Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains have so much more to offer than the usual tourist stops. These are some of my personal favorite places to eat, explore, shop, and spend a day around East Tennessee. I’ve included local restaurants, fun things to do, easy day trips, and spots worth the drive into the Smokies. Think of it as recommendations from a Knoxville local for when you’re wondering, “What should we do today?”
The ultimate travel essentials list for your Eurotrip ✈️
As a person who loves to travel but also don’t have a ton of time to do it I usually go on 2-3 week vacations and these are my non-negotiable!
Iceland is a magical country - and for those that tell you to go in the summer because winter is too unpredictable with the weather, don’t listen to them! I went in November, and as long as you pack well, pay attention to the weather, and drive only if you’re experienced, it is just remarkable how the country looks in the winter.
I’m posting my absolute recs for what you should pack, as well as my amazing hotel and a few key trip highlights to add to your itinerary!
From stroller-friendly parks to the best dessert after dinner, this is my go-to list of local places that are actually worth your time. Playgrounds for the littles, breweries for the grown-ups, and restaurants I always recommend when someone says “where should we go?” If it’s on this list, I’ve been there, loved it, and think you will too. Support local, eat well, play hard.
We live minutes from Disney and have done Magic Kingdom more times than we can count. These are our real local tips, tricks and hacks - rope drop strategy, mobile order timing, where to find cheap official merch, and the little moves that save you hours (and serious money) on your Orlando-Kissimmee park day.
As someone with a penchant for injury/illness while traveling (but nerves of steel!) - I always have some sort of OTC meds and first aid supplies on hand! *** NOT A DOCTOR, CONSULT YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN WITH ANY QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ***
Gear that makes long drives and road trips easier: a portable power station, 12V fridge, rooftop cargo bag, phone charging mount, backseat organizers, a travel pillow, a steering-wheel tray for eating or laptop work, and games for the passengers.
I am an East Coast Girl. Growing up we never went on a plane for vacation- it was always a couple hours drive instead.
Most of the time people come to NH for the ocean or mountains so I have sorted them into these categories.
My own personal experience, mixed in with some general info.
Two-hour flights sound easy until you land dehydrated, cramped, with a dead phone and a headache from the guy in 14B watching TikToks on speaker. I fly short domestic hops almost weekly and spent way too long showing up unprepared — