How To Spend A Day In Lahaina, Maui

Do you think that Maui is nothing but beach towns? Lahaina will change that! While there are incredible beaches to the north and south, in Lahaina’s town center you will find a strong emphasis on art, history, culture, and community. I think it’s the perfect base for a Maui getaway — or for a day trip when you want to get away from the resorts and absorb local life.

Between the cultural attractions and amazing food and shopping, you’ll want to come back again and again. That’s certainly what happened to me!

Here are some of the best ways to spend a day in Lahaina.

Old Lahaina Courthouse in Maui, Hawaii — Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com

Visit The Old Lahaina Courthouse

The Old Lahaina Courthouse, built in 1859, was strategically positioned next to the harbor to serve as a warning to smugglers and other hooligans. Over the years, it’s acted as a courthouse, customs house, and jail, but today, it has a more peaceful function. It hosts the visitor center, the Lahaina Arts Society, and the Lahaina Heritage Museum. The place is humming on Friday nights, and it’s well worth spending 30 to 60 minutes here.

Stop By The Wo Hing Museum

Built in 1912 as a meeting hall, this historic building provided Chinese immigrants with a place to socialize and celebrate their culture.

Today, the Wo Hing Museum is a cultural museum with historic photos, ceremonial costumes, and a tiny theater showcasing footage captured by Thomas Edison from as early as 1898. It’s a rare look at a community that few visitors know about. A short visit of 30 to 60 minutes can be hugely rewarding.

A wild humpback whale off the coast of Lahaina. — Manuel Balesteri / Shutterstock

Go Whale Watching With The Pacific Whale Foundation

There are a number of whale-watching tours that depart from Lahaina, but what makes the Pacific Whale Foundation stand out is that it’s a nonprofit. The naturalists there have a great reputation for being friendly and engaging. The whale-watching cruises also come with a guarantee that you’ll spot a whale — or your next tour is free.

The Pacific Whale Foundation also operates a Volunteers on Vacation program that allows visitors to contribute to environmental and community-based projects if they have extra time to devote to the area.

Tour The Baldwin Home

The Baldwin Home is the oldest Western-style building in Lahaina. The Reverend Dwight Baldwin once lived here and served as a doctor in Lahaina’s first medical clinic, known today as the Baldwin Home Museum.

Visitors can step back in time and see historic items from when Baldwin lived and worked in the community. The building has the distinction of being the oldest house on Maui, and for those who are interested in history, it’s well worth popping in for a short visit.

Surf boards on a beach in Lahaina. — Artazum / Shutterstock

Learn To Surf At Nancy Emerson

There are great surfing schools all over Maui, but none has the pedigree of Nancy Emerson Surfing, the oldest surfing school on the island. Nancy herself is a champion surfer and is especially skilled at working with beginners. Most introductory lessons are 2 hours long, and the majority of students succeed in standing up on their boards.

Get Artsy At Art Night

Every second Friday night of the month in Lahaina is Art Night. Along Front Street, Lahaina’s main drag, you’ll see dozens of galleries and craft shops open until 10 p.m., with lots of other shops and restaurants getting in on the action. You can meet the artists (and sometimes enjoy free wine and nibbles!) and browse to your heart’s content with no pressure to buy. Some of the museums also stay open late, offering candlelit tours or other special events, and there’s live music at most bars.

You can see a full list of the planned activities on any given month here.

Eating In Lahaina

Some of Maui’s best restaurants are in Lahaina. From casual cafes to upscales eateries, there are options for all price points and flavor preferences. Happy hours are a particularly good deal, and you’ll find them at beachfront bars and upscale restaurants alike. You could easily make a meal of inexpensive pupus (appetizers) — and half-price Mai Tais, of course!

These are some of the restaurants I visit time and time again in Lahaina.

Cool Cat Cafe

The Cool Cat Cafe has a 1950s vibe and is famous for its Angus beef burgers, which many people say are the best on Maui. All the menu items, which are named after songs, artists, and trends from the 1950s, come with hearty portions and a variety of delicious sauces and toppings. There is a good selection of vegetarian, gluten-free, and healthy items on the menu as well, plus loaded milkshakes for desserts. Note that the sides are sold separately from the burgers.

Betty’s Beach Cafe

Betty’s Beach Cafe offers classic breakfast combos and hearty main courses with a strong emphasis on burgers and seafood. Treat yourself to macadamia nut crushed ono or delicious fish and chips, and take advantage of the amazing happy hour. Treats such as sweet potato fries, quesadillas, and house nachos (with optional kalua pork) start at $5, with drink specials ringing in at $6 or less.

Next door is the Feast at Lele, an upscale beachside Polynesian luau that pairs each course with a different style of dance — Hawaiian, Maori, Tahitian, and Samoan. If you’re visiting Betty’s at night, you might catch a glimpse of the action!

Sunrise Cafe

Sunrise Cafe is a low-key, tucked-away, cash-only cafe well known for its breakfasts, which range from $6 to $14. Pancakes, fruit bowls, and huge platters of eggs, meat, and toast are popular here. Lunch specials of roasted chicken, tofu in curry sauce, and kalua pork come with rice and pasta salad or tossed salad. Sandwich plates are accompanied by pasta salad, tossed salad, or chips, offering good value at $8 to $10. Mango barbecue beef sandwiches, classic tuna salad, and BLTs with cucumbers, sprouts, and honey mustard are also on offer.

Aloha Mixed Plate

A “mixed plate” in Hawaii is an economical and delicious lunch option featuring a scoop of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and a hot, savory main course like teriyaki chicken.

