Category: United States

Welcome to the city that never sleeps! New York is the ultimate adventure. With so much to do, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful parks, incredible food and the dramatics of a Broadway show, you’re sure to have a full itinerary. With so many options of attractions, tours and activities, it can be hard to decide on what you want to do. So here’s a guide to help you to decide.

Before making any decisions or bookings, it’s also a good idea to check out your options. There are so many deals online to take advantage of. You may also be able to find a deal for multiple attractions. The New York City Explorer Pass gives you the choice of access to 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 attractions with over 100 choices of attractions, tours and activities. This is a great way save as you would spend a lot more if you were to buy tickets separately, buy your explorer new york city pass here! This is the perfect way to see what New York City has to offer.

 

Experience the Theatrics Of Broadway

Broadway is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Whether you enjoy musicals or contemporary plays, there is a show for everyone. With an incredible selection of the most popular shows such as The Phantom of the Opera in the Majestic Theatre to Hamilton in the Richard Rodgers Theatre, you will be able to immersive yourself in the magic of Broadway.

 

Explore the Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces

New York may be the concrete jungle, but right in the midst of that, there are a number of beautiful green spaces. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the exciting city, you can take a minute or two in some fresh and open air. Explore these spaces while having a quiet stroll, or for a more active option, rent a bike. In the summer you could even take a long lunch with a picnic and watch the world go by.

 

Treat Your Taste Buds

The delicious and diverse cuisine of the city is a whole attraction within itself. There are so many different options, you will have no trouble making dinner plans on your trip. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, or a sit-down meal in a restaurant, you will never run out of choice. New York City is famous for it’s New York-style pizza, this is a must to try out. For a more foreign experience, check out Chinatown for dumplings and other tasty Asian cuisines. There are also hundreds of award-winning restaurants if you’re looking to indulge in a fine dining experience. If you’re not sure what you want, then check out one of the many food markets the city has to offer, for example, Chelsea Market or Smorgasburg, this offers the perfect place to sample a wide range of different foods.

 

Delve into the Fascinating History and Museums

New York is overflowing with history, the museums in the city can help to tell its story. There are many different museums to explore, from learning about the rich history of New York in the American Museum of Natural History and Tenement Museum to one of the largest art museums in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the incredible place you’re visiting.

 

See the Spectacular Sights

Brush off your camera lens as some of the most iconic sights in the world belong to New York. From the majestic Statue of Liberty to the breathtaking views from the Empire State Building. There is so much to see and to capture through your camera. There are also so many great ways to see these sights too, such as taking a ferry over to the Statue of Liberty or even by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. And of course, take a step right into Times Square to experience the chaos and excitement of the heart of New York.

 

Enjoy the Electric Nightlife and Entertainment

New York is one of the ultimate bucket list destinations for young travelers. The city turns into a whole new world when the sun goes down. From up and coming rooftop bars to underground jazz clubs, the city offers a vibrant scene. Catch a live music performance, dance the night away at a nightclub, or simply enjoy a drink at a cozy speakeasy. Whatever your preference, New York City has something to offer. Sports fans can even catch a late-night game and get involved in the thrill of competition.

So, are you ready to explore one of the most thrilling cities in the world? Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a group, these are experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime. No matter what interests you, the city has it all. So get ready to be captivated by the magic of New York City!

Located just two hours north of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco is the picturesque Lake County. Nestled between rolling vineyard hills and sparkling lakes, Lake County is the perfect Northern California getaway.

The geography of the region lends itself to a number of fun activities, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. Here are some of the best activities and places to stay in Lake County:

Things to Do in Lake County, California

Whether you’re an active adventure seeker or a more passive vacationer, Lake County has something for everyone. From hiking trails and kayaking lakes, to sipping fine wines and enjoying delicious meals, Lake County has enough to explore for any weekend trip, group gathering or romantic getaway.

 

 

Hiking Mount Konocti

Ok all you restless travelers, let’s kick off all the best things to do in Lake County with some heart-pumping activities. Just a short drive from the town of Kelseyville you’ll find the base of Mount Konocti, a potentially active, but dormant volcano with a series of trails and peaks.

Mount Konocti sits on the edge of Clear Lake, so throughout the summit you get a range of spectacular views of the lake. From the main car park you can ascend roughly 1,500 ft to the mountain’s highest point of elevation at Wright Peak (4,300ft).

The 6 mile up-and-back trail to Wright Peak is a predominantly wide gravel track that is easy to climb. There are a couple of toilets at intervals along the way, but no water, so be sure to carry enough for the trip. Depending on the time of the day the path has some sun cover, but there’s also a lot of patches that don’t, so a good hat and sunscreen are also advised.

 

 

We recommend leaving early for this hike before the sun gets too strong. Take your time soaking in the stunning views along the way and at the top. We took off a bit late and ended up hiking in the middle of the day. On the 95 degree day, it was a bit of a challenge, but making it to the top was more than worth it! You get a 360 view of the lake and surrounding hills and valleys that make up Lake County. Gorgeous!

 

Kayaking on the Blue Lakes

After building up a decent sweat it’s time to hit the water. The stunning Blue Lakes, just a short drive from Upper Lake, is a perfect spot to cool down and take in the lake from a kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat. Depart from the dock and cruise along the water as you soak in the tranquility. Dotted along the lake banks are areas that you can stop off to swim, rope swing or just relax in the kayak while you listen to the sounds of nature.

Aside from the winter months Lake County gets pretty warm weather year round, so spending time on the lake is an excellent activity. Whether its kayaking on Blue Lake, so boating on Clear Lake, there’s lots of options for enjoying the water when the temperatures rise.

 

 

The Lodge at Blue Lakes not only operates as a beautiful accommodation option right on the water, but it’s also a great place to rent any equipment you need to explore the lake. They have a number of lake facing rooms where you can walk straight out of your door and throw a stone to the waters edge. Doesn’t get much closer than that!

 

Where to Stay in Lake County

There’s no shortage of amazing places to stay in Lake County while you visit. From boutique hotels and BnBs, to unique farm stays and winery lodging. Here are some of the best places to sleep in Lake County.

 

 

Tallman Hotel

This historic boutique hotel is located in the quaint little town of Upper Lake. The Tallman Hotel is on Main Street, a super cute street that looks like the set of an old Western movie. There are a couple of shops that add to that small town charm.

Along with beautiful rooms and a very hospitable staff, there were two stand out features of the Tallman Hotel. The first are the traditional private Japanese ofuro soaking tubs located on private patios in the four garden rooms. These beautifully crafted wooden tubs are heated to around 105F and are perfect for relaxing in with a glass of wine after a long day exploring.

