Historic Mississippi River Road Trip: Saint Louis To Memphis

Taking the long way to a destination has to be one of our favorite ways to travel. You get to discover all of the nooks, crannies, and historic points that make a region great! While the trip from Saint Louis to Memphis is normally a 4-hour interstate drive, we recommend taking your time. We love extending the drive to truly appreciate the place where the Mississippi River Valley becomes the Delta.

Here are a few of our favorite things to see, do, and eat on the way down to Memphis.

Saint Louis, Missouri

The Gateway to the West is where you’ll begin your road trip, and although this city is well known for its beer and baseball, there’s much more here worth exploring.

A quick spin around downtown could easily include the recently renovated Gateway Arch National Park; be sure to go all the way to the top in the egg-shaped trolley cars! Consider the city’s complicated history during a visit to the Old Courthouse, where Dred Scott argued for his freedom in a case that hastened the Civil War. The Old Cathedral, right across the street, is the oldest building and place of worship in the city. For a quick music fix, stop by the National Blues Museum, where the genre and its masters are celebrated. The city’s outdoor spaces are the perfect places to get your steps in, from the downtown Citygarden to Forest Park with its many free cultural attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum.

For the perfect picnic with an international flair, head west of downtown to the South Grand District. Here, you can choose from any number of incredible restaurants (representing nearly a dozen countries!), grab takeout, and dine al fresco in the nearby Tower Grove Park. And while you’re in that area, make a stop at the adjacent world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden.

Saint Louis has recently become a hotbed for boutique hotels. Hotel Saint Louis, the Angad Arts Hotel, and The Last Hotel are all favorites.

Read more about some Saint Louis hidden gems here.

Kimmswick, Missouri

From Saint Louis, head south on Interstate 55 for about 30 minutes and take the exit for Kimmswick. A 5-mile jaunt off the interstate will land you in the charming river village that’s known for its antique shops and massive sweet treats. Just 150 people live here now, but the tiny town was once a stop on the showboat circuit that cruised the Mississippi in the late 1800s. Its preservation renaissance started in the 1970s, and today many of the town’s original shops and homes are still in use and lovingly restored. It’s worth a quick stop here to shop, and be sure to grab a slice of pie — including the famous Levee High Apple — at The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery.

The county courthouse in Saint Genevieve. — Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock

Saint Genevieve, Missouri

As you continue south on Interstate 55 from Kimmswick, you’ll soon find yourself at the coeur (heart) of Missouri’s centuries-old French legacy and culture. Sainte Genevieve, founded in the early 1700s, is the oldest town in the state of Missouri. Today, it still retains its European charm, with many examples of French colonial architecture, including the Felix Valle House State Historic Site.

Sainte Genevieve hosts several festivals annually that celebrate the town’s French roots. If you’re planning your road trip during the summer, think about stopping by for the French Heritage Festival in June or the Jour de Fete Arts & Crafts Festival in August.

The downtown truly feels like a part of the old world, with its charming cafes and boutiques. Be sure to check out the nearby Crown Valley Winery, Brewery, and Distillery for sweeping valley views, terrific sips, and small plates.

Trail of Tears State Park, Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA — Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Another hour down Interstate 55, and you’ll arrive at the historic river town of Cape Girardeau.

Trail of Tears State Park memorializes the forced exodus and resulting deaths of thousands of members of the Cherokee nation. It’s a somber but beautiful place, with easy hiking trails, picnic areas, an educational visitor center, and incredible views of the Mississippi below.

Fort D is the last remaining of four forts that helped to protect the town of Cape Girardeau from Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. It was designed by German-American engineers from Saint Louis and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It routinely hosts living history demonstrations, and admission is free.

Southeast Missouri State University’s campus is worth a stroll, with its historic buildings and vibrant feel.

When you’re ready to grab a bite, head downtown to the riverfront, where you’ll find many cafes, eateries, galleries, and fun shops. Cape Girardeau also makes a good overnight stop; the Courtyard downtown offers renovated rooms in a central location.

New Madrid, Missouri

Another hour-long jaunt south on Interstate 55 will land you in a town known for its earthshaking impact on the state of Missouri: New Madrid. This is the spot where, beginning back in December of 1811, a series of three enormous earthquakes shook the eastern half of the United States with a violence and ferocity 10 times that of the 1906 quake in San Francisco. The New Madrid Fault is still one of the best-known seismic zones in the world, although the town is much quieter and more serene these days.

New Madrid’s town center has several historic buildings, including the New Madrid Historical Museum. The museum traces the area’s history back to the days when the Spanish first claimed the area and through the quakes and the town’s involvement in the Civil War. The observation deck and river walk to the Mississippi are worth your time, and you can spy the state of Kentucky right across the way.

The Snaggy Bend Cafe serves down-home favorites, in case you need to fuel up before hitting the road again.

Sikeston, Missouri

For a quick, sweet pit stop, pull over in Sikeston. Right next to the town’s most famous restaurant, Lambert’s, is a small shop tucked into a gas station that you won’t want to miss. The Original Fried Pie Shop sells the classic Ozark dessert in a variety of fruit and cream flavors. Stop off to get one — or several — for the rest of your trip. Word to the wise: Our favorite is the chocolate!

Blytheville, Arkansas

Another 45 minutes, and you’ll cross into Arkansas. You’re entering the area where the Delta blues were born! Stop off in Blytheville. This place boomed as a lumber mill town, and the wealth generated at that time is evident in the many architectural styles, including Tudor and Gothic revival, on display downtown. You can’t miss the Greyhound Station, on the National Register of Historic Places for its sleek Art Moderne style; it also serves as a visitor center. Bibliophiles should make the extra effort to grab a latte and have a browse at the Blytheville Book Company.

Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, Historic Dyess Colony, Arkansas

Fans of country and classic rock and roll should consider one more stop before reaching Memphis — the place where the Man in Black grew up and first played the music that would make him a legend. The Dyess Colony was a New Deal project and social experiment that provided small farmsteads and homes to hundreds of families across Arkansas, including Ray and Carrie Cash. The home where they raised their son Johnny and his siblings still stands, and it, along with several other surviving buildings, is run and maintained by Arkansas State University.

