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Keep Your Pet Cool and Comfortable
The dog days of summer are upon us! This is the month when summer celebrates its glory, bringing us warm, lazy days. If you're traveling with your pet this June, it's important that you take a few key steps to keep your dog or cat comfortable, even when the mercury rises.
Dogs and cats overheat more easily than people do. Where we have sweat glands to cool ourselves, dogs and cats only sweat from their noses and foot pads. And since the rest of their bodies are covered in fur, heat can be a real problem. Puppies, older pets, and short-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Persian cats) are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.
Luckily, you can keep your pet happy in the summer by providing lots of shade and water, keeping your pet out of unattended cars, and being observant. Cars are dangerous places in the summertime because the windows collect light, trapping heat inside. Temperatures can build up quickly ñ on an 85-degree day, a car's internal temperature can rise to 102 degrees within ten minutes. And unfortunately, cracking the windows and parking in the shade does little to keep the heat down.
The best solution is also the most fun keep your dog with you whenever possible! If your dog can run errands with you, that's an ideal situation. You might even plan your expedition to purposefully include your pet, heading to open-air farmer's markets and craft fairs instead of indoor shops. If you must shop indoors, try to run your errands with a buddy so that one person can sit with the dog in the shade while the other one goes inside.
When you're back at camp, you can keep your dog cool by filling a cheap plastic wading pool with a few inches of water. That's a perfect place for your dog to wallow or keep its paws cool! If you're near the coast, a lake, or a river, you might also consider taking your pup for a swim to cool off.
Many pets, dogs and cats alike, enjoy chasing ice cubes around on the floor. Dogs will often eat the ice, where kitties can get absorbed in games of ice hockey, batting the cube back and forth with you. And of course, a few ice cubes are great for cooling down your pet's water dish.
Pets still need exercise, even when it's hot. If you know the day is going to be warm, plan your walks for early in the morning or later in the evening, when the sun isn't in full force. Then your dog can spend the warmest hours of the day resting in the shade.
There are also a few high-tech gadgets on the market for cooling down hot dogs. You can look into cooling bandanas and jackets of the type that horseback riders wear get these wet and they'll keep your dog cool for hours. Special fluid-filled dog beds are great for dogs that live in hot climates. And because light-colored dogs are susceptible to sunburns and even skin cancer, you can apply special doggie sun-block to your pup's nose and ears (ask your vet for further details).
Summertime outings are made for dogs, and of course you'll want your furry friend with you on your camping adventures this summer. With just a few smart steps, you can all be comfy and cool, even when the dog days of summer set in.Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with pets? Visit PetCamping.com
- Category: Fur Kids
Braving The Great Outdoors - With Kids
By Graciela Sholander
On my first camping trip ever, I was six months into my pregnancy. My husband, our two-year-old daughter, and I - with my little bundle inside - set off for a week of camping along the coast. In a tent, no less.
Our friends and family thought we were nuts. Many wondered if I would ever go camping again. Well, I did. The following summer, my husband, our three-year-old, and our ten-month-old son spent a week camping by rivers. In that same tent.
Today, we camp in relative luxury - we've upgraded to a pop-up. But the tent experiences have taught me that anybody can take a successful camping trip with young children along. Hey, I did it. And a rugged, outdoors naturalist I'm not! But every so often, I like to put aside the hectic pace of my everyday life and head for the wilderness. Needless to say, the kids enjoy the change of scenery too. And if it was up to my husband, we'd be camping every weekend.
A good camping trip can be the best antidote to relieving the stresses of life. There's nothing like seeing soft sunlight filter through pine trees, relaxing next to a babbling brook, or counting a million stars in a dreamy night sky to recharge a worn body and lift tired spirits. Even with wiggly, squirmy youngsters along.
Of course, camping with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers poses unique challenges. To ensure a smooth, safe trip for everyone, extra precautions must be taken. Here are twelve tips to help you plan and enjoy your upcoming camping vacation with kids...
- Do Your Homework. Learn everything there is to know about your destination beforehand. How hot does it get? How cold? You'll want to bring appropriate clothing to handle temperature extremes. Are poisonous shrubs part of the flora? What wildlife might you encounter in the area? Answers to such questions will help you to eliminate riskier vacation spots, narrowing the choices down to ones safest for your children.
- Know Your Campground. Ask many questions before choosing a campground. What provisions does the campground's store offer? Is the on-site playground appropriate for children as young as yours? How far away are the nearest medical facilities? Is your campsite shaded? Are hot showers available? Are they free? Are there laundry facilities? Find out as much as possible about your campground to avoid unpleasant surprises when you get there.
