9 Fantastic Day Trips From Milwaukee

Wisconsin’s largest city provides a lot for both visitors and locals to enjoy. From its lovely lakeside location and brewing history to its world-renowned museums and quirky festivals, Milwaukee does not disappoint. But as exciting as the city itself is, it’s also a great home base for exploring the surrounding area.

Here are some of the best day trips from Milwaukee. They’re sure to make your time in the Midwest extra special!

The coastline of Lake Michigan in Door County. — max voran / Shutterstock

1. Door County, Wisconsin

Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Wisconsin’s Door County is an excellent day destination from the Brew City. This peninsula juts out into Lake Michigan and Green Bay (the body of water, not the city). The county is the largest by size in the entire state and is home to a number of charming communities, including Ephraim, Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor, Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, and Fish Creek.

There is so much to do in Door County that one could easily spend days there, so for day-tripping purposes, I suggest picking one community or area and exploring it fully. That could mean shopping and eating in Fish Creek, taking the ferry to Washington Island, or seeing the famous cows on the roof at Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay. Other fun activities include hiking at Peninsula State Park, taking the farm tour offered by the Door County Creamery, or trying out the numerous area breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries. Dive bar connoisseurs will love The Blue Ox on the quiet side of the peninsula, the southeastern Lake Michigan side; it opened in the 1800s as a general store and is now a kitschy watering hole. Door County is also known for its iconic cherries, and day-trippers can try them in local baked goods or consider a pick-your-own-cherries experience.

The gateway to Door County and the county seat of Sturgeon Bay is a little over 2 hours away from Milwaukee by car. The other towns along the peninsula are farther, so plan accordingly for the best day-trip experience.

The skyline of Chicago, Illinois. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

2. Chicago, Illinois

The Midwest’s largest city is just an hour and a half by train or car from Milwaukee. Amtrak offers service seven times a day, and since Chicago is famous for its traffic, I suggest taking the train. You’ll save money on parking, avoid the traffic, and get there faster than you would by bus, which can take 2 hours or more. Once you’ve arrived in the city, the public transit is easy to navigate, the city is quite walkable, and ride-share options abound for those who prefer a lift.

Chicago is home to amazing upscale shopping, museums, and attractions; a famous dining scene; and so much more. For a classic Chicago experience, travelers should plan to try deep-dish pizza, see the Bean in Millennium Park, and enjoy the architecture boat tour of the city. Other fun attractions include the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum of Natural History.

It’s clear that the Windy City delivers maximum day-trip potential for those starting in Milwaukee.

3. Kohler, Wisconsin

For a charming village vibe, Kohler, Wisconsin, provides a fun day-trip experience. Plus, it’s just an hour from Milwaukee. Visitors interested in design will love the Kohler Design Center, open for daily tours during the week. There’s even a museum in the center! For those seeking to relax, Kohler is home to the renowned Kohler Waters Spa; this is one of fewer than 70 five-star spas found worldwide. The town is also known for its numerous championship golf courses. Additionally, travelers could try Kohler’s Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery, which bills itself as a Napa-style establishment.

Aerial view of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. — Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

4. Sheboygan, Wisconsin

This option is a perfect add-on to a Kohler day trip, since it’s just 10 minutes away from the village and an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Sheboygan, Wisconsin, sits on Lake Michigan’s stunning western shore and boasts a pretty lighthouse plus waterfront activities like kayaking, fishing, and even surfing. Visitors of all ages will love the shipwreck on the lakefront and the area’s whimsical Bookworm Gardens. Sheboygan is a dairy hot spot, too — it’s home to the Sargento headquarters as well as the Old World Creamery. To sample some incredible cheese, check out these cheese shops in Sheboygan County.

If you’d prefer not to drive, you can take the train, but the trip will take up to 2 hours.

5. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Also located in Sheboygan County is the charming town of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, near the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the Ice Age Trail. Great eateries like the bistro-style Lake Street Café and the inventive Paddock Club make this an especially tasty destination. To get more hands-on with food, home chefs and newbies alike can visit the cooking school at the Osthoff Resort. Racing enthusiasts and history buffs can check out Road America, a famous European-style track in the area; go-karts and ATVs are available there when a race isn’t occurring. During warm weather, visitors can also enjoy lake offerings like water sports, fishing, swimming, and more. The lake is one of the deepest in the state and is known for its unbelievable turquoise spring-fed water.

Elkhart Lake is about an hour and 15 minutes from Milwaukee proper by car, which is the best option to get there.