Memphis, Tennessee

You’ve finally reached Memphis! Head to Beale Street (of course!) for live blues, great bars, and a lively vibe, and of course consider a stop at nearby Graceland, where Elvis Presley hung his hat. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and is a must-see to learn more about the struggle for civil rights and racial equity.

But consider getting off the beaten path as well, and venture out to neighborhoods the locals love. Cooper-Young is a funky midtown area that has fun shops, bars, and one of the best pizza places ever — Aldo’s Pizza Pies. A drive around the Central Gardens National Historic District is a treat to take in the beautiful, historic homes.

When you’re ready to turn in for the night, the Hu Hotel is a perfect boutique option downtown with a great rooftop bar overlooking the Mississippi.

Read more about all Memphis has to offer here.

Pro Tip: It’s great to take your time to explore the spots listed above. This route has you staying on the interstate — for the most part. Keep in mind that traffic in Saint Louis and Memphis can and likely will be congested during the morning and evening rushes, and plan your stops and time spent on the road accordingly to make sure you’re not stuck in traffic.

A Photographer’s Paradise: 14 Best Places To Capture In Morocco

Capturing special images that transport you back to the moment long after your return home is possible, whether it involves snapping photographs with your phone, a point-and-shoot, or a sophisticated professional camera.

Panorama of Ait Ben Haddou in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

Morocco has to be one of the best places in the world to capture such memories. Rich in photographic subjects that are beautiful, interesting, and unique, Morocco tells a story about an ancient land and her people.

We were fortunate to spend a leisurely nine weeks touring Morocco by RV. Traveling in this manner meant we often stumbled across the best places for mind-blowing photos. A year later and we look back on those photographic albums marveling, scarcely believing that we were actually there.

Volubilis Triumphal Arch in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

Sharing the best places to take photos in Morocco, and treasured tips about how to capture that once-in-a-lifetime memory, is a joy. This photographic journey takes you down through ancient cities and up into the grandeur of the Atlas mountains, then, deep into the interior of Morocco, as we soak up the tranquility of the Sahara’s dunes. From there, we traverse deep gorges, ancient townships, and stunning mountain scenery before arriving at the Atlantic coast and turning north to see more scenery and unexpected, extensive Roman ruins.

A street in Chefchaouen, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

1. Chefchaouen

No photographic pilgrimage to Morocco is complete without a visit to the famous Blue City, renowned for the gorgeous blue-painted buildings of the medina (the name given to an African walled city). Visit in the offseason — November to March — or get up early if you want to avoid having throngs of tourists in your photos. Explore the outer reaches of the medina for shots with no one in sight.

A tannery in Fes, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

2. Fes

The tangled maze of Fes, a World Heritage site, includes its medina, a magnet for tourists and photographers alike. I highly recommend hiring a guide to navigate you to the most intriguing sights. Be prepared to photograph the general hustle and bustle of people, donkeys, stores, mosques, and other buildings, and know that your SIM card will fill up quickly. Your guide will take you to a carpet shop, a cloth weaving factory, a local pharmacist, and at least one artifact store, to name but a few, all in the hope that he will earn some commission from your purchases. Embrace the experience, enjoy and photograph the demonstrations, then show your appreciation by buying something to remember the tour by. You won’t want to miss photographing the historic leather tannery, but be prepared for the less-than-inviting smell.

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

3. Atlas Mountains

There are actually three main Atlas mountain ranges: the Middle Atlas in the north, the High Atlas in central Morocco, and the Anti-Atlas further to the south. All of the mountain ranges offer a host of locations that you will want to stop and capture. From the permanent snow of the High Atlas to the argan tree and prickly pear-studded slopes of the Anti Atlas, there are constantly changing scenic vistas.

A monkey in the Cedre Gourad Forest in Azrou. — Ruth Murdoch

4. Azrou

The ancient Cedre Gouraud Forest in the Middle Atlas Mountains near Azrou provides the opportunity to photograph the local Barbary macaque monkeys up close and personal. Buy peanuts from the local sellers to enjoy interactions with these cheeky monkeys.

A camel in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

5. The Sahara Desert

There are two prime locations in Morocco for experiencing the imposing dunes of the Sahara and capturing memorable images: Zagora and Erg Chebbi. Both areas offer safe access to a small finger of the Sahara that intrudes into southeastern Morocco. Reserve a camel tour to enjoy an overnight experience in a desert tent and discover stunning photographic opportunities. Trek into the dunes early to catch the sunrise, and photograph camel riders or walkers on distant dune peaks. This gives you perspective and a sense of the landscape’s massive scale. Want more inspiration? Read up on nine hidden secrets we discovered in Morocco’s Sahara Desert.

The switchback road in Dades Gorge, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

6. Todra And Dades Gorges

These gorges are relatively close together and both offer unique photo opportunities that include interesting villages, buildings, and rock formations.

The imposing red cliffs of Todra tower above the road, and driving further up the gorge reveals great scenes of palm trees and the craggy dry river bed. If you have a big zoom lens, you may be able to see the cave dwellers high on the canyon walls. Be prepared for a myriad of vendors selling scarves, fossils, and other wares.

Dades Gorge is best known for the awe-inspiring images of the switchback road zigzagging up the sheer rock wall. From the auberge (hotel) at the top, lean over the edge and snap the meandering engineering marvel.

The ancient town of Ait Benhaddou in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

7. Ait Benhaddou

The UNESCO-listed ancient fortified town of Ait Benhaddou lies on the original trans-Saharan trade route and has been part of numerous movie sets. Traditionally, Moroccan buildings outside the cities were made from rammed mud, earth, and straw and begin to degrade within a few decades. However, Ait Benhaddou has been repaired and restored using authentic materials and architectural features, providing many photo opportunities. Capture the town from across the stream, then scale the upper walls for a memorable panoramic.

