4 Amazing Ranches To Go Horseback Riding in Colorado

Similar to surfing, horseback riding is an activity many of us experience for the first time while traveling.

When we’re on the road, we’re more likely to try out things that don’t normally appeal to us. Maybe you’re suddenly interested in specialty museums, or unique fusion dishes, or going to a famous club.

That’s the magic of travel—it expands our horizons.

Whether or not you’re one to giddy-up in your daily life, there are dozens (I repeat, dozens) of ways to get onto a horse in every single US state. (You can also watch them run wild, if that’s more your speed.)

Some of the most acclaimed and experienced ranches are found out west, unsurprisingly.

From the dude ranches of Montana to the sprawling resorts of Utah, there’s a unique adventure on horseback awaiting you. For now, let’s focus on the US’s shiniest, semi-rugged gateway into the wild: Colorado.

These are the best ways to go horseback riding in Colorado, from ranches to stables to adventure companies.

Best picks to go horseback riding in Colorado

Drowsy Water Ranch

Forget a riding experience that involves someone pointing out a horse to you and saying, There she is! At Drowsy Water Ranch, you fill out a questionnaire before your visit that helps staff assign you a horse that suits your level of riding and personality.

Those who book a horseback riding experience can expect a week-long chance to bond with their horse while fostering a lasting interest in equestrianism. You can train on trails, in the arena, or, if you’re more advanced, gallop across the grounds at top speed.

Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch

With a herd of over 100 horses, you can find the steed to suit your horseback adventure. Similar to Drowsy Water Ranch, staff at Bar Lazy J carefully consider which horse to pair you up with.

The goal is to improve the rider’s confidence by letting them bond with their horse—which sounds like something that would be up my alley as an inexperienced rider.

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll set out into the Arapaho National Forest to explore the mountains, valleys, and creeks with your equine companion. It’s hands-down one of the most scenic places to go horseback riding in Colorado.

Rimrock Adventures

Rimrock Adventures specializes in river and rafting adventures, but its stables aren’t too shabby, either. Its horseback riding services let you explore Colorado’s most gorgeous canyons at McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

You can choose from one, two, and three-hour excursions, making this a more bite-sized horseback riding experience.

Rusty Spurr Ranch

Rusty Spurr Ranch is a commercial ranch that also offers horseback riding activities. They’re not like the rest of the offers on this list for one huge reason: the ranch only offers off-trail horseback riding. Anyone who wants to really get that cowboy feel can run free(er) at Rusty Spurr Ranch.

You can choose from trail rides (don’t worry, they don’t involve actual trails) and cattle drives. The latter sounds really interesting—I mean, who plans to drive cattle on vacay?

I also love that Rusty Spurr has a page on their website dedicated to their horses, where they brag about keeping them happy and healthy—just like a cowboy from the Wild West would. As someone who loves to interact with animals, I always look for signs like these that indicate that animal welfare is a priority.

5 Ways to Visit New Jersey’s Pine Barrens

New Jersey is the Garden State, a moniker that harkens back to the colonial era.

During this period, New Jersey was layered with fertile farms and gardens. Compared to the large cities dotting New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, New Jersey’s natural corridors offered green escapes.

If you’ve spent any amount of time in New Jersey, you might know why the name The Garden State draws ire.

New Jersey is laced with some of the region’s most complex highways and interstates—and there’s hardly a tree in sight along their densest lanes. Only those who know where to go today will find respite from the state’s tightly packed towns.

Still, gardens aren’t the only hidden wonder waiting for nature-lovers in New Jersey.

As a fan of weird landscapes and paranormal topics, I’ve had the Garden State on my bucket list for one reason: getting into the Pine Barrens.

These ancient forests are the stomping ground of New England’s most famed cryptid, the New Jersey Devil, and aren’t like any other American woodlands.

Ready to get out and experience New Jersey’s best-kept natural wonder? Here’s how to explore the Pine Barrens.

Wait—what’s a pine barren?

Hiking Point of View in Wharton State Forest in New Jersey (Getty)

Pine barrens are a landscape that’s exclusive to the US’s East Coast. These unique forests are defined by sandy, nutrient-poor soil that supports cool fauna, including orchids, carnivorous plants, and coniferous trees like pines. The word ‘barren’ comes from how useless that soil is—at least, for traditional farming purposes.

Pine barrens once spanned many parts of New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts, but due to metro sprawl, the US’s largest and most protected pine barren now belongs in New Jersey. In the state, they’re also called the Pinelands and the Pines.

Since 1978, New Jersey has protected over 1.1 million acres of pine barren, known as the Pinelands National Reserve. It’s home to five unique parks that let you experience a different part of the Pines, which are listed below.

Just look out for that pesky New Jersey Devil, which was last sighted in 1960 near May’s Landing! It’s got hooves and it likes to scream.

5 ways you can visit New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, aka the Pines

Wharton State Forest

If you like to get out on the water, this is your best option when it comes to exploring New Jersey’s Pines. It’s home to rivers and lakes that are perfect for kayaking and canoeing, along with a popular lookout point.

From Batsto, you can easily access public services in Wharton State Forest, from barbecue areas to campsites. The Atsion Recreation Area is the largest and most developed (it’s got showers). There are over 500 miles of unpaved roads that you can also use for mountain biking and even horseback riding.

And don’t miss out on the New Jersey Forest Fire Service tower, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Pinelands. It’s located on Apple Pie Hill along the Batona hiking trail.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

PINE BARRENS, NEW JERSEY – 2012/07/02: Water lilly bog. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

With over 25 miles of hiking trails, this is a large and remote state park in the Pinelands. Despite that, it’s highly accessible and perfect for those who want to get out on long trails. One of its most popular trails, the Cranberry Trail, is also wheelchair accessible.

Uniquely, you can also access Batona Trail from Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. It weaves through both protected areas, along with Bass River State Park (below).

Bass River State Park

Courtesy of New Jersey State Park Service

Like the name suggests, this park is focused on Bass River, which passes through its grounds. It’s also home to Lake Absegami, an idyllic location that lets you explore the Pinelands by boat or canoe. You can also swim at Lake Absegami.

However, I’d skip the river and the lake to explore the West Pines Plains Natural Area, which is home to a pygmy forest. Thanks to the nutrient-poor and sandy soil of the area, trees don’t grow much taller than four feet.

It’s one of the few pygmy forests located on the US’s East Coast (most are in California).

Penn State Forest

Head to Oswego River and Oswego Lake in Penn State Forest if you’ve got your own boat—you can easily get out on the water. Just keep in mind that this is one of the Pinelands’ most rustic parks, meaning most roads are unpaved and most services are bare-bones.

That being said, Penn State Forest is still open for all types of outdoor activities. You can go mountain biking or horseback riding. You can hunt deer and wild turkey. You can even go cross-country skiing in winter when the snow piles up.

Double Trouble State Park

I’m not a cryptozoologist, but if I had to take a wild guess at where the New Jersey Devil is hiding out, it’s probably at Double Trouble State Park.

In a slightly less sexy twist, this park gets its name from a former cranberry company and packing plant, which was called the Double Trouble Company. Today, you can take the 1.5-mile loop trail around the wetlands, where wild cranberries still grow today.

Where to Find Baltimore’s Best Crab Cakes

In my tour de hunger of the United States, I’ve taken a closer look at many regional specialties.

Rocky Mountain oysters, aka bull testicles, are a testament to our ranchers’ not wasting any part of the animal. The same could be said for gator bites, common to Louisiana and Florida.

Then come the dishes with pretty tame ingredients but odd names, like Hot Brown and the Baked Alaska.

But not all of our culinary proclivities raise eyebrows.

In Maryland, the state’s premier foodie export is the humble crab cake. Born from the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland crab cakes are known for their light, buttery flavor and composition.

