20 things we endured when going on road trips in the 90s

There’s nothing more American than road trips. But, hitting the road with iPads, GPS, organic snacks and unlimited data plans is no match for what the 90s kids used to endure.

Times were tough then… crammed into the back of a station wagon, driving endless hours, filthy gas station bathrooms, dad’s corny road sign jokes. How did we survive? Here are some more of the hardships people had to endure when going on the road trip in the 90s:

1. We listened to music in Walkmans.

No streaming, no shuffle, no skipping. You actually had to listen to the whole thing from beginning to end. For the kids who never heard of such a thing, here’s a pretty cool explanation of how this ancient device worked.

 

2. We talked to each other. Sometimes it was a bit too much, and some of us got annoyed.

 

3. We took naps in dangerous ways.

 

4. Our mood was influenced by the songs playing on the radio.

 

5. We danced to Boybands’ hits like there was no tomorrow, and without the intention of posting to make it go viral.

 

6. We fought with our siblings (also like there was no tomorrow).

 

7. We had to wait for the cassette tape to rewind to listen to it (and pray that it didn’t get tangled in the process).

 

8. If the car broke down, we played outside in the rest area. No cellphone, no Netflix. WE.HAD.TO.PLAY.WITH.EACH.OTHER. Can you believe it?

9. We rode in the backseat in unsafe ways.

 

 10. We played games in the car. Some innocent (I spy with my little eye round-robin, license plate scavenger hunts), and some a little dangerous…

 

 11. Some of us – the strong ones – could read entire books in one road trip.

 

12. We knew the lyrics to 1000 songs and we sang together shamelessly!

 

13. We knew how to read paper maps. And there was no Siri to tell us all about nearby things.

 

14. We ate unhealthy snacks. And there was much more where this came from.

 

15. We stopped at random diners, the food was great and the people there were the friendliest.

 

16. No such thing as car selfies. We took photos of beautiful sceneries and our fashionable outfits.

17. We searched for Payphones to let the family know we were all right.

 

18. We made mixtapes especially for the trips. Not everybody thought it was awesome, but they all had to listen to it anyway.

19. We had to be very selective of the pictures we took, as regular camera films allowed us about 36 photos. And we still had to pray they didn’t develop blank. Polaroids were the closest to Instagram we had, and we had family gatherings after the trip to show off our pictures.

20. And after enduring it all as a family, we got closer to each other. It was the ultimate test of our love!

5 things you’ll stumble upon in your Startup Journey

Startups are all the hype now. And this can be absolutely amazing since this huge support network has grown to help founders thrive. There’s also more awareness around the concept of starting businesses meant to scale. Now, if you see a problem and invest your life savings in solving it, you’re no longer considered crazy, you’re a visionary.

It is a hectic, yet, rewarding journey. A startup founder knows that reaching the end line is not the goal, that’d be impossible since the problems and solutions keep evolving. Enjoying the journey is the goal. And throughout it, let me tell you, you’ll find some interesting people and shortcuts. A lot of signs pointing to different directions will make you scratch your head and not really know where to go. Like Dorothy, you’ll have to try and pick what’s going to make you actually proceed, and not go around in circles.

Here are some of the things you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon in your Startup journey:

1. Oh, I had this exact same idea!

Oh yeah, you’ll hear this more than once. Sometimes you’ll connect with that person, and she’ll actually add to your idea and help you walk one step further. Other times you can tell it’s just small talk. What’s the lesson here? If other people had the same idea, take it as an endorsement to your business. It means, there’s actually a meaningful problem. Also, it says you were one of the few that had the guts to try to solve it. Congrats, you’re ahead of many others on your journey!

 2. You might want to rethink this


There’ll always be that random person that listens to your pitch and assumes that throughout the 1374374 hours you’ve been working on your business, you forgot to think of this and that. And it’s usually not someone in your public spectrum or a trusted advisor. It’s just a know-it-all that happened to cross your path. I learned to be humble, take notes, nod my head, but not spend more than 5 minutes on it. You’ve got to focus on what really matters, and not distract yourself by taking an unnecessary detour.