People walking the streets of Guelmim, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

8. Guelmim

Guelmim is well-known for its weekly camel souk and the gorgeous brightly colored clothing worn by the women of southern Morocco. Other interesting subjects include the pop-up petrol stations selling cheap gas brought over from the nearby Western Sahara region.

A man at the Mirleft souk in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

9. Mirleft

Although not as well known as Sidi Ifni, 20 miles to the south, Mirleft is a wonderful traditional Moroccan seaside town with a vibrant weekly souk. Of special feature is the ruined French fort overlooking the town. From the fort, you’ll have panoramic views, and, if you are lucky, for a small donation, a local will show you around the ruins. Walk around quietly to see desert squirrels sunning themselves on the rocks.

A rock archway at Legzira Beach in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

Just 14 miles south of Mirleft lies Legzira Beach, well known for its imposing rock archways.

The many paragliders landing on the beach make great subjects or can add interest to your photos.

Landscape of Tafraoute, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

10. Tafraoute

During the drive to Tafraoute, the surrounding hills won’t let you put your camera away for even a second. Early morning is a special time when the sun rises over the surrounding mountains, bathing the barren landscape with wonderful red and pink hues. The nearby Painted Rocks and Napoleon’s Hat are other popular photo locations. Not far from Tafraoute, we came across a shepherd encouraging his goats to climb the argan trees to graze on the nuts and foliage: living proof of the incredible story of tree-climbing goats in Morocco.

The R203 road in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

11. R203 Road

Not for faint-hearted drivers (or passengers), the R203 road over the Anti-Atlas mountains between Taroudant and Marrakesh traverses some of the most stunning scenery — but is barely wide enough for a car in places, let alone our seven-foot-wide RV. If you dare to go, stay at the auberge at the top of the Tizi-n-Test pass to capture stunning evening and early morning photos.

One of the many palaces in Marrakech, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

12. Marrakech

Magical Marrakech is very touristy, and certainly photogenic. The UNESCO-listed main market square Jemaa el-Fna is a nonstop riot of snake charmers, fortune tellers, street hawkers, and locals throughout the day, transforming to a maze of street food stalls every evening. Be prepared to pay to take your photos here, or sit back at a distance with a zoom lens and search out interesting subjects from one of the overlooking cafes.

Marrakech is rich in historical buildings, gardens, and palaces such as Bahia Palace, which has architectural features and intricate wooden marquetry that leave you grasping for superlatives.

From Marrakech, it is less than a three-hour drive to the popular seaside town of Essaouira, where you can pay to get a guaranteed photo of tree-climbing goats. Explore the quieter historic UNESCO-listed fortified Portuguese town of El Jadida with its very photo-worthy forts and cistern.

The Meknes medina in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

13. Meknes

If you want to avoid most of the tourists while still photographing authentic markets, historic buildings, and palaces, then Meknes is the place for you. Once an imperial city, Meknes has many splendid structures of interest as well as a large and interesting walled medina. For photos of the medina with fewer people, visit late on a Friday; we were there around 8 p.m. and many parts of the city were virtually deserted.

Mosaic floors at the ruins of Volubilis, Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

14. Volubilis

Last on our list: the extensive UNESCO-listed ruins of Volubilis. Founded by the Berbers around the 3rd century B.C., Volubilis later became an important Roman city at the very edge of the Roman Empire. Unlike many ruins in Europe, you are free to wander the site here in search of photographic subjects such as the beautifully reconstructed Triumphal Arch or the many stunning floor mosaics depicting life and legends from Roman times. The lush surrounding countryside and the nearby town of Moulay Idriss provide interesting backgrounds for stunning photographs.

This is a popular tourist spot, so arrive early to avoid the crowds and catch the morning light before the harsh sun brings too much contrast into your photos.

Pro Tips

You will want to leave Morocco with memories of the landscapes, the people, and the architecture. Plan your travels through regions including the mountains, Sahara sand dunes, bustling medinas, and souks. We found the best scenery was in the central and southern regions and away from the usual tourist hotspots.

Be careful about taking photographs of people without their permission. They may refuse or ask for a small amount of money, or they may happily pose for you. Under no circumstances should you photograph the police or the military, and don’t take a drone into Morocco as these are strictly illegal.

The magnificent sweeping views in Morocco can be hard to capture with just one photograph, so learn how to take several overlapping photos and stitch them together using panoramic stitching software — I used the free Image Composite Editor. If your camera and baggage allowance permits, take along a wide-angle lens for the landscape shots and a good zoom lens for capturing everyday life. A tripod is highly recommended. You can also check out these nine travel photography tips for amazing photos on your next trip.

Sunrise over Erg Chebbi in Morocco. — Ruth Murdoch

We found many of our favorite photography locations by researching other travelers’ blogs, and photography sites such as Flickr or Instagram. Often we just stumbled on them as we drove across the countryside or strolled through the medinas and weekly souks. As always, being up early for sunrise or staying out for sunset gave the best lighting, plus opportunities to experience the locations without the crowds. Having our own transport let us stop whenever we found a great photo opportunity.

When planning your visit to Morocco, avoid the scorching hot months of late May through mid-September. We were there in January, February, and March, and although it was sometimes chilly at night, the daytime temperatures were comfortable and the crowds small.

How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Rochester, New York

Host to more than 140 annual festivals and events, Rochester, New York, offers history, art, museums, green space, and a fantastic farm-to-table food scene. Though it’s the third-biggest city in New York, Rochester still has a small-town feel thanks to its historic, walkable downtown and position on the shores of Lake Ontario. It’s no surprise that Rochester consistently ranks among the most livable and family-friendly cities in the United States.

What To Do In Rochester

Visiting Rochester’s museums should be at the top of any visitor’s to-do list. Rochester has several of the best and most unique museums in the country. It also excels as a home for the arts and cultural institutions, and it’s a great place to take in a performance if you’re able to do so.