Aloha Mixed Plate takes this lunchtime favorite and elevates it to an art form. Hot main courses include mochiko chicken, kalbi ribs, and fresh fish with pineapple salsa. You could also try the poke bowl of the day, a sandwich or burger on a fresh potato bun, or a mouthwatering dessert like the flourless pineapple upside-down cake.

Pacific’O

Pacific’O is an elegant, reservations-required kind of restaurant that’s located on the beach. Kimchi tacos, cognac hen liver mousse, lobster ravioli, harissa sesame lamb, and carrot-miso butter glazed fish with black garlic are just some of the menu items here. This is definitely the place for a romantic night out.

Kimo’s

Home of the original hula pie (macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust topped with chocolate fudge — yum!), Kimo’s is well worth a visit just to indulge your sweet tooth, but I’d suggest making room for a full meal there. The turkey, bacon, avocado, and pesto sandwich is terrific, as are the fish tacos, the Caesar salad, and the coconut shrimp.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice arguably has the best shave ice in all of Hawaii. The ice itself is freshly shaved and incredibly fluffy. The syrups — including lychee, guava, wedding cake, tiger’s blood, and pickled mango — are homemade and deliciously flavorful. I visited Ululani’s at least once a day, and I bet you will, too!

Shopping In Lahaina

There are gaudy souvenir shops aplenty in Lahaina, but there are also a lot of unique, locally run small businesses. Some of the best arts and crafts in all of Hawaii can be found here.

These are some of my favorite spots.

Maui Hands

Maui Hands has an excellent selection of locally made crafts, including ceramics, textile arts, sculpture, glass, wood, prints, and jewelry. Master quilter Noreen Tretick is represented here, and her incredible Hawaiian quilts are available for sale.

MauiGrown Coffee

If all the time you’ve spent in Lahaina has you dreaming of a move to Maui, your emotions will be in overdrive when you see the estate at MauiGrown Coffee. Gorgeous houses sit amidst the hillside coffee estate, where delicious coffee is carefully harvested and roasted on-site. Between the bags of beans and the coffee-related souvenirs and the to-go cups of fresh coffee and espresso drinks, this is one of my favorite spots in Lahaina.

Crazy Shirts

Featuring shirts tinted with beer, coffee, rum, chilis, and even volcanic crater dust, Crazy Shirts really does live up to its name. It’s a great place to pick up that classic souvenir T-shirt, plus hats, sweatshirts, shorts, and accessories.

Game Over Comics

A classic comics store is just a short walk from the beach. Has there ever been a better location to pick up comics, books, collectables, toys, and trading cards? Game Over Comics is the perfect stop for anyone traveling with grandkids.

Lahaina Printsellers

If you appreciate old maps, vintage prints, quirky photographs, and all things Hawaii, you will love poking around Lahaina Printsellers. The shop sells everything from small old-fashioned movie posters and prints for under $100 to gorgeous huge canvases that retail for more than $1,000.

Planning a trip to Maui? Spend some time on luxurious Wailea Beach or in gorgeous Haleakala National Park, and don’t miss these hidden gems.

7 Best Restaurants In Gulf Shores, Alabama

Nestled between Orange Beach and Fort Morgan on a long narrow strip of land is the beachside town of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Along the white sand beaches, you’ll see a wide variety of coastal birds, from squawking seagulls to dive-bombing brown pelicans. And in the water are some of the best shrimp, crab, oysters, flounder, and grouper you’ll ever eat.

Seasoned with the Southern flavors that waft in from New Orleans, they are most commonly served grilled, fried, blackened, or stuffed into a po’boy. If you enjoy fresh fish and seafood, you’ll be delighted to see it dominate the local food scene in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Whether you’re seeking breakfast or brunch, dinner, drinks, or dessert, here is where to eat (and drink) in Gulf Shores.

1. Kitty’s Kafe

Serving breakfast all day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Kitty’s Kafe has a large selection of breakfast fare to help you start your day right. Choose from a wide variety of omelets and benedicts. Or, order a breakfast platter that includes eggs cooked to order plus extras like bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, and biscuits.

As the sun makes its way across the sky, Kitty’s Kafe has salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more available for lunch or an early dinner. Whatever dish you pick, there is no shortage of sides to go along with it. Kitty’s Kafe doesn’t just serve grits as a side; customers can choose from creamy grits, cheddar grits, and Gouda grits. And Kitty’s Kafe doesn’t just offer one Southern vegetable side dish; you’ll find fried okra, baby lima beans, steamed broccoli, sauteed spinach, and more on the menu.

2. Hazel’s Nook

If you want to fuel up fast and get on with your day, eat breakfast at Hazel’s Nook. This mom-and-pop joint has been a local favorite since 1957 and offers all the breakfast basics you could want, from bacon and eggs to biscuits and pancakes. For travelers with big appetites, Hazel’s Nook also offers a breakfast buffet, which includes unlimited visits to the omelet and fruit stations for $11.99.

At 11 o’clock, Hazel’s converts its breakfast menu and buffet to a lunch menu and buffet. If you have a hankering for Southern home-style cooking, then stop by for dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and fried shrimp.

3. Southern Shores Coffee

If quality coffee is the most important part of your morning, then stop by Southern Shores Coffee for a cup (or three). This family-owned-and-operated local business sources, roasts, and flavors all of its coffee beans in small batches with a focus on fair trade and organic ingredients.

With the emphasis squarely (and understandably) on their coffee, the food menu is limited. Enjoy a breakfast burrito, panini, or biscuit with your morning espresso. Or have a salad or sandwich with your afternoon iced chai.