3. I came across your website and
let me help you for only $172,873

Some lovely souls may cross your path. They come with a smile, open arms, and an “I want to help you reach your goals” speech. They’ll tell you they understand where you’re coming from, and that they’re happy to connect you with essential players in the industry. And then, when they gain your trust, they’ll come at you with a $172,438,438 invoice. All of that before even delivering anything on their end. Be aware of these wolves. If they’re charging for it, it means they don’t really know anything about startups after all.

4. Come join our accelerator in Finland!

Accelerators are great, and by any means, you should take all opportunities to join one that can offer great connections in your field. But, it is sooo much easier when you fit the “Single Millennial living in Silicon Valley” Founder profile. If this is not you, it might be just a little bit harder to pack your whole house and drag the family to another state or country for 3-6 months. But if you can, it’s an actual legit shortcut for your Startup journey, and you should take it!

5. The absolute best service for Startups you can’t live without

Last but not least, a lot of exciting emails with great graphs and visuals will arrive in your inbox. These come from the Service Land, where there’s an abundance of shortcuts on display for you to choose from. There are indeed great services, and they’re usually accessible. But subscriptions add up, and so do your daily chores as a Startup Founder. A great way to filter these shortcuts is scheduling demos before committing, to make sure that a specific service is a fit for you

Don’t go alone

The hype brought more people to the journey, and it’s great because now it feels more like a 5k than a solo climb to the top of Everest. You’re not alone, but you can certainly feel lonely in the crowd if you don’t focus on surrounding yourself with the best company that’ll motivate you to keep going. So gear up, tight your shoelaces, invite the best people to join you, and keep on going! Hopefully, your reward will be thousands of grateful smiles, from people who loved to have their problem solved by a visionary like you.

—
Lizia is writing out of her own experience here. She’s one of the Co-Founders at City Catt and has been enjoying every minute of this crazy Startup life since problem-solving has always been one of her hobbies. She’s also a wifey, mom to 3 very energetic boys, and an experienced Journalist. If you want to read more about her Founder journey, check out this blog post.

Your Roundup of Chicago’s Best Senior-Friendly Tourist Attractions

Chicago’s diverse range of attractions makes it one of America’s loveliest destinations for senior citizens. We’ll help you plan your itinerary by presenting a roundup of the city’s best senior-friendly attractions. These landmarks aren’t solely senior-friendly, however; they’re fun and fascinating for tourists of all ages!

If you have a generous budget, you may consider hopping on a motorcoach tour. You’ll ride in comfortable luxury coach buses with tourists of similar ages, and stop off at Chicago’s main attractions such as the Willis Tower (previously known as Sears Tower), with casino hotel accommodation included. Book a motorcoach tour if you would like your trip pretty much planned for you. In addition, if you’re interested in meeting other tourists, this would be a great social vacation for you.
For those who enjoy more flexibility, take your pick from any or all of these captivating, senior-friendly treasures:

Boat Tours

Skip the walking, and lounge on a beautiful boat for 90 minutes. Here are a few fantastic boat tour options.

Chicago First Lady

Lounge in comfort while expert tour guides present features of Chicago’s stunning architecture. Visit the website to purchase tickets; we recommend purchasing in advance. The First Lady Cruise features a full-service bar, snack shop, and restrooms. Previous guests recommended this river cruise as a well-worth-the-price, must-see attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Wendella Boats

Offers Chicago River and Lake Michigan cruises, architectural tours, beer cruises, and wine and cheese cruises.

Chicago Boat Tours

Similar to Chicago First Lady, offers an architectural cruise, as well as a historical cruise (for those not so interested in buildings) as well as an architectural cocktail cruise.

Museums

You can’t stop in Chicago without stopping to admire its museums! Don’t worry if you’re not interested in art, though; there’s still plenty for you to see.

Art Institute of Chicago

If you do love art, this is your first stop. Here, you’ll enjoy works by legendary artists such as Pablo Picasso in one of the country’s oldest and largest art museums! Some of its exhibitions change from time to time, so check out the website for a current list of displays.

The Field Museum of Natural History

Even if you’re not a dinosaur nerd, The Field Museum is still a must-see for one special exhibit: it’s home to the biggest and most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found!