A four-season destination, Rochester is beautiful to visit year-round, though visitors in winter will want to take care to dress for the weather and put snow tires on their vehicles. But the extra effort is worth it. During the time leading up to Christmas, the Roc Holiday Village is a magical setup in downtown Rochester that’s designed to mimic the look of New York City’s Bryant Park. When warmer weather comes around, the area hosts the Rochester Lilac Festival and North America’s largest display of lilacs.

The Susan B. Anthony Museum and House. — The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Visit The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

The year 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of suffragist Susan B. Anthony’s birth and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. This property was the site of Anthony’s arrest for voting in 1872 and the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association during her tenure as president. And sadly, this is also the location where Anthony died in 1906.

If you’re able to plan your visit for a Monday, do so. Every month, the museum hosts a luncheon lecture on a topic pertaining to Anthony’s life and times. It’s wise to purchase your ticket in advance, and you can see a list of upcoming topics here.

Note that the first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible. With advance notice, the staff can provide interpretation services of the second and third floors for those who have difficulty climbing stairs.

The George Eastman Museum and estate. — Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

Tour The Newly Revitalized George Eastman Museum

Founded in 1947 as an independent nonprofit institution, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. At any given time, there are temporary exhibitions on photography and cinema in the main exhibition galleries, in the Project Gallery, in the History of Photography Gallery, and on the second floor of the property.

In 2020 and into 2021, a new visitor center, education pavilion, and cafe space will be constructed. While it’s possible there may be some construction activity in certain areas during your visit, you can look forward to much-need improvements for visitors to enjoy.

The majority of the museum is accessible for those with mobility restrictions, with full details available here.

Delight Your Inner Child At The Strong National Museum Of Play

While little ones love The Strong National Museum of Play, this is definitely not exclusively a children’s museum. The Strong is home to the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame, and its expansive collection of vintage toys and play objects from years gone by fills guests with nostalgia. Exhibits at this accessible museum feature old-fashioned pinball machines, vintage Valentine’s Day cards, and American board games.

At present, The Strong is expanding in a most novel way. It’s completely reshaping its surrounding area to create a Neighborhood of Play — a walkable, interactive space around the museum and into Rochester itself.

Pay Tribute To Heroes At The Hochstein School

This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Hochstein School. Once a station of the Underground Railroad and the home of Quaker abolitionists Isaac and Amy Post, this one-time church hosted the funerals of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.

Today, it’s a music and dance school with a mission to provide access to arts education for all. The Hochstein is the only school of its kind in the country, and a host of special events are planned to celebrate its centennial, including tours and concerts.

Catch Some Thrills At The Seabreeze Amusement Park

If you’re a thrillseeker at heart (or maybe just a historian who likes to walk on the wild side), a ride on the Jack Rabbit roller-coaster at the Seabreeze Amusement Park is a must. This is the oldest continuously operated wooden roller-coaster in the country. The Seabreeze park itself is also home to a water park, family attractions, arcade games, and more.

Celebrate Americana At The Genesee Country Village & Museum

The Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York. It features costumed interpreters in restored historic buildings who breathe life into the authentic working 19th-century country village. The museum includes 68 buildings, heirloom gardens, and even livestock, plus live demonstrations at the pottery, cooper shop, tinsmith shop, and blacksmith shop. Together, the displays and buildings cover the pioneer settlement dating from 1795 to 1830 and the Gaslight Era of 1860 to 1900.

The museum’s modern buildings are wheelchair accessible, as are many of the historic properties, including the Amherst Humphrey House, Foster-Tufts House, Pioneer Farmstead Barn, Blacksmith Shop, Cooper Shop, Drug Store, and Tinsmith Shop. However, not all of the estate is accessible, and during bad weather, the unpaved paths may be difficult to navigate.

Play Golf

If there’s one thing that Rochester knows and loves, it’s golf. There are more than 60 golf courses in the area. Rochester consistently ranks as one of the best golf regions in the nation, as well as one of the most affordable. One course of note is Ravenwood, which was selected by Golf Digest as the fifth-best new public course in the U.S. when it first opened in 2003.

Where To Eat In Rochester

If there’s one thing the Rochester restaurant scene is known for, it’s beer. In and around the “Northeast’s best beer town,” there are more than two dozen breweries. If you see a local brew on a menu, be sure to order a pint.

Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in the area.

REDD Rochester

As Rochester’s first restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef, REDD offers salads with smoked trout, steamed buns with pork belly and hoisin, wings with Thai chili glaze, and their own modern take on pizza, pasta, and burgers.

Rella

A small-plate seafood bar, Rella serves up more than just shareable seafood. The pasta with braised short ribs is popular, as are the creative combinations like mushroom puree with Brussels sprouts and duck as well as Belgian endives with rapini, fennel, and prosciutto.

The Owl House

This sweet spot specializes in creative sandwiches, soups, salads, and small plates made with local ingredients, plus lots of local craft beer. You’ll also find a selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Try their BVE burger (with a beef or chickpea patty), which comes with strawberry-sriracha jam and crispy onions.

The Arnett Cafe

This friendly cafe serves up homestyle comfort food like chicken and waffles and strawberry lemonade. It’s a great stop for breakfast, where a long list of classics like a full stack of pancakes and a side of beef sausage ring in at well under $10.

Fuego Coffee Roasters

This small cafe roasts their own beans, which makes for incredible lattes, Americanos, and cappuccinos.

Where To Shop In Rochester

Downtown Rochester is compact and pedestrian friendly. The best way to explore the shops is to park in the center and take your time visiting the different shops. Here are some places to look out for.

Small World Books

This quirky independent bookstore frequently hosts author events.

Simply Simone Naturals

Simone makes all-natural, handmade, vegan toiletries and skincare products that are fresh and affordable.

Fleet Feet

A fantastic destination for runners and walkers, Fleet Feet is a one-stop shop for all fitness activities.

Little Button Craft

This charming, funky craft store is the place to go for beautiful yarn and fun stickers, key chains, jewelry, and pouches.

Where To Stay In Rochester

Rochester has a fantastic selection of chain hotels at every price point, but the city is known for its history, and there are many beautiful turn-of-the-century inns available. For something a bit different, these two independent properties are well worth checking out.

