articles

Logo for Explore, Visit, Play.
Home
Stories
About
Grand Canyon National Park
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Grand Canyon National Park

Descend into the Geological History

Krystina Castella
Grand Canyon National Park cannot be explained in words or photos. At 6000 feet deep, 18 miles wide, and stretching over 277 miles of the Colorado River it is so immense that the only way to experience it is to be in its presence. The park provides
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 period. As you walk through the experience you will interact
Click here to read more of the article.
Collection of Hoodoos Photo: Brian Boyl
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Bryce Canyon National Park

Get Lost Amongst Utah's Hoodoos

Krystina Castella
Bryce Canyon in Utah is otherworldly. Typically, it is overlooked because of the more famous nearby red rock of the Southwest neighbors Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks. However, it is impressive, less crowded and a place like no other. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase it has the largest collection of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) in the world. Gazing at the hoodoo spires
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bright Yellow Greek Revival Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

William Taft Historic Site

History and Décor

Krystina Castella
Visiting the childhood homes of well know figures tells us a bit more about the environments that shaped their character and philosophy. On a quest for
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.
Old Town Lancaster
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Old Meets New in Pennsylvania Dutch County

Krystina Castella
In Lancaster, the center of Pennsylvania Dutch County, you will absorb the coexistence of Amish heritage and modern society. Electric vehicles share the road with horse drawn carriages, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Shoppers carrying groceries
Click here to read more of the article.
Badwater Basin Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Death Valley National Park

Embrace the Desert Silence

Krystina Castella
Despite its morbid name, if you love the quiet of the desert Death Valley is a lively place to visit. In fact, it is one of the most naturally quiet places in the continental United States. The Largest National Park outside of Alaska, it offers 5300 square miles of open space and dramatic
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

The Super Bloom

Krystina Castella
Every year wildflowers lovers throughout southern California ask, “Will Anza Borrego have a super bloom?” In years with abundant rainfall, the Sonoran Desert landscape is filled with an abundance of colors. At the peak
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Salton Sea

California's Largest Lake

Krystina Castella
At thirty-five miles long and 15 miles wide Salton Sea is the largest lake in California. Twice the size of Lake Tahoe. Situated in the Sonoran Desert the land where it stands was originally a salt sink
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Carlsbad Caverns

Bats, Caves and Speleothems

Krystina Castella
In a midst of a landscape covered with flaming oil rigs just below the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid carved the limestone underground
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Little Green Men of Roswell

Alien Encounters in New Mexico

Krystina Castella
Do you believe in alien encounters on earth? More than seventy years after the Roswell incident of 1947 the city of Roswell, New Mexico continues to capitalize on the report of a UFO crash nearby. Despite a lack of credible evidence
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.
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.
Amphitheater
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Cedar Breaks

Bristlecones and sheep dogs await

Krystina Castella
Just outside of Brain Head, Utah standing at 10,000 feet is the dramatic natural amphitheater of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The attraction here is the
Click here to read more of the article.
Little Blue Door
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Children’s Garden, Huntington

Pasadena, California

Krystina Castella
If you find yourself in Pasadena on a warm day with children under seven treat yourself to the enchanted environment of the Children’s Garden at the Huntington.Enter through a tiny blue door into a whimsical landscape to
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

Ft. Collins, Colorado

Old West meets the New Frontier

Krystina Castella
Twenty years ago, Ft. Collins, Colorado was one of those college towns that was an undiscovered gem. Back then it was best known as the town where Disneyland Main Street designer, Harper Goff grew up and used for inspiration. Today the word is out, and it has become a mecca of experimental food (mac and cheese pizza!), nature, art,
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Yosemite National Park

Embrace diversity in the Valley

Krystina Castella
No matter how many times we have visited we are always in awe of Yosemite National Park. When arriving from State Highway 41 the first sweeping expanse of the views of the valley is glimpsed from Tunnel View Overlook. Here you will see
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.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Rocky Mountain National Park

Embrace the wildlife and vistas

Krystina Castella
In Northern Colorado Rocky Mountain is the quintessential National Park. Originally home to Ute and Arapaho people and later homesteaders and ranchers today It offers
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Park City, Utah

Polishing the silver of its mining past

Krystina Castella
Park City has grown substantially in the 20+ years since we last visited. It is now an upscale getaway for enthusiasts who love biking and skiing, the arts, high end shopping and eating. There are many new neighborhoods, shopping
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