That distinct flavor profile is thanks to the crabs that grow in the Chesapeake Bay. Compared to the Dungeness Crabs common to the West Coast, Maryland crabs are smaller, and their flavor is much more subtle and sweet. Those with a love of seafood can usually tell the difference with a single bite.

That means one thing: If you want the very best crab cakes in the United States, you should be going to Maryland.

Here’s where to sink your teeth into the best crab cakes in Baltimore, along with a few bonus picks for Linthicum, Hanover, and Middle River.

Where to get the best crab cakes in Baltimore

Koco’s Pub

Crab cakes transformed this hole-in-the-wall restaurant into a Baltimore staple thanks to their award-winning, fresh-made-daily crab cakes.

But don’t plan on learning about Koco’s Pub crab cake ingredients; it’s a family secret that this casual pub won’t be releasing anytime soon. Since opening, its crab cakes have become so well-known in Baltimore and beyond that you can now order them online.

Costas Inn

Looking to eat where Baltimore locals eat? Head to Costas Inn, a beloved fixture since it opened in 1971. Though they offer a wide range of seafood dishes, they’re most well-known for their crab cakes.

They’re flown in fresh and hand-sorted every day, giving you direct access to the Chesapeake Bay straight from Baltimore.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood is a restaurant-bar with delicious crab cakes on the menu… along with a few other offers. This restaurant hosts big events, from trivia nights to famous athlete signings.

If you’re looking for a high-energy spot to sample some of the best crab cakes in Baltimore, head to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. Just be prepared—you’ll pay slightly higher prices, and might face a wait during peak hours.

Bonus picks just outside Baltimore

Pappas Seafood Co. (Parkville)

Just like Koco’s Pub, the crab cakes at Pappas Seafood Co. have become such a beloved staple that they’re now available for purchase online.

Though its crab cakes are slightly more expensive than others in town, Pappas has multiple awards and big-name features under its belt. In other words, it’s worth the slightly higher price.

G&M (Linthicum Heights)

G&M offers a truly diverse menu that includes Italian, Greek, and American staples—but its standout is Maryland crab cakes. If you’re on the hunt for the very best the state has to offer, you might consider stopping in. Though technically in Linthicum Heights, it’s less than ten miles from Baltimore.

Timbuktu Restaurant & Lounge (Hanover)

Hailed as a sleeper hit by many locals, Timbuktu Restaurant & Lounge offers a unique twist on the Maryland crab cake. Its light flavor is different than most others, which regularly attracts seafood fans from surrounding areas. Just be prepared for the diner-style setup—it’s not like most other restaurants on this list.

By The Docks (Middle River)

Size matters at By The Docks. This restaurant is famous for serving up its 8 oz. Colossal Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. This dish minimizes the number of add-ons, highlighting the light and buttery flavor of the crab. Slightly more upscale, By The Docks is also a favorite for diners who want to splurge on a nicer meal and cozy atmosphere.

5 Best Pastry Shops in Barcelona’s Born Neighborhood

I live in a minefield of Barcelona’s most delicious pastry shops.

Though that might sound problematic for anyone with a sweet tooth, I have the fortune of living on the fifth floor of a walk-up building. That means one thing: no gym memberships and lots of tasty treats.

To be fair, delicious pastry shops are located around the city. They aren’t confined to the bounds of the small part of my neighborhood, the Santa Maria del Mar area of El Born in Ciutat Vella. But this little slice of the Old City is renowned for its museums… and its pastry shops.

Let’s leave the museums for just a moment to focus on life’s sweeter side.

If you’re heading to Barcelona anytime soon, you’re highly likely to end up in this area. Passeig del Born and Santa Maria del Mar are two huge stops for tourists. Even if you don’t stay long, you’re going to run into one of the shops listed below.

Here’s where to go and what to eat in order of my favorites.

5 best pastry shops in El Born

Brunells

You can catch me inside Brunells every Friday night, where I’m buying the mini lemon pie and sacher, and then going home to not share either one with my boyfriend.