A boat on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. — Visit Lake Geneva

6. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Another lovely resort town, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is a sure winner located just an hour southwest of Milwaukee. What is unique about this area is the 26-mile path that loops around the lake. Known as the Lake Geneva Shore Path, the trail offers pretty water views and is adjacent to some unbelievable mansions. The city’s tourism bureau recommends starting at the Lake Geneva Library and heading out in either direction for about a mile. This section of the shore path is paved, level, and easy to navigate. Lake Geneva is also home to numerous ice cream shops and tasty restaurants, including Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub with its famous root beer. For those interested in fun high in the sky, zip-line tours are another popular activity.

Downtown Madison, Wisconsin. — Andrew Jalbert / Shutterstock

7. Madison, Wisconsin

The capital of Wisconsin, Madison, is located just an hour and a half west of Milwaukee by car. Day-trippers should make time to explore the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, tour the Capitol building, and check out the famous farmers market. Summertime visitors should visit the sixth-floor museum and observation deck at the Capitol, which are only open during the warm-weather season. Madison is also known for its many festivals, so check the city’s calendar for any that might interest you. Food tours, breweries, distilleries, and wineries can also be found in the capital city.

Aerial view of Green Bay, Wisconsin. — Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

8. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers fans will especially enjoy Green Bay, Wisconsin, located less than 2 hours from Milwaukee by car. The city offers numerous activities perfect for a day trip, like the Green Bay Botanical Garden, the National Railroad Museum, and Lambeau Field. Day-trippers who want to see the stadium should also be sure to stop at the adjacent Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant in the Titletown District. Besides offering handcrafted local beers, this spot has an excellent and underrated charcuterie tray. Those interested in touring the brewing operation must visit on a Saturday afternoon.

Green Bay would be an excellent stop on the way to Door County; after all, the city is just a 45-minute drive from the heart of the peninsula.

Aerial view of the Wisconsin Dells. — Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Another fun day-trip opportunity from Milwaukee is the Wisconsin Dells area. Known as the water-park capital of the world, the Dells are located in southern Wisconsin less than 2 hours from Milwaukee by car. One great spot to visit is Noah’s Ark Water Park, the largest in the country, which features more than 50 waterslides. A family-friendly eatery there is Moosejaw Pizza, which also houses the Dells Brewing Company. The staff provides free antler headbands to all visitors for lots of family fun. Those interested in outdoor activities should consider the ropes course, zip-lining, horseback riding, or the signature Duck boat tours.

The Dells area would be a great stop on the way to Madison.

As you can see, there are countless wonderful day-trip opportunities from the Milwaukee area. These are just a few of the many excursions available.

5 Great National Parks Near Phoenix To Visit In The Winter

Phoenix is the perfect winter destination, with its clear blue skies and moderate temperatures. It’s no wonder visitors flock to the city, many of them to stay the whole winter. Affectionately nicknamed snowbirds, many retirees even move to Greater Phoenix, part of the Valley of the Sun, to get away from the freezing temperatures, snow, and ice of their hometowns.

Getting away from the cold need not mean sitting in one place, though. While Greater Phoenix itself has plenty to offer, with world-class museums and desert trails in town, the city is also surrounded by national parks worth a visit. And I am not just talking about the Grand Canyon. Everyone who visits Arizona will take a trip to see this wonder of the world. But much closer to Phoenix, lesser-known national parks offer great day trips without subjecting the adventurous to colder temperatures or long drives.

These National Parks are all within two hours driving distance from Phoenix. They showcase high and low desert environments and boast perfect weather in the winter. These are the parks that you would avoid in the heat of the summer, but as temperatures get cooler, being outdoors in these spots becomes a joy. You might even see desert flowers dotting the landscape of one of the greenest deserts in the world (when you visit in winter, you’ll notice this). Whether you choose to visit significant archeological sites or enjoy unspoiled Arizona nature, these parks offer the best of both experiences all winter long.

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona. — Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock

1. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

About an hour’s drive from Phoenix, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument makes a great day trip from the city, giving its visitors a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Sonoran desert.

Built by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People sometime around 1300 A.D., the site features the largest prehistoric structures built in the Southwest: Casa Grande, or Big House, which the site is named for. The oral history of the O’Odham people, the modern-day descendants of those who built these structures, confirms that Casa Grande was a ceremonial center. Built at the crossroads of an intensive system of irrigation canals, it also served as a trading center for the surrounding ancient villages.

You can learn all about the history of these ancient people and their way of life in this hostile environment by visiting the indoor museum at the visitor center. Then walk outside and follow the trail through a few smaller structures and visit the highlight of the site, the Great House, Sivan Vah’Ki.

The self-guided tour is a short, easy walk around the ruins. But in the winter, from November to April, you can join an hour-long guided tour led by a park ranger. Though you can’t enter the Great House even with the tour due to safety precautions, you’ll learn a lot about the area and its history. Before leaving, don’t forget to walk over to the Ball Court on the other side of the parking lot.

The Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona. — Pamela Au / Shutterstock

2. Montezuma Castle National Monument And Montezuma Well

About a 1.5-hour drive from Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument has nothing to do with the Montezuma most of us are familiar with. Its name is a misnomer. Its first Western visitors, who could not imagine anyone other than the legendary Aztec king building such a “castle,” called it Montezuma. But the site is neither a castle nor the ancient home of a king.

One of the best-preserved in the Southwest, featuring 20 rooms, the five-story cliff dwelling was actually home to an entire village of indigenous people. Called Sinagua by the Spanish, (which means “without water”) these people lived and built a civilization in this harsh environment. Although no natural river was flowing at the site, the Sinagua weren’t actually without water. Instead, they built a canal around the site to bring in enough water for the village.

The short, paved interpretive trail takes visitors to the monument on a winding path to the cliff dwelling and the canal, which is shaded by mature sycamore trees. A winter visit offers not only pleasant weather but also a chance to see water flowing through the ancient canal.

About a 20-minute drive from Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well is an oasis — a geological marvel of the desert. The sinkhole, created over 10,000 years ago, looks like a huge bowl filled with water. A short trail from the ranger station leads to the well. If you’re up for some stairs, you can also take the side trails off the main loop closer to the water.

The Tuzigoot National Monument in Arizona. — mcrvlife / Shutterstock

3. Tuzigoot National Monument

About two hours from Phoenix, Tuzigoot National Monument is a perfect winter day-trip destination. Hot and exposed in the summer, the pleasant temperatures in the winter help visitors enjoy this ancient pueblo sitting on a hilltop in the high deserts of Arizona.

The ancient village, built and inhabited by the same Sinagua people of Montezuma Castle, was a farming community, housing around 250 people at one time. With the oldest structure dating from 1000 A.D., the site features 97 ground-level rooms.

The museum showcases artifacts excavated at the site in the 1930s. Start your visit there to learn about the people who built these structures and lived here thousands of years ago. Then follow the paved interpretive trail through Tuzigoot Pueblo and Tavasci Marsh.

If you visit Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle in November, you’ll also have an opportunity to witness indigenous cultural events. Native American Heritage Month is celebrated at both sites as they host cultural events and indigenous arts and crafts shows each weekend of the month.

Visiting Tuzigoot or Montezuma Well during the winter months — between September and May — also offers opportunities for bird walks led by park rangers and interpreters for those interested.

Tonto National Monument in Arizona. — Zack Frank / Shutterstock

4. Tonto National Monument

About two hours from Phoenix, Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado cliff dwellings in the Sonoran Desert. Tonto’s inhabitants were a mixed people who archaeologists now refer to as the Salado.

Around 700 A.D., the Sonoran Desert people from around Phoenix settled here and mixed with the local population. Later, between 1100 and 1150 A.D., the Ancestral Puebloans and Mogollon people migrated and also settled here. The result was a cultural melting pot of several thousand people that led to a distinct culture.

The Salado built the two dwellings of Tonto overlooking the Rio Salado (and, now, Roosevelt Lake) around 1300 A.D. For the next half a century, their agricultural community thrived there, but as the climate became arid by the end of the 1300s, life became increasingly difficult, and the Salado left by 1450.

Start your visit at the monument’s newly remodeled museum, which showcases artifacts from the site. Then take the self-guided tour of the Lower Cliff Dwelling. The 1.5-mile trail is paved, but steep, and it takes about one hour round-trip. To visit the Upper Cliff Dwellings, you need to join a guided tour, offered in the winter season from January to April.

Saguaro National Park in Arizona. — Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock

5. Saguaro National Park

Showcasing the nation’s largest cactus, the symbol of the American West, Saguaro National Park is a two-hour drive from Phoenix, right by the city of Tucson. With temperatures ranging in the 70s and 80s, winter is the perfect time to visit this desert park and enjoy walks among the giant cacti. With over 150 miles of designated trails, you can find one to hike no matter your fitness level.

Separated by the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park has two districts, Saguaro East and West.

The East or Rincon Mountains District offers a scenic drive called the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, which offers amazing views of the Rincon Mountains. Take the short one-mile loop hike along the Freeman Homestead Interpretive Trail to an old homestead foundation and wander among a grove of large saguaros and a cool desert wash — a seasonal dry riverbed. During heavy rainstorms, water flows through desert washes, often turning them into fast and relatively deep rivers. But as soon as the rain stops, the water dries up. A few days later, the only sign of there ever having been water in a wash is the area’s vegetation, which is greener than its surroundings.

