What To See & Do
Things to Do in Stillwater
Explore Historic Stillwater on the Best Stillwater Trolley Tour
A ride on the Stillwater Trolley is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Minnesota’s first town. As the trolley winds through historic streets lined with Victorian-era architecture, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the stories, landmarks, and local character that have shaped Stillwater into one of the Midwest’s most beloved riverfront destinations. For visitors planning romantic getaways in MN, this classic attraction offers an engaging introduction to the city and its rich history.
The Stillwater Trolley tour provides a narrated journey through downtown and the surrounding historic neighborhoods. Along the way, guests pass beautifully preserved homes, notable landmarks, and scenic views of the St. Croix River. Local guides share fascinating stories about Stillwater’s lumber industry roots, influential residents, and the events that helped establish the city as a significant part of Minnesota history.
Visitors looking for a different perspective on the city can also take the popular ghost trolley tour in the fall. Featuring local legends and theatrical storytelling, the evening experience adds intrigue to Stillwater’s fascinating past.
Beyond the trolley, there are countless things to do in Stillwater MN. Visitors can browse antique shops, enjoy local wine tasting at St. Croix Vineyards, stroll along the riverfront, or explore Lowell Park and the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge. During the summer season, outdoor dining, live music, and community events create an inviting atmosphere throughout downtown.
Stay at a Historic Stillwater Hotel
After a day of exploring, Water Street Inn offers an exceptional place to unwind. Located directly on the St. Croix River, this historic Stillwater Hotel combines timeless character with a prime downtown location. Guests enjoy easy access to shops, restaurants, attractions, and riverfront walking paths, all within a short distance of the trolley departure area.
For couples planning romantic getaways in MN, the experience is especially memorable. Victorian-inspired accommodations, river views, and the glow of the Lift Bridge after sunset create an ideal setting for reconnecting and enjoying time together. The hotel’s historic charm complements the atmosphere that makes Stillwater such a sought-after destination.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend escape, a summer vacation, or a special occasion, the Stillwater Trolley remains one of the best ways to discover the city. Pair your trolley adventure with a stay at a historic Stillwater Hotel and see why Stillwater continues to be a favorite destination for romantic getaways in MN.
Things to do on Anastasia Island near St Augustine
Best Fort Matanzas Weekend Trip in St. Augustine
Take a trip to Fort Matanzas to explore one of the most historically significant sites along Florida’s coast. Located just south of St. Augustine, Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves a coquina stone watchtower built in 1742 to defend the southern approach to the city. While smaller than other forts in Florida, allows for a less crowded visit, making it a great addition to your itinerary.
Reaching the fort is part of the experience. The Fort Matanzas Ferry departs from Anastasia Island and carries visitors across the Matanzas River in a brief ride that highlights the strategic importance of the location. Because ferry capacity is limited, arriving earlier in the day helps ensure a smoother visit, especially during busier travel periods.
Once inside Matanzas Fort, you can explore the compact interior and climb to the upper level for views of the surrounding marsh and waterways. Rangers are often there to offer insight into how the fort functioned within Spain’s defensive network and why this Fort Matanzas National Historic Landmark remains so well preserved today.
The surrounding grounds offer additional ways to spend your time. Boardwalk trails wind through maritime forest and along the river, creating opportunities for a relaxed walk that complements the historical experience. The Visitor’s Center on the mainland side further enhances your visit with exhibits detailing construction methods and regional history.
Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine
Pairing your visit with a stay at Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast creates a well-rounded weekend in St. Augustine. Located near the city’s historic district, this Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine offers convenient access to top attractions while maintaining a refined and comfortable setting. Each of the seven guest rooms is thoughtfully designed for couples, providing a quiet place to recharge after a day of exploration.
Guests can expect personalized touches that elevate the stay, including fresh flowers, evening desserts, and a nightly glass of Sherry. A daily breakfast and hosted social hour add to the experience and local recommendations make planning simple. Booking directly ensures you can fully enjoy both the history of Fort Matanzas and the comfort of a well-appointed retreat close to all the best things to do in St. Augustine.
Things to Do on San Juan Island
Explore Friday Harbor Shops on Your Getaway
Friday Harbor is a central hub for visitors for many things to do on San Juan Island, and its shopping scene reflects the character of this coastal destination. Located in downtown Friday Harbor, the area offers a walkable collection of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, all within close proximity to the waterfront and San Juan Island ferry terminal. Exploring Friday Harbor shops is an enjoyable way to spend part of your weekend, whether you are browsing for locally made goods or searching for a special keepsake from your trip.