Museum of Science and Industry

Science lovers, don’t forget this stop. Some of its permanent exhibits include a replica coal mine and a genuine WWII submarine.

“Above and Beyond” Vietnam War memorial

If you know a Vietnam vet, or you are one yourself, this display is a must-see. “Above and Beyond” is an exhibit of over 58,000 hanging dog tags, one for every American soldier killed in Vietnam. This work of art literally depicts the “weight” of the Vietnam War hanging over American society, in a stunning and unparalleled way.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza

The Memorial Plaza is another interesting stop for Vietnam vets. Inscribed in its memorial fountain, you’ll find names of the American soldiers that lost their lives serving our country in Vietnam.

Rosehill Cemetery and Civil War Museum

A must-see for Civil War history buffs. Several Union military officers are buried there.

Sears Tower, Yay or Nay?

Note that we did not include the Skydeck of the Willis (Sears) Tower on our list. Why? Many tourists mentioned that the wait times were excruciatingly long and that the elevators up to the Skydeck were cramped. Not to mention the height might be too overwhelming for some people. Thus, we did not consider this attraction to be senior-friendly. However, you certainly may use your own judgment here! If you decide you would still like to visit Skydeck Chicago, be sure to purchase tickets in advance here.

Add any of these options to your itinerary for an exciting, educational, senior-friendly tour of the great city of Chicago. My final tip: visit Chicago between the months of May and September, or else you might end up with a frostbitten nose!

 

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Taylor Blanchard is a traveler/travel enthusiast, blogger, and freelance writer. She enjoys discovering places she’s never been before, learning more about herself and the world we live in, and sharing her experiences on her blog, You Belong Everywhere.

What working as a guide taught me about authentic travel

By Sebastian Wojnar

Defining how to travel authentically can be a challenge. Does authentic travel involve exploring a village that’s been untouched by foreign influence? Or perhaps researching the customs before beginning your trek? How ever much you prepare, you’re still an outsider. How can you even be sure if what you’ve experienced can be considered “authentic?”

Why not go local? You can get the inside scoop on what makes a place tick by teaming up with someone who already knows your destination by heart.

Learn more from your visit

Most visitors to Warsaw are mesmerized by the meticulously reconstructed Old Town. Yet without knowing their history, the narrow cobblestone alleyways all meld into a colorful blur. Likewise, people can appear enigmatic until you get to know them. A local guide can bring to life the stucco on the hundreds of anonymous buildings. Each structure, from Zygmunt’s Column in the Castle Square to the Mermaid in the Old Town Square, illustrates just how remarkable the city’s post-World War II resurrection truly was.

Guides are also representatives of their cultures, introducing their guests to the customs and mindsets of a country through a unique, personal perspective. It was always my pleasure to share snapshots of the last few years of life in the country.

Curtail culture shock

Innately well-versed as they are in the day-to-day complexities of the destination, local guides also serve as the bridge between the traveler and the often exotic wonders of an unfamiliar environment. Obstacles like language barriers and differences in currency and customs – things which can sometimes cause culture shock – are replaced with the consideration of an enthusiastic guide willing to share his or her home.

You are also able to visit the places that are unlikely to be found in any guidebooks. Of course, the most popular attractions are that way for a good reason. But there are many places most tourists don’t see – and don’t post recommendations about on travel websites! Even if the backroads seem less glamorous, they provide a glimpse of the everyday lives of the population.

Take for instance Istanbul, divided not only by the Bosphorus but also by two distinct paces of life. Tourists naturally flock to the ancient neighborhood of Sultanahmet to visit the majestic Blue Mosque and try their luck bartering with touts in the spice market. Crossing over to Kadikoy presents one with another side of the city. Nothing in the district’s tightly-packed, sparsely-decorated shopping streets was marked for tourist consumption. With the labels and conversation all in Turkish, I could not even differentiate between all the unfamiliarly-scented dishes at a restaurant. Luckily, my local contact helped me to navigate through the crowd as it engaged in its daily grocery shopping.

Save time

Going local also saves a ton of pre-departure preparation time and stress. No more long hours searching online for the best things to do at each location. With a local tour guide at your side, you’re not only sure to get an individualized experience, but all the work is already done for you! All you really need at this point is a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a smile.

