Weekend Getaway To New Haven, Connecticut: The Best Things To Do

Only 75 miles from New York City and 125 miles from Boston, New Haven, Connecticut, is part old New England and part modern college town. Located on Long Island Sound, New Haven is a historic harbor town at heart, but it’s so much more than that.

If it’s history you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of it — the city was founded in 1638. If it’s culture, the city’s got lots of that, too, since it’s home to one of the world’s top universities. Whatever you’re interested in, Connecticut’s second-largest city is sure to deliver.

Here are the best ways to spend a weekend getaway in New Haven.

The historic Yale college campus. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Explore The Yale Campus

Consistently ranked one of the top five universities in the United States and one of the top 10 universities in the world, Yale University has an incredible history. Five of our country’s presidents attended Yale, either as undergraduates or as law students. Its alumni — from Meryl Streep and Paul Newman to Anderson Cooper and Chris Cuomo — have excelled in a variety of fields. The school’s graduates include 20 Nobel Laureates, 35 Pulitzer Prize-winners, and more.

If you enjoy exploring historic college campuses, it’s really hard to beat a walk around Yale’s campus. History oozes from every corner. The best place to start is the Old Campus, which is closest to downtown New Haven. This nearly enclosed campus dates to the founding of the university in 1701. From there, you can walk north to the other parts of campus, starting with the Cross Campus area, then moving on to Hillhouse, and finally reaching Science Hill.

If you have 90 minutes and want an in-depth campus tour, you can download the self-guided audio walking tour. This tour begins at the visitor center (149 Elm Street) and takes you through the entire campus.

Across the street from the visitor center is New Haven Green, the historic park at the center of New Haven. New Haven claims to be America’s first planned city, and this park was at the center of the original nine-block plan. From there you can explore the downtown area (all centered on the park) with its shops, theaters, and restaurants.

Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. — Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

Enjoy Some Time At Lighthouse Point Park

At the entrance to New Haven Harbor sits Lighthouse Point Park, the site of the first lighthouse to guide ships into New Haven Harbor. That lighthouse, which was constructed in 1804 and which originally burned whale oil, was not visible to all ships coming from the east. A new lighthouse was constructed in 1847, and that lighthouse can be seen in the park today. It is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Next to the lighthouse is another piece of New England history: the Lighthouse Park Carousel, which dates to the 1920s and which visitors can still ride (for 50 cents). Located right next to the beach and to Long Island Sound, the carousel makes it is easy to picture the area as it looked on a summer evening in the 1920s.

During the summer, the beach at Lighthouse Point Park is a popular attraction. On a clear day, you can see Long Island across the sound, approximately 20 miles away. Because the beach is so popular, there is a park entrance fee for Lighthouse Point Park. Check the website before you go to see the current parking rates — they change from season to season.

Eating In New Haven

A college town like New Haven is certain to have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. But the food scene in New Haven is dominated by one thing: pizza. New Haven is known as the pizza capital of the United States due to its long history of pizza parlors. There is even a New Haven-style pizza, sometimes called the apizza. It is a Neapolitan-style pizza with a thin crust and a chewy interior. So while there are many restaurants offering many types of meals, the one thing you absolutely must try when visiting New Haven is New Haven-style pizza.

Pizza from Frank Pepe's in New Haven. — Frank Pepe Pizzeria

Frank Pepe Pizzeria

And where better to try it than at the original?

Frank Pepe Pizzeria is the home of New Haven-style pizza. Its coal-fired ovens burn at a very high temperature, which gives its pizzas a special char on the crust. The restaurant is located in the Wooster Square area of New Haven, which is adjacent to downtown. If you’re there at the normal lunch or dinner hours, the wait can be long, so it’s best to try to visit during the off-hours. But if you have to wait, believe me: It’s worth it.

The most famous pizza at Frank Pepe’s is the white clam pizza. There’s no tomato sauce — it’s just fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and grated pecorino Romano, and it’s a pie that pizza lovers across the Northeast will travel to Frank Pepe’s to try.

