5 Perfect Wildflower Hikes In Arizona

On the scale of things that universally make people happy, wildflowers are certainly up there — hovering somewhere between waterfalls and rainbows.

In the Arizona desert, where springtime ushers in wildflower season, there is plenty of delight to go around. Especially after a wet winter, the spiky and sometimes forbidding Sonoran Desert can become softened by endless fields of yellows, purples, and reds.

Thankfully, 2020 is one of those lucky years. While the spring flowers are perhaps not as plentiful as they were in 2019 — a truly remarkable year in the desert — they are still showing up in ample numbers.

The colorful flowers can be seen clustered along busy highways and interstates, but the best way to savor the bounty of Arizona’s wildflowers is to take a hike.

Wildflowers are not the only appeal of Arizona’s trails in the springtime. It is also the time when the desert climate is at its best for hiking the rugged terrain. The Phoenix area enjoys average high temperatures in the high 70s in March, the mid-80s in April, and into the 90s in May. Hiking is generally discouraged in Phoenix’s brutal summer heat, but late autumn and winter can also be great times to visit.

Of course, spring is also the time when the trails tend to be busiest, so it pays to seek out lesser-used trails. Here are five perfect Arizona wildflower hikes, a mix of off-the-beaten-path options and well-known spots.

Cacti and wildflowers along Black Canyon Trail. — Cindy Barks

1. Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, Black Canyon City

Showcasing some of the best of the wide-open Sonoran Desert, the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail runs 80 miles along a north-south route once used by prehistoric Native American travelers and traders.

For quick access to towering saguaro cacti and nonstop clusters of wildflowers, head to the Black Canyon City Trailhead, near the Interstate 17 outpost of Rock Springs. Walk south along the undulating single-track trail, and you’ll soon reach the middle of a cactus forest.

The trail surface is rocky and rough, but the grade is fairly gentle. An out-and-back hike of 3 to 4 miles will yield great views and a moderate workout. Along the way, you will be treated to regular stands of lavender lupine, purple owl clover, and numerous clusters of golden sunflower-like globe chamomile (albeit an invasive species).

Wildflowers along the Black Canyon Trail. — Cindy Barks

Expect to spend about 2 hours on a 3-to-4-mile round trip. As with any hike in the desert, remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. Even in the spring, the temperatures can soar into the 80s and 90s, and there is little shade along the route. Although you will encounter plenty of other hikers, I have found that the Black Canyon Trail is less busy than Phoenix’s popular Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak Trails.

Highlight: The trail runs along a ridge that opens up to spectacular views of the Agua Fria River that twists through the canyon below. The flow is somewhat seasonal, but in the spring, the Agua Fria is often full and robust. Long before you reach the pebbly banks of the river, you will hear that most beautiful of desert sounds — rushing water. On hot spring afternoons, families gather along the river’s banks, taking careful dips in the cool water.

Cacti along the Jojoba Trail at Bartlett Lake. — Anton Foltin / Shutterstock

2. Jojoba Trail, Bartlett Lake, Tonto National Forest

Known as one of the best places in the Phoenix area to spot delicate poppy blooms, Bartlett Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest about an hour northeast of Scottsdale.

One of the beauties of the Bartlett Lake wildflower scene is that the blooms are easily accessible along the paved roads that wind around the reservoir. Flower peepers often drive the scenic route and park alongside the road at spots like Rattlesnake Cove to photograph the fields of yellow-orange poppies.

It is not necessary to hike to see the best of Bartlett Lake’s wildflowers, but if you are in the mood for a fairly easy walk through the desert with the blue waters of the lake as a backdrop, head to Jojoba Trail. The 1.3-mile route stretches from Rattlesnake Cove to the Jojoba boating site, passing by flowering ocotillo cacti, tufts of poppies, and sweeping views of the rugged Mazatzal Mountains to the east. The 2.6-mile round trip should take about 1.5 hours to complete.

Remember that a Tonto Pass is needed to park at many of the developed sites around Bartlett Lake. The passes can be purchased at the Cave Creek Ranger Station near Cave Creek.

Highlight: The coves that dip deep into the desert terrain make secluded spots to view the wildflowers as well as the picturesque boating scene on Bartlett Lake.

Flowers along the Lime Kiln Trail. — Cindy Barks

3. Lime Kiln Trail, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood

For a truly remote high-desert experience, head to the Lime Kiln Trail in Dead Horse Ranch State Park, located in Cottonwood, about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix.

While the state park is popular for its lush riparian area along the Verde River, it is also the trailhead for the rugged Lime Kiln Trail. The 15-mile-long trail runs northeast toward Sedona and ends near the scenic Red Rock State Park.

The trail follows a historic route that dates to the 1880s, when it was built to serve a kiln that produced lime for the mortar used for construction of early homes in the area.

In the springtime and early summer, the otherwise desolate route comes alive with white daisies and blooming cacti.

Wildflowers along the Lime Kiln Trail. — Cindy Barks

Adventurous hikers or mountain bikers might want to try the entire 15-mile route. But for those who want only a taste of the Lime Kiln Trail, I suggest parking at Dead Horse Ranch State Park and hiking in for 2 to 3 miles for a round trip of 4 to 6 miles.

The trail is rough and steep in places and is rated as strenuous. Traffic is light, though, so you are likely to see few other hikers and bikers on the route.

Highlight: The trail passes by ancient cottonwood trees with glossy leaves and transitions quickly to desolate white cliffs that offer sweeping views of the Verde River Valley.

Cacti along the Wild Burro Trail. — Cindy Barks

4. Wild Burro Trail, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Morristown

Water and desert converge beautifully at Lake Pleasant, a regional park located about 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix. For the best of both, head to the Wild Burro Trail, a busy 3.1-mile trail that passes by saguaro and cholla cacti before ambling down to hug the lovely lake shoreline.