All About Hay

Golden Pixels in the Landscape

Krystina Castella
In the American prairie states hay is hard to miss. Golden pixels in the landscape in many shapes and sizes. I decided to find out as you never know when I will need to whip out these facts at a dinner party or if a student develops a project around horses or cows
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.
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.
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.
Photo: Krystina Castell
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Art Institute of Chicago

An Impressive Collection

Krystina Castella
Visitors to the Art Institute Chicago, the USA’s 2nd largest art museum are greeted by their famous iconic lions. Inside guests engage in the one million square feet 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.
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.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Easton, Pennsylvania

Waterways and Bridges

Krystina Castella
Right across the Northampton Street bridge from New Jersey at the intersection of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers is the picturesque
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.
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.
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.
Lincoln Memorial
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Washington, DC

Not an Ordinary Mall

Krystina Castella
By foot or by bike nothing in the US capital compares to the being at the National Mall. At one end of the mall are the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials, in the middle is the towering
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Savoring history and folk art

Krystina Castella
Sometimes when dropping into a new town discovering the surprises is just as exciting as the intended destination. This was the case during our visit to Philly. Rich in American history
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Fredrick, Maryland

Biking the historic loop

Krystina Castella
It is not the size of neighboring DC or Baltimore but Fredrick, Maryland has an intimate charm that attracts
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo: Krystina Castella
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Assateague National Seashore

It is all about the Horses!

Krystina Castella
If you’ve ever wanted to spend the day sitting on the beach watching herds of wild horses play in the waves Assateague National Seashore is
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.
Rainbow Row, Charleston
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Charleston, South Carolina

Get lost in Southern Charm

Krystina Castella
Our first impression of Charleston, South Carolina was that this is a city that understands its quaint beauty. Although the Charleston
Click here to read more of the article.
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.
Castillo de San Marcos
Photo:
Krystina Castella

St. Augustine, Florida

Established 1565

Krystina Castella
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European and African American settlement in the United States. It was claimed in 1565 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, forty-two years
Click here to read more of the article.
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Barn Quilts

Folk Art of America’s Heartland

Krystina Castella
If you are looking for an excuse for a road trip head out to discover the grassroots movement of barn quilts. A form of American folk art barn quilts are painted wood or metal squares that
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.
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.
Everglades National Park
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Alligators All Around

Florida's State Reptile

Krystina Castella
On hikes throughout Florida’s numerous wetlands, rivers, swamps, and lakes it is not unusual for us to come across a wild alligator or two. While alligators were endangered 50 years ago the population is
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Museum of Barbed Wire, McLean, TX
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Barbed Wire & Murals

Route 66 in McLean TX

Krystina Castella
A quick stop for gas on Route 66 led us into the 1.2 square mile town of McLean, Texas which happens to be on the National Register of Historic Places. This remote town makes the most of
Click here to read more of the article.
Steam Locomotive, Durango, Colorado
Photo:
Brian Boyl

Durango, Colorado

Trains meet outdoor adventures

Krystina Castella
Durango, Colorado was one of those places we just passed through. On our way from Los Angeles to Santa Fe traveling parts of the Old Spanish trails that are now roads and freeways. A stopping point for gas on our way to the mining towns of Silverton or Ouray. Near our special campsite at the cliff dwellings of
Click here to read more of the article.
CicLAvia in Hollywood
Photo:
Krystina Castella

CicLAvia

Welcome Back!

Krystina Castella
On an average day for the average person biking in LA is not easy. There is traffic to navigate and distance to cover. At CicLAvia (Inspired by Bogotá’s weekly ciclovía) restrictions fade and we experience a glimpse at what Los Angeles could be like if our city was car free. We see neighborhoods that are
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 intriguing. Then he told us. ”It’s rather technical”. This was the first time
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 collected by designer Alexander Girard and his wife Susan over their lifetime of travel to dozens of countries. The exhibit includes...
Click here to read more of the article.
The Chairy Orchard welcome gate
Photo:
Krystina Castella

Chairy Orchard

A Landscape of Chairs

Krystina Castella
It was one of those rainy-day drives where we were constantly questioning if we should pull over to the side of the road because the rain was coming down so hard. In times like these we typically do a search on attractions near me which happened to be Denton, Texas- just outside of Dallas. That is how we found the Chairy Orchard surfacing right to the #1 spot. We had no idea what it was, but it was something to do for a bit until the rain let up. We were puzzled by...
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.
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.