3 Great Towns in Northern California for Exploring Redwoods

One summer, I worked as an intern in Hoopa, California.

The small valley where Hoopa is located was a gateway to another world—one filled with giant, looming redwoods and sequoias. I grew up in Missouri, where the forests are lusciously green and overgrown… but the size of our most mature bald cypress, bur oaks, and cottonwoods grow to half that of Northern California’s towering giants.

Even though I’d heard many tales of the redwoods before my first trip to Northern California, the scale was still a shock.

I remember driving north to Hoopa from San Francisco. As soon as I entered Marin County, I began to sense that I was in for a very unique and unforgettable experience. Though I’d never had the redwoods on my radar, I was quickly enamored and humbled by their size, along with the otherworldly feeling of being surrounded by them.

I drove for seven hours, inching from San Francisco to Redding, then west to Willow Creek, then onward to Hoopa.

I haven’t gone back since my internship ended, but I’ve thought of Northern California’s wildest stretches often.

If you’re heading to San Francisco anytime soon, I highly recommend setting aside a day or two to delve into the United States’ most jaw-dropping expanse of forest. (In case a short day trip is a better fit, head to Muir Woods National Monument, which is accessible via public transportation from San Francisco.)

If you want to get off the beaten path, stay in these towns in Northern California to experience the wonders of the redwoods at your own pace.

Best towns in Northern California to see the redwoods

Crescent City

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Getty)

Crescent City is a foggy coastal city that serves as a major fishing port. It’s also surrounded by redwood forests and is the perfect home base while you explore nearby parks. (I came here a few times during my internship—it’s a friendly, adorable town!)

The main attraction is Redwoods National Park, which is widely considered the best place to experience the redwoods. Redwood National Park and State Parks is another name for this year, which is bundled with protected stretches like Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

These parks cover an area of almost 140,000 acres, which preserves almost half the US’s total old-growth redwood forests.

I vote you focus on the last option. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to the wild Smith River—the last undammed major waterway in the state. You can enjoy almost 20 miles of hiking trails, along with over 100 campsites.

Eureka

South of Crescent City sits Eureka, another sleepy coastal city that I frequented during my stay in Hoopa. It’s yet another fishing port and stopover for redwood-seekers. (The city is also home to unique Victorian residences if that interests you.)

From Eureka, I recommend heading to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located 30 miles south of the city.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is now the third-largest park in California, which spans over 50,000 acres. Like the other two spots listed above, it’s home to old-growth redwoods. You might have heard of its most famous section: Avenue of the Giants, a must-see for anyone who’s been dreaming of redwoods.

Santa Cruz

Grove of Redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Getty)

Can’t manage a seven-hour drive into the wilderness north of San Francisco to one of the towns in Northern California listed here? There’s no need.

You can explore two major redwood designations from Santa Cruz, located south of San Jose: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park marks the most southern location of California’s remaining coast redwoods. Its stream canyons are dramatic and eye-catching, letting you get up close to some of California’s greatest tree species.

Along with redwoods, you can enjoy bay laurel, tanbark oaks, and coast Douglas Firs.

I also recommend you visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This area was razed in a 2020 wildfire, which destroyed most of the forest and all park structures. It was reopened in 2022 and has since begun to regenerate.

While the devastation is hard to see, you might be encouraged to know that some studies have shown that periodic fires can be beneficial to redwood longevity.

5 Music Festivals for Spring & Summer 2025

March is usually when my summer dreams start taking shape.

And music festivals are a big part of those dreams. Festival culture has been one of my ‘travel constants’ since I first hit the road at age 18. To date, I’ve attended (and camped) at large festivals around the world, from Costa Rica to Australia to Portugal.

Festival culture is dear to my heart—but it takes time to feel comfortable in massive crowds of dancing revelers. (Or, at least, it did for me.)

Even if you know what bands and performances you’d like to see, you might want to bring a few friends to navigate the busy, thrilling world of live music festivals.