Friday Harbor shopping stands out for its variety. Locally owned shops feature coastal-inspired home décor, clothing, books, and specialty foods. Shops such as Be Chic Boutique offer modern apparel and accessories, while Griffin Bay Bookstore combines a curated book selection with a café experience. Families often stop by The Toy Box for creative toys and games, and those interested in home accents can explore Pebble for thoughtfully selected goods. Art-focused stops like Printshop Northwest highlight regional craftsmanship, while Island Collective and Deer Hazel showcase products from local makers.
Stay Near Friday Harbor Shops
Choosing the right Friday Harbor Hotels makes it easy for you to explore downtown Friday Harbor. Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites provide convenient access to the area’s shops, dining, and waterfront attractions. Located within walking distance of Friday Harbor shops, these lodging options make it easy for you to revisit favorite stores or discover new ones throughout your stay.
Guests can select from a range of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and private cottages suited for couples, families, and pet-friendly travel. Amenities such as breakfast delivered to your room and concierge services simplify planning and add comfort to your San Juan Island getaway. After a day spent exploring Friday Harbor shops, returning to a well-appointed space near downtown allows for a relaxed evening and easy access to nearby dining options.
Things to Do on the Oregon Coast This Summer
Oregon Coast Music Festival: A Unique Summer Trip
The Oregon Coast Music Festival brings a distinctive rhythm to the southern coast each summer, combining live performance with the natural setting of Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, and Charleston. For travelers planning a unique coast getaway, this long-running event offers more than a typical concert experience. It creates an immersive way to explore Oregon festivals while enjoying one of the most scenic regions in the Pacific Northwest.
Held each July, the Oregon Coast Music Festival features a two-week schedule of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances. Events take place in a variety of venues, from formal auditoriums to intimate coastal settings. Visitors can attend orchestral programs, smaller ensemble concerts, and free preview seminars that introduce performers and repertoire. This range of programming makes it easy to build a flexible itinerary that blends music with time outdoors.
Bandon stands out for travelers searching for things to do on the Oregon Coast. Southern Oregon Beaches offer wide stretches of sand, sea stacks, and tide pools, while Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint provides one of the most recognizable coastal views in Oregon. Old Town Bandon adds a walkable district with local galleries, seafood restaurants, and independent shops. Whether you are traveling as a couple or with family, the area supports both relaxed exploration and activity-based days.
Bandon Oregon Hotels Near the Festival
Choosing the right place to stay is essential during the busy summer season. Many visitors look for Bandon Oregon hotels that provide both proximity to festival venues and access to the coast. A well-located hotel allows you to move easily between concerts, local attractions, and downtime by the ocean.
Guests can begin the day with a complimentary breakfast before heading to scheduled performances, then return for a quieter evening to enjoy private beach access, indoor amenities like a pool, and comfortable guest rooms. With high demand during July, reserving early ensures availability and allows you to fully experience the Oregon Coast Music Festival without last-minute planning concerns.
Thousands of Monarchs Pass Through Granbury Each Fall
Monarch Butterfly Festival
Every fall, a small Hood County garden becomes a rest stop for one of nature’s great travelers. The Monarch Butterfly Festival in Granbury, known locally as Romancing the Monarch, draws visitors who want to watch thousands of orange and black butterflies pause on their way south to Mexico. It has become one of the more anticipated fall dates on the Granbury calendar.
If you are planning a getaway around the festival, you are also likely looking for other things to do in Granbury, TX to round out the weekend. That is easy here. The historic square sits within walking distance of the garden, meaning you can take in a lot of the small town charm without needing to get in the car.
What to Expect at the Monarch Butterfly Festival
The festival takes place at the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden on West Pearl Street, typically on the first Saturday of October in the early afternoon. General admission is free. Inside the garden, volunteers plant only the host and nectar species monarchs rely on, and guests can learn to tell a monarch from a look-alike, watch volunteers net and tag butterflies for Monarch Watch, and, for a small fee, take part in a live butterfly release. Arrive close to opening if you want the shortest line for the release and the best light for photos, since the garden is lovely but not large.
Granbury’s Spot on the Monarch Butterfly Migration Route
Granbury sits directly on the monarch butterfly migration route between Canada and central Mexico, which is why the town has become a dependable stopover each fall. Local gardeners and civic leaders have spent years planting milkweed and pollinator habitat across Hood County and partnering with Monarch Watch to track the monarch butterfly migration in Texas in real time. The festival is the public celebration of that quieter, year-round conservation work, not a one-off event.
More Fall Festivals to Round Out Your Trip
October keeps going after the last butterfly is released. Granbury Oktoberfest fills the historic square the first weekend of the month with food, music, and a biergarten atmosphere. A few weeks later, the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts brings juried artists, a Texas wine stroll, and live music back to the square.
