sightseeing. Rent a bike from Ocean Cycles. Enjoy a low-energy, relaxing ride along the shoreline, where you can stop frequently and take in the panoramic views.

Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is the party beach. It is where all the action is happening. When you hit the town, it welcomes you with a rock and roll vibe that doesn’t stop. You can play all day at the beach and party all night on the boardwalk.

You want to jet ski, play beach volleyball, parasail, wakeboard, water ski, or windsurf, this is the place!

You must stop at the Starboard for its legendary Sunday brunch. Be sure to try out the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Expect this joint to be jumpin’; it’s always busy, it’s always loud, and it’s always fun!

Do you crave a great party, check out Bottle and Cork, a 21+ venue where you can see live entertainers — maybe Justin Moore, Miranda Lambert, or Goo Goo Dolls, jamming, rocking, and rolling all night long.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is just a few minutes north of Dewey Beach, making it a great place to stop for a day or two. You can access all the craziness of Dewey Beach and return to a quaint foodie town to regenerate.

Stop by Jam Bistro for a happy hour signature martini and stay for their seasonally inspired, locally grown, organic cuisine. Try the Kobe beef burger with bacon and onion jam or the Jam’s Salmon with edamame guacamole.

Beer aficionados all know about Dogfish Head. Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats in Rehoboth offers exclusive on-tap brews like the Much Malarkey Irish stout and their Macaron Rose Framboise sour ale. You can grab a beer or pizza to pair with your favorite draft. If you are interested in the Dogfish Head Tasting Room, take a side trip to Milton to experience a multitude of frothy goodness.

For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, try The Ice Cream Store. Don’t be surprised if it takes you a while to decide on a flavor. Go for the Bacon Maple Crunch or the Chocolate I Don’t Give A Fork loaded with brownies, pretzels, Oreo cookies, cookie dough, and chocolate chips — it’s served with a fork instead of a spoon! Ice Cream for lunch. Why not?

For a quiet, restful night, stay at The Bellmoor Inn and Spa. Two blocks off the beach and boardwalk, it affords you easy access to the action, but a buffer when it’s time to turn in. A sumptuous breakfast is included.

Lewes

Lewes is where you want to relax. The peaceful and serene vibe is perfect for strolling quaint Second Street visiting one-of-a-kind boutiques or wandering down to the canal for some lunch and a ride along the waterways. Finally, cycle through Cape Henlopen State Park for some quiet beachfront biking.

Explore Lewes from your basecamp at the Dogfish Inn. The inn offers a quirky charm wrapped in modern design. Make sure to get back in time for the complimentary after-dark s’mores at the Cowboy Cauldron fire pit.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a migratory stopover on the Atlantic Flyway that provides a protective landing form migrating birds. The refuge is home to over 300 species of birds along with an array of wildlife.

The Prime Hook Auto Tour Route (PDF) is a 22-mile tour of the refuge. The tour highlights the best stops and offers pointers on where to find refuge residents. It is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing drive surrounded by nature’s glories.

Dover

No trip to Delaware is complete without a stop in Dover, the capital city.

Biggs Museum of American Art houses 25 galleries dedicated to mid-Atlantic decorative and fine arts ranging from the 18th-century to modern-day pieces. Docents lead general and curated tours with reservations for an in-depth look at this special collection of craftsman pieces.

Dover Air Force Base offers Air Force Ambassador-lea tours through various on-base operations. These unique tours make U.S. Air Force life accessible to curious civilians.

Grab a coffee and head for the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for a sunrise drive. The refuge opens a half-hour before sunrise and offers a 12-mile wildlife drive along Delaware Bay. A refuge for waterfowl and shorebirds and home to a tidal salt marsh, it is a perfect place to watch the sun welcome a new day. Early morning is also the best time for bird sightings.

New Castle

Historic New Castle is lined with century-old brick manors standing guard on cobblestone streets. You can almost feel yourself stepping back in time. The New Castle Historical Society has a free, self-guided audio walking tour. There are two tours, 30 minutes or two hours, available to download. Additionally, you can add on tours for the Amstel House and Dutch House, homes of prominent Delaware families that were instrumental in New Castle’s history.

Visit Nora Lee’s French Quarter Bistro for Cajun and Creole goodies like blackened catfish with alligator jambalaya, fried oysters, or a classic po’boy Sandwich. This tiny little bistro packs big Southern flavor.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library — Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

Wilmington

Brandywine Creek State Park, a former dairy farm owned by the du Pont family, is a nature preserve home to old trees like the tulip poplar. The park offers wonderful hiking trails, freshwater fishing, and camping options.

The home of Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, proudly displays du Pont’s American decorative arts collection in the 175-room mansion. Reserve a one- or two-hour tour of this spectacular home that houses changing exhibits filled with the family’s extensive collection. Francis du Pont was an avid gardener, and he designed the 60-acre garden, which you can explore on the narrated garden tram tour. If you have munchkins with you, they will love the Enchanted Garden ruled by woodland fairies.

There are several golf courses in the Wilmington area. Lester George-designed Rock Manor is a playable course that won’t break your budget.

Pro Tips

Plan on leisurely driving during this road trip. Delaware is blessed with a glorious coastline, and her beaches have their own distinct personalities. Explore the many nature preserves and charming villages to enjoy the history and sereneness of Delaware.

