What To See & Do
Mississippi Road Trip
Best Memphis to New Orleans Road Trip Stops
A Memphis to New Orleans road trip is one of the great American drives with music, rivers, history, and food at every turn. While you can push through in a single day, take your time to explore places to see in Mississippi.
Stop at the National Civil Rights Museum before leaving Memphis, then let Highway 61 pull you south through wide stretches of farmland and small Delta towns. Clarksdale is worth a detour; this is the heart of blues country, where you can catch live music or stand at the legendary crossroads of Highways 61 and 49 before rolling on.
Where to Stop: Vicksburg
Roughly halfway between Memphis and New Orleans, Vicksburg earns more than a quick exit ramp. Break up your drive here and you’ll find a city that rewards the extra time.
Start with Vicksburg National Military Park, where 1,800 acres of rolling countryside hold over 1,400 monuments and memorials marking one of the Civil War’s most decisive sieges. The USS Cairo Museum, free with park admission, tells the remarkable story of the ironclad gunboat raised from the Yazoo River after a century underwater. History buffs could easily spend a full morning here.
Downtown, the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum offers a fascinating look at river life, including a walk-through replica of a Mississippi towboat and a working river control room simulation. Admission is free. Afterward, stroll along the riverfront floodwall, where a series of large-scale murals painted trace Vicksburg’s past in vivid color. It’s a surprisingly moving outdoor gallery.
Washington Street brings you galleries, local boutiques, and dining. For a rooftop drink with river views as the afternoon light shifts over the water, 10 South Rooftop Restaurant and Bar delivers. Key City Brewery is another local favorite worth a stop. There’s a surprising variety of things to do in Vicksburg MS!
Overnight at Oak Hall, a Boutique Hotel in Vicksburg Mississippi with a private pool in a historic residential neighborhood that’s a world away from the interstate.
Continuing south, Natchez offers antebellum homes and bluff views before the landscape begins its slow Louisiana shift into moss-draped trees, wider skies, and the first hints of Creole architecture. By the time New Orleans appears, you’ll have experienced some of the best things to do in Mississippi as a couple.
Mystic River Boat Tours
Best Mystic River Cruises and Seaport Boat Tours
Mystic River Cruises offer one of the most engaging ways to experience coastal Connecticut during the summer. After exploring the exhibits and historic ships at Mystic Seaport, get out on the water for a different perspective on the region’s maritime heritage. These Mystic Seaport boat tours showcase working vessels, drawbridges, and shoreline landmarks that define this historic harbor.
There are several ways to experience Mystic River boat tours, each offering a distinct vantage point. Aboard the Sabino, a preserved steamboat and National Historic Landmark, guests can choose between a 30-minute narrated Uptown River Tour or a 90-minute Downriver Cruise that passes through the iconic Bascule Bridge. These seasonal tours typically operate from late spring through mid-October, perfect for summer visits. Evening experiences, including select music cruises, provide an additional way to enjoy the river.
The Mystic Express provides a narrated journey along the river with views of historic vessels and waterfront landmarks, offering a convenient connection to Mystic Seaport. Sailing enthusiasts may prefer a quieter ride aboard the Crosby Catboat Breck Marshall, which highlights traditional techniques. Visitors seeking flexibility can explore boat rental in Mystic CT through the Seaport Boathouse, with options including rowboats, sailboats, and pedal boats for self-guided outings.
Beyond the museum, additional boat rides in Connecticut include schooner sails, kayaking, and paddleboarding, all contributing to the variety of things to do in Mystic CT. Downtown Mystic offers independent shops, waterfront dining, and easy daytrips to nearby coastal destinations.
Stay at the Best Mystic Hotel: The Whalers Inn
The Whalers Inn places guests within walking distance of these attractions, allowing for a seamless summer itinerary. After a day on the water, returning to a well-appointed room in the center of town offers both comfort and convenience. With direct access to Mystic Seaport, local dining, and riverfront activities, this Mystic Hotel is the best choice for your getaway.
Notre Dame Gameday Weekend: A Fall Itinerary From Friday to Sunday
How to Plan a Full Notre Dame Gameday Weekend
A Notre Dame gameday lasts one afternoon or evening, but the best trips to South Bend stretch across three days. Arrive Friday, spend Saturday on campus and in the tailgate lots, and leave Sunday after a proper breakfast. Four home games remain on the 2026 Notre Dame football schedule, starting with Stanford on October 10, so there is still time to turn your Notre Dame football tickets into a complete fall getaway.
