Road Trip From Saint Louis To Nashville: The Best Stops

Nashville and Saint Louis are closer than you’d think. Because you travel across several states — Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee — the trip always seems like it should take much longer than it does.

If you’re looking for a road trip bookended by two great cities in the center of the United States, then Saint Louis to Nashville is absolutely a trip you should investigate. Having lived in Saint Louis for 25 years, I’ve driven this route at least a dozen times. There are many great stops along the way. Let’s discuss them, shall we?

The Saint Louis Arch in Missouri. — Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock

Saint Louis, Missouri

To start your trip, plan to spend several days in Saint Louis. This is the place I call home, so I could easily give you two dozen things to do off the top of my head. If you’re only in the area for a few days, however, there are a couple of attractions you should prioritize.

All first-time visitors to Saint Louis should visit the Gateway Arch, the symbol of the city and a marvel of engineering. In 2016, the Arch Grounds (the 90-acre park surrounding the Arch) underwent a $380 million facelift. As part of that effort, the museum located beneath the Arch (and I mean beneath — it’s underground) was completely renovated. The new museum covers the entire history of Saint Louis as the gateway to Westward expansion. Visitors can also take in an engaging documentary on the construction of the Arch. After spending some time at the museum, finish your visit with a trip to the top of the Arch so that you can look out those tiny windows at the entire region.

After your visit to the Arch, you’ll want to experience more of what the downtown area has to offer — check out the sights on this list. When you’re ready to explore beyond downtown, make time for the city’s best-loved attractions and hidden gems. And for a taste of Saint Louis-style cuisine, consider a rib crawl or a visit to Imo’s Pizza.

Now it’s time to get started on our road trip. Let’s head southeast!

View of Rend Lake from Interstate 64 in Illinois. — Google Maps

Rend Lake, Illinois

Just over an hour outside of Saint Louis, in Illinois, you might want to stop and stretch your legs. I’d suggest stopping at Rend Lake, a 19,000-acre lake in southern Illinois. From Saint Louis, you’ll drive east on Interstate 64 and then south on Interstate 57, and not long after that you’ll cross over a finger of Rend Lake (you can’t miss it — it’s a long bridge with a lake on either side). Take the very next exit, and you’ll be there.

I would suggest going to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area to take your break. It’s a large state park with a resort area right on the water. From the exit, head west toward the lake and then turn right at the state park sign. That entrance road will take you all the way to the resort area. Once there, walk out on the pier, have a picnic by the lake, explore the resort, go for a hike — anything you want.

Paducah, Kentucky

From Rend Lake, head south on Interstate 57 and then south on Interstate 24 toward Nashville. Just after you cross the Ohio River into Kentucky, you’ll reach Paducah.

Paducah sits at the junction of several major rivers. Downtown Paducah is located at the confluence of the Ohio River, a waterway that begins at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers in Pittsburgh, and the Tennessee River, which travels south and east and through Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Knoxville, Tennessee. To the north of this junction, the Cumberland River also joins the Ohio. The Cumberland takes you all the way to Nashville and points east.

For this reason, Paducah has a long river history. When travel along waterways was a big part of transportation in the U.S., Paducah was at the center of it all. The city claims to be “at the heart of America’s inland waterways,” and that’s certainly true.

As a result, it’s a great road-trip stop. This river-centric town offers quite a bit to do. Crafts and folk art are an important part of Paducah culture, and you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities in the downtown area. Start at the riverfront and work your way up Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe Streets, and you’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area

Two of the rivers mentioned above — the Cumberland and the Tennessee — have been dammed just outside of Paducah to form two lakes: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. These long finger lakes are separated by a large peninsula known as the Land Between the Lakes. The peninsula is protected as the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

If you’re an outdoor lover, you could spend several weeks here. The national recreation area alone offers 170,000 acres of protected woodland. There’s more than 300 miles of protected shoreline, too, so every outdoor activity, from hiking to boating to fishing to skipping rocks — is available. Whether you spend a day or several days here, you won’t lack for things to do. Cabin rentals are readily available as well.

Whatever you do, you must at least drive the peninsula. Get off of Interstate 24 at Highway 453 and take that road between the Barkley Dam and Kentucky Dam out onto the peninsula. Your exit point for this road trip will be Highway 68, about halfway down the peninsula, but before you do that, enjoy all that the national recreation area has to offer.

Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Interstate 24 would take you directly to Nashville, but this is a road trip, so you shouldn’t be in a hurry. As you leave the Land Between the Lakes on Highway 68, you’ll cross over Lake Barkley toward Canton. But when you get back to Interstate 24, don’t get on — keep going east on Highway 68. This will take you to the city of Hopkinsville.

Hopkinsville is a surprisingly large city — it’s larger than Paducah. Once known as the Bowling Ball Capital of the World (60 percent of the world’s bowling balls were produced in Hopkinsville before the area’s plant closed in 2019), Hopkinsville is a classic Kentucky county seat with much to do around the downtown area.

If you spend a day (or more) at the Land Between the Lakes, you’ll at least want to see the historic Downtown Renaissance District and grab a meal. You’ll find dozens of options in Hopkinsville.

Clarksville, Tennessee

No, you don’t have to take the “Last Train To Clarksville” as The Monkees sang. You’re on a road trip!

Clarksville was recently named the best place to live in the U.S. by Money. You’ll see why: Some cities are too large, and some are too small, but Clarksville is just right.

