The Incredible Lake Tahoe Bike Trail You Must Experience

Bicycling in the Lake Tahoe area is a popular activity — and for good reason. Between the alpine lakes, lush forests, and unique topography, the area is a bicyclist’s mecca.

There are an abundance of bike paths for riders of every skill level throughout both North and South Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition provides a detailed Tahoe Bike Print Map that makes it easy to plan a Tahoe cycling adventure. You can also consult their interactive mobile-friendly map, which offers the most accurate route finding and includes locations of bike shops and bike racks.

One popular leisurely route is the West Shore Bike Cruise, where you’ll ride past small lakeside communities and restaurants to end at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The route includes bike paths and neighborhood streets where you can stop to relax by the water or rent a watercraft for a few hours along the way.

Or enjoy a family ride along the level Historic Truckee River Bike Path. This relaxing bicycle route takes you alongside the Truckee River to the entrance of Squaw Valley. During summer months, you’ll often see people floating on the river. It’s a great ride to stop for a picnic and watch rafters drift downstream.

The Flume Trail, a challenging ride with spectacular views as you ride up Mount Rose Highway or around Marlette Lake, is world-famous. Voted one of the top 10 mountain bike rides in the U.S., you’ll see unparalleled vistas from different perspectives. The trail is narrow at times and caution is recommended. It’s best to get off of your bicycle to take in the views as it’s easy to veer off track while watching the lake. Caution is also recommended on parts of the trail that are soft, decomposed granite, which can cause a rider to lose control.

Bicycle the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path to the beach to skip the heavy traffic during peak season. The ride winds through pine forests near the lakeshore and parallels State Route 89 for a portion of the route, allowing riders a chance to stop at historic and recreational amenities. It’s an easy ride for bikers of all skill levels and has outlets to both Baldwin Beach and Pope Beach.

The Tahoe East Shore Trail at Lake Tahoe. — Written In Silver Visuals / Shutterstock

But Then, There’s This Trail

The Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway, opened in June 2019. The three-mile, 10-foot-wide paved trail takes cyclists from Incline Village south to Sand Harbor State Park, one of four Lake Tahoe Nevada state parks. Although the trail spans only three miles, the project took decades to complete and required the integration of multiple federal, state, and local governments. Plans are to have the trail span Lake Tahoe’s entire shoreline. Before the implementation of the Tahoe East Shore Trail, accessing the shoreline was difficult and dangerous.

Here’s why it’s the incredible Lake Tahoe bike trail you must experience.

The Trail Is A Sustainable Way To Discover Lake Tahoe

Instead of traveling Lake Tahoe by car, on the Tahoe East Shore Trail, you’ll use your own peddle power to take you into mountain air and scenery. The trail also offers plenty of access to public beaches.

It’s Free And Easy To Access

Three new parking lots with 90 new parking spaces are available, and all offer direct access to the path. Access to the trail is free — as is parking, but there will eventually be a small parking fee to help with trail maintenance. During summer months, the Tahoe Transportation District’s East Shore Express and the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit will both offer bus service to the new trailhead.

You’ll Learn About The Area Along The Route

As enhancements to the trail continue, 23 new educational signs have been added along the path, creating an interpretive trail that educates riders about local wildlife, history, and the environment. The signs were added to enhance the visitor experience and encourage people to take care of the environment. Stop at the various Lake Tahoe overlooks and read about Sand Harbor history, the fish species of Lake Tahoe, and more. Using pictures and words, the signs tell the stories of the area.

The Path Starts At Tunnel Creek Cafe

Fuel up for the ride at the Tunnel Creek Cafe. The cafe, located in the city of Incline Village, is the starting point for the three-mile ride. Enjoy healthy options such as a chicken cobb salad or hummus wrap, or start with a hearty traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs served with toast and potatoes.

The cafe sits adjacent to the backcountry trailhead. After breakfast, rent a bicycle behind the cafe. The trail is multi-use and meant for bicyclists and walkers alike. Although e-bikes are allowed, no scooters or motorbikes are permitted. Rent a traditional bicycle or e-bike behind Tunnel Creek Cafe at the Flume Trail Bike Shop, which is adjacent to the Flume Trail trailhead.

You’ll Begin Your Ride On The Mountain Side Of The Trail

The highway divides the trail such that there’s a mountain side and a lake side. The first mile of the Tahoe East Lake Trail rides on the mountain side with views of Lake Tahoe from above. The mountain side of the trail is the steepest, but it never reaches more than an 8 percent grade.

Continue Along The Shoreline

After the first mile, you’ll cross the highway via a tunnel to enjoy two miles of cycling along the shoreline.

Enjoy 11 Beach Access Points

Bring swimwear if you’d like to cool off with a swim at one of the trail’s 11 beach access points. There are bicycle racks along the path that allow you to lock your bike up while you take a hike or relax on the beach.

Vista Points Make For A Leisurely Ride

There are 16 vista points that allow the opportunity to take a break from riding your bicycle. Read the informational plaques and enjoy the scenery. Along the path, you’ll discover steel trout mounted along the bridges and bears set in concrete to honor the Tahoe Fund donors who helped raise the more than $1 million in private donations needed to secure the public funding for the path.

Learn more about funding here — you could even have your name added to a bear or trout with a donation!

End At Sand Harbor State Park

At the southern end of the bike path, you arrive at Sand Harbor. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find interesting rock formations, beaches, the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, plus swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving opportunities. The park hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival each summer, so plan your trip around that if interested.