If you are there at the right time, you might see great horned owls along this trail. If you’re up for a slightly longer hike, take the Hope Camp and Ridgeview Trail. At two miles long and 400 feet elevation, it’s still relatively easy to hike. Panoramic views of Rincon Peak and the surrounding saguaro-filled desert reward you for your effort. Wildflowers might add to the view in late November or February through March, and after a rainy day, you’ll see quite a few waterfalls along the trail.

The West or Red Hills Tucson Mountain District has its own separate visitor center that offers a great orientation program that presents the Native American perspective of the giant saguaro. One of the easiest hikes on this side, the Valley View Overlook Trail, starts at the Bajada Loop and offers views of the Avra Valley and distant mountains. The Signal Hill Picnic Area offers views of hundreds of ancient petroglyphs.

If you hike in the desert at any of these sites, remember to carry water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Even if the weather seems perfect, with temperatures in the mid to high 70s, you are still in the dry desert, where it’s easy to get dehydrated and the sun is strong even in the winter.

Planning an Arizona getaway? In addition to penciling in your national park visits, here’s how to spend a day in Mesa.

8 Excellent Hidden Gems In New Jersey

New Jersey is always a surprise. It’s part metropolitan area, part farmland, part oceanfront getaway, and part Appalachian Mountains. Those features are usually associated with other states, but all are found in New Jersey. The state is a little bit of New York and a little bit of Pennsylvania. There are places in New Jersey where you’d swear you’re in Vermont — and then places where you’d swear you’re in South Carolina.

But when New Jersey comes to mind, people generally think of two things: an extension of New York City just across the Hudson River, from Newark to Hackensack, and the beach getaways like Atlantic City, forever popular with residents of New York City. But New Jersey is much more than that.

Here are eight hidden gems in the Garden State.

A ride at Jenkinson's Boardwalk family amusement facility along the New Jersey shore. — splask / Shutterstock.com

1. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

You’re undoubtedly familiar with the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, but that’s not the only boardwalk in New Jersey. North of Atlantic City, in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, you’ll find Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.

One one side of the boardwalk is Point Pleasant Beach, with sand stretching as far as you can see. On the opposite side is every single thing you might associate with a New Jersey beachside boardwalk: an arcade, mini golf, an amusement park, ice cream stands, pizza joints, and the beloved Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop.

Nothing says summer in New Jersey like grabbing an ice cream cone and walking the boardwalk next to the beach while listening to the sounds of the amusement park. If you have time, stop and check out the aquarium or the Jenks Inlet Bar & Restaurant.

2. Gilchrist Downbeach

If you’ve ever been to Atlantic City, you know that the pancake houses are quite busy in the morning, even during the off-season. One of the more popular pancake spots is Gilchrist Restaurant. There are four locations, and the Gardner’s Basin and Tropicana locations always seem to be busy. But many aren’t aware of the Gilchrist Downbeach location.

Located only 4 miles down the beach from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Gilchrist Downbeach is a great place to enjoy your breakfast and (perhaps) escape the crowd. Heading there from the heart of Atlantic City, Monopoly players will certainly recognize the names. You’ll drive down Ventnor Avenue through Marven Gardens (the inspiration for the game’s Marvin Gardens) to get to Gilchrist Downbeach.

What to order? The world-famous pancakes, of course. If you’re a blueberry person, try the blueberry pancakes, but if not, the standard hotcakes are just fine. Perhaps the most popular item is the Hungry Man Combo: two eggs, two hotcakes, and your choice of meat.

The Veterans Memorial at High Point State Park. — State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

3. High Point State Park

New Jersey isn’t usually associated with mountains. But the northwestern portion of the state is a part of the Appalachian range. The highest point in New Jersey — aptly named High Point — is located there in the Kittatinny Mountains.

Surrounding High Point is High Point State Park. And at the peak sits the High Point Veterans Memorial, a 220-foot spire with the single best view in New Jersey. You don’t have to climb the stairs of the spire to appreciate the great views — the top of High Point provides plenty.

In-state vehicles pay $10 to enter the park, while out-of-state vehicles pay $20. The views are worth the money, though — you won’t believe you’re in New Jersey.

4. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry

At the very southern tip of New Jersey is the town of Cape May. It sits at the mouth of the Delaware River, which narrows as it extends up to Philadelphia and beyond. But at Cape May, the distance across is only 17 miles, and that makes for an excellent ferry ride.

If you’re visiting New Jersey and are interested in a day trip, taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry across to Delaware and back is an excellent one. There’s much to see and do in beachside Delaware, but when I was visiting the area, the ferry ride across the Delaware River was perhaps my favorite part.