- Make Lists. In addition to camping essentials, you will need to pack enough necessities for the children. Write down everything you plan to take, from a can opener to extra batteries for the electric lantern to plenty of diapers to a baby backpack for carrying your infant on walks. Make three lists - one for camping provisions, a second for food, and a third for personal items. In the last list, be sure to include a variety of clothing, warm blankets, hats, sunscreen, bathing suits, toys, quarters for showers, toiletries, towels, and so on.
- Go For The Layered Look. In the daytime, your whole family may be wearing shorts and a T-shirt throughout the entire trip. But when the sun goes down, even a thick sweatshirt and jacket may not be enough to keep you or the kids warm. Make sure you bring enough clothing to add on or remove as temperatures fluctuate. And remember that little kids are very messy. They spill juice all over themselves, they play in the dirt, they step into mud puddles. So you'll need to bring more changes of clothing for your children than for yourself. Warm pajamas and plenty of blankets are also important.
- Picture Possible Scenarios. Try to envision what you will need for different situations. Where will everyone sleep? In our tent, we managed to fit a portable crib for our son and an air mattress for the rest of us. Each person used his or her own sleeping bag on top of the mattress. We brought lots of warm blankets for our two children, who needed them since temperatures dropped into the 40's at night. Now our youngest has his own sleeping bag too. We continue to use sleeping bags, even inside our heated pop-up.
What will you do when your child needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Again, in our tent camping days, we used a second, much smaller tent just outside of our primary one to house our daughter's little potty. Each time she felt the call of nature at two o'clock in the morning, I simply took her to the little tent next door instead of trekking through other campsites in the cold and dark. In our pop-up, we have a chemical potty.
Do you have everything you need for an unexpected nursing or diaper-change stop while you're on a trail? Do you have an up-to-date, well-stocked first aid kit? Have you brushed up on administering emergency treatment? Did you pack everything you need to wash dishes? To cook with? To eat from? Don't forget things like a spatula, a scouring sponge, a plastic tablecloth, a bucket, and jugs for fresh drinking water. - Take A Break At A Motel. You don't need to spend the entire vacation camping. Plan to stay a day or two in the middle of your trip at a motel. Sleeping in a real bed and taking long, hot baths will give everyone a chance to feel pampered and squeaky clean before heading out to the wilderness again.
- Plan For A Rainy Day. You may encounter some storms during your vacation. Are you prepared? Do you have enough toys, puzzles, books, games, and snacks to keep the kids busy indoors? On a recent camping trip, it poured rain for three hours straight one afternoon. We kept the kids entertained with stories and games.
If possible, bring a tarp to cover the picnic table area so you have a dry place to eat from outside. Bring boots and raincoats, too, so you can go for a walk if the rain is light. - Take A Practice Run. Long before your trip, try camping one night in your backyard or at a local campground. Make it a full dress rehearsal, so to speak. Pitch the tent or open up the pop-up, inflate the mattress, roll out the sleeping bags, use the propane stove. This is a great way to get a taste of what actual camping with the whole family will be like as well as to see if everything you'll need is in working order.
- Be On The Alert. When you arrive at your campsite, survey the area. What are the potential dangers? How can you reduce risks? Look for and remove any broken glass, bottle tops, and other hazardous items that others may have inconsiderately left behind. Place your car, tent, or RV strategically, creating barriers as best as you can to keep little ones away from streams and campground roads.
- Explain And Supervise. Tell your children what's allowed and what's off limits. Since they are little, though, they won't remember the rules all of the time. Their curiosity will often take over as well, leading them to danger. So, you must watch them carefully. Know where they are at all times. Make sure they stay off the roads, away from fire pits, and at a safe distance from streams and lakes. Keep them occupied - helping with food preparation, reading books under a tree, scooping up dirt and pebbles with sandbox toys - whatever it takes to keep them out of trouble. While one adult is busy setting up or washing dishes, another grown-up should be responsible for watching the children.
- Keep Your Options Open. Sometimes, unexpected foul weather will prevent you from enjoying the remainder of your stay at the campground. Know where there are cabins or motels nearby in case your camping trip has become too much of an adventure.
- Relax And Enjoy Yourselves! Take it easy. Don't try to do too much in one day with your children. Opt for more frequent, short walks instead of long, challenging hikes. Wade in the nearby stream. Soak up some sun and read a magazine while the kids play with shovels and buckets in the sand. Make walks especially interesting for the kids by collecting pebbles, twigs, and other treasures.
Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with kids? KidsCamping.com has a wide variety of articles, activities, games and learning tools to inspire kids of all ages to love camping and the outdoors
- Category: Camp Kids
4th of July Pets
Summertime, and the living is easy for you and your dog! The warm weather brings us all into the outdoors, the place most dogs love more than any other. This 4th of July, why not design some fun for your dog? It's sure to be a lot of fun for you and your family, too.