But what if you have varied musical interests and aren’t sure where to get started? I vote you make this the year of the music festival. No need to dive straight into Coachella or South by Southwest territory. You can take it easy by focusing on one of the US’s larger and more family-friendly music festivals.

Here’s where to find them this spring and summer.

Best music festivals for travelers this spring & summer

Jazz & Heritage Festival, NOLA

April 24 – May 4, 2025

Little Freddie King, Orange Kellin, Lars Edegran, Johnny Vidacovich, and James River perform at Jazz Fest (Getty)

Dubbed Jazz Fest, this annual gathering takes over New Orleans. Founded in 1970, it’s had over fifty years to get its act straight, which means you can expect a well-oiled lineup and a revolving door of acts.

The musical focus is on jazz, blues, roots, and plenty of rock. But don’t forget about more unexpected projects, like this year’s Lil Wayne & The Roots set.

Jazz Fest is one of the most accessible large-scale music festivals thanks to its range of music, family-friendly atmosphere, and long running time. Because the festival takes place for over a week, you can pop in and out of the city at your leisure, wandering from stage to stage before escaping the madness for a little sazerac.

Governors Ball, NYC

June 6 – 8, 2025

Chappell Roan performs during the 2024 Governors Ball in 2024 (Getty)

I remember the first year that Governors Ball launched in New York City—it was a big deal thanks to its blended lineup and the promise of escaping the city without actually leaving the city.

The festival takes place on Governors Island, a small plot of (relatively green) land between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Fast forward a decade, and the project is still going strong. That’s largely thanks to the well-rounded list of performances. To be fair, EDM is the main musical offering—but it’s hardly the only one. You can expect pop champions galore, from Glass Animals to Tyler, the Creator to Olivia Rodrigo.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Tennessee

June 12 – 15, 2025

Fans crowd toward the barrier as they wait patiently at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Getty)

Located in Manchester, Tennessee, Bonnaroo lets you dance on the funkier side of life. I haven’t personally attended Bonnaroo, but I’m recommending it here because it has a strong community vibe and emphasis on arts—hence the name.

You can catch musical act after music act… or hang out amid legions of really laidback, welcoming people. But you’ll probably be camping for a few days—fair warning. And the most popular acts can draw heavy, bustling crowds. (The picture above paints a solid picture of what Bonnaroo’s prime-time stages look like.)

But speaking of crowds, there’s one for everyone at Bonnaroo, which makes this a great entry point for anyone new to music festivals. And let’s not forget about the dancing and jamming. Bonnaroo regularly signs on diverse performers, from Blue Grass to EDM to hip-hop.

Lollapalooza, Chicago

August 7 – 10, 2025

The Chicago skyscape over Lollapalooza in 2024 (Getty)

Started only 21 years after Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Lollapalooza is one of the US’s most enduring musical gatherings. Since 2005, it’s called Chicago home.

To be fair, I can’t guarantee a sterling experience in Grant Park, where tens of thousands of attendees pack in. This is more ‘hardcore fan’ territory where you can catch acts from the US’s top stars, from Chappell Roan to Alanis Morisette.

That being said, Lollapalooza is still worth mentioning. Not only is it highly accessible, but you can also buy tickets for the specific acts that interest you. When you’ve danced to your heart’s content, you can head out to explore the city—or head to your hotel’s bar to unwind with a drink.

Summerfest, Milwaukee

June 19 – 21, June 26 – 28, & July 3 – 5

Chase Rice performs onstage at Summerfest 2024 (Getty)

Don’t know what you want out of your music festival experience? Head to Summerfest in Milwaukee. This is one of the most quietly impactful gatherings in the United States, even if it isn’t advertised nearly as much as the other names listed here.

This year’s festival includes three weekends of non-stop fun that includes over 600 artistic performances. There’s a band and group for every type of musical leanings.

But even if you aren’t thrilled by the lineup, you’ll still have plenty to do. Just like Bonnaroo, Summerfest offers dozens of activities and programs that you can join. Plus, the organizers go above and beyond to make sure the grounds are family-friendly, which makes Summerfest the most inclusive option of the bunch.