And no, this isn’t the spot where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware. That was north of Cape May, near Trenton, New Jersey. Cape May is right on the Atlantic Ocean, so you’ll be crossing the mouth of the Delaware where the river meets the ocean.

Dinner from The Pub in Camden. — The Pub

5. The Pub

You’re visiting the Garden State, so you’ll want to do something quintessentially New Jersey. Visit The Pub in Camden, New Jersey, to be transported back to the 1950s. The tables, the carpet, the decor, and even the old sign outside will take you back to a time when a Saturday night at a restaurant like The Pub was the high point of the weekend. Close your eyes, and you’ll be able to picture the lounge singer in the corner.

But the nostalgia isn’t the only thing to love about the restaurant. The Pub is also known for its food. The dining room is massive (again, think 1950s New Jersey on a Saturday night), seating up to 500 guests. And the food is excellent, from the famous zucchini bread brought to each table to the steaks and seafood. The steak is perhaps the most popular dish here, especially the filet mignon, but for something different try the “sea-kebab,” a shish kebab featuring shrimp, scallops, and lobster instead of the traditional beef and chicken.

View from the State Line Lookout. — Jim Bogosian / Shutterstock

6. The State Line Lookout

The Hudson River Valley is a photographer’s dream. And while many think of the Hudson River Valley as being a New York thing, parts of the valley are located in New Jersey on one side and New York on the other. This area is known as The Palisades, and perhaps the best place to visit is the State Line Lookout near the New Jersey-New York state line.

The State Line Lookout is located on a portion of the cliff above the Hudson River that juts out into the valley. The views are unobstructed to the north, east, and south. Squint, and you’ll be able to see the New York City skyline with the George Washington Bridge in the foreground. To the north, you’ll see the new Tappan Zee Bridge spanning the Hudson. To the east, you’ll see Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle in New York.

While you’re at the lookout, stop at the State Line Café for a meal or perhaps walk one of the trails in Palisades Park. Otherwise, just drive along Hudson Drive and enjoy the incredible views of the beginnings of the Hudson Valley.

The Empty Sky Memorial in New Jersey. — Oliver Foerstner / Shutterstock

7. The Empty Sky Memorial

Since opening in 2014, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum has become one of the most-visited locations in New York City. But many aren’t aware of another memorial just across the river in New Jersey — the Empty Sky Memorial in Liberty State Park.

Liberty State Park is located just across the Hudson River from the Manhattan skyline. And, as its name suggests, it is very near the Statue of Liberty out in Hudson Bay. In the northeastern corner of Liberty State Park is the Empty Sky Memorial, which commemorates the 746 New Jerseyans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

It’s a simple yet powerful memorial. Two large stainless steel walls with the names of the people who lost their lives frame the sky where the towers once stood. As you enter the memorial, look across the Hudson, and you’ll see the exact spot where the buildings once were. It’s a poignant reminder of all that was lost on that fateful day.

The Grand Cascades Lodge at sunset. — Crystal Springs Resort

8. Grand Cascades Lodge

In the northern part of New Jersey — the mountainous area — is the Grand Cascades Lodge. Part of the Crystal Springs Resort, the lodge is perhaps the most luxurious place to stay in the entire region.

Planning a getaway with friends? The Grand Cascades Lodge is your spot. The town of Warwick, New York, is nearby, with shops, restaurants, and wineries. But you could have a wonderful time just staying at the Crystal Springs Resort and enjoying the golf course, the spa, and the restaurants.

Perhaps the best time to visit this region (and the lodge) is in the fall. The lodge can put together a harvest-themed package for you featuring orchards, pumpkin patches, farmers markets, cider houses, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Relax at the end of the day at the luxurious resort located in the mountains of New Jersey — yes, the mountains of New Jersey!

7 Incredibly Beautiful Places In Estonia

Tucked against the Baltic Sea, Estonia consists of a relatively small mainland and 2,222 islands, and in recent years, travelers have flocked to the country to enjoy its unique culture and temperate climate. That’s partially due to the wide range of available activities for tourists. Whether you’d prefer to explore the countryside, sail to the islands, or walk the streets of Viljandi, you’ll certainly stay busy.

With that said, travelers often omit some of Estonia’s most breathtaking sites from their itinerary. Here are a few of the nation’s beautiful places that you shouldn’t miss.

Aerial view of Viljandi, Estonia. — Timo / Flickr

1. Viljandi

Some travelers spend their entire trips in Viljandi, and when you stop by this quaint town nestled in the southern Estonian forests, you’ll see why. Bright gardens and traditional wood buildings line the streets while locals pass by on bicycles, and the slow pace of life creates a relaxing atmosphere ideal for vacationers. The nearby Lake Viljandi offers more excitement, along with stunning natural vistas, and a variety of hiking trails are accessible from the outskirts of the city.