The Strathallan

This elegant boutique hotel has a variety of rooms and suites, plus a heated indoor pool and a modern gym with fantastic views.

Ellwanger Estate

This romantic bed and breakfast is nearly 120 years old. It’s named after George Ellwanger, a renowned horticulturist, and the beautiful gardens on the property are maintained by the Landmark Society of Western New York. Guests are welcome to explore.

7 Reasons Panama City Beach Is Fun For The 50+ Crowd

Panama City Beach claims that it’s home to the world’s most beautiful beaches, and, with 27 miles of white sandy shores, they’ve got plenty to back that up. This waterfront vacation destination in Northwest Florida has sand, sun, and surf aplenty, plus a small-town feel. It certainly seems that all of the 13,000 or so locals all know one another, but it won’t take visitors long to feel right at home themselves.

Once famous as a Spring Break hangout for college students, Panama City Beach now attracts families every March, thanks in part to a 2015 ordinance that prohibits drinking during that month. It’s also fun for the 50+ crowd as well as multigenerational groups. Here are seven reasons why.

panama city beach and the gulf of mexico, looking west from st. andrews state park — Terry Kelly / Shutterstock.com

1. You Can Go To The Prom

Panama City Beach is a hugely popular destination with winter residents, otherwise known as snowbirds. Every year, a long list of events is planned to celebrate these part-time residents, including Winter Residents Appreciation Day (featuring a lot of free coffee and donuts compliments of local businesses) and golf challenges.

But the most fun of all is the Winter Resident Senior Prom. Taking place every year in mid-February, the Senior Prom is a lively night of drinking, dancing, music, and revelry, complete with the crowning of a prom king and queen.

2. The Festivals Never Stop

When you’re home to the perfect weather, there’s no such thing as a festival “season,” and Panama City Beach proves that by offering a long list of events and festivities all year long. Here are some especially fun ones to look out for.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

This late-April event was named one of the top 10 jazz festivals in the United States and attracts fans from around North America and Europe.

Gulf Coast Jam

One of the biggest annual music festivals in the area, this September event is a three-day celebration of country music. Up to 15,000 fans show up to take part.

Oktoberfest

This three-day event features live music, classic German beer hall flavors, and fun competitions like tug of war during the first week in October.

Pier To Pier Paddleboard Classic

If your interests in early October are less about beer and more about showing no fear, this 10-mile paddleboard race is just the thing to test your athletic abilities. Participants enjoy poolside movie nights, group dinners, and special events for the littles, with the proceeds going toward several charitable causes.

Beach Home For The Holidays

A cheery mix of beach house life and holiday fun, this annual set of festivities at the end of November includes the lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa’s Village, live music concerts, and more.

A great egret at Saint Andrews State Park in Florida. — Paul Winterman / Shutterstock

3. It’s A Photographer’s Dream

To say that Panama City Beach is pretty is a huge understatement. This is a gorgeous destination famous for beautiful sunsets, pristine beaches, and swaying palms. But for amateur photographers looking to hone their skills, Panama City Beach has a great selection of potential subjects perfect for practice, including the following.

Wildlife

Panama City Beach Conservation Park and Saint Andrews State Park are both well regarded for wildlife, and patient photographers are likely to see alligators, a variety of birds, and even deer.

Nostalgia And Color

Panama City Beach Pier Park is popular with families and features a Ferris wheel, ice cream parlor, arcade games, and more.

Sports And Motion

Panama City Beach boasts several golf courses and Kartona The Electric Speedway (an indoor go-kart facility). The area also hosts an annual Ironman (November), motorcycle rally (late October), and marathon (December).

4. There’s A Hip Coffee Scene

While tiki bar cocktails keep Panama City Beach hopping at night, it’s arguably coffee that’s the locals’ beverage of choice. Panama City Beach might just have the best coffee scene in all of Florida, and these are just some of the shops that are taking brewing to the next level.

Wild Root Coffee & Apothecary

This funky coffee bar located in nearby Lynn Haven sources their beans from Amavida, a local coffee roaster that focuses on sourcing fair-pay beans. Wild Root also uses local honey, Vermont maple syrup, and unexpected ingredients like cardamom in their lattes.

FINNS Barista Bar

FINNS makes their cashew milk and organic syrups in house, but it’s their cold brew coffee that’s the most popular thing on the menu. If you feel like branching out, order the mocha topped with black salt.

Deja Brew Coffee Shop

For coffee fans who like black coffee and nothing but black coffee, Deja Brew Coffee Shop has 14-plus beans to choose from.

The Pour

Another coffee shop that uses local roaster Amavida, The Pour is known for its amazing latte art, charitable efforts, and unusual flavor options like lavender.

Kayaking Male Saint Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida — QualityImagePro / Shutterstock.com

5. There Are Plenty Of Water Adventure Options

If you want to do nothing but relax, lounge, and swim, one of the best beach options around is Saint Andrews State Park. The park has a modest parking fee of $8, but that price is steep enough that many sun-seekers go elsewhere. Alas, it’s their loss. Saint Andrews is huge. You can choose from one beach lining the Gulf or another by the protected lagoon, which is a gentle spot for kayaking.

However, if you are looking for a bit more action, you can branch out from the beaches and look into these companies.

Adventures At Sea

Adventures at Sea offers the largest selection of pontoon boats and WaveRunners in the area, which you can rent for as little as 1 hour.

Paradise Adventures Catamaran

Paradise Adventures Catamaran provides daily sunset sails, snorkeling trips, and dolphin-spotting tours.

Island Time Sailing

Island Time Sailing offers snorkeling excursions and 2-hour sunset cruises designed to spot dolphins.

6. There Are Seafood Restaurants For Every Foodie

Given its position right on the Gulf of Mexico, you’d expect Panama City Beach to serve up some terrific seafood, and the town’s restaurants do not disappoint. These are some popular seafood restaurants to consider.

Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant

This lively beachfront restaurant has great views and an extensive seafood menu that includes raw oysters.