4. LuLu’s Gulf Shores

Nothing makes me think of laid back island vibes (or makes me want to sip a margarita) like a Jimmy Buffett song. But the first restaurant that comes to mind in Gulf Shores is associated with his little sister. Lucy Buffett (affectionately known as LuLu).

After growing tired of the West Coast, a midlife LuLu returned to her native Alabama and established LuLu’s Sunset Grill as a casual place for fishermen to buy bait and anyone to grab a cold brew and bite to eat. Over time (and in a new waterfront location), her restaurant blossomed into this well-known waterfront spot for food, fun, and live music.

LuLu’s menu is chock full of options that are sure to please anyone, from picky eaters to those with food allergies. If fresh fish and seafood is what you crave, there are fried crab claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, and seafood gumbo. You’ll find big and small salads, scrumptious sides, sandwiches, melts, and even cheeseburgers that you can enjoy in this beachy paradise.

5. Original Oyster House

Established in 1983, Original Oyster House has stood the test of time and is the oldest seafood restaurant on Pleasure Island in Gulf Shores, Alabama. And, as the name suggests, you’ll definitely want to try the oysters. Enjoy them chilled on the half shell, deep-fried, or baked with either creamy spinach or bacon and cheese. And if you’re craving the amazing oysters from the Original Oyster House after you’ve returned home from your Gulf Shores vacation, you can even find recipes for their fire-grilled and firecracker oysters on their website.

In addition to the oysters, I recommend the Original Oyster House fried shrimp. Adding to this delicious experience is the opportunity to make your own cocktail sauce! Instead of setting bottles of factory-made cocktail sauce out for guests, each table at Original Oyster House includes a small basket of sealed condiment cups with a serving of horseradish sauce inside. Guests whip up the spicy red sauce to their individual tastes by popping off the top, shaking in Worcestershire sauce, squirting in ketchup, and shaking the sealed container until all of the ingredients are combined.

6. Tacky Jacks

From sunrise until well after sunset, Tacky Jacks offers delicious food surrounded by duct tape mosaic walls. You read that right, helping put the tacky in Tacky Jacks, guests are invited to leave their marks by scribbling their names on colorful strips of tape and affixing them to any blank space they can find.

For folks who want to try unique eats on vacation, the gator bites are touted as outstanding. Order a half-pound of alligator tail nuggets that have been either fried or blackened. If noshing on swamp creatures is outside of your culinary comfort zone, then try the smoked tuna dip, tacky shrimp, fish tacos, or a po’boy instead.

7. The Yard Milkshake Bar

No meal is complete without a little something sweet at the end, especially when you’re on vacation! And nothing pairs with beach time quite like ice cream. Head down Gulf Shores Parkway to The Yard, a milkshake bar serving up creative milkshake concoctions in pint or quart mason jars.

Choose a shake from the specialty milkshake menu. The Mermaid, the Cereal Killer, or Monkey Meets the Moose are just a few. Or, make your own milkshake by selecting up to two ice cream flavors, the sauces you want to swirl in, and some treats to sprinkle on top.

If a massive mason jar milkshake seems like overload, don’t worry. You can order just an ice cream cone. The Yard also offers ice cream sandwiches made with waffles, brownies, or donuts in lieu of traditional cookies.

Finally, Drink A Bushwacker

No matter which restaurants you dine at in Gulf Shores, be sure to enjoy a Bushwacker. Transplanted to Gulf Shores via the Virgin Islands, the Bushwacker is a local favorite that tastes like the love child of a chocolate shake and a pina colada. This chocolatey, tropical-fruit filled blended cocktail is definitely one of the local flavors you won’t want to miss!

While most bars in Gulf Shores offer Bushwackers, several on this list offer them with a special twist.

As a coffee roasterie and coffee house (rather than a bar), Southern Shores Coffee roasts a Bushwacker-flavored coffee made with 100 percent Arabica beans.
At LuLu’s, the Bushwacker is made with Margaritaville coconut rum, which is sure to make big brother Jimmy proud (and probably earn him several bucks).
At Original Oyster House, the Bushwacker includes a coffee kick thanks to the incorporation of Kahlua.

When you order a Bushwacker, if the bartender asks you if you’d like a “floater,” consider saying yes to this extra shot of dark rum floating on the top of your frozen boozy milkshake.

From before sunrise to after sunset, these are the best restaurants in Gulf Shores for those who want to experience local flavors.

Planning a getaway? Here are 10 things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama on a rainy day — just in case!

Best Hikes In Yellowstone National Park

Home to majestic mountains, big skies, and everything huckleberry, Montana is a uniquely beautiful (and delicious) place. My favorite time to visit the Treasure State is in the summer. As warming temperatures and longer days melt snow into crashing waterfalls, abundant sunshine helps fill grassy meadows with wildflowers.

One of the best places to witness the untouched natural beauty of this Rocky Mountain state is Yellowstone National Park. Not only is it America’s first national park, but it’s unlike any other park in the system when it comes to spotting a wide variety of wildlife in its natural environment. So it’s no wonder that these trails are best experienced between May and September.

Because my in-laws live near Yellowstone National Park, we visit regularly, exploring the 2.2 million acre park by car, by boat, or on foot. While there are more than 900 miles of hiking trails throughout Yellowstone National Park, my favorites lean toward easier hikes with views that are worth the strain they put on my knees.