If you'll be attending a picnic, barbecue, or other gathering during the holiday weekend, see if you can arrange a way to include your dog. Kids love having dogs around, so pets make perfect additions to family get-togethers. If you're worried about your dog's behavior, you might take your pup for a long hike, jog, or swim before hand to work off some of that excess energy. Even high-strung dogs often calm down in a crowd if they're given a little time to acclimate and explore the area. It's always smart to put some extra dog treats in your pocket as well, to provide your pup with an added incentive to behave and to come when called.
Most small towns across the country put on 4th of July parades that just about anyone is welcome to walk in. If you'd like to take your furry friend down Main Street in the parade, contact the local chamber of commerce to see where you could fit. If your dog is purebred, you might be able to join other owners and dogs of your breed. Many towns have a "Bassets on Parade" group, a "Beagle Brigade",or a "Poodle Patrol" as part of the parade. You just have to show up to join!
Regardless of whether you'll be in the parade or on the sidelines, July 4 is a great time to let your pet wear a costume. Gregarious dogs will love the extra attention this brings them from kids and adults alike. You can decorate a lightweight doggie jacket or harness with stars and stripes or affix colored pompoms to your dog's collar. If you aren't sure how your dog will react to the costume, try it out at home first. And if costumes prove to be too much for your dog to take, you can still decorate the leash with colorful streamers or shiny pompoms. Get creative and see what you can come up with!
Because many dogs are terrified by the sound of fireworks, it's best to limit your doggie activities to the daylight hours. Be sure to give your pet plenty of water and, if the day is warm, seek out shady spots where your pup can cool down.
Before night falls, take a minute to plan the evening from your dog's perspective. Every dog responds differently to fireworks, so it's important to know how your own dog is likely to react. Some high-strung dogs are so badly frightened by the booming sounds that they're better off taking a tranquilizer before the fireworks start. Consult your veterinarian ñ or a local vet if you're traveling ñ for advice. The vet may suggest that you create a snug hiding place for your dog or park your RV as far away from the fireworks as possible.
No matter what you have planned for this July 4th, your dog would certainly like to be involved. Whether it's a hike, a lake-side picnic, a family reunion, or a parade, plan a way for your dog to come along and make it a happy holiday for everyone. Even dogs like to celebrate the Grand Old Fourth!Looking for more information and other great articles about camping with pets? Visit PetCamping.com
- Category: Fur Kids
Mount Shasta, California - Mountains, Lakes and Forests - Oh My!
The Shasta Mountains and Lake region does everything on a large scale. Snow-capped mountains tower above mile after mile of green forest. In the heart of it all, the coves and bays of Shasta Lake run from robins-egg blue to teal and turquoise. With a number of national forests and parks in the area, you’ll find plenty to explore in this unique wilderness.
The major sights of the Shasta Lake area form a ring around the town of Redding, which is set right on Interstate 5 in Northern California. Once there, you’ll have Whiskeytown Lake and the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area to the west and northwest, Shasta Lake and Mount Shasta to the north; and the famous Lassen Volcanic National Park to the east.
You can take a scenic loop through the area by heading west out of Redding on Highway 299, also known as Eureka Way. You’ll travel first through the two sections of the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, set at the juncture of the Klamath Mountains and the Sacramento Valley. The southern section of the recreation area includes Whiskeytown Lake; north of that is Trinity Lake. Boaters will certainly want to stop at Whiskeytown Lake, a 3,200-acre lake that’s perfect for swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, rowing, and fishing. Only rental watercraft are allowed on Whiskeytown Lake (just visit the concession operator at Oak Bottom for boat rentals and slip rentals). If you’d like to put your own craft in the water, you’re welcome to do so on Shasta Lake or Trinity Lake.
Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are also popular pursuits in Whiskeytown. Take a serious hike up Kanaka Peak for spectacular views or tackle the more moderate Brandy Creek Falls trail or the Clear Creek Vista. Even the kids will enjoy tromping to Buck Hollow. You can take a 4-wheeling drive to the top of stunning Shasta Bally, a 6,209-foot peak, or hike through old growth forests and fields of wildflowers to one of the area’s many gorgeous waterfalls.
For history buffs, the displays at the Camden House Historic District explain the role this area played in the great California Gold Rush era. Kids and grown ups can try their hands at panning for gold at the Tower House Historic District (pans and shovels are provided). If you like, take part in a ranger-led kayak trip around the quiet coves of Whiskeytown Lake, or take the kids to join the Junior Ranger program. Temperatures can top 100 degrees in the summer, so be sure to pack plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen and take precautions against heat stroke.