6 Bourbon Whiskey Distilleries Worth a Visit in Kentucky

Bourbon whiskey may take its name from the French Bourbon dynasty, but it almost always comes from Kentucky.

Officially, bourbon whiskey is any whiskey distilled in the United States. However, this special brand of whiskey originated in Kentucky and remains the state’s specialty export. Its 68 distilleries produce millions of barrels of aged whiskey each year.

Thanks to a unique climate that includes hot summers and cold winters (which lets the barrels expand and contract), along with limestone bedrock that filters into the water supply, Kentucky produces some of the world’s most delectable whiskey.

And while you can find plenty of recipes to sample in cities like Louisville, you’ll find even tastier experiences outside of major cities.

Want to drink the best bourbon in the world? Here’s where to find it straight from the source at seven of Kentucky’s top distilleries. (Before you dive in, I suggest reading through these tips on visiting Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries.)

Best whiskey bourbon distilleries to visit in Kentucky

Maker’s Mark Distillery / Loretto, KY

Whiskey experts often recommend Maker’s Mark for drinkers who are new to bourbon. It’s got a versatile and distinctive taste that makes it perfect for sipping on the rocks or neat. Plus, if you visit the distillery in Loretto, you’ll also have a front-row seat look at the state’s whiskey-distilling history.

Buffalo Trace Distillery / Frankfort, KY

Alongside Marker’s Mark Distillery, the Buffalo Trace Distillery (formerly known as the George T. Staggs Distillery) is the oldest in the state. The original distillation site dates back to 1860, though historical records indicate the same area was used for less formal distillation as early as 1775. The tour lets you explore that early distillation history while also exploring modern bourbon aging practices.

Four Roses Distillery / Lawrenceburg, KY

The Four Roses Distillery is a designated Historic Place thanks to its unique Spanish Mission-style architecture. Founded in 1910, Four Roses produces ten unique bourbon blends, which you can learn about in its public tours. During the tour, you can also opt for the tasting experience, which lets you sample its award-winning bourbons.

Jim Beam Distillery / Clermont, KY

Considered one of the premier bourbon destinations in the United States, the Jim Beam Distillery lets you choose from a handful of tours and tasting experiences. If history isn’t your thing, you can learn about modern distillation, then sample the very best Jim Beam bourbons with a tasting tour.

Woodford Reserve / Versailles, KY

Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve and distillery has been in operation since 1812. If you know about bourbon, you’re probably already familiar with the brand, which specializes in small-batch releases. You can tour the distillery with a reservation or show up to the bar ready to drink.

Barton 1792 Distillery / Bardstown, KY

The absolutely massive Barton 1792 Distillery is responsible for producing over 51 different bourbon brands and labels. The most popular variation is the 1792 Bourbon, which was named World Whisky of the Year in 2020 by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible—but I should point out that the distillery was founded in 1879 rather than the previous century. Keep a look out for their special mint julep experiences.

7 Doctor-Approved Plane Snacks to Bring with You on Long Flights

Air travel messes with your health.

Cabin air is recycled and dry, boosting your chances of catching a respiratory cold. Airline food is subpar at best, while drinks are prone to bacteria when pitchers and kettles aren’t properly cleaned. Then, of course, your gut needs to manage changes in air pressure.

Staying healthy during air travel can be nerve-wracking. If you’re facing added stress like delays or even missed connections, our attempts at staying healthy usually fly by the wayside.

That being said, having the right plane snacks with you can ease stress while keeping you properly fueled for the journey ahead. Plus, you’ll save big by avoiding those pricey airport meals.

Want to know which plane snacks doctors recommend you bring with you to the airport? Before we dive in, let’s first recap which foods you should be avoiding.

Which foods should you avoid on long flights?