Friday: Settle In and Walk Downtown
Friday is the quiet night of the weekend. Dinner reservations are easier to find, and downtown South Bend is compact enough to explore entirely on foot. From Brickhaven Inn, guests can walk to more than 48 bars and restaurants.
For dinner, Ciao’s serves Italian Wednesday through Saturday evenings, and its weekly special pasta is finished tableside in a parmesan wheel. No. 6 Scratch Kitchen, housed in the former Fire Station No. 6, posts a new menu every afternoon and never repeats it. Afterward, Fiddler’s Hearth pours a proper Irish pint a short walk away.
Saturday Morning on Campus
Start with the inn’s chef-selected, three-course plated breakfast, then head to campus. The Golden Dome and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are worth seeing even if you have attended a dozen games, and the quads fill with fans in blue, gold, and green by late morning. A 3:30 p.m. kickoff leaves a comfortable morning, while a 7:30 p.m. night game gives you most of the day.
Notre Dame Tailgate Tips for First-Timers
A Notre Dame tailgate feels like a campus-wide reunion, with grills going, flags raised, and families returning to the same spot they have claimed for decades. Plan to reach the lots two to three hours before kickoff so you can wander, eat, and still reach your seat without rushing.
Gameday parking near the stadium generally requires a pre-purchased parking pass, which is one more reason to leave your car at the inn. Brickhaven sits about 2.5 miles from Notre Dame Stadium, a manageable walk on a cool afternoon or a short rideshare.
Once inside, take your seat early. Notre Dame Stadium holds 77,622 fans, and the marching band’s pregame performance and the team’s entrance are moments you will want to see in person. Pack layers, especially for the two November night games, when temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Where to Stay for a Notre Dame Football Game
Where you sleep determines how much of this itinerary you actually enjoy. Brickhaven Inn is an 1872 Second Empire mansion in the West Washington Historic District, next door to Tippecanoe Place. Its six guest rooms, including three suites, feature luxury mattresses with adjustable bases, blackout curtains, and white noise machines, which matter after a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The Butler’s Pantry is stocked with coffee, snacks, and fresh-baked goods around the clock, and off-street parking with a Level 2 EV charger is complimentary.
Hotels near Notre Dame Stadium fill months ahead of marquee matchups such as Miami, so reserve your room as soon as your tickets are confirmed.
Saturday Night in Downtown South Bend
Win or lose, downtown fills quickly after the final whistle. Corby’s Irish Pub is the bar where Rudy drank in the movie, The Exchange pours whisky and craft cocktails inside a historic bank, and Ivy Alley Social House, the closest bar to the inn, has duckpin bowling lanes. Each is walkable, so no one in your group has to drive.
Sunday Breakfast Before the Drive Home
Sunday is the reward for the whole weekend. The crowds have thinned, and breakfast is plated in the dining room, with dietary restrictions and food allergies gladly accommodated. If time allows before checkout, linger in the library, which holds more than 200 board games, or take a second cup of coffee to the covered patio.
If you are comparing hotels in South Bend, Indiana, for a home game this fall, book your room directly with Brickhaven Inn and plan the entire weekend from one historic address.
Notre Dame Gameday FAQ
What time is the Notre Dame football game?
The remaining 2026 home games kick off at 3:30 p.m. for Stanford on October 10 and Boston College on November 14, and at 7:30 p.m. for Miami on November 7 and SMU on November 21. All times are Eastern, and every home game airs on NBC and Peacock.
When is the next Notre Dame football game at home?
The next home game on the 2026 schedule is Stanford on Saturday, October 10, at Notre Dame Stadium.
What should I wear to a Notre Dame football game?
Wear layers. South Bend fall afternoons can feel warm in the sun and turn cold once the wind picks up, and November night games call for a real coat, gloves, and a hat.
Where should I stay for a Notre Dame football game?
Stay downtown if you want to walk to dinner and bars all weekend. Brickhaven Inn is about 2.5 miles from the stadium and within walking distance of more than 48 downtown bars and restaurants.