It was only while recently planning my own trip that I realized the impact of my own work. As a guide I had navigated my city’s transportation timetables, bought tickets to attractions, sourced restaurants, deciphered maps, and more. All these things had seemed like second nature to me. Yet as a traveler about to embark on a foreign country, having someone to rely on for the nitty-gritty details is priceless.

 

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Sebastian Wojnar has lived in a number of different countries, becoming acquainted with the quirks and rewards of life in the global village. He shares his insights on work and travel in his writing, through which he hopes to instill a curiosity for the unknown.

 

The 10 Most Romantic Spots in Chicago

Chicago, a city known for its rugged neighborhoods, deep-dish pizza and of course, brutal 50-mph winds
 doesn’t lack in character or culture. However, there’s a softer side to Chicago that they don’t show you on the big screen. Whether you’re looking to surprise your significant other on an anniversary or want to impress a first-date, these are 10 of the most romantic spots in the Chicago area.

DĂźner en Blanc

Düner en Blanc is an immersive experience that turns some of Chicago’s most beautiful public spaces into a chic rendezvous for over 1,000 invited guests. Head-to-toe in all white garb, the Düner En Blanc attendees can enjoy their dinner, mingle with the eclectic crowd and reminisce on the prestige of high French society. This is a date-night for the books.

Chicago River Walk

Whether you take on the river walk by boat or foot, you will feel the true magic and energy of the city. This romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown is all you need on a crisp Chicago evening.

 Tropikava

Most date nights include a stop at the local cocktail bar. But what if hangovers aren’t really your thing? Head to Tropikava and try a relaxing, non-alcoholic, non-addictive elixir by the name of Kava. This drink derives from the Kava root and has long been used socially and ceremonially in the South Pacific. Kava is said to induce clarity, relief from anxiety, and a calm sense of euphoria. Elevate to another state and relax with your partner at this innovative juice bar.

 Millenium Park

You’ve seen the iconic images of Millennium Park and its prominent artwork on TV shows, movies and popular Instagram feeds. But this expansive civic center has much more to offer than meets the eye. Watch a movie under the stars, buy tickets to one of the colorful concert series or sneak away for a private picnic.

 Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Nothing says romance like a walk through vivid displays of flora and fauna. You’ll find captivating experiences at the conservatory that stretch far beyond the flowers. Sign up for one of the conservatory’s cooking classes and fall in love with the art of creating culinary classics from scratch. Make pasta, collect herbs, perfect Chinese recipes or even learn how to make holiday jams. Just make sure you make it out in time to see the sunset over the conservatory’s greenhouse.

 Promontory Point

Most travelers overlook this breathtaking lookout point, which makes it the ideal spot for those who are willing to venture off the beaten path. Grab your loved one, pack a light lunch and take a stroll along this peninsula of Lake Michigan.

 The Signature Lounge at the 96th

Enjoy a cocktail above the clouds as the Chicago cityscape leaves you completely bewildered. The Signature Room at 96th is placed 96 floors above the ground and offers a slew of perfectly crafted cocktails from a team of world-class mixologists. Watch the sunset, order a few small-bites for the table and enjoy the timeless ambiance.

 The Chicago Theatre

The emblematic lights in the windy city do not shine any brighter than when you’re underneath the marquee at the Chicago Theatre. Catch a show and marvel at the French Baroque-style architecture that was designed in 1921. It is the essence of sentimental charm.

 North Pond

North Pond was originally built as a warming shelter for ice skaters back in 1912. Since then this spot has evolved into a wholesome restaurant with seasonal, locally sourced products and at atmosphere that is true to the culture of arts and crafts. Located in Lincoln Park, this restaurant is adorned with floor to ceiling glass windows that are especially dazzling at dusk.

 Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Nothing sets the mood quite like the melodic tones of live music. The Green Mill was frequented by legendary popular figures and continues to amaze crowds looking to kick-back and unwind with an ongoing jazz soundtrack.

  —-

  As a Las Vegas native with an affinity for global excursions, Perri left the United States for love, self-discovery, and amazing European pastries. This lucky girl hasn’t stopped traveling since. You can check her out her latest adventures at her Instagram @princeandthepear. 