The Best Things To Do In Historic Bismarck

Located almost exactly in the middle of North Dakota, Bismarck is the state’s capital and historic center. With its long and interesting history dating to the days of the dinosaurs, unique art, and delightful culinary scene, you could easily spend days exploring the area. Be sure to top your experience off with dinner and drinks at a rooftop lounge!

The North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck. — Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Things To Do In Bismarck

Take A Tour Of The North Dakota State Capitol

Did you know that the North Dakota State Capitol is one of only four state capitol buildings in a skyscraper design? The state capitol — at almost 250 feet — is the tallest building in North Dakota. An observation deck on the 18th floor offers a view of Bismarck and the surrounding area. Near the entrance is a green space with “North Dakota” spelled out in flowers.

A great way to find out about a state’s history and culture is to participate in a guided tour of its capitol building. On a tour of the North Dakota State Capitol, you’ll visit both the House of Representatives, which has 94 members, and the Senate, which has 47 members. The state Supreme Court also meets at the capitol building.

Near the entrance of the capitol is the state’s Roughrider Gallery. It’s a Hall of Fame of sorts that recognizes famous North Dakotans, such as bandleader Lawrence Welk, Air Force General David C. Jones, pro basketball great and coach Phil Jackson, and actress Angie Dickinson.

The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum in Bismarck. — Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

Visit The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

At more than 80 million years old, North Dakota certainly has a story to tell. The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum does a great job telling that story, beginning with the time when dinosaurs like the triceratops roamed the land. Then came the Ice Age, characterized by animals such as giant sloths and bison with 7-foot-long horns.

As time passed and mankind took over, North Dakota’s earliest inhabitants were the indigenous people, including the Dakota, Assiniboine, and Mandan. Later, pioneers began to settle in the area, including European immigrants from Norway and Russia.

The state museum also traces the development of agriculture in the region. Exhibits on the state’s 20th-century history highlight the state’s atomic bomb shelters and Air Force missile launch center. Visitors can also learn about the state’s music, malt shops, and more.

Outside the entrance, rocks resembling potatoes are scattered about. This is a tribute to one of the state’s major agricultural products.

Check Out The Alley Art

In an alley on Fifth Street between Broadway Avenue and Main Avenue, more than 20 murals by local artists showcase North Dakota’s history. Alley 5.5 started in 2016 as an outlet for area artists’ talents. You’ll find murals of historical figures such as Sitting Bull as well as unique pieces such as NoDak Star and a map of the state’s counties.

The Bismarck art community also created BoxArt, 14 decorated traffic control boxes with artwork including bison and sunflowers.

All the art can be easily spotted during a walk around the downtown area.

Ride The Lewis & Clark Riverboat

The Lewis & Clark Riverboat offers a fun 90-minute tour on the Missouri River. Wide and calm in Bismarck, the river seems more like a large lake. You’ll head a few miles downstream before returning to the dock, and you’ll enjoy the relaxing ride while learning about local wildlife and history. While cruises are offered throughout the day, a sunset cruise will add a little romance to your Bismarck visit.

Before or after your cruise, enjoy a walk along the river bank in Steamboat Park or Keelboat Park. As you stroll along the scenic path, you’ll find several public art pieces, such as the Thunderbird, with four heads and talons stretching out from rain clouds, and Reflections, with a mirrored ball beneath an eagle’s wings.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota. — Ace Diamond / Shutterstock

Explore Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

A visit to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers an impressive look at the area’s history.

On-A-Slant Village once consisted of hundreds of earth lodges along the shore of the Missouri River. Today, there are replica villages showcasing the Mandan way of life during the 1500s, plus artifacts and other exhibits.

The state park is also home to Fort Lincoln, where you can visit a block house where soldiers once stood guard for railroad workers. The fort, originally named Fort McKeen, was the final home of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who lived there until he led his troops on that famous fatal assignment to Little Bighorn. Today, you can tour the house with guides who dress and talk as people would have in the 1860s.

Fort Mandan near Bismarck, North Dakota. — Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Step Back In Time At Fort Mandan

Located about 45 minutes north of Bismarck, Fort Mandan was the site of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s winter camp during the winter of 1804 to 1805. With temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero plus several feet of snow and ice, camp life was challenging for the 50 soldiers and scouts.

Today, visitors can tour a replica of the fort, along with furnished rooms and supply units. Some of the quarters, which were shared by enlisted members, included animal hides for warmth. While there, stop at the visitor center to see the interactive exhibits and displays.

Best Restaurants In Bismarck

Fireflour Pizzeria & Coffee Bar

At downtown Bismarck’s Fireflour Pizzeria & Coffee Bar, you can enjoy two fan favorites in one place. Enjoy a handmade Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a wood-fired oven at 800 degrees at the pizzeria. With appetizers such as olives marinated in garlic rosemary olive oil or a side salad, your dining experience will start on delicious footing. For your main course, consider The Uptown, a local favorite — it’s a 12-inch white-sauce pizza topped with provolone, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, sliced tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, red pepper flakes, arugula, walnuts, and extra virgin olive oil. The Iowa, a red-sauce pizza with prosciutto atop arugula and mozzarella, is also an excellent choice. Consider a hand-crafted coffee for dessert.