A bison near a geyser in Yellowstone National Park. — Sage Scott

1. Fountain Paintpot Trail

Located in the Lower Geyser Basin, the Fountain Paintpot Trail is a half-mile, boardwalk trail that exposes visitors to all four hydrothermal features on display at Yellowstone National Park: geysers, mudpots, hot springs, and fumaroles. As is the case with the majority of the boardwalk trails at Yellowstone National Park, the Fountain Paintpot Trail is a relatively flat, short, and even-surface trail with plenty to see. As posted on warning signs throughout Yellowstone National Park, visitors must remain on the boardwalk at all times so as not to injure themselves or disturb the natural features.

During one of our visits, a bison who was still sloughing his heavy winter coat trotted up the middle of the boardwalk, parting stunned tourists like the Red Sea. When he reached the Red Spouter, a hissing fumarole that spews rust-colored scalding water, he hopped off of the boardwalk trail and rolled around in the red dirt like a dog rolls in the grass. (Clearly, he didn’t read the warning sign about staying on the boardwalk!)

Mudpots at Yellowstone National Park. — Sage Scott

2. Artist Paintpots Trail

A short drive south from Fountain Paintpot Trail, the Artist Paintpots Trail weaves through colorful hot springs, bubbling mudpots, and other geothermal features. Beyond the fascinating scenery, this one-mile loop is one of my favorite hikes in Yellowstone because of the sheer number of thermal features. On this hike, you’ll see approximately 50 deceptively cool-looking hot springs, spouting geysers, and gurgling mudpots.

Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone. — Sage Scott

3. Midway Geyser Basin Trail

Another relatively flat boardwalk trail is the Midway Geyser Basin Trail. This 0.8 mile loop winds past the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool before reaching the Grand Prismatic Spring. Although it looks like a cool and inviting pool encircled by a misty rainbow, the Grand Prismatic Spring is a scalding 170 degrees. And, as the largest hot spring in the United States, this colorful attraction is nearly as famous as Old Faithful.

4. Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

While the Grand Prismatic Spring is an impressive sight from the Midway Geyser Basin Trail, it’s spectacular when viewed from the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. This hiking trail is a little longer and a little more challenging than the Midway Geyser Basin Trail. Expect to hike about 1.6 miles roundtrip and to ascend a steep incline and some stairs to reach the ideal viewing spot.

Old Faithful on the Observation Point Trail. — Sage Scott

5. Observation Point Trail

The most famous thermal feature at Yellowstone National Park is Old Faithful. And as its name suggests, rangers can predict its 17 daily eruptions with 90 percent confidence. What you can expect with 100 percent confidence is that the viewing area around the world-renowned geyser will be packed with people waiting to watch Mother Nature’s water fountain show.

For a different perspective, hike the Observation Point Trail, which gives you a bird’s-eye view, instead. Similar to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, this hike is about 1.6 miles long with some strenuous parts, including steps, required to reach the optimal viewing point.

A lake in Yellowstone National Park. — Sage Scott

6. Mystic Falls Trail

Also near Old Faithful, the Mystic Falls Trail is a relatively flat (only 150-foot elevation change) 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that treats hikers to a 70-foot waterfall. Given the area’s geothermal activity, this trail is often surrounded by steam seeping from the earth, creating an eerie mist.

An elk calf in Yellowstone National Park. — Sage Scott

7. Mammoth Terraces Trail

After the rainbow of colors on display at the Artist Paintpots Trail or surrounding the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Mammoth Terraces Trail is more black and white than technicolor. In fact, the native Shoshone and Bannock tribes collected minerals from Mammoth Hot Springs to make white paint for ceremonies. This 1.3-mile trail is considered easy to intermediate with a total ascent of about 400 feet.

Pro Tip: To see more of this area (but give your feet a break), motor through Upper Terrace Drive. This 1.5-mile one-way loop provides a different view of the terrain in this part of Yellowstone National Park. (Note: No busses, RVs, or trailers are allowed on Upper Terrace Drive.)

The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone on the North Rim Trail. — Sage Scott

8. Brink Of Lower Falls Via North Rim Trail

Despite many trips to Yellowstone National Park, my first visit to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was this past summer. Not as grand as the similarly named feature in Arizona, this canyon is still nearly 25 miles long, between 0.25 and 0.75 miles wide, and as deep as 1,200 feet. While there are many trails surrounding the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the Brink of Lower Falls via North Rim Trail treats hikers to a waterfall. This relatively easy trail is about 2.3 miles from start to finish with a total elevation change of just under 500 feet.

9. North Rim Trail

If you want a bit more of a challenge (and still want to see a waterfall), then consider the North Rim Trail. Hugging the north side of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the North Rim Trail is about eight miles out and back with a total elevation change of just over 1,100 feet.

10. Uncle Tom’s Trail

At the western edge of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Uncle Tom’s Trail is short but steep. This 0.6-mile out-and-back trail is essentially a metal staircase and paved ramp that descends 20-stories into the Lower Falls. (And remember, if you climb down all of those stairs, you’ll eventually need to climb back up!) But if you’re up to the task, this hike will give you a unique (often rainbow-filled) perspective of the canyon and waterfall.

The original gate to Yellowstone National Park. — Sage Scott

Tips For Hiking In Yellowstone National Park

No matter which trails you choose to hike at Yellowstone National Park, it’s important to remember that you are surrounded by untamed wildlife. Yes, the herds of bison lazily grazing on prairie grass or sitting in a wildflower-filled meadow look docile, but despite their size, they can move fast and their horns are sharp.

And every animal mother is protective of her young. If you plan to hike in more remote areas of Yellowstone National Park, be sure to wear bear bells and carry bear spray. Even experienced hikers can be injured or killed if they surprise a mother bear with cubs.