Clarksville is located just across the border from Kentucky. On the Kentucky side of the border sits Fort Campbell, perhaps the most famous Army base in the U.S. Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division, one of the best-known units in the Army.

There’s quite a bit to do in the area: The downtown is fun to explore, and there are a variety of parks to relax in, so be careful — you might spend several days exploring the city and forget that you’re almost to your destination.

Nashville, Tennessee

The first thing I noticed on my last trip to Nashville was how much the city has grown. Everything seems new. Revitalized neighborhoods, brand-new neighborhoods — so much felt like it had just been built (or refurbished) in the last five years.

There are the old standards — the Grand Ole Opry, all of the famous bars and honky-tonks on Broadway — but there’s so much more to explore. Here’s what to do during a weekend in Nashville. If you’re looking for places to eat and want to hear some of Nashville’s famous live music, this article lists restaurants that serve up iconic eats accompanied by live bands. If you like going off the beaten path and are interested in checking out some of Nashville’s hidden gems, consider one of these spots.

For much more on exploring Nashville, visit this page. Trust me — it won’t be hard to find things to do in Nashville. You could spend a month there.

What To Know Before You Go

There’s a reason I didn’t advise you to stick to the interstates for this road trip. The drive between the Ohio River (the border between Illinois and Kentucky) and Nashville can get long and tedious. I remember long stretches without many services at the exits. Everything seemed concentrated around a few truck-stop exits.

So take the time to wander. The drive between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley is one of the best parts of the trip. And heading from Hopkinsville to Clarksville is a much better route to Nashville — even if it takes you a little longer.

7 Beautiful Lighthouses To Visit On Cape Cod

Lighthouses line the coastline of Cape Cod and stand proud and beautiful. They serve as beacons, guiding boats from the rough sea waters of the Atlantic and saving countless lives. Imagine the relief of those huddled onboard a boat tossed by turbulent waves when they glimpsed the light flashing through darkness.

The lighthouse keeper in The Light Between Oceans writes to his girl back home, “I think of the light here like a splinter of a star that’s fallen to earth: it just shines, no matter what is happening. Summer, winter, storm, fine weather. People can rely on it.”

Today, the lights work by automation and no longer call for a keeper to climb a winding stairway to tend to them. Still, lighthouses carry an aura of intrigue. Tourists enjoy them, whether from the water’s edge or inside the keeper’s house. Each one is distinct, in part so that they could be easily recognized by boats during daylight hours.

Here are some of my favorite lighthouses on Cape Cod.

Nauset Lighthouse in Cape Cod. — Deemwave / Shutterstock

1. Nauset Lighthouse

The Nauset Lighthouse is the iconic red-and-white symbol of Cape Cod. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you venture to only one lighthouse on Cape Cod, this should be it.

The story of how this particular lighthouse came to rest where it is today shows how the people of Cape Cod have had to scramble to keep their lighthouses in place along the crumbling coast. Many lighthouses on Cape Cod have fallen into the water, and others were moved to prevent this. Even some of those in place today will have to be moved eventually, or they will topple into the sea.

The first lights at Nauset were located in three separate towers. As the shore eroded, they were in danger of falling into the ocean, so they were moved. Eventually, the lighthouse you see today was placed safely across the road from the waves. It was not built here; rather, it began its life south of Nauset in Chatham in 1877.

The point of the original three towers was to help sailors distinguish Nauset from landings north and south that flashed one and two lights. In the 1980s, the signal of three white flashes was changed to one red and one white flash with 5 seconds between them. And for those at sea during the day, the distinctive white-and-red paint job helps them recognize that they are nearing Nauset.

The keeper’s house is open for tours during the summer.

The Three Sisters lighthouses in Cape Cod. — melissamn / Shutterstock

2. The Three Sisters

If you’re wondering what became of those three lighthouses that once stood watch on the shores of Nauset, you’ll be happy to hear that they survived, and that you can see them today. At least, the second attempt at building the three lighthouses succeeded — the originals fell into the ocean in the late 1800s, so three more were constructed in 1911. The legend is that the three white towers painted black at the tops looked to sailors like three girls wearing white dresses and black hats. The Three Sisters are now old ladies, and their lights have gone out for good, but they will charm you anyway.

The sisters sit not at the water’s edge but in a pleasant clearing just a short walk from the Nauset Lighthouse. After being moved to different points along the oceanfront, they’ve been reunited in the forest, set apart the exact distance they stood when first built.

The Chatham Light in Cape Cod. — Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

3. Chatham Light

You’ve learned from the stories of the Nauset Lighthouse and The Three Sisters that lighthouses were often relocated to and removed from Chatham. Congress funded the first lighthouse for Chatham in 1806. It was the second lighthouse on Cape Cod, so it was assigned to shine two fixed lights. These lived in two separate towers at either end of the keeper’s house. President Thomas Jefferson appointed the first keeper for Chatham.

In 1831, the original two wooden towers were replaced with brick towers. And the new lighthouse keeper reported that he counted 16,000 vessels passing his lighthouse. He also sent out a plea to do something about the eroding land. Nothing was done, and in 1879, the keeper’s house and the original towers tumbled into the ocean.

Two lights remained in Chatham; one was moved to Nauset, and one remains. The current Chatham Light serves, automated now, to guide in many boats. The shore is still eroding, however, and the structure will eventually need to be moved to avoid the fate of the earlier lights.