The Walrus Restaurant

You don’t need to be a Beatles fan to enjoy dinner at The Walrus Restaurant. Located near the state capitol building, the casual restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients in its menu, which features hearty burgers and sandwiches as well as steaks, fish, and pizza and pasta. Consider the South American ribeye, a 12-ounce choice steak basted with The Walrus’s own South American sauce.

Luft Rooftop Bar

With its retractable roof, the Luft Rooftop Bar is a year-round lounge in downtown Bismarck. Featuring craft beer and cider as well as fresh cocktails, Luft invites you to order a drink, relax in one of their comfy chairs (maybe next to a warm fire), and enjoy the evening as the sun sets on your day of adventure. With the night sky in view and Bismarck’s downtown illuminated, you’re in for a good time with friends.

Best Places To Stay In Bismarck

With several national chains located in Bismarck, finding a comfortable hotel won’t be an issue.

However, if you prefer a more local experience, consider reserving a room at one of the city’s many Airbnbs. You can easily find a charming guest room with a private bath located near the state capitol building, the airport, or any of the area’s other attractions.

For more to see and do in North Dakota, visit this page.

10 Reasons Charming Richmond, Indiana Is The Perfect Day Trip

Richmond, Indiana, is located along I-70 on the Indiana and Ohio border. It is less than two hours from Indianapolis, Dayton, and Cincinnati, Ohio, meaning you can find yourself in a smaller, charming community in a relatively short period of time. The first time I visited Richmond, I knew that it was a town that I would find myself returning to. As it turns out, anytime I am traveling I-70 in Indiana, I make it a point to stop. The American road trip is bigger and better than ever, and Richmond, Indiana needs to be on your radar. Here are 10 reasons why you need to plan your day trip to Richmond and allow yourself to fall in love with this charming community.

1. The Chocolate Trail

Did someone say chocolate? I don’t know about you, but anytime anyone mentions the word chocolate, I’m there. Richmond offers a Chocolate Trail, along which all you can indulge in free chocolate samples around town. As soon as you arrive in town, stop at the Old National Road Welcome Center, located at 5701 National Road E., and pick up your Chocolate Trail Passport. I have personally been on this trail a couple of times and I can tell you that it’s a fun experience. You don’t have to like chocolate, but you do need a sweet tooth for the ice cream, fudge, and other goodies that you’ll be invited to try along the trail.

2. The Murals Trail

History lives on through the colorful murals that blanket many of the buildings in Richmond. This Mural Trail is fun, so be sure to look up, down, and all around. These murals tend to pop up in places where you’d least expect them. There is no fee for enjoying the Mural Trail, so hop in your car and follow along. You can pick up a brochure that shares the locations of each of the murals in Richmond and throughout Wayne County.

3. To Explore Hayes Arboretum

The Hayes Arboretum is home to hiking and mountain bike trails for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also home to beautiful butterfly and herb gardens. There are several nature programs, nature hikes, and events hosted all year long. With 466 acres to explore, this is a great place to spend a couple of hours during any visit to Richmond. It’s important to remember that this area is a classified forest, which means you cannot collect or hunt for mushrooms, flowers, plants, animals, or other natural objects while on this property. Admission is free, and I guarantee that you will find yourself planning a return visit to this beautiful forest.

The writer at Hoosier Hill in Richmond, Indiana. — Sara Broers

4. Hoosier Hill

You cannot visit Richmond without a stop at Hoosier Hill, which is Indiana’s highest point. The exact location is 15 miles north of Richmond at Exit 153 off of I-70 on S.R. 227. You will then travel 10 miles north to Bethel, 0.1 miles west on Bethel Road, and then .09 miles north on Elliott Road. This point sits at 1,257 feet, and it makes for bragging rights and a great photo opportunity.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to sign the book that says you were there.

5. The Music Garden

One of the newest attractions in Richmond is its Music Garden. It features three oversized interactive musical instruments for everyone to enjoy. Dance, hop, skip, or jump to the beat of a hub cap and more. You can find this fun park at 2200 East Main Street.

6. Levi And Catharine Coffin State Historic Site And Interpretive Center

History buffs will fall in love with Richmond — and even more so because the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site and Interpretive Center is in nearby Fountain City. More than 2,000 fugitive slaves were ushered to freedom through the Coffin House. The interpretive center shares the story of the site and a short movie will take you back in time. Once the movie is over, you will be able to set foot in the actual house with a guide. The Underground Railroad played a large part in the history of the Richmond area. The stories are told today during your tour of the house. The tour is fascinating in that you can see where fugitive slaves hid while in the house. There is a small fee to experience this attraction. You will want to allow yourself approximately an hour and a half to appreciate this attraction.

The Model T Ford Museum in Richmond, Indiana. — Google Maps

7. The Model T Ford Museum

The Model T Ford Museum is a fun museum for anyone who likes cars, especially since the Model T is recognized as the car that put the world on wheels. The Museum is located in Richmond’s Depot District, which is home to chocolate, murals, history, and more. A 1909 touring, a 1912 brass Town Car, a 1925 fire truck, and a 1931 Pietenpol airplane with a Model T engine are some of the relics you will see at the museum. Take a walk back in time in the 1920s Model T Garage, and compare it to the garages of today. There is a small fee to visit. You will want to have a couple of hours dedicated to this museum so you can immerse yourself into the fun history of the Model T.