Speaking of animals, if you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park with your pets, they are allowed in public areas, parking lots, and within 100 feet of any road. Your dog must be leashed at all times, and dogs are never allowed on hiking trails.

Liberty Cap in Yellowstone National Park. — Sage Scott

From half-mile, relatively flat boardwalk loops that weave through hot springs to long and steep treks that hug the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, these are my favorite hikes at Yellowstone National Park. We hope you find one that’s perfect for you, too.

Want to hit the trails in Colorado? These are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

5 Fabulous Glaciers To Visit In Alaska

We’re fast approaching the dead of winter. In many places, it will be extremely cold and starkly white. Inevitably, my first encounters with glaciers come to mind at this time. During three separate trips to Alaska — where my husband’s daughter and my sister have relocated — we visited five fabulous glaciers.

Glaciers form when more snow falls than melts over time, compacting into ice that may then begin to move from its own weight. This phenomenon often occurs in regions least reached by solar heat — near the poles, including Alaska, America’s last frontier. Here are the glaciers we recommend you visit when you go north.

1. Worthington Glacier In Valdez, Alaska

On our first trip in summertime, there were a lot of wildfires around Anchorage, so we proceeded to Valdez in the southeastern part of Alaska. There were a few showers on the way; the air was damp; a lot of fog hovered around. As we lost cell signals and our broadband communications, I exclaimed, “Gosh, the glaciers are puny around here! They’re just tiny patches of white.”

A few minutes later, as our RV negotiated a bend on Richardson Highway, a huge white mountain suddenly appeared. And we could walk to it from the roadside! It was Worthington Glacier. Visitors can park nearby and walk on the face of the glacier. My husband did; I chickened out. At almost 6,000 acres — which is small compared to others — Worthington Glacier is part of the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, it features great examples of areas where ice has accumulated and even terminal moraines, which form at the end of a glacier, denoting its maximum advance.

2. Surprise Glacier In Prince William Sound

The following week, we took the four-hour Glacier Bay Cruise from Whittier, Alaska, a small town of about 200 — which doubles during summer — on the western edge of south central Alaska. It’s only 62 road miles southeast of Anchorage, separated from mainland Alaska’s road system by a 2.5 mile long tunnel that is shared by alternating one-way auto and railroad traffic. Going through this tunnel turned out to be an experience in itself.

We rode in a high-speed catamaran with huge picture windows plus extensive outside viewing areas. While we were touring Resurrection Bay and the College Fjords, we learned about the three glacier types — alpine, or hanging from high places; piedmont, or at mountaintops; and tidewater, or on the water’s edge. The cruise took us to see 26 glaciers up close, some rising to 1,700 feet above sea level. They were all so beautiful that I began to not mind the cold and actually ventured outside to view them without obstruction.

As our vessel slowly approached Prince William Sound, a strikingly blue tidewater glacier suddenly appeared. It was quite a sight, like a scene before tragedy struck the Titanic. And that’s why it’s called the Surprise Glacier. It’s the most active tidewater glacier in the area. Many pieces had calved and were floating in the icy waters around us. We spotted sea otters playing around them. And then the crew served us glacial blue margaritas from the ice they harvested. This legendary Inside Passage cruise was one of our most exciting Alaska adventures.

Salmon Glacier in Alaska. — Carol Colborn

3. Salmon Glacier

That summer, on the way back to the lower 48, we drove down the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. It is also known as Glacier Highway, and it cuts through northern British Columbia. Again, I grew impatient because I did not see a glimpse of a glacier-topped mountain for a couple of hours — until we turned right to take a peek at the town of Stewart, British Columbia, toward the coast.

The bigger surprise, however, is the town of Hyder, Alaska, with its population of almost a hundred people, only two miles from Stewart’s border. We did not make it to Juneau, but there we were at its southernmost tip. The town gave us the unforgettable experience of driving up to the fifth largest glacier in North America. As we drove slowly up the hill, all of 15 miles from downtown Hyder and Stewart, the long glacier slowly made its appearance. When we reached the summit, we saw its entire extent. But the pictures I took do not give it any justice.

And the price we paid was high. The road was dirt/gravel all the way. And since it was also rainy that day, it was very muddy dirt/gravel. But there was no other way to get there.

During our visit, there was nothing commercial about the towns of Stewart or Hyder because it was already off-season. No one even wanted to take my husband out fishing on a boat. But we were rewarded with a side show at Fish Creek, right at the foot of the hill. A good-sized black bear showed up and for about 30 minutes hunted for and devoured the salmon he found there. We could not stop clicking our cameras. We saw firsthand why it is called Salmon Glacier.

4. Exit Glacier In Seward

The following year, we returned to Alaska. Although we flew in that time, we rented an RV to camp at other places we had not covered. One of the weekends, we headed off to the town of Seward at the mouth of Kenai Fjords National Park. I felt that Whittier was prettier (yes, it rhymes) despite being smaller. It was already off-season in Seward, and well into fall, so there was hardly a soul on the waterfront. That said, the boats were all still moored on the marina and the shops were still open.

Eight and a half miles west of the town is the area’s prized landmark. It’s where you can get close to the famous Exit Glacier. Part of the huge Harding Ice Fields (which span 500 square miles), it is so named because it has been receding slowly since the earliest recorded terminus in 1815 — the recordings are so marked all along the way — about two miles from the most recent one. One can imagine the extent of the former glacier from the marshland it continues to create at its foot. I decided to try to finally walk on the glacial ridge as my husband did at the Worthington Glacier in Valdez the previous year. But it was extremely cold. It felt like I was inside a freezer. I quickly turned back after the very short photo op. If you are uncomfortable in the cold, like I am, it’s probably better to go during summer.