If you need to refuel after the ride before heading back to Incline Village, stop at the Sand Harbor Bar and Grill, located inside the park. Order a hamburger or try the Alaskan wild-caught salmon burger served on a Greek yogurt wheat bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and a lemon caper dill aioli. After an invigorating ride along the beach, you may even want to indulge in a shake, a malt, a soft-serve ice cream cone dipped in chocolate, a chocolate chip cookie, or a 16-ounce root beer float that’s served with as much root beer as you would like.

Pro Tips

If you plan to park in one of the designated parking lots, arrive early in the morning to guarantee a spot as the lots fill quickly. Also, if you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll want to add the nine best hikes to experience in Lake Tahoe to your agenda as well.

9 Unique Things To Do Near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Hooah! Fort Leonard Wood near the Ozarks in south-central Missouri is home to thousands of United States Army soldiers and trainees. While the men and women who serve our nation call Fort Leonard Wood home for a short time, the area welcomes not only them but also their friends and family, who look for things to do and places to go while visiting the area.

From famous Route 66 attractions to rail history and shopping opportunities, Pulaski County — home to Fort Leonard Wood — encourages you to complete your own tour.

The Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood — Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood (Photo Credit: Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com)

1. Salute The Military At Fort Leonard Wood Museums

Learn about the history of the military police at the U.S. Army Military Police Corp Regimental Museum. From the MP’s earliest days, dating back to 1775 and through to today’s soldiers, the museum explores military police growth and challenges over the years through exhibits, uniforms, and artifacts. The Military Police Museum is part of the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex, which also includes the Army Engineer Museum and Chemical Corp Museum. Among the exhibits are outdoor military vehicle and World War II camp exhibits.

The fudge shop in Uranus, Missouri. — Mike Seberger / Shutterstock

2. Get Your Missouri Kicks On Route 66

Route 66 cuts across Missouri from near St. Louis past Joplin. Along the way, unique attractions pop up, and Pulaski County is home to several of them. From a stone frog named W.H. Croaker that greets travelers between Saint Robert (home to Fort Leonard Wood) and Waynesville, the county seat, to Devils Elbow, a bridge over the Big Piney River built six years before the Great Depression, you’ll find history and pop culture along a recommended 90-minute drive.

For a unique experience along Route 66, you’ll want to visit Uranus, a self-proclaimed town that’s actually a tourist attraction. Known for its nightly burlesque club, Uranus offers a plethora of attractions, from a fudge and candy store to a chicken wing restaurant. You’ll find plenty of souvenirs and memorabilia in Uranus, along with dinosaur sculptures and even a live bait vending machine.

3. Explore Waynesville’s History

Route 66 runs through Waynesville and the small city enjoys promoting its history. From the Civil War to America’s love affair with the road, Waynesville encourages you to explore downtown and more. The Old Stagecoach Stop has served several roles over the years, including being a hospital for the Union Army during the Civil War. While no major battles took place in the area, Union and Confederate soldiers had several skirmishes. The Union Army built a fort at the top of a hill overlooking the city that is now recognized with a historical marker. The city hosts a realistic battle reenactment during the annual Old Settlers Day celebration each summer.

Explore Pulaski County history as you encounter artifacts and memorabilia covering more than a century at the Pulaski County Museum. Sit in the judge’s chair and bang the gavel as you visit an old courtroom, complete with law books on shelves along the wall and pews in the public gallery. Only a few minutes’ drive from Fort Leonard Wood, the museum offers an interesting walk through time.

Following your visit to the courthouse, enjoy a walking tour through downtown Waynesville. Along the way, you’ll visit historic stops including Doolin’s blacksmith shop, the former county jail, and the Roubidoux Bridge over Roubidoux Creek.

Trail of Tears Memorial in Jerome, MO along Route 66 — Trail of Tears Memorial in Jerome, MO (Photo Credit: BD Images / Shutterstock.com)

4. Walk Along The Trail Of Tears

More than 100,000 Native Americans were forced to march from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) along the Trail of Tears. They camped near Fort Leonard Wood along the Roubidoux Creek. The Trail of Tears is recognized with seven historical markers along a portion of the actual trail.

5. Hop Aboard The Frisco Rail Tour

The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway — also known as The Frisco — ran through the small communities of Dixon, Crocker, and Hancock. About 30 minutes north of Fort Leonard Wood, the Frisco Auto Tour offers a look at the railroad’s impact on northern Pulaski County. With a lovely train park in Crocker, you can tour the caboose at Frisco Park while enjoying the floral displays. Enjoy a walk through Dixon as you check out train-related murals around town.

6. Appreciate Quilt Art

Enjoy the Quilt Tour around Pulaski County, during which you’ll admire quilt squares at four attractions in Waynesville, Crocker, and Saint Robert. Started in 2014, the quilt art tour includes a look at state history and symbols, including the Underground Railroad and the American flag. You’ll find the artwork at the Old Stagecoach Stop and Courthouse Museum in Waynesville, as well as the visitors center in nearby Saint Robert. Drive the Frisco Auto Tour route and enjoy the Quilt Square at the Frisco Railroad Museum in Crocker.

7. Shop And Eat Along The Antique And Sweet Trail

Who can argue with a day of browsing, shopping, and snacking? The Antique and Sweet Trail takes you all over Pulaski County, from Fort Leonard Wood to Richland, in search of souvenirs, vintage items, and all the sweets you can enjoy. Find classic collectibles at stores such as Bear Ridge Antiques and Ozark Country Flea Market.

Enjoy a coffee break and scope out the inventory at Sanctuary Coffee and Quilts, which is located inside a former church in Richland. The sanctuary offers quilting classes as well as fabric, and you’ll enjoy visiting the store. If your sweet tooth is hollering, head over to Lamb’s Donuts for an early morning donut run and, later, take an ice cream break at I Love Ice Cream and More.

