Extraordinary Findings in the World of Travel Vol. 5 | Fall 2021
THE
USA ISSUE
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BUCKET LIST FOR SOLO TRAVELERS A NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP THE BEST RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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Publisher’s Letter
North Americans Are in Love With Their Cars North Americans are in love with their cars, and this year, that is a good thing. During the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the travel industry largely ground to a halt and few people were venturing beyond their local grocery store and pharmacy. Now, travel shows signs of awakening, and we are seeing it first in journeys made in automobiles, trips to the mountains, national parks, lakes, rivers, and to see autumn leaves. This issue of Terra Travelers is devoted to the great North American road trip. It is likely the increased interest in travel with family and the choice of outdoor venues, plus the record low gas prices in most states, are important factors. Travelers naturally feel they have more control of the travel environment in an automobile than they would in an airport or airplane with less contact with the public. Many have decided they can social distance while hitting the road. The road trip has long been a North American past time and, given the ongoing restrictions from the pandemic, a road trip that traverses North America’s iconic wide-open spaces has become an essential experience in 2020 and will continue in 2021. Indeed, from recent travel data, 2 || Terra Travelers
it appears road trips are going to be a primary agenda item for a rising number of US Travelers. In a recently completed survey, nearly 50% of US travelers are ready to begin traveling again, and 69% have travel plans in the next six months, depending on the trajectory of coronavirus developments. Visiting friends and relatives remains the most often cited reason for travel though approximately 14% of those who indicate they will travel are planning travel by plane during the next six weeks. I have taken two significant road trips over the past few weeks, and I have two others planned. Last week, in Savannah, Georgia, the streets and stores were active with well-behaved out-of-state visitors. I ate meals indoors at socially distanced tables and outdoors at open-air restaurants. My hotel, The River Street Inn, was clean and had in place protocols to protect the staff and visitors alike. Is everyone ready for travel? Better yet, should everyone consider traveling right now? No, probably not. No one should feel badly about waiting until they are absolutely comfortable. But, when you are ready, know your travel counselors are here to guide you every step of the way.
EXTRAORDINARY FINDINGS IN TRAVEL
PUBLISHER David Manning
EDITOR Joey DeLoach
AUTHORS Xstream Travel Staff
EDITORIAL & CREATIVE DESIGN Mariana Saca
MARKETING EXECUTIVES Randi White
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION Brooke Van Wyk Mariana Saca
CUSTOMER SERVICE Erin von Scherrer
Terra Travelers seeks to inspire a community of likeminded individuals that respect the road, respect the people we visit, and those with whom we travel.
60 Second geography: The Grand Canyon Carved by the Colorado River, as it winds through the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long. The river has been cutting the canyon for millions of years. Along certain points, its depth reaches up to over an astonishing mile of colorfully layered rock that seems to illuminate as the sunsets. The entire canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, which covers 1,901.972 sq. mi. A massive landmark to explore, the traveler will have no trouble finding the most majestic scenery to take in or activities to truly experience this great American treasure. The more easily accessible and popular area of the Grand Canyon is the Southern Rim. Open all year, this part of the canyon has plenty for the traveler to do. About 24 official overlooks let travelers have mind-blowing views of almost incomprehensible beauty. One of the more iconic of these is the Desert View Watchtower, a 70-foot stone structure built in 1932 to resemble the Ancestral Puebloan watchtowers built by one of the
native tribes. This tower offers up one of the best views of the region. Rangers are available to speak about the history and other features. There are tours that lead the traveler down into the canyon on the back of a sturdy mule, a tried and true way of trekking, while others let the traveler float down the Colorado River to admire the awe-inspiring walls of the Grand Canyon.
One of the best ways to see the landscape leading up to the canyon is the Grand Canyon Railway. Finished in 1901, this 64-mile rail line travels between Williams, Arizona, and the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Traveling through plains, prairies, and pine – dramatic scenery will be presented for the traveler’s enjoyment the entire way. From its start in Williams, the line ends at Grand Canyon Village. This historic village is the hub of tourism for the South Rim. The scenic overlooks in this area are some of the best in the park, including the beforementioned Desert View Watchtower and Yavapai Point. With plenty of lodging, shopping, and rustic buildings reminiscent of old times – getting there on such a breathtaking mode of travel is half the fun. The Grand Canyon’s sights will astound the traveler with the epic scale of height and varied colors, especially when arriving by the panoramic views that only a train can provide. Terra Travelers || 3
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the ultimate usa camping bucket
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the chigago bucketlist for couples
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essential stops for a new england
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4 things to add to your forida buc
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6 journeys for travelers with disab
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5 spellbinding spots for your fall u
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5 best river cruise experiences in
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The
ULTIMATE USA Camping Bucket List
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“fresh air” vacation has never been more relevant. America’s campgrounds are gems sprinkled throughout forests, prairies, and mountains that deserve to be explored without distraction. Staying in a campground located within a stunning park or wilderness area instead of checking out for the night to stay at a hotel is preferred. Admittedly, it can be intimidating to plan a camping vacation in parks carved into vast wilderness pieces. However, the rewards for “roughing it” include stunning first-light views, front-row seats to wilderness spectacles, and the ability to unwind like never before! Are you looking for the best places to camp in America? Please take a look at my USA camping bucket list for some inspiration that will take you from the shorelines to the desert. 6 || Terra Travelers