 

 

The second is the incredible onsite restaurant, the Blue Wing Saloon. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week, the Blue Wing Saloon has a wide variety of delicious meals on the menu. You can find more information on the restaurant’s food, as well as other restaurants in our best restaurants and wineries in Lake County article.

The Tallman Hotel also has a number of sustainability initiatives that make this a great eco option when choosing accommodation in Lake County. Along with renewable solar energy, electric vehicle charging and a sustainable reuse policy, Tallman Hotel also has a GeoExchange heating and cooling system that helps significantly reduce energy use.

 

Peace and Plenty Farm

This organic farm, located just outside of Kelseyville center, has it all! Aside from being the largest saffron producer in North America, Peace and Plenty also has an organic farm stand, beautiful event spaces and a number of different accommodation options to choose from.

 

 

During our time at Peace and Plenty we stayed in the retrofitted 1968 Airstream, which is fully equipped with its own composting toilet, shower and private deck area that overlooks the vineyards. To say it was perfect would be an understatement, as this nostalgic throwback to traveling around in a self contained Airstream, while being off the grid on an organic farm, couldn’t suit our travel style and lifestyle more.

While staying at the property you can also take advantage of the beautiful farm and all it has to offer. Take a farm tour to check out the saffron, lavender and organic vegetables growing. Feed the chickens and watch them potter around as they cluck away. Or visit the farmstand where you can purchase products straight from the property like saffron lemonade, saffron popsicles or various other local items.

 

 

Six Sigma Ranch

Another great option for accommodation and activities in Lake County is a visit to Six Sigma Ranch. The main draw to this family run, 4300-acre ranch is the wine and food, but they also offer lodging and a range of trail options for visitors to enjoy.

Come for the wine and ranch to table dinners (detailed in this article), but Club Members can also take advantage of complimentary overnight parking for RVs and trailers. Enjoy a night under the stars as you stay right on the ranch itself, which makes it perfect if you plan on knocking back a couple of extra bottles of wine.

For the active travelers there’s also world class mountain biking trails at Six Sigma ranch that can be taken advantage of by Club Members. Open from 9am-4pm there are a number of trails to explore. Club Members can also bring up to two non-members on the trails if you want to bring along some friends.

No trip to Lake County is complete without visiting the stunning wineries that makes this part of Northern California so popular. With its mineral rich volcanic soil, ideal topography and climate, Lake County is a world class destination for wines. And at only two hours north of San Francisco it makes the perfect getaway loccation.

What pairs better with the best Lake County wines than some of the best Lake County restaurants to go with it?! From hearty menus and ranch to table meals, to fresh organic produce from local farms, Lake County is a foodie’s delight.

Be sure to check out our places to stay and best things to do in Lake County article for more getaway recommendations!

 

Best Wineries in Lake County

Here are our recommendations for the best wineries in Lake County for your next Northern California getaway:

 

 

Boatique Winery, Kelseyville

Boatique Winery is a beautiful family owned and operated winery named after a number of antique boats that make up the showroom. Boats, antique, boatique… get it?! Yeah we thought it was pretty clever as well. But it’s not just the collection of boats that make this location elite, it’s the wines, the vineyards, the property and the people that makes Boatique a must visit spot when exploring Lake County and Kelseyville wineries.

With a stunning patio view of the distant mountains, Boatique is the perfect place to sip a glass of wine (or two) as the sun goes down. You can also take a wander through the showroom to admire the exquisite collection of antique boats or stroll through the olive trees and vineyards with a glass in hand.

 

 

We had such a great experience here chatting to not only the wine maker and manager, but also one of the grandchildren of the founders who is still involved in business. It was awesome hearing about the history, as well as the plans for the future.

Boatique Winery is located a short distance from Kelseyville’s main center, so if you want to responsibly knock back a few extra glasses, you can also stay at a number of different accommodation options at the winery. There’s a super cute cottage, as well as a house on the hill, that is available for rent. The cottage is a quaint little one bedroom place, perfect for a romantic getaway for two. If you’re looking to book a group the hill house has three bedrooms and sleeps six.

 

 

Six Sigma Ranch

Six Sigma Ranch really is the multi-tool of locations to visit in Lake County, offering up something for everyone on their 4300-acre ranch. The family run ranch not only has world class mountain biking trails and overnight RV/trailer for members, but they’ve also got delicious ranch to table dinners, vineyards tours and exceptional wine tasting.

 

 

Not only are the selection of reds and whites at Six Sigma incredible, but any visitors to the ranch have the opportunity to learn more about the process and explore the vineyards. And when we say explore the vineyards we don’t just mean another walk through the grapevines, we’re talking about a tour in an old Pinzgauer (an all-terrain military utility vehicle). Tours cost $25, hold up to 10 people, and help you learn more about the soil and climate that makes Six Sigma Ranch unique. You’ll also venture to the highest elevation of the property at Diamond Mine Vineyard.

Along with all the activities that you can do at Six Sigma there are also some fantastic dining opportunities at the ranch. Each year Six Sigma hosts a number of different events that showcase their high quality wines and beef. There are four course Ranch-to-Table shared dinner experiences that serve up local produce and meat, along with a wine pairing. If you can’t make one of the events you can also arrange a private group ranch to table experience for you and your friends, where you’ll have the opportunity to choose your menu and wine pairing.

 

Wild Diamond Winery

Lake County wine tasting wouldn’t be complete without a stop by Wild Diamond Winery to admire the incredible views and wines. Perched on top of a hill, the Wild Diamond tasting room is constructed out of a recycled shipping container. The structure is super simple, yet amazingly effective in using the space and reducing the carbon footprint of the area.

 

 

The shipping container has been retrofitted to include the bar, sales room, merch shop and even a nice refuge from the heat in the A/C. Outside, underneath a shade sail, there are seats overlooking the vineyards below. On top of the container there are also more seats that give you an even more elevated view of the horizon.

We arrived in the middle of the afternoon when the sun was quite warm, so we welcomed a nice cold bottle of Moon Tears, their signature Albarino. As we sipped the chilled white we walked around the vineyards and sampled a few of the grapes straight off the vine along the way.

 

 

The Shannon Mercantile

Last, but certainly not least, on the list of Lake County wine tasting locations is The Mercantile, home of the Shannon Family of Wines. This tasting room, located between Lakeport and Kelseyville, is a gorgeous place to stop by for a glass of wine, delicious charcuterie board and to snip yourself a beautiful bouquet of zinnias.

 

 

The tasting room itself is a beautiful building with large roller doors that open up and let the air flow through. Along with a white granite bar that extends around the room, there’s also a delicatessen of local snacks and items to purchase along with your wine.