 

Co-Founding a Business and a Home

It’s 2 am in the morning. My middle kid just woke up screaming and, because I can tell one cry from another, I run with him to the bathroom, and he throws up his dinner. An hour prior, my older kid threw up all over the bedroom’s hallway, and a little bit in the guest room, where we currently have guests staying. The baby is also sick, and woke up at the same time, screaming. It took me over an hour to put him back to bed, clean everything up, calm the older kid, bathe him, and put him back to bed. I went to bed at 3 am, with all the kids sleeping in my bedroom, since they’re sick and needy. No biggie. This could be the description of every other mom’s daily life.

Except that in two days I’m launching the startup I’m co-founding. I had the idea for it coming back from the one-month appointment of my youngest kid. He just turned one a week ago, and this also marked a year of craziness, where I raised three energetic little boys and turned my idea into a business. This year I barely slept, I potty trained, I taught a kid how to read in two languages, I played Mario Kart more times than I can count, I was the Yellow (Power) Ranger, I sang lullabies, I told Bible stories, and I traveled abroad by myself with three kids. This year I also wrote a business plan, raised capital, learned my way around UX and wireframes, designed websites, made marketing campaigns, and became an entrepreneur.

How I did it all

I’m co-founding a business and a home. It’s impossible to separate one from another. And it would also be absolutely impossible for me to do it if it wasn’t for the “co” in “co-founder.” You see, this little word means that I didn’t do it by myself. Co-founding my home without my awesome husband would be impossible. To start off, if it wasn’t for him, the kids and I wouldn’t have a roof over our heads, or food to eat while I embarked on this crazy “work all day, earn nothing” startup journey. But he’s also my partner, the super-hero dad, the hard worker, and the consultant for pretty much everything I didn’t know about when building my startup.

As for building City Catt, I had the honor and privilege of having my family buying the idea and joining me as Co-Founders. My ever-restless aunt Lis with an entrepreneurial soul joined in. My all-in, committed, hard-working, trooper cousin Anna, who’s been by my side working day and night while listening to screaming kids and crying babies. My cousin Louie, who’s been an unbelievable ambassador for our brand, attending many entrepreneurial meet-ups and being a true voice for City Catt. Not to mention my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and cousin Denise, who all played a vital role in the beginning stages, brainstorming, giving valuable inputs, insights, ideas, and imagining together what we could build.

 

All that to say that maybe you can’t have it all when trying to do it yourself. But I dare say that if you find people to buy your crazy ideas, be them raising awesome kids or building a great business, yes, you can have it all. I found supporters for these dreams of mine. Now, on the 18th, City Catt will be officially born to the world, and we aim to upgrade vacations all over the globe. When it comes to this dream, I already found hundreds of Catts willing to join me, and I’m counting on reach thousands more. And because I have them, I believe I can fly, but I also know that every little thing is gonna be all right.

 

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Lizia is the Idea maker and Co-Founder of City Catt. She’s also a wife, a mom of three little boys, and a journalist. She loves road trips, exploring cities, traveling, and spending fun and meaningful times with loved ones.

 

Seattle or San Francisco: Rain, Fog, or Shine

It was a sunny July day when I left Seattle for San Francisco. Two days later I was shivering on the beach wearing every item of clothing I had with me watching muted fireworks explosions through the fog on the 4th of July. Fun fact: it’s not always sunny in California, and Seattle isn’t constantly rainy. Having lived in both San Francisco and Seattle, I’ve got tips on the best sights and activities no matter the weather.

San Francisco, Golden or Gloomy

San Francisco on a sunny day is glorious, but if the sun’s what you’re after, visit in spring or fall, not summer. Summer in San Francisco is typically cold and foggy, and an excellent time to make day trips to Napa or Sonoma which aren’t affected by the coastal gloom and happen to be full of excellent wine.

If you are in the city on an overcast day, this can be an excellent time to take advantage of San Francisco’s great museums, especially the lesser-known Walt Disney Family Museum or the iconic Cable Car Museum.