OCALA NATIONAL FOREST, FLORIDA Ocala is no ordinary forest. You can start a hike that will take you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. The campground offers variety through its dozens of full-service campgrounds, ultraprimitive campsites, and cabins. Ocala’s big draw is that it’s home to the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The park also contains more than 600 bodies of water. My top pick when visiting Ocala National Forest is a visit to Alexander Springs. This first-magnitude spring maintains a consistent temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Surrounded by cabbage palms and maples, this beautiful oasis features a gentle slope that’s inviting for swimmers of all ages.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE Acadia National Park covers 47,000 impressive acres of forested land on Mount Desert Island. In addition to thousands of lakes and ponds, the park is cut by 32,000 miles of running rivers and trickling streams. Camping inside Acadia is very organized. When booking your spot, you’ll be choosing between Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods. Opt for Blackwoods if you’d like to camp in a spot where you’ll see more people because this campground is on the Bar Harbor side of the park. The 1,530-foot peak of Cadillac Mountain defines Acadia’s landscape. This is the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard. You’ll also enjoy the juxtaposition of deeply wooded terrain and rocky Atlantic beaches. Moose, whales, and large sea birds.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE, MARYLAND Home to a pack of wild Chincoteague ponies, Assateague Island is unlike any camping site in the world. This is my top pick for coastal camping in the USA due to the island’s mild weather, sprawling shoreline and majestic ponies. You will be able to relax in the sand or take beach walks while observing packs of beautiful ponies running along with the tides or playing in groups. The layout on the island includes wide beaches, gentle bays, marshes, and maritime forests. The fact that there’s not much “to do” here is why you’ll want to visit! Taking beach walks and exploring by kayak should keep you plenty busy. PORCUPINE STATE PARK, MICHIGAN If you’re looking for a camping site in the USA with trails for days, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a top pick. Nestled in the Porkies in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this rugged park encompasses 60,000 acres of beautiful hardwood-hemlock forest, vistas, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers. You’ll have more than 90 miles of designated trails to cover, offering the best views of any nature spot in the Midwest. The park also covers parts of the Lake Superior shoreline. For views, I like the Porcupine Mts-East and West Vista Trail (2.5 miles), Porcupine MtsGovernment Peak Trail (7.3 miles) and Porcupine Mts-Lake Superior Trail (17 miles). Set between two ridges, Lake of the Clouds is a pool of sapphire that should make your Porcupine itinerary. I also recommend a visit
to the Summit Peak observation tower. My disclaimer is that camping in the Porkies is ideal for prepared, experienced campers. The park offers a choice of 63 backcountry camping sites. VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK, NEVADA Valley of Fire State Park offers a dramatic, ruddy sandstone terrain of canyons and formations located 16 miles outside of Overton. Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, Valley
of Fire provides close to 50,000 acres of geological delights to explore. Visitors can settle in at one of the park’s dozens of highly accommodating campsites. The park’s terrain is peppered with ancient petrified trees and peak after peak of Aztec sandstone. Highlights to add to your visit include the two-mile loop at Arch Rock, the Seven Sisters boulders, Elephant rock, and the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock. Terra Travelers || 7
THE CHICAGO BUCKET LIST FOR COUPLES
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hicago is the perfect spot for a vacation for two for any couple looking for a whirlwind, fast-paced holiday! The romantic side of Chicago is easy to spot once you know where to look. In my opinion, the smooth jazz pouring like melodic steam from the city’s iconic jazz clubs will be enough to turn any night in Chicago into an unforgettable, romantic getaway! You’ll find plenty of opportunities for feeling like you’re the only two people in the city when exploring stunning waterfront areas, sneaking off to quaint neighborhoods with heritage attractions, or escaping to manicured gardens that seem miles and centuries away from modernday Chicago! Many couples like to vacation in Chicago due to its accessibility and strategic position in the American Midwest. Getting to Chicago by plane or train is so easy and cheap that you won’t get your heart broken by a hefty vacation bill! That’s why I’m sharing my Chicago couples bucket list.
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Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
My favorite spot in all of Chicago, Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel is the ultimate spots for views in the Windy City. Once you get to 200 feet, the wonders of the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan are on full display! This is a fun yearround attraction with help from covered gondolas that keep you protected in all types of weather!
Walk or Bike Along Chicago Lakefront Trail
Located on Lake Michigan’s western shore, Chicago Lakefront Trail is a beautiful route with plenty of room for side-byside walking or biking. I think you’ll find that the combination of skyline views and shimmering water more than sets the mood for romance! There are also multiple areas where you can jump off the trail for a picnic lunch for two! If you aren’t bringing bikes to the city, you’ll find a good number of rental shops along the route.
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Take in the Scents &
Beauty at Chicago Botanic Garden
Once you reach the top, you’ll have amazing views spanning four states to feast your eyes One of my favorite spots in on! The glass enclosures on Chicago, the Botanic Garden, the Skydeck make you feel like offsets Chicago’s modern and you’re floating on air. Of course, industrial vibe with pure, natural many couples who arrive at bliss. This is where you’ll find Skydeck Chicago end up walking a wonderland of flower, plant, on air for a completely different aquatic and vegetable gardens reason, considered to be one of spread out across more than the best proposal spots in all of 370 acres of manicured space Chicago! located just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of The Loop. The crowning attraction within the botanical campus is the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden. Situated on North Clinton between Washington and Randolph, the Chicago French Market is a year-round indoor market that puts the best of Chicago and European cuisine Known for its Swedish roots, on display! More than 30 Andersonville is set apart from vendors offer high-quality meals the rest of the city by its quaint and ingredients presented in the personality. You’ll notice a lack of style of old-fashioned European any big-box stores or restaurant markets. Dine with the market’s chains here. What you’ll find beautiful Parisian mural as the instead is a neighborhood backdrop after making your filled with beautiful shops that selection. are just perfect for window shopping while holding hands. A designated National Historic District, Swedish Andersonville is most famous for its curated This Victorian-style lily pool vintage shops and a great situated in Lincoln Park collection of breweries and evokes all of the romance and eateries. sophistication of an English estate. The project became the delight of the city after being completed by Alfred Caldwell in 1938. While you may not spend all day here, it’s worth making Housed in the former Sears the trip. The lily pool is located Tower, the Chicago Skydeck near popular attractions like the is the equivalent of New York’s Lincoln Park Conservatory and Empire State Building. That Lincoln Park Zoo. makes it one of the most romantic spots in the Windy City.