Firefly

At Firefly, one of the most beautiful restaurants in town, you can enjoy steak, seafood, or sushi in a romantic, upscale setting with great cocktails.

The Grand Marlin

At The Grand Marlin, another popular option on the water, the steaks, seafood, island-themed cocktails, and desserts are all hits. There’s also a raw oyster bar.

Runaway Island

Runaway Island has great dishes for sharing, like crab legs and fish tacos, plus a happy hour that’s rather extensive — it runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.!

Pro Tip: Note that if you’re a true seafood fan, you’ll want to attend the Lobster Festival and Tournament at Schooners in October. It features live music, a sand-sculpting contest, and incredible eats.

7. The Shopping Is Fantastic

Panama City Beach is such a well-known shopping area that it boasts a Coastal Decor Emporium Trail. Keep an eye out for signs promoting “Decor by the Shore,” which refers to properties specializing in Northwest Florida style and design.

Panama City Beach’s shops offer plenty of beachy designs, but seaside themes and shabby chic accents aren’t the only things you’ll find as you explore and shop. Here are some delightful stops to check out.

13 Hub Lane

Modern pieces and metallic accents keep things at this home decor and accessories shop from getting too cutesy.

The Salt Shed & Company

This store is a gardener’s dream, with gorgeous plants, pots, and gift items.

Mr. Surfs Surf Shop

Mr. Surfs is the place to go to rent kayaks and paddleboards, but they also showcase the work of local artists, including people who work in paints, ceramics, and mixed media. FINNS Barista Bar is next door.

Pieces On The Beach

If it’s beach decor you crave, this shop does it best, and it’s full of shells, driftwood, and much more. There’s also an on-site studio that offers lessons in painting and furniture restoration.

A Local Travel Tip

Shell Island, a 700-acre island less than 30 minutes away from Panama City Beach, is easily accessible via the Shell Island Shuttle (with departures every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). You could also charter a boat for a half day from an outfitter like Lagoon Pontoons. No matter how you get there, you’ll want to pack a picnic and a cooler full of drinks like the locals do and enjoy a gorgeous afternoon on the soft, pearly white sand beaches.

The Perfect Cheese Lover’s Tour Of Wisconsin

Cheese lovers around the world know that Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland. Wisconsinites have been making cheese for more than 175 years, since before Wisconsin was even a state. Wisconsin cheese producers make more than 600 varieties of cheese — more than 3 billion pounds annually — earning them the top spot among American cheesemakers. In fact, Wisconsin is so serious about its cheese that it’s the only state in the country that requires a license to make cheese for retail consumption.

While cheeseheads revel in this abundance, it can be overwhelming to choose from so many options during a visit. To help you navigate this incredible cheese landscape, we’d like to offer you our suggestions for the perfect cheese lover’s tour of Wisconsin. We’ll include places that make cheese, some that serve it, and others that sell it for you to take home for a complete Wisconsin cheese experience.

Kenosha

Mars Cheese Castle

Kenosha is a great place to begin your cheese lover’s tour of Wisconsin. Mars Cheese Castle stands alone as a mecca for cheese fans everywhere. Yes — Wisconsinites literally built a castle-shaped structure and filled it with cheese. But Mars Cheese Castle is so much more than that.

With 46,000 square feet of space and more than 700 types of cheese, Mars Cheese Castle is an unparalleled cheese emporium offering tons of samples and items like cheese popcorn and addictive cheese bread. They also sell things that go with cheese, like sausages, beer, wine, and of course, cheese-centric merchandise.

You can eat in the deluxe dining room, have a drink in the lounge, and check out the expansive room full of souvenirs. Enjoy it all while nibbling samples to decide what cheese you want to take with you.

Milwaukee

Clock Shadow Creamery

It’s fun to take a tour of Milwaukee’s urban cheese factory, Clock Shadow Creamery. You can learn about the history of cheesemaking, sample fresh cheeses, and see how cheese is made. On Wednesdays and Fridays, they make fresh curds, so plan accordingly if you love fresh, squeaky cheese.

Tours take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and take about half an hour. This will give you plenty of extra time to explore the historic Walker’s Point neighborhood where the creamery is located.

Wisconsin Cheese Mart

When you’ve built up your cheese hunger again, pay Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Cheese Mart a visit. These folks have been selling Wisconsin cheese since 1938, and they know what they’re doing. They’ve got more than 150 Wisconsin varieties of cheese, including the state’s best gourmet and award-winning cheeses. They’ve also opened a taproom where you can try Wisconsin cheese paired with Wisconsin craft beer and wines from around the world. With plenty of other gourmet foods, gifts, baskets, and sweets, it’s easy to see why this place wins the hearts of cheese lovers everywhere.

For more to see and do in Milwaukee, see this page.

Manitowoc

Pine River Dairy

This family-owned gem has been making cheese for almost 80 years over six generations. Pine River Dairy sells more than 250 varieties of cheese in its store in the manufacturing facility. The award-winning cheese spreads are out of this world. They also make many different cheeses, including curds and string cheese, Cheddar, Colby, brick, Muenster, Swiss, and more. You might spy them making butter through the window. And don’t skip the 25-cent ice cream cones. They’ve got lots of fun souvenirs and gifts for guests to take home as well.

Little Chute

Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival

It should come as no surprise that Little Chute, founded by Dutch settlers, loves cheese. You might recognize the local producer Bel Brands USA. They make Babybel, Merkts, The Laughing Cow, Boursin, and the irresistible Kaukauna spreadable cheese.

If you happen to plan a trip for the first weekend of June, check out the Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival. Cheese activities abound, including cheese tastings, cheese-carving demonstrations, a cheese-curd-eating contest, and a cheese breakfast.

Simon’s Specialty Cheese

Visit Simon’s Specialty Cheese for a great selection of the best Wisconsin cheeses, including Simon’s own specialty cheeses like chocolate cheese fudge, smoked Provolone, and marbled Cheddar.