Viljandi offers easy access to many of the other sites on this list, including Soomaa National Park. If you can find accommodations, try to visit in late July, when the Viljandi folk music festival draws thousands of travelers from around the world.

Suur and Vaike Taevaskoda in Estonia. — Mari-Ann Lind / Shutterstock

2. Suur And Vaike Taevaskoda

There are more than 800 sacred groves in Estonia, and Suur and Vaike Taevaskoda are two of the most important. Located along the ancient Ahja River, these outcrops are revered sites, and locals visit them to pray, present offerings, and receive blessings.

The sandstone cliffs and caves are believed to be home to spiritual beings, and the springs are said to have restorative powers. Whether or not you’re a believer, Suur and Vaike Taevaskoda are two of the most peaceful places in all of Estonia, and the untouched, natural setting certainly has a calming effect.

The Panga Cliff overlooking the Baltic Sea. — Nordic Moonlight / Shutterstock

3. Panga Cliff

A powerful rock sits on the northern shoreline of Saaremaa Island, providing a stark and engaging view of the Baltic Sea. Panga Cliff is more than 65 feet tall at its highest point and spans a distance of 1.5 miles. The cliff face is remarkably serene, but that wasn’t always the case — archaeological evidence suggests that it was used for ancient sacrifices.

Today, the cliff is a great place to watch a sunset, enjoy a picnic, do some bird-watching, or take some spectacular photos. Take care to note the weather conditions when visiting, however, since high winds can quickly make this spot less enjoyable.

Soomaa National Park in Estonia. — F-Focus by Mati Kose / Shutterstock

4. Soomaa National Park

Take a step into a spectacularly biodiverse world of primitive forests, bogs, and meadows in Soomaa National Park. This preserve offers nature lovers an array of season-specific activities, including hiking, bogshoeing, snowshoeing, kicksledding, canoeing, and mushroom picking. Check out the Hupassaare Study Trail, which leads through the forest to the Kuresoo bog.

Again, watch the weather. This national park has what’s known as a “fifth season,” when melted snow and ice flood many areas. During times of heavy rain, canoes are the only viable form of transportation.

Narva Castle on the Estonian border. — Vladimir Sazonov / Shutterstock

5. Narva Castle

Set along the Narva River, protecting the border between Russia and Estonia, the Narva Castle (also known as the Hermann Castle) has stood strong since the 13th century.

One of the most popular sites in eastern Estonia, it’s also one of the country’s best-preserved castles. During your visit, you can tour the castle museum to view the beautifully restored rooms and the handicraft area located in the northern courtyard.

Saint Alexandr Nevsky church in Tallin, Estonia. — RossHelen / Shutterstock

6. Tallinn

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a must-see if you’re interested in taking in the country’s culture and history. It’s one of the best-preserved Hanseatic towns in the world and showcases a variety of architectural styles spanning the centuries. Medieval buildings standing in modern office blocks make quite an impression.

Stop by the Tallinn Town Hall, the oldest town hall in Northern Europe. This Gothic building dates to the 13th century and is still used today for receptions and events. You’ll also want to visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church built in 1900.

Lighthouse on the coast of Saaremaa, Estonia. — MillaF / Shutterstock

7. Saaremaa

Estonia’s largest island is approximately the size of Rhode Island, but it’s covered in forests, and it boasts some of Europe’s most diverse flora and fauna. The island offers historical sites alongside modern novelties and provides a great introduction to Estonia’s unique allure as a travel destination.

Here, you’ll find ancient ruins, castles, medieval churches, the aforementioned Panga Cliff, windmills, and a lighthouse, along with great sandy beaches for relaxing between your adventures. The island is also home to the Kaali meteorite field, which was formed around 7,500 years ago.

8 Truly Beautiful Places In Bolivia

With its natural forests, ancient ruins, classical architecture, and spectacular lakes, Bolivia offers a dazzling array of experiences for adventurous travelers. In fact, if you’re visiting the South American country for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by the options. The good news: However you structure your trip, you’ll end up with some incredible memories.

Here are a few especially beautiful places to visit in Bolivia. Some take you off the beaten path, and others are well-known tourist attractions, but they’re all worth your time. Just make sure to bring your camera!

Jesuit Mission church in Bolivia — Noradoa / Shutterstock

1. Jesuit Missions Of The Chiquitos

Between 1696 and 1760, Spanish Jesuits built these missions in Eastern Bolivia in an attempt to convert the local inhabitants to Christianity. In the mid-18th century, Charles III of Spain banished the Jesuits but left the religious order’s churches intact. Today, the carefully maintained missions are some of the country’s most impressive historical sites.