From Highway 299, follow Highway 3 north into the second section of the Whiskeytown NRA, driving along crystal-blue Trinity Lake. Follow the Trinity Heritage Scenic Byway north and then east to I-5, then head south at the small town of Gazelle. You’ll join I-5 near Weed, just north of Mount Shasta. This breathtaking mountain is the second highest peak in the Cascade Range, soaring overhead at 14,179 feet. Because it isn’t part of a mountain range, Mount Shasta seems to bolt up out of nowhere. About this great mountain, Theodore Roosevelt once said, "I consider the evening twilight on Mt. Shasta one of the grandest sights I have ever witnessed." The poet the poet Joaquin Miller put it this way: "Lonely as God, and white as a winter moon, Mount Shasta starts up sudden and solitary from the heart of the great black forests of Northern California." You may enjoy a day trip to Horse Camp at elevation 7,900 feet, where the John Muir summit route begins.
South of Mount Shasta, take Highway 89 east toward McCloud. From here, you can take a fun side trip to see the lava floes at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. You can also pay a visit to the McArthur-Burney Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Centered around the incredible 129-foot Burney Falls, this state park is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Teddy Roosevelt once called the falls "the eighth wonder of the world." Tour this amazing site by hiking the 1.3 mile loop around the falls, then exploring the other 910 acres of forest and stream-land. These gorgeous falls move more than 100 million gallons of water every day from springs and Burney Creek. The park also includes a section of Lake Britton, and boat rentals are available for a day of fishing or boating on the lake.
Continuing south on Highway 89, you’ll pass through Lassen Volcanic National Park, set on the slopes of Mt. Lassen. The land here may look peaceful, but the boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles of this area tell a different story. This is a place of dynamic change, showing shades of the mountain's even more intense past. Since its eruption in 1915, Mt. Lassen has become an incredible place to explore, whether you come for the hiking, the skiing, the wildlife, or to view the hydrothermal features located in the park. More than 150 miles of hiking trails lead you through this unique and changing landscape. You'll find abundant wildlife, scenic views, and breathtaking wildflowers.
For another interesting side trip, visit the dramatic Medicine Lake shield volcano at Lava Beds National Monument, set northeast of Weed. You can tour a land of cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves, and pit craters. More than 500 lava tubes lie underground here, just waiting to be explored! The park hosts guided tours of the caves, plus ranger talks, special events, and historical sites relating to the Modoc War. Aside from cave exploration, the park is also a great place to enjoy a hike, watch for wildflowers, or practice photography on this stunning landscape. Also, be sure to watch for wildlife and unique plants as you tour through the park.
Take Highway 44 back to Interstate 5, then head north to the gleaming blue waters of Shasta Lake. This is a phenomenal place for water sports like fishing, water skiing, sailing, swimming, and canoeing. You can go golfing at the Lake Shastina Golf Resort, take a free tour of the Shasta Dam, or enjoy a picnic lunch at the Vista Point, soaking in views of the lake. For a fun springtime festival, head to Shasta Lake in May for the annual Shasta Damboree, a celebration of the dam’s construction.
- Category: Hot Spots
Seattle- A City with an Outdoor Vibe
Famous for its snow-capped mountains, damp drizzle, and coffee, Seattle offers far more to its visitors. In addition to having some of the most perfect summer weather you’ll find anywhere, Seattle is a modern city with a strong outdoors vibe. This technological center serves as the gateway to mountain trails, forested islands, and the blue waters of the Puget Sound, the ocean inlet that makes Seattle a thriving seaport. With historical ties to Native American potlatches, the Alaskan Gold Rush, and the great fire of 1889, Seattle is a fascinating place to explore.
Seattle is flanked on the east by the dramatic Cascade Mountains, a range that includes the 14,000-plus-foot Mount Rainier and snow-peaked Mount Baker. To the west lies Puget Sound, home to orca whales, seals, and green-and-white ferry boats. Across the water, farther west, are the Olympic Mountains, Washington’s older mountain range. This knot of mountains sits on the Olympic Peninsula and includes the Olympic National Park, where you’ll find the only rain forest in the United States. With the Canadian border to the north and the Columbia River to the south, Seattle is encircled by fun day-trip destinations.
Begin your tour of the city by heading to the major sights: the waterfront and the Space Needle. The waterfront includes a number of popular attractions such as the Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the ferry dock, and well-known shops and restaurants. Pike Place Market, so-called because it lies at the end of Pike Street, is an open-air market that’s filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, flower vendors, and locally-made crafts. Tour the stalls, examining the glass, honey, jewelry, and knit-wares, then stop off at the seafood stand to see the vendors throwing fish back and forth with fanfare. “The Market,” as it’s locally called, first started in 1907 and now has over 300 booths.