Feast at the Chicago French Market
Revel in Pure Chicago Beauty at Millennium Park
Millennium Park is the quintessential Chicago tourist destination! However, you’ll find that even city locals can’t stay away from this beautiful lakefront square with charming attractions like a skating rink, Ferris wheel and music pavilion. Tall, shimmering skyscrapers buffer this three-square block. Millennium Park is also home to the famed Cloud Gate installation by Sir Anish Kapoor reflecting the city’s skyline.
Bring Your Sweetie to Chicago’s Swedish Section
Relax at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Let Your Heart Soar at Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
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A forested wonderland dotted with beautiful family farms and traditional town squares, New England was made for long drives! One of the nice things about zeroing in on New England for a road trip is that you can cover several states in the amount of time it might take you to traverse just one Southern or Midwestern state. New England will take you from rocky shorelines to sharp peaks jutting from dense forest in the blink of an eye! New England is also rare because it hosts some of the most innovative cities just miles from the quaintest towns belonging to great American novels. The other great thing about New England is that you’ll get a vastly different experience depending on what time of year you come. That means you can shape your New England road trip around lazy beach days set against cranberry bogs and lavish summer homes or powdery ski slopes paired with lodges serving up hot cocoa and boiling chowder. Here are my top picks for a New England road trip bucket list.
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Boston, Massachusetts
versity and Northeastern fill the sidewalks. I never visit Boston without making a quick detour into the Little Italy neighborhood covering Hanover Street. It’s here that you’ll find what is universally considered the best cannoli in the country at Mike’s Pastry.
The quintessential New England city, Boston is peppered with neighborhoods, museums and Bay Views that evoke that revolutionary spirit that put it on the map. Beantown is very much a pedestrian city. I like that you can take your time to window shop or admire the architecture without Concord, Massachusetts the feeling that people are on your I’m not sure there’s anything heels like when you’re exploring more “New England” than sitting New York or Chicago. on Walden Pond. The site where Henry David Thoreau wrote his A great opening for a Boston tour famous essay, Walden Pond is now is a stop at the Boston Public a state park with a lovely beach. Garden to see the famed bronze However, this is far from the only ducklings positioned by the thing that draws literary fans to Charles. To put your tour into Concord. This is also where you’ll high gear, follow the Red Bricks find the orchard house belonging of the Freedom Trail to hit up to Louisa May Alcott where “Litmust-see stops like Faneuil Hall, tle Women” was penned. Another the home of Paul Revere, Quincy highlight of Concord is Minute Market and the site of the Boston Man National Historical Park. Tea Party. I also like to get away Covering close to 1,000 acres, this from some of the more prom- park lines the route of the 1775 inent attractions to admire the battles of Lexington and Concord. manicured brownstones lining the cobblestone sidewalks in BosCape Cod, Massachusetts ton’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. A hook-shaped peninsula that has For shopping, I love Newbury been the site of summer dreams Street in Back Bay on a Saturday for decades, Cape Cod makes it morning when all of the students easy to check every New England from Boston College, Boston Uni-
essential stops for a
NEW ENGLAND roadtrip
pleasure off your list. There are too many spots along the more than 40,000 beautiful acres spanning from Chatham to Provincetown that make up the Cape Cod National Seashore to cover. My top beach pick is Mayflower Beach in Dennis if you like a beach with tons of space that can be explored for miles at low tide. For surfing, Race Point Beach is my top pick due to its rougher waves. I also think a self-guided lighthouse tour can be the best way to cover mile after mile of coast lined with cranberry bogs, crab shacks and grey-shingled cottages. The Nauset Lighthouse, the Chatham Light, and Race Point Lighthouse top the list of Cape Cod’s 14 lighthouses.
jutting rock walkways and beautiful piers. There is also an extensive campsite attached to the beach. A day in Madison is never complete without a tour of Meigs Point Nature Center and a clam-strip dinner at world-famous Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale.
Burlington, Vermont Perched on Lake Champlain not far from the Canadian border, Burlington is a quaint spot where there’s always a lot going on. The
presence of the University of Vermont (UVM) makes Burlington a certified college town. I love the vibrancy of the Church Street Marketplace. This is a pedestrian-only, cobblestone route lined with beautiful shops and restaurants. However, the attraction that I’ll crown as the best thing about Burlington is the Burlington Bike Path. This stunning paved path takes you along the water to enjoy Lake Champlain’s beautiful views and the Adirondacks with peeks at the bustle of Burlington mixed in.
