Home
Stories
About
Logo for Explore, Visit, Play.
Follow us!
Image link to our Instagram area.
The Chain of Lakes
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Read On!
The Chain of Lakes
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Arts, Adventure and The Chain of Lakes

Krystina Castella

Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a dynamic city known for its vibrant arts scene, adventure in natural landscapes, and over the top shopping opportunities. Attractions include...
Click here to read more of the article.

Featured

Palm Beach
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Palm Beach, FL

Florida Glamour

Krystina Castella
Palm Beach, Florida, is known for its beaches, arts scene, upscale shopping experiences and historical landmarks. Worth Avenue, often compared to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, is Palm Beach’s premier...
Click here to read more of the article.
Santa Fe Chiles
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Wander between art and nature

Krystina Castella
Santa Fe’s adobe architecture, art, food, unique culture, biking, skiing, and beautiful weather makes it a joy to visit. Founded sometime between 1607 and 1610, Santa Fe was established around the same time as Jamestown, Virginia, and about a decade before ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Wave Pool
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

On the Platte River, Nebraska

Krystina Castella
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, on the Platte River near Ashland, Nebraska, offers an outdoor experience with a wide array activities and natural beauty. The aquatic center features
Click here to read more of the article.
Everglades National Park
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Florida Love

Favorites of the Sunshine State

Krystina Castella
Florida and California (where we live) have many commonalities. We both have oranges, palm trees, beautiful and sunny warm weather in winter. However, there are many differences that draw us back to visit Florida ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Fallingwater

The best time to visit

Krystina Castella
When considering the places I wanted to visit on this trip across the country I immediately thought of Fallingwater. I wanted to experience being there ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Beach, Anastasia State Park
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Anastasia State Park

St. Augustine, Florida

Krystina Castella
Anastasia State Park, located in St. Augustine, Florida, is a stunning coastal park renowned for its pristine beach and historic lighthouse. The park features over 1,600 acres of unspoiled nature ...
Click here to read more of the article.

Play

Brian Boyl
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Millennium & Maggie Daley

A Day of Play, Chicago

Krystina Castella
Millennium Park and nearby Maggie Daley Park are two public spaces in Chicago where the whole day can be filled with play. At these parks locals ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Wave Pool
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

On the Platte River, Nebraska

Krystina Castella
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, on the Platte River near Ashland, Nebraska, offers an outdoor experience with a wide array activities and natural beauty. The aquatic center features
Click here to read more of the article.
Bridge in Park
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Central Park, NY

Experiencing NY Through Play

Krystina Castella
In the middle of Manhattan’s concrete grid, CentralPark opens like a playground for all. Olmsted and Vaux designed it...
Click here to read more of the article.
Adventure Playground: Berkeley, California
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Adventure Playgrounds

A history and a visit

Krystina Castella
Adventure playgrounds offer unrestricted play in either natural or junk environments, and kids explore and invent with found materials. Today they are growing in popularity in the United States due to modern parent’s awareness of ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Lakeshore Bike Trail

Chicago, Illinois

Krystina Castella
Upon arrival in Chicago on a sunny summer afternoon, we experienced the city at its best. Driving up along Lakeshore Drive we saw residents pour out of their apartments to enjoy the beautiful ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Strong National Museum of Play
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Strong Museum of Play

Rochester, New York

Krystina Castella
The Strong National Museum of Play is dedicated to the exploration and celebration of play. Located in Rochester, New York it is filled with interactive exhibits and is home to an impressive collection of toys ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Play...

Nature

Photo:
Krystina Castella

Savannah's Parks & Waterways

Put on your walking shoes

Krystina Castella
Savannah is a great walking town. A stroll around will take you to twenty-two ecological diverse neighborhood parks and ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Bison, Yellowstone
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Yellowstone National Park

Home to Geysers & Bison

Krystina Castella
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the first national park in the world covers over 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is famed for its geothermal features, abundant wildlife ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Mono Lake
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Mono Lake

Lee Vining, CA

Krystina Castella
Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra near Lee Vining, California, has a rich geological and ecological history that spans millions of years. This ancient saline lake, dates back at least 760,000 years. Its high salinity and alkalinity create ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Saddlebag Lake

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Krystina Castella
Saddlebag Lake, located at an elevation of 10,087 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is a hidden gem. Just a short drive from Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance, this alpine lake is part of the
Click here to read more of the article.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Views, cliffs and waterfalls

Krystina Castella
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan, is bordered by Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the south, and Lake Huron to the east. The UP spans over 16,000 square miles and has natural attractions, rich
Click here to read more of the article.
Viewpoint Grand-Escalante Photo: Brian Boyl
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Grand Staircase-Escalante

Desert to coniferous forest

Krystina Castella
In southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is an expansive place with 1.87 million acres of America's public lands from desert to coniferous forest. It is filled with canyons, arches ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Nature...

Art & Design

Photo: Brian Boyl
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Seven Magic Mountains

Contrast of Nature and Culture

Krystina Castella
When driving on Interstate 15, just south of Las Vegas, Nevada be sure to stop at Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s land art piece Seven Magic Mountains. At about 35 feet tall the massive sculpture consists of thirty-three boulders ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Masks from different cultures
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Museum International Folk Art

By the people. For the people

Krystina Castella
The Museum of International Folk Art is my favorite place to visit in Santa Fe. The anchor exhibit Multiple Visions: A Common Bond is an immense collection of toys, travel souvenirs, street art, miniatures, ceramics, textiles and just about anything that can be categorized as folk art. The 10,000 pieces on display were ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Prairie Modernism and More
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Columbus, Indiana

Prairie modernism and more

Krystina Castella
Arriving on a Sunday a few hours before sunset Columbus, Indiana was as sleepy as any small town could be. The visitor’s center, small shops, restaurants and churches ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Fallingwater

The best time to visit

Krystina Castella
When considering the places I wanted to visit on this trip across the country I immediately thought of Fallingwater. I wanted to experience being there ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Nomade: Jaume Plensa
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Des Moines, Iowa

Krystina Castella
We arrived at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and were excited to see one of the most impressive collections of modern sculpture in the country. More than two dozen large sculptures made by internationally acclaimed artists ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Kitty
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Murals of New Orleans

Krystina Castella
We arrived in New Orleans on a cold overcast day and stumbled upon an explosion of color. Art expressing the history, culture and people of the community. Publicly funded murals, sanctioned street art and graffiti are ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Art and Design...