From the Market, take the stairs down to the waterfront, where you can enjoy hot fish and chips at Ivar’s restaurant and quick-serve stand. The waterfront includes Coleman Dock, where public ferries dock from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, and the cruise ship dock, where ferries head to Alaska and other points farther off. The gem of the waterfront is the Seattle Aquarium, where the kids can see the Giant Octopus, walk through a glass dome into an underwater world, and see the adorable otters at play.
The Space Needle is at the Seattle Center, a complex that includes an opera house, playhouse, major sports center, and amusement park rides. The Space Needle is a 520-foot tall tower that was built for the 1962 World Fair. You can ride up in the glass elevator, then enjoy a meal at the rotating restaurant with 360-degree views of the city. Seattle Center is also where you’ll find the Pacific Science Center. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun hands-on exhibits, exploring the Science Center’s dinosaurs, robotic insects, and other seemingly magical displays. While you’re at the Seattle Center, head to the Experience Music Project to view the rock-n-roll memorabilia and try out the hands-on music-making exhibits. You might even catch a rock concert with a famous band!
Kids can enjoy a day of rides and fairy-tale charm at Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, south of Seattle. Right in the city, kids can explore other cultures and geology, or pretend to drive a fire engine, at the Children’s Museum.
For a scenic day trip, catch the ferry from Coleman Dock to Bainbridge Island. You’ll enjoy views of both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges as you ride thirty-five minutes to this pine-forested island. Explore Bainbridge’s charming, artsy downtown by foot, then return on the ferry in time for an Asian-inspired dinner in Seattle. The city is knows for its international cuisine that features fresh seafood like oysters on the half-shell, crab, and steamed clams.
The Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth also makes a great day trip. Just three hours from Seattle, this quaint alpine town has German-style shops and restaurants, a Nutcracker museum, and a lively Oktoberfest. To the south of Seattle, you can visit Mount Rainier, the highest active volcano in the Cascade range. But don’t worry – it last erupted 150 years ago! Take a hike to glaciers and alpine meadows, then visit the 1,000-year-old cedar and fir trees in the Grove of the Patriarchs.
Many visitors to Western Washington head to Snoqualmie Falls, a dramatic 270-foot waterfall. A fully-accessible 200-foot trail leads to a stunning view of the falls. This is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch or to go for a mountain hike. And if mountains strike your fancy, be sure to visit Mount Saint Helens, the mountain that famously erupted in 1980, spewing ash for hundreds of miles. The north face of the mountain collapsed, sending massive mud slides across the steep face. Today, the wilderness of Mount Saint Helens is blooming again. Visitors can tour the observation spots, learn about volcanoes at the visitor’s center, and arrange for a plane or helicopter tour above the mountain.
If you have a little more time to spend in the region, go a little farther with a trip to the Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Park or to the gorgeous San Juan Islands. You can walk the beaches at the Pacific Coast, watching for whales, or visit Bellingham and the Mount Vernon tulip festival. Wherever you go in Western Washington, you’ll be accompanied by a beautiful skyline of deep blues and greens, from ocean waters to miles of pines.
- Category: Hot Spots
Fiesta - San Antonio
The rich flavors of Texas and Mexico blend to perfection in San Antiono. This riverside town truly has a taste of everything, from incredible restaurants and historic attractions to water parks and great shopping. Picture yourself walking hand-in-hand along the romantic Paseo del Rio, or Riverwalk, strolling past shops and open-air vendors. Or imagine a day with the kids at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, zooming down the roller coaters and splashing along the log flumes. Whatever you choose to do, don’t miss San Antonio’s mouth-watering food. This is where bright flavors – like lime, cilantro, chile, and avacado – come together in perfect harmony.
History lives in San Antonio. This is the home of the Alamo, the 300-year-old Mission San Antonio de Valero that was the site of one of the most famous battles in Texas history. During the Texas Revolution in 1836, a group of fewer than 200 Texas defenders held off Mexican General Santa Anna’s band of 4,000 soldiers for nearly two weeks. You can tour the Alamo and get a first-hand look at this famous building and the site of this inspirational battle.
San Antonio is also home to four other Spanish missions, and the city is rich with art and artists. Take a tour of the avant-garde McNay Art Museum and see its robust collection of 19th and 20th-century art. The San Antonio Museum of Art has the most complete collection of Latin American art in the country. For history with mummies and dinosaurs, head to the family-focused Witte Museum. You’ll see live animals, fiesta gowns, a hummingbird and butterfly garden, and special hands-on exhibits. You’ll find even more family fun at SeaWorld San Antonio, where you can watch dolphin shows, see orca whales, and learn all about the care and feeding of these stunning sea creatures. Be sure to visit during feeding time! The park includes rides like the Great White, Texas’s first inverted steel roller coaster, the Steel Eel, the Texas Splashtown, and the splashy Rio Loco.