Your Home Base for a Fall Festival Getaway in Granbury, TX
A festival like this deserves a comfortable landing spot, and Inn on Lake Granbury puts you close enough to walk into the action downtown while still giving you a lakefront retreat to return to each evening. Their rooms, suites, and private guest house sit on three acres along the water, with an award-winning gourmet breakfast each morning and chef’s choice appetizers and wine delivered to your room each evening. Our Bed and Breakfast in Granbury, TX makes it simple to spend your day chasing butterflies and your evening unwinding by the saltwater pool. Check availability and reserve your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Monarch Butterfly Festival in Granbury, TX?
The festival is held on the first Saturday of October in the early afternoon at the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden.
Is the Monarch Butterfly Festival free to attend?
General admission is free. A small registration fee applies if you want to take part in the live butterfly release.
What is the monarch butterfly migration route through Texas?
Monarchs pass through Texas as part of their broader migration route between Canada and central Mexico, and Granbury sits directly along that corridor, which is part of why the town has become a fall gathering point for the species.
What other fall festivals happen in Granbury around the same time?
Granbury’s Oktoberfest and the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts both take place on the historic square in October, making it easy to combine multiple events into one visit.
Where should I stay for a fall festival getaway in Granbury?
A lakefront property within walking distance of downtown, such as our Bed and Breakfast in Granbury TX lets you enjoy the festival and the square without needing a car for the weekend.
Try One of These Day Trips Near Mystic, Connecticut
The Best Things to Do Near Mystic CT for Easy Day Trips
Mystic is a smart home base for exploring southeastern Connecticut and nearby Rhode Island, especially if you want a mix of maritime history, walkable downtown energy, and day trips that do not require a long drive. There are a lot of great towns, attractions, and other things to do near Mystic, CT!
Between the drawbridge, Mystic Seaport Museum, and Mystic Aquarium, you can easily fill your mornings close to town. There are more than enough things to do in Mystic, CT. When you’re looking for more, though, branch out to some of the region’s most interesting coastal and riverfront destinations.
One of the best things to do near Mystic CT is heading to nearby Stonington Borough, a compact historic district with a waterfront you can explore on foot. Its harbor views and preserved streetscape make it a simple add-on to a Mystic itinerary, particularly if you want time for a slow walk, a few local shops, and a meal with water views.
For a classic shoreline change of pace, head east to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, where beaches, ocean scenery, and a lighthouse define the experience. If you prefer a larger destination with more to see in one day, then one of the best things to do near Mystic is drive along the coast to Newport, Rhode Island. Newport brings mansion tours, harbor energy, and the Cliff Walk, all within reasonable reach for a full-day outing.
For something distinctively Connecticut, you’ll find that one of the best things to do near Mystic is to explore Gillette Castle State Park. This unique attraction pairs an unusual historic home with elevated views above the Connecticut River, plus trails that make the stop feel active without being strenuous. Nearby, the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers a vintage rail journey followed by a river cruise, which is ideal if you want structured, easy sightseeing. Continue toward the coast to spend time in Old Saybrook, where you can combine shops and shoreline views, including an elevated boardwalk through coastal marshland and perspectives toward the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse.
Where to Stay For Your Downtown Mystic Getaways
When you want to keep logistics simple, staying in the center of town makes every plan easier. The Whalers Inn is an upscale boutique hotel in downtown Mystic, close to the waterfront and the village’s core sights, which helps you balance in-town exploring with day trips around the region. If your goal is to cover more than one destination without constant backtracking, it is a convenient base for a well-rounded Connecticut itinerary. Book your stay directly and keep your schedule focused on exploring, not driving.
Ultimate List of the Best Things to Do in Juneau, AK
Best Things to Do in Juneau for a Unique Alaska Trip
Juneau delivers a rare blend of rugged wilderness, rich culture, and easy access to unforgettable experiences, making it one of the most rewarding destinations in Alaska. Whether you arrive through the Juneau cruise port or by air, the variety of things to do in Juneau, AK, ensures every visit feels personal, immersive, and memorable.
Glacier viewing tops the list for many travelers, and Mendenhall Glacier offers an incredible introduction to Alaska’s expansive wilderness. Just minutes from downtown Juneau, the glacier features walking trails, waterfalls, and frequent wildlife sightings. Whale watching is another unforgettable experience. Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, with guided tours often spotting orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles along the way.
For sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and waterways, the Mount Roberts Tramway provides a dramatic perspective just above the city. At the summit, visitors can explore alpine trails, learn about local ecology, or just enjoy the scenery. Flightseeing tours take the experience even further, offering aerial views of glaciers, icefields, and remote wilderness that showcase Alaska’s scale like nothing else.
Downtown Juneau adds depth to the adventure. Local galleries, museums, and restaurants line walkable streets, making it easy to enjoy the city between excursions. Sampling fresh seafood, browsing local shops, and learning about Alaska’s history all contribute to a well-rounded itinerary. Cultural stops like the Alaska State Museum offer insight into Native heritage and the state’s journey to becoming part of the United States.