If you prefer a more traditional pizza, there’s always the original tomato pie with mozzarella. Add any topping you’d like, from sausage, bacon, and pepperoni to shrimp. The crust is the key. It is the defining characteristic of New Haven-style pizza and is the reason that people travel such long distances for another bite!

New Haven certainly isn’t all pizza. If you’re looking for a good brunch option on Saturday or Sunday, try Elm City Social in downtown New Haven. Located a block from the Yale campus, this small bistro provides many fine dishes.

If you prefer a traditional breakfast, try the biscuits and gravy with the unique Cheddar and scallion biscuits — or perhaps the shrimp and grits Benedict are more your style. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try the lobster doughnuts. Yes — lobster doughnuts.

There are also healthy lunch options available, including a salmon burger and a sesame quinoa bowl. And if you like a Bloody Mary with your brunch, try the Rosemary’s Bloody, a Bloody Mary that you stir with a piece of bacon.

Seaside dining at Shell And Bones. — Shell & Bones

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar And Grill

If you’re looking for waterfront dining, look no further than Shell & Bones Oyster Bay and Grill. Located on the end of a pier that extends out into New Haven Harbor, the steak and seafood restaurant offers fantastic views of the harbor and beyond. On a clear evening, you can see all the way out to the historic lighthouse on Lighthouse Point.

Shell & Bones is known for its raw bar. Oysters, scallops, shrimp ceviche, and littleneck clams on the half shell are all available. Or, since you’re eating directly over the water, you can just stick with the local seafood: Atlantic cod, crisp loin of tuna, and steamed lobster. If your group is feeling particularly bold, you can share the Tower of Shells — North Atlantic lobster, lump crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, ceviche, crudo, cocktail sauce, and mignonette.

But Shell & Bones is not just a seafood restaurant. The menu also includes prime rib eye, pan-roasted chicken, and a very unique cauliflower steak.

Shopping In New Haven

There are several shopping areas in New Haven. When you’re at Yale, start your shopping adventure at The Shops at Yale on Broadway. Just west of the campus at the intersection of Broadway and York, you’ll find a few clothing stores. Between these are two campus shops, including the university’s official bookstore. If you’re looking to buy a Yale sweatshirt, this is the place.

There are several chain stores in The Shops At Yale area as well, including Patagonia, Urban Outfitters, and FatFace. There is ample parking in this shopping district. Parking is usually pretty hard to come by on the Yale campus, but to the west of the campus is a boulevard with a large parking area in the middle.

Within walking distance of this area you’ll find several stores along Chapel Street, including a variety of clothing stores and gift shops. Bookstores, vintage shops, and craft stores also dot this walkable shopping district.

But the shopping in New Haven isn’t restricted to the campus area. If you’re looking for the mall experience, the Connecticut Post Mall is located just 10 miles south of downtown New Haven. If you’re looking for funky local shops, the Upper State Street shopping district, just a few minutes northeast of downtown, provides plenty of those. Be sure to stop by Decor Vintage Market, a quaint local shop offering upcycled furniture, decor, and gifts.

Whatever you’re looking for in a weekend getaway, New Haven provides it. The harbor, the college campus, the historic lighthouse — New Haven has it all. And the pizza. Don’t forget the pizza.

Swimming With Manta Rays In Hawaii: 8 Things To Know

The Big Island of Hawaii is a mystical, magical place. One of the excursions that took our visit absolutely over the top was an evening snorkel with giant manta rays. It was an incredible outing that we would do again in an instant. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for an underwater adventure with these amazing creatures. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. — CrackerClips Stock Media / Shutterstock.com

1. Get A Great Tour Provider

As with most tours, choosing a well-reviewed and recommended provider is of the utmost importance. An evening open-ocean snorkel can be intimidating, and you’ll want to make sure you’re with an experienced, knowledgeable crew who knows where the mantas come to feed and can easily talk you through every step of the experience. We chose SeaQuest out of Kona, and they did not disappoint. They met us at Keauhou Bay and explained every step of the process that would unfold that evening.