Tourists can visit the seven missions, six of which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. These churches showcase some of the most beautiful and intricate religious architecture in the region, so set aside at least five days of travel if you’re planning on visiting all seven. If you’d prefer a shorter trip, check out the two most popular churches, San José and Concepción.

The Valle de las Animas in the Palca Canyon. — Viagens e Caminhos / Shutterstock

2. Valle De Las Ánimas

We can see why this dramatic area of spiked, jutting rock formations earned its name, which translates to “Valley of the Souls.” This geological wonder is actually a carved-out and eroded glacier valley, but the first inhabitants to stumble upon these formations believed they were petrified souls reaching up to the sky.

The formations are located in the Palca Canyon, which is about 45 minutes east of La Paz. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike the area, depending on the weather.

Muela del Diablo in Bolivia. — HelmDyck / Shutterstock

3. Muela Del Diablo

No visit to La Paz would be complete without a trip to Muela del Diablo (literally “Devil’s Tooth,” also known as “Christopher” or “Chris” to the locals). It’s the solidified core of an extinct volcano, and when standing atop it, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of La Paz and the surrounding valley.

You’ll need to bring your hiking shoes, along with plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks; it’s about a 3-hour trek if you’re able to take a taxi to the small town of Chiaraque, but the trail is not very demanding.

Sucre, the capital of Bolivia. — streetflash / Shutterstock

4. Sucre

Sucre is the capital of Bolivia and an excellent place to take in the country’s wonderful Spanish architecture. Founded by the conquistador Pedro de Anzúrez in 1539, Sucre is home to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre, the world’s largest brick cathedral.

You’ll also find a variety of museums, shops, plazas, and even a dinosaur park. Be sure to stop by Plaza 25 de Mayo, a city center bustling with street vendors, shops, and music.

Totora boats on Lake Titicaca. — Pakhnyushchy / Shutterstock

5. Lake Titicaca

Spanning the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest lake still accessible to large vessels. The lake sits 12,500 feet above sea level and is believed to be over three million years old.

Researchers have found ancient ruins along the bottom of the lake, indicating that the area was once home to some of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. Snow-capped mountains surround the lake, providing amateur photographers with exceptional opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Isla del Sol in Bolivia. — Elisa Locci / Shutterstock

6. Isla Del Sol

While you’re visiting Lake Titicaca, be sure to stop by one of South America’s most sacred islands.

With a name that translates to “Island of the Sun,” Isla del Sol is one of the best places to absorb Bolivian culture while taking in gorgeous views. It’s a fairly small island with a laid-back vibe, and you can experience most of what it has to offer within a day — but you’ll have a packed itinerary. During your time on the island, you can explore Incan ruins, walk through the beautiful Bolivian countryside, and purchase woven baskets and other traditional crafts from the locals.

Be sure to stop by the Museo del Oro in the center of Cha’llapampa, where you can check out some of the artifacts recovered from the waters of Lake Titicaca.

The salt flats of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. — sunsinger / Shutterstock

7. Salar De Uyuni

The salt flats of Salar de Uyuni are absolutely breathtaking, but they’re not necessarily easy to visit. The most popular point of departure is Uyuni, a small Bolivian town that offers day trips to the flats. Visitors can also approach the flats from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, and from Tupiza, Bolivia.

Book a tour during the rainy season (November through April), and you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable views; the sky reflects off the thick, polygonal salt crusts, creating the illusion that you’re standing on another planet.

The Beni River in Madidi National Park, Bolivia. — Emiliano Barbieri / Shutterstock

8. Madidi National Park

Conservation is important to Bolivians, and Madidi National Park is one of the world’s best examples of a well-preserved wilderness. Described by ecologist Rob Wallace as “a place where the Amazon meets the Andes,” it’s composed of 7,000 square miles of diverse habitats. Obviously, vacationers can’t see all of it — not without some really, really great shoes — but you can experience some of Madidi’s incredible beauty by booking a stay at the Chalalan Ecolodge, which is operated by an indigenous community that promotes ecotourism as a means of ensuring the sustainability of the region. Plan on visiting during the dry season (May through October), since you may have trouble reaching the park during the wetter months.

I Finally Went To Greenland And It Was Well Worth The Wait

Greenland isn’t like anywhere else. This is the twelfth largest country in the world but the least densely populated. It is a place dominated by its natural environment. Most of the country is covered with ice, meaning only tiny fragments around its edges are habitable by human beings. I had wanted to visit Greenland for as long as I can remember, and in 2018, I finally made it happen.