Kids will also love the lions, tigers, and bears at the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, another popular family destination. Six Flags Fiesta Texas has a 1950s boardwalk with a 90-foot Ferris Wheel as well as spectacular shows and live entertainment. And you won’t want to miss a trip to the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, a 120-year-old saloon that’s filled with Old West history. See the horn, fin, and feather collection, the trading post, and the unique cowboy memorabilia.
For a birds-eye view of the city, aim for the top of the Tower of the Americas at HemisFair Park Tower. This 750-foot tower was built in 1968 for the World’s Fair. With a glass elevator, rotating restaurant, and brand-new observation deck, this is a phenomenal place to look down over the river and San Antonio. The truly brave can climb aboard the Skies Over Texas 4-D ride and swoop through a tour of the Lone Star state.
San Antonio is famous for its River Walk, a tour through the heart of the city. Tracing along the nation’s oldest Spanish-colonial water system, this route trails through the city’s defining neighborhoods. The River Walk is three miles long and sits a full level below the city streets. You’ll stroll along cobbled walkways, crossing bridges and stopping cafes and restaurants along the way.
In the King William Historic District, you can wander through the oldest historic area in Texas. This collection of mansions, art galleries, B&Bs, and restaurants was built by German settlers in the late 1800s. Explore neighborhoods like the Blue Star and Lavaca, or head to La Villita, San Antonio’s first neighborhood. La Villita, or little village, was the first home of Spanish soldiers who were stationed at the Alamo. Architecture in this district draws on Spanish, German, French, and Mexican influences. You’ll discover a charming historic village with a strong focus on the arts that’s an excellent representative of San Antonio – friendly, warm, and full of flavor.
- Category: Hot Spots
Southern Utah – Unique and Stunning Beauty
Southern Utah is arguably the most incredible natural spot in the United States. This area is absolutely unique and stunningly beautiful. Filled with crazy-cut terrain, dramatic slot canyons, and sandstone cliffs that range in color from chocolate to a warm dove gray, this is an ideal place to explore. You’ll find incredible vistas, brilliant orange and topaz hills, ancient ruins, and solitary wildflowers that pop up in the most unexpected places. Southern Utah is so incredible, it’s home to five national parks—more than you’ll find in any other state—and countless National Monuments, refuges, and preserved Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.
For an unforgettable driving tour, start on Highway 191 south of Interstate 70 (the junction near Green River) and head to Moab, home of Arches National Park. From there you’ll progress to the south and west, passing through three national parks and the startlingly beautiful Lake Powell. If you enjoy hikes, gorgeous views, winery tours, and mountain biking, you can easily spend a week or a month covering this route.
Arches National Park is the most accessible of Utah’s great parks. With just short day hikes, you’ll see a variety of arches, narrow arcs of stone that have been created by centuries of wind erosion. Don’t miss the hike to the famous Delicate Arch, the formation that’s featured on Utah’s license plates and tourist materials. The naturalist Edward Abbey wrote his famous book Desert Solitaire about his time in Arches, and reading this book during your stay will add depth to your understanding of this unusual ecosystem.
The nearby town of Moab, set on Highway 191, is known as the “slick rock capital” of the U.S. Slick rock is the term for Utah’s sheets of sandstone. Mountain bike tires and rubber-soled shoes grip this rock remarkably well, letting bikes and people walk up surprisingly steep slopes. Whether you’re on foot or on your bike, it’s well worth checking out some slick rock. Ask if there are any mountain biking demonstrations going on, so you can see the serious bikers do their thing on the rock! Moab is also filled with delightful restaurants, a winery, craft shops, and amazing views of the surrounding canyon walls.
Southwest of Arches lies Canyonlands National Park, a broader park that’s divided into four sections: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Colorado River district. You can reach the park by taking Highway 191 south to Highway 95 NE (or ask locally about smaller access roads). The best way to explore Canyonlands is by heading into the backcountry, either on foot, on a mountain bike, or a four-wheel drive vehicle. The park also has areas for fishing, photography, visitor’s stations, and breathtaking scenery. With a high-altitude view, you can see how – over time – the Colorado River has created this network of canyons, some of which are a hundred feet deep.
Driving south from Canyonlands, take Highway 95 and Highway 261 S to Highway 163 S and enter the beautiful and bizarre Monument Valley, a land of hoodoos, plinths, towering mesas, and natural stone structures that look like they were placed by giants. Years of erosion created these formations, as the wind and water whittled away all but the hardest columns of sandstone. Brilliant stripes of color make each colossal plinth unique, towering above the desert floor. You won’t want to miss the chance to photograph Monument Valley!