They were patient, helped us get to the viewing raft, and took great care to answer all the questions we had. They also know these animals well and were just as excited as we were to see them emerge from the deep and circle below us. Our crew had hot chocolate and cookies waiting for us after the snorkel, which was a much-appreciated perk!

2. Choose Your Gear Carefully

On the dock, our SeaQuest crew gave us wetsuits as the evening ocean water can get a bit chilly. You’ll want to make sure they’re snug and not saggy so you don’t get weighed down out in the water. Once on board our boat, we were offered standard snorkel gear. However, we opted to bring our own full-face Tribord masks. I’m not a big fan of breathing through my mouth, and these masks make all the difference! They fit over your entire face, giving you a better underwater view and allowing you to breathe normally. We were able to really relax with these masks, which made our experience that much better.

Tourist enjoying the underwater view of a wild manta ray. — Melissa Burovac / Shutterstock.com

3. You Will Swim Quite A Bit

As the sun was going down, our boat took us out past the mouth of the bay to a spot where the mantas are known to feed at night. Once there, the crew deployed a raft outfitted with a spotlight that shone down into the water. The light attracts plankton, which the manta love to eat. We then had to swim out to the raft through some light ocean chop — about 20 yards. We used pool noodles as floatation devices for the swim and to keep us afloat during the snorkel. Once at the raft, we were instructed to grab its sides, keep our faces down in the water, and keep our bodies stretched out behind us. Then we watched and waited as the plankton swarmed below.

Stingray feeding off the coast of Kona Hawaii. — Jeff Stamer / Shuttertock.com

4. You Won’t Believe Your Eyes

After about 10 minutes, we saw an enormous shadowy figure approach. Its wingspan was easily 12 feet across. Suddenly, it was right under us, somersaulting through the water just below as it fed on the plankton. As this gentle giant swooped and flipped just inches from us, we watched in amazement as two more rays joined in the feed. These gorgeous creatures were so incredible — and so close. It was all we could do not to shriek with excitement as we saw the mantas approach. We were absolutely awestruck by their beauty and grace and couldn’t believe our great luck that we got to see three of them during our snorkel.

5. You’ll Need To Go With the Flow

Our guides were quick to point out that seeing three mantas right under the raft was a rare occurrence. Some evenings the mantas will be very social; other evenings, they might keep their distance. They might also keep you waiting a bit. We went in with the mindset that we’d be happy just to see a single manta ray.

Our crew was quite up to date with the manta sighting patterns in Keauhou Bay that week and knew the exact spot to stop for our excursion. These experts made the experience fun and easy, but it also helped that we had low expectations that were greatly exceeded by our fantastic encounter!

6. Do Not Touch

This is essential to keep in mind. These animals are a protected species, and for all their great size and strength, they are actually quite fragile. Our guides explained that a touch from us could expose the animals to bacteria or other pathogens that could make them sick. While they did come so close we were nudged twice, there is a strict hands-off policy. If at any time we were seen trying to touch the animals, we would have been immediately escorted back to the boat. So, keep your hands to yourself and let the mantas eat in peace!

Manta Ray swimming toward surface. — Melissa Burovac / Shutterstock.com

7. Don’t Panic!

Let’s be honest: It is kind of freaky to be in the open ocean after dark, peering down into the depths while you are waiting for enormous 1,000-pound creatures to come swimming at you — and under you. Don’t lose your cool. Keep your breathing in check while you’re waiting, be confident that you have a knowledgeable crew around you, and once the rays do show up, keep in mind that they are toothless. They use tiny plates in their mouths to strain plankton from the water. You are much more dangerous to them than they are to you.