The midnight sun shining on an iceberg in Greenland. — Karen Warren

Why I Wanted To Go To Greenland

I’ve always been fascinated by northern landscapes and cultures. I visited Iceland in 1981 when it was still relatively undiscovered by tourists. I enjoyed the almost untouched landscape and the wide open spaces — a geography that was so different from anything I had previously encountered. And I was intrigued by the isolation of the place, the feeling that people were wresting a living from hostile surroundings.

Later I went to Swedish Lapland and got the same sense of a very different way of living. But Greenland was the ultimate challenge for me, a place where people don’t have all the conveniences of modern living, where everyday existence is bound up with the physical environment.

The Challenge Of Arranging A Trip To Greenland

Of course there were challenges: Nothing worthwhile is ever entirely straightforward. The first issue was cost and logistics. Greenland is not developed as a tourist destination; there are no economy flights or budget hotels. Another factor is that you need to be prepared for the extreme cold — even in the middle of the summer.

But the main challenge was that I like to organize my own travel arrangements, and I soon realized that this wasn’t going to be an option. In most countries, you can have contingency plans. In Greenland — with no roads between towns, and planes and ferries often full to capacity in summer — there would little backup if things went wrong.

In fact, when I got there, I did spot a few independent travelers heading inland with their backpacks and tents. But that is for those who are experienced in outdoor adventure. For me, it would have to be an organized tour.

A settlement in Greenland. — Karen Warren

Organizing The Trip

The hardest parts of arranging my trip were making the decision to go with an organized tour and persuading my husband that we should vacation in a cold place. Then it was just a matter of choosing the right tour. We decided to go with Greenland Travel (owned by the national airline), but there are other companies to choose from. Some even offer specialized activities like photography or birdwatching.

Another decision was which time of year to go. For me the answer was simple: Traveling in June meant not only slightly warmer weather but also being able to see the midnight sun (I’d seen long hours of daylight in Russia and Sweden, but I’d never been in a place where the sun didn’t set at all in summer). However, traveling to Greenland at different times of year would have offered other possibilities. When the sun goes down, there is always the chance of seeing the northern lights. And visiting in winter is a completely different experience, with deep snow, a complete lack of sunlight, and the possibility of traveling overland by dog sleigh or snowmobile.

We flew to Kangerlussuaq (Greenland’s international airport) via Copenhagen, which gave us the opportunity to enjoy a few days in the Danish capital. Alternatively, we could have chosen to fly in via Reykjavik in Iceland, which might be a better option for visitors from North America. Some cruise companies have also started to include Greenland on their itineraries.

A blue iceberg in Greenland. — Karen Warren

Icebergs And Wildlife

When I finally got to Greenland I was not disappointed. It was well worth the wait. There were several elements to the tour: a visit to the ice cap; a day in Nuuk, the capital city; a two-day ferry trip along the coast; three days in Ilulissat, inside the Arctic Circle. We saw icebergs, wildlife, and the midnight sun.

The natural environment was astonishing. At least 80 percent of the island is covered by the ice cap. This is nearly two miles deep and makes the whole of the interior of the island uninhabitable (although it is possible to ski across it in winter). We walked on the edge of the ice, marveling at being surrounded by so much emptiness. And the area around the edge was far from dull: there were waterfalls and glaciers, heather and alpine flowers. We saw reindeer, arctic hares, and lots of birds.

Then there were the icebergs. As the ferry came along the coast into the Arctic Circle, we entered the ice field, where small blocks of ice gradually give way to giant structures in a variety of fantastical shapes. Some were even different colors (most were white, but others were a luminous blue). And we spotted the occasional fluke of a hastily departing whale.

The town of Nuuk in Greenland. — Karen Warren

A Voyage Of Discovery

Apart from the landscape, what I enjoyed most about my time in Greenland was learning a bit about how people live. I had to see the place for myself to understand the isolation. The largest town, Nuuk, has just over 15,000 residents, and there are no roads between settlements. The Greenland Coastal Ferry, which we traveled on, is an essential weekly service (summer months only) that allows people to move around for school, work, or meeting up with family. Planes fly between the larger towns, but elsewhere helicopters are needed for medical emergencies and to deliver supplies.

And food is an issue. Inevitably, much is imported, but there is a real sense of living on whatever is available. Many people spend their spare time hunting, on land or at sea. I witnessed the excitement in Ilulissat as a catch was brought into the fish market. No one ever knows when there will be a catch or what it will be. On this occasion it turned out to be seal.

But the lasting impression I have of Greenland is the light. We sailed through the icebergs at midnight, watching the sun sinking slowly toward the horizon, then rising again without ever disappearing from sight. Everything was bathed in a pale golden glow. After a lifetime of traveling to new places and seeing new things, it was in Greenland I discovered that I could still be overawed.