Madison, Connecticut Named after James Madison, Madison’s beautiful town is positioned on Connecticut’s Long Island Sound shoreline. The crown of Madison is Hammonasset Beach State Park. This sprawling beach features soft sand, walking paths,
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4Things To Add To Your Florida Bucket List 14 || Terra Travelers
Florida always rises to the top when putting together a list of travel favorites due to its ecological variety and year-round perfect weather. Now, I tend to stay away from Orlando and Miami when trekking through the Sunshine State these days because I’ve discovered many more spots that offer some richer experiences and unexpected attractions. I still think everyone should see spots like Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville. I also want to encourage people to find some of the hidden treasures of Florida. You might never know that you can swim in calm, crystal waters with manatees or dine in Florida’s oldest neighborhood if you don’t take a look at the four gems I’m highlighting in my Florida bucket list. Terra Travelers || 15
1. The Waterfront Area of Coconut Grove
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he oldest continually inhabited neighborhood in the Miami area, Coconut Grove is a green, lush wonderland packed with great restaurants, shops, parks and views. I especially love the waterfront area here in Miami’s original neighborhood. Situated on Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove’s harbor area offers a very upscale vibe with a lot of energy around its food scene. You’ll find what are easily considered to be Florida’s best restaurants here. I also love that there’s usually some concert or live event going on that can be heard when you’re dining on a patio or deck. The re-
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ality is that Miami proper offers very few waterfront restaurants. By contrast, Coconut Grove has a vast collection of restaurants on the water’s edge that offer views of the marina and bay. The best spots for dining, open-air shopping, and entertainment in Coconut Grove are mostly concentrated in Regatta Harbour. From here, you can dip into Regatta Park to enjoy walking paths and bike paths. The open spaces by the harbor host some of Florida’s best festivals throughout the year. The list includes the Goombay Festival, the King Mango Strut and the Great Taste of the Grove Food & Wine Festival.
2. The Hollywood Boardwalk
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he broad, easily accessible promenades and boardwalks found in Florida make me love this state as a beach destination. Reminiscent of European or Caribbean coastal cities, this is a feature that is almost absent from other East Coast beaches. I don’t think there’s a better promenade in Florida than the Hollywood Boardwalk. This paved pedestrian route covers 2.5 palm-lined miles. The boardwalk is always filled with a steady stream of walkers, joggers, skaters and cyclists. You’re getting the best of both worlds with a beach on one side with a long row of shops and restaurants on the other. The benefit is that you can enjoy food and drinks without ever technically “leaving the beach.” Terra Travelers || 17
St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island
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and at St. Andrews State Park is called “sugar sand” for a reason. You’ll understand when you scoop up handfuls of this fine, soft sand. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this coastal area spans 1,100 acres. First, the calm gulf waters make this a perfect place for swimming and kayaking. Also, snorkelers love to pile in here to enjoy the colorful, vibrant marine life that can be easily spotted darting around in the gulf waters. If you’re up for a stroll, cover the 1.5 miles of coastline and pine forest
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carved out as part of Florida’s Heron Pond Trail. St. Andrews State Park is also the launching point for what I consider to be one of the best excursions you can enjoy while in Florida. Accessible only by ferry, Shell Island is a dazzling, pristine slice of paradise where people come to snorkel, swim, kayak and spot wildlife along a glistening coast dotted with pontoons. This is a family-friendly, “good mood” kind of place where bottlenose dolphins often show up to delight the crowds!
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3. Three Sisters Springs
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am not sure there’s a more magical place in Florida than Three Sisters Springs. Located on the Crystal River, Three Sisters Springs is surrounded by protected matinee habitats. The clear, sparkling and therapeutic water here is open for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. If you come in the winter, you’ll witness hundreds of manatees moving about in the more than 30 springs belonging to the Crystal River. You can navigate the channels on your own by kayak
by launching at Kings Bay and passing under the Kings Bay bridge on your way to Three Sisters Springs. Also, there are many guided kayaking tours available to bring you to the best spots for spotting manatees. Most visitors kayak up to the springs before jumping into the water with their lifejackets to bathe in the warm, still waters among glistening, majestic manatees. Winter is the ideal time to come to the Crystal River to swim with manatees.
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THE ULTIMATE
USA
BUCKET LIST FOR SOLO TRAVELERS 20 || Terra Travelers
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am not sure you can really understand the thrill of picking a spot on the map, booking your journey and heading off to a destination on a solo trip until you’ve experienced it for yourself. Luckily, the stigma of taking a solo vacation has been replaced by a nearly universal appreciation for the value of taking some time to be alone. Are you looking for incredible spots around the country for independent vacations? Here’s my USA solo travel bucket list.
Hike the Canyons in Sedona, Arizona If you’re looking to turn your next trip into a soul-finding journey, there’s no better destination than the desert landscape of Sedona, Arizona. There’s something about the way the sun hits the walls of the red canyons here that inspires gratitude, self-reflection and renewal. I also like that Sedona can give you a real workout without forcing you to traverse the higher trails found in comparable spots like Tucson and Phoenix. Sedona’s elevation tops out at 4,300 feet. My top spots for Sedona hiking are Cathedral Rock for views, Doe Mountain for solitude, Fay Canyon for scenery and Devil’s Bridge Trail for a bustling trail full of fellow hikers that will bring you to a photo-worthy finish at a sandstone arch. If you want to see the views in Sedona without wearing down your hiking shoes, I suggest taking a jeep or ATV tour that lets you cover some wild terrains relatively quickly. If you want to get into the Sedona mindset, you can even book a tour on horseback!