Apart from the fact that the wines are worth a stop, one of the fun drawing cards to The Shannon Mercantile is the ‘Pick and Sip’ garden that runs adjacent to the tasting room. There you’ll find rows upon rows of brightly colored zinnias amongst leafy green leaves. Visitors are encouraged to grab a pair of snippers from the tasting room and cut themselves a bouquet of flowers to take on their travels.

 

Best Restaurants in Lake County

Fine wine isn’t all that Lake County has to offer, there’s also an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from while visiting. Here is a list of our top restaurants in Lake County for your next trip:

 

Red’s at the Skyroom

This somewhat unassuming diner had some of the best food we’ve eaten on a work trip. There’s something to be said for knowing your menu and just doing it really well. When ordering the ‘basic a$$ burger’, fish and chips and an iceberg wedge salad, admittedly, we were expecting some simple food. But what we got served up was extremely tasty.

 

 

Dining at Red’s at the Skyroom isn’t just recommended for the food, there’s also the added feature of the diner being located right next to the small Lakeport regional airstrip. And when we say right next to, we mean you can literally sit on the outside patio sipping a cold local beer, nibbling away at your food and give a pilot a thumbs up as they’re about to take off. This, along with the superb food, makes Red’s a must visit location if you want elevated comfort food in a unique setting.

 

Saw Shop Public House

Located in the center of Kelseyville, this farm-to-table restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes in their unique Asian fusion menu. Part Mexican, part American, part Italian and a lot of Asian flare make up the majority of Saw Shop Public House’s delicious plates.

The Crispy Asian Cauliflower starter was the hero dish of the evening and could have been mistaken for some form of fried meat if you didn’t know any better. We also really enjoyed the seared ahi tuna and crispy shrimp tacos. Oh and we loved the pear flatbread. Yep, we ordered a lot of different plates at this restaurant, all in the name of research of course!

 

 

And naturally the only way to wash all this food down was with a couple of cocktails from nearly 20 different options. We were also fortunate enough to arrive in Kelseyville on the weekend of their annual pear festival, so a lot of the food and drinks were pear themed to suit the occasion. Be sure to check out dates for the next pear festival, although we’d advise booking far in advance as the town is at max capacity over this weekend.

 

Blue Wing Saloon

Not only is the Blue Wing Saloon conveniently located onsite at the Tallman Hotel, but this is a place you’d go out of your way to to visit if you were in Lake County. Kick back underneath the sycamore trees in the courtyard, or nestle into the patio under an outdoor heater to soak in the atmosphere with a delicious meal. Most evenings and Sunday brunch there’s also live music to enjoy while you eat or sip a glass of local wine.

 

 

The menu boasts a wide range of choices, where the only difficulty you’ll have is working out which item to choose, or whether you’re going to have to come back the next day to sample more dishes. From pan-roasted chicken and seared salmon, to grilled ribeye and lobster tail ravioli, as well as vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.

They also have a cocktail list with a couple of local twists on some classic favorites. And of course there’s an extensive selection of excellent local wines to choose from, including wines from Six Sigma, Wild Diamond and Boatique.

With gas prices continually on the rise, and carbon emissions from cars at an all-time high, it’s no surprise that train travel is becoming increasingly popular. Trains not only save you money on travel, but they’re also saving the environment one trip at a time. I recently took a local, day trip adventure from San Francisco to Davis taking the Capitol Corridor train. It was the perfect way to get out of the city fog and into the California sun. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling by train with Capitol Corridor and things to do in Davis.

 

 

San Francisco to Davis

Intent on traveling as sustainably as possible, my journey started at home in San Francisco with my bike. After packing my day bag and pumping up my tires I took off from the Marina district to ride 20 minutes to downtown San Francisco to meet my bus connection.

I arrived at 555 Mission with time to spare, and placed my bike under the bus for the quick trip across the Bay Bridge to Emeryville Station. Once at Emeryville it was a seamless connection at the station from the bus and onto the Capitol Corridor train that was headed towards Sacramento.

 

 

Train Amenities

After locking my bike securely in the bicycle racks, I headed towards the upstairs compartment to jump on my laptop and finalize my itinerary for the day. With free Wi-Fi access, charging ports and table seating it made mapping out the final destinations of my trip incredibly easy.

The seats are really comfortable, which made the time fly by while I spent my time aboard taking in the scenery and tapping away at my laptop. Before I knew it, “next stop, Davis,” was announced over the PA system. I didn’t even get a chance to hit up the onboard Café Car, which serves hot food and cold drinks (including alcoholic beverages), but I made sure to check it out on the way back.

 

 

Capitol Corridor and Sustainability

Not only is taking the Capitol Corridor a more sustainable option than driving, but there are many other green features in place that ensure a brighter future for the environment. Big picture initiatives include a commitment to researching and implementing renewable diesel, as well as everyday little things like installing recycling bins on the train and making it easier for people to cycle to their connection.

As a cyclist, both recreationally and for commuting, it’s great to see Capitol Corridor streamlining the process for cyclists to link up with another form of sustainable transportation. Being able to ride to the bus or train station and take my bike on board is a massive plus. Not only does it cut down on having to take an Uber to the station, but it means I’ve got transportation at my final destination as well.

If you want to ride to the station, but don’t want to take your bike with you, there’s also the option of leaving it in the BikeLink eLockers which cost 5 cents per hour. It’s a safe and secure way to leave your bike behind while you head off on your adventure.

 

 

Why Train Travel

As sustainable travelers we’ve always been partial to train travel. Not only does it have the obvious environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions, but there’s something special about the gentle roll of a train.

Train travel encapsulates a lot of what we’re all about when it comes to traveling. For one, slow travel is always one of the best ways to truly experience a destination. It allows you to really take in the sights and be present much more than hopping from one place to another via plane.

On a train you get to take in your surroundings without the worry of driving yourself or being 30,000 feet in the sky. You might not cover as much ground via train; however, it’s the perfect sweet spot of when you need to get to a location within a few hours radius.

This is what makes the Capitol Corridor a great option for traveling around Northern California. Serving 18 stations, across 8 different counties, the Capitol Corridor covers 170 miles of destinations from San Jose to Placer and everything in between.

 

 

Things to Do in Davis

Davis is best known for being the university town of UC Davis, but there’s a surprising amount of things to do in this little town. Here are our top choices:

 

California Raptor Center

Located on the southern campus of UC Davis, the California Raptor Center offers self-guided educational tours and access to the raptor enclosures. Now you wouldn’t be wrong to think of dinosaurs right now (I know I did), but this isn’t something out of Jurassic Park.