Along the way, the trail showcases some of the best of Arizona’s spring wildflower scene. Interspersed in the rocky terrain are pretty little stands of purple owl clover, complemented perfectly by the yellow chamomile flowers. In some places, the pink-purple flowers of the strawberry hedgehog cacti serve as centerpieces for the wildflowers.

The trail gets heavy traffic, especially on sunny spring weekends, so a weekday visit is recommended. Regardless, expect to encounter plenty of other hikers, as well as fishermen and campers clustered along the lake’s beautiful coves.

Wildflowers and cacti along the Wild Burro Trail. — Cindy Barks

The terrain is rocky and rough, but the elevation gain is relatively minor, at just over 200 feet. Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours hiking the entire 3.1-mile route. I recommend packing a picnic lunch and stopping at one of the coves for a break.

A fee is required to enter Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

Highlight: The views of the lake — set off by saguaros and cholla cacti — are stellar along most of the route.

Wildflowers along the Siphon Draw Trail in Arizona. — Cindy Barks

5. Siphon Draw Trail, Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction

Arizona’s mining history is the main focus of Lost Dutchman State Park, but in the spring, wildflowers dominate the landscape.

Located in Apache Junction at the far eastern edge of Phoenix’s Valley of the Sun, the park was named after the fabled lost gold mine.

Walk along the popular Siphon Draw Trail, and you will be surrounded by yellow wildflowers that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see.

Although rated as difficult, the lower stretches of Siphon Draw are fairly easy and offer great vantage points to take in not just the wildflowers and plentiful flowering cacti, but the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Superstition Mountains as well.

I recommend walking as far as you feel comfortable on the 4-mile (round-trip) Siphon Draw Trail. The state park website describes the trail as a very scenic hike that winds into a canyon known as Siphon Draw. It is possible to continue on to the Flatiron, although the 5.8-mile round trip is not a designated trail, and it is known as one of the toughest hikes in the area.

“It’s advised that only experienced hikers in good shape attempt to hike to the top, as the climb is steep and difficult to follow,” says the park’s website, adding that the hike would take at least 5 hours to complete.

I recommend hiking up the first mile and a half or so of the Siphon Draw Trail, where you will be surrounded by wildflowers and be treated to a nonstop view of the Superstition Mountains.

Entry to the state park requires a fee.

Highlight: The rugged mountain view, set off by fields of wildflowers, is an iconic Arizona landscape.

Road Trip: 10 Scenic Stops In Kansas, Nebraska, And Colorado

The road from Pittsburg, Kansas, to Westminster, Colorado, is one we drive regularly. The former is my husband’s hometown, which he visits for reunions with high school and college friends and with his only sibling, his sister. On the other hand, the latter is where his oldest daughter lives, so we pass by on our way home, which, for us, is Phoenix, Arizona.

The route between Pittsburg, Kansas, and Westminster, Colorado, takes us through four states: Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. On our last go-through, we decided to visit the twin national monuments on the North Platte River Valley in Nebraska. On the way to and from these two, we found eight less-known but very interesting roadside attractions. They made our road trip so much slower but also that much more exciting.

1. The Blue Sky Sculpture

Newton, Kansas

While on I-135, about 30 minutes north of Wichita, Kansas — which is 2 hours and 45 minutes west of Pittsburg — there is a sculpture at the Centennial Park in Newton, Kansas, that is stunning. In fact, it is one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Art. Designed through the amazing joint efforts of Phil Epp, painter, and Terry Corbett and Conrad Snider, ceramists, it is made of cobalt-glazed tiles. The artwork is fluid and eye-catching, and seems to exhibit unobstructed movement toward the natural sky, achieving the artists’ goal for the piece to unite effortlessly with nature. Bill and I spent hours photographing it from many angles. It is such a beautiful piece of art.

2. Mennonite Heritage And Agricultural Museum

Goessel, Kansas

Less than 30 minutes north of the Blue Sky Sculpture is a museum that tells the story of the Mennonites, Russian emigrants who settled near present-day Goessel, Kansas, in 1874. They were the ones who brought a winter wheat variety called Turkey Red to the United States. This variety is the foundation of the Kansas and Great Plains agricultural economy. Turkey Red wheat produces flour that contains more protein.

The Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum showcases the interesting progression of farming mechanization from the 1800s to the mid-1960s in the Turkey Red Wheat Palace, which is quite interesting to know.

3. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine

Cawker City, Kansas

Two hours northwest of Goessel, after Interstate 135 turns into Highway 81 and then, further west, into Highway 24, is Cawker City, Kansas. It is home to a ball formed of a total twine length of more than 7 million feet. Frank Stoeber started it in 1953, and when its twine length was at 1.6 million feet, which was back in 1961, he donated it to the town.

The town has made sure it continues to grow. Of course, we stopped to admire the ball and while we were doing that, a car pulled up and two ladies gave us 20 yards of twine to add to the ball. One even took our photos to commemorate our “feat.” They said that every August, there is a “Twine-a-thon” during which a lot more length is added. The Ball is one of the finalists for the Eight Wonders of Kansas.

4. Giant Van Gogh Painting

Goodland, Kansas

Three hours later and further west, we saw an unusual attraction right from Highway 24. As we came closer, it turned out to be a 24-foot by 32-foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s Three Sunflowers in A Vase (sometimes referred to as Vase with Three Sunflowers) resting on an 80-foot steel easel. Artist Cameron Cross has erected three such big easels — one in Manitoba, Canada, in 1996; another in Emerald, Australia, in 1999; and this one in Goodland, Kansas, in 2001. We took pictures and checked in at our motel. After a small dinner, and despite the light showers and high winds, we returned to see it glisten in the night. The Giant Van Gogh Painting is quite a spectacle.

Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska. — Carol Colborn

5. Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scottsbluff, Nebraska

This was what took us off our direct route to Bill’s daughter’s home, but we wanted to visit the historic North Platte River valley. From Goodland, Kansas, we went north to Interstate 80 and then northwest on 1-26 to visit the 3,000-acre Scotts Bluff National Monument. It preserves overland trail remnants, mixed-grass prairie, and towering bluffs along the North Platte River that were an important landmark when wagons roamed the land. Over 250,000 westward emigrants passed by Scotts Bluff between 1843 and 1869. The monument’s north bluff is named after Hiram Scott, a clerk for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company who died near the bluff in 1828. It was good to set foot on such historically significant land.

6. Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Bayard, Nebraska

Just 30 minutes northwest of Scotts Bluff and also in the same North Platte River valley, there is another prominent geological rock formation that stands 4,228 feet high. As you might have guessed, it also served as an important landmark along the trails of westward emigrants during the mid-19th century. We were glad we visited the Chimney Rock National Historic Site and the Scotts Bluff National Monument during fall. They were both lovely places with seasonal splashes of yellow.

7. Big Boots

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Back on Interstate 135 and less than two hours southwest is Cheyenne, Wyoming. At the small visitors center in the railway station, we found a giant eight-foot-tall (from heel to top of the pull tabs) and eight-foot-long (from pointy toe to the back of the heel) boot. We were told that there were 20 such boots around town. With a map to guide us, we hunted all of them down. Painted by various artists in 2005 to showcase Wyoming and Cheyenne history, each was purchased by a civic-minded business to display at their location.

We almost didn’t finish our mission because it was already past 5 p.m. when we found the 20th boot, inside an already locked glass-enclosed building. We knocked and knocked and knocked. It was good somebody was working overtime, heard us, and let us in. We felt a feeling of accomplishment after taking our 20th boot photo. It was an afternoon very well spent. The Cheyenne Big Boots are so unique, colorful, and meaningful.

8. Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado

Less than an hour south of Cheyenne on Interstate 25 is Fort Collins, Colorado. When walking the streets of Downtown Fort Collins, the buildings, especially the Old Firehouse Bookstore, may look so familiar, like deja vu. Understandably so, because it was Fort Collins’ Harper Goff who helped Walt Disney sketch up plans for Disney’s Main Street U.S.A. Old Town Square in Fort Collins served as his inspiration. It’s a charming place to stroll around any day.

9. Pianos About Town

Fort Collins, Colorado

A lover of jazz, my husband, Bill, noticed an artsy piano in Fort Collins’s Jazz Alley. Later, we saw a few more. We found out that they were all part of Pianos About Town, a collaborative project hosted by the city and a number of organizations that combine music and visual art. The pianos were painted between May and October right in the Old Town Square, then distributed throughout the city, inviting people to enjoy the art and play a tune. The installations are rotated, and during the winter months, they are stored at several indoor locations. We loved this experience.

10. Buffalo Bill’s Grave

Lookout Mountain Park, Colorado

About one and a half hours south of Fort Collins is Lookout Mountain Park, part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. There, you will find the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. It is the one and only gravesite of William F. Cody. Born in 1846 and nicknamed Buffalo Bill because of his skill as a buffalo hunter, Cody has a nicely located grave overlooking the natural beauty of the Great Plains and the Rockies. A fitting museum was built on site to celebrate this legend of the West.

This became such a memorable road trip for us. It took us longer to go from Bill’s sister’s home to his daughter’s, however. What usually takes us two days took us four instead. Being retired, we have the time. There is really no need to rush. The two additional days were both well worth it. Because of this wonderful experience, we vowed to vary our route a little each time we go back to his hometown and visit his daughter. That will help us find new roadside attractions and hidden gems each time.

Heading west from further east? Here’s inspiration for your Missouri road trip: Saint Louis to Kansas City.

9 Must-Visit Religious Sites In The Midwest

Religious sites across the Midwest attract visitors for their spiritual, historical, cultural, and architectural significance.

You can pay your respects and fulfill your religious obligations during a visit, but even if you’re not particularly religious, you can simply admire the beauty of the structures and learn about their rich histories.

While the following destinations are especially popular during the Easter and Christmas seasons, they are worth visiting at any time of year.

Inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. — Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

1. Cathedral Basilica Of Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri

As you take in the majesty of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, you’ll feel like you’re in Rome. The basilica is both an architectural and historical marvel. Completed in 1914, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Saint Louis, and Pope Saint John Paul II designated it a basilica in 1997.

More than 41 million colorful pieces of glass decorate the sanctuary and its side chapels. In fact, the basilica is home to the world’s second-largest mosaic collection. Be sure to check out the All Saints Chapel, which features elaborate Italian-style mosaics by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

During your visit, don’t miss the lower-level museum dedicated to the history of the mosaics, as well as the crypts where three cardinals and an archbishop are entombed.

Guided and self-guided tours are available daily. If you’d like a guided tour, call ahead and reserve one. They take place from 10 to 4 p.m.

Pro Tip: After spending an hour or so at the basilica, head to the Soulard neighborhood for some authentic Cajun food at Broadway Oyster Bar. There are oysters aplenty, as well as Cajun favorites such as a lobster po’boy, gumbo, and jambalaya and unique dishes like lobster mac and cheese and crawfish enchiladas.

2. Cloisters On The Platte, Gretna, Nebraska

At the Cloisters on the Platte near Gretna, Nebraska, you can follow the path Jesus trod as he carried his cross to Calvary. Life-size bronze Stations of the Cross tell the story of Jesus’s painful journey, starting with his condemnation by Pontius Pilate and ending with his entombment. Each stop includes an audio description.

Created by artists from around the country, the sculptures are remarkably realistic and stand about 7 feet tall. You can almost feel the suffering Jesus endured.

The Stations are located on the grounds of a retreat house that opened in 2018; they are open to the public from Monday through Thursday. While admission is free, a $10 donation is requested. Park in the public parking lot, where a shuttle bus will pick you up and take you to the grounds.