8. Wayne County Historical Museum

The Wayne County Historical Museum is truly one of my all-time favorite county museums in the country. I could have spent all day in this museum, as the exhibits really lured me in. The site itself is fairly small, but the eight buildings on site are packed to the brim. There are two Egyptian mummies on display in Indiana, and they are both in Richmond. One is here at the Wayne County Historical Museum and the other one is at the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History on the Earlham College campus. The one that you can see here is 3,000 years old, and it’s quite the experience to be in the room with it. I also enjoyed the log cabins, the General Store, the Richmond-made automobiles, and the steam-powered tractors.

Pro Tip: The small entry fee is worth every penny.

9. Warm Glow Candle Company Store

You cannot visit Richmond without a stop at the Warm Glow Candle Company Store. This store is a destination in itself, and it’s located off of Centerville Road and I-70. Each time I walk through the large wooden doors, I feel as though I’m in a land of fairy tales. You have to visit to experience this feeling, which involved being surrounded by the aroma of more than 75 candle fragrances. Gift baskets, bath and body products, and all the candles are sure to catch your eye. I have yet to leave this store without a trunk full of candles to take back home to Iowa with me.

10. Antique Alley

You may not think you are into antiques, but once you hop on Antique Alley in Richmond, you may think differently. With two antique trails, Antique Alley Trail #1 and Antique Alley Trail #2, you will find yourself immersed in antiques. Not only is Richmond home to some of the finest antiques, but the whole county is. Your day trip will be complete when you have set foot in at least one antique shop. If your day goes as planned, you will bring something new-to-you home from your fun day in Richmond.

However you choose to spend your day in Richmond, the people, art, history, and nature experiences are sure to leave you longing for more. I can guarantee you that once you experience the charm of Richmond, you will be planning to return for an extended period of time. A day trip to Richmond will get your feet wet and give you a good taste of what this historical town has to offer. I can say that on my first visit, I was pleasantly surprised and fell in love with Richmond as soon as I hit the ground exploring.

As you find yourself exploring the town, remember to look up, down, and all around. You will find hidden experiences around every corner. This community also prides itself on repurposing and refurbishing buildings, which I find enlightening. I have visited many towns across the country that have not invested in their buildings, and it shows. Richmond shines, as community pride shows through the historical sites that have been well maintained through the years. Enjoy your day trip in Richmond — just don’t overwhelm yourself with too much to do in one day! Odds are, Richmond is only a short drive from home or another road-trip destination, and a follow-up visit could make your next trip even better than your first one. Also, plan on some time outside with these nine beautiful hikes in Indiana.

13 Things To Know To Best Experience Lake Louise

Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies is famously beautiful. It’s a must-visit place, thanks to the turquoise water and the sharp-edge mountains on all sides. From May to October, though, it’s becoming a must-avoid place because of overcrowding here and at nearby Moraine Lake.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your trip, crowds or no crowds.

1. Take Parks Canada’s Advice For When To Visit

Parks Canada’s information about the best and worst times to visit gives specific tips on how to get here, all intending to manage the traffic. It’s essential reading for planning the trip.

I live about two hours away. Unless I can stay within a short walk of the lake, I avoid it in the summer. I’ll visit in winter and shoulder season, and in summer I’m happy to go to other lakes instead.

Lake Louise in Canada. — colacat / Shutterstock

2. Weighing The Pros And Cons (And Packing Right) Is Essential

Lake Louise is an awe-inspiring, naturally beautiful spot that has inspired travelers and artists for generations. The mountains tower, the glaciers gleam, the lake glistens, and everything is picturesque.

It’s accessible by car.

There’s lots to do, including canoeing, walking and hiking, and, in winter, skiing, skating, and taking a sleigh or dogsled ride.

The only negatives are the crowds and the impossibility of promising great weather every single day. To deal with the weather, dress in layers, and always have warm clothing handy, even in summer. Wear waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots if you want to spend time exploring.

As far as the crowds go, after a bit of background information, I’ll offer points to consider when making plans. Also, I will explain how Lake Louise was formed, and suggest some other gorgeous lakes.

3. Located Inside Banff National Park

Canada’s first national park is vast, mountainous, and mainly wild. Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You need a parks pass from Parks Canada to visit.

The welcome sign at Lake Louise, Canada. — Sopotnicki / Shutterstock

4. Lake Louise Is A Lake, A Town, And A Ski Hill

The actual lake is 4.4 km (2.7 miles) uphill from the Trans-Canada Highway interchange, about 40 minutes west of Banff.

Lake Louise is also a small town with a pleasant range of services and shops in the Samson Mall. The travel center features displays about the animals and landscape and up-to-date information.

Lake Louise Ski Resort is 7 km (4.3 miles) from the lake. There, you can enjoy an expansive view from the Summer Sightseeing Gondola.

5. The Lake’s Namesake Was A Princess

Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, born in 1848 was the sixth of Queen Victoria’s nine children.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada. — TRphotos / Shutterstock

6. History Of The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has 539 rooms. But modern development inside Banff National Park is heavily regulated and limited. How did a luxury hotel get here?

The Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) built the Chateau starting in 1890 to entice wealthy guests to use the train. Rail travel is rare in Canada now, but the great hotels live on.

Lake Louise is stunning (here’s a webcam view) but it’s not the only accessible, beautiful lake in the Rockies. The marketing efforts of the CPR put Lake Louise on the map of the world’s great tourist destinations.

7. The Chateau Offers More Than A Place To Stay

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has restaurants, bars, shops, a spa, lovely grounds, and sports equipment rentals.

Guests come first, but many of the Chateau’s facilities are open to the public.

There are other hotels and hostels here and in Banff.

Lake Louise during winter time. — F.M.Monkeys / Shutterstock

8. Winter Vs. Summer

Each season offers different things to do in Lake Louise.

In winter, the turquoise lake freezes and snow covers the ice, turning it white. This creates an opportunity for the ultimate ice skating experience, and the lake is still very photogenic.

The average daily temperatures are highest in July and August (highs of 20 degrees Celcius, 69 Fahrenheit; lows of 3 Celcius, 38 Fahrenheit) and lowest in December and January (highs of -8 Celcius, 18 Fahrenheit; low of -20 Celcius, -6 Fahrenheit).

The weather can change suddenly.

The summer days have more than eight hours of extra sunlight than winter days. In June, the sun is up from 5:27 a.m. until 10:05 p.m. In December, it’s 8:47 a.m. till 4:47 p.m.

Winter nights are great for stargazing and maybe seeing the Northern Lights.

Many animals and birds are seasonal. Some, like the rufous hummingbird, migrate south for winter. Bears hibernate in the winter and wake up hungry in the spring. Some animals are active year-round. Depending on when you go, you may see them or spot their tracks in the snow.

9. Winter Means More Than Skating

Yes, Lake Louise freezes to a safe thickness from about December through March, and the Chateau staff clear maintains rinks for skating and hockey, with floodlights that turn off at 11 p.m. Bring your own skates or rent some at Chateau Ski and Snow.

Each winter, there’s also a crystal ice castle and ice sculptures are a captivating sight. In January, the Ice Magic International Carving Competition shows what artists can create from this challenging material.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders stay at Lake Louise because it’s close to the hill. You can cross-country ski or snowshoe across the lake, or start lower down and climb through the woods to the Chateau on the marked trails.

Kingmik Dog Sled Tours runs tours nearby.

The Rockies can be spectacular in winter when the sky is blue and the snow gleams. Prepare for lots of photo opportunities!

10. The Shoulder Season Deserves Your Attention

With Parks Canada warning of heavy traffic from May to October, it’s getting harder to say there is a true shoulder season right at the lake, even though for tourism in the park generally, there is a lull in spring and fall.

In March, the Lake Louise area is likely to still be quite snowy. In April and May as the snow and ice melt, hiking season begins. It starts with the lakeshore trail, and by about June, trails leading to higher elevations become passable. The fall season doesn’t have this problem — the snow is yet to arrive.

The tea houses at Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers, open from about June to mid-October, are popular day hikes.

The Icefields Parkway to Jasper starts at Lake Louise. In the fall, the highway is open but the businesses along it close until spring. This includes the gas station and the Icefield Centre. By visiting early or late in the operating season of the Icefield Centre, you can avoid the worst of the summer rush at Lake Louise.

Lake Louise from the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. — e X p o s e / Shutterstock

11. Summer Has Its Charms (Despite The Crowds)

Summer is when crowds really are a problem. It’s a shame, because the lake itself looks fantastic, just like in pictures.

The main problem is cars and parking. The crowds tend to stay fairly close to the Chateau.

One solution is to stay overnight at the Chateau or Deer Lodge, or in Lake Louise Village. From there, it’s about an hour uphill walk or a short shuttle bus ride to the lake. Biking may be possible via a trail rather than the road, for safety.

RVs and vehicles pulling trailers may find it challenging. Take a bus instead.

Despite the crowds, the appeal of Lake Louise in the summertime is still the gorgeous views, which brings us to the Lake Louise landscape.

12. Geological Wonder

Lake Louise is a rectangular, natural lake about 2 km (1.2 miles) long and 0.5 km (0.3 miles) wide. At one end, the fairy-tale Chateau Lake Louise sits on a low hill. At the other, Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier create the postcard-perfect backdrop.

Mountains encircle the lake, which gets its famous turquoise color from the fine rock particles suspended in the water. The rock particles are created by the glacier grinding the mountain bedrock.

All these features are clues to how Lake Louise was formed.

At its largest, the glacier reached the site of the Chateau. Glaciers are sheets of ice with a lot of rocks and gravel hitching a ride. These fall onto the ground when the glacier melts. That’s what made the Chateau’s hill.

The glacier carved a hollow in the valley, creating a small glacial lake, called a tarn. Tarns sit in bowls called cirques, high up the mountainsides. Many have a glacier overhead.

You don’t get many opportunities to drive so close to a glacial lake, but Lake Louise isn’t the only one.

Bow Lake along the Icefields Parkway in Canada. — TRphotos / Shutterstock

13. Nearby Mountain Lakes

I’ll admit that these alternatives to Lake Louise are also popular in summer, but none are as crowded as Lake Louise is during peak season.