Stay Out Late in New Orleans, you have the time. Kayaking here Louisiana is quite a treat if you’ve struggled In a city full of haunted spots, it can be fun to feel like a ghost on a trip to New Orleans. I like the idea of visiting New Orleans alone because of the way it always feels like the city is moving around you. There’s no stigma about settling into a booth alone at a pub on Bourbon Street to tuck into a stiff Sazerac made with cognac, absinthe and a sugar cube. Stay busy during a solo New Orleans tour with shopping on Royal Street, live music on Frenchman Street and a couple of long evenings at Harrah’s. During my last visit to New Orleans, I got into the habit of toting coffee and fresh-made beignets over to manicured, palm-filled Audubon Park to have my breakfast on the Mississippi River.
Find Serenity at Islands and Caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin
People were mostly confused when I told them that I was going on a one-person retreat to Wisconsin a few years back. Of course, I can’t blame them because I know most people are wholly unfamiliar with the geological wonder that is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Consisting of 21 islands off of Lake Superior’s upper shore, this is one of the world’s top spots for exploring sandstone sea caves. The beaches, cliffs and surrounding forests give this exceptionally crisp, clean portion of Lake Superior an ethereal feel. The highlight of a trip here is visiting the Sand Island Light on Sand Island’s northern tip. You can tour eight lighthouses spread across six islands when hopping between the Apostle Islands if
with ocean kayaking in the past because lake conditions are often as still as glass. You can paddle on up through the limestone caves with ease. As a summer visitor, I missed the opportunity to hike into ice-covered caves the way so many adventurous travelers do every winter!
Enjoy West Coast Solitude by the Sea in San Diego, California
Not everyone who travels alone wants solitude. I’ve found that background noise can often be the best travel companion. That’s one of the reasons why I think San Diego is a great city for solo trips. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the shops and attractions in Old Town before stopping for dinner at one of the restaurants where you can watch fresh, soft tortillas being made by hand in the front window. This beautiful pedestrian zone displays a slice of American and Mexican life as it would have looked during the period from 1821 to 1872. I also recommend seeing the full expanse of San Diego’s waterfront area at the San Diego Bay Walk. To sprinkle in some opportunities for self-reflection and fun with a West Coast twist, plan stops at the Point Loma Lighthouse, Mission Beach Boardwalk and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs for whoever you left behind at beautiful Seaport Village. I’ve found that bottles of hot sauce from the famous Hot Licks store in the village are always hits!
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vacation is a universal joy that everyone should be able to savor. I understand that the idea of planning a getaway can be intimidating if you have a disability. With a little research, you’ll discover that many of the most iconic and interesting travel spots in the United States can be experienced by people with special needs or mobility restrictions. Please take a look at my bucket list destinations for people with disabilities in the USA.
Tour Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital does an impressive job of making its museums and great attractions highly accessible for people with disabilities. Nearly every attraction
Journeys for Travelers With Disabilities
in D.C. is accessible by wheelchair. Even the Washington Metro system is highly accessible with help from touches like elevators for every stop. You’ll also find that the central part of Washington is mostly flat. That means that getting around the city to tourist spots like the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the Washington Monument is doable by wheelchair.
Visit Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas There’s quite a bit to do in San Antonio if you’re a traveler with a disability. However, the attraction that draws so many to the River City is Morgan’s Wonderland. The first and only theme park in the world where every single ride is accessible for guests in wheelchairs,
Morgan’s Wonderland offers a fun sensory experience for people of all ages that looks like any other fun theme park at first glance. The park offers 25 wheelchair-accessible rides spread across 25 fun acres. There’s even an award-winning splash park thrown in the mix!
Relax on the Beach in Key Largo, Florida Key Largo is my top pick for a beach that offers easy accessibility for people with disabilities due to its extensive network of ramps and wooden walkways providing direct beach access. Known as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo doesn’t exclude anyone from the fun just because they have a disability. Local tour companies like Tranquil Adventures specialize
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in making ocean tours accessible will take you to the entrance if to all people by using special you’d like to avoid what can be a wheelchair lifts. pretty long trek to the beach. This beach is also one of the only ones Enjoy the Sparkle of Las in the country to provide access to free beach wheelchairs. These Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas does a fantastic job of wheelchairs are spectacular providing accessibility to people because you can roll them right with disabilities. First, you’ll up to the water. notice that there are benches everywhere. Navigating Vegas is Navigate a Desert City in also breezier than you’d expect Albuquerque, New Mexico due to the city’s flat terrain and Situated in the high desert, wide sidewalks. You can also get Albuquerque makes the list of the around easily using the city’s top vacation spots for people with fully wheelchair-accessible RTC disabilities because it’s a very flat service. Also, popular museums city that’s easy to navigate. That like the Neon Museum, the means it’s fairly easy to cover Bellagio Conservatory and the great restaurants and shops Madame Tussauds Las Vegas in downtown and Old Town are all designed to be toured by Albuquerque by wheelchair. wheelchair without disrupting Albuquerque’s transit system your experience one bit! You’ll also happens to be one of the find the same is true at all the most accessible in the USA. big Casinos and venues. I also What’s more, visitors can use recommend the dazzling lights wheelchair-friendly buses to get show that takes place every 30 around via public transit. Another minutes at the Fountains of reason why Albuquerque makes Bellagio for a fun, free wheelchair- my list of top cities for travelers friendly activity. When you get with disabilities is its extensive five miles out of the city to visit trail network. These trails make the Red Rock Canyon National it easy to enjoy the beautiful Conservation Area, you’ll find scenery without getting off plenty of viewing spots that can the beaten path. You’ll need to accommodate wheelchairs. research specific trail routes ahead of time because not every Savor Hawaiian Paradise in inch of Albuquerque’s trails can accommodate wheelchairs Hanauma Bay, Honolulu Praised for being one of the most perfectly. However, I’ll confirm wheelchair-accessible beaches in that the River Trail is a perfect the country, Hanauma Bay is a pick for wheelchairs because it’s a beautiful crescent-shaped beach wide, paved path that happens to with clear waters that are ideal be dotted with stops for the city’s for snorkeling. Hanauma Bay wheelchair-accessible bus line. pulls out all the stops to be an It’s not uncommon to spot hawks inclusive slice of paradise. First, or jackrabbits while exploring the beach provides a shuttle that this beautiful trail.