Avoid carbonated drinks before your flight. Drinking carbonated drinks before your flight can lead to added bloating and gas at 35,000 feet thanks to changes in air pressure.
Avoid red meat. If you struggle with heartburn, avoid red meat before and during your flight.
Avoid fried foods. The same is true for fried foods. Along with heartburn, the salt in fried foods can contribute to dehydration, especially if you’re drinking alcohol onboard.
Don’t drink alcohol. Speaking of alcohol, drinking on a plane will lead to dehydration, which can, in turn, cause nausea and headaches.
Don’t drink caffeine, either. If you need a little caffeine boost, doctors recommend drinking soda instead of coffee. Like alcohol, coffee is a serious diuretic that can cause nausea and headaches. Make sure to drink added water if you need that coffee.

Best plane snacks to have on a long flight

Now that you’ve been warned, let’s focus on the fun stuff. According to doctors and nutritionists, frequent flyers, and flight attendants, these are the best plane snacks to have with you at the airport and on long flights.

(I’m omitting snacks that include peanut butter. On the last flight I took, the attendants asked passengers to avoid eating peanuts and peanut-heavy foods because one passenger had a severe allergy. I recommend avoiding walnuts and hazelnuts for this reason, as well.)

Protein bars: Protein bars give you all the right types of calories and nutrients in a condensed package, which is a hard combination to beat when it comes to plane snacks. The more natural the ingredients, the better.
Fruit & dried fruit: Always pack fruits that are easier to manage on the road, such as apples, pears, and oranges. I love bananas, but they’re hard to transport. The same for berries and grapes. That being said, feel free to bring a Tupperware with you.
Veggies: Celery and carrot sticks are a favorite of mine. You can usually find these inside the airport, too.
Nuts/seeds: As mentioned above, I don’t recommend bringing on raw peanuts, hazelnuts, or walnuts because they can cause allergic reactions for anyone with severe allergies by passing through the air alone. Almonds are my go-to.
Crackers: Seed-based crackers and whole-grain crackers go easy on your digestive system while also giving you plenty of fiber. That’s a win-win in air travel, even if crackers aren’t the sexiest snack out there.
Banana bread: Need an excuse to finally use those frozen bananas in your freezer? A DIY banana bread (or store-bought) is an easy-to-pack snack that will fill you up and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Water: I usually avoid the water offered on planes because it’s stored in tanks that are very rarely cleaned. Grab a large bottle of water at the airport or bring a reusable bottle with you, then fill it up after getting through security. The more you drink on the flight, the better you’ll feel.

Top 6 Cities for Solo Travel in South America

If you could put together the perfect solo trip across a single continent, which would it be?

The answer depends on your interests. Culture buffs might prefer Europe because of its large number of established capital cities—many of which are the remnants of the Western empires of yore.

More adventurous culture buffs might head further east on the hunt for similar cultural excursions—ones that take them further outside their comfort zone.

But what about heading farther south?

South America is home to some of the New World’s largest modern cities, including Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires, along with natural wonders like the Amazon, the Cerrado, the Pantanal, and Patagonia—just to name a few. It’s the birthplace of dances like samba, tango, and cumbia, along with dishes like ceviche, asado, empanadas, and lomo saltado.

From just about every angle, South America is one of the world’s most diverse and culturally relevant regions. And with only two major languages (Spanish and Portuguese), it’s more accessible linguistically than any other continent.

When it comes to solo travel in South America, adventures await around every corner—but where should you go? And which cities are best for which types of travelers?

Narrowing down your options for solo travel in South America might be harder than you think. Start here with my top picks, which are based on the continent’s most popular destinations, accessibility, atmosphere, and safety.

(For the purposes of simplified solo travel, I’m sticking to larger cities that are easy to get to. Just know that each city recommended offers you the opportunity to travel off the map into smaller towns and regions—most likely by bus.)

At a glance: best cities for solo travel in South America

Close to the Amazon: Quito, Ecuador
Close to the mountains: Santiago, Chile
Coolest cultural experiences: La Paz, Bolivia
Best big city vibes: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Friendliest atmosphere: Medellin, Colombia
Most delicious eats: Lima, Peru

Best cities for solo travel in South America

Close to the Amazon: Quito, Ecuador

Multicolored colonial houses in Quito (Getty)

Be warned: Quito sits at an elevation of 9,350 feet, so be prepared to feel the altitude when you first arrive. That being said, that height prevents you from feeling the heat and humidity of the nearby Amazon. In Quito, you can explore a city dotted with Spanish colonial architecture and full of Ecuadorian spirit.