Observe Raptors at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Watch the Fall Migration
Every fall, the ridgeline above Kempton, Pennsylvania fills with wings. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the world’s first refuge built specifically for birds of prey, sits along the Appalachian flyway, and from mid-August through November it becomes a flight path for thousands of migrating raptors. If you’re planning a wildlife getaway in eastern Pennsylvania this season, staying at The South Mountain Inn puts you less than an hour from the sanctuary.
When the Hawk Migration Builds
The season arrives in stages rather than all at once. Bald eagles are usually the first to appear, often by mid-August, with osprey migration and American kestrels moving through around the same window. By mid-September, broad-winged hawks take over the skies, frequently traveling in large, swirling groups called kettles that can number in the hundreds.
Sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks, and golden eagles round out the season into October and November, and Hawk Mountain’s counters have recorded as many as sixteen raptor species passing overhead in a single day. Late October tends to bring the widest variety of species at once, and the best viewing usually comes on days with northwest winds following a cold front, since raptors ride those air currents most efficiently. Most sightings happen between 8 am and 5 pm.
The Hawk Count Behind the Sanctuary’s Reputation
Hawk Mountain has run an official hawk count every fall since 1934, making it the longest continuous raptor migration record in the world. The count runs each year from August 15 through December 15, with staff and volunteers stationed at North Lookout daily to identify and tally what passes overhead. A typical season brings around 18,000 raptors past the lookout, with single-day peaks near 3,000 birds in late September. The data has shaped raptor conservation research for decades. Rachel Carson even drew on Hawk Mountain’s numbers as evidence in Silent Spring, which tells you how much weight this small mountain carries in the birding world.
Raptors Worth Watching For
Broad-winged hawks and red-tailed hawks tend to soar in large groups and are among the most commonly spotted birds of the season. Sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks fly with quicker, more direct wingbeats, while falcons like the American kestrel, merlin, and peregrine falcon add speed to the mix. Bald eagles and golden eagles are the sightings most visitors hope for, and turkey vultures and black vultures drift past on thermals throughout the season.
Fall Foliage Pennsylvania Travelers Plan Trips Around
Part of what makes this trip worthwhile is the timing. Fall foliage in this part of Pennsylvania tends to peak alongside the migration, so broad-winged hawks and osprey often glide over ridgelines covered in red and gold. Volunteers are stationed at the lookouts throughout the season and are glad to help newcomers spot and identify what’s flying overhead, so no birding experience is necessary.
Your Home Base for This Wildlife Getaway
Staying at The South Mountain Inn, our Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania that guests return to year after year, is the perfect base for a hawk-watching weekend. The inn sits on seven wooded acres with sweeping valley views, and each morning starts with fresh coffee delivered to your door followed by a full breakfast, including vegan and gluten-free options. After a day at Hawk Mountain, unwind on the porch or book one of their experience packages, from guided hikes to paddling at Blue Marsh Lake.
Reserve your stay at The South Mountain Inn and make Hawk Mountain part of your weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hawk Mountain Sanctuary located?
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary sits along the Appalachian flyway near Kempton, Pennsylvania, less than an hour from The South Mountain Inn.
What is the hawk count at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?
Hawk Mountain has tracked an official hawk count every fall since 1934, averaging around 18,000 raptors counted each season between August 15 and December 15.
When is the best time to see the hawk migration?
Bald eagles arrive first in mid-August, broad-winged hawks peak in mid-September, and late October typically brings the widest variety of species in a single day.
What can I expect to see during osprey migration season?
Osprey typically move through alongside bald eagles and American kestrels in mid to late August, ahead of the larger broad-winged hawk kettles in September.
Olympic Penisula Road Trip
Best Olympic Peninsula Loop Road Trip Guide
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is one of the best ways to experience the diversity of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. This Olympic National Park road trip connects forests, mountains, lakes, and coastline into a single, cohesive route. For visitors seeking an adventure-focused itinerary, the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive provides access to many of the most recognized places to visit in Olympic National Park while maintaining a logical and scenic flow.
Spanning roughly 330 miles, the drive is typically completed in two to three days, although extending the trip allows more time to explore Olympic National Park trails and coastal areas. Hurricane Ridge introduces sweeping mountain views and a range of accessible hiking options. Lake Crescent offers a quieter setting, with deep blue water and nearby trails leading to waterfalls such as Marymere Falls.