Kayaking on the Gasconade River in southern Missouri — Gasconade River in Missouri (Photo Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Shutterstock.com)

8. Relax With A River Float

With the hills of the Ozarks on either side, enjoy a float along the tranquil waters of the Big Piney or Gasconade Rivers. With the beauty of the woods as far as the eye can see and the quiet being broken only by the sounds of nature, you can enjoy spending an hour or longer on the rivers as you spend time kayaking or canoeing with friends or family. Area outfitters also offer inner tubes and rafts for your enjoyment. Pack a lunch and a few beverages so you can enjoy a picnic along the river.

Bridal Cave near Fort Leonard Wood. — Magdaleno / Shutterstock

9. Become An Amateur Spelunker At Bridal Cave

You don’t have to actually be a spelunker to enjoy visiting Bridal Cave. Located about an hour northwest of Fort Leonard Wood in Camdenton, explore Bridal Cave’s columns of mineral deposits as well as its draperies. Built up over millions of years, Bridal Cave is considered one of the most scenic caves in the United States. Located near Lake of the Ozarks, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the area.

Where To Eat

The culinary scene near Fort Leonard Wood is like a trip around the world. While you have American standards, such as burgers and sandwiches at Hoppers Pub and Route 66 Diner, you can enjoy international cuisine inspired by the flavors of South Korea, Germany, and Italy, too. Cafe Korea in Saint Robert makes you feel like you’re dining in Korea. With decor favoring its strong Army clientele, its menu features items such as beef bulgogi, a beef and rice dish, and delicious dumplings. With a menu with a mix of American and German dishes, Wayneville’s Paradise Delicatessen and Ursula’s Schnitzelhaus offers a taste of the homeland with bratwursts, sauerkraut, and red cabbage. If you’ve been to Germany, you’d swear you’re dining at a Gasthaus.

For a taste of Southern Italy, take a drive to Rolla, where you can enjoy authentic Italian dishes such as ravioli, chicken parmesan, and chicken marsala at Di Trapani’s Italian Bistro. It’s not often that diners proclaim how delicious side salads are, but at Di Trapani’s, the house dressing adds to the salad’s memorable flavor.

Where To Stay

With a large military contingent, the Fort Leonard Wood area is home to dozens of hotels. However, for a truly local flavor, consider reserving a room at the Lafayette Manor & Winery Bed and Breakfast in Saint Robert. About a five-minute drive from the base, the bed and breakfast features five elegant suites. The mansion is located on pristine property offering beautiful views of roses and well-maintained trees and bushes, providing a relaxing area to spend a weekend.

If you prefer a spot among nature, consider reserving a cottage at the Gasconade Hills Resort, only a 25-minute drive from Fort Leonard Wood. Situated near the Gasconade River, it’s an easy spot to enjoy nature walks or a river float. The resort is also an excellent spot for having get-togethers, including barbecues.

For more Missouri fun, read up on how to spend a weekend in beautiful Hermann, Missouri, and these seven historic, quirky road trips from Branson.

The Perfect Weekend Getaway To Historic Golden, Colorado

Golden, Colorado, makes for a perfect weekend getaway destination. This Front Range frontier town sits just west of Denver’s urban sprawl, is near the gateway to the Rockies, and — by the way — is the birthplace of Coors beer. There’s plenty for everyone to see, do, eat, and drink in gorgeous Golden!

Things To Do In Golden

Golden is the perfect place to embrace the great outdoors, and if you plan well, you can also include healthy doses of history, culture, and shopping for a weekend you won’t soon forget. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in and around this charming Wild West town.

Get To Know Golden

Golden is proud of its rich frontier history, and there are plenty of places in town where you can learn all about it. Start off at Golden History Museum and Park to discover what pioneer life was really like in this town that came alive during the gold rush. Through artifacts and exhibits, you’ll get to know the people and events that shaped this mountain town. The adjacent park is home to original buildings from a 1910-era ranch, and there’s also a one-room schoolhouse where area children were taught until 1951. When you’re finished there, take a free, self-guided walking tour of the downtown district, and use your cell phone to navigate!

Buffalo Bill's grave in Golden, Colorado. — Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

Introducing Buffalo Bill

William F. Cody — also known as Buffalo Bill — was a dazzling showman who left his mark on the American West. His traveling troupe toured cities and small towns across America, showcasing the talents of cowboys, hunters, and sharpshooters, including Annie Oakley. Cody’s spectacle was so beloved that Queen Victoria invited him and all of his Wild West performers to England for her Jubilee Celebration. Cody performed many times in the state of Colorado, and when he fell ill visiting his sister in Denver, he told his family he wanted to be buried on nearby Lookout Mountain.

The museum founded in his honor was established just a few years later near the site of his grave. It includes rare objects and artifacts from the Wild West, offering a fascinating glimpse of what life was like for its legendary performers. Make sure to pay your respects at Buffalo Bill’s grave, and save room for a buffalo burger or chili at the on-site cafe.

Road tripping? Buffalo Bill’s grave is one of 10 scenic stops in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado that come highly recommended by seasoned RVer Carol Colborn.

Trains on exhibit at the Colorado Rail Museum. — Richard Semik / Shutterstock

Hit The Rails

There’s just something magical about trains. They’re one of our favorite ways to travel, but their role in Colorado history is especially important. While the region is blessed with its mountains, the Rockies presented a huge challenge for shipping and transportation. The creativity it took to eventually build tracks through them — and in high altitude — was Herculean.

You can learn more about the challenge at the Colorado Railroad Museum. The Depot Museum traces the role of the rails in Colorado with original documents and rare photos; the roundhouse and railyard are packed with diesel engines, passenger cars, and cabooses. You can even take a ride around the complex in a historic locomotive. This is a terrific spot to spend part of the day.

The Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado. — Infinite_Eye / Shutterstock

Coors Brewery Tour

The Coors Brewery is the largest single-site brewery in the world, and it’s been in Golden since its founding in 1873. That’s when Adolph Coors moved to Denver, worked as a gardener for a month, then decided to convert a tanning factory into a brewery in nearby Golden. The rest is history. Take a 30-minute tour of the facility to see how the brewmasters craft Coors, and sample some of their work.

Clear Creek next to the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado. — JV Designs / https://www.shutterstock.com/

Go Fishing In Clear Creek

Anglers take note (and grab your gear): Golden’s Clear Creek is more than just a scenic mountain stream. It’s home to some incredible trout fishing as well. The water is home to mostly brown trout, but you’ll also find rainbow and brook varieties. Local fly fishers know these waters well, so bring plenty of patience with you as well; you might need to find both a parking spot and a fishing spot. But you might just be rewarded with a terrific catch. Remember: You need to have a valid Colorado fishing license to try your hand here. They are available for purchase at several outdoor stores in Golden.

Get Your Steps In!

There’s no two ways about it: You need to spend at least some of your Golden weekend on the trails. There are many to choose from, with a wide range of difficulty, from easy to advanced. The Clear Creek Trail is a gentle one that will take you along the water, through neighborhoods, and into downtown. For more of a challenge, consider the North Table Mountain Trail. It’s just 1.5 miles with stunning views of the Golden Valley, but you’ll have to work a bit given the trail’s 400-foot elevation gain. No matter where you choose to roam, Golden has plenty of trails to ensure you get those steps in!

Red Rocks Amphitheater near Golden, Colorado. — NaughtyNut / Shutterstock

Get To Red Rocks

Just eight miles south of Golden is one of the more amazing concert venues we’ve ever visited: Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This incredible spot was built into the massive red boulders for which it’s named and has played host to the biggest names in music. If you can snag tickets to a concert here during your weekend, you won’t regret it. Red Rocks also occasionally holds special events including yoga sessions, and there is terrific hiking on the trails nearby.

Best Places To Eat In Golden

With all of the great things to see and do in Golden, you’re going to work up an appetite. And that’s a good thing because Golden’s food scene is on the upswing. For starters, the much-buzzed-about Abejas focuses on fresh, local ingredients with an ever-changing menu. The Tributary Food Hall is a great spot to wander and sample various cuisines, and the recently renovated Buffalo Rose, first founded in 1859, is worth a visit. The gastropub is a Golden mainstay and has been for more than 160 years.

While Coors is still king here, Golden is also known for its many acclaimed microbreweries, many of which routinely pair up with local food trucks to offer fun fare for patrons. If you really want to pack in the calories, head to Nick’s Cafe for Elvis Presley’s favorite Fool’s Gold Loaf. Legend has it that The King craved the massive bacon, peanut butter, and grape jelly sandwich so much that he once had his private jet fly from Graceland to Colorado to pick one up.

Best Places To Shop In Golden

Golden’s historic downtown district is crammed with galleries, boutiques, and shops. Make it your home base to pick up reminders of your visit to this Wild West town. There are many outdoor outfitters if you need gear, and the town definitely pays homage to its gold rush past with several jewelry stores. To pamper your friends back home, stop into Sweet Earth Botanicals for a terrific array of naturally scented soaps, herbal tea, local honey, and more.

Best Places To Stay In Golden

To stay at a spot where high-end luxe meets small-inn charm, consider the historic Dove Inn B&B. This freshly-renovated Victorian home features exposed brick, a variety of rooms and suites furnished with a funky mix of period and modern pieces, and behind-the-scenes but attentive service. A continental breakfast is left for guests in the refrigerator each morning, and a coffee bar is available at all times. The Dove Inn puts your right in the middle of downtown and within walking distance of many attractions.

The Golden Hotel is another favorite. Located adjacent to Clear Creek, this modern hotel gives guests a mountain lodge feel, and its restaurant proudly features Colorado-grown and raised produce and fare.

Pro Tip

It’s old hat for those who live at high altitude, but if you’re not used to the thinner mountain air, you could be in for a rude awakening! To avoid altitude sickness and the unpleasantness it can bring, be sure to hydrate often, don’t overdo the alcohol, and take your time during bike rides, hikes, or any other physical activity in Golden.

How To Spend An Amazing Weekend In Historic Bedford, PA

Desiring to get away from the stress and the hustle and bustle of city life? Consider a visit to small-town America in historic Bedford, Pennsylvania. Sheltered between lush green forests, horse and cattle pastures, and the Allegheny Mountains, Bedford is a hidden gem, just waiting to be discovered.

I love this town because it has a small-town feel, quaint shops, friendly people, a captivating touch of history, and fascinating events on weekends throughout the year.

A critical frontier military post, a Bedford hotel served as the headquarters for George Washington and his army while putting down the Whiskey Rebellion.

Bedford is also famous for its medicinal springs. People came from all around to enjoy what were believed to be healing springs. A spa and hotel were built in 1804, and people came from great distances, flocking to the hotel in search of a cure for various ailments.

The Bedford Springs Hotel continued to make history by being the first place in America to have an Olympic-size pool.

The Bedford Springs became the “summer White House” of President James Buchanan, and while he was there in 1858, the first trans-Atlantic cable message was sent from Queen Victoria to his room.

Located about halfway between Harrisburg (102 miles away) and Pittsburgh (107 miles away), Bedford is a town in rural central Pennsylvania that serves as the county seat. If you have ever traveled across the state on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, you have passed by this historic town.