The Brunells’ shop is absolutely adorable with an iconic Barcelona modernist vibe. You can purchase large cakes, mini versions, and pastries like the croissant that took home the 2020 Best Croissant in Barcelona award.

Plus, you can have a seat and enjoy a coffee in their small café. But if you just want to take away a dessert, head into the shop. You can also order takeaway coffee there. *Beware of crowds; Brunells is located next to Museo Picasso.

Bubo

Located on the other side of Santa Maria del Mar is Bubo. I like Bubo because the great minds/bakers are constantly releasing new, imaginative treats.

Most are small, allowing you to sample more than a few imaginative desserts, like fruit-loaded coulants and award-winning chocolate croissants. They’re like mini pieces of art, from their visual design to their ingredients.

Bubo also places a really high standard on its ingredients and overall operations. That being said, it’s a little pricier than other shops.

Hoffman

I get asked for directions to Hoffman Bakery a few times a year. This hugely popular bakery is internationally known, drawing visitors from around the world.

I don’t personally eat there very often, but it wouldn’t be a Born pastry list without name-dropping them. They’re located right off Passeig del Born and, similar to Brunnells, lines are common during rush hour.

Funky Bakers

If you’re staying in El Born, you need to know about Funky Bakers—it’s the only spot in the area that’s open and selling breakfast bites before 10 am.

I love their borek and their house bun (ask for it with cream cheese for a bagel-ish breakfast), along with their desserts.

The chocolate chip cookie is to die for, along with their chocolate Swiss rolls. There’s also a merengue bomb that I take on every now and then; it’s for two people, but I can handle it solo on a good day. Funky Bakers is located right outside Santa Maria del Mar where Passeig del Born starts.

Jon Cake

Jon Cake opened its doors one day and, in the next, lines of tourists appeared. And many are happy to wait hours for a slice of the famous cheesecake at Jon Cake, which was famously developed by an aerospace engineer who traded his spaceship for an industrial-sized oven.

Though exorbitantly priced, Jon Cake really meets the hype. I have never tasted a cheesecake like Jon Cake. That being said, don’t wait in line. If you really want a Jon Cake, order a whole cake online and skip the line to pick it up, then take it back to your hotel room.

You and a partner can portion it out for two or three days—or smash it in a single go with a few friends. Just don’t waste your precious time in Barcelona waiting in that hours-long line.

Bonus pick: Demasie

Demasie is located on Carrer Princesa near Brunells. Its specialty is cinnamon rolls with unique and delectable twists. I’m putting it here as a bonus pick because, to be blunt, I think anyone who has even smelled a Cinnabon won’t be overly impressed by Demasie’s cinnamon rolls.

Again, let me reiterate: maybe Demasie’s cinnamon rolls are good, and Cinnabon has just ruined me forever. It’s hard to tell.

Summer Rush: 10 Most Crowded Destinations in the US

I’m a traveler who will wholesale avoid cities (and even entire countries) when they hit their high season.

That’s a personal preference of mine. I’m in my vampire era, meaning I’m interested in cooler destinations with long nights perfect for being sealed into a (metaphorical) coffin. I blame it on my artistic sensibilities and the fact that I live in a very, very sunny city.

Most travelers are not in their vampire era.

In fact, millions of Americans patiently endure the winter with their hearts set on a grand summer vacation. Sunlight and never-ending beach days are part of the allure, marking yet another successful trip, and a few crowds along the way only add to the excitement.

Still, no matter how much you cherish a packed summer vacation, there are times when the crowds can be a bit much.

Maybe you’re sick of running into the dinner rush and waiting for a table. Maybe you can’t hear yourself think in noisy masses anymore. Maybe it’s too hard to keep track of a larger group.

Regardless of your preferences, you might want to know the US’s most crowded summer destinations. Here’s the breakdown based on cold, hard numbers.

**Crowded destinations that I’m not including**

I’m crossing off large cities from this list because I’m assuming most Americans realize New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas are packed year-round. Plus, their numbers swell in summer thanks to an influx of international tourists.

Instead, I’m focusing on classic summer destinations where Americans flock year after year to leave the city behind.