Pro Tip: Following your visit, head to Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland, Nebraska, for outstanding home cooking. Start with an order of fried corn fritters or mountain oysters. Then enjoy a hand cut and aged steak, pork tenderloin, country-fried steak, or delicious burger.

The Shrine Of The Grotto Of The Redemption. — Lostinthe_Midwest / Shutterstock

3. Shrine Of The Grotto Of The Redemption, West Bend, Iowa

One man’s brush with death resulted in the world’s largest grotto. Located in the small farming community of West Bend, Iowa, the Grotto of the Redemption came about following Father Paul Dobberstein’s life-threatening bout of pneumonia during his time in seminary. After Father Dobberstein recovered and moved to West Bend in 1898, he began building the Grotto of the Redemption from rocks and gems of all sizes. Telling the story of Jesus’s life from his birth to his crucifixion, the Grotto of the Redemption is a beautiful structure that occupies nearly an entire city block.

The Grotto of the Redemption is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit. West Bend is located about an hour north of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Pro Tip: Following your visit, head to Mineral City Mill & Grill in Fort Dodge for a bite to eat. Try the smoked Iowa chop, a 12-ounce pork chop topped with apple chutney.

The Saint John's Bible Gallery in Minnesota. — The Saint John’s Bible Gallery at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML), Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. / photo by Wayne Torborg

4. Saint John’s Bible Gallery, Collegeville, Minnesota

The magnificent Saint John’s Bible, a 10-year project commissioned in honor of the new millennium, is perhaps the world’s most beautiful contemporary example of calligraphy and illustration. Numerous artists and calligraphers worked on the project.

Folios are on display at the Saint John’s Bible Gallery on the campus of Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The gallery also houses Bibles in different languages, including Polish and Gaelic.

While at Saint John’s, which is about a 90-minute drive northwest of Minneapolis, visit the campus church, which features a unique stained glass exhibit. With about 425 panels of geometrically designed stained glass, the church is an attraction in and of itself. Outside, five bronze bells ring throughout the day.

Pro Tip: After your visit to Collegeville, head to nearby Saint Joseph, Minnesota, for an authentic Italian meal at Bello Cucina. Try the spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, pizza, steak, or fish.

5. Grotto Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, South Bend, Indiana

Located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a replica of a larger one in Lourdes, France, where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette 18 times in one year. The university’s founder, Father Edward Sorin, vowed to build the grotto after making a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Built with stones from nearby farms — and one stone from Lourdes — the South Bend grotto attracts visitors and pilgrims daily. It often hosts outdoor Masses, and the faithful pray the Rosary there daily. Visitors can also light candles in honor of their departed loved ones.

Pro Tip: With classic Italian dishes, such as lasagna, spaghetti, and gnocchi pesto, Parisi’s Ristorante has provided a family dining experience for nearly 40 years.

Nauvoo, Illinois - Latter-day Saint Temple — SkyBlodgett / Shutterstock.com

6. Historic Nauvoo, Nauvoo, Illinois

Located on the Mississippi River, Historic Nauvoo in Illinois was the home of Brigham Young and the first members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) before they settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. A guided or self-guided tour will take you to key historic buildings in Nauvoo, including Brigham Young’s home. Afterward, head uphill to visit the LDS temple, which offers an impressive view of the town and the Mississippi River.

Pro Tip: Following your visit, take a short drive south to Hamilton, Illinois, where you can enjoy a unique breakfast treat at any time of the day at the Hamilton Family Cafe. The Harold — with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and biscuits and gravy tossed on top of each other — is a solid choice. Broiled chicken breast, chicken-fried steak, and liver and onions are also available.

7. National Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Snows, Belleville, Illinois

Located less than 10 miles southeast of Saint Louis, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows honors the Virgin Mary. The shrine, which was constructed about 60 years ago, is home to several attractions, including Stations of the Cross backed by fir and pine trees, a Lourdes Grotto, memorials dedicated to fathers and mothers, and a Resurrection Garden. Visitors can light a candle at the 85-foot-tall Millennium Spire. The complex also features an apartment building, restaurant, and gift shop.

If you visit during the Christmas season, you’ll be treated to one of the most extensive light displays in the Midwest.

Pro Tip: Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap is a great choice for dining after your visit to the shrine. It offers burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

St Paul Cathedral in Minnesota — Chintla / Shutterstock.com

8. Cathedral Of Saint Paul, Saint Paul, Minnesota

The cornerstone of the grand beaux arts Cathedral of Saint Paul was laid in 1907, and the first Mass was celebrated in 1915. The cathedral can seat some 3,000 people. Some of the cathedral’s most notable features include its copper dome and Stations of the Cross, and its lovely Shrine of the Nations honors saints from around the world. The cathedral also features five bronze bells that ring throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Following your visit to the Cathedral of Saint Paul, stop at Matt’s Bar for a chance to enjoy the city’s famous Jucy Lucy burger. The cheese is inside the meat rather than outside it. Once the burger arrives at your table, wait a few minutes before taking your first bite to give the burger a chance to cool down.

9. Trinity Heights, Sioux City, Iowa

Trinity Heights honors both Jesus and his mother. The 14-acre attraction is located on the grounds of a former college and high school in Sioux City, Iowa. At the ends of the garden stand stainless steel statues of Jesus and Mary, each more than 30 feet tall. You’ll also find Stations of the Cross and sculptures of Saints Peter and Paul, Moses, and the recently canonized Mother Teresa.

At the center of the property is the visitor center, home to a 22-foot-long, wood-carved Last Supper, created nearly 30 years ago by a local artist who used his family and friends as models.

Pro Tip: After your visit to Trinity Heights, head to Taqueria La Juanita for authentic Mexican food. Part of the experience is standing in line (for a short period) to order at the counter. Enjoy the burritos, enchiladas, or tacos. Note that Taqueria La Juanita only accepts cash.