Highway 160 will take you on a jaunt through Arizona, winding northwest on Highway 98 to Page, Arizona, the town that sits on the high banks of the Colorado River. Page was created during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, when dam workers needed a place to live. Today, the thriving community of Page features terrific restaurants, craft shops, churches, and plenty of rental facilities for visitors heading to Lake Powell, which lies just across the Colorado River in the southernmost part of Utah.
Lake Powell, a man-made lake that was created by the Glen Canyon Dam, is a shocking robins-egg-blue pool in the middle of umber and orange hills. The color combination is almost as striking as the idea of finding a mammoth lake in the middle of a desert. Lake Powell is a popular spot for boating, water skiing, swimming, and house-boating. There are a number of boat ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds around the lake. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers terrific activities like boating and fishing, hiking the Spencer Trail, and kayaking around the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain biking and for scenic drives to the Burr Trail or along the Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
From here, follow Highway 89 north of Kanab to Highway 9 west and into Zion National Park. Zion is filled with variety. This one park contains desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, moist cliff gardens, and bountiful wildlife. You’ll find towering cliffs, deep valleys, and sheer canyon walls. This is a phenomenal place to go bird-watching, biking, hiking, or to settle back with your camera. Be sure to visit the Emerald Pools and the Grotto, and to catch a ranger talk to learn more about Zion’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
If you’d like to extend your Utah visit a little longer, consider a side trip to Bryce Canyon National Park or Capitol Reef National Park. Set at 8,000 feet, Bryce Canyon offers brilliant red-orange cliffs, high-elevation pine forests, and a cool respite from hot summer days. Capitol Reef is a stunning geological wonder, a place where you can actually see the way the earth works with your naked eye. Capitol Reef, like all the Utah National Parks, has miles of trails for horseback riding, biking, and hiking, as well as outstanding scenic drives.
- Category: Hot Spots
Newport, Rhode Island - history, luxury and New England Charm
With its dazzling history as a Victorian-era getaway for the rich and famous, beautiful Newport, Rhode Island is more than just a seaside resort. Known as the Queen of Summer Resorts, this coastal town oozes history, luxury, and New England charm. Whether your interest is in touring opulent houses, sailing along the Atlantic seaboard, or exploring quaint towns and funky museums, you'll find just what you're looking for in Newport.
Newport has a storied Revolutionary war history, but its true claim to fame came in the mid-nineteenth century when wealthy southern planters built vacation cottages here, looking for a cool place to spend the summer months. These early homes-such as Kingscote (1839) on Bellevue Avenue-were soon joined by larger mansions, built by well-off Yankee families. The Wetmore family came in 1852, building the incredible Chateau-sur-Mer, followed by the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and a number of other dynastic families.Today, the Preservation Society of Newport County maintains eleven of these amazing homes, keeping them open for public tours. You can stroll the halls of The Breakers (1895), Marble House, the Edward King House, and Griswold House, noting the fabulous antiques, rich curtains and wall hangings, and expensive furniture. Beyond these rich mansions, Newport is full of other historic buildings to visit from the Newport Colony House to the White Horse Tavern, Old Stone Mill, and Gray's Store.
To jump into the great outdoors, take a jaunt out of town for a cliff walk with dramatic views, a day of crabbing and fishing, or an afternoon on the beach. You can hike to the local lighthouse, carrying a picnic lunch and your camera, or visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary for the nature walks, peaceful atmosphere, and the chance to view marine life. And of course the ocean offers a wide range of activities from sea kayaking and scuba diving to deep sea fishing, pier fishing, and windsurfing.
You can rent a bike and head to the 5.5 mile loop in the Hope Valley area or visit the local golf courses for a day of long drives and short putts. Block Island is a popular sailing destination for those who charter day-sailors, and it's also a terrific place to go for horseback riding along the beach. Set just twelve miles off the Rhode Island coast, this island offers seventeen miles of sandy beaches, 356 fresh-water ponds, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The island also has two lighthouses and a delightful town with boutique shops, cafes, and unique restaurants.
The nearby town of Mystic, Connecticut was made famous by the film "Mystic Pizza," but it has always been well known for its tall ships, seaside cottages, and stunning views. The kids will love the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium with its sea lions, penguins, and beluga whales.
Newport is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Jazz, and Battleship Cove, the world's largest collection of retired navy ships. Families can plan a day trip to the Roger Williams Park and Zoo, while adults will have a fun evening out at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino or the Mohegan Sun Casino.
Rhode Island-the nation's smallest state-is a great place to explore by car. In one day it's easy to reach any great Rhode Island destination from Brown University to the world-famous Rhode Island School of Design. This is also a great sailing and maritime center, with outstanding museums and sailing schools. Whether you're new to sailing or are an old salt, you'll enjoy exploring Newport's maritime sites. If you're interested in learning to sail during your vacation, contact the international Yacht Restoration School, the Newport Sailing School, or Newport Learning Adventures to find out about their day trips and daytime adventures. For the land-lubbers in your group, consider a brewery tour, a seal-watching tour, or a walking tour of the town's historic homes and buildings.