The Nobska Light in Falmouth, Cape Cod. — Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

4. Nobska Light

Nobska Light in Falmouth stands on a hillside at the western tip of Cape Cod facing the Atlantic Ocean and the entrance to Buzzards Bay. From a vantage point on the lawn of the lighthouse, you can see Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Sound. Ferries steam out and back from these islands. It’s quite picturesque.

The buildings alongside the tower were used to house the Coast Guard until recently. Renovations are underway, and a maritime museum will eventually open in the buildings.

The tower is currently closed for tours, but the location alone and the lovely lighthouse are worth a visit.

Pro Tip: While you’re in the area, walk a couple of blocks to the nearby National Marine Life Center, where stranded marine animals are rehabilitated. You can tour the center and learn more about the marine animals that call the area home, especially sea turtles. If you’re interested in wildlife and conservation, you will love this science center.

The Highland Light in Cape Cod. — Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

5. Highland Light

The original lighthouse in Truro has the distinction of being the first constructed on Cape Cod. The current Highland Light, built in 1857, replaced two earlier lighthouses and is the oldest currently on the cape. It is also the tallest of the Cape Cod lighthouses.

As time passed, the fragile cliffs of Truro fell away, and the lighthouse needed to be moved back. In 1996, it was moved to its present spot using railway tracks. By that time, the old brick tower was in danger of crumbling, so strong cables and heavy planks were wrapped around it to keep it safe during the move.

The Highland Light is undergoing restoration involving the drainage system, windows, stairs, and decks. Even though the tower will not be available to tour until 2021, it’s certainly worthwhile to drive to Truro and stroll the grounds. Not only is the view of the Atlantic breathtaking, but you can also see the reconstruction in progress. Stop in the Keeper’s Shop for souvenirs and lighthouse-themed gifts.

The Wood End Light in Cape Cod. — FotoKina / Shutterstock

6. Wood End Light

If you’re looking for a hike on the beach, a trip to Wood End Light outside Provincetown would be perfect. At the northern end of Cape Cod, this lighthouse, built in 1862, steered those at sea through the sandbars to safety. Isolated on a strip of sand, Wood End Light sits alone. Life for the keeper in his tiny cottage was hard, since harsh winter weather often prevented delivery of supplies. The light was automated in 1961 and has run on solar power since 1981.

Stories of shipwrecks on Cape Cod abound, but one especially interesting one took place here. An S-4 Navy submarine collided with a Coast Guard boat just off the coast, and 40 men died. When the submarine was found responsible, important safety measures were developed for future submarines.

You can walk to the Wood End Light from Provincetown in about 30 minutes. If you take the breakwater route, watch for rough seas.

The Race Point Light Station in Cape Cod. — Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

7. Race Point Light Station

Also near Provincetown, the Race Point Light Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first lighthouse in this location was built in 1816, and the current tower dates to 1876.

If you’re looking to experience a stay in a lighthouse, Race Point is available. It’s run by the American Lighthouse Foundation and offers overnight stays. Be warned, though: To get to the lighthouse, you have to walk for about 45 minutes on a sandy beach. You could also rent a vehicle with four-wheel drive.

What To Know Before You Go

Cape Cod is 70 miles long, with coastline both on the Atlantic Ocean and on Cape Cod Bay. It boasts 14 lighthouses. This map will help you plan your trip and find the most beautiful and intriguing lighthouses to explore.

All of these lighthouses are within an easy day’s drive of each other. Check the websites and maps to make the most of your time. And don’t be discouraged if the keeper’s houses and lighthouse towers are closed to visitors. Any of these lovely lighthouses, even if seen only from the outside, will be memorable. Stand on the seashore, smell the salty air, feel the wind in your hair, and imagine all the seagoing folk who glimpsed the light shining in the darkness and came safely home.

For more to see and do in Cape Cod and the surrounding area, visit this page.

How To Spend A Weekend In Wichita, Kansas

Wichita was established in 1864 as a trading post at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers, where the Wichita Indians grew corn, pumpkins, and tobacco. The town quickly grew as cowboys driving cattle along the Chisholm Trail, from Texas ranches to Kansas railheads, used the destination as a waypoint.

But the cowtown surrounded by amber waves of grain was transformed into the Air Capital of the World in the early 1900s when Clyde Cessna started manufacturing planes in the Kansas town.

Today, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas. And as you approach the river junction, you’ll see a massive steel sculpture standing on the spot that remains sacred to the Wichita people. Crafted by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, the 44-foot-tall Keeper of the Plains is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Wichita.

In addition to watching the Ring of Fire, a nightly ceremony featuring firepots ignited around the sculpture, these are the best things to do on a weekend getaway in Wichita.

Pro Tip: If you visit Wichita by road tripping from Kansas’s second-largest city, here’s what you should see, do, and eat along the route from Kansas City.

Things To Do In Wichita

Keeper of the Plains sculpture in Wichita, Kansas — EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Head To The Mid-America All-Indian Center

Although this Kansas city is named after the local indigenous people, the Mid-America All-Indian Center serves as a cultural center for all American Indians. Using interactive experiences and videos, the center seeks to preserve Native American culture and share this rich heritage with the world.

Although the Keeper of the Plains is his most notable work, Blackbear Bosin created numerous vividly colored paintings depicting Native American life. The Mid-America All-Indian Center houses a large collection of his work.

Fun Fact: Featuring a blue-and-white sun symbol, the Wichita city flag stands out from other flags flying across the land. Like the New Mexico state flag, Wichita’s flag incorporates a Native American symbol meaning “home.”