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5 Spellbinding Spots for Y
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here’s something about fall that brings out the urge for day trips, road trips and any other type of excursion that I can fit into my schedule. Personally, I’m tempted to say that any town is magical during the fall season. However, certain towns and cities around the United States transform into something movie-level magical during that enchanted window from the middle of September through the beginning of November. That’s why I’m covering the best picks for foliage and spooky follies in my USA fall bucket list! I’ll even reveal the best city to visit if you’re worried that you’re too late for peak foliage.
you come in October, expect to see tons of costumed people walking around. You’ll also see plenty of historic homes, taverns, shops and inns all decked out in beautiful harvest décor with a level of enthusiasm you’ve probably never experienced before.
I don’t think you can get a feel for Salem unless you take a walking tour. There are plenty of historic tours that will take you place by place to live out scenes from the Salem Witch Trials. I’ve immensely enjoyed the House of Seven Gables, the Witch House, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the Pickering House and Pickering Wharf for creating a well-rounded afternoon. Fall Under the Spell of You can see a lot in a day in Salem Autumn by the Sea in Salem, because most of the museum Massachusetts Everybody should make the trek experiences are pretty brief. to New England to celebrate fall in Walk in the Footsteps of Salem at least once in their lifetime. Washington Irving’s Headless Tucked away in Essex County on Horseman in Sleepy Hollow, the North Shore of Massachusetts, New York Salem is as charming as it is The only place in the United States engrossing. What I like about Salem that I can say even touches Salem’s in the fall is that you’ll get your fall energy is Sleepy Hollow, New fill of pointy hats, crystal balls and York. Located in Westchester haunted tours while also digging County, the village of Sleepy Hollow into the history behind one of the is situated less than an hour from most important and fascinating seaports in America’s history. People who come to Salem to visit landmarks associated with the 1962 Salem Witch Trials end up being charmed by beautiful foliage by the sea combined with the whimsy of a small New England town. When 26 || Terra Travelers
New York City. However, the two spots are netherworlds apart! First, the foliage alone in Hudson Valley is worth the trip. However, the big draw for an autumn visit to Sleepy Hollow is an event called the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze that lives up to every expectation for what you’d expect from the place that inspired the Headless Horseman from “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Sleepy Hollow’s Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze puts on display more than 7,000 handcarved pumpkins at the mysterious Van Cortlandt Manor set on the confluence of the Hudson River and Croton River for the entire length of fall. When touring Sleep Hollow, visiting the burial site of Washington Irving at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is always a must.
Experience Fall in Wine Country in Salinas Valley
While I’ll readily admit that I’m partial to New England and the Northeast for foliage viewing, this certainly isn’t the only corridor that
Your Fall USA Bucket List dazzles. Shifting to the West Coast, fall is a fantastic time for a wine tour through California’s Salinas Valley. The shimmering fall colors make the landscape here about as beautiful as it ever gets. You can cover close to two dozen boutique, low-key wineries if you stick to the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey.
Do Some Leaf Peeping in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula It took me many years to discover that I was leaving Michigan too early after enjoying summertime leisure on the Great Lakes to experience the real magic. I recommend having a four-wheel-drive car that will allow you to zip off into the wilderness of Brockway Mountain Drive near Copper Harbor for a drive that’s just under 10 miles of nothing but stunning views of fall foliage
mirroring off of Lake Superior and Halloween is considered the the Keweenaw Peninsula. optimal day for leaf viewing here. Fall is a great time to sip some cider Experience a Late-Fall Jaunt in and check out the vendors at the Chattanooga outdoor Chattanooga River Market. I promised I’d tell you where to go if you’re late planning a fall getaway this year! You don’t have to worry about missing “peak” foliage if you’re behind. Chattanooga’s position at the gates of the Appalachian Mountains means that leaf colors are at their most vibrant from the final days of October through the first week in November. Generally,
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PARADISE athome Bucket List of Relaxing United States Islands
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ntry into paradise is closer than most people realize. For many travelers, resort spots like the Caribbean and Mexico’s Riviera Maya are the go-to destinations for sun, fun and relaxation. It’s understandable if you’re putting plans to leave the country on pause for now. However, there’s no need to let travel restrictions or safety worries keep you out of paradise. American travelers are increasingly looking for ways to enjoy island getaways without leaving the United States. Yes, it’s more than possible! That’s why I’m covering a bucket list of US islands that make it unexpectedly easy to experience paradise domestically. Terra Travelers || 29
SANIBEL ISLAND, FLORIDA Sanibel Island offers a kiss of the tropics right in sunny, friendly Florida. The beauty of Sanibel Island is that you really can decide to make your holiday here as active or relaxed as you prefer. Personally, collecting shells on the fluffy, white sand in Sanibel Island is a top pick for me. There’s also endless fine dining, access to excellent golf links and the vibrant Sanibel Island Farmers’ Market on Sundays. I like Bowman’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park when looking for a place to park in the sand with my umbrella and book. January, February and March are the best months for shelling in Sanibel. LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA Longboat Key does a great job of offering the luxury shopping and fine dining that you get in some higherend Caribbean spots. You’ll even feel like you’re in Europe during snippets of your trip with help from terraced restaurants and umbrellaed cafés near the water. Longboat Key is a real hotspot for water sports. 30 || Terra Travelers