On the Icefields Parkway, consider the larger Bow Lake, or Peyto or Hector Lake. Further west on the Trans-Canada Highway, Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is another glacial lake famous for its color.

For hikers, the choices open up even more. The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, available from Summerthought Publishing in print and electronically, is a great guidebook that can help you navigate to mountain lakes you otherwise might never consider.

Pro Tips

Please don’t let me discourage you. Lake Louise is truly lovely, but you need a plan ahead. In summer the parking lot fills up before sunrise! Consider what kind of Lake Louise vacation experience you want to have, and check with Parks Canada for their current Lake Louise visitor advice.

How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Minot, North Dakota

There’s a joke among Air Force members about Minot, North Dakota. Minot’s not generally high on “dream assignment” lists, so the joke goes, “Why not Minot?” “Freezin’s the reason.” Once they report for duty and explore the area, however, people are often reluctant to leave. They come to love spending time with the local residents, traveling the area, and experiencing that homey small-town feeling. And while the town is known for its cold winters, its spring, summer, and fall seasons are lovely and inviting. Minot is also home to the North Dakota State Fair, which attracts more than 300,000 people each year.

Even the Minot Visitors Bureau picked up on the joke, making “Why Not Minot?” a part of its tourism campaign. You’ll also hear Minot native and actor Josh Duhamel enthusiastically promoting his home state in ads for North Dakota’s tourism office.

Here’s how to spend a perfect weekend in underrated Minot.

Things To Do In Minot

Home to an annual Scandinavian celebration that attracts people from around the world and a quaint zoo with a Scottish Highland cow and a red panda, Minot has proven to be more than a joke about the weather. During your visit to the Magic City, you’ll find lots to do.

Scandinavian heritage park in minot North dakota — Yosoyana / Shutterstock.com

Explore The Scandinavian Heritage Park

Whether or not you’re of Scandinavian descent, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Scandinavian Heritage Park. Located near the heart of the city, the park traces the history and culture of the five countries that comprise Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

As you stroll through the park taking in the sites and history, you’ll find buildings related to each country. The replica Gol Stave Church, meant to resemble a Viking church from Norway, is a must-see.

The park is home to one of the tallest Dala horses in the world, standing about 25 feet tall. You’ll learn about North Dakotans who changed the world, including Sondre Norheim, who was born in Norway, but called Minot home. Norheim revolutionized downhill skiing with his innovations and ski designs. You’ll also find sculptures honoring explorer Leif Erikson and author Hans Christian Andersen.

The park is popular with international visitors during the Norsk Hostfest each September, the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. Visitors enjoy traditional food, music, and folklore at the nearly 50-year-old event. The four-day event at the state fairgrounds attracts national musical acts, vendors, and lots of people wearing Viking helmets and garb. You’ll also likely run into a troll or two during your visit.

See The Animals At The Roosevelt Park Zoo

Since opening its gates in 1921 with a bison on display, the Roosevelt Park Zoo, now open year-round, has grown to accommodate nearly 160 animals and 68 species. Visitors can see animals such as Amur tigers and lions, African warthogs, red pandas, red kangaroos, and cotton-top tamarins. Other unique animals at the zoo include Scottish Highland cattle, longhorns with shaggy coats, and Kirk’s dik-dik, the smallest antelope in the world. North American animals you’ll find at the 19-acre zoo include bison, bobcats, brown bears, river otters, and reindeer (caribou).

The Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot. — Dakota Territory Air Museum

Visit The Dakota Territory Air Museum

With two hangars, the Dakota Territory Air Museum showcases the history of flight and its impact on the Minot area.

The first hangar traces the history of flight, with a replica of a Wright Brothers glider as well as military and civilian aircraft. The museum also includes an exhibit of military equipment, weapons, and uniforms.

The second hangar, which opened in 2013, hosts aircraft on loan from the Texas Flying Legends. You’ll find World War II vintage planes like a P-51 Mustang, British Spitfire, and Japanese Zero.

A walk about the museum’s outdoor display will take you up close to American aircraft that have served at Minot Air Force Base, including an F-106 Delta Dart, an F-15 Eagle, and a training jet. The museum includes a memorial to the B-17 bomber team that crashed at Minot Airfield during a World War II training mission.

Head To The Craft Breweries

Seeing a need for a local craft brewery, Souris River Brewing opened its doors in 2012. With nine taps, the brewery proudly uses local sources to produce its more than 70 flavors, including a pale ale, spicy hops, and a dark Belgian ale. The brewery’s menu features locally sourced steaks, salads, and appetizers such as barbecue bison meatballs, breaded walleye bites, a buffalo burger with bleu cheese, and a poutine burger (a grass-fed burger topped with fries, cheese curds, lettuce, onions, and dark gravy).

While Souris River Brewing focuses on a variety of craft beer, Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks focuses on producing barrel-aged sour ales. Opened in 2019, Atypical calls a former cottage-style gas station home.

Peruse The Taube Museum Of Art

Calling the renovated Union National Bank home since 1997, the Taube Museum of Art features displays by different artists each month. With two galleries, the Taube Museum of Art hosts special exhibits, including a human rights collection featuring more than 60 artists. The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday.