Thorp

Marieke Gouda And Penterman Farm

If you’re a cheese nerd like us, you’ve probably heard about Marieke Gouda. A Grand Champion of the United States Championship Cheese Contest, Marieke has won numerous awards for handcrafted Gouda cheeses that are the best of the best. Marieke Gouda comes in 23 unique and delicious options like caraway, chipotle, onion garlic, pesto basil, honey clover, truffle, smoked cumin, hatch pepper, and many more.

If you want to learn more about the cheesemaking process, you can take a self-guided tour during business hours or pay $10 during the summer months for a guided tour that includes a visit to the barn and a cheese sampling. You can visit the cheese store and enjoy a meal at the cafe for breakfast or lunch.

Don’t forget to head across the street to Penterman Farm to say hello to the cows that make all this wonderful cheese deliciousness possible.

Madison

We have to include our own town of Madison in any cheese lover’s tour of Wisconsin. Aside from being the Wisconsin state capital, Madison is a cheese haven.

Fromagination

You’ll want to stop by Fromagination, one of the most elegant cheese shops you’ll ever see. There are so many Wisconsin and other artisanal cheeses there it’ll be hard to choose a favorite. They encourage you to taste and decide for yourself. While you’re there, you can have a handcrafted sandwich or salad and a local craft beer.

If you have some time, take one of their incredibly fun classes, like The Science of Cheesemaking, Cheese and Tea, or Wisconsin’s Best-in-Show Cheeses.

The Old Fashioned

If you haven’t already tried cheese curds, you’ll want to try them at The Old Fashioned. Voted Wisconsin’s best cheese curds year after year, theirs are house-made fresh Wisconsin beer-battered cheese curds. Add your favorite dipping sauce for total cheesy joy.

If you’re still hungry after the curds, The Old Fashioned has plenty of other cheesy delights to fill you up. Try their Wisconsin beer cheese soup, the Wisconsin grilled cheese with Swiss and aged Cheddar, or the bacon mac and cheese with Wisconsin aged Cheddar, SarVecchio cheese, and hickory-smoked bacon.

Then walk around the square, explore the beautiful capitol building, and visit the cute local shops to burn a few of those cheese calories.

La Valle

Carr Valley Cheese

When you say Carr Valley to a Wisconsinite, you’ll probably get a big, cheesy smile. That’s because Carr Valley is one of the most beloved names in Wisconsin cheese. Carr Valley produces a wide range of award-winning cow’s milk cheeses, goat’s milk cheeses, sheep’s milk cheeses, and mixed milk cheeses. You’ll find Wisconsin favorites like bacon cheese, Havarti, and Pepper Jack along with European-style cheeses like aged Swiss, Asiago, Gruyere, and Parmesan. Of course, they also make great cheese curds and spreads.

They have a few retail locations, but for a real treat, visit one of their factory and retail store locations like the one in La Valle, where they produce more than 50 original varieties.

Monroe

Monroe, known as the Gateway to Cheese Country, is in a league of its own when it comes to cheese. The city is steeped in cheese history and is home to The Swiss Colony, which expanded its offerings to become an American favorite food gifts catalog company.

National Historic Cheesemaking Center

If you want to learn more about cheese culture and history, you’ll want to visit the National Historic Cheesemaking Center.

Alp And Dell Cheese Store

Check out Alp And Dell Cheese Store to get your fix of cheesy delights. In addition to lots of delicious Wisconsin cheese, they offer a tour of the Emmi Roth chalet-style factory. Get there in the morning for the best views of the cheesemakers in action, and don’t miss the famous Emmentaler Swiss.

Baumgartner's Cheese store and Tavern. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Baumgartner Cheese Store & Tavern

To relax a bit and enjoy a chat with some very friendly locals, grab a seat at Baumgartner Cheese Store & Tavern. You can have a beer and get a sandwich. Try the local favorite Limburger “stinky cheese” and gaze at the incredible painted walls. On your way out, you can choose some delicious cheeses from their showcase to take with you.

Green County Cheese Days

If you happen to be heading to Wisconsin in the fall, you’ll discover cheese nirvana at the Green County Cheese Days. Here you’ll join other cheese lovers for demonstrations, entertainment, food, parades, contests, cheese tastings, yodeling, cow milking, beer sampling, and more. Wedgie, the Swiss cheese wedge mascot, even has his own song. There’s so much to see and taste — we recommend that you come hungry, because you will certainly leave full.

Cheese is an important part of Wisconsin’s culinary culture. We hope you enjoy the possibilities when planning your perfect cheese lover’s tour of America’s Dairyland.

9 Best Islands Of The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, featuring some 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, 300 coral cays, and about 150 inshore mangrove islands. While the reef has battled in recent years against coral bleaching, global warming, pollution, industrial destruction, and many other perils that the oceans and marine habitats face constantly, there is no doubt that it still, against all odds, is one of the greatest wonders of this planet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected national park, this coral system stretches along the coast of Queensland, starting roughly at the town of Bundaberg and reaching all the way north, close to the Torres Strait.

If you’re planning a Great Barrier Reef island getaway, know that there are roughly 900 islands to choose from. Some are luxury private resorts; others have residential developments. Some are mere coral spits; others, quite literally, have a single tree to their name, as is the case with One Tree Island. Most are uninhabited and wild; there are some, however, that stand out for one reason or another.

I have driven the length of the Great Barrier Reef on a road trip from Bundaberg to Daintree and have also gotten to visit a number of the Great Barrier Reef islands. A non-mention does not mean an island is not a rare beauty in its own right, but only a very lucky person can see them all. Here are my best-loved islands, in no particular order, for you to consider exploring when you are in the region.

1. Heron Island For Scuba Diving

As a former marine biologist and a keen amateur scuba diver, Heron Island is my favorite island of them all. Mentioned as one of the world’s top 10 scuba diving spots by the father of recreational scuba diving, Jacques Cousteau, it offered me my dive to end all dives: coral bommies, gigantic manta rays, countless turtles, huge groupers, tiny clownfish, and everything in between. And that was only one dive.