When coming to Longboat Key, I highly recommend booking a spot on a charter boat that takes off from one of the local marinas for whale watching, dolphin watching or fishing. When looking for a famous and sparkling beach offering access to the Gulf, Coquina Beach wins. Show up early on Sunday mornings to enjoy an outdoor beach market where you can scoop up jewelry, clothing and great food. THE OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA Before I dive into my next recommendation, I’m going to warn you that several people I know have packed up and moved to the Outer Banks after visiting for vacation. It’s that amazing here. If you’ve never made your way down to North Carolina’s shore before, the Outer Banks is a 100-mile stretch of beautiful barrier islands dotted with beach cottages, lighthouses, maritime museums, crab shacks, shops and more. You have a lot of range when deciding which area to stay and play in when planning your Outer Banks vacation. A lot of tourists focus on popular spots
like Hatteras and Rodanthe. There’s no need to feel cornered into picking one spot in the Outer Banks. You can do a lot of “town hopping” easily via scenic byways if you’ll have a rental car. The northern part of the Currituck Banks is probably my favorite dot on the Outer Banks only because it has a lighthouse and a population of wild horses. SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Located on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast, San Juan is a vibrant capital city alive with cobblestoned alleyways, vibrant public squares, Spanish architecture and sunsoaked promenades. A San Juan holiday is an excellent option if you prefer paradise to come packed with tons of activities and attractions. Of course, a quick detour to Isla Verde Beach when you need to unwind is all it takes for those tropical vibes to kick in. Planning an itinerary for San Juan is a bit more like planning a visit to a European city than making the typical “lazy itinerary” for a place that’s strictly beaches and spas. While you can choose your own
pace, I recommend at least making room in your schedule for an afternoon spent walking among the more than 400 colorfully restored buildings that make up Old San Juan. For absolutely sweeping Atlantic views, plan an excursion to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. This fort, dating back to 16th-century Spanish rule, attracts more than 2 million visitors each year! My tip for animal lovers is to head to the Save a Gato (SAG) cat sanctuary. This “hidden” spot in the city allows you to interact with feral and abandoned cats that have been scooped up and cared for by animal helpers. Relaxing while friendly cats roll around on large rocks overlooking the ocean is quite a treat! The last thing I’ll add about San Juan is that the eating is good here. I had a great experience with ordering a dish called pastelón that is Puerto Rican lasagna made with plantains at the suggestion of a waiter in an eatery not far from Condado Beach. If you enjoy libations, you can order several varieties of rum made at distilleries just miles away from the core of San Juan. Terra Travelers || 31
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york A New York City Bucket List That Goes Beyond the Bright Lights
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eople spend a lifetime living in the Big Apple without crossing every item off from their bucket lists. This is a crucial detail to keep in mind when crafting your own New York City itinerary. With so much pressure to “see it all” when visiting NYC, it can be hard to know where to start. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding your way to spots like Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Times Square. That’s why I want to introduce you to some “hidden” NYC gems that I think deserve to make your bucket list.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT/ DOWNTOWN
Covering Manhattan’s southern tip, the financial district is populated by skyscrapers and waterfront views. This is where the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is located. Here’s a look at other must-see items when touring the Financial District: • Enjoy the waterfront area at Battery Park. This is also the place to catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. • Walk through Wall Street to look at key attractions like the New York Stock Exchange, 40 Wall Street and the Charging Bull statue. • Enjoy shops and restaurants along the cobblestone walkway at the South Street Seaport.
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LONG ISLAND CITY
Located along the East River, Long Island City is unbeatable if you’re looking for wide, sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. This is an excellent place if you’re picturing riverfront walks, art galleries and trendy bars. Do yourself a favor and grab a room at the Aloft Long Island City. The big draw of this hotel is that it offers incredible views of the Queensboro bridge. Here’s a look at the best spots to visit: • View the Manhattan skyline from across the river at Hunter’s Point South Park. • Sit with a coffee for relaxing views of Midtown on a bench inside manicured, beautiful Gantry Plaza State Park. • Pose for a photo in front of the famed Pepsi Cola sign that can be seen from Manhattan. • Enjoy rotating exhibits set against the city’s skyline at Socrates Sculpture Park. • Tour art exhibits at MoMA PS1. • Stop for coffee at ETTO Espresso Bar to sip worldfamous brews.
GREENWICH VILLAGE
A haven of artists, Greenwich village retains the independent spirit of New York associated with folk music and bohemian living. Once home to Edgar Allen Poe, the village now boasts a list of residents peppered with Hollywood stars and musicians. This is one of the better spots in the city for “bumping into” celebrities.
Here’s a look at how to spend and plants at the Brooklyn your time in the village: Botanic Garden. • Visit Washington Square Park • Get great views of the to cover more than 9 acres waterfront area spanning of space housing attractions the Manhattan skyline to the like the Washington Square Brooklyn Bridget at Brooklyn Arch. Heights Promenade. • Check out some jazz clubs. • Check out the independent • Tour streets lined with boutiques and restaurants at brownstones. Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO).