The best way to get to Bedford is by car. The Lincoln Highway, known as Route 30, Route 220, and the Turnpike, will take you to Bedford. You will need a car for transportation since there is little chance of an Uber or taxi in the area. But there is much to do and see in the area when you visit.

Downtown Bedford, Pennsylvania. — Google Maps

Take A Walking Tour Of Downtown Bedford

Young and old alike will enjoy this free guided walking tour of Historic Bedford provided by the Visitors Bureau. Tours start at 3:30 p.m. and conclude at 5 on Fridays in the summer and fall. Bedford County history is presented in a fun way and it is an easy walk on flat sidewalk. They also have self-guided and video walking tours available.

The Coffee Pot in downtown Bedford. — Brad Crisswell

Visit The Coffee Pot

This one-of-a-kind coffee pot-shaped building, which was originally a diner, was built in 1927. A landmark in Bedford, the building was moved to the Bedford County Fairgrounds in 2003.

Covered Wagon - Old Bedford Village - Bedford, PA — J. Norman Reid / Shutterstock.com

Step Back In History At Old Bedford Village

Focusing on America’s history, Old Bedford Village brings the past into the present with its living history village. You will find a vibrant variety of entertainment and educational activities available. Take in a military reenactment, peruse the exhibits, do some colonial crafts, or participate in a murder mystery evening, festival, or old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Allow several hours for your Old Bedford Village visit.

A covered bridge in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. — Jerry Buseck / Shutterstock

Take A Covered Bridge Tour

The covered bridge tour is a self-driving excursion that involves visiting 14 covered bridges in the county. All are set in picturesque scenery and great for photos. The bridges were built by craftsmen almost entirely by hand 100+ years ago. They have stood the test of time, travel, and weather and are still beautiful. I would allow at least a half a day to visit all the bridges. You can find more information about the covered bridge tour here.

Enjoy A Heritage Segway Tour

Enjoy the beautiful Allegheny Mountains and a little adventure by taking a Segway tour. Never tried a Segway? No problem. The tour begins with a short training session, after which you’re guided along the Heritage Trail for a 75-minute ride as you learn about the area’s history. This tour has limited availability and weight restrictions. You must wear appropriate footwear.

Visit A Spa

The Springs Eternal Spa at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort offers treatments inspired by the resort’s natural mineral springs. Enjoy a Bedford Bath, a beauty treatment, or a soothing massage. Reservations are required and they suggest making them six to eight weeks in advance.

The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford. — Robin O’Neal Smith

Bring Your Bike And Ride The Rails-To-Trails

Ride through a scenic former railroad right-of-way along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail is open to hikers and bikers and offers 10.6 miles of trail between Tatesville at the south end and Riddlesburg to the north.

Learn more about rails-to-trails, and the 10 best rails-trails in America, here.

Go For A Hike

There are many places for hiking available in Bedford County. If you are staying at the Springs, you can explore their beautiful property on one of many trails. Everything from a leisurely walk to a challenging fitness hike on their 25 miles of hiking trails.

Go Fishing

Trout is plentiful in Bedford County. There are many places to put in a line and fish the day away. Fishing equipment is available for rent at the Tally Ho Sport Shop. You must have a Pennsylvania fishing license.

The Flight 93 National Memorial near Bedford. — Steve Heap / Shutterstock

Pay Your Respects At The Flight 93 National Memorial

Just 30 miles west of Bedford, the Flight 93 National Memorial commemorates the unforgettable day in our nation’s history when passengers and crew aboard Flight 93 stopped an intended attack on the U.S. capital. Allow half a day for this activity.

Enjoy Festivals And Events

Bedford is known for its Fall Foliage Festival, held the first two weekends in October. It’s an almost 60-year-old tradition that brings craftsmen, vendors, artists, and culture together for two weekends of celebration.

They also host other exciting events throughout the year such as a Chocolate Walk and a Chili and Soup Tour, so be sure to check the calendar as you plan!

A craft beer flight from Olde Bedford Brewing Company. — Robin O’Neal Smith

Eating And Drinking In Bedford

You will find a variety of restaurants, wineries, and a brewery in Bedford. And a new distillery will be arriving in Bedford soon. The town has everything from small eclectic eateries to farm-to-table dining. Here are just a few of the places you might want to visit during your time in Bedford.

At Bad Boyz Bistro on South Juliana Street, the Blackbeard’s Salmon is to die for.

I highly recommend everything on Jean Bonnet Tavern and Restaurant’s menu, especially the seasonal specials.

The Golden Eagle Inn has unique menu items you won’t find anywhere else in Bedford. I recommend the pork belly seasoned with bacon powder and the peanut butter miso demi-glace served with roasted grapes.

Briar Valley Winery offers excellent evening entertainment along with wine to sip.

Olde Bedford Brewing Company crafts its beers with spring water and hops often grown in the mountains of Bedford County.

Dalesmen Distillery is opening soon.

The Peppercorn Market in downtown Bedford. — Robin O’Neal Smith

Shopping In Bedford

The best places to shop in Bedford are the quaint shops in the downtown area. You can find unique, one-of-a-kind items you won’t want to miss lining the streets of Bedford. Here are a few of my favorites:

Peppercorn Market

This gourmet food store is one of my favorite shops in Bedford. The Peppercorn Market is a specialty food tasting venue featuring olive oil, balsamic vinegar, jams, honey, and other items. Most items come in small sizes that are easy for travel plus larger sizes for everyday use. You can sample them and pick what you enjoy. I visit Peppercorn Market on South Juliana Street every time I’m in Bedford.

Backstage Alpaca Shop

You will find a variety of products made from alpaca in this store. Fiber once reserved for Incan royalty is woven into fabric that is beautiful, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. You will find everything from socks to coats at the Backstage Alpaca Shop, also located on Juliana Street.