After decades of steadily growing popularity, some hotspots are starting to feel the pressure of unending crowds. I’ve listed these out below, along with rough estimates for how many tourists pack in during the summer rush.

If you enjoy traveling to the destinations below, keep at it—just make sure to keep a few spare day trips and coping strategies in your back pocket in case you need a little room to breathe.

10 crowded destinations in summer

Florida Keys, Florida (~5 million)

This network of islands is seeing a tourism boom with consistent year-over-year growth, especially as Americans set their sights on domestic tourism. That being said, the Keys are a large, spread-out area, meaning you can usually escape the rush by strategically planning a trip to avoid the most crowded destinations in the Keys.

Orlando, Florida (~30 million)

Sure, Orlando is popular pretty much year-round thanks to the number of amusement parks it hosts. However, with a new Universal exhibit opening up in 2025, it’s expected that Orlando will see even greater numbers of visitors this summer.

Panama City, Florida (~5 million)

Panama City is one of the Sunshine State’s most hardcore spring break party destinations—but April isn’t the heyday for this panhandle hotspot. Panama City (similar to Destin and Gulf Shores) is one of the most popular domestic summer destinations.

Destin, Florida (~4 million)

With areas like Fort Walton taking off, Destin has become a perennial favorite for millions of Americans. If you want to drift away from the crowds, I suggest taking a closer look at Fort Walton’s unique neighborhoods—some are more cloistered than others.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee (~3 million)

Gatlinburg has quietly become one of Appalachia’s most popular new destinations thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere and range of affordable activities. But if you’re hoping to soak up the forests without a crowd, consider scheduling your trip around the summer rush.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (~4 million)

Just like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge has risen in the ranks of popular American summer destinations thanks to its gorgeous scenery, proximity to Appalachian parks and reserves, and its famed Dollywood.

Gulf Shores, Alabama (~5 million)

Just like Florida’s panhandle destinations, Gulf Shores remains a perennial favorite for families that want an affordable, sub-tropical beach escape. But with summer prices hiking, I’d recommend sticking to shoulder seasons—if not to avoid crowds, then to save.

San Diego, California (~10 million)

I had no idea San Diego was such a summer hotspot; in my head, it’s a perfect wintering zone. In reality, San Diego is one of the US’s most up-and-coming summer vacation destinations. If you want to avoid the most crowded destinations in the city, plan your trip accordingly.

Virginia Beach, Virginia (~10 million)

Though not quite at the level of Myrtle Beach (below), Virginia Beach continues to grow in terms of its domestic summer tourism numbers. Uniquely, it looks like many vacationers are already targeting the spring and autumn shoulder seasons to avoid high prices and crowds.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (~19 million)

If you’re into Myrtle Beach vacations, you’re probably not worried about the crowds. In fact, they might be one reason you keep coming back. Just know that Myrtle Beach remains untouched when it comes to affordability, meaning you can still access reasonable prices despite all the demand.

7 Amazing Rentals on Lake Willoughby, Vermont

What if I told you there’s a place in the United States unofficially known as the Northeast Kingdom? And that it’s home to one of the country’s most pristine glacial lakes?

Welcome to Lake Willoughby, tucked away in the northeastern corner of Vermont.

Sheltered on all sides by Willoughby State Forest, home to the famed Mounts Pisgah and Hor, it’s a dramatic and deep glacial lake with two separate public beaches. And it’s pretty enough to have been mentioned in a Robert Frost poem, ‘A Servant to Servants’.

In summer, it comes alive with vacationers who pack onto the beaches and take to the waters. And in winter, it transforms into a hot spot for ice fishers and climbers, as the summer’s waterslides freeze over for the cold months.

Still, Lake Willoughby remains off the radar for many out-of-towners, making it perfect for a reliably rejuvenating escape.

Ready to drop off the map at an Airbnb on Lake Willoughby? Here are the best rentals for your total relaxation.