Visit The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Just a few blocks from the Arkansas River, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is housed in a beautiful native stone castle. Nicknamed the Palace of the Plains, the turn-of-the-century building was originally constructed as Wichita’s first city hall. Visit to explore the city’s growth from a trading post to the present day.

See Historic Planes At The Kansas Aviation Museum

When it comes to celebrating Wichita’s link with aircraft, nothing compares to the Kansas Aviation Museum, located in the former Wichita Municipal Airport terminal. Visitors can explore the history of flight and discover why Wichita is the Air Capital of the World. You’ll see several historic planes, like a bright yellow trainer manufactured for the United States Navy, an open-cockpit crop duster emblazoned with the Texaco logo, and one of the first high-performance small civilian airplanes.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House

Completed in 1918, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House features the long horizontal lines and earth tones that define the architect’s prairie houses. Named for former Kansas Governor Henry J. Allen and his wife, Elsie, the residence is one of a handful of Wright structures in the Sunflower State. When you visit, note the original art glass, groundbreaking attached garage (new for the time), and more than 30 pieces of Wright-designed furniture.

Enjoy The Flora And Fauna At The Great Plains Nature Center

Continue to be inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s desire to embrace nature by enjoying the flora and fauna at the Great Plains Nature Center. This natural oasis in the heart of the city is one of the biggest parks in Wichita and includes a Kansas wildlife exhibit, more than 280 acres of natural habitat, and several miles of paved trails.

stream surrounded by flowers at Wichita Botanica Gardens — Gary L. Brewer / Shutterstock.com

Relax At The Botanical Garden

For a more manicured time in the great outdoors, check out Wichita’s botanical garden, Botanica. From spring through fall, you’ll witness a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colors as the gardens evolve with the seasons. And as Thanksgiving approaches, beautiful blooms are replaced by millions of bright bulbs during Illuminations, the garden’s winter light display.

Visit The Original Pizza Hut Museum

As the 1950s drew to a close, brothers Dan and Frank Carney started a restaurant while attending Wichita State University. They tossed, sauced, and topped pizza — a dish that was just starting to gain popularity outside of Italian communities — in a nondescript red brick building. Within a year, they had opened six Pizza Hut restaurants. They began franchising their business, and the rest is history.

Visit the original red brick building — now the Pizza Hut Museum — to learn more about its past from a student docent.

Best Restaurants In Wichita

Old Mill Tasty Shop

Whether I’m passing through or spending a few days, if I’m visiting Wichita, I’m eating at the Old Mill Tasty Shop. With a nearly 90-year history broken into two chapters, this casual diner with an old-time marble soda fountain is one of Wichita’s oldest downtown restaurants.

If it’s not too hot outside, start with a cup of soup. Featuring chunks of tomatoes and tons of fresh basil, the tomato bisque is one of my favorites. Consider the daily blue plate special for your main dish. Whether it’s chicken fried chicken, meatloaf, lasagna, or another filling dish, everything I’ve ever tried has always been delicious. And be sure to save room for a shake, malt, or other treat from the soda fountain before you go!

Pro Tip: As part of this historic walking tour, it’s easy to pair lunch at the Old Mill Tasty Shop with several of the sights and activities on this list.

Prost

As a German American who lived in Germany for three years, I’m always on the hunt for my favorite flavors from the Old World. Featuring everything from Bavarian-style pretzels and schnitzel to saucy currywurst like the kind served in Berlin, Prost is sure to delight your taste buds. And because of the large Volga German population in Kansas, this urban biergarten also serves bierocks. Ground beef, diced onions, and shredded cabbage are baked inside a soft yeast dough to make this German American dish that you won’t find at Oktoberfest in Munich.

Pro Tip: When you visit Prost, be sure to also visit the German market next door.

DeFazio’s Restaurant

If you want to see how Italian food fared in Wichita after the Carney brothers introduced the locals to this ethnic cuisine in 1958, then dine at DeFazio’s. A local favorite since 1982, this Italian eatery grinds its own sausage, bakes its bread daily, and slowly simmers all of its sauce from scratch. Our family is especially partial to the sausage manicotti and lasagna della casa.

HomeGrown

With three locations in Wichita, HomeGrown is a delicious daytime eatery serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Enjoy a flaky homemade Pop-Tart (or three) paired with a cup of locally roasted coffee. Or turn a heartier breakfast of cage-free eggs, Yoder bacon, and croissant French toast into a casual brunch by adding a mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Irish Hug.

Doo-Dah Diner

The Doo-Dah Diner is a casual breakfast and lunch spot with a laid-back vibe and scratch kitchen. It’s adored by both locals and celebrities alike, especially after it was selected by People magazine as the most popular breakfast joint in Kansas. Try the crab cake Benedict featuring grilled asparagus and jalapeno bacon crumbles. Or, if you’re traveling with a food allergy, dig into the gluten-free version of their famous banana bread French toast.

Best Places To Stay In Wichita

Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview

Along the banks of the Arkansas River, and just downstream from the Keeper of the Plains, the historic Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview dates to 1922. Don’t miss the original mosaic mural installed by Blackbear Bosin in the Crystal Ballroom.

Hotel At Old Town

A brick warehouse-turned-luxury hotel with a piano bar, the Hotel at Old Town is a prominent landmark in the heart of Wichita’s Old Town. Just steps from the Museum of World Treasures and surrounded by boutiques and eateries, the hotel offers accommodations ranging from studios to one-bedroom suites with full kitchens.