Founders Crossing Artisan And Antique Merchant

Step back in time when you enter this gift shop. You will find jewelry, furniture, bath and body creams, unique antique collectibles, artistic decor, and so much more. Founders Crossing has treasures old and new, housed in over 20,000 square feet of shopping space located on Juliana Street.

Everything Tea

With over 140+ loose teas and accessories, the Everything Tea shop is a favorite of visitors. You can even schedule a tea party if you wish. You will find Everything Tea on West Pitt Street.

Oak Spring Winery

A wine bar with a great selection of wonderful wines is located on West Pitt Street. Oak Spring Winery sells wine by the glass and by the bottle.

These are just a few of the many unique shops lining the streets of Bedford.

The historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort. — The Bedford County Visitors Bureau

Places To Stay In Bedford

Enjoy a stay in a grand old house built in 1875 with carved staircases and a wraparound porch at The Chancellor’s House Bed and Breakfast. Staying here, you are within walking distance of downtown Bedford.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites is located a few miles from downtown Bedford and is an economical option.

For a memorable stay, I recommend the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort. You can embrace the richness of the resort’s past while enjoying incredible natural views. Luxurious accommodations, a spa, a golf course, five restaurants, and a variety of amenities await you at this world-class resort. Several of the activities I’ve recommended originate at the resort.

The Rock Spring Lodge is Bedford’s most exclusive rental property. Downtown Bedford is just eight blocks away. At this destination, you will find four suites complete with private baths and 10 acres of the great outdoors to explore.

Whether coming to Historic Bedford for a weekend, an exciting festival, or just an evening stop as you travel through the state, you will find many exciting and unique things to do and see. One visit to this slice of small-town America, and you will want to come back again and again. Looking for more Pennsylvania fun? Consider the sweetest trip: a perfect weekend in Hershey, PA.

Kansas City To Wichita: A Delightful Prairie Road Trip

Straddling the states of Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City is affectionately known as the Paris of the Plains. Its tree-lined boulevards are home to a cornucopia of award-winning chefs, slowly smoked barbecue, and two million of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

About 200 miles southwest of Kansas City, Wichita is the Sunflower State’s largest city. It’s the birthplace of Pizza Hut and earned the nickname the Air Capital of the World due to its avionic history.

Kansas is saddled with Wizard of Oz jokes and has long been dismissed as a flyover state, but people are often surprisingly delighted when they visit. Here’s what you should see, do, and eat when traveling between Kansas’s two biggest metropolitan areas on a road trip from Kansas City to Wichita.

Kansas City

Radiating from the junction of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and bisected by the aptly named State Line Road, Kansas City is an up-and-coming destination. In fact, the guys from Netflix’s Queer Eye shot Seasons 3 and 4 of their series in Kansas City. Before you hit the road and head south to Wichita, here’s how you can explore the City of Fountains like the Fab Five.

Inspired by Spanish architecture, Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza was the nation’s first shopping center designed for patrons arriving by car when it opened in the early 1920s. Today this upscale neighborhood, about 10 minutes south of downtown Kansas City, remains a beautiful place to stay, shop, and dine. And if you’re visiting during the winter holidays, don’t miss the Plaza Lights, when miles of colorful bulbs outline each building.

Art lovers will appreciate the free experiences available to them at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art just off the Country Club Plaza. Look for the oversized badminton birdies and gigantic spider, and you’ll know you’ve arrived!

The Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. — Sage Scott

History buffs won’t want to miss the nation’s only World War I museum at the Liberty Memorial on the hill above the beautifully restored Union Station. And the suburb of Independence is the land of all things Harry S. Truman, from his presidential library and museum to his beautiful family home that served as the summer White House when he was in office.

Whether you’re a sports fan or not, you can’t help but feel the citywide support for the area’s sports teams, from the 2020 Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to the Kansas City Royals to Sporting KC. Kansas City is also known as the College Basketball Capital of the World, and fans will enjoy the College Basketball Experience in the Power & Light District.

Pro Tip: There is no fee to ride Kansas City’s buses or streetcar.

Olathe

When you’re ready to start your Kansas road trip, head southwest to Olathe (pronounced Oh-LAY-tha), Kansas. More than 150 years ago, when this area was predominantly prairie, the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails intersected at the Mahaffie Farm. Today you can spend a few hours traveling back to the 1860s at this living-history experience. You can even take a spin in the last operating stagecoach of the Santa Fe Trail!

When you’re ready to return to the present day, fuel up at Joe’s Kansas City, one of the most popular barbecue joints in the metro area. Try the signature Z-Man sandwich that layers brisket, smoked provolone cheese, onion rings, and tangy barbecue sauce on a Kaiser bun. And if you’re a vegetarian, you will enjoy the portobello Z-Man that substitutes smoked sliced mushrooms for the brisket.

Baldwin City

As you get back on the road and continue south, stagecoaches will fade and the railroad will emerge, just as it did more than a century ago. The Midland Railway operates historic excursion trains like the Kansas Belle Dinner Train.

Baldwin City, Kansas, is also home to the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired in the Free State of Kansas. It’s also where you’ll find the main campus of Baker University, a four-year liberal arts college with a storied past that was the first university in Kansas.

Emporia

The next stop on this road trip — Emporia, Kansas — has several unique claims to fame, including being the first Prohibition town in the world (more than six decades before the 18th Amendment) and the first place in America to celebrate Veterans Day back in 1953.

Today, you can visit the stately red brick Tudor home of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and newspaper editor William Allen White. White and his wife, Sallie, hosted five presidents at this residence, affectionately known as Red Rocks.

