Home
Stories
About
Logo for Explore, Visit, Play.
Follow us!
Image link to our Instagram area.
Coffee Farm
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Hawai'i Island (The Big Island)

Read On!
Coffee Farm
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Hawai'i Island (The Big Island)

Volcanic Deserts and Lush Rainforests

Krystina Castella

The Big Island, known as Hawai'i Island, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, has volcanic deserts and lush rainforests. It feels real, like old Hawaii. You can still walk into
Click here to read more of the article.

Featured

Photo:
Krystina Castella

Devils Tower  

Volcanic extrusion and Sacred land

Krystina Castella
Devils Tower National Monument located in northeastern Wyoming, is an impressive geologic feature that rises above the surrounding flat plains. The site offers a unique blend of natural wildlife, outdoor adventure, cinematic history ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Lone Pine, CA

Gateway to the Highest and Lowest

Krystina Castella
Lone Pine, California on US Route 395 is a little over 3 hours north of Los Angeles and where the big wall of the Sierras starts to take shape. The tiny old ...
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.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo, TX

Krystina Castella
Cadillac Ranch, outside of Amarillo, TX, is something between art and a roadside attraction. The installation created in the 70’s by land artists ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Horseback Riding on Beach
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Florence, Oregon

Krystina Castella
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, near Florence, Oregon, has one the largest expanses of coastal sand dunes in North America stretching over 40 miles along the coast. Hiking trails wind through the dunes and surrounding
Click here to read more of the article.
Catalina Casino
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Catalina Island

A quick escape from the mainland

Krystina Castella
Catalina Island, accessible by ferry off the coast, is known for its natural beauty and boating, with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and
Click here to read more of the article.

Play

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.
Biking along ledges and bowls
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Gooseberry Mesa

Slickrock mountain biking

Krystina Castella
Over 20 years ago we walked into the only bike shop in Springdale, Utah, an undeveloped town, right outside of Zion National Park. We asked if there was any good biking around. The owner told us that recently some guys went up to the top of the mesa a few miles away and painted dots on the slickrock and made bike paths. It sounded ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Splash Pad
Photo:
Krystina Castella

James Island County Park

James Island, South Carolina

Krystina Castella
For a recreational vacation head right outside of Charleston and visit James Island County Park. It offers camping, open meadows, fishing, crabbing and miles of paved trails for walking, biking ...
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.
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.
Rafts
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Huntington Beach Play

Risky Muddy Fun

Krystina Castella
Huntington Beach Adventure Playground is for families seeking an outdoor play area that encourages creativity, physical activity, and adventurous play. In the heart of Huntington Central Park, this park offers ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Play...

Nature

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.
Sun at Arches
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Arches National Park

Moab, Utah

Krystina Castella
Arches National Park, in eastern Utah near Moab, has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, set in desert landscapes. Delicate Arch, set against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains has become a symbol ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Brian Boyl
Photo:
Brian Boyl

The Outer Banks, North Carolina

Delving into stories at three parks

Krystina Castella
If your perfect family vacation spot includes beautiful long stretches of beach, mini golf courses and kite and candy shops OBX is filled ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

Celebration of California’s State Flower

Krystina Castella
Just 68 miles North of Los Angeles and 15 miles west of Lancaster is the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. From Mid- February through Mid-May the grassy landscape fills with a dreamscape ...
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.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Smoky Mountains National Park

Most visited National Park in the US

Krystina Castella
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee is the most visited National Park in the United States. The name comes from the Cherokee people who called the landscape “place of the blue smoke” referring ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Nature...

Art & Design

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.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Shotgun Houses

The colorful vibe of a community

Krystina Castella
Shotgun Houses, the iconic, colorful homes scattered throughout the American South stand out in New Orleans because of the overt personalization. Through color ...
Click here to read more of the article.
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.
Mount Rushmore
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse

The Black Hills, South Dakota

Krystina Castella
The Black Hills of South Dakota is a region steeped in natural beauty and historical significance. Mount Rushmore National Monument and the Crazy Horse Memorial are two monumental sculptural attractions that sometimes jut out and sometimes ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Art and Design...

Cities & Towns

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.
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.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Ohiopyle

An Outdoors Overload

Krystina Castella
Ohiopyle sounds like it is in Ohio doesn’t it? It is actually in the Laurel Highlands a beautiful region of Southwestern Pennsylvania. We booked a campsite in Ohiopyle State Park to stay ...
Click here to read more of the article.
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.
"Lake City"
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

"Lake City"

Krystina Castella
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho often referred to as the "Lake City," is renowned for its lake, community-centered parks, and family-oriented attractions. Lake Coeur d'Alene, a picturesque body of water that offers
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Springview, Nebraska

The Good Life

Krystina Castella
While on a road trip have you ever passed through a small town and get the feeling to stop? In Springville, it was the subtle clues, a zebra painted house and the nearby retro gas station that lured us ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Cities and Towns...

Roadside Attractions

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:
Brian Boyl

Randyland

The most colorful spot in Pittsburg

Krystina Castella
Randyland is the creation of eccentric folk artist, Randy Gilson. Gilson had an idea to transform his home in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood of Pittsburgh's ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

A Rainbow of Color

Ft. Collins, Colorado

Krystina Castella
The Colorado State University Trial Gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado is a breathtakingly beautiful place to lose yourself in flowers of every color, texture, shape and form. The purpose of ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

World’s Largest Thermometer

Baker, California

Krystina Castella
If you have every wondered where and when the hottest temperature every recorded on earth is the answer is 134 degrees F in Death Valley, California on July, 10 1913. That temperature inspired Willis Herron to build World’s Tallest Thermometer to draw freeway travelers ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Waterfall, Blue Ridge Parkway
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Appalachian Mountains

Krystina Castella
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is a journey through the natural and cultural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains. The road stretches 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with many ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Dinosaur Tracks
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Moenave Dinosaur Tracks

Tuba City, Arizona

Krystina Castella
The Moenave Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City, Arizona, are a fascinating paleontological site showcasing well-preserved dinosaur footprints from the Early Jurassic period. These tracks
Click here to read more of the article.

More Roadside Attractions...

Articles

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.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

American Flags

Expression of our National Identity

Krystina Castella
One thing American’s have in common is the symbol of the American flag. As our national symbol of identity to each person or group it offers diverse and complex ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Santa kayaking Ledges
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Campground Christmas

A Summertime Celebration

Krystina Castella
Celebrating Christmas is merry. The decorating, the music, the sweets. A full month of diversion from the everyday filled with the excitement of the season. But in July? While camping? To our surprise Christmas was uncovered at Ledges State Park in Iowa. From the park’s name we expected sandstone rock ledges, a flowing creek and lush trees nestled...
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.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Ice Cream Trucks

The taste of summer

Krystina Castella
Before I saw the truck I heard the jingle off in the distance. I knew the melody well-The Entertainer. Once in sight it was hard to miss. A brightly colored truck ...
Click here to read more of the article.
Surprise: The Blue Angels
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Surprise: The Blue Angels

Pensacola, Florida

Krystina Castella
This was one of those unplanned spontaneous experiences that makes road trips so sensational. We had just left our picturesque campsite at Blue Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, Florida. Our son was on-line in ...
Click here to read more of the article.

More Articles...