Locals are kind and helpful, while the city’s growing tourism infrastructure makes it easy to explore the city’s cultural offerings and then get out into the wild. And speaking of getting out into the wild, you can take a plane to Amazonian gateways like Coca or Lago Agrio—or take a bus.

The bus rides are long, but the destinations are absolutely worth your time. You can explore the forest, veg out in hammocks listening to the river, and sample Amazonian delights. In fact, Coca is the place where the name Amazon is thought to have originated.

Where to stay and what to do in Quito.

Close to the mountains: Santiago, Chile

Cable car and Costanera Center in Santiago, Chile (Getty)

Aren’t looking for a gateway into the Amazon Rainforest? Head south to Santiago, the capital of Chile, which is rimmed by the Andes Mountains. Famous peaks like Cerro El Plomo and Cerro San Cristobal loom around the city, towering into the sky.

And you can explore them at your own pace via portals like Cajon del Maipo, using the city as a home base. In fact, while I’m recommending Santiago to anyone who wants to delve into the Andes, half the magic is the city itself.

Santiago is home to innovative design projects, vibrant nightlife, and easy-to-navigate public transportation. Plus, you can find wineries dotting the valley around the city, just in case you’re looking to take a break from hiking.

Where to stay and what to do in Santiago.

Coolest cultural experiences: La Paz, Bolivia

Snowcapped Mount Huayna Potosi in the background (Getty)

As with Quito, you can expect a high-altitude experience in this capital city, which sits at a whopping 11,924 feet.

Assuming you’re okay with that type of altitude, you’ll be treated to some of South America’s most unique cultural experiences—ones that you haven’t likely heard of before. That’s largely thanks to the presence of Aymara indigenous culture and practices.

You can sample Quechua Aymara foods, remedies, charms, and more at the city’s marketplaces—or take a more historical approach at the city’s museums, such as the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore. If culture is on your radar, La Paz needs to be on your bucket list.

Where to go and what to do in La Paz.

Best big city vibes: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Urban Skyline of Santos in Sao Paolo Brazil (Getty)

With almost 23 million residents, Sao Paolo is South America’s most populous city. (It has the same population of Mexico City, if that helps you picture how vast it is.) For solo travelers, that size means one thing: you’ve got even more neighborhoods to sink your teeth into and friends to make.

Dubbed a ‘bustling megacity’, you’ll find art galleries, museums, theaters, and tons of unexpected finds. For example, Sao Paolo is home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan, letting you learn more about the country’s cultural melting pot—similar to heading to Chinatown in New York City. In other words, it’s a layered experience.

Where to stay and what to do in Sao Paolo.

Friendliest atmosphere: Medellin, Colombia

Plaza Botero in central Medellin (Getty)

Forget what you think you know about Medellin, Colombia. The ‘City of Eternal Spring’ is known for two things in 2025: its gorgeous climate (the moniker isn’t just for fluff) and its friendly atmosphere. Medellin is a vibrant metropolis that’s thriving—and its people are happy to welcome visitors.

I vote you schedule your trip to Medellin during its famous Flower Festival or over Christmas when grand light displays are put up around the city. While there, make sure to explore its public museums, libraries, and public spaces—there’s always a cultural event going on, and visitors are always welcome.

Where to stay and what to do in Medellin.

Most delicious eats: Lima, Peru

I know, I know—this list is full of capital cities. But if you’re a foody who’s heading to South America on a solo trip, you must stop in Lima. In some culinary circles, it’s regarded as the gastronomic capital of the continent. You probably know it as the birthplace of ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours.

But that’s just a basic introduction. Similar to Sao Paolo, Lima has a large Japanese population, along with Chinese. You can sample fusion foods like Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) and Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian). Or if you want a more hardcore taste of Lima’s traditions, go for the famous 17-course tasting menu at Central, one of the world’s top restaurants.