Best rentals on Lake Willoughby, Vermont

Best waterfront rental: Lake Willoughby Waterfront
Large & lux rental: The Lions Den
Most unique rental: The Lake Willoughby Treehouse
Most budget-friendly rental: Willoughby Haven
Couples Escape: Lake Willoughby Mill Brook Studio Cottage
Eclectic pick: Log Cabin Retreat
Rustic & remote rental: Waterfront camp at Lake Willoughby

Best rentals on (or near) the water

Best waterfront rental: Lake Willoughby Waterfront

If you’re a huge fan of getting out on the water, look no further. This rental gives you direct back-porch access to the lake, including a swimming dock. But the wrap-around porch and large windows also let you soak up the lakeside views and atmosphere even when you’re lounging at home.

There is one catch. So far, this property only has one review. Though it’s a great review, the owners of this Airbnb prefer to have direct conversations with their guests before signing off on a rental. If you prefer a very hands-off experience, that might not be for you. Or if you like quality control from a hands-on host, it might be up your alley.

Large & lux rental: The Lions Den

Luxury meets convenience at The Lions Den. This waterfront rental has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, giving any large groups plenty of space to roam. But what I love about this rental is how easy it makes it to get out on the water.

Want to hit the lake? There are boats and kayaks waiting for you by the shore.

What about lounging on the beach? You have a private one at your disposal.

Just want to soak up the view of Lake Willoughby? Enjoy a meal or a drink from the porch, which hangs over the water.

Most unique rental: The Lake Willoughby Treehouse

Forget regular old cabins and cottages. This adorable treehouse is small and simple, letting you take a slightly elevated view of your surroundings from the vast porch. Though a bit rustic, it’s a fantastic pick for anyone who really wants to maximize the amount of time they spend outdoors.

However, I’d reserve the treehouse in the warmer months only. The interior is pretty small, meaning you might start to feel stuffy if you can’t utilize that ample porch space.

Most budget-friendly rental: Willoughby Haven

Full disclosure: Willougby Haven doesn’t have any reviews yet. If you’re someone who likes to trawl through reviews, then keep reading. That being said, if you’re okay trusting the photos and going out on a limb, Willoughby Haven looks like an absolute steal.

The interior is adorable, with a fresh coat of paint and modern appointments. The small studio gives you access to a 2.6-acre communal lawn and sandy shoreline.

You’ve got beach and lawn chairs accessible, along with a fire pit and kayaks. At such a low price point, it’s absolutely worth being the first guest to try out the Willoughby Haven.

Couples Escape: Mill Brook Studio Cottage

Comfort and simplicity make the Mill Brook Studio a fantastic lovers’ escape. The single-bedroom rental has a comfortable Tempurpedic bed, along with a great chaise lounge. With modern amenities in the bathroom and kitchen, you’ll be able to kick back with ease.

But what I love about the Mill Brook Studio is its proximity to a babbling brook. If another trip to Lake Willoughby doesn’t sound appealing, you and your partner can kick pack in the outdoor seating area and listen to the creek.

Eclectic pick: Log Cabin Retreat

Who doesn’t love a little whimsy and character at a lakeside rental? The Log Cabin Retreat has an eclectic design that adds a huge dash of coziness—and, like the name suggests, log cabin walls throughout.

Despite the kitschy design, the space remains functional with plenty of sitting and lounging areas to make eight guests comfortable. That being said, if antiques aren’t your thing, you might want to look elsewhere.

Rustic & remote rental: Waterfront camp at Lake Willoughby

If you’re okay with a more basic and rustic escape, head to the waterfront camp. This cute home dates back to the 1960s—you’ll feel the mid-century vibes in the home’s design and décor, which is a bit dated.

I think it’s one of the best rentals on Lake Willoughby for small families and larger groups that don’t want to overspend.

Despite its age, you’ve got all the amenities and features you could want for a memorable Lake Willoughby escape. There’s a large porch that overlooks the lake and forest, fitted with a large table and chairs. There’s an adorable dock that extends over a shallow part of the lake, making this ideal for families.