- Category: Hot Spots
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Hit the Road and Camp America!
Hit the Road -
Camp America!
Ready to answer the call of the open road? Then you've come to the right place. Here you'll find great ideas for finding the best camping and RVing road trips. We'll show you which routes to take, which exits have a "don't miss attraction and profile great campgrounds along the way. So grab your gear, pack the car or the RV and get ready to hit the road.
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Camp Cuisine
Camp Cuisine - Camping Recipes
Inspire your inner camp chef with recipes for camping trips. It doesn’t matter if it’s shared around a campfire, cooked in your RV's gourmet kitchen, or take-out from the local deli, food just tastes better on a camping vacation!
Find and share more great camping recipes at CampingCafe.com -
Road Trip
RV Road Trips
Join Steve and Sally as they pack their bags and hit the open road to live their camping dreams. They’ve chosen their top 100 camping destinations and have set out to make their camping dreams a reality. Come along as they camp across the country. Share the journey.
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Hot Spots
Camping Hot SpotsFind great places to camp and gain insights into activities to make the most of the top camping hot spots. Get the scoop on where to go next. Discover destinations that offer unique opportunities for you to experience the great outdoors through recreation activities, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable vistas.
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Camping Gems
Camping GemsFind those fun and funky “special” places across the country. Hit the road and discover all the odd roadside attractions that make getting there more than half the fun. Road tripping gives you an excuse to search out hidden gems along your route. Look inside for suggested trips and inspiration to plan your own camping gem journey.
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Fur Kids
Fur Kids - Camping with Pets
Hiking the Appalachian Trail with your mastiff, Max, or RV'ing across the country with your poodle, Polly - we all love our pets and want to find ways to share our passion for camping with them. We'll share stories of camping pets and tips for keeping your pets safe, comfortable, and happy - on the road and in the outdoors.
Find more great information about camping and RVing with pets at PetCamping.com
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Sport Spotlight
Outdoor Sport SpotlightWild or mild outdoor sports and recreation are a passion of the camping.com editors. Here we profile different sports and outdoor recreation activities. We'll give you tips on getting started, tell you about the great places for outdoor sports and show you what gear you need to be comfortable in all conditions. So whether you're a seasoned outdoor sports enthusiast or a enthusiastic beginner we have tips and advice to make the most of your outdoor recreation passion.
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Camp Kids
Camp KidsCamping with kids can be very rewarding. Find ideas about teaching children to love and respect the outdoors and camping. Find ways to keep the kids busy on the way to cam, plus games and other fun ideas to keep kids stimulated and engaged while at camp. Keep kids safe outdoors and teach them wilderness skills.
Find more great ideas for camping with kids of all ages. Visit KidsCamping.com -
New To Do
New To Do
Try something different. As the saying goes, Ïf you're not learning you're not living. Get out there and try something new! Never been fond of mud season? Learn to love it! Never took the time to learn your constellations? Well, now is the time! Get ideas for expanding your camping horizons.
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Gear Lists:
Camping Gear
Checklist:
You can never be too prepared for your camping trip. Look through and use our checklists to ensure that you have a safe and happy camping vacation! You never know what you might forget - that tool that you needed, or the proper gear to go on the most beautiful hike of your life - be prepared by planning ahead!
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Camp Styles
Camp Styles
Every camper has his or her own style. For some, the perfect camping trip means strapping on a backpack and heading for the backcountry. For others, it’s a way to spend time with family and friends in a natural surrounding away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For others, it is a way of life – camping full time in an RV. Many people camp to be close to recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, water sports, and ATVing. Find your camp style.
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Fitness Forum
Fitness Forum
Get in shape for your camping adventure. Whether your camping vacation involves a wilderness hike, a month on the road in your RV, or just a family camping road trip, get fitness advice to get and stay in shape. Being fit and healthy makes camping and outdoor activities more enjoyable. Get tips for making fitness fun.
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Gear Guides
Camping Gear Guides
Confused about wicking? Baffled by sleeping bag ratings? We’ll help you wade through the techno speak of high performance camping and outdoor gear. Having the perfect camp clothes makes camping and participating in outdoor sports fun and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature dishes out.
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Snap Shots
Snap Shots - Outdoor Photography Tips
Find tips for taking great camping and travel photos. Capture your precious camping memories and learn to take perfect family portraits, amazing wildlife photos, and awesome landscape pictures. You'll be transported back to your favorite camping trip ever time you share your photos.
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