Here are a few additional tips for a fantastic trip to Wichita:

Although it is about 30 minutes northeast of downtown, raise a glass to Wichita’s aviation past at Stearman Airfield Bar & Grill in Benton. Watch planes come and go while you sip a beer, nibble on fried pickles dipped in ranch, or share a gourmet pizza.
If you plan to visit Wichita in late May or early June, make plans to attend Wichita Riverfest, a summer festival that dates to the early 1970s.

Check out this article for additional recommendations for things to do in Wichita.

5 Must-Visit Towns Near Denver, Colorado

If you’re vacationing in Denver, it’s worth taking a day or two to discover some of the unique towns around the Mile High City. They are all less than an hour’s drive and deliver small-town charm near the big city.

Sloan's Lake in Edgewater, Colorado. — Michael Salbato / Shutterstock

1. Edgewater

At less than a square mile in size, Edgewater is a tiny town on the west side of Denver that derives its name from the fact that it sits on the banks of picturesque Sloan’s Lake. And this lake — the largest in Denver proper — is the main attraction. The easiest way to experience the water is by walking the 2.8-mile paved path all the way around it. It’s flat and easy to navigate, and there are picnic areas along the way for taking peaceful breaks. You can also fish in the lake, but you can’t swim. The lake hosts several events throughout the year, including the colorful Colorado Dragon Boat Festival — the biggest festival of its kind in the country.

After your stroll, take in the lake views at one of Edgewater’s many restaurants. A popular spot is Joyride Brewing, where your beer comes with a view of the lake and fresh air when the taproom’s garage doors are rolled up. The Edgewater Inn has been part of the community since the mid-1950s and uses the original brick ovens to bake its family-recipe pizzas. And choice is on the menu at the town’s newest culinary addition, the Edgewater Public Market. This vast food hall is home to vendors selling everything from empanadas to pizza to lobster, and there’s family-style seating in the middle.

Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. — NaughtyNut / Shutterstock

2. Morrison

Rocks are the main attraction in Morrison. Just 15 miles west of Denver, this small town is best known for being the home of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The open-air amphitheater is anchored by two large rocks, delivering acoustics not to be found anywhere else in the world. Check the event schedule to take in a show, or just go to walk around, appreciate the views, attend a church service, or take an outdoor yoga class.

Dinosaur Ridge boasts more than 250 dinosaur tracks on-site, along with fossils and a small museum. Unless you want to walk up a steep hill, your best bet is to pay $12 for the guided 45-minute bus tour.

For a thrilling ride, check out the drag-racing events at Bandimere Speedway overlooking the nearby mountains. In existence since the 1950s, the track and stands have undergone several renovations and now can hold more than 28,000 fans.

Eating in Morrison is an adventure of its own. The famed Fort Restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is your stop for Colorado game dishes. Along the main street, an unassuming building serves up some of the best Mexican food in the area. The Morrison Inn consistently wins awards for its margaritas and offers live music several days a week. Its outdoor space is consistently voted the best patio in Colorado and is an excellent spot to people-watch. On a nice day, you’ll see groups of cyclists heading up the canyon, as well as tired hikers and mountain bikers returning from the trails at nearby Lair o’ the Bear Park and Mount Falcon Park.

Evergreen Lake in the town of Evergreen, Colorado. — Marlin Cox / Shutterstock

3. Evergreen

About 30 miles west of Denver, along Interstate 70, you’ll find Evergreen. It appears unassuming from the road, but exit here and wind your way into town, and you’ll find a quaint town with both mountain and lake activities.

Evergreen Lake offers a cool reprieve in the summer in the form of boating, paddleboarding, and fishing, and there’s ice skating in the winter. The Evergreen Golf Course sits along the lake, and it’s not uncommon to see elk sitting on the fairways. A 1.2-mile walking trail loops around the lake, giving you beautiful views from all angles. It’s a fairly easy walk, but there is a set of stairs to navigate.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park has nearly 16 miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. You can hike to the top of Bergen Peak (9,708 feet) from Elk Meadow Park. This 1600-acre park is also your best chance to see a herd of elk in town. (And sometimes you will even see them crossing the road — a magnificent sight that truly brings everything to a stop!)

For an indoor activity, head over to the Hiwan Heritage Park. The 25-room lodge offers free tours showcasing original furnishings and Native American art.

Just past the lake is the main street of Evergreen flanking Bear Creek. Grab a glass of wine at Creekside Cellars and relax on the outdoor patio overlooking the water. Or enjoy some of the best pizza in town at Beau Jo’s just a few doors down. The beers at Little Bear Saloon are served with a dose of history — this live music venue has seen performances by the likes of Willie Nelson (who once lived in Evergreen), Neil Young, and Gregg Allman.

Pro Tip: If you’re in Morrison, you can get to Evergreen via Bear Creek Road. It’s not the most direct route, but it’s very pretty.

The town of Black Hawk, Colorado. — RaksyBH / Shutterstock

4. Black Hawk And Central City

One of two areas in Colorado that allow gambling, Black Hawk and Central City sit next to each other and form a National Historic Landmark District. Once a gold-mining hub, the district is now home to more than a dozen modern casinos, hotels, and top-notch restaurants. You can go on a self-guided walking tour to learn about the area’s history, or hop on the free shuttle with numerous stops in both Black Hawk and Central City. Only 45 minutes west of Denver, tucked in the Clear Creek Canyon, this area can also serve as a home base for nearby hiking and mountain biking. Black Hawk is the start of the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, which is gorgeous for road biking.

