Camping Hot Spots

Find 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.

Napa Valley, California -- Wine Country

No visit to California is complete without a trip to Napa Valley. Most of the great wines produced in the United States come from this valley. Oenophiles (wine lovers) flock to the valley in the summer and fall to enjoy the wine tastings at wineries throughout Napa. Although the peak tourist seasons are summer and fall, the mild climate makes it a great year-round destination.

Napa Valley's most renowned activities are the winery tours and tastings. When planning a trip to Napa, be sure to do a little research, so you can carefully choose the wineries you would like to visit. Each of the five towns spread across Napa Valley has unique wineries. At the northern end of the valley, near Calistoga, you can visit Castello di Amorosa to enjoy the Tuscan style winery and taste the Italian style wines. The world class Chateau Montelena Winery is also near Calistoga. Beringer Vineyards, near St. Helena, is the oldest continually operating winery.

Farther north along the valley is the Robert Mondavi Winery, or the Grgich Hills Estate, where they produce wines from organically and biodynamically grown grapes. Both of these wineries are close to the towns of Oakville and Rutherford. Also in this area, if you are looking for a wine tasting that is a little different, you can take a tour of the Rutherford Hill Winery which has one of America's most extensive wine-aging cave systems.

In addition to wine tasting, Napa Valley also has many fine dining opportunities. Yountville, California is home to the fabulous French Laundry. This restaurant provides a unique combination of seasonal American ingredients with a French inspiration. Another unique dining experience is the Napa Valley Wine Train. You can reserve a seat on this antique train that travels through Napa Valley on 25 miles of track. In the dining cars, enjoy amazing wines and foods created with seasonal ingredients.

Napa Valley has much more than delicious foods and wines to offer its visitors. You can take a hot air balloon tour over the valley and enjoy a champagne brunch as you marvel at the spectacular views. Bike tours are popular, and Mt. St. Helena has great hiking trails. If you hike the five miles to the mountaintop you will be rewarded by spectacular vistas and you may even see the peak of Mt. Shasta. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park showcases much of the beauty that the Napa Valley area has to offer.

Make sure you leave some time to explore the local towns. In addition to the world-class wines, you will also find many interesting boutiques and art galleries. St. Helena is also home to the Silverado Museum, which features exhibits about Robert Louis Stevenson. If you are looking to pamper yourself, stop for a day in Calistoga, famous for its hot springs, mud baths, and spas.

No matter what you choose to explore in Napa Valley, you are guaranteed to have an amazing vacation. Immerse yourself in the culture of America's premiere wine country. Exult in the beauty of California. Make sure you take some time for yourself during your vacation. Get away from it all in the fabulous Napa Valley.

Exploring Detroit, the Motor City

The Motor City has culture, sports, events throughout the year, and it’s also a gateway to the Great Lakes. Plan your visit to Detroit to coincide with the events that interest you the most, whether it’s a sporting event, a festival, or the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors.

The city has a very important place in our nation's history because of its industrial heritage. Detroit is also famous among music buffs as the home of the Motown Sound. As such, Detroit has all sorts of live music venues and many different types of music events and concerts. In May, you can head to the Electronic Music Festival or the International Jazz Festival. Year round, you can take in the superb Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Opera.

In addition to its rock-and-roll, jazz, R&B, and blues music, Detroit has many other cultural opportunities and activities. Enjoy the food of Detroit during the CityFest in July or take in some of the great arts festivals. Take some time to explore the Henry Ford Museum, where you can learn all about innovations of the American people and the launch of modern industry. This museum covers an area of nine acres and is home to all sorts of exhibits on diverse subjects. You could also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit or see all the animals at the Detroit Zoo. Detroit natives know that a terrific free event is the annual fireworks display on the Detroit River.

The city has four major professional sports teams. Within the Detroit area you can enjoy basketball, baseball, hockey and football. Baseball fans can get tickets to see the Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park, while football fans can watch the Lions tackle the Bears and Vikings at Ford Field. The men and women's professional basketball teams play at The Palace of Auburn Hills and the hockey team, the Detroit Red Wings, play at Joe Louis Arena. In addition to lots of professional sports, Detroit also has auto racing, hosting the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix every year over Labor Day weekend.

The downtown area is where you’ll find the theaters, the opera, and a thriving nightlife. Midtown is where you will find the Detroit Public Library, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. These are just a few examples of the activities, culture, entertainment, and music to be found throughout the city and the surrounding areas of Detroit.

Mile-High Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City offers all the diversity of big-town life combined with the spirit of outdoor adventure. The State Capitol of Colorado truly sits a mile above sea level. In fact, if you climb the western steps of the capitol you will find a plaque marking the step the lies exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. The mild climate makes this city a great place to visit any time of the year. Outdoor enthusiasts will find many green parks in the city and can hike, bike or climb at one of the nearby state parks. Sports lovers will also be enchanted with this city year round, as it is one of only a few that is home to eight professional sports teams. This home of the first hamburger holds a little something for everyone.

Denver has many amazing activities that will please you and your kids alike. Visit the Downtown Aquarium, where you can see shipwreck exhibits, pan for gold or even feed the stingrays. The Denver Zoological Gardens have narrated train rides and naturally landscaped exhibits like Predator Ridge, which features African species. If you want to bring your child's education to life, stop at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This museum has exhibits ranging from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to space travel.

There are also many wonderful attractions for adults in Denver. In the lower downtown area you will find great shopping opportunities. You can get to know Denver a little better by exploring its different neighborhoods. LoDo (Lower Downtown) has many nightclubs and dining establishments; the Capitol Hill area has the mansions and Gothic Cathedral. Denver also has many spas, art museums and outdoor sculptures. If you visit in summer be sure to look up the various music festivals, as you're sure to find one that has something you'd enjoy.