Portland, Oregon: 8 Things To Know Before You Go

Many American cities look the same — a collection of skyscrapers, busy streets, and chain stores that could be anywhere in the United States.

But the minute you enter Portland, Oregon, you know you’ve entered a city that is proudly different. Its citizens prefer to buy local, believe passionately in sustainability, and take their beer very seriously. It’s also a city that values the outdoors, from the large, green Washington Park located in the heart of the city to the nearby Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The natural beauty of the city plus its bohemian vibe equals a city you’ll want to return to time and time again. Here are eight things to know about Portland before you visit.

Japanese gardens in Portland. — Bob Pool / Shutterstock

1. It Will Rain

With an average of 43 inches of rainfall a year, visitors should expect rain and come prepared. In many parts of the country, rain results in canceled events and residents remaining indoors. But in Portland, life goes on, rain or shine.

With that in mind, it’s important for visitors to bring the proper attire. Locals dress in layers and quality outwear, but they don’t use umbrellas. Yes, that’s right — locals rarely use umbrellas, so if you want to blend in, leave yours at home.

Before you start to complain about the rain, consider the benefits it provides. As you drive around the city, you’ll notice how green everything is. In fact, you’ll be amazed at the range of green that can be seen at the local parks and in the surrounding mountains. Portlanders understand rain and the role it plays in making the city beautiful.

A "Keep Portland Weird" sign. — Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock

2. It’s Weird — And Proud Of It

“Keep Portland Weird” has been the city’s unofficial motto for over a decade, and it sums up this place quite well. The slogan was originally intended to promote local businesses, but over time it came to represent the individual expression and creativity that are so admired here. Today, residents embrace this slogan in a wide variety of ways.

Here are just a few reasons why Portland is considered weird.

There are more strip clubs per capita in Portland than anywhere else in the U.S. There’s even one for vegans.
There’s an annual naked bike race.
It’s home to the world’s smallest park, Mills End Park.
The Shanghai Tunnels, located under the city, were once used to kidnap men for slave labor on local ships.
The creators of bone marrow ice cream, Salt & Straw, got their start in Portland.

Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon. — ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock

3. Buying Local Is Essential

While national chains certainly exist in Portland, the locally owned businesses are the ones that really shine. Residents value the many family-owned businesses and make a point to shop at them regularly.

So as a visitor, head to the locally owned stores. Book lovers will salivate the moment they walk into Powell’s Books, located in the Pearl District. For more than four decades, this family-owned bookstore has sold both new and used books side by side on its shelves. Even better, it hosts numerous book-related events throughout the year.

Portland is also home to several stores that only carry goods made in the city or in the Pacific Northwest. Tender Loving Empire — offering five locations, including one at the airport — features gifts, food, and music by artists and artisans from the region. MadeHere has two stores that feature quality, design-savvy products made in Portland and the Pacific Northwest. They offer a wide range of items, including snowboards, backpacks, jewelry, and food products.

If you’re into vintage and thrift shopping, Portland is for you. A popular vintage store is Artifact, located on SE Division Street; it offers a mix of clothing and home decor. This store was founded by Leah Meijer, whose mom owns a nearby vintage store called Village Merchants. For a thrift shop with a really big selection, check out House of Vintage, a 13,000-square-foot space located in the Hawthorne District.

4. The Beer Is Really Good

Locally owned breweries and brewpubs have become popular in many U.S. cities, but Portland is the epicenter of craft beer. Portlanders have taken their beer seriously for decades, and the result is a wide range of seriously great brews.

If you enjoy sour beers — or want to try them — head to Cascade Brewing. After all, this is the city that invented sour beers. You’ll find the waitstaff and bartenders to be very knowledgeable about the beer and happy to help you select one.

If you enjoy IPAs, then check out Breakside Brewery and give the Wanderlust IPA a try. If you’d like to support a good cause while you drink, visit Ex Novo Brewing Company, which has set a goal of donating 100 percent of their profits to nonprofit organizations.

As a visitor, it can be time consuming to find all of these great breweries on your own, so why not try a beer tour instead and learn from the experts? You can enjoy an afternoon of beer sampling and brewery tours with BeerQuest Walking Tours or Brewvana.

Olympia Provisions. — Wild As Light / Shutterstock.com

5. The Food Is Even Better

Portland has been attracting young and innovative chefs for many years, and this has contributed to a vibrant food scene. While many of these restaurants are considered fine dining spots, there are plenty of less-expensive options as well.

Among the city’s best-known eateries is Olympia Provisions, which specializes in cured meats. Be sure to order one of the charcuterie platters featuring house-made sausage complemented with local cheese. The weekend brunch is an excellent option as well, with a variety of eggs Benedict plates available.

One of Portland’s best-known restaurant groups, Pok Pok, should definitely be on your list of places to eat while visiting. Chef Andy Richter has been traveling to Thailand for years, researching regional dishes and bringing them back to the U.S. The result is authentic and delicious Thai food available at five locations throughout the city.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Portland, then be sure to visit one of the food cart pods. Unlike the food trucks that roam the city, the food carts are semipermanent structures, often gathered in parking lots or empty lots. It’s estimated that there are 500 food carts currently operating in the city. Portland Mercado has gathered Central and South American food carts into one colorful and lively setting that includes a bar and a Latin American food market. Or head to Cartlandia, which features 30 carts representing 15 different countries.

If you’d like some professional help exploring Portland’s food scene, consider a tour. Eat Adventures, the only driving food tour company in Portland, offers tours focused on specific neighborhoods, like downtown and the Alberta Arts District, as well as tours of the city’s food cart pods. Lost Plate offers a walking tour of some of the city’s food carts.

6. Coffee Is Serious Business

You won’t find a bad cup of coffee in Portland. What you will find are 600 independent coffee shops serving perfectly brewed java. This town loves its coffee, and for visitors, this means a wealth of great cafes to try.