After all that activity, unwind in the area’s only full-service spa, housed in the Ameristar. It’s one of the larger hotels and also has an indoor pool and rooftop hot tubs. You can fuel up at one of the many casino buffets or relax at an intimate steakhouse.

Part of the charm of Black Hawk and Central City is the scenic, winding road to get there. Drive it on your own to be able to stop and take pictures, or relax and enjoy the views by taking a casino shuttle to the area.

Castle Rock in Colorado. — Robert Arthur Designs / Shutterstock

5. Castle Rock

Head south from Denver, and in about 30 miles, you’ll see a large rock formation sitting high up on a hill. That rock gave the town of Castle Rock its name when it was settled in 1870, and you can climb up to it via a 1.4-mile trail loop. The trail can be a bit difficult to navigate because of its 370-foot elevation gain and rocky nature, but it offers vast views of the entire front range and the famed Pikes Peak. For a truly heart-pumping workout, head over to Challenge Hill at Philip S. Miller Park. Dubbed the “mini incline” because it’s a smaller version of the popular Manitou Incline, it has 200 wooden steps climbing 178 feet.

For a slightly less strenuous day, consider shopping in Castle Rock — particularly for antiques. Your first stop should be The Barn, a building that’s been part of the community for more than 100 years. Today, it’s filled with boutique shops featuring antiques, home decor, women’s fashions, and even fabric. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind gift or treasure. Then head to The Emporium, where you’ll find more than 50 small, locally owned shops selling jewelry, antiques, clothing, art, and food. Finish up by strolling through Historic Downtown Castle Rock for even more unique shops. If you’re looking for something a bit more mainstream, hit the Outlets at Castle Rock. You can’t miss them — they sit right off the interstate.

Pro Tip: Like scenic drives? You can experience the western foothill towns (Evergreen, Morrison, and more) by following the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway, 40 miles of roads designed to retrace the tracks of early motor explorers in Colorado. Plan your own trip, or use one of the suggested day itineraries in order to see these towns and all of their highlights.

For more to see and do in and around Denver, visit this page.

Why Raystown Lake Is Pennsylvania’s Best-Kept Secret

If you want a relaxing back-to-nature vacation, away from stress and rush hour traffic, the Raystown Lake area in Central Pennsylvania is the perfect spot. Kick back and relax, and enjoy the water, trails, and panoramic views at Pennsylvania’s best-kept secret.

Hidden in the middle of rural central Pennsylvania, Raystown Lake is the largest lake located entirely in Pennsylvania. It offers 8,300 surface acres of clear water surrounded by 21,000 acres of forested mountain slopes. A multi-purpose lake, Raystown was constructed and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Raystown Lake offers an abundance of things to do. There is something for everyone, from camping and boating to luxury accommodations, glamping, and relaxing. Visitors come to the area from far and wide to enjoy the peaceful, calming atmosphere and nature’s sounds. But it is, for the most part, a hidden gem in Pennsylvania that most of the world has not yet learned about.

Some of my favorite memories are of boating on the lake and picnic meals at various campsites. You can spend all day on and around the lake and only run into a handful of people. It is peaceful and serene with just the sounds of birds chirping, frogs croaking, and the water lapping against the shore.

Getting to the Raystown Lake area is easy. Driving is the best way since you will want to have your own transportation to reach the various things you decide to see and do.

The Amtrak Pennsylvanian has a stop in Huntingdon (north of Raystown Lake) and offers roll-on, roll-off bike service.

Things To Do At Raystown Lake

The lake itself provides an abundance of things to do: everything from kayaking to jet skiing, fishing, tubing, boating, swimming, and more.

Seven Points

The Seven Points Marina offers rentals. Rent a pontoon, houseboat, jet skis, or kayaks by the day or hour and enjoy your favorite water activities. If fishing is your thing, Seven Points also rents fishing boats that accommodate up to four people. Some of the boats are pet friendly, so feel free to bring Fido along.

Check out the fish feeding station while at the marina. It is fun for all ages. They sell food there so you can feed the fish. You will be amazed by their size!

Seven Points also has picnic areas, a public beach area, and a concession stand near the beach. They also have a public boat launch.

If you happen to be there during the summer, head to the visitor center on Tuesday mornings for their free wake-up receptions.

Lake Raystown Resort

Known as nature’s most inviting playground, Lake Raystown Resort is one of Central Pennsylvania’s top destinations.

One of my favorite things to do here is to take a dinner cruise on the resort’s Proud Mary showboat. They offer public sightseeing, breakfast, and dinner cruises. It is a relaxing way to tour the lake. It is beautiful all the time, but especially gorgeous in autumn when Mother Nature paints a masterpiece of crimson and gold fall foliage.

The showboat has two levels, so you do not need to do stairs unless you want to. Seniors enjoy a 10 percent discount on sightseeing cruises.

The resort has boat rentals at the marina. You can rent pontoon, fishing, and houseboats. They also sell food to feed the fish at the feeding station.

The resort has a beach area, various picnic areas, a convenience store, a pizza shop, and the Marina Cafe, which offers full meals. It is a treat to eat dinner on the deck as you watch the sun set over the lake and the boats.

There are various easy and moderate hiking trails throughout the resort. There are also six different geocaches that can inspire some adventures.