Denver's mild and sunny climate makes it a great place to visit year round. The high altitude reduces the precipitation and makes the sun feel warmer. In the higher altitude, be sure to drink plenty of water; you need to drink more water because the air is much drier. Also, make sure you use sunscreen; the suns UV rays are more intense at this elevation.

You will find plenty of outdoor adventure during your time in Denver. The city is very close to the Rocky Mountains where you will find hiking, biking and snowboarding. Within the city you can visit the Denver Botanical Gardens. If you are a rock climber, there are some great routes to be climbed at Eldorado Canyon State Park or Castlewood Canyon State Park. Denver is a sports lover's paradise; you will find professional baseball, football, hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse and even rugby teams.

Denver has a little bit of everything, and it has a lot of some things. You will find outdoor activities for everyone. Your children will find attractions that they will rave about after your visit. Denver has a rich history, diverse populations and a multitude of events. On your next vacation go to Denver and revel in the adventures of the Mile High City.

Escape to Connecticut

The Constitution State is full of history, but you will find activities and sights to interest everyone. Connecticut has scenic fishing spots, seaside walks, the excitement of NASCAR, and much more. Each region of Connecticut has many captivating adventures.

If you are looking for a relaxing seaside vacation this year, visit the southwest region of Connecticut, including Fairfield and Greenwich. Fairfield and Greenwich offer beautiful beaches, and you could also partake in a bit of top-notch shopping while there. Between Greenwich and Fairfield lies Sheffield Island with its historic lighthouse and nature preserve for those with interests in history and wildlife.

For a little more adventure during your stay in Connecticut, you could visit the northwestern or Litchfield region of the state. Hikers should make sure to take some time to trek along the Appalachian Trail. Those with a love of fishing should visit the Housatonic River for some scenic trout fishing. Housatonic Meadows State Park provides a lovely camping location to act as a starting point for all your fishing adventures.

The Hartford region of Connecticut has beautiful art and architecture. You can view windows created by Louis Tiffany at the Center Church. For a little more history combined with architecture, take a tour of Mark Twain's home in Hartford. Car lovers will enjoy a visit the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs where they can watch the NASCAR auto racing on Fridays.

In the south of Connecticut, you will find miles of beaches and excitement. You will find the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration in the southeast. For more art and culture visit the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven. Yale University offers an amazing collection of art from around the world including pieces by Picasso and Manet.

Connecticut is also a great location for a more pastoral vacation. If you are interested in agritourism or you just want to spend a little time on the farm, check out New England FarmWays. You will discover the many scenic farms and vineyards that Connecticut has to offer.

Brownsville, Texas - a Gulf Coast Oasis

Deep in the heart of Texas, you'll find a city with charm, warmth, golden beaches, and incredible Tex-Mex food. Brownsville is Texas's southernmost city, serving as a gateway to Mexico and a vacation destination for the rest of the Lone Star State. This area is famous for its bird watching, bargain shopping, and breathtaking ocean views. With its palm trees and blooming tropical flowers, Brownsville feels exotic and luxurious, even in the depths of winter.

The Climate
It's no wonder so many Winter Texans choose to call Brownsville home. This stunning area enjoys 230 days of sun every year, and its winter temperatures are warm enough for year-round gardening. You may even find citrus and avocado trees in your campground. Summertime average highs are in the 90s, while winter highs are around 70 degrees. Plan to carry a light sweater or jacket if you're going out during the morning or evening in winter. Otherwise, dress for the heat!

Historical Tour
If this is your first visit to Brownsville, you can get a sense of the city's past by following the Brownsville Heritage Trail. On this walking tour, you'll see turn-of-the-century homes and businesses in the historic downtown area, including the original 3,000-acre townsite (now downtown Brownsville). Be sure not to miss the 1849 Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Bird Watching
The Rio Grande River area of South Texas is famous for its bird watching. The warm temperatures draw winter residents from the north, while summer brings southern migratory birds. The area offers a number of excellent birding centers and bird watching areas.

Sabal Palm Audubon Center
Filled with native plants and animals, this is the perfect place to learn about the flora and fauna of South Texas.

Resaca De La Palma State Park
Tour 1200 acres of semi-tropical landscape along the winding Rio Grande. This is the World Birding Center site that's closest to Brownsville.

World Birding Center
The center is actually a network of several different birding sites along the Rio Grande River, all known as excellent bird-watching hot spots.

Visiting Mexico
All the incredible shopping, dining, and tourism of Old Mexico awaits you, right across the border in Matamoros! Widely known as the best place to cross the border in South Texas, this is a hot-spot for shopping and bargain hunting or for enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine. The town puts on regular festivals and events, so watch for music and folk dancing in the main square while you enjoy your margarita or succulent seafood. Prices are low, so step across the border and see what bargains you can discover.

Day Trip - South Padre Island
The gorgeous get-away spot of South Padre Island offers unforgettable days of relaxation, lounging on the beautiful white sandy beaches, and sipping cocktails while the sun sets. While you're there, don't forget to dine in one of the many sea-side restaurants and visit the quaint shops for souvenirs, clothing, and gifts.

If you like to fish, then charter a boat for the day and try your hand at deep sea fishing. Or, you can enjoy a variety of water sports like water skiing, sailing, kite and wind surfing, para-sailing, and swimming. Once you visit the southern Gulf Coast, you will want to return again and again.

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