Enjoy North Dakota Wines At Pointe Of View Winery

Located about 15 minutes outside of Minot, Pointe of View Winery offers unique wines made from North Dakota fruits such as rhubarb and apples. As North Dakota’s first winery, Pointe of View took on the state’s short growing season to harvest its own grapes. Viking Deed is a combination of honey and apple. With a menu strong on semisweet and sweet wines, Pointe of View also produces apple cider and mead. Check out the cread, made with cranberries.

Wally the Walleye in Garrison, North Dakota. — Google Maps

Take A Road Trip To Garrison

Garrison is located about an hour south of Minot. Take a selfie with Wally the Walleye, a 26-foot-long statue celebrating the city’s designation as the Walleye Capital of the World. For more unique attractions, swing by the giant fishing bobber water tower and Gene, a 15-foot-tall statue near the local golf course.

While in the area, you could also visit Fort Stevenson State Park, located on a peninsula on the beautiful Lake Sakakawea. The park features scenic views, a prairie dog town, and interpretive walking trails.

Best Restaurants In Minot

Badlands Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a casual dining experience at Badlands Restaurant & Bar. With a menu featuring fresh salads, burgers — including mushroom-smothered burgers and burgers topped with barbecue sauce and fried onions — sandwiches, pasta, fire-grilled ribeye and sirloin steak, and, of course, walleye, you’ll find something delicious to enjoy.

Thai Hot

For a change of pace, head downtown to Thai Hot for dinner. With a menu featuring fresh sushi and Thai, Thai Hot offers several combinations that will surely satisfy your appetite. Thai Hot is home to some of Minot’s best Asian cuisine.

Charlie’s Main Street Cafe

Start your day with a hearty meal at a classic breakfast joint, Charlie’s Main Street Cafe. Try the cheesy ham scramble, buttermilk pancakes, steak and eggs, or specialty omelets and biscuits and gravy. Charlie’s also offers lunch and dinner options.

Best Places To Stay In Minot

Dakotah Rose Bed & Breakfast

The Victorian-era Dakotah Rose Bed and Breakfast will certainly provide a relaxing weekend stay. With only five suites and guest rooms, you are guaranteed an intimate experience. Each room has modern amenities, such as flatscreen televisions with cable and private bathrooms. You’ll kick off each morning with a home-cooked breakfast in the main dining room. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds and the bed and breakfast itself, which has a ballroom that is open for guests to use.

Sleep Inn & Suites

There are several chain hotels available in Minot. The centrally located Sleep Inn & Suites is among the most popular. With comfortable rooms and large suites, you’ll definitely feel comfortable during your visit. You can even relax in the on-site lounge with a nightcap. The hotel has an excellent fitness center and swimming pool, and it’s located next to the Dakota Square Mall, so you can walk to the mall without stepping outside. In addition to several national brands, the mall houses regional outlets like Scheels All Sports, where you can find clothes and North Dakota memorabilia.

For more on North Dakota, see this page.

Ontario’s Butter Tart Trail And Tour: Canada’s Sweetest Road Trips

If there’s one thing better than a road trip, it’s one filled with incredible food! In the Canadian province of Ontario, you’ll find not one but two road trips focused on a beloved Canadian dessert — the butter tart. Located just a short drive from Toronto, both of these routes offer a wide variety of delicious pit stops, wonderful scenery, and friendly communities.

Both routes can be enjoyed year-round, and each season has its own advantages. In winter, though some bakeries have reduced hours, visitors are rewarded with delicious seasonal flavors and beautifully decorated small villages. In spring, communities come into bloom, and the trip is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. In summer, festivals and special events abound, and you can sample butter tarts at farm stands, markets, and more. Finally, in autumn, the seasonal colors are spectacular, and it might just be the prettiest time to explore. But no matter what time of year you choose, you can be assured of a fantastic foodie adventure.

Canadian Butter Tarts — Butter tarts traditionally have a thick, pastry crust filled with a gooey, rich, sugary syrup.
Photo credit: Jennifer Gauld / Shutterstock.com

What Is A Butter Tart?

The classic Canadian butter tart traditionally has a thick, pastry crust filled with a gooey, rich, sugary syrup. It’s often compared to a Quebecois sugar pie or an American pecan pie (minus the nuts, of course), but as any Canadian will tell you, the butter tart is a true Canadian treat with its own distinct flavor.

Butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs are combined to make the heavenly filling. There is considerable debate among Canadians about further flavor additions. Many purists will defend the classic butter tart and argue that simple is best. Others are willing to concede that maple syrup, walnuts, or pecans are acceptable additions. But nothing is so controversial as raisins! A vocal minority loves them, while others hate them. Finally, a few bakeries push the envelope by adding chocolate, caramel, chili, and even bacon to make novelty butter tarts.

However you make them, butter tarts are more than just a sugary snack. They’re a part of the Canadian identity, and Ontario, in particular, is crazy about them — so much so that butter tarts have warranted not one, but two tourist routes.

Trail Or Tour?

Raisins aren’t the only controversial elements of Ontario’s butter tarts. There is both a Butter Tart Trail and a Butter Tart Tour! To make things even more confusing, both are located in southern Ontario, just a few hours from each other. But there’s nothing for tourists to fear. While the trail and the tour once had a rather tense rivalry, differences have (mostly) been set aside in favor of good-natured competition, and they compare their coexistence to that of a wine region with multiple wine routes.