Where to stay and what to do in Lima.

6 Activities Not to Miss in Oakhurst—California’s Yosemite Hideaway

Yosemite National Park is one of the US’s premier outdoor destinations.

Home to giant sequoias, stunning granite mountains, and overrun with wildlife, it’s easily one of the most rugged but accessible corridors on the West Coast. That being said, you can have a dynamic outdoor adventure without ever stepping foot into the park.

How, you might ask?

Head to Oakhurst, California, a town bordering the national park. Not only was it named one of the most welcoming destinations in the United States according to 300 million travel reviews, but it’s also one of California’s best-kept small-town secrets.

And it’s the perfect jumping-off point for any of your Yosemite adventures. But before heading into the national park, I recommend setting aside a few days to fully explore Oakhurst. It has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you engaged and prepare you for a longer adventure.

Here’s what to do.

Best activities in Oakhurst, CA

Before I list out my favorite things to do, you should know that this list is hardly exhaustive. Oakhurst is a hub for dozens of unique adventures (upwards of 40, in fact), from Yosemite Axe Throwing to VR adventures at Yosemite Cinema.

In addition to my suggestions, I highly recommend you peruse the list of activities linked above.

Catch a live show at the Golden Chain Theatre

Who doesn’t love catching a live production on vacation? Even if you don’t visit your local theater at home, the Golden Chain Theatre has something for you—and it’s a great way to break up all those outdoor hikes and kayaking adventures.

With 50 years of experience under its belt, the plays and performances are widely celebrated, while its actors have been described as ‘unbelievable talent’ on review sites. There’s something for everyone, from melodramas to family-friendly shows.

Cruise on the Oakhurst Trolley

Though not quite as famous as the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, the Oakhurst Trolley is still worth a visit. It cruises through the small town, stopping at spots like the Visitor Center, shops like the Artifacts World Imports and Reimer’s Ice Cream, the Elderberry House Restaurant and Cellar Bar, and the Yosemite Gateway Art Center.

Best of all, the Oakhurst Trolley comes with an app that lets you see its estimated arrival time at stops around the town. Plus, it runs on a token system, meaning most rides are free.

Get your booze on at Idle Hour Winery… or at Oakhurst Spirits

The area around Oakhurst is known for its wineries—and none are as well-known as Idle Hour Winery. Idle Hour includes a twelve-room inn, as well, letting you bunk for a few nights if you’ll be putting back the Malbec. Or stick to the wine bar for a quicker tasting.

If the area’s many wineries aren’t quite to your taste, you can stop at Oakhurst Spirits instead. This craft distillery specializes in whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon. There’s even an art gallery on the grounds, so you can shop around for pieces from local artists.

Get out on the water at Bass Lake

Yosemite National Park is hardly the only wilderness area worth exploring in the area. A visit to Oakhurst also puts you close to Sierra National Forest and its famous Bass Lake. Bass Lake is a reservoir lake that’s open to visitors.

You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or hike around the lake. In winter, you can also ski and snowboard in the snow-laden valleys around the lake. Think of it like a ‘mini Tahoe’, which is how Visit California describes Bass Lake.

Explore the Fresno Flats Historic Village

Want to take a peek into the past? The Fresno Flats Historic Village lets you look at what life in the Sierra Nevada foothills would have been like in the 1800s. The homes, shops, and artifacts have been painstakingly preserved.

In fact, most of the buildings in the historic village are original constructions from the area’s pioneer days.

There are also performances and shows that you can catch when the weather permits. While you might not clump California in with other cowboy-centric states, the Fresno Flats are actually a remnant of the US’s Wild West era of the mid and late-1800s.

Stick around for the new Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games

Anyone heading to Oakhurst later this year might want to schedule their visit around a major event that’s about to launch for the first time: the Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games. Expect plenty of music, dancing, food, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the Celtic spirit and traditions.

From grand displays of physical power, like the hammer throw sheaf toss, to whiskey tastings to traditional Celtic vendors, there’s something for everyone.