Stay at One of the Top Boutique Hotels in Juneau, Alaska
After full days of exploration in The Last Frontier, returning to a comfortable place to stay enhances the experience. Alaska’s Capital Inn is one of the only boutique hotels in Juneau, Alaska, offering historic charm and thoughtful hospitality. Located in a restored downtown mansion, the inn places guests close to the best things to do in Alaska while providing a welcoming retreat.
With personalized service, comfortable and homey guest rooms, and a generous and hearty breakfast to start the day, reserve your ideal home base for discovering everything Juneau has to offer. As one of the top-rated boutique hotels in Juneau, AK, you’ll see why our guests return time and again.
Unbeatable Views at the Top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Explore Florida’s Coast at the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse stands as one of the most recognized landmarks along Florida’s historic coast, offering a compelling mix of panoramic views, maritime history, and interactive exhibits. Located on Anastasia Island, this active aid to navigation dates back to 1874 and remains an essential part of the region’s identity. Visitors who climb the 219-step spiral staircase are rewarded with sweeping views of St. Augustine, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the surrounding beaches.
Beyond the tower, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum provides a deeper look into the area’s maritime heritage. The Keepers’ House features hands-on exhibits, including artifacts from a documented 1782 British loyalist shipwreck. Additional structures across the property highlight the evolution of coastal industries and the people who shaped them. For those interested in craftsmanship, Heritage Boatworks offers a close-up look at traditional wooden boat building, led by dedicated volunteer boatwrights.
Guided experiences and local tours add another dimension to a visit. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Tour shares detailed historical insights, while the Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour explores the site’s more mysterious stories. These tours provide context and storytelling that extend beyond the standard self-guided climb.
Visitors can also explore the Maritime Hammock Nature Trails, which wind through native Florida landscapes and offer a quieter way to experience the grounds. Nearby, Anastasia State Park provides additional opportunities for coastal walks and beach access, making it easy to turn a lighthouse visit into a full afternoon outing. It won’t take you long to see why a visit to this historical gem is one of the best things to do in St. Augustine.Â
Walkable Lodging at Our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast
For those planning a weekend stay, choosing a Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine FL places you close to both the lighthouse and the city’s historic district. The St. Francis Inn offers a location that balances accessibility with a quieter setting just off the main streets. Guests can expect thoughtfully designed rooms, a courtyard garden, and amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and fire pit. A notable inclusion is complimentary admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse, adding convenience and value to your visit.
Unique Events: The Exeter UFO Festival!
Best Exeter UFO Festival Guide for a Unique Weekend
Every Labor Day weekend, downtown Exeter becomes the center of one of New England’s most unusual and entertaining events, the Exeter UFO Festival. Drawing visitors from across the country, the festival combines history, mystery, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities into a memorable, unique getaway in southern New Hampshire. Whether you are a longtime UFO enthusiast or simply looking for new things to do in Exeter, the festival offers an experience unlike any other.
The Exeter UFO Festival commemorates the famous 1965 “Incident at Exeter,” one of the most well-known UFO sightings in American history. What began as a local report involving teenager Norman Muscarello and Exeter police officers soon gained national attention and remains a topic of fascination today. The festival celebrates this event with expert speakers, podcasters, historical presentations, and guided trolley tours that explore the area connected to the original sighting.
Throughout the weekend, downtown Exeter comes alive with themed activities and entertainment. Visitors can browse festival vendors, shop for souvenirs, enjoy alien-inspired food and drinks, and participate in popular events such as the Alien Costume Contest, Alien Pet Contest, and Saturday parade. Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, including crafts, games, face painting, refreshments, and a free dance party.
In addition to the festival, Exeter offers plenty of opportunities to extend your stay. Spend time exploring locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, and scenic walking paths along the Exeter River. History lovers can discover the town’s rich heritage through downtown walking tours, while visitors looking for local flavor can visit nearby breweries and dining destinations. There are always plenty of things to do in Exeter, NH.
Stay in Luxury at Inn By The Bandstand
Located in the heart of downtown Exeter, Inn By The Bandstand is the most luxurious of Exeter Hotels, and provides the ideal home base for festival weekend. Guests enjoy easy walking access to festival activities while returning each evening to refined accommodations that blend historic New England character with modern comforts. Thoughtfully appointed guestrooms feature luxurious bedding, elegant furnishings, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Start your day with an elevated à la carte breakfast featuring fresh-squeezed juices, handcrafted coffees, omelets, house-made granola, smoked salmon toast, and French toast. Guests can also enjoy an exceptional dining experience at Ambrose Restaurant, located on-site and known for its contemporary shared plates, craft cocktails, and locally inspired cuisine. Accommodations fill quickly during the Exeter UFO Festival, making early reservations highly recommended for this popular NH event in Exeter.