Great Destinations to Visit in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a great year round destination for travelers in the Mid-Atlantic. We recently lived in Washington, DC for 4 years and enjoyed taking many trips to the Keystone State (nicknamed that for its essential role in the founding of the US). Philadelphia even served as the capital of the country between 1790 and 1800.

The Laurel Highlands makes for a great couples getaway with a wealth of year round outdoor recreation from golf in summer to skiing in winter. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the world. Historic sites and culinary delights abound in destinations like Philadelphia, Gettysburg and York.

Kids (and many adults like us) love the chocolate wonderland that is Hershey’s Chocolate World. Huntingdon County is home to Raystown Lake, the largest in Pennsylvania, and a popular spot for summer recreation. These Pennsylvania destinations are great for outdoor activities like golf, kayaking and skiing, history and mouth watering food and drinks!

The exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater with the fall foliage and waterfalls

What to Expect in Hakone, Japan at a Ryokan

Last updated on November 5th, 2024 at 04:41 pmRyokans are traditional Japanese inns renowned for the ultimate zen experience. They typically offer comfortable rooms, traditional kaiseki dining, mineral baths (onsen) and wonderful customer service. Visitors to Japan should definitely plan to stay in a ryokan for a portion of their trip. Here is what to…

Photo of snow capped Mount Fuji with a cable car

York, Pennsylvania: Guide to a Great Weekend

York, Pennsylvania is just 92 miles north of Washington, DC. The city was founded in 1741 by settlers from Philadelphia and named after the British city of York. It lays claim to being the USA’s first capital, as the Continental Congress first drafted the Articles of Confederation there. York County makes for a great getaway for outdoor lovers, beer enthusiasts, foodies and history buffs. Here are tips to enjoy a fun, delicious and action-packed weekend!

An old steam train going through the trees with a red grill on the front

Washington, DC to Niagara Falls: Road Trip Guide

Last updated on July 23rd, 2025 at 07:05 amSummer road trips conjure a feeling of freedom for vacationers. But driving along busy interstates to get from point a to b as fast as possible can leave travelers missing out on some wonderful experiences. We’ve driven from Washington, DC to Niagara Falls many times, and have…

View of horseshoe fall from the tower

What to Expect on an Alaska Fjords and Glaciers Cruise with UnCruise

Dramatic fjords and glaciers await visitors in Southeast Alaska. This is the stage for some of the most gorgeous scenery on Earth. We recently embarked on a 7-day small ship UnCruise adventure cruise to explore Alaska’s unspoiled wilderness firsthand. Southeast Alaska is a wonderland to experience through kayaking, hiking, bushwhacking and small ship skiff boat tours.

You may be fortunate to view the Northern Lights, like we did! Bell even took a polar plunge in freezing water, with South Sawyer Glacier in the background. Here is what you can expect to experience on a 7-day Alaska Uncruise, along with packing tips and advice for staying in Juneau and Ketchikan!

Part of the glacier falling into the sea and creating a large splash in an ice carving