5. Matanuska Glacier North Of Anchorage, Alaska

We first saw a glimpse of the Matanuska Glacier on our very first trip to Alaska — driving to Anchorage from Tok — at the view deck of the State Recreation Area at Milepost 101. But at that time we could not find out how to get closer to it. Before our third trip to Alaska, I saw pictures of my husband’s daughter and her husband walking on the glacier. We finally had people we could ask for directions. So, on this third trip, we went with my sister and her husband. The access is at Mile Post 102, 100 miles northeast of Anchorage off Glenn Highway.

The directions included driving through an “unsafe road” to the small cabin office two miles down the valley. There, we paid an entrance fee of $20 and drove another two miles to park next to the glacier. Then we braved the challenging, muddy, and slippery hike — these conditions are the same even during summer — on the ice to get closer to its face. Using the cleats lent to us by my husband’s daughter, we had a great time exploring the glacier on our own. So, on this third try, I finally did walk on a glacier. Another item on my bucket list ticked off.

It was no mean feat because, at 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier accessible by car in the U.S. It is a valley glacier like Worthington and moves quite a bit, flowing like a river under its weight — about a foot a day. It began its retreat to its present-day location about 10,000 years ago. With no significant change in mass for the past two decades, it still feeds Alaska’s Matanuska River.

There are other places where you can find glaciers. But Alaska is where you can find many that are car accessible, walkable, and photographable. Go during summertime and you will have unparalleled thrills.

Want an arctic adventure? Experience the midnight sun: what it is and why it’s worth a trip, and learn about visiting the arctic circle responsibly: seven things to know.

13 Fantastic Things To Do In Oxford, Mississippi

Named for the university town in England, Oxford, Mississippi, has also made a name for itself in terms of higher education and culture. While it’s home to the state’s flagship university, there’s much more to this town than the University of Mississippi.

Located just 100 miles from Memphis, Oxford boasts a rich literary tradition, important Civil War history, and ties to the civil rights movement. Each year, thousands of tourists delight in its beauty and cosmopolitan feel, characteristics usually associated with cities many times its size.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Oxford.

Ole Miss campus in Oxford. — Bryan Pollard / Shutterstock

1. University Of Mississippi — Ole Miss

Oxford wouldn’t be Oxford without the University of Mississippi, and a stop here is worth your vacation time. There’s a reason why national outlets including Architectural Digest routinely name the campus one of the most beautiful in the country.

Ole Miss, founded back in 1848, radiates out from the Lyceum. This Greek Revival masterpiece has seen turbulent times: It served as a hospital during the Civil War, and the bullet holes that dot its columns are reminders of the horrific violence that erupted when James Meredith enrolled as the university’s first African-American student in 1962.

Beyond the Lyceum, the campus sprawls over thousands of acres covered in magnolias, live oaks, and massive pines. It’s worth spending part of a day here to bask in the beauty of the park-like setting.

2. University Of Mississippi Museum

From fine art to scientific instruments to ancient artifacts, the collections at the University of Mississippi Museum are a delight to explore. Consider stopping here for a fascinating look at the university’s past and its commitment to arts and culture.

At the museum, you’ll see some 19th-century tools used to teach Ole Miss students physics and astronomy, as well as Roman and Greek pottery and coins. There’s an impressive collection of American art, too; it was bequeathed to the university by individual donors and artists.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; admission is free.

Rowan Oak, William Faulkner's house. — James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

3. William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak

While it’s technically a part of the University of Mississippi Museum, Rowan Oak sits to the south of the Ole Miss campus. The stately home was where Nobel laureate William Faulkner lived for four decades until his death in 1962. In 1972, the writer’s family sold the complex to the University of Mississippi on the condition that it would serve as a museum and a place for people to learn about Faulkner’s work.

While the grounds are open to the public and free to roam, it costs $5 to step inside the 150-year-old home and see the rooms where the literary giant lived and worked; even his iconic portable Underwood is on display.

Fans can also pay homage to Faulkner at the Oxford Memorial Cemetery, where the writer and his entire family are buried. Visitors often leave trinkets, including coins and bottles of bourbon, on his grave. It’s customary to take a shot and then leave the rest as a tribute to the legendary wordsmith.

4. Historic Oxford Town Square

The beating heart of Oxford is its historic town square. This charming, quintessential small-town setting includes restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops (we’ll get to those later), all clustered around the Lafayette County Courthouse, which was rebuilt after the original structure was burned by Union troops during the Civil War.

This spot has been Oxford’s economic and social hub since the town’s founding back in the 1830s. It’s the perfect place to take a seat and do some serious people-watching!

Inside the Oxford Treehouse Gallery. — Oxford Treehouse Gallery

5. Art Galleries

Oxford is renowned for both the quantity and quality of its art galleries. Many feature everything from fine art to folk art and everything in between, so you’re guaranteed to find something that captures your interest.

Oxford Treehouse Gallery

The Oxford Treehouse Gallery, just outside town and tucked into a pine grove, is a gorgeous spot featuring pieces from more than 20 regional artists.

Southside Gallery

Southside Gallery is conveniently located in the town square. It showcases works by artists from the Southeast and hosts monthly exhibits plus artist receptions.

Gallery 130

Gallery 130, located on the campus of Ole Miss, is a gem featuring works by student artists. It also hosts shows for visiting professional artists and is open to the public from Monday through Friday.

