Outdoor Adventures
See the Best Gorge in Ithaca
Discover the Cascadilla Gorge Trail
The Cascadilla Gorge Trail is one of the most remarkable outdoor experiences in the Finger Lakes, offering visitors an unforgettable look at the natural beauty and geological history that define Ithaca. Connecting downtown Ithaca with the Cornell University campus, this scenic trail winds through one of the region’s most iconic Ithaca gorges, where waterfalls, dramatic rock walls, and historic stone staircases create an experience that feels far removed from city life.
Stretching roughly 1.3 miles and climbing nearly 400 feet in elevation, the Cascadilla Gorge Trail follows Cascadilla Creek through layers of shale, sandstone, and siltstone formed more than 400 million years ago. Along the way, visitors encounter six distinct Ithaca waterfalls, each with its own character, from rushing cascades to quieter pools tucked beneath lush vegetation. The trail’s historic stone pathways and staircases, originally constructed between 1928 and 1931, add to the timeless atmosphere that makes this one of the best things to do in Ithaca.
The landscape itself tells the story of the Finger Lakes region. Ancient glacial activity helped carve the steep valleys and fast-flowing streams that shaped the gorge, while ongoing erosion continues to transform the creek bed and surrounding slopes. Visitors who take time to observe the exposed rock faces may even notice fossil evidence from the ancient inland sea that once covered much of New York State.
Places to Stay in the Finger Lakes Near Cascadilla Gorge Trail
After exploring the Cascadilla Gorge Trail and the surrounding Ithaca waterfalls, finding a comfortable place to recharge is essential. Inn at Gothic Eves in nearby Trumansburg offers one of the most refined places to stay in the Finger Lakes, pairing elegant accommodations with thoughtful hospitality and a peaceful setting.
Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, farm-to-table breakfasts prepared with local ingredients, and access to the on-site Finger Lakes Spa, which offers massage, sauna, and wellness services by appointment. Its convenient location also makes it easy to continue exploring the best things to do in the Finger Lakes: wineries, lakeside towns, and waterfalls.
Whether you are planning a weekend outdoors or building a longer Finger Lakes itinerary, the Cascadilla Gorge Trail remains one of the defining experiences in Ithaca. Book your stay and discover why this trail continues to attract nature lovers year after year.
See the Iconic Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska
Best Sandhill Crane Migration Weekend in Nebraska
Each spring, the Sandhill crane migration transforms central Nebraska into one of the most remarkable wildlife viewing destinations in the Midwest. From late February through early April, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill cranes pass through the Platte River Valley, creating a powerful reminder of nature’s seasonal rhythms. For travelers planning a spring weekend getaway, this migration offers an unforgettable reason to explore Nebraska.
The Platte River near Kearney, Nebraska, is widely considered the heart of the Sandhill Crane migration in Nebraska. Its wide, shallow channels provide ideal roosting areas, while nearby cornfields offer critical food sources. Sunrise and sunset are the most rewarding times to watch the cranes as they lift off in sweeping waves or return to the riverbanks, their calls echoing across the valley. Mid-March is typically the peak viewing window, when crane numbers are at their highest.
Several dedicated viewing areas make the experience even more rewarding. The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary offers guided tours and viewing blinds that allow visitors to observe the cranes without disturbing their natural behaviors. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a first-time visitor, witnessing the crane migration in Nebraska delivers a powerful connection to the natural world and remains one of the top things to do in Nebraska.
Where to Stay for Your Sandhill Crane Weekend
After a day spent watching Sandhill cranes in Nebraska, a comfortable place to unwind makes all the difference. Choosing a Bed and Breakfast in Nebraska allows you to enjoy warm hospitality, local insight, and a relaxing retreat near the Platte River Valley. Many places to stay near Kearney and Grand Island are well-positioned for early morning and evening viewing, making them ideal for a weekend focused on the migration.
Extend your spring weekend by exploring nearby cities like Omaha or Lincoln, where cultural attractions, dining, and walkable districts add variety to your itinerary. From wildlife viewing to city exploration, a Sandhill Crane migration weekend in Nebraska offers a thoughtful balance of outdoor wonder and Midwestern charm.
See the Spring Sandhill Crane Migration in Wisconsin
Best Sandhill Crane Migration in Wisconsin This Spring
Each spring, the sandhill crane migration transforms central Wisconsin into one of the Midwest’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Thousands of sandhill cranes return to the Driftless Region, filling wetlands and river corridors with their unmistakable calls and sweeping wingspans. Baraboo sits at the heart of this movement, making it an exceptional base for experiencing the sandhill crane migration in Wisconsin up close.
The Driftless Region’s glacially untouched landscape provides ideal habitat for migrating cranes. Marshes, open farmland, and the Baraboo River create dependable stopover points where cranes gather in impressive numbers. For birders and nature-focused travelers, this season offers some of the best birding spots in Wisconsin. Early mornings and evenings are especially active, when cranes lift off in groups or return to roost, creating unforgettable scenes.