8. To Document, Or Not To Document?

Many of us have a tendency to want to document our trip’s big moments with selfies, quick snaps, or videos. We decided that we wanted to be fully present for this experience and not worry about a tech disaster if we dropped a phone or underwater camera. Some tour operators will take their own photos of your experience and offer them at an extra cost. Consider this option to free yourself up fully for your snorkel.

Trust us, you won’t want to take your eyes off the mantas once they appear, and the last thing you’ll want to do is fumble for a camera!

Learn how to do Hawaii’s Big Island in one day or, if you’re captivated by manta rays, read about one traveler’s volunteer trip to Africa, where she helped further manta research off the coast of Mozambique.

How To See Ireland’s Eerie Dark Hedges Tunnel

You might recognize the Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones since the tunnel was used in season two of the show as the King’s Road.

Since then, the half-mile tunnel has established itself as a must-see detour during people’s travels through Northern Ireland.

Follow along below for everything you should know before you step foot in the tangle of winding beech trees that makes up the real-life Dark Hedges.

The Story Behind The Hedges

This road was once owned by James Stuart, who lived in the mansion beyond the hedges. In the late 18th century, he planted 150 beech trees on the road leading up to the mansion. His goal was to impress visitors as they arrived at the estate.

The tunnel is an interesting part of the Stuart family history, but as nature took its course, the tunnel became less about the mansion and more about the extraordinary beech trees.

Over time, the trees did something remarkable — as they grew upward, they also grew together. The trees we can see today aged to form an incredible archway almost insulated from the outside world.

The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland. — Marco Calandra / Shutterstock

The Spirit Of The Hedges

The Grey Lady is said to be the resident ghost of the Dark Hedges. According to lore, she weaves through the trees before disappearing at the last beech tree on the lane. She prefers to glide from tree to tree at dusk.

It’s speculated she was a maid who perished under strange circumstances in a nearby mansion. Another theory proposes that she is a lost soul from a nearby graveyard. No matter her past, you might catch a glimpse of the Grey Lady during your time wandering down the lane. If you’re lucky, you might even capture a photo of her.

Tourists at the Dark Hedges. — Kevin George / Shutterstock

The Dark Hedges Today

The mansion at the end of the lane, Gracehill House, now operates as a golf course, a wedding venue, and a restaurant and bar. If you’re visiting the tunnel to experience a real-life Game of Thrones set, you’ll appreciate that Gracehill House also has a Game of Thrones-themed door carved from a fallen beech tree.

Visitors were once able to drive down the road, but after the trees began to deteriorate from graffiti and heavy traffic, cars were banned.

The road is only open for pedestrian traffic now, so plan on enjoying a leisurely stroll through the winding trees.

Approaching the Dark Hedges tunnel. — Johannes Rigg / Shutterstock

How To See The Tunnel For Yourself

The Dark Hedges is about 50 miles northwest of Belfast. The tunnel is between Armoy and Strancum, two small villages situated in Northern Ireland.

You can find the winding maze of beech trees near the Hedges Hotel, which is directly next to Gracehill House. To reach the road, park at the hotel; hedge-lined road is a short walk from there. You can also roam the hedges during a day or night tour with Dark Hedges Experience, located right by the hotel.

If you don’t plan to rent a car of your own, there are also day tours that will take you to the hedges from Belfast.

What To Know Ahead Of Time

The Dark Hedges is now a huge tourist attraction, so if you plan to visit on your own time, try to beat the crowds by going as early in the day as possible — or later in the evening. The hedges — while beautiful at any time of day — are most spectacular when the light is slipping away and the tunnel is eerily quiet.

Plus, the less crowded, the more photo opportunities!

Giant’s Causeway is another great stop on your journey through Ireland, and it’s less than 15 miles away from the Dark Hedges. You can also take a break from the crowds by visiting these off-the-beaten-path destinations in Ireland that are just waiting to be explored.