With three different locations throughout the city, Heart Coffee Roasters is well known for its unique coffee beverages like honey cardamom lattes as well as perfectly crafted mochas.

Stumptown can now be found in cities throughout the U.S., but it got its start here in Portland; it’s known for sourcing its beans directly from producers around the world.

And if you’re a vegan, you won’t feel left out — Jet Black Coffee has you covered. Dairy creamer isn’t available here, but you will find almond, cashew, coconut, and oak milks for your caffeinated beverages.

A bike shop in downtown Portland. — Dee Browning / Shutterstock

7. The Residents Love Their Bikes

Bike lanes can be found in most cities throughout the world, but in Portland, the lanes are wider to accommodate the large number of cyclists. In fact, Portland boasts the highest rate of bike commuting in the U.S. So if you’re driving while visiting, be aware that you’ll always be sharing the road with cyclists.

If you want to feel like a local, rent a bike and hit the road. Located downtown, Cycle Portland rents a variety of bikes, including single speeds and electric bikes. They also offer guided tours if you’d like to learn more about the city while exploring on a bicycle.

Or take advantage of the city’s bicycle-sharing program, BIKETOWN, which offers 1,000 bikes at 100 docking stations. This is a great option if you’re not sure when or where you’ll want to end your ride.

MAX Light Rail. — Ritu Monaj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

8. Sustainability Is Top Of Mind

Portland has long prioritized sustainability, even before it became trendy. While other cities around the world rush to implement environmentally friendly policies and practices, Portland is continually refining the ones put in place decades ago.

One of the most prominent examples of Portland’s commitment to sustainability is its efforts to reduce waste. Commonly found throughout the city are trash cans organized by material — glass, plastic, paper, compost, and other. A few restaurants have gone even further and declared themselves zero waste — everything in the store must be reused or recycled.

The city is also determined to cut down on traffic and the use of fossil fuels. As mentioned previously, most of the city is bike friendly, and dedicated bicycles lanes have been in place for years. Public transportation options like the MAX Light Rail service the entire city; there’s even a convenient line from the airport to downtown. This effort has been so successful that carbon emissions in the area have declined 21 percent over the past 20 years.

Portland has a way of staying with you long after you return home. Maybe you’ll go home craving the fish sauce wings from Pok Pok, or ordering shipments of Stumptown Coffee. And it’s possible you’ll start avoiding chain restaurants and seeking out the local family-owned ones in your neck of the woods. But there’s an excellent chance you’ll be back to explore this quirky, creative, and passionate city.

For more on Portland, visit this page.

8 Best Hikes To Experience In Iowa

Iowa is home to several great hiking trails. Many people think that Iowa is only cornfields and is flat. Iowa is actually home to rolling hills, beautiful scenery, and hiking trails for all levels of hikers.

I hope you will get out and experience some of these state park trails, as they each truly have something unique to offer. The beauty that you will find along each of these trails is Instagram and Christmas card worthy. Fill your backpack with your smartphone, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses. Your hiking experiences in Iowa will be memorable and ones you talk about for years to come.

Most importantly, pay attention to any road or trail closures when you enter these Iowa state parks.

1. Pea’s Creek Canyon, Ledges State Park

Madrid

This is my pick for the best hike in Iowa. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. Ledges State Park is located near Boone, Iowa. With four miles of hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, it is not to be missed. There are four miles of up-and-down steep slopes, which offer access to amazing views of Pea’s Creek “canyon.”

This trail is very popular and offers views unlike any others in the state of Iowa. At the southern end of Ledges State Park, there’s a fully accessible interpretive trail that leads to Lost Lake. This state park is ideal for hiking and there are several picnic facilities maintained throughout the park.

Wildflowers and deer in Fort Defiance State Park. — Jesse Kunerth / Shutterstock

2. East And Ridge Trail, Fort Defiance State Park

Estherville

Fort Defiance State Park is located near Estherville in northwest Iowa. This state park surprised me when I visited this past August. The trails were lush and offered beauty that I had not seen elsewhere in Iowa. The valleys in this state park are what stood out as the most memorable thing along the trails. When you hike down into the valleys, you need to remember that you will have to hike back out! As with any hike, be sure to take your water along with you.

I would not recommend this trail to anyone with any physical limitations, as it is steep in places. If you have the stamina, this will be worth every single step.

tower in Knob State Park in Iowa — Life Atlas Photography / Shutterstock.com

3. Pilot Knob Trail, Pilot Knob State Park

Forest City

Pilot Knob State Park is located near Forest City. It encompasses 700 acres and offers a beautiful trail to the Pilot Knob tower. The quarter-mile trail has an upward slope to the tower and offers spectacular views of Iowa from the top.

Fall is a very popular time to visit, as the fall colors are stunning. This tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. After the glaciers leveled the prairies in North Central Iowa, they deposited rocks that formed the hills and valleys now known as Pilot Knob.

4. Dancehall Cave, Maquoketa Caves State Park

Maquoketa

There are a total of six miles of trails in Maquoketa Caves State Park. The stunning limestone formations offer visitors an opportunity to take a step back in time. The trail to Dancehall Cave is one of the most popular. If visitors continue on the trail from Dancehall Cave, they find themselves near caves of all shapes and sizes. Be sure you are physically fit and geared up for some serious caving before you decide to go past Dancehall Cave. You’ll need a headlamp and should be wearing old clothes. Some of these caves are very deep, dark, and narrow.

A few years ago, I literally crawled into one of these caves on my belly. I tossed my clothes in the trash can afterward as they were covered in mud.

This is probably Iowa’s most unique state park and trail system. I do not know of another state park where visitors can see stunning cliffs, valleys, rock formations, and cave formations. Spring is a spectacular time to visit as the flowers are popping with color.

5. Two-Mile Trail, Beeds Lake State Park

Hampton

Beeds Lake State Park is located near Hampton, Iowa. A popular trail here is the Two-Mile trail. It is an easy hike and wraps around Beeds Lake for two miles. When you arrive at the spillway, you can hike to the base of the dam and look at its unique limestone face.