Beyond wildlife viewing, there are plenty of things to do in Baraboo that make a spring visit feel complete. Devil’s Lake State Park offers hiking and scenic overlooks, while downtown Baraboo invites visitors to slow down with local shops, cafes, and galleries. A day can easily balance outdoor exploration with relaxed dining, adding variety to a birding-focused itinerary.
A Unique Stay Near the International Crane Foundation
A visit during the sandhill crane migration wouldn’t be complete without time at the International Crane Foundation. This world-renowned conservation center offers walking trails, live crane exhibits, and in-depth education about crane species worldwide. It adds meaningful context to birding in Wisconsin and highlights the importance of habitat protection.
After full days exploring wetlands, wildlife refuges, and conservation landmarks, returning to a refined Baraboo, WI Bed and Breakfast enhances the experience. A historic inn offers comfort, personalized hospitality, and proximity to key crane viewing areas, while still providing a quiet place to unwind. Spring mornings begin with thoughtful breakfasts before heading back out into nature.
For travelers seeking a truly unique Midwest getaway, the sandhill crane migration in Wisconsin offers rare access to ancient wildlife, scenic landscapes, and conservation-driven travel. Baraboo delivers an experience that feels both educational and deeply memorable.
Snowshoe Through a Winter Wonderland at Hurricane Ridge
Best Winter Weekend at Hurricane Ridge, Washington
A winter weekend at Hurricane Ridge Washington delivers mountain scenery, accessible snow adventures, and a refreshing change of pace from city life. Located inside the Olympic National Park, this high-elevation destination transforms into a winter playground once snow blankets the landscape. With well-maintained access via Hurricane Ridge Road, it is an easy drive for travelers planning a Seattle to Hurricane Ridge escape or a longer Olympic Peninsula trip.
Snowshoeing is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Hurricane Ridge in winter. Marked routes near the visitor area make it approachable for beginners, while longer routes toward Hurricane Hill offer elevated views for those ready to explore farther. Snowshoe rentals are readily available in Port Angeles, making this an easy activity to plan even on a short weekend. On clear days, the views stretch across snow-covered peaks and distant waterways, adding to the sense of wide-open space that defines Hurricane Ridge Washington.
For travelers interested in skiing, the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area offers a relaxed alternative to larger resorts. The terrain suits beginners and intermediate skiers, with a friendly, community-driven feel that keeps the experience focused on fun rather than crowds. Whether you choose snowshoeing or skiing, the close proximity between town and mountain allows you to enjoy a full morning in the snow without committing to an all-day excursion.
Where to Stay Near Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
After time outdoors, Port Angeles provides a welcoming base for warming up and slowing down. Coffee shops, local restaurants, and waterfront walks make afternoons just as enjoyable as mornings on the mountain. Staying in a Port Angeles vacation rental puts you close to Hurricane Ridge Road while offering comfort, privacy, and space to relax. Many homes provide water or mountain views, creating a natural extension of the day’s scenery.
A winter weekend at Hurricane Ridge Washington balances adventure with ease. With reliable snow, scenic access, and inviting places to stay nearby, it is a mountain getaway that feels both exciting and approachable.
Snowshoe Through Winter in Wisconsin at Parfrey’s Glen
Snowshoeing Adventure at Parfrey’s Glen in Wisconsin
Winter invites couples to slow their pace and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Baraboo. Parfrey’s Glen, one of the standout gems near Devil’s Lake State Park, becomes especially captivating in the colder months. Its dramatic sandstone walls, quartzite boulders, and winding 100-foot gorge showcase a side of the Midwest that feels wonderfully peaceful. For a couple’s winter getaway, Parfrey’s Glen offers refreshing air, quiet trails, and scenery that encourages you to explore at your own rhythm.
The 1.6-mile round-trip route is approachable for most visitors, making it easy to appreciate this unique landscape. Once snowfall settles across the Baraboo Hills, the glen transforms into a beautiful winter corridor. Snow collects along the canyon walls, a gentle stream flows beneath the cold air, and every step feels like a shared adventure. Guests can borrow snowshoes from the Inn or pick them up at the Devil’s Lake nature center, which adds a fun element to exploring this Midwest favorite.
Romantic Bed and Breakfast Getaway This Winter
After your time at Parfrey’s Glen, the right place to stay elevates your trip. Our Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin offers inviting spaces designed for comfort and connection. Each suite features luxury linens, plush robes, and full private baths, giving couples a warm and relaxing retreat after time outside. Our hilltop location offers sweeping views of the Lake Wisconsin Valley and easy access to forested trails that lead toward Parfrey’s Glen.