13 Totally Free Things To Do In The Twin Cities

The City of Lakes, Minneapolis, and its sister city, Saint Paul, are known as Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Together, they form the largest metropolitan area in the state and make for a lovely getaway destination. Besides a thriving art scene, these cities boast a host of natural attractions and a lively and inventive food and beverage scene. But don’t worry if you don’t relish spending a bunch of money while on vacation — there are plenty of free things to do in the Twin Cities as well.

Here are some great ways to amuse yourself in the area without spending a dime.

1. Take A Brewery Tour

Some of the nation’s best craft breweries are located right in the heart of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. And even better? Numerous microbrewing operations offer free tours.

Excelsior Brewing Company sits on Lake Minnetonka in the western metro area, about 30 minutes away from downtown Minneapolis by car. The brewery offers free half-hour tours on the weekends — no reservations required. Call ahead before making the drive, though, especially if you are with a group of 10 or more.

The beloved Surly Brewing Co. offers free tours at its Minneapolis facility Wednesday through Sunday. The Brooklyn Center location offers occasional free tours as well — just check online for availability beforehand.

At both of these breweries, free parking is available on-site.

Inside the Minneapolis Institute of Art. — Minneapolis Institute Of Art / Meet Minneapolis

2. Visit The Minneapolis Institute of Art

One of the nation’s largest museums, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers free admission to visitors. Be sure to pay special attention to the museum’s collection of Chinese artwork, which is considered to be one of the finest in the United States. Additionally, there are almost 80,000 works of art to view, so plan on spending some time here. Please keep in mind that some special events and exhibitions may not be free. Parking ranges in price from $5 for less than an hour to a full day for $12.

3. Spend Some Time On The Lakes

As previously mentioned, Minneapolis is known as the City of Lakes, and there are numerous pretty bodies of water that visitors can enjoy free of charge. Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), and Lake Harriet are all viable options, and they’re all connected via the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. These lakes offer walking and biking trails, swimming spots, picnic areas, cross-country ski trails, hockey rinks, fishing piers, playgrounds, archery, sporting fields, and more. Be mindful that not all of the parking options are free.

4. Marvel At The Cathedral Of Saint Paul

In nearby Saint Paul is the beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Paul, which serves as the seat of the archdiocese of the area. Free guided tours are offered Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m. They are popular, too — the historic landmark generally hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year. Guests can expect an hour-long tour and free parking on-site at this more-than-100-year-old beauty. Masses are offered at the cathedral, and visitors are free to attend. Please keep in mind that many will donate $2 for the tour — that is the suggested donation amount, though the tour is technically free.

5. Catch A Concert At The Ted Mann Concert Hall

This pretty concert hall is located on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, which overlooks the scenic Mississippi River. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra offers plenty of free family night events. Plus, students from the university’s school of music often offer free recitals with first-come, first-serve seating. Both free and paid parking options abound on and near the urban college campus.

6. Visit The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Located inside the 400-acre Como Park, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is one of the last remaining Victorian-style glass-covered gardens in the country. It features half an acre of gardens underneath a large domed enclosure. Be sure to check out some of the conservatory’s rare tropical plants as well as the famous corpse flower. The Japanese gardens can also be accessed for free and are adjacent to the dome. While admission is always free, there is a suggested donation amount of $3 at this beautiful spot in Saint Paul. According to the website, “guests are invited to make a voluntary donation to help care for the plants and animals.”

7. Shop Till You Drop At The Mall Of America

The southern suburb of Bloomington, Minnesota, is home to one of the area’s most famous free attractions, the Mall of America. This shopping center is the largest in the country (in terms of total area) and is free to explore and walk around. More than 500 shops that sell everything from clothes to home goods to specialty items call the mall home. And while a mall may seem like an odd addition to a list for travelers, the more than 40 million people who visit the mall each year would disagree. The Mall of America was built on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium, where the Vikings (football) and Twins (baseball) used to play. Anchor tenants include Nordstrom and Macy’s. Travelers can enjoy easy public transit to the mall or free public parking.

Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture at the Walker Art Center. — Krivit Photography / Meet Minneapolis

8. Check Out The Walker Art Center

An internationally renowned contemporary arts center, the Walker Art Center is free every Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month. Keep in mind that the Thursday-evening activities are more geared toward young people, while Saturdays are focused on family-friendly programming.

The Walker Art Center is also home to one of Minneapolis’s most recognized landmarks, the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. The piece is the star of the Walker’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is always free to visit. The garden is the largest urban sculpture park in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting over the weekend, take advantage of the free guided tours of the garden offered on Saturdays and Sundays at noon. Parking near the museum will likely cost a little money, however.

9. Stop By The Minnesota State Capitol And The Saint Paul City Hall

Saint Paul is the capital city of Minnesota. The pretty Minnesota State Capitol boasts the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world. There’s no charge to visit, and free guided tours are offered daily. During the 45-minute tour, you’ll get to see the restored 1905 murals and the famous golden horses.

The nearby Saint Paul City Hall is another great free stop in the Twin Cities. This art deco building is a prime example of Depression-era architecture and is home to a statue called Vision of Peace.

Both free and paid parking options are available near these attractions.

Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City District. — Krivit Photography / Meet Minneapolis

10. Explore The Historic Mill District

This charming neighborhood, located on the National Register of Historic Places, used to be home to numerous flour mills along the Mississippi River. At one point, Minneapolis produced the most flour in the world due to the natural power of the water, and the city was known as the flour-milling capital of the world. Today, the district is home to renovated historic buildings and Gold Medal Park. If you’re in town between May and October, you can wander the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturdays. Consider walking to the nearby iconic Stone Arch Bridge, too.

11. Experience Nature At The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden And Bird Sanctuary

Ensconced within Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. The garden receives more than 60,000 visitors each year, all keen to see the 500+ plant species and 130+ bird species it has to offer. Additionally, there are picnic areas and shelters and hiking trails. Please note that it is not free to park in the lot located near the site.

12. Get Global At The Midtown Global Market

For a meaningful cultural experience, look no further than the Midtown Global Market. The market features more than 50 merchants, from specialty food vendors serving food from all over the globe to vendors offering cooking classes, unique handmade goods, and beauty services. It’s free to explore, but obviously, any purchases you make won’t be free! The prices are very reasonable, however, and there are often free family-friendly events. This cool spot exists to “promote the economic, social, and cultural assets of Minnesota and celebrate the healthy foods, arts, crafts, and other aspects of [Minnesota’s] diverse heritage,” according to the website. Paid parking is available close to the market.

13. Hunt For Fossils At Lilydale Regional Park

Last on our list of free attractions in the Twin Cities is Saint Paul’s Lilydale Regional Park. This area is known for two things: its fossils and its history as the former Saint Paul Brickyards. While the aforementioned fossils can’t be taken out of the park, they can be enjoyed there along with the park’s hiking and biking trails, bird-watching opportunities, fishing spots, sports fields, boat-launch area, and kayaking. Lilydale offers more than 600 acres of forested floodplain and both free and paid parking options.

It’s clear that the Twin Cities have tons to offer budget-conscious visitors. From pretty outdoor areas to noteworthy museums, Minneapolis and Saint Paul are home to plenty of free attractions.

Want to spend more time exploring the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Check out some of the quirky festivals Minnesota has to offer, or go on a burger crawl or boozy beverage tour of the Twin Cities.

This 700-Year-Old Church Is Now One Of The Most Beautiful Bookstores In The World

Boekhandel Dominicanen is a unique and beautiful bookstore located in Maastricht — a city in the southern Netherlands. Originally consecrated in 1294, this church served as a Roman Catholic place of worship until it was shut down in the late 1700s. Between then and the bookstore’s 2006 debut, this grand old building in the city center served as a number of curious operations.

It was formerly a bike storage facility, a printing house, a warehouse, a stable, a party venue, and a record-keeping archive. Here’s why Boekhandel Dominicanen — or Bookstore Dominican in English — is worth a visit.