A stop at The Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee (where this caffeinated cocktail was perfected) is another excellent way to warm up, and it’s conveniently located between Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, two tourist meccas you’re likely to visit no matter the weather.

If you know enough to visit in the spring or fall for a sunny trip, you probably already know about the tourist highlights: Golden Gate Park, a walk across the bridge by the same name, Dolores Park, Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, etc. Here are a few unique experiences best enjoyed on a sunny day:

Angel Island is a short ferry ride into the bay and offers incredible sweeping views of the city. Rent bikes for a pleasant and not too challenging ride around the island which is virtually devoid of cars.

Coit Tower also offers beautiful vistas of the water and the city and is located near iconic crooked Lombard Street for checking things off your tourist bucket list. The monument offers great views even from its base, which is free to visit, or for a small fee you can take an elevator to the top for a true change in perspective.

Seattle, Damp or Dry

Summer is the season to visit Seattle. Full disclosure, there may be a slight drizzle some mornings, but most days are warm and dry.

Spending time on the water in Seattle is the ideal way to celebrate the sun. There are myriad boat tours to be had on Lake Union, beach days and bonfires on the Puget Sound – Golden Gardens is a local favorite – or laid-back relaxing in an oversize floatie on Green Lake. Stand Up Paddleboards are readily available to rent at any of these locations as well.

 

Other lesser-known outdoor adventures include the Olympic Sculpture Park, which is downtown just past all of the tourist-focused waterfront and Seattle’s small but lovely Woodland Park Zoo, which feels like a botanical garden with animals tucked away in the foliage.

Given the good chance of rain most of the year, having an indoor backup plan is wise. MoPop, the Museum of Pop Culture has exhibits focused on Seattle’s music scene, all things sci-fi, and an excellent array of rotating exhibits.

My favorite place to take visitors is the Future of Flight Boeing Factory Tour, which is just north of the city. It’s truly incredible to visit the warehouses that are the size of small cities and watch airplanes come together before your very eyes.

No  matter which left coast city you visit in any type of weather, you’re sure to have a good time enjoying either of these lovely cities full of culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Enjoy!

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Christina is a So Cal native who now calls Seattle home. She loves to explore cities on foot, eat all the things, dance, and shop. When she’s not doing any of those things, you’ll find her on the couch, snuggling her French Bulldogs and knitting.

 

 

Not-So-Well-Known Family Friendly Vacation Cities

By Steve Haberlin

When planning a vacation with the kids in mind, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of or visited the popular U.S. destinations: Orlando, San Diego, Washington, D.C., New York City. But there is a “whole another world” out there of affordable, family friendly cities, which can offer memorable experiences. Here are some to consider:

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Lonely Planet ranks the Keystone State as one of the top five, family-friendly destinations that are normally not considered. In particular, Allentown offers a host of activities for kids and adults, including the American on Wheels Museum, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, the Lost River Caverns, Allentown Art Museum, and the Amore Vineyards and Winery. According tovisitpa.com, a stroll through the city’s historic district can fill an afternoon in itself or don bathing suits and hit Dorney Park and the Wildwater Kingdom, which boasts 200 acres of more than 100 rides and attractions.

Crescent City, California

Travelocity places this lesser-known town in its top U.S. destinations for families. Just 20 miles south of Oregon, Crescent City is home to lighthouses, such as Battery Point, built in 1865, and St. George Reef, also built around the same period. Take the kids to Ocean World aquarium, which houses injured elephant seals and sea lions before they are released into the wild, according to tovisitcalifornia.com. Later, you can wander Pebble Beach and comb the sand for agates and other semi-precious gemstones.

Coos Bay, Oregon

Located along Oregon’s “adventure coast,” and surrounded by thick forest, Coos Bay provides some outrageous outdoor fun. Hike along the area’s wind-sculpted dunes, some as high as 500 feet high, according totraveloregon.com. Visitors can also rent an ATV or dune buggy to explore the dunes. If you’d rather get wet, the family or kids can take a surf lesson (supplies/instruction can be obtained at local surf shops). You can even catch your own Dungeness crab by dropping your pot in the local Charleston Boat Basin (again, licenses and equipment are offered by local vendors). Fisherman’s Wharf employees will even cook and clean your catch for you.