Your day begins with a delicious breakfast prepared with care, from savory egg dishes to homemade pastries. In the afternoon, you can unwind at the outdoor fire pit, enjoy the hot tub, or savor a happy hour drink in the Indigo lounge. Thoughtful amenities and genuine hospitality make it simple to enjoy more time together, whether you are returning from snowshoeing, hiking near Baraboo, or exploring the many winter activities nearby.
Winter in Wisconsin brings endless options for outdoor fun. Couples can continue snowshoeing at Devil’s Lake, ski at Devil’s Head Resort, try cross-country trails at Mirror Lake State Park, or spend time browsing Baraboo’s charming shops and restaurants. With each activity, Parfrey’s Glen remains the scenic centerpiece of your winter getaway. When your day winds down, our Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect place to rest, reconnect, and plan your next adventure.
Some Top-Rated Sequim Lavender Farms to Visit
Best Sequim Lavender Farms to Visit This Summer
Summer is one of the most beautiful times to explore the Olympic Peninsula, and few experiences capture the season quite like visiting the Sequim Lavender Farms. Thanks to Sequim’s location within the Olympic Mountains’ rain shadow, the area enjoys more sunshine and drier conditions than much of western Washington. These favorable growing conditions have helped establish Sequim Lavender as one of the region’s most recognized agricultural attractions.
Visitors are often drawn to the vibrant purple fields that bloom across the countryside each summer, but the experience extends far beyond the scenery. Many Lavender Farms offer opportunities to browse handcrafted products, sample lavender-inspired treats, meet local growers, and learn about the cultivation of this fragrant crop. Exploring the Sequim Lavender Trail is one of the most popular things to do in Sequim during the summer season, allowing guests to visit multiple farms while enjoying scenic views of the Olympic Peninsula.
Popular stops include B&B Family Lavender Farm, known for its expansive fields and mountain views, and Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm, which features French-inspired gardens and a charming gift shop. Lavender Connection offers more than 40 varieties of lavender along with U-Cut bouquets, while Cedarbrook Lavender Farm is celebrated for its handcrafted bath, body, and culinary products. Visitors can also explore Victor’s Lavender Farm, Purple Haze Lavender Farm, Graysmarsh Berry Farm and Lavender, and Kitty B’s Lavender Farm, each offering a unique perspective on the area’s lavender heritage.
Peak bloom typically arrives in mid-July and coincides with the annual Sequim Lavender Festival. This beloved summer event features artisan vendors, live music, lavender harvesting demonstrations, locally crafted products, and opportunities to tour blooming farms throughout the region.
A Comfortable Stay Near Sequim Lavender Farms
After a day of exploring Sequim Lavender Farms, retreat to a peaceful waterfront cottage overlooking Dungeness Bay. Our boutique Sequim Hotel is unique and provides a relaxing alternative to traditional lodging, offering private beach access, mountain views, and thoughtfully appointed accommodations designed for comfort and privacy.
Guests begin each day with a freshly prepared hot breakfast delivered directly to their cottage. On-site activities include kayaking and paddleboarding from the private beach, while nearby attractions offer even more opportunities to experience the Olympic Peninsula. Whether you are planning a summer weekend getaway focused on lavender blooms or exploring the many things to do in Sequim, our cottages provide the perfect home base for your adventure. Book your stay today and experience the beauty of Sequim Lavender at its seasonal best.
Spend Time at The Beach This Summer
Best Duluth Beaches to Explore Near Park Point
Summer is the perfect time to discover Duluth Beaches, where Lake Superior’s expansive shoreline creates one of the most memorable waterfront experiences in the Midwest. From wide sandy stretches to scenic rocky shorelines, these Minnesota beaches offer exceptional opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, hiking, and relaxation. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there are plenty of things to do in Duluth that pair perfectly with a day by the water.
Park Point Duluth is often the first stop for visitors exploring the area. Located on Minnesota Point, this remarkable freshwater sandbar extends for seven miles and offers spacious beaches, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and panoramic Lake Superior views. On warm summer days, visitors can spend hours enjoying the shoreline, watching ships pass through the harbor, or exploring the surrounding trails.
Minnesota Point offers much more than beach access. The area combines sandy shoreline, protected natural habitats, walking trails, and excellent views of Superior Bay. The Park Point Trail leads visitors through dunes, forested areas, and bird habitat before reaching the Superior Entry, creating a unique outdoor experience within city limits.
Additional Duluth Beaches worth visiting include Franklin Square Beach and Lafayette Park Beach, both located along Minnesota Point. For a different perspective of Lake Superior, Brighton Beach provides a scenic shoreline with smooth rocks, shallow pools, and beautiful North Shore views. Visitors seeking warmer swimming conditions may also enjoy Pike Lake, located a short drive from downtown Duluth.