There is a small waterpark that includes a swimming pool. Note that this area is usually a bit noisier and less peaceful.

Lincoln Caverns And Whisper Rocks

Explore winding passageways and splendid rooms containing massive flowstones, thousands of delicate stalactites, pure white calcite, and sparkling crystals at Lincoln Caverns. Special activities are offered here year-round, so be sure to check the website to see what might be happening during your visit.

Inside the cave, lighting is sometimes dim, and some walkways may have slippery surfaces.

Nature trails and picnic pavilions are available outside the caves. While you are there, take some time to visit their gift shop, Raystown Rocks, which features minerals, fossils, and other unique items.

Trough Creek State Park

A breathtaking gorge formed as the Great Trough Creek cut through Terrace Mountain in the 541-acre area now known as Trough Creek State Park. Hiking trails lead to amazing treasures including Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. There is also a swinging bridge you can cross and an ice mine. Several picnic areas are available.

Famous for their beauty and scenic views, the hiking trails are sometimes narrow and steep with rocks and roots covering the paths in some areas. That said, we have enjoyed hiking these trails with friends in their 70s and 80s with little or no difficulty. The trails may be slippery when wet and icy in winter. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes.

Isett Heritage Museum

The Isett Heritage Museum is one of the most unique museums in Pennsylvania. You have to see it to believe it. Think machines, electronics, automobiles, fashion, typewriters, hardware, and more. They have over 40,000 items dating from the 1800s till the present on display.

You will want to spend half a day here. It encompasses several different buildings and is on mostly flat, easy-to-walk surfaces.

Thousand Steps Trail

Thousand Steps is a 3.4-mile trail located near Mount Union, Pennsylvania, that features a river and is rated difficult. The trail is mostly uphill and covers uneven ground at times, so you need to be in good shape and be confident about hiking to attempt it.

For the active 50+ traveler, this is a great way to get a good workout (it is equivalent to 1 hour on a Stairmaster), and the view from the top is beautiful.

Bike The Rails-To-Trails

Within a half-hour drive, you have two rail-trails to choose from for bicycling or walking: the Lower Trail in Alexandria and the H&BT Trail in Riddlesburg.

The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail-Trail follows the route of the former H&BT Railroad and stretches 10.6 miles through south-central Pennsylvania.

The Lower Trail is a 17-mile-long trail from Alexandria to Williamsburg.

Both of these trails are flat and an easy walking grade, although they’re not paved.

Best Places To Eat At Raystown Lake

Woody’s Bar-B-Q

If you are in the mood for barbecue, try Woody’s Bar-B-Q. Baby Back ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and more are served.

Marina Cafe

Marina Cafe at Lake Raystown Resort offers creative American fare and old-time favorites. It is a casual indoor and outdoor setting overlooking the picturesque marina. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Original Italian Pizza

OIP, which has locations in Saxton and Huntingdon, offers Italian fare, including pizza, various Italian dishes, and subs.

Best Places To Stay At Raystown Lake

Heritage Cove Resort is the newest campground on Raystown Lake. It features vacation cottages, full hook-up campsites, a boat launch, boat rentals, a pool, and more. I enjoyed camping here and often visit to rent kayaks and put them in at their dock.

Beachfront bungalows, waterfront villas, camping, and cabins — you can find them all at Lake Raystown Resort. The Lakeview Lodge features suites and rooms. They also rent houseboats so you could spend your vacation on a boat in the middle of the lake!

Stay in the middle of the fun at Raystown Lake Resort. Those staying the night enjoy a private beach, private boat docks, and more. Quiet hours are observed from 11 p.m. till 8 a.m. so you can get a good night’s rest.

If a rented house with lots of room is what you are looking for, Heron’s Cove is your answer.

If you desire to get away from it all and get back to nature, the beautiful Raystown Lake area will undoubtedly be a perfect location for your next vacation. Looking for more Pennsylvania fun? Consider embarking on the perfect Pennsylvania foodie tour for travelers ages 50+.

Food And Culture: The Perfect Louisiana Road Trip From New Orleans To Lake Charles

There’s no doubt about it: New Orleans is one of our favorite places in the country — perhaps even on the planet. Its food, music, and general joie de vivre truly set this special place apart.

But once you’ve had your fill of fun in the Crescent City, don’t write off the rest of the state. Consider a road trip to discover more of Louisiana’s Cajun country and culture. Here are some of our favorite stops on a road trip from New Orleans to Lake Charles.

New Orleans

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a Laissez les bons temps rouler pro, New Orleans never fails to dazzle and charm.

The city’s historic heart is the French Quarter, and while you should certainly spend time perusing the antique shops along Royal, enjoying a cocktail or two at Muriel’s, grabbing an order of sugary beignets from Cafe Du Monde, strolling Jackson Square, and wandering the French Quarter Market, there’s much more to the city than that small slice.

Head uptown on the streetcar to marvel at the grand mansions, get away from the tourists, and eat like a local at Jacques-Imo’s. Take a spooky cemetery tour or revisit American military history at the National WWII Museum. Get your live jazz fix at the legendary Tipitina’s, and when you’re wrapped for the evening, The Roosevelt offers a luxe place to rest after all the excitement.

Whether you spend a night or a week, you won’t scratch the surface of what this magical place has to offer. Read much more about New Orleans here.