Oxford Art Crawl

To get a great overall feel for Oxford’s art scene, consider taking part in the Oxford Art Crawl, which takes place on the fourth Tuesday of most months from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A courtesy bus drops participants off at each gallery, allowing them to check out the exhibits and pop-up shows at each stop.

6. Burns-Belfry Museum & Multicultural Center

To learn more about the lives and history of Oxford’s African-American residents, a stop at the Burns-Belfry Museum & Multicultural Center should be on your agenda.

The museum is housed in the Burns Methodist Episcopal Church, built by freed African Americans in 1910. When the congregation moved to another building in the 1970s, the church became an office building called the Belfry. Eventually, author and Oxford native John Grisham bought the building and donated it to two non-profits, tasking them with its preservation.

The Burns-Belfry now has a dual purpose: It serves as a venue for community meetings and events, and it also houses a museum that details the history of the church and the people who attended services there.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

7. Holly Springs National Forest

There are several places in and around Oxford where you can take advantage of terrific recreational opportunities. Less than an hour to the northwest, Holly Springs National Forest is a popular outdoor stop nestled amidst northern Mississippi’s iconic pine woods. There are hiking trails past several lakes and cypress swamps, and camping sites are available for the truly adventurous.

Sardis Lake in Oxford, Mississippi. — traveler jordan / Shutterstock

8. Sardis Lake

Sardis Lake, a 45-minute drive from the center of Oxford, is the spot where locals go for time on the water. First built in the 1930s as a flood-control facility, the lake is now a top recreation spot, offering beaches, boating, and great fishing.

9. Avent Park

In town, Avent Park features sports fields, a walking trail, and plenty of quiet nooks that are perfect for picnicking.

10. Bailey’s Woods Trail

And if you’re looking to make the trip from Ole Miss to Rowan Oak, skip the car ride and head out on Bailey’s Woods Trail, a wooded path that connects the two sites. It will take you just 20 minutes and is a great way to get some exercise while you sightsee.

11. Boutiques In Oxford

Oxford has more than its fair share of terrific boutiques and specialty shops, so you’re bound to find the perfect presents and souvenirs.

Square Books

At Square Books in the town square, you’ll find everything from rare first editions to paperback bestsellers. Square routinely hosts book signings and other literary events.

Katherine Beck

For upscale gifts, stop by Katherine Beck. This sweet boutique does big business catering to the sorority scene at Ole Miss; it offers jewelry and home decor items.

Cicada

For carefully curated on-trend fashion pieces, Cicada has got you covered. This luxe women’s boutique features labels including Rebecca Taylor, Helmut Lang, Vince, and Alexis Bittar, among others.

12. Neilson’s Department Store

While not a boutique, Neilson’s is a must stop during your time in Oxford. Situated near the courthouse, this historic department store dates back to 1839, making it one of the South’s oldest retail outlets. Offering clothes, cosmetics, and home accessories, Neilson’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

13. Ajax Diner

Serving up Southern soul food so good it gets its own shout-out here is Ajax Diner. Located in the town square and full of colorful, kitschy decor, Ajax has long been a local favorite, routinely making best-of lists for everything from its cornbread to its plate lunches.

Offering regional favorites including catfish, fried chicken, turnip greens, po’boys, and red beans and rice, this diner is the place to go at the end of a busy day when you’ve really worked up an appetite.

Don’t sleep on the squash casserole (it’s amazing!), and be sure to save plenty of room for dessert. The pecan pie is to die for!

The Best Things To See And Do In Davenport, Iowa

The largest of the Quad Cities, Davenport, Iowa, has much to offer visitors. Located halfway between Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa, it possesses a vibrant arts and culture scene that mixes well with its industrial past. While recent flooding took its toll near the riverfront, the town is on the rebound and ready for visitors once again.

From perusing museums to shopping, wandering historic neighborhoods, and exploring the Mississippi riverfront, there’s something for everyone in this charming Midwestern city.

Here are a few of our favorite things to see, do, and experience in Davenport.

View of Government Bridge in Davenport, Iowa, USA — Mark Zhu / Shutterstock.com

Explore The Historic Riverfront

Perhaps the best introduction to Davenport is a stroll down the riverfront that helped put the city on the map.

A great place to start your stroll is Lindsay Park. This 31-acre expanse borders the Village of East Davenport, which is worth a closer look for its shops and cafes. The paved trail will take you by some of the park’s best amenities, including its playgrounds, historic firehouse, and yacht club. It meanders along the mighty Mississippi, offering beautiful views and perfect places to picnic.

Centennial Park, a larger green space closer to downtown, is another scenic stretch worth visiting. In the summer, it’s a bustling area with a splash park; it’s also home to Modern Woodmen Park, a minor league baseball field where the Quad Cities River Bandits play.

Take In The Art At The Figge

You can’t miss the Figge Art Museum. The eye-catching glass building sits on the banks of the Mississippi in downtown Davenport.

The museum first opened in 1925 as the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery; it was run by the city until 2005, when a major gift allowed it to construct and open its new building, plus transfer care of its permanent collection to a nonprofit organization.

The Figge features artwork from around the world, spanning six centuries. Revolving special exhibits include works by contemporary artists. This special spot is an absolute gem and well worth your precious vacation time.

Admission costs $10 for adults. The Figge is open Tuesday through Sunday, and there are evening hours every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Stop To Smell The Roses

Head just north of downtown Davenport for a true Victorian-era experience.