Raptor is another name for a bird of prey, so anything like an eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, etc., is considered a raptor. The name comes from the Latin word to seize, which is appropriate given their swooping action on prey.

This is a really awesome spot to check out while in Davis. Along with a little educational museum you can walk amongst more than a dozen enclosures that have rescued and rehabilitated birds.

 

Davis Farmers Markets

Another location only open on Wednesdays from 3pm-6pm and Saturdays from 8am-1pm, the Davis Farmers Market is more than just a market. This yearlong market also works to engage the public about nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and the benefits of buying locally grown and sourced foods.

 

 

UC Davis Arboretum and Gardens

Davis is full of stunning garden areas, but this particular spot features beautiful bike paths and places to explore. The path that leads out to the gardens runs through the campus and along a waterway, where you will find local bird life and lots of seating along the way to kick back and take in the scenery.

There are also a number of small bridges that pass over the water from one side of the path to the other. Visitors will notice the Paris inspired ‘Locks of Love’ on the bridges, as countless locks have been left connected to the bridge with lovers’ initials or names written on them. If you’re visiting Davis with a loved one, don’t forget your lock!

 

US Bicycling Hall of Fame

Speaking of cycling earlier, while in Davis why not stop by the US Bicycling Hall of Fame. The center is dedicated to preserving the history, as well as promoting the future of US cycling. Visit the museum and learn about the rich cycling history and heritage in the US. It’s only open on Wednesdays from 4-6pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

 

This post was made in collaboration with Visit Bend. As always, all opinions are our own and we would never promote a destination that we didn’t truly believe in. Bend, Oregon is the real deal when it comes to genuine sustainable travel and a care for our planet.

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A trip to Bend, Oregon is so much more than just a weekend away or a family vacation. It’s an all encompassing experience full of exhilarating outdoor adventures, culinary delights and world class craft beers. Traveling to Bend also gives you an opportunity to support a destination that prioritizes and supports sustainable travel. Our Bend sustainable travel guide will show you all the best places to eat, drink, stay and experience around Bend.

 

 

Where to Stay in Bend

Bend offers a range of different accommodation options to suit your budget and needs. Family vacation, bougie weekends, group trips or solo adventurers will all find what they’re looking for in Bend’s large and varied selection of accommodation.

 

 

For us the LOGE Bend provided everything we needed. Just a five minute drive from downtown, LOGE Bend is located on the edge of the Deschutes National Forest, which makes it the perfect jumping off location to explore the wilderness. We loved LOGE Bend because of their emphasis on outdoor adventuring, as well as supporting the environment. They not only prioritize sustainability at their lodging, but they put their money where their mouth is by giving back to nonprofits and groups that help support the protect and preserve the environment.

 

Where to Eat and Drink in Bend

Don’t be fooled by the breweries and your old ideas about bar food, Bend has some serious gastronomical delights sprinkled around town. Pub grub has come a long way from the standard hot fries, overcooked burgers and whatever other unflavored foods who’s only goal is to fill your stomach so you can drink more. In the era of the microbreweries and craft beers we’re also seeing the craft menus expand to pair perfectly with the beers.

 

 

Breweries such as Bend Brewing Company and Boneyard, along with being some of our favorite beers in Bend, also have delicious food menus on offer. If the breweries don’t offer a full menu selection of foods they almost always offer at least bar snacks and have food vendors onsite serving up the perfect beer pairings to fill up that tummy (and soak up the beer).

Crux Fermentation Project is another of our favorite beers and locations to visit in Bend. They have some of the best beers in the biz, an awesome establishment and make the perfect spot to post up for an afternoon session in the sun. Crux has most of the traditional pub snacks on their menu, but they’ve also got food vendors outside. The El Sancho food at Crux makes these even more of a drawcard, because those tacos are bomb dot com. We’d also recommend checking out El Sancho’s main restaurants in town where there’s a wider selection of food.

 

 

Other awesome eating locations include:

• Kanona Cafe has healthy smoothie bowl breakfasts, coffee and is the perfect was to start the day
• Wild Rose specializes in Northern Thai cooking and is some of the best we’ve had since being back in Thailand. The curry dishes were on point and the deep fried crispy spare ribs were out of this world
• Boxwood Kitchen and Supper Club has a varied menu of and everything we tried was delicious, especially the brussels sprouts appetizer

 

Bend Ale Trail

Ok, while we’re on the subject of Bend beer, let’s really dive into it. The Bend Ale Trail is exactly what it sounds like; a trail full of ales in Bend. But much more than just a couple of nice breweries to check out, the Bend Ale Trail is a carefully constructed itinerary of 30 world class breweries that are dotted around the city center and outskirts of Bend. Along with the 30 breweries, there’s also 17 non-beer related stops that include spirits, cider, wine and kombucha. There’s literally something for everyone!

 

 

All the locations are neatly compiled into a small booklet called the Bend Ale Trail Passport, divided into 7 territories around town. Each territory has a list of breweries to collect a stamp from once you’re purchased a beverage. The passport is also a convenient mobile app that can be accessed on your phone, but trust us, you’ll want the physical passport as a souvenir.

Collect all the stamps in one particular territory and then head to the Bend Visitor Center to redeem a fun prize. Collect all seven territories and aside from being really drunk, you are officially the Bend beer master and receive an even more special prize. We won’t spoil the surprise!

But what if I don’t drink? Fear not, the Bend Ale Trail is all encompassing and has a unique Designated Driver reward for anyone who is driving their group around for the day. At the back of the passport there is a spot to collect DD stamps. Once you’ve collected 5 stamps you can redeem your special Designated Driver reward from the Bend Visitor Center. Good on you for keeping everyone safe! 

 

Outdoor Activities

Bend might be famous for its beers, but it’s also an incredible destination for spending time outside (and no, we don’t just mean hanging out in a beer garden!). Take advantage of the river, national forest areas, caves, climbing, mountains and any other outdoor adventure activity you can think of. Bend has it all!

In town there’s beautiful Drake Park that runs along the Deschutes National River. Take a walk through the park and pass over the wooden bridges to explore all it has to offer. On the river itself you can kayak, standup paddle board or canoe your way leisurely through the town, or take on the whitewater rapids for that extra level of thrill.

 

 

Just a short drive outside of town there are lava caves to explore, the snowy slopes of Mount Bachelor in the winter and amazing rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. There are also plenty of beautiful trails to run, hike or walk the dog as you explore the forest and surrounding areas. 