Cities & Towns

Point Arena Lighthouse
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Mendocino

California Historical Landmark

Krystina Castella
Mendocino is a village that sits on the rugged cliffs of California's northern coast. The town dates to the 1850s when it was established as a logging community. Today, Mendocino is a haven for
Click here to read more of the article.
The Richards Dar House Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Mobile, Alabama

Antebellum Era & Mardi Gras

Krystina Castella
Mobile, Alabama one of the oldest cities on the Golf Coast is home to seven historic districts. Filled with antebellum homes, murals, and the home of the original Mardi Gras parade. The Mardi Gras Museum shares ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Delving into Omaha History

Omaha, Nebraska

Krystina Castella
Originally homeland of the Midwestern Native American tribe the U-mo'n-Ho'n, (the Omaha People) today Omaha Nebraska is a bustling riverfront ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Legends of Deadwood Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Deadwood, South Dakota

Old West brought to life

Krystina Castella
On a visit to Deadwood, it is easy to engage with the past and experience walking back to the gold rush days or the set for the modern Deadwood TV series. Only an hour from Mt Rushmore Deadwood gets its name ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Yaquina Bay Bridge
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Newport, Oregon

Maritime Heritage, and Coastal Scenery

Krystina Castella
Newport, Oregon, on the central coast, is known for its maritime heritage, and coastal scenery. The Yaquina Bay Bridge completed in 1936 is one of the most recognized bridges in the state and is on the National Register of
Click here to read more of the article.
The Strip
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Las Vegas

An Oasis in the Desert

Krystina Castella
After weeks of camping and living in dirt showing up with a mud-covered SUV to the glitz, lights and artificial environments of Vegas is just what we need. In nature ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Cities and Towns...

Roadside Attractions

Apple Orchard, Avila Valley Barn
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Avila Valley Barn

Avila Beach

Krystina Castella
Avila Valley Barn, at Avila Beach area of California’s Central Coast, captures the essence of farm-fresh goodness. Established as a family-owned and operated farm, The location invites visitors to step into a world of wholesome
Click here to read more of the article.
Scotts Bluff, Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Gering, Nebraska

Krystina Castella
As the great plains give way to the foothills of the Rockies along the North Platte River, the first outcroppings of the foothills are a set of bluffs in Western Nebraska called Scotts Bluff. Named after a fur trader ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Bridge over Colorado River
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Hoover Dam

Art Deco meets Engineering

Krystina Castella
The Hoover Dam, one of America's most iconic landmarks, is an engineering and artistic marvel. Built during the Great Depression and completed in 1936. It straddles the border between Nevada and Arizona state lines and
Click here to read more of the article.
Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Engage with people and places from the past

Krystina Castella
As largest living history museum in the world, Colonial Williamsburg is the closest we can get to time travel. If you love Hamilton the musical, here is your chance to return to the Revolutionary War ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Iowa 80

World’s Largest Truckstop

Krystina Castella
In Eastern Iowa when driving on the 80 interstate you can’t miss the descriptively named Iowa 80 Truckstop. From the outside ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska

Stumble upon a roadside treasure

Krystina Castella
When driving through Nebraska on Highway 87 the hours can pass by slowly as corn and hay dominate the landscape. However, just outside of ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Roadside Attractions...

Articles

Photo:
Krystina Castella

The Staten Island Ferry

A NYC favorite

Krystina Castella
Some people love trains, other cars or planes. My adoration is for the Staten Island Ferry. Having grown up on Staten Island the ferry connected ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

State Welcome Signs

First Impressions

Krystina Castella
First impressions mean everything. That is how I feel about Gateway Signs more commonly known as State Welcome Signs. The approach to a sign, the design ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Everglades National Park
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Florida Love

Favorites of the Sunshine State

Krystina Castella
Florida and California (where we live) have many commonalities. We both have oranges, palm trees, beautiful and sunny warm weather in winter. However, there are many differences that draw us back to visit Florida ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Scrumptious bacon/egg fried pie
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Fried Pies

Sweet and Savory

Krystina Castella
Fried hand pies, a classic of the American South can be found in places stretching from the Carolinas to Texas. Depending on the filling they can be... See our fried pie recipe ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Junior Rangers and their badges.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Junior Rangers

A playful way to explore the parks

Krystina Castella
There they were. Two inspired children on a mission, storming through the visitor’s center doors of Fort Necessity National Battlefield just outside of Pittsburg. They proudly showcased their achievements all over their clothing. As they made their way to the front desk, they enthusiastically asked the ranger on duty, “Do you have Junior Ranger booklets?” These kids were...
Click here to read more of the article.
America 250
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Stars & Stripes

A Familiar Image

Krystina Castella
As America reaches its 250th anniversary, the American flag feels as familiar and meaningful as ever. It appears everywhere: at street festivals, on porches, in parades, on trucks, in shop windows, along roadsides, and in neighborhoods across the country.
Click here to read more of the article.

More Articles...