River Road

From New Orleans, we suggest bypassing the interstate. Instead, take the historic River Road north toward Baton Rouge. This 70-mile stretch, which runs right along the Mississippi, is a National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary and will take you along levees, past grand live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, and from one magnificent plantation to another.

Oak Alley Plantation, the estate that was renovated in the 1920s, paved the way for the revival of this historic route. Tours are available there and at many of the antebellum homes.

This history of this area is complicated and tragic. The River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville goes beyond the romanticism of the sweeping plantation homes to explore the 300-year history of African Americans in the South and explain how they built up the region under unimaginable duress.

Baton Rouge

Louisiana’s state capital, Baton Rouge (“Red Stick”), was named 300 years ago by French explorers who noted a stripped red cypress tree marking the border between the hunting grounds of two different Native American tribes. The city is a vibrant place that boasts two state capitol buildings, the state’s flagship university, beautiful parks, and some terrific places to grab a bite or a brew.

Head to the downtown riverfront district and consider the differences between the Old State Capitol, with its castlelike appearance, and the New State Capitol, the art-deco spike used by state lawmakers today. For an incredible view of the river and city, head to the rooftop observation deck! Out front, you’ll find a statue of Huey Long, the Louisiana governor and U.S. senator who was assassinated in the New State Capitol’s lobby in 1935.

For more history, go straight to the riverfront and step aboard the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, a World War II-era destroyer preserved in her original wartime configuration, to learn more about what members of the military faced during battles on the high seas.

From downtown, head south and stroll Louisiana State University’s iconic campus set in ancient live oaks, and grab a bite and cocktail or two on the edge of campus at The Chimes, an iconic eatery that’s been serving up great food and drinks for more than 25 years.

Stay the night downtown at the Watermark, a luxe hotel built into the historic Louisiana Trust & Savings Bank.

Avery Island

From Baton Rouge, head west on Interstate 10 across the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, and then jog to the south a bit past New Iberia for a true taste of Louisiana heat. Here, you’ll find Avery Island, home to one of the state’s most famous exports: Tabasco!

Avery Island is built on a salt dome and sits just north of Vermilion Bay. This is the spot where Edmund McIlhenny first created his fiery red pepper sauce in 1868. McIlhenny was an avid gardener, and for his hot sauce, he used hot peppers from Mexico.

Today, you can tour the Tabasco factory and see for yourself where the peppers are barrel-aged and bottled. The company also offers cooking classes and a culinary tour. Don’t forget to take time to peruse the gift shop and stroll the adjacent gardens, where you can admire the gorgeous bayou landscape.

Lafayette

Head back north to Interstate 10 and take it west for a few more miles, and you’ll soon reach the heart of Cajun country: Lafayette.

To learn more about the exiled French Canadians who settled here and became Louisiana’s beloved Cajuns, head to the excellent Acadian Cultural Center. Admission is free, and the center, which is operated by the National Park Service as part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, is open every day but Monday.

If you’re a fan of pop art, the George Rodrigue Gallery is a must-stop; fans can view the late Cajun artist’s works, including those featuring his famed Blue Dog.

Outdoor enthusiasts should make time for Lake Martin. This is one of the most photographed swamps in the South, and you’ll see egrets, herons, ibis, and even spoonbills, along with other critters including turtles, lizards, and alligators.

Refuel at Louisiana Crawfish Time, a down-home favorite that sells shellfish boiled, fried, and on the half shell, plus all the fixings. The Juliet Hotel is an excellent and affordable spot to spend the night.

The Best Stop Supermarket

For a decadent, pork-laden snack, make plans for a quick pit stop in Scott (just northwest of Lafayette) at The Best Stop Supermarket. This down-home grocery store is Cajun through and through and offers some of the best crackling (pork rind) boudin (Cajun-style spicy sausage) and boudin balls (deep-fried rice-and-sausage balls) anywhere in Louisiana.

Crowley

Continue heading west on the interstate until you reach the place that’s known as the Rice Capital of America. Crowley is home to numerous shallow ponds and low prairies where rice and crawfish are produced.

The downtown area is worth a drive for its oak-lined streets and Victorian homes. There are a total of 200 buildings in Crowley listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Grand Opera House of the South.

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling during the third weekend in October, plan to check out the International Rice Festival for live music, food, and fun.

Rayne

About 10 miles west of the Rice Capital of America, you’ll find the Frog Capital of the World. Legend has it that in the 1880s, a French chef took note of the large number of amphibians living in Rayne, and the area quickly became known for exporting its resident critters to aquariums, zoos, and restaurants.

The town still hosts an annual Frog Festival, and you can find frog legs on the menu at many eateries, including Gabe’s Cajun Food.

Lake Charles

Another hour west on the interstate sits Lake Charles. This city, located near the Texas border, is well known for its many waterfront casinos. Some, including the L’Auberge Casino Resort, feature great dining, lodging, and spa options.

Downtown, check out the Mardi Gras Museum, where you’ll learn about the quirky history of this much-loved Louisiana tradition and get to check out some over-the-top costumes used during the parades. Stop in at the Sam Houston Jones State Park for outdoor time and wildlife sightings, and be sure to explore the Charpentier Historic District, with its beautiful homes packed into a 40-block area.

Pro Tip: Southern Louisiana is packed with natural beauty, cultural wonders, and of course, terrific food. We encourage you to try any and all of the fabulous Cajun cuisine on offer in this neck of the woods. If you’re concerned about spice or heat, just ask; most restaurants will be happy to help you avoid items that might cause distress.