 

Downhill Mountain Biking

During our visit to Bend we ventured into the Deschutes National Forest with Cog Wild mountain biking tours. While we both enjoy biking around the city, this was the first time that we’d both been on proper downhill mountain bikes and hit the rocky trails.

Cog Wild is conveniently located at the back of LOGE Bend where we were staying, so we had no excuse but to be on time for the tour (punctuality can be a struggle for us!). After rolling out of our room with a minute to spare we assembled at Cog Wild to get fitted for our bike, helmet and gloves, before jumping in a minivan that would take us up the mountain and into the forest.

 

 

Once on the trail our guide took us through a tutorial on how to handle the bikes and the trails. We’d be traveling down single track trails and the adventure started almost instantly as we encountered some narrow paths and rocky downhill sections right off the bat.

Over the next couple of hours we cruised through the forest, stopping to get expert guidance for any of the trickier sections. We rode across wooden planks, jumped off small boulders, weaved around rocks and enjoyed the smoother, more chill, segments of the route. Our guide was experienced, encouraging and really knew his stuff! It was definitely an adrenaline pumping activity, but we had so much fun pushing ourselves to try some of the more adventurous paths and challenges!

 

Shop Sustainably, Shop Local

An easy way to be a sustainable traveler in Bend is to shop locally and support local businesses. Not only do you get the authentic Bend experience by shopping from local artisans, eating local foods and doing tours with locals who know the area best, but you also help keep your tourist dollars inside the local Bend economy.

By doing so you ensure local businesses can continue to provide the best and most authentic experiences for future travelers. You also support businesses that have Bend’s best interests at heart, because they’re run by locals who live, work and socialize in Bend.

 

 

If you’re thinking to yourself, “well all I’ve done so far is visit breweries and drink beer” then lucky for you you’re already shopping locally! One of the best things about Bend is the local owned breweries (and other beverages) that brew and operate right in town.

Aside from the beverages there’s also a wide selection of local shops in the downtown area. Bend has a relatively small city center, so walking around doesn’t take long. Grab yourself an ice-cream at Bontà, one of Oregon’s top gelato spots, and window shop the streets of Bend.

Still thinking of beers while you shop? Not to worry, many of the boutique and hipster shops can help you quench that thirst by offering up complimentary sample size beers while you shop. Flip through racks of plaid shirts with a hazy IPA in hand and really soak in the Bend atmosphere.

 

The Last Blockbuster in Bend

If you were born anytime after 2010 then you’re going to have to bear with us here. It might be hard to see the nostalgic draw to an old video rental store, but for anyone who grew up visiting video stores to browse the latest new releases and pay their late return fees, this is the spot to go!

Blockbuster, once the world’s largest video rental store chain with over 9,000 stores across the globe, is now down to just one, single store! It’s hard to believe that this powerhouse company, that extended to both our childhoods from across the globe, is now but a relic amongst the saturation of streaming services that all vie for our attention.

 

 

This is definitely a spot worth making while exploring Bend. Just a short drive from the city center, this nondescript Blockbuster is nestled among your stereotypical strip-mall amenities: a takeout pizza spot, some form of massage or nails shop, a bank and a gas station on the corner.

Rewind (pun intended) 30 years and this would have been a thriving hotspot for families, date nights in and anyone looking to rent the old classics or check out what’s new. Now, while the Bend Blockbuster still operates as it used to, it also doubles as a tourist location and living museum for those wanting to reminisce about their younger years amongst the rows of dated DVDs.

 

Bend’s Sustainable Pledge

We love nothing more than a destination that truly walks the walk of sustainability. Bend does a whole lot more than just touts its outdoor attractions and calls it a day. Instead, the city put their money where their mouth is and created the Bend Sustainability Fund, a grant program funding projects that create, support and expand sustainable recreational and outdoor experiences in Bend’s backyard. Last year they funded an urban bike park and a summit loop trail on Mt. Bachelor, among other projects.

 

 

Want to contribute to sustainable fun? Here’s a couple ways to get involved! First, take the Bend Pledge. This is basically a way to pledge that you will bring your best self during your visit to Central Oregon. From respecting the land to committing to driving less, these basic pledges are something we should all keep in mind while traveling!

Wrapping up your time in Bend and want to give back? Make a Pledge for the Wild! All donations benefit the Bend Sustainability Fund to support even more great outdoor projects!

The state of North Dakota might not be the first place you think of when planning a US road trip, but it’s for this very reason that it makes for one wild adventure! Picture a destination that has stunning landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality, and now picture it without the hustle and bustle of overcrowded attractions and overpriced everything. Welcome to North Dakota!

If finding a new travel destination in 2021 and beyond is on your ‘to-do list’, then take a trip with us through western North Dakota and learn about what this great state has to offer!

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Watford City

Watford City is the definition of a hidden gem! This quiet unsuspecting town completely surprised us in all the right ways. Recent developments in the last decade have quadrupled Watford City’s population and brought a lot more investment into the area, which was evident as soon as we checked into the beautiful Little Missouri Inn.

 

 

Watford City History

Start your Watford City experience at the Long X Trading Post Visitor Center and Pioneer Museum to get a crash course in everything about town. The exhibits paint the picture of Watford City’s long history and development from past to present. History buffs will love all the memorabilia that adorn the walls and exhibits, showcasing a real life look at Watford City throughout the decades.

True crime fanatics will be fascinated by the story of Charles Bannon, a man who killed a whole family back in 1931 and tried to conceal the evidence. An angry mob of locals, extremely unsettled by the murders and seeking immediate justice, busted Bannon out of jail and executed their own justice by hanging him off the nearby town bridge. The whole story, along with first hand witness statements and other interesting facts, is presented in the museum; they also have displayed the rope that was used to hang Bannon, the last man hanged in North Dakota.

 

Eating in Watford City

We thought we’d just be eating at small local diners (they have a lot of good ones, especially Little Missouri Grille), but as it turns out, Watford City has quite the offering for restaurants. In the few days that we spent in Watford City we did our best to sample as much as we could from all the food options. This included delicious wood-fired pizzas and amazing craft beer from Stonehome Brewing, burgers and more local beers at JL Beers and even a SoCal inspired Mexican spot called Slow Ride that serves up tasty street tacos and margaritas.

And being the agricultural hub that it is, for all you meat eaters there are plenty of steak and rib options in town, including Outlaws Bar and Grill and American Smoke Wagon BBQ. There’s also a ton of other cool places to check out like Teddy’s Lounge for a fancy cocktail and dessert and Door 204 for coffee and breakfast.

 

 

Maah Daah Hey Trail

After exploring Watford City, if you want to stretch your legs a little further we recommend a short 15 mile drive down to the north section of the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This 144 mile world-renowned trail is the perfect spot to walk, bike or horse ride yourself through the diverse North Dakota landscapes.