Fortunately, the sale of alcohol is no longer prohibited in Emporia, so stop at Radius Brewing Company for a handcrafted brew and a bite to eat. The pretzel bread and beer cheese dip are perfect partners for any of the beers. If you’re the one behind the wheel on this road trip, then order a bowl of smoked Gouda beer cheese soup for the flavor of brown ale without the alcohol.

The Tallgrass Prairie Natural Preserve in Kansas. — Ricardo Reitmeyer / Shutterstock

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Heading westward in your modern-day gas-powered prairie schooner, you’ll reach the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. When covered wagons first rumbled across this region (likely camping overnight at the Mahaffie Farm), more than 170 million acres of tallgrass prairie blanketed North America. But in one generation, most of this complex ecosystem was converted to farmland.

Although it’s less than five percent of the original area, the Kansas Flint Hills are home to the largest section of remaining tallgrass prairie in North America. Take a guided tour of the preserve or hike one of the nature trails to explore this unique landscape.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Thick herds of shaggy brown bison once roamed the Kansas prairie, providing Native Americans with food, clothing, tools, and more. But exploring the Sunflower State today, you’ll only spot the state animal on a farm, in a sanctuary, or woven into the state flag. One of the best places to observe the largest land mammal on the continent is at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, about 80 miles west of Emporia.

Whitewater

Continuing toward Wichita, be sure to stop at the Grace Hill Winery in Whitewater, Kansas. This full-service vineyard and winery offers free tastings and tours. Ask the tasting room attendant for a recommendation that pairs well with feta, chevre, or Gouda-style cheese (and buy a bottle for the next stop)!

Kechi

About an hour south of the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Kechi, Kansas, is a small town on the northern edge of the Wichita metro area. Appreciate Kansas’s agricultural community in a uniquely flavorful way with a farm-to-table dinner at Elderslie Farm. Or, if time is short, stop by their creamery for a tasty collection of cheeses. The farm specializes in goat’s milk cheeses but also produces Foggy Ayr, a cow’s milk cheese. Pair your cheese with cured meats, bread or crackers, and your bottle of Grace Hill wine for an impromptu picnic.

Before you leave Kechi, stop by the Karg Art Glass Gallery for a glass-blowing demonstration and to admire Rollin Karg’s molten glass sculptures.

Benton

As you prepare to touch down in Wichita and officially enter the Air Capital of the World, stop at the Stearman Airfield Bar & Grill in Benton, Kansas. Not only can you enjoy the patio, sampling delicious food ranging from fried pickles to buttermilk-fried chicken drizzled with Sriracha, but you can watch planes come and go as you soak up the sun.

Wichita

Standing at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers and looking toward the heavens as if offering a prayer, the Keeper of the Plains is a massive metal sculpture of a Native American chief and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Wichita. When you take in this moving sight, be sure to also tour the Mid-America All-Indian Center just a few steps away to learn more about the tradition and heritage of Native Americans.

History lovers will also enjoy the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum and the Kansas African American Museum.

If art and architecture are your thing, Wichita has you covered. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style Allen House, explore the Wichita Art Museum, and take in Wichita’s urban art scene with this self-guided walking tour.

If zoological and botanical gardens interest you, several fun Wichita attractions fit the bill. Botanica, Wichita’s botanical garden, is a beautiful oasis within the city year-round. Experience nine months of ever-changing blooms and colors from early spring through fall, or take in a breathtaking display of more than two million lights during Illuminations, the winter holiday light display. Animal lovers should check out the Sedgwick County Zoo or Tanganyika Wildlife Park for a walk on the wild side.

Whether you are seeking urban experiences or quiet moments on the prairie, you can find it all on this road trip from Kansas City to Wichita!

Phoenix To Tucson: A Beautiful Desert Road Trip

Arizona has long been a seasonal destination for people who hate spending winter in the bone-chilling cold. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop in New England, the Midwest, and Canada, flocks of snowbirds migrate to the Southwest, drawn to its arid warmth.

My favorite time in the Grand Canyon State is the spring, when the desert blooms. Red, yellow, orange, and purple wildflowers carpet the desert floor and accent the craggy faces of the rocky mountains. But really, the only undesirable times to head south from Phoenix on this road trip to Tucson are June, July, and August.

Phoenix

With the state capital and 60 percent of the state’s population located in Maricopa County, the Phoenix metropolitan area is absolutely massive. This means you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do (or delectable places to eat and drink) before you head south on this Arizona road trip.

East of downtown and just north of Arizona State University, Papago Park is one of my favorite places in Phoenix. It offers many easy-to-hike trails, including one that winds its way up to Hole in the Rock. Carved by years of wind and water erosion, this window in a red sandstone formation offers gorgeous views of the desert below.

Flowers at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. — Sage Scott

Showing off the desert’s beauty, the Desert Botanical Garden is located in the northern section of Papago Park. Explore the colors and fragrances of the trees, plants, and flowers that survive in some of the hottest, most arid conditions in the world, including the majestic saguaro cactus. With arms that bend upward to the sun, these Sonoran Desert natives can grow up to 60 feet tall.

Once you’ve explored Phoenix and enjoyed its unique restaurants and bars, it’s time to head south on a road trip to Tucson.

Tempe

Our first stop is just a few miles away in the adjacent town of Tempe, Arizona. Near Arizona State University and Sun Devil Stadium, Mill Avenue is a vibrant area bustling with eateries, shops, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re craving pasta or pizza, coffee or quesadillas, fuel up for the road with a sip, bite, or sweet treat on Mill Avenue.

Mesa

Our next two stops take us a few miles east while headed south, but on a good road trip, getting to your destination is at least half of the fun!