Newport, Rhode Island

Another coastal city that the whole family can enjoy, Newport features everything from historic sites to beautiful beaches. Venture the cliff walk, a 3.5-mile-path at the edge of the sea, tour the more than dozen mansions that have served as summer homes to America’s wealthiest or enjoy a sailboat ride in the city of American Cup winners. Of course, spend time on the city’s pristine beaches, explore Fort Adams State Park, and music fans will want to time their visit with the Newport Folk Festival (July 28-30) and Newport Jazz Festival (early August), according to todiscovernewport.org.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Famous for Mount Rushmore, Rapid City also offers a number of family-fun options, including Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island, City View Trolley, and water parks, according to visitrapidcity.com. The young archeologists in the family will want to visit the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, an active archaeological dig site boasting the largest site of mammoth remains in the world, and perhaps the Journey Museum and Learning Center, which takes visitors back in time from when the Black Hills were formed some 2.5 billion years ago. Just 50 miles south of Rapid City lies the 244,00-acre Badlands National Park, where you can view endless, drastically striated rock formations.

Planning a unique family vacation can require thinking out-of-the-box. The above five destinations offer new, fun experiences for the kids as well as adult family members. While these cities might lack the hustle and bustle and larger crowds of the typical family vacation spots (not necessarily a bad thing), they provide refreshing alternatives that you certainly want to consider.

 

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Steve Haberlin is a graduate assistant and Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida in Tampa. A former k-12 teacher and journalist, he loves to travel, particularly exploring international cities.

Top 10 San Francisco Hidden Gems

Even for life long Bay Area-nites, San Francisco can always find a way to jumpstart your curiosity. Every city-dweller has their favorite getaway, but what if you’re hungry for something new and serendipitous in your favorite city by the bay?

To shake up your trip or daily routine, here are the top 10 hidden gems you can find in San Francisco:

343 Sansome Roof Garden

Deep in the concrete jungle that is the Financial District, there is a hidden oasis where you least expect it. On the 15th floor of 343 Sansome Street, you will discover a hidden garden, freely open to the public. With verdant trees, intoxicating lilies, and plenty of seats, this is a perfect place to grab a sandwich and take a tranquil breather.

Workshop Cafe

If you’re looking for a perfect place to get things done, without paying astronomical prices for using a coffee shop’s wifi, the Workshop Cafe is your salvation. The cafe not only makes the best cappuccino in San Francisco, but it also provides a wallet- friendly way to find fast wifi at $2 an hour. Whether you are a visiting business owner or a local creative, this is a great place to work in silence.

Boba guys

If you’re a fan of milk tea, Boba Guys will be sure to top Starbucks as your latest necessary luxury. This cult business has grown exponentially since its founding in 2011. Although there are several locations, the tucked away store near Union Square is a local favorite. Featuring a wide variety of specialty drinks from matcha to jasmine to horchata, the extensive menu allows you to choose the perfect drink to suit your palette.

Flora Grubb Gardens

To channel your inner botanist, the Flora Grubb Gardens can teach you the best ways to make your plants prosper. Segregating the plants based on sun exposure, you will be fascinated by how the arrangements are placed. From discovering a family of succulents in an antiquated Corvette to dangling sweet peas floating above your head, this is an exquisite place for everyone.

Wave Organ

Sprinkled along the San Francisco bay, The Wave Organ is a living musical instrument which is played by the ocean. Crafted from carved granite and marble, the subtle music created here must be heard to be believed. Come here at high tide to experience the finest music.

Seward Street Slides

When you’re greeted with signs stating “No adults unless accompanied by a child,” you know that you’re in for a fun ride. Surrounded by Seward Park, all you need is a bit of cardboard to slide down to the bottom and feel like a kid for the day.

Lover’s Lane Trail and Wood Line: Presidio National Park

For a taste of the great outdoors, Lover’s Lane is one of the most underrated hiking spots in San Francisco. With fragrant eucalyptus trees flanking the trail, follow the trail of trees all the way to the top for a refreshing walk. Like the name suggests, this is a lovely spot for active couples and families alike.