Whether you’re looking to walk a couple of miles of scenery, or want to backcountry hike and camp the whole trail, the Maah Daah Hey Trail showcases quintessential North Dakota nature. Grasslands, rivers, iconic badlands buttes and more awaits anyone who wants to get off the beaten track and explore this serene trail.

 

 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

For National Park lovers North Dakota doesn’t disappoint with the picturesque Theodore Roosevelt National Park to explore. There are two main sections of the park, the North Unit and the South Unit, and if you’re coming from Watford City it’s just a short 15 mile drive to get to the North Unit visitor center.

From here there’s a road that runs through the park, taking you across the different terrains and showcasing all the park has to offer. Within the first 5 minutes of driving we were fortunate enough to come across a couple of wild bison that were grazing in a distant field.

 

 

Careful not to disturb them (keep your 50ft distance, people) we parked the car on the side of the road and observed them gracefully meandering through the fields like the enormously docile creatures they are. After taking a few snaps we jumped back in the car and continued our journey along Scenic Drive, winding through the park until we got to River Bend Overlook.

Just a short walk from the carpark, the overlook takes in wide spanning views of the river gorge below. There are a couple of viewing platforms to admire different angles, along with some great spots to pull up for a sunset picnic.

 

 

Tobacco Gardens and Birnt Hills Trail

The next stop on our North Dakota road trip was further north to the Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina, which is just a short 40 minute drive. Situated on the expansive Lake Sakakawea this location has a number different accommodation options, including camping, cabins and RV hook up. Being right on the lake means not only perfect views, but it’s perfect for fishing, watersports or simply splashing around on a hot summer day.

If you’re getting a little waterlogged on the lake and want to dry out for a couple of hours why not try a local hike. A short 10 minute drive from Tobacco Gardens are the Little Missouri National Grasslands, where you’ll find rolling hills and plenty of hikes to take in the abundant landscape.

 

 

One hike in particular is the Birnt Hills Trail, a moderate 3 mile loop that goes through the grasslands and along the coast, with a couple of hills, and offers amazing views of Lake Sakakawea. The path is set up with route markers along the way and weaves you through the landscape with ease.

And what the hike might lack in difficult terrain or natural wonders, it certainly makes up for in its sheer isolation from the rest of the world. During the whole hike we didn’t see one single person, which meant we could really escape the world for those few miles and just sink into nature.

 

MHA Interpretive Center

After taking in the scenery it was time to learn more about the local history. Our next stop on the road trip was the MHA Interpretive Center in New Town. MHA stands for Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara, which are the three local tribes of the area.

This expansive center is much more than just a museum exhibition on the three tribes, but also an integral part of the community, responsible for protecting and nurturing the traditional values of the tribes. The center also functions as an event space, conference center and workshop facilitator.

 

 

Give yourself a number of hours to properly explore the exhibition, which is rich in knowledge about the three tribes. We’d also recommend taking a local guide to walk you through the extensive displays and help answer any questions you might have. No phones / photos are allowed in the exhibition, so it’s a great opportunity to be distraction free and just soak in the many centuries of culture uninterrupted.

Don’t miss the Earth Lodge Village located behind the center. You can go inside one of the lodges that acts as a museum to see what they look like from the inside and find more artefacts. While in there we were fortunate to speak to one of the elders from the Arikara tribe who told us the tribe represented in the movie The Revenant was the Arikara, and that he advised on the movie. They even have some original props from the movie.

 

 

Skunk Bay

The last stop on our western North Dakota road trip was Skunk Bay, located inside the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. While visiting Skunk Bay we had the pleasure of staying at the local resort The Rooster at Skunk Bay.

This cozy, family run resort is nestled on Lake Sakakawea and a perfect location for water lovers and those looking for some R&R. With a number of accommodation options, like super cute rooms, fully equipped cabins and RVs. Our one bedroom cabin was perfect for Jules and I. The fully stocked kitchen meant we could make breakfast in our pajamas and relax in the living room before getting outside for the day. We also had a deck with a BBQ to watch the sun go down while grilling some local fish (if Jules had caught any!)

 

 

Being right on the lake means there’s a boat ramp, so you can launch a boat for fishing or jetting around the coves. If you prefer to stay on shore, you can wander down to the lakeside and hang out on the sand for the afternoon. Perfect for picnics, reading on a blanket or just soaking up the sun. Want to get some exercise? Grab one of the resort’s kayaks for a paddle around the bay. Skunk Bay is the spot to be on a hot summer day in North Dakota. The resort is the only full service bar and restaurant on the lake so boats from around the area come to party throughout the day. They have tons of options for kids, as well, including slides that run into the lake, water toys and an inflatable movie screen for family friendly flicks.

 

 

Overall, North Dakota was one pleasant surprise after the next. At the risk of sounding braggy, we’ve been to a lot of places around the world, and it’s rare that we’re surprised anymore. North Dakota’s warm hospitality, serene nature and interesting local culture kept us wanting to explore more and more of this beautiful state. We can’t wait to go back!

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Massive thanks to Watford City and North Dakota Tourism for hosting us during this trip. As always, all opinions are our own and we wouldn’t recommend anything that we truly didn’t believe. North Dakota was rad!

Often overlooked by some of the more well known national parks around the United States, Olympic National Park in Washington state is one of the premier destinations for stunning natural beauty on the west coast.

And at just over two hours from Seattle it’s the perfect Pacific Northwest getaway if you’re looking for a quieter, yet equally beautiful, national park experience.

If there’s one thing we know well, it’s national parks, so we’re rounding up some of the best highlights of Olympic National Park. If you’ve only got two days to spare in this magnificent national park, we’ve got some fun ideas on how you can spend your time there to have the most memorable vacation possible.

Olympic National Park is one of the most striking destinations in the United States and one everyone should visit at least once in their lives. This post will cover what to see, what to do, and where to go in the park.

 

Visiting Olympic National Park

With over 900, 000 acres of alpine forests, meadows, and coastline, the Olympic National Park is a tremendous place brimming with wildlife, natural beauty, and breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this national park is a major tourist attraction in Washington State and an amazing camping and travel destination if you’re looking to explore the outdoors.

Tourists and locals alike head to the Olympic NP in their thousands year on year, and we can see why. People love setting up camp in the wide-open landscapes, where they can live out their ‘roughing it’ fantasies. There are campgrounds galore in the park, so no need to worry if you’re traveling in a camper van or a recreational vehicle. The park is a paradise for outdoorsy folk.