ASTORIA
Nestled beside the East River in Queens, Astoria is a hip neighborhood with a very downto-earth vibe. The neighborhood is known for its excellent nightlife scene, buzz-worthy restaurants and edgy art galleries. Here’s a look at what to cross off your list while in Astoria: • Tour the Museum of the Moving Image to take the deepest dive into the worlds of screen and cinema in the world. While the museum is temporarily closed due to COVID, you’ll want to be first in line to see the new exhibits when it reopens. • Enjoy a sunset walk to enjoy views of Manhattan from the East River.
CHELSEA
A wonderland of factories turned into luxury high-rise condos, Chelsea offers a taste of real Manhattan living. This is a lowkey spot with lots of culture. Here’s what to enjoy while in Chelsea: • Walk the 1.45 miles of linear, elevated green space at the High Line. • Spend a morning shopping the stalls at the famed Chelsea Market. • Take a catwalk tour through fashion history at the Museum at FIT. • See groundbreaking contemporary art exhibits at the David Zwirner Gallery. • Witness up-and-coming comedy stars as they work on material at Amy Poehler’s BROOKLYN Upright Citizens Brigade. With iconic neighbors like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, Brooklyn manages to be a homey slice of the city that does a great job of maintaining its artsy edge. Today’s Brooklyn is known for its youthful population, experimental restaurants and high walkability score. Here’s a look at the top picks for visiting Brooklyn: • Explore 52 acres of flowers
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5 of the Best R Experiences i I
t’s a misconception that only Europe offers fantastic river cruises. River voyages through the great channels and watercourses of America offer a powerful sense of Americana mixed with views that those who travel by highways, byways and roads will never see. From the great frontier of the Pacific Northwest to the jazzy shores of the Big Easy, USA river cruises deliver everything from sprawling views to small towns that show off a version of America that remains untouched by time. If your goal is to see as much of the USA by river as you can, take a look at four bucketlist USA cruise itineraries that will get your rudders spinning.
The Mississippi River
in the fog blown in from the bayous.
The Columbia River
Beginning in Portland, a Columbia River itinerary shows off the Pacific Northwest’s splendor by way of Washington and Oregon. Dualstate itineraries for the Columbia also include a jut into beautiful Vancouver for an overnight port of call. The real magic of a Columbia River cruise happens when your ship comes upon a small town called The Dalles. Home to the Columbia River Gorge,The Dalles offers a trip through time that will make you feel like you’re in an old, rugged mining town populated with renegades and pioneers.The Columbia Gorge on its own is worth the whole trip! With a depth of 4,000 feet, this stunning canyon cuts through the Cascade Range westward for miles and miles. Along the gorge, you’ll find a series of waterfalls. Another gem along the Columbia that’s worth marking on your map is Astoria, Oregon. Kept secluded by surrounding mountains, Astoria is a small river town that encompasses an area home to the Clatsop tribe. Astoria’s waterfront area is best explored by trolley for just a few dollars.
The mighty Mississippi flows from Lake Itasca in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. However, I picture that stretch from about Memphis to New Orleans when I think of a flavorful, spirited Mississippi River adventure. Seeing New Orleans as a port of a call is the best way to experience the Big Easy, in my opinion. While off the boat in the NOLA, I’m always eager to check out what’s new in the Garden District, the French Quarter and around Frenchman Street. After dinner on the ship, Known for its quartz beaches and it’s easy to slip back to the city for voluminous dunes perched beside some fiery jazz or a misty pub crawl the Nassau Sound, Amelia Island
The St. Johns River: Florida
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River Cruise in the USA is a Florida gem. My preferred route is Amelia Island to Green Cove Springs along the St. Johns because this little destination offers a very therapeutic, relaxing holiday experience. Upon arriving in Green Cove Springs, you’ll be able to visit the fresh mineral spring that made this small town a popular holiday spot for elite vacationers from the North more than a century ago. From the St. John’s River, you can link up with the Tolomato River for a spectacular journey between Florida’s true coastline and barrier islands. This U-shaped dual-river route can bring you to America’s oldest surviving European settlement at St. Augustine. This is a rare spot in the United States where you’ll find fortresses and castles intermingled with lighthouses and sandy coastal footpaths. While in St. Augustine, a visit to the oldest masonry fort in the United States at Castillo de San Marcosis is a must. Considered the heart of the city, St. George Street is where you’ll want to head for shopping, lunch or evening drinks after finishing dinner on the ship. This pedestrian-only street offers delight after delight once you pass through St. Augustine’s Old City Gate to access boutiques, specialty museums and historic properties that cross into the city’s Colonial Quarter.
St. Lawrence River: New York
Rounding out the list of must-do USA river cruises is a St. Lawrence River adventure. More than spectacular enough on its own, this journey can also be paired with a cruise of the Great Lakes or an Atlantic coastal cruise. The 744mile St. Lawrence river extends from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic. Along the way, views of thousands of islands pepper the watery landscape. The fact that the great river forms part of the international border between Ontario and New York makes this a rare USA river cruise that allows you to cross into another country. One thing you’ll notice when traversing any of America’s exalted rivers on a sparkling vessel is just how vital waterways have been for developing towns and cities. During my time exploring watercourses spanning from coast to coast, I’ve discovered that the smallest towns often offer the biggest opportunities for adventure. Balancing out flashy hot spots with small mining towns or steamboat townships is a great way to spend your time on America’s banks.
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