After relaxing on Duluth Beaches, visitors can explore Canal Park, watch freighters pass beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge, browse local shops, or drive Skyline Parkway for sweeping views of the city and lake. With so many things to do in Duluth and easy access to some of the most scenic Minnesota beaches, a summer stay offers recreation, relaxation, and waterfront beauty.
Stay at a Lakefront Duluth Bed and Breakfast
After exploring the shoreline, retreat to a welcoming Duluth Bed and Breakfast overlooking Lake Superior. Solglimt offers a rare lakefront setting where guests can enjoy unobstructed water views, direct beach access, and a gourmet breakfast each morning. The property’s gardens, peaceful atmosphere, and attentive hospitality create an ideal complement to a summer visit.
Spring Bike Tours in the Columbia River Gorge
Best Bike the Gorge Tours in the Columbia River Gorge
Biking is one of the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, and spring is an ideal time to plan a Bike the Gorge weekend in the Columbia River Gorge, where changing landscapes and mild conditions create a rewarding ride. Mornings begin cool and afternoons stay comfortable, making it easy to spend a full day exploring bike trails in the Columbia Gorge. Routes wind past basalt cliffs, waterfalls, orchard-lined roads, and wide river views, offering steady variety without overwhelming terrain.
Riding with Bike the Gorge simplifies your biking adventures. Their Columbia River Gorge bike tour options remove the need to plan routes or manage logistics, so you can focus on the ride itself. Cruise sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, including the Mosier twin tunnels, and explore ebike trails near Portland with confidence. E-bikes make longer distances approachable, especially when climbing or riding into headwinds.
Bike the Gorge pairs quality equipment with local insight to help match each rider to the right Columbia Gorge bike trail. Whether you prefer a scenic cruise, a historic route, or a relaxed day on the saddle, their team ensures a smooth experience. Their tours often highlight the Historic Columbia River Highway corridor, where classic viewpoints and access points connect to some of the region’s most recognized stretches.
Beyond guided rides, there are additional Columbia River Gorge bike trail options to explore. Ride near Hood River with access to the Mosier twin tunnels, follow the Hood River Waterfront Trail for an easy riverside route, or venture to the Klickitat Trail for a gradual, forested ride. The Columbia River Dike Trail in The Dalles offers a flat alternative, while routes near Cascade Locks connect back to the Historic Columbia River Highway.
A Weekend at Our Hood River Cabins
Carson Ridge Cabins offers a refined option among Hood River cabins, located just across the Bridge of the Gods on the Washington side of the river. This quieter setting provides a natural reset after a full day of riding the Columbia Gorge bike trails. The property balances proximity to Bike the Gorge tours and nearby routes with a setting that encourages slower mornings and restful evenings.
Begin the day with coffee outdoors, spend hours exploring bike trails in the Columbia Gorge, and return for a quiet evening surrounded by fresh air and open space. For a well-rounded Bike the Gorge weekend that includes both activity and downtime, booking a stay here brings the entire experience together.
Spring Birding at Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin
Best Midwest Birdwatching Weekend at Horicon Marsh
Spring transforms Horicon Marsh into one of the most rewarding birding destinations in the Midwest. As the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin plays a vital role in seasonal migrations and offers birdwatchers front-row access to one of nature’s most impressive displays. Located within easy reach of Madison and Milwaukee, this protected wetland is an ideal choice for a spring weekend getaway centered around birding, outdoor exploration, and relaxation.
The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 22,000 acres and supports over 300 recorded bird species. Spring migration, especially from mid-April through mid-May, brings a remarkable variety of birds to the marsh. Watch for sandhill cranes, white pelicans, great blue herons, waterfowl, and colorful warblers as they stop to rest and refuel. The mix of wetlands, prairie, and woodland habitats makes every visit unique, whether you are a seasoned birder or simply enjoy spending time outdoors.
Beyond birdwatching, Horicon Marsh offers miles of hiking trails, including an accessible boardwalk that provides close-up views of the marsh ecosystem. The Wild Goose State Trail runs along the western edge of the marsh and is popular with cyclists and walkers who want sweeping views of the landscape. Paddling the Horicon Marsh Canoe Trail or joining a guided boat tour adds another perspective, offering opportunities to observe birds and wildlife from the water. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin.
Where to Stay Near Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin
A spring weekend near Horicon Marsh is best enjoyed with a stay at one of the welcoming bed and breakfasts in Wisconsin. Inns near Horicon offer comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and knowledgeable hosts who are happy to share local tips for birding and nearby attractions. Staying at a bed and breakfast allows you to slow down, enjoy a homemade breakfast, and make the most of early morning and evening bird activity.
Horicon Marsh also serves as a great base for exploring other places to visit in Wisconsin, including Kettle Moraine State Forest, Devil’s Lake State Park, and scenic riverways. With outstanding birding, varied outdoor activities, and inviting places to stay, Horicon Marsh delivers one of the best spring birdwatching weekends in the Midwest.