The Butter Tart Trail

The Butter Tart Trail was established in 2006 in Wellington County. The heart of the trail is about 90 minutes northwest of Toronto in an area that is largely agricultural. Small, community-focused bakeries are the focus of the trail and the leading tourism draw for this quiet area. There are more than three dozen locations participating in the trail and, in addition to bakeries, there are gift shops and studios that sell butter tart novelties. Here are some notable locations to mark on your map.

With The Grain (Guelph)

First Stop

While it’s hard to pick just one stop on the Butter Tart Trail, there’s a strong case for visiting With the Grain in the city of Guelph. Not all visitors have the time to go off the beaten path and explore the more rural bakeries, but With The Grain is located in a city and is easily accessible as an afternoon detour for visitors to Guelph’s many attractions.

In addition to butter tarts, With the Grain produces cakes, cookies, bread, squares, and more. Try their Bee Sting square, which has a shortbread base and caramelized honey and almonds on top. They also have jars of jam and preserves and locally roasted coffee.

A La Mode Cafe & Ice Cream Shop (Drayton)

Sweet Treat

Just when you thought that butter tarts couldn’t get any sweeter, you can enjoy them with a side of ice cream in the small community of Drayton. This cute cafe’s motto is “Every day should start with coffee and end with ice cream,” and to that point, they’ve got an extensive menu of espresso drinks, with a good selection of breakfast sandwiches and lunchtime paninis (look for the apple butter, bacon, and triple cheese panini!). Butter tarts are available in six-packs to take home.

Belwood Country Market (Belwood)

Foodie Favorite

This country store and takeout bakery is the place to go for culinary adventurers who are keen to try some of the more unusual butter tart flavor combinations. In addition to classics like plain, pecan, and raisin, Belwood Country Market sells raspberry coconut, blueberry white chocolate, Reese’s peanut butter cup, and Skor varieties. They also offer grab-and-go sandwiches and heat-at-home meals like shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie, and spaghetti.

The Red Door Restaurant (Fergus)

Great For Gluten-Free

This gluten-free-friendly cafe features butter tarts on their stomach-sensitive menu. But beware — their in-house recipe includes raisins! The Red Door is also a terrific lunch stop, with a menu strong in soups, sandwiches, and coffee. The community of Fergus is home to one of the largest and oldest Scottish Highland Games in North America, and it’s well worth spending several days enjoying the festivities.

The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour

When the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour was first established in 2011 as the “Butter Tart Tour,” the similarities between it and the Butter Tart Trail were too strong to ignore, and there was confusion between the two routes. Since then, it’s been rebranded as the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour. It’s also different in that it lays out an itinerary of 50 bakeries to visit. These must meet certain criteria, including that everything must be baked on-site.

Bobcaygeon Bakery (Bobcaygeon)

First Stop

With so many charming communities to choose from, why does Bobcaygeon top the list? This small town is known to every Canadian, even though very few have visited it. One of Canada’s most popular rock bands, The Tragically Hip, has a song titled “Bobcaygeon” that every Canadian knows the lyrics to. Therefore, it seems only fitting to eat one of the country’s most popular treats in a town made famous by one of its most popular bands.

At Bobcaygeon Bakery, the list of butter tart flavors includes plain, pecan, raisin, rhubarb, maple, and chocolate. Beyond butter tarts, they have seven different kinds of savory quiche, along with sweet pies, bread, and European-style pastries.

Quaker Oaks Farm (Sebright)

Fun And Farm Fresh

This beautiful, family-friendly working farm stands out from the already diverse offerings of the Butter Tart Tour. The Quaker Oaks Farm store includes treats like handmade stuffed olives in 15 flavors, domestic and imported cheese, preserves, maple syrup, honey, retro candy, and, of course, butter tarts! The 117-acre property also serves as an animal sanctuary, and you can feel good knowing your yummy treats are supporting a good cause.

Betty’s Pies & Tarts (Cobourg)

Cute And Cozy

With homemade pies complete with little hearts and a wide variety of seasonal goods starting at just $1.25, Betty’s Pies & Tarts is a down-to-earth bakery that makes everything from scratch and offers great value. That authenticity is evident in every bite of their butter tarts, which may just be the best on the tour (though you may not want to tell the other bakeries that). Their award-winning recipe is 40 years old and still going strong.

Baked 4U (Peterborough)

Holiday Heaven

With 10 varieties of butter tarts (including a few named after Canadian celebrities), Baked 4U is a fantastic stop to stock up on butter tarts as well as other tempting baked goods. Come Christmas, they also offer exquisitely decorated seasonal sugar cookies and gingerbread houses, plus holiday-themed butter tart flavors like gingerbread and mincemeat. Baked 4U also offers loose-leaf teas and British food products.

Located in the small city of Peterborough, this is the perfect spot to pick up special treats if you’re visiting friends or family members.

Pro Tip: Even if you can’t visit the Butter Tart Trail or Butter Tart Tour, you can still make butter tarts at home. Chatelaine’s recipe for classic butter tarts is a good one to start with. Another good choice is Canadian Living’s version — but it does involve the controversial raisins!