The Vander Veer Botanical Park was founded in 1885 and modeled after New York’s Central Park. Vander Veer is a favorite venue for weddings and parties, and after a stop here, you’ll see why.

The gorgeous green space features a historic rose garden, a children’s garden with sculptures, an indoor conservatory that routinely hosts flower shows, and a duck pond. Each season brings new delights: early spring bulbs, flowering shrubs in the summer, leaves ablaze in the autumn, and holiday decor and a poinsettia display in the winter.

Admission is free, and the park is open daily.

Channel Your Inner Science Guy (Or Gal)

The Putnam Museum, northwest of downtown, is one of the most interesting spots in Davenport.

Founded as one of the first museums west of the Mississippi more than 150 years ago, the Putnam has evolved into a premier Midwestern science center, with hands-on exhibits related to science, history, and the natural world for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Its Black Earth/Big River exhibit takes a fascinating look at the natural habitats of the Quad Cities; it features a large aquarium that houses native fish and reptiles. There’s also an IMAX theater on-site, which offers a fantastic 3-D movie experience.

The Putnam is open seven days a week; adult admission costs $9.

Learn About Davenport’s History

To learn about the immigrants who settled in Davenport, plan to visit the German American Heritage Center & Museum.

Housed in a historic hotel where German immigrants once stayed when they arrived in Davenport, this museum chronicles and explores their experience. Visitors will see how the group helped shape much of the Midwest. The museum features hands-on exhibits that help visitors better connect with and understand the immigrant journey to America.

The museum is open every day but Monday, and admission costs $5 for adults.

Take A Step Back In Time

To get an inside look at one of Davenport’s most eclectic homes, head to the Palmer Family Residence, located on the campus of the Palmer College of Chiropractic.

The grand residence, built in 1874, was home to B. J. and Mabel Palmer and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. B. J. Palmer’s father founded the chiropractic college that still bears the family name; he and Mabel loved to travel and bring home souvenirs from their adventures abroad. While much of their extensive collection was donated to the Putnam after their deaths, visitors can still see a large number of fantastic artifacts from Europe and Asia during tours of the mansion every Friday morning (or by appointment).

The tour costs $5 per person, and it lasts about an hour.

The bowling alley in Hotel Blackhawk. — Hotel Blackhawk

Go Bowling In A Basement

One of the most impressive, historic, and luxe places to stay in Davenport is the Hotel Blackhawk.

This brick-and-terra-cotta building was constructed in 1915 and has hosted celebrities from Babe Ruth and Tony Bennett to Hollywood legend Cary Grant. Grant fell ill in his suite here just before he was set to perform at the nearby Adler Theatre; he passed away at a nearby hospital.

After a long period of neglect, the Blackhawk was restored to its former glory in 2010, and the attention to detail is obvious once you step into the lobby, with its marble floors and gorgeous ceiling murals.

While staying, dining, and enjoying the spa here are all terrific treats, we especially loved the basement bowling alley, with its elevated pub grub and full-service bar. It’s the perfect place to really have some fun during your Davenport visit.

Find Your Groove At Bix Fest

If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting Davenport during the first weekend of August, you’re in for a real musical treat. That’s when the annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival (or Bix Fest) takes place downtown.

Named for the famous jazz cornet player who was born in Davenport in 1903, the four-day event draws enormous crowds and features a dazzling array of free concerts, jam sessions, and parties, all celebrating Bix’s life, career, and preferred genre of jazz.

People come from across the country for this festival, so if you’re considering a visit at this time, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance!

Eating In Davenport

Whether you’re in the mood for a small bite, a brewery stop, or a home-cooked sort of meal, Davenport has you covered. In addition to the delicious food, there’s another big bonus: Most establishments have gorgeous views of the mighty Mississippi, and during the warmer months, the patio scene is stellar!

Front Street Brewery is the oldest brewpub in Iowa (it opened in 1992). The beer list includes both lighter ales and darker porters and stouts, with taps rotating seasonally.

The Machine Shed is a Davenport classic that opened on the outskirts of town in 1978. While there are now six locations throughout the Midwest, the original is still a favorite with the locals in Davenport. From a hearty breakfast (check out the skillets!) to lunch and dinner, expect excellent comfort food here throughout the day.

Me & Billy, a kitchen and bar located downtown, serves up curated, seasonal cocktails alongside tasty noshes in a casual, classic setting.

For an elevated foodie experience, head to the Bix Bistro at the Blackhawk. This spot is famous for its Sunday brunch and adjacent lounge, which routinely features live jazz.

Shopping In Davenport

Sure, there’s mall shopping here, but for a charming, small-business experience, head to Davenport’s central neighborhoods.

The Freight House Farmers Market is held on weekends on the riverfront, bringing together dozens of farmers and vendors from across Iowa and Illinois. You’ll find a wide range of organic produce, baked goods, honey, and even craft items.

Head to East Davenport for a variety of boutiques offering clothing, jewelry, home goods, and accessories.

The Bucktown Artists’ Market, located in the Bucktown Center for the Arts, includes more than a dozen shops and studios offering one-of-a-kind, handcrafted works of art in all sorts of media.

Urban Farmhouse, located downtown, offers everything from candles to cozy blankets and throw pillows, all designed to make your home a happier, more comfortable place.

And to satisfy that sweet tooth, plan to stop at the Chocolate Manor. Located just south of the Adler Theatre, this local sweet shop creates confections including toffees, turtles, truffles, and chocolate-covered bacon that can be enjoyed in the shop or beautifully boxed to take home.

Planning a trip to Iowa? Don’t miss Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.