Inside Boekhandel Dominicanen. — Kanda K / Shuttestock

Sacral Structures Meet Modern Media

Rather than demolishing the once-neglected structure, a team of architects and designers worked together in the early 2000s to repurpose the Gothic church. Some key team members were Rob Brouwers from SATINJNplus Architects and interior design firm Merkx+Girod. They transformed a place of worship into a usable contemporary bookshop.

But the structure’s beautiful sacral elements weren’t sacrificed for functionality. Instead, features like stained glass windows and intricate stonework were preserved. Frescoes from the 16th century were restored to their former glory and now provide a scenic backdrop for over 50,000 books. The choir loft was even converted into a nook for a coffee shop. Additionally, since the church had so much vertical real estate, the designers built up, adding a book tower to maximize retail space.

Clearly, this unique concept is working, as over 700,000 visitors trek to Boekhandel Dominicanen annually. Shoppers can find books in English, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish, and German as well as a music department with both vinyl albums and CDs. Visitors should be on the lookout for the dreamy and famous 14th-century painting of the life of Thomas Aquinas, believed to be the oldest of the subject in the world. This independent bookshop is widely considered one of the finest and most beautiful in all the world. It’s even won architecture awards since its reincarnation.

Other Reasons To Visit Maastricht

The university town of Maastricht is the perfect backdrop for this historic shop as it has over 1,600 sites on the Dutch national historic register — more than any other Dutch city, save for Amsterdam. Book lovers and other tourists will all delight in the splendor of this site. It’s a must-see when visiting the Netherlands! And with its central location, Boekhandel Dominicanen is easy to find, not out of the way. In fact, the church-turned-bookshop is close to the red tower of Sint-Janskerk, which provides a great birds-eye view of the city.

Tips For Bookworms

For the best experience, travelers should try to visit Boekhandel Dominicanen early in the morning during the week to avoid the crowds. Be sure to check the events schedule for the bookshop, too, as it hosts over 150 events a year.

To more fully embrace the converted church theme, travelers can stay at Maastricht’s lovely five-star property: Kruisherenhotel Maastricht. This beauty of a hotel is situated within a repurposed 15th-century Dominican church and monastery. It was once a house of Roman Catholic worship just like the Boekhandel Dominicanen but now offers upscale accommodations.

Want to see more show-stopping bookstores? Journey south and west to Porto, where you can meet Livraria Lello: Portugal’s stunning bookshop. Also check out these six unique, must-see bookstores around the globe.

Avoid The Crowds By Visiting These 5 Underrated National Parks

When you think of national parks, you probably think of the parks that attract millions of people every year — Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, Yellowstone.

You might not know about the smaller parks, but they can be every bit as beautiful as the well-known, world-famous national parks.

We compiled a list of five national parks that get 60,000 annual visitors or fewer. These parks don’t get as much attention and praise, but they are sure to take your breath away.

Aerial view of Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park. — Varina C / Shutterstock

5. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Just Over 56,000 Annual Visitors

Dry Tortugas National Park is an island located about 70 miles west of the Florida Keys. Since it’s more remote, the best way to reach the park is by seaplane or ferry. The park was named after the large sea turtle population in the area.

If you want to appreciate the sea around you, you can snorkel with your family. Another popular option is camping near the water, where the steady waves will lull you to sleep.

If you like to birdwatch, know that over 300 birds have been sighted in the area!

History buffs have plenty to do besides exploring the lovely beaches in the park. Visitors can step foot in Fort Jefferson — a 19th century fort with ties to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.

When you visit, you can make the most of the crystal-clear blue waters, soft sand, and smooth waves.

Bears in Katmai National Park, Alaska. — Manamana / Shutterstock

4. Katmai National Park, Alaska

Around 38,000 Annual Visitors

Katmai National Park is in bear country, but don’t let that scare you off.