It’s also located within a few hours of Seattle, so whether you’re staying at a hotel in Seattle or at one of the options near Olympic National Park, you’ll never be far from the action.

The park was designated as a national park in 1909. And in 1976, it was established as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Covering numerous types of ecosystems, Olympic NP is made up of gorgeous mountain ranges, beach strips, and temperate rainforests.

 

 

You can enter the park in many ways. The most popular entrance, however, is the Hurricane Ridge Entrance just outside of Port Angeles.

Whichever entrance you use, the fee is $30 per vehicle, $25 for motorcycles, and $15 per person traveling on foot.

Luckily, the 2-day itinerary in this post is entirely flexible, so you can switch destinations around to suit the direction you’re traveling in. You can use the itinerary to plan out which spots you want to see before your weekend adventure is over. No matter how many days in Olympic National Park you have, you should try and see each of these alluring locations.

 

Olympic National Park 2-Day Itinerary

To give you the most memorable two days in the Olympic National Park, we’ve covered what we think are the most desirable spots in the park. From hiking to kayaking and much, much more, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in this Olympic National Park itinerary.

 

Quinault Rainforest

Nestled in the valley between the Quinault River and Lake Quinault is the impeccable Quinault Rainforest. Expect towering trees, sprawling meadows, and glittering lakes in this magical area in the southwest of the park.

 

 

Begin your journey at the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station, where you’ll find the start of a 1.3-mile loop. This moderate and pleasant hike will take you through stunning maple groves, which truly show off the diversity of the park.

 

Ruby Beach

On the coastal section of the park, you’ll find the spectacular Ruby Beach, one of the many gems in Olympic National Park. Known for its majestic rock formations and reddish sand, Ruby Beach is one of the most popular spots in the park.

 

 

Keep in mind this beach is rocky, not sandy, so be sure to wear the appropriate shoes. The shoreline is filled with large driftwood and sea stacks, offering plenty of visual points that would make stunning snapshot memories for your travel journal. Many tourists love climbing onto the sea stacks and rock islands to see the foam from the waves spraying over the shoreline.

Ruby Beach is an impressive example of a rugged, nearly untouched beach and will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the wilderness.

 

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is famous for its beauty, and nothing could be more picturesque than getting out on the water on a paddleboat. When you’re not hiking or exploring the surrounding wilderness, boating and kayaking are excellent ways to take in the scenery and have some fun along the way.

 

 

You can rent kayaks and paddleboards from Lake Crescent Lodge, and they also offer guided kayaking and canoeing tours. If you’re just in the mood to take some pictures and enjoy some downtime between hikes, you can also head to the picnic area on the east end of the lake. This is a popular swimming spot in front of a lush meadow where you can kick back and relax.

 

Mount Storm King

For an epic view, you won’t soon forget, hike to the top of Mount Storm King on one of your days in the park. This trail is quite difficult and will take you over 2 hours to complete. But with an elevation of over 4,500 feet, the view from the top is more than worth the effort.

You’ll see sweeping views of Lake Crescent, framed by tall trees that touch the sky and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the distance. This is one of the most photographed locations in the entire park, and one peek at the view will show you why.     

 

              

To get to Mount Storm King, you need to start at the Storm King Ranger Station, a historic building on the shores of Lake Crescent. After a short while, the trail will branch off north towards the mountain. The mountain trail is about 5 miles long, and it’s heavily trafficked, so make sure you start your day early if you want to take on this challenging hiking trail.

 

Enjoy Your Olympic National Park Adventure

Olympic National Park is brimming with activities and attractions just waiting to be explored, from mountain ranges to rugged beaches to rainforests. No matter where you are in the park, there is always an epic view awaiting you.

Hopefully, you get to enjoy every incredible spot in this post during your visit to Olympic National Park. Enjoy every moment!

The United States West Coast, also known as the Pacific Coast or the western seaboard, is an iconic stretch of coastline perfect for a scenic train trip. The west coast states include California, Oregon, and Washington, which boast some of the country’s most stunning natural landmarks and national parks.

You can use the Amtrak to get to Portland for an epic Oregon road trip, travel to LA for the Californian sunshine, or simply admire the scenery en route. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the best West Coast Amtrak train route, as well as some popular spots to visit along the way.

 

Best Route for Train Travel, USA West Coast

The most popular way to travel the U.S. by train is on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route. You can purchase Amtrak train tickets online, where you’ll get a choice between coach, business class, and Superliner accommodations.

The Superliner tickets include access to observation cars or Sightseer Lounges, which offer floor-to-ceiling glass and wrap-around windows perfect for admiring the passing scenery.

 

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Cross-Country Train Ride

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles

Widely considered one of the best American train routes, the Coast Starlight train departs every day from LA and passes through Santa Barbara, San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, and Portland on its way to Seattle.

The scenery along the route is utterly breathtaking, taking passengers through the Cascade Range, past the Pacific Ocean shoreline, and through incredible alpine forests and lush valley regions.

 

 

Best West Coast Spots to Visit via the Coast Starlight Route

If you’re planning a West Coast adventure via train, you’ll want to plan an action-packed itinerary to see the best of the west coast states. Read on for some of the most attractive tourist destinations on the Pacific coast, each of which is accessible via Amtrak train routes.

 

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains in the Crater Lake National Park, the namesake Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States.

There is plenty to do and see here, including rafting, boating, hiking, and backcountry camping. You can even take a trolley tour along the park’s scenic Rim Drive, a 33-mile highway loop offering panoramic views of the park’s meadows and forests.

You can take the Coast Starlight train to Klamath Falls Station in Oregon. Then, take the Crater Lake Trolley from the station to the park. The trolley departs daily at 9 am and runs from July 1st – September 6th. Outside of those months, you’ll need to rent a car to get to the lake from the station.

 

 

Powell’s City of Books, Oregon

Founded in 1971, Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world and a prized gem in the state of Oregon. The massive store covers an entire city block and is home to 3500 different book sections, three floors, nine rooms, and over a million books for sale.

Powell’s City of Books is less than a mile from the Portland Union Station, so you can take a stroll through town to get there from the train stop.

At a whopping 68 000 square feet, book lovers won’t want to miss out on this fascinating and historical destination along the Coast Starlight route. If you time your trip accordingly, you can visit the bookstore to see one of their intriguing lecture series or participate in the annual Portland Book Festival in November.

 

 

San Luis Obispo, California

Situated in the heart of California, San Luis Obispo is a charming city known for its Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Higuera Street, one of the biggest farmers’ markets in the U.S. The Coast Starlight Route stops at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station, a 15-minute walk from the market.