This park is also popular for boating, camping, fishing, and family reunions as it offers outdoor shelter areas and an indoor area for larger gatherings. I would suggest hiking this trail near sunset with your bug spray in tow. Iowa sunsets are spectacular all year long. Winter outdoor enthusiasts will find this trail user friendly during the winter season, too.

6. The Bur Oak Nature Trail, Viking Lake State Park

Stanton

Most people think of fishing when they think of Viking Lake State Park. It’s true, this is a great state park for fishing, but it also offers a beautiful hiking trail. The Bur Oak Nature Trail offers an easy one-mile walk around Viking Lake. Visitors can pick up a guide that showcases the trees and shrubs that are native to the area.

For those who want a longer hike, the Whitetail Trail is almost six miles long and goes all the way around Viking Lake. Both of these trails are easy and offer a glimpse into the beauty that Viking Lake has to offer. With an average grade of just 2 percent, almost anyone can tackle these trails on any given day. Campers with all types of units will appreciate the 120 campsites in this state park in southwest Iowa.

7. One Mile Nature Trail, McIntosh Woods State Park

Ventura

McIntosh Woods State Park is located near Ventura, Iowa. It is home to several easy-to-navigate nature trails. This one-mile nature trail is fairly easy to navigate, with trail signs describing different features of the park. This state park is one that plays big despite being rather small.

It not only has a hiking trail that is user friendly to many but also offers boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and yurts. If you are looking for an outdoor experience that you cannot find elsewhere, try hiking and staying in McIntosh Woods State Park. From my personal experience, you will not be disappointed.

8. Multiple Trails For Hiking Enthusiasts, Yellow River State Forest

Harpers Ferry

Yellow River State Forest is located in Allamakee County in northeast Iowa. The scenic overlooks, trout streams, and birding accessible from multiple trails are extremely popular. If you hop on a trail here, you will be sure to find stunning views. If you are looking for outdoor adventure that is accompanied with a challenge, this is where your trails are. Many trail enthusiasts compare this area of the state to hiking “out West.” I have to agree, as this area of the state offers trail experiences that you cannot find elsewhere in Iowa.

Camping enthusiasts will appreciate that the Paint Creek Unit contains four different camping areas that are all connected to the 45 miles of trails. Campsites also include equestrian sites for horse lovers. The most unique thing about these trails is that many are multipurpose and designed to accommodate mountain biking and horseback riding. This park offers easy ways to disconnect from the online world and really focus on nature.

Backpackers of all types will appreciate everything about Yellow River State Forest. Whether you want to hike one mile or 10, you will enjoy your time in Yellow River State Forest. Note that if you plan on backpacking through the park during an overnight stay, you will need to register at the forest headquarters before hitting the trail. There are sites without services that offer space for several people, but registration is required. Pack what you need and be prepared.

I hope you will visit one or several of these state parks in Iowa. Tie up your favorite hiking shoes and hit the trail. I believe you will be surprised to find that you are in the heart of America, or, more specifically, the beautiful state of Iowa. Road tripping from hike to hike? Here are nine under-the-radar Iowa towns and why you should visit.

This article is presented by KEEN Footwear. I have been enjoying my KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid hiking boots in Weiss/Boysenberry. They are true to fit, have great traction, and my feet have not been too hot. In fact, they have been just right! Shop KEEN’s Targhee and other hiking shoes here.

7 Places That Taught Me About Coping And Resilience

My travels teach me so much about life. I’ve learned that while our differences are interesting, it’s what people everywhere have in common that best shows me how to live. At this time, when we are coping with the unknowns of COVID-19, I’ve thought about what I’ve learned from traveling that can help.

A crisis brings to the surface so many amazing stories. Here are some of the places I’ve visited where I’ve learned about people who exemplify resilience, selflessness, hope, and courage — and a lesson I’ve learned from each one.

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. — ItzaVU / Shutterstock

1. Each Day, Cultivate Hope

The Anne Frank House, Amsterdam

When I went to Amsterdam, the one must-see place for me was the Anne Frank House. You can tour the attic where Anne and her family and friends lived in quarantine for years. Her thoughts, recorded in her red plaid diary, would later become known to the world. Anne had just turned 13 when she went into hiding, but her diary shows a depth of insight into life that goes beyond her years.

The attic is cramped. I climbed the narrow staircase, stood in her bedroom, and found it hard to imagine living there months on end. But Anne’s mind was not confined by this small space. She pondered the ins and outs of relationships, the pleasure of sunshine, laughter, courage, and faith. Her words can inspire us in a time of social distancing and isolation. Here are a few of my favorite quotations from this astute young lady:

“Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.”

“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.”

“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”

2. We Are In This Together

Bastogne, Belgium

Bastogne is a lovely Belgian town set in rolling farmland and stands of forest. The bucolic feel was suddenly shattered when it found itself caught in the middle of the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Just a few months earlier, Bastogne was liberated by the Allies and the residents settled in for a time of calm as the war wound down.

Then, in mid-December, the Germans struck. Their goal was to take the port of Antwerp, and they bypassed Bastogne, forging ahead to create the “bulge.” Still, the Germans needed this town. Bastogne lies at the center of seven roads. These were crucial for moving troops and supplies. One by one, the roads fell to German control. By December 21, the American troops protecting Bastogne were hunkered down in the forest, completely surrounded by Germans.

The men of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne division dug in and held off repeated attacks despite lack of winter clothes, food, ammunition, and medical supplies. Their stories are featured in the series Band of Brothers. They supported each other in dire circumstances. They refused to surrender, in part because they were in it together.