The island has a nice enough resort, some interesting nature, and the choice of transport between a fast catamaran ferry with dolphins as accompaniment and seaplanes offering some whale-watching from up high (I took one out and the other back for good measure), but its main attraction is indubitably the underwater world.

A coastal road on Magnetic Island, Australia — Tero Hakala / Shutterstock

2. Magnetic Island For Its Vibe

Just a hop on a ferry from Townsville, and you enter a world that is so laid-back that even the koalas would wear sunglasses if they could. This little island, named Captain Cook Magnetic Island because the explorer’s compass needle went crazy upon approach, is best explored by bicycle, mini-moke, or even the local bus, which has only a handful of stops. Magnetic, or Maggie, as the locals call it, offers great walks, history in the shape of old forts and a small town called Arcadia, self-guided snorkel tours, plenty of water sports, and a campsite where you can have breakfast with koalas. If you want nightlife and plenty of thrills, don’t bother, but if you want to hike, enjoy nature, and just chill, this is the place for you. There is a variety of accommodation, from camping to five-star hotels if you want to stay the night.

A pier over blue water on Fitzroy Island in the Great Barrier Reef — KennyPhotography / Shutterstock

3. Fitzroy Island For A Day Trip

Cairns does not have its own beach, but it does have Fitzroy Island on its doorstep. You can take the ferry in the morning, pay a day fee of $80 AUD per adult, and spend the entire day enjoying the white beaches, the small restaurants and bars, and the facilities of the island resort. There is a turtle rehabilitation station, two great hikes of varying difficulty levels, glass-bottom boat tours, and a diving and snorkeling center should you get tired of sunbathing and hopping into the clear sea. If you do decide to stay the night, there are hotel rooms and a campsite (bring your own equipment) available, although checking and booking ahead is advisable during busy times.

An aerial shot of Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef — ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock

4. Green Island For Dry Diving

A little further out from Cairns than Fitzroy Island lies Green Island. A coral cay, Green Island is a great place for all sorts of water sports, including kayaking, glass-bottom boat trips, and snorkeling and scuba diving. But for those who don’t want to get their heads in the water, or those who are not confident swimmers, there is the Seawalker experience, for which you do not need any previous diving expertise and don’t need to swim. Instead, you get suited up with a huge glass helmet and can keep your glasses on or contact lenses in (and hair and makeup in place) while you walk along the seafloor and get up close and friendly with the reef inhabitants.

Whitehaven Beach in Australia's Whitsunday Islands. — autau / Shutterstock

5. Whitsunday Island For The World’s Prettiest Beach

The largest island of the Whitsundays, this island also has the prettiest beach of them all: Whitehaven Beach, so remote that you are best served to book a helicopter tour during which you’ll fly in over the beach and can really appreciate its various shades of white and swirling cream and marvel at the neighboring Heart Reef, which truly is heart-shaped and only appreciated from the air. You will be dropped off for an hour and 30 minutes to enjoy the beach (consider upgrades like a special picnic basket and some bubbles), then fly back over the islands. I love visiting Whitehaven Beach for a special occasion, or just because “Why not?” This is a unique treat and such a special place to really enjoy with a few luxury frills.

An aerial shot of Lady Elliot Island in Queensland, Australia — Nico Faramaz / Shutterstock

6. Lady Elliot Island, The Southernmost Island

This island marks the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, some 30 miles from Bundaberg on the coast and an hour’s flight from the hub of Brisbane. Offering all you could wish for from a Great Barrier Reef island, Lady Elliot is teeming with wildlife on land and in the water. It has plenty of watersports, an ecofriendly resort where you can stay, and even a historic, still-functioning lighthouse. The island’s mainstay used to be guano mining, which gives you an idea of its popularity with the local bird population.

Outdoor bench and chairs on Lizard Island overlooking the ocean — Caroline Church / Shutterstock

7. Lizard Island, The Furthest North

North of Cairns some 150 miles and just under 20 miles from the mainland, Lizard Island is the only continental island close to the outer reef, and yes, it is home to a lot of lizards. The island is famous for its celebrity visitors, its luxury and secluded resort, and its nature. Whale-watching, nature walks, and stargazing (real and Hollywood stars) are on the entertainment calendar, while the local research station attracts marine biologists from around the globe. You can fly across for the day, but it does seem a shame to leave early when you could relax and enjoy dinner next to celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Russell Crowe, who are known to vacation there.

A jetty and small boat jutting out into the waters of Hinchinbrook Island National Park — Marine Morelle / Shutterstock

8. Hinchinbrook Island, The Largest One

Hinchinbrook Island is the largest island national park in Australia, and one without a resort. The main attraction of this largely wild island, reachable by ferry from Lucinda or Cardwell, towns lying between Townsville and Cairns, is its walking trail. The Thorsborne Trail is a 20-mile hike that is on the radar of many serious walkers. Obviously, it cannot be walked in a day, at least not in comfort, but you can camp in one of the seven campsites on the island. Composting toilets and picnic tables are the only facilities provided, so you must bring everything you need, and then take it all back with you. And you need to get permission from the Australian national park wardens to hike and camp on Hinchinbrook. Find more information here.

9. Reefsuites, Not Really An Island

This one is a bit of a cheeky addition, but a pretty cool one: a floating hotel with rooms underwater and windows that allow you to watch what swims by from your bed. Moored off the Hardy Reef in the Whitsundays, this is basically a pontoon in the ocean, a playground for day trippers who enjoy watersports, sunbathing on the decks, exploring the underwater observatory, and having lunch with amazing views. But if you book ahead, you can stay after sunset, have dinner under the amazing starry Australian sky, and spend the night in one of the two underwater rooms for a superb experience.

Pro Tip

So many islands, so little time. To see just one would be a shame, so I suggest choosing at least two very different experiences that suit your personal interests, whether your itinerary includes a sporty island followed by a luxury resort, or a day trip and one more lengthy stay on a larger island. There are some truly unique experiences to be had, so if you have an excuse, any excuse, to indulge in a unique Australian island treat — the Great Barrier Reef is the place to do it.