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

If you’re looking for a beautiful yet functional work of art, The Tiled Steps on 16th avenue are definitely a feast for the eyes. Evoking images of the ebb and flow of the ocean, the mosaic stairway leads you to extensive views of San Francisco’s Sunset district. For the best view, climb to the top at twilight.

 

Alison Koenig is a writer crafting nonfiction about technology and traveling. After traveling extensively with long stints in Italy and Sweden, she now lives in Northern California to nurture her career aspirations and adventurous lifestyle.

How to spend the perfect day in Seattle

By Alexis Doefler

Seattle is the ultimate destination for travelers looking for a superior foodie scene, live music, and surrounding evergreen forests. For the perfect mix of metropolitan, city life, and a nature escape, Seattle offers access to both.

Jumpstart your morning

Kick-off your morning with one of CafĂ© Diablo’s killer Cuban-style coffee drinks and a slice of their famous coconut bread, just located on the top of Queen Anne. Following breakfast, only a ten-minute walk away is Kerry Park, where you can find the notorious panoramic view of Seattle’s skyline.

For those looking for an outdoor escape in the bustling city, head to Discovery Park for a stroll through miles of walking paths. Enjoy the evergreen forest scenery and stretches of beach along Puget Sound.

For a more cultural experience, walk or take the city bus down Queen Anne Hill to the MoPOP Museum (Museum of Pop Culture) for a taste of Seattle’s music and pop culture scene. Located on the Seattle Center Campus inside the multicolored architectural phenomenon that supposedly resembles a smashed electric guitar. Pay homage to Seattle musical legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Pearl Jam.

Other sites to explore nearby include:

The Space Needle – Take a 520 ft. elevator ride up to Seattle’s most iconic historical landmark to their observation deck to check out the city’s best vantage point.
Chihuly Garden and Glass – Just below the Space Needle, this glass may be one of the most surprising and fascinating experiences in the city and definitely worth a visit.

Have lunch and have fun

After working up an appetite, make your way downtown along Elliot Bay’s waterfront to Pike Place Market for some lunch and to witness the legendary fish-tossing vendors. For some of Seattle’s best seafood, grab a table at Matt’s in the market. Be sure to order the steamed mussels & clams with chorizo or the market fish for a true taste of Pike Place’s freshest catch.

Also worth checking out at Pike Place are:

  • Floral Vendors – Famous in Seattle’s market be sure to grab a bouquet or just enjoy the astonishing range of local flowers lining the market’s hallways.
  • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Deemed the world’s best Mac ‘n Cheese as well as one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” this cheesemaker serves up some delicious goodies you will want to indulge in.
  • The Gum Wall – Located below the market on Post Alley, this strangely notorious brick wall is completely covered by used chewing gum. Take a short walk for a strange, yet legendary photo opt.
  • The Nest, Thompson Hotel – At the top of this contemporary hotel is one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle. Order from their list of artisanal cocktails and soak up the sweeping views of Elliot Bay and Seattle’s waterfront piers.

Dinner for all tastes

For dinner plans, check out some of the local favorites:

  • Momiji – Head to Seattle’s trendiest neighborhood, Capitol Hill, an excellent local sushi spot in the city. Reserve a table on their back garden patio for beautiful food and atmosphere.
  • Crow – Located in lower Queen Anne, this cozy, dim-lit restaurant serves up arguably the best, roasted chicken in Seattle. Ask for a table at the bar to witness their expert chefs cook up your meal as you sip on some great cocktails or craft beer.
  • Oyster Annex House – The perfect seafood spot in old town Ballard, one of Seattle’s most historic Scandinavian neighborhoods. Definitely stop in for happy hour to taste some delicious samplings of seafood appetizers, including fried clams, oysters, chowder, and fish & chips.
 Alexis is a Seattelite currently living in Rome. Her mom was a flight attendant, so traveling became an ingrained part of her life. Apart from exploring new destinations, she’s also an avid health nut. Her passions for travel and health collided, resulting in her blog, Love & Layovers, where she shares her insights and discoveries on health, wellness, and travel to empower others to lead a healthier lifestyle and to inspire a sense of curiosity and adventure. You can contact her at info@loveandlayover.com or check out her Instagram account, @loveandlayover