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum (AZCAF) is a world-renowned, one-of-a-kind collection of planes at Falcon Field, the municipal airport in Mesa, Arizona. This nonprofit organization is committed to preserving and restoring authentic military aircraft. Study nearly 50 fighters and bombers from pre-World War I to the Vietnam War as exhibits and volunteers share the histories of the heroes who flew them.

For an additional fee, you can take the ride of a lifetime in an open-cockpit Stearman, a Flying Fortress, or a handful of other aircraft.

If you want to spend more time in Mesa before continuing your journey south, see this page.

Queen Creek

While there are many things to love about the greater Phoenix area, Queen Creek, Arizona, is my favorite spot. I think it’s because the town of about 45,000 people has a rural feel with farms, parks, and hiking trails.

Pick garden-fresh veggies at Schnepf Farms or swing by their bakery and store for roasted pecans, a case of juicy peaches, freshly baked bread, delicious pie, and more.

Just across Rittenhouse Road, stop at the Queen Creek Olive Mill to learn how they make olive oil. Ranging from sweet to spicy, the Olive Mill has more than 15 varieties of extra-virgin olive oil available for purchase. My all-time favorite is their bacon olive oil. Believe it or not, this flavored oil is vegan, and it adds the most amazing flavor to eggs, whether they’re scrambled, fried, or folded into an omelet.

Be sure to peruse the Olivespa home and beauty products and try the baked goods made with olive oil (instead of butter) before you jump back into the car. Whether chocolate or lemon, the cupcakes are my favorites!

Coolidge

About 30 minutes south along Hunt Highway is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Arizona. Built hundreds of years ago by the Hohokam tribe, the earthen building preserved at this National Park Service site is one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America.

About 100 years after its construction, the site was abandoned. But because the indigenous people who built Casa Grande didn’t have a written language, the purpose of the site and why the community suddenly disappeared remain a mystery.

With stagecoaches rumbling past and the railroad chugging its way west, souvenir seekers and vandals took a toll on the ruins. Anthropologists and historians worked hard to preserve the area, and in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison protected a 1-square-mile space around Casa Grande, establishing the nation’s first prehistoric and cultural reserve site.

An hour is enough time to watch the informative video and take a guided tour of the Great House.

Picacho Peak State Park

Built around an impressive 1,500-foot peak, Picacho Peak State Park is about 30 minutes south of Coolidge. Whether you explore from the comfort of your air-conditioned car or on foot, this is a beautiful place to take in the Sonoran Desert landscape and watch for wildlife.

Hiking trails range from short and easy (like the 0.2-mile Children’s Cave Trail or the 0.5-mile Nature Trail) to moderate and difficult (like the 3.1-mile Sunset Vista Trail and the 2-mile Hunter Trail).

When you visit, keep an eye out for a variety of desert mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians, including jackrabbits, mule deer, snakes, lizards, and more.

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

If you didn’t get your critter fix at Picacho Peak State Park, head a mile down the road to the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, where you’ll have the chance to interact with (and feed) a variety of animals. You’ll meet ostriches (obviously) but also goats, lorikeets, donkeys, ducks, sheep, stingrays, and more at this fun stop. (And yes, ostriches are as mean as everyone says!)

Oracle

Midlife travelers will likely remember all of the brouhaha surrounding the Biosphere, when two teams of scientists were sealed inside the massive glass enclosure in the early 1990s. (Or perhaps you’ll recall Bio-Dome, a comedy that unwittingly places the goofy characters played by Pauly Shore and Stephen Baldwin in a similar structure.) This Arizona road trip is your chance to experience it all for yourself.

As you tour the Biosphere 2 facility in Oracle, Arizona, you’ll see a variety of ecosystems working together in the closed environment. The guide will describe what it was like for the team living on-site to grow and harvest all of their own food. And you’ll also learn about the emotional toll that being sealed off from the rest of the world took on the scientists who lived at Biosphere 2.

Fun Fact: Because this structure in the Arizona desert is known as Biosphere 2, many visitors ask about Biosphere 1. The original biosphere is planet Earth.

The skyline of Tuscon, Arizona. — Chris Rubino / Shutterstock

Tucson

As you enter the Old Pueblo of Tucson from the north, stop at Saguaro National Park for amazing views of hundreds of majestic saguaro cacti. This experience is even more magnificent at sunrise and sunset, when the desert is blooming, or shortly after it’s rained and you can breathe in the unique scent created by the damp creosote bushes. On the southern edge of the park is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum that showcases the geology, animals, and plants native to this area.

Imagine yourself rubbing elbows with Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer in Tombstone or riding the train with Kenny Rogers in The Gambler by spending a day filled with gun smoke and gambling at Old Tucson. This movie set-turned-Wild West theme park features a variety of guided tours, shows, and experiences.

The presidential table in Tuscon's Mi Nidito. — Sage Scott

My favorite place to eat in Tucson is Mi Nidito on Fourth Avenue in Historic South Tucson. Don’t let the unassuming, brightly painted adobe building with a red tile roof fool you. This Mexican joint has served Hollywood stars, musical legends, sports heroes, and heads of state. In fact, the President’s Plate — featuring a bean tostada, birria taco, chile relleno, chicken enchilada, and beef tamale — was created in honor of President Bill Clinton’s visit in February 1999.

This popular restaurant often has a long wait, so try visiting outside of standard meal times — or plan on enjoying several of their famous margaritas while you wait. The regular, mango, strawberry, and peach are all delicious, but try the tamarindo for a spicy twist on the citrus or sweet standards.

From the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix to the saguaro cactus-filled mountains surrounding Tucson, there’s so much more to Arizona than the Grand Canyon.