National parks in Alaska are known for their rugged, off-the-grid beauty, and we can see why — most national parks in the area are best suited for travelers who want to disappear off the map for a little while. But, if you’re not interested in putting your survival skills to the test, there are plenty of guided tours to make your visit more laidback.

Katmai is somewhat remote, but you can easily fly to the park from Anchorage and Homer and view stunning glaciers and other spectacular sights from up above during your flight in.

Brooks Falls in Katmai — the biggest hotspot for brown bear sightings — should be added to your itinerary. In order to go, you must book a tour in advance. The tours, while pricey, have glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Travelers highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience and regarded the tour as what one calls “a wonderful way to get up close to the bears safely.”

The park is home to the ruins of the largest volcanic explosion in the 1900s, the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. A bus tour can take you to the ashy remains.

All non-Alaskan visitors must complete a traveler declaration form and arrive with a negative COVID-19 test result, get tested once in Alaska, or quarantine for 14 days before exploring the national park. Check our full list of national parks requiring changes for visitors for the latest updates.

Diablo Lake in the North Cascades National Park. — Anna Abramskaya / Shutterstock

3. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Just Over 30,000 Annual Visitors

North Cascades National Park has activities for anyone and everyone — families, young kiddos, solo travelers, and travelers with special needs, especially when it comes to mobility.

Lake Chelan in the southern tip of the park is the third deepest lake in the U.S. and the largest natural lake in the state of Washington. The lake is tucked away in the mountains, so while there make sure to experience the quiet, secluded wonder of communities on the lake only accessible by boat.

For folks with mobility issues, Rainy Lake is a mile-long wheelchair-accessible paved trail that leads you from forest to wildflower meadow to a mountain lake. Happy Creek Nature Trail is another great option. The trail has a boardwalk loop with signs detailing plants and flowers along the way. Both are wonderful for a leisurely, family-friendly hike.

If you like to take the scenic route, North Cascades Scenic Highway divides the northern and southern parts of the park. As the name implies, the highway offers breathtaking views, lookout points, and spots you’ll absolutely need to stop to take in.

The park’s busy season is from July to September, but it’s in your best interest to visit then because you’re less likely to run into winter weather.

Tutuila island in the National Park of American Samoa. — Danita Delmont / Shutterstock

2. National Park of American Samoa, Territory of American Samoa

Just Over 28,000 Annual Visitors

This southern paradise boasts tropical nature at its finest, with volcanoes, coral reefs, bright fish, beaches, and rainforest. During migrating season, you can even see humpback whales! What more could you ask for?

While at the park, you can snorkel through coral reefs and 900 fish species around the string of islands making up the national park.

The park is close to the equator, so prepare for year-round heat and rain; you can expect a small reprieve from the heat from June to September.

To reach the park, you’ll fly to Pago Pago International Airport from Hawaii, Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand. Then you’ll want to rent a car to access the park.

Rock Harbor Lighthouse in Isle Royale National Park. — Steven Schremp / Shutterstock

1. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Just Under 26,000 Annual Visitors

Isle Royale National Park is perfect for the outdoorsy, active individual.

After traversing Lake Superior by boat or plane and arriving in this far-flung national park, every type of water activity is available to you. You can hop on a boat tour, canoe, rent a single or tandem kayak, scuba dive, and fish.

The wildlife on the island is incredible: moose, red fox, gray wolves, beavers, mink, river otters, and snowshoe hares all call the island home. Birdwatchers will be delighted to know that they may spot loons, pelicans, woodpeckers, and other birds.

Michigan gets cold in the winter, so you may want to plan your trip for late spring through the summer. If you do go in the colder months, you might see the Northern Lights!

From mountains to ocean to history to off-the-grid wilderness, each national park in the U.S. has something different to offer. Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit!

If you’d like to learn more about national parks that aren’t as popular, California has three lesser-known national parks that are nothing short of wonderful. As you plan your next trip, make sure you know how to get a National Parks Senior Pass ahead of time.