Be sure to check out the Madonna Inn while you’re in town. This is one of America’s most famous motels and has been open since the 1950s. A landmark in California, the outrageous decor and design of the motel is like something out of a storybook.

If you’re still in the market for things to do in San Luis Obispo, check out the Fremont Theater, a historic movie theater dating back to the ‘40s which boasts impressive architecture and a unique movie-going experience.

 

Cross-Country Train Travel and Sustainable Tourism

At Don’t Forget to Move, we believe that all tourism should be sustainable tourism. That is why we think tourists should focus on cross-country train travel as opposed to traveling by car. Besides walking and biking, train travel is hands down the most environmentally friendly way to go about cross-country travel.

Trains not only reduce your overall energy consumption but also limit your use of space and contribution to noise pollution.

The Coast Starlight train alone can carry over 40, 000 passengers, which is a significant saving on gas emissions compared to the same amount of people traveling individually by car across the west coast states. It’s sustainable travel methods like these that protect the tourists of the future.

 

 

Enjoy Your Train Ride Across America

Thanks to the incredible cross-country trains in the U.S., you can explore the magnificent west coast valleys, forests, meadows, and backcountry terrains using Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train route.

Traveling in the United States by train isn’t just a fun way to see the west coast states. It’s also a great way to see the west coast in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. Trains across the U.S. offer tourists and locals a scenic way to see the country, as well as an adventurous way to travel from one state to another.

For your next train trip across America, you can visit some of the fantastic west coast destinations outlined in this post and take the iconic Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Los Angeles. This beautiful sightseeing adventure will allow you to admire the best west coast attractions and see the Pacific Coast from the comfort of your very own train car.

New Orleans is rich in culture and history and begging to be explored. From street food to local music and beautiful views, NOLA has it all. If you’re planning a New Orleans weekend getaway, you may be wondering what to see in New Orleans in two days. We’ve got you covered with a 2-day trip that’s not only fun but sustainable, too.

Sustainable travel and responsible tourism are about more than supporting eco-conscious establishments. The concept and practice reaches into culture as well, encouraging tourism that doesn’t hurt local cultures or disrespect native communities.

 

New Orleans Itinerary | 2 Days in NOLA

It’s tough to fit an action-packed itinerary into New Orleans in just two days. This city is brimming with activity. To save time it’s important to know what you want to do and what area you want to stay. The French Quarter is the most popular area to stay in New Orleans, but there’s also plenty to see in surrounding areas Mid-City, Uptown and Marigny.

Here’s our guide on how to see the best of the best during your limited stay, focusing on activities and locations that fit into the sustainable tourism model. You can mix up the locations to suit your ideal road trip fantasy, but try to fit in as many of these enticing spots on your itinerary as you can.

 

 

Day 1: Morning | NOLA City Park

The New Orleans City Park is a wonderful place to start your morning off right with some fresh air, a brisk walk, and an abundance of beautiful scenery. With over 1000 acres, this urban park is even larger than Central Park in New York. Expect towering trees, manicured lawns, and tons of joggers at this fun urban park.

This is the perfect spot for a picnic if you fancy a brunch in the park. The grounds are also home to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, which features over 2000 plants from around the globe.

Roam the gardens, appreciate the lush greenery, and when you’re done, you can sit down for a brunch picnic on the grass.

 

Day 1: Afternoon | Visit the Historic French Quarter

Welcome to the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. The historic French Quarter (also known as the Vieux Carré) is the epicenter of the city’s nightlife. But it’s also humming with city noises and brimming with life in the afternoon.

The French Quarter is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ history and is rich with gorgeous Spanish architecture, a vibey atmosphere, and delectable local street food.

 

 

If you want to learn more about New Orleans’ original city, you can take the French Quarter Walking Tour. You’ll get to weave through the neighborhood in a fun two-hour expedition of the many stores, local fare stalls, and live music on display in the cool French Quarter streets.

 

Day 1: Night | Dinner at Cochon

After a day exploring NOLA, you’re probably dying to sit down for a hearty meal and toast to an excellent first day. After all, New Orleans is the food capital of the south, and you can’t visit this city without trying some Cajun food.

Cochon is one of the best restaurants in NOLA, lauded for its impeccable Cajun cuisine, served the sustainable way. Everything at Cochon is farm-to-table, and they serve ethically sourced seafood and fresh local produce. If you want authentic Southern dishes, this spot is for you.

 

Day 2: Morning | Stunning Views at Crescent Park

Take a stroll or ride your bike in Crescent Park, the gorgeous urban park that connects the city to the riverfront. You’ll see loads of indigenous plants, a fabulous view, and the city skyline beyond the water from the mile-long park trail.

 

 

This is a great way to see the city from afar and appreciate its beauty- without increasing your carbon footprint, of course.

 

Day 2: Afternoon | Visit NOLA’s Museums

One of the tenets of sustainable travel is supporting local economies. Enquire about locally-owned businesses in the area and offer your support! One way to do this is by visiting the NOLA museums as a means of preserving local culture.

Try the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Tremé neighborhood. They have exhibitions on African American and Mardi Gras Indian culture. You can also see some priceless artifacts and rare photographs on display.

Another option is the National WWII Musuem if you’re looking for more things to do in New Orleans. You’ll not only learn about “the war that changed the world” but also experience the museum’s virtual field trips, multimedia exhibits, immersive exhibits, and artifact displays.

 

 

It’s always good to learn about the city you’re visiting, to pay your respects, in a way, and to understand the contextual background of your destination. 

If museums aren’t your thing, try the Voodoo French Quarter Tour. This way, you can learn about the fascinating history of voodoo while touring the gorgeous NOLA streets. What better way is there to make a history lesson fun?

 

Day 2: Night | Scenic Sunset at ‘The Fly’

What would a trip to New Orleans be without admiring the Mississippi River? Many people opt to explore the river on a cruise, but we’re well aware of the negative impact cruise liners have on the environment. So, how else can tourists appreciate the river?

 

 

Head to Audubon Riverview Park (or ‘The Fly’ as locals call it) for a spectacular view of the sun dipping behind the water. The orange and pink sunset hues reflect beautifully off the ripples in the river, making for a picturesque send-off on your last day in NOLA.

 

Enjoy Two Days in New Orleans

Next time you’re planning a New Orleans weekend trip, you’ll know exactly where to go. If you’re still hungry for more sustainable travel ideas, glean some tips and tricks from our posts on responsible tourism. New Orleans is abundant with cool spots to try out, many of which are locally-owned with a focus on sustainability.

Whether you’re dining out at a farm-to-table restaurant or taking it easy in a local park, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.

Have an excellent weekend in New Orleans. You’re in for a real treat!