I walked through this forest and stood in the foxholes that still exist. My guide knew the names of some of the soldiers who’d occupied the different foxholes because they had returned to the area after the war and toured with him. So I knew where the troop lines were and how close those on each side were. In the snow, they would accidentally wander behind the other’s lines. I could picture more clearly what took place that terrible winter. And I had to wonder what enabled the men to hold on. One answer is that they truly were a band of brothers. They were stronger together.

In the spring of 1945, the entire 101st Airborne assembled in a field in Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded them the Distinguished Unit Citation (now called the Presidential Unit Citation) for their heroic actions in the successful defense of Bastogne. For the first time, an entire division received this honor.

We are in it together, even when the threat is invisible. Supporting each other is how we can get through.

3. Be Creative And Contribute Your Art To The World

Flanders Fields In Belgium

World War I devastated peaceful Flanders Fields. In touring the town of Ypres and Passchendaele and the farmland where battles took place, I was especially moved by the field dressing station and cemetery. This simple, small area is where physician John McCrae worked. I saw the primitive stalls where he helped treat wounded and dying soldiers. Out of these experiences, he turned to writing. He is the author of “In Flanders Fields,” the poem that begins:

In Flanders Fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

McCrae didn’t survive the war, but his poem is still known and quoted today. Just think if he had not taken the effort to write this down and leave it for all of us.

4. Be Persistent And Keep The Goal In Sight

The Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, zigs and zags all over the city rather than being anything like a straight line. This surprised me when I visited Berlin. Today, markers in the sidewalk note the contours of the 96-mile-long wall.

For about 28 years, the wall divided East and West Berlin, until it fell in 1989, marking the end of East German oppression and making reunification of the city possible. Most of the wall was knocked down right away, but a section known as the Berlin Wall Memorial stands to honor all who lost their lives trying to escape from the East. I toured this memorial and learned about many who lost their lives seeking freedom.

People escaped in “any way you could think up,” according to our tour guide. They squeezed into car wheel wells and trunks and inside seats. They ran, they jumped from buildings adjacent to the walls. Their goal was freedom, and they were determined to reach it, even if they died trying.

If above-ground methods didn’t work, people dug tunnels. The most famous is Tunnel 57. The path of the tunnel is traced by above-ground markers in the grass. I walked the length of it and could see that the tunnel extended all the way from a building to underneath no-man’s land and the guard tower to West Berlin. How many times must the diggers have been scared and discouraged? On October 3, 1964, 57 East Germans escaped. The next day, the Stasi (secret police) found the tunnel — one day late, fortunately.

So many pursued their goal of freedom. Some failed, but others kept trying. Brave people kept digging to reach the other side. And they did.

The Battle Of Britain Memorial in London. — Sharon Odegaard

5. Do What You Can To Encourage Those On The Front Lines

The Battle Of Britain Monument In London

The Battle of Britain Monument is a sculpture that stands on the bank of the Thames across the water from the London Eye and near Whitehall and Parliament. The sculpture, done in bronze and granite, was dedicated by Prince Charles in 2005 and commemorates those who fought to keep London free from a German takeover in 1940. France had just fallen to Hitler, and Hitler expected Britain to follow suit. He knew that before invasion, he would need to destroy the Royal Air Force (RAF). Bombing of England began in June 1940 and lasted until October.

The men of the RAF, numbering about 3,000, are “the few” referred to by Winston Churchill in his well-known quotation engraved on the monument: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

The men of the RAF served on the front lines, but the men and women of the city came together in remarkable teamwork to defend their home city. London benefited from the efforts of plane mechanics, factory workers, anti-aircraft gunners, and searchlight operators. More than a million men volunteered for the Home Guard. The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) were radar operators. They all have their place in the Battle of Britain Monument.

Today, our amazing medical providers are on the front lines. Honoring them can encourage these heroes and give them a boost. And all of us can also do our small part to stand behind those out in front.

6. Adapt To The Unplanned

Utah Beach In Normandy, France

Those in charge got so much wrong when it came to the airborne operations near this D-Day landing beach. Flight reconnaissance failed to detect flooded fields and meadows too deep for a parachutist to safely land. Bombing strategy didn’t disable German guns as planned. Planes carrying troops flew into bad weather in the night and dropped men way off course. Some planes crashed; men couldn’t locate their army groups or leaders, and vital equipment got lost during the drops.

I toured the Normandy villages and roads where these paratroopers landed in the dark and then scrambled to make sense of their mission. Hedgerows hampered visibility, enemy soldiers were scattered around the area, and gun placements stood ready to go into action at first light.

Despite the misinformation and challenges, the airborne troops adapted quickly on the ground. Nothing was to be gained by blaming others for their problems. Allies found other allies and formed new groups, took out gun nests, set up headquarters, and — most importantly — linked up with those who landed on the beach the next morning. Each man had to pivot, adjust, and move ahead without regard to whose fault it was that things didn’t turn out as planned. And with this attitude, these amazing troops accomplished what they set out to do on D-Day.

7. Look For Inspiring Reminders Of Resilience

The 9/11 Memorial And Museum In New York

This museum is built on the actual spot where the Twin Towers stood until that fateful day in 2001. It is a place of dignity, where respect is paid to those who lost their lives or aided others and survived.

While every exhibit in the museum is moving, what I remember as most hopeful is the Survivor Tree. One scraggly pear tree somehow stood, still alive, in the rubble of the towers. With its broken branches and roots, it was dug up and transplanted at the entrance of what is now the memorial and museum. It flourishes among the many other trees now planted in the plaza. After spending hours in the sobering 9/11 Memorial and Museum, I emerged into daylight and stood under this tree, which, as the museum says, is a “living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth.”

I’m hopeful that future travels will take me to places where I can learn more about our world and our humanity. Meanwhile, I’ll be looking for all the signs of courage and life in my own neighborhood, focusing, as Anne Frank pointed out, on “the beauty that still remains.”

Want more food for thought? Here’s why now is the time to reconsider voluntourism, plus six podcasts to keep travel lovers company this spring.