Further along the route, the Hoh Rain Forest presents a distinct landscape defined by dense greenery and moss-covered trees. Trails like the Hall of Mosses provide an immersive way to experience this environment. As the drive continues, Olympic National Park beaches including Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach showcase rugged shoreline features, sea stacks, and expansive ocean views.
The southern portion of the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive includes Kalaloch Beach and the Quinault Rain Forest, each adding new terrain and pacing to the journey. Hood Canal completes the loop with calm water views and forested surroundings, rounding out a comprehensive Olympic Peninsula road trip with a wide range of things to do in Olympic National Park.
Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park
Choosing the right lodging is essential when planning an Olympic Peninsula Loop adventure. Travel Experience Lodging offers well-positioned vacation rentals lodgings near Olympic National Park and the peninsula, placing you close to major trailheads, beaches, and scenic highlights. These properties provide a comfortable and refined environment, allowing you to move efficiently between destinations while maintaining a consistent level of quality throughout your stay.
One of the Best Blues Festivals In Wisconsin
Experience the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest in Wausau This Summer
The Big Bull Falls Blues Fest stands out as a unique summer highlight in Wausau, Wisconsin, drawing music fans from across the Midwest. Set for August 21 and 22, 2026, at Fern Island Park, this highly anticipated event brings together nationally recognized artists and regional talent for a full weekend of live blues. As one of the most talked-about Wausau events, it offers an engaging mix of music, food, and local culture in a scenic riverside setting.
Throughout the festival, multiple stages feature performances that span classic Chicago-style blues to modern electric sounds. Visitors can move easily between sets, discovering new artists while enjoying familiar favorites. The music begins in the early afternoon and continues into the evening, creating a steady rhythm that defines the experience. This is one of the most engaging blues festivals in Wisconsin.
The festival includes a wide selection of food vendors offering barbecue, sandwiches, cheese curds, and sweet treats. Local beverages and artisan vendors give visitors opportunities to explore handmade goods and festival merchandise. With thousands of attendees each year, planning ahead is essential, especially for those looking to make the most of their time in Wausau.
In addition to the festival, there are many things to do in Wausau, WI. Visitors can explore local restaurants, visit the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, or seek out nearby birding locations known for diverse wildlife. With its combination of cultural attractions and natural surroundings, Wausau continues to stand out as a destination for summer travel. Secure your plans early and experience the Big Bull Falls Blues Fest alongside a well-appointed stay.
Luxury Cabins Near Wausau for a Unique Stay
After a full day at the Wausau Blues Fest, retreat to private cabins in Wisconsin that offers comfort and seclusion. Located on 10 acres of forest, this luxury property provides a quiet escape with high-end finishes designed for relaxation. It is an ideal option for travelers seeking a unique Midwest getaway and peaceful place to recharge.
One of the Most Relaxing Weekend Getaways From Seattle
Best Weekend Getaways From Seattle for Couples
Planning romantic weekend getaways from Seattle becomes easy when the destination offers both natural beauty and a slower pace of life. Sequim, located on the Washington coast along the Olympic Peninsula, has become a favorite for couples looking to step away from the city and reconnect. With mountain views, waterfront scenery, and a welcoming small-town feel, it is an ideal setting for winter escapes, Valentine’s Day getaways, and anniversary weekends.
The journey itself sets the tone. In just over two hours, the landscape shifts from busy highways to open water, forested stretches, and wide coastal views. Once here, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Sequim to enjoy unhurried days together. Winter walks along the Dungeness Spit feel especially peaceful, while nearby Olympic National Park offers forest trails, scenic overlooks, and dramatic coastal views that feel far removed from everyday routines.
Sequim is also known for its charming downtown, where local shops, galleries, and tasting rooms invite relaxed afternoons indoors during the cooler months. Wine tasting, birdwatching, and scenic drives around the peninsula offer simple pleasures that make this area one of the most appealing places to visit near Seattle. These experiences are exactly why Sequim continues to rank among the best weekend trips from Seattle and one of the most romantic getaways in Washington State.
A Waterfront Sequim Hotel That Elevates Your Stay
Where you stay plays a big role in shaping your experience, and our waterfront boutique lodging in Sequim offers lodging that matches the mood of a romantic coastal escape. Each private cottage is designed for comfort and privacy, with sweeping water views that make even quiet moments feel special. Thoughtful amenities, cozy interiors, and attentive hospitality turn a short trip into something memorable.
Guests can enjoy breakfast delivered to their cottage, relax at the private beach, or warm up after winter adventures exploring Hurricane Ridge or the Olympic Peninsula. Select units include kitchenettes or private hot tubs, allowing couples to personalize their stay.
For couples searching for the best places for a weekend getaway, Sequim is hard to beat. Book your weekend getaways from Seattle and discover why this coastal town remains a winter favorite for romantic escapes.
One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Virginia
Where to Find Unique Places to Stay in Virginia
If you’re searching for unique places to stay in Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley belongs at the top of your list. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and just minutes from Shenandoah National Park, this region delivers the kind of scenery and experiences that turn a simple trip into a memorable getaway. Sweeping mountain views, quiet back roads, and easy access to outdoor adventure make the area especially appealing for couples looking to reconnect.
Choosing where to stay is what defines the experience. Instead of a standard hotel, travelers seeking unique getaways in Virginia are drawn to properties that feel personal, thoughtfully designed, and rooted in place. A stay here places you close to some of the best things to do in Virginia for couples, including scenic drives along Skyline Drive, hikes to waterfalls and overlooks, winery visits, and relaxed afternoons exploring charming mountain towns.
A Distinctive Stay in the Shenandoah Valley
Among the best unique places to stay in Virginia, Steeles Tavern Manor stands out for its blend of comfort, character, and location. Guests can choose between an elegant Bed and Breakfast experience or private romantic cabins, each offering space, privacy, and mountain views. Every detail is designed to feel intentional, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than generic.
Days in the Shenandoah Valley can be as active or as unhurried as you like. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, and exploring nearby national forests, while couples looking for a slower pace gravitate toward local wineries, farm markets, and scenic drives. Towns like Staunton and Lexington add culture and creativity with their locally owned shops, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scenes.
What truly makes this one of the best unique places to stay in Virginia is the balance between adventure and ease. After a day spent exploring the mountains, guests return to peaceful grounds, inviting porches, and fireside evenings that encourage conversation and connection. For couples planning weekend getaways in Virginia or longer romantic mountain getaways, the Shenandoah Valley offers a grounding experience.
One of the Most Unique Things to Do in Granbury
Best Brazos Drive In Weekend Escape Near Dallas
There are few places where a movie night feels like an event, but the Brazos Drive In continues to offer a nostalgic experience every summer. As the longest continuously operating drive-in theater in Texas, this local landmark offers classic nostalgia with modern conveniences, making it one of the most unique things to do in Granbury TX.
Located just a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Brazos Drive In welcomes guests looking for a memorable evening under the stars. With room for approximately 250 vehicles and modern high-definition projection, the theater provides a comfortable way to enjoy current releases and classic films alike. Guests can watch from the comfort of their vehicles or bring lawn chairs and relax outside while enjoying the warm Texas evening.
One of the biggest draws is the seasonal double-feature format. For a single admission price, visitors enjoy two movies, creating an affordable entertainment option for couples, families, and groups of friends. The concession stand offers movie-night favorites, including popcorn, candy, nachos, Frito Pie, and ice cream floats, or indulge in car-side service.
Before the show begins, visitors can spend the day exploring other Granbury attractions. From shopping and dining on the historic downtown square to enjoying water activities on Lake Granbury, there is no shortage of ways to fill a summer itinerary. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boat tours are all popular options for visitors seeking outdoor recreation.
Stay at One of the Premier Granbury Hotels
A visit to the Brazos Drive In becomes an even more memorable experience when paired with a stay at Inn on Lake Granbury. Among the most distinctive Granbury Hotels, our lakefront property offers beautifully appointed accommodations, manicured gardens, a heated pool, and personalized hospitality designed to help guests unwind.
Whether you are planning a unique summer getaway, a romantic escape, or a relaxing weekend away from the city, our boutique hotel provides the perfect home base. Spend the afternoon exploring Granbury and then head to the Brazos Drive In for a double feature beneath the Texas sky.
Book your stay at Inn on Lake Granbury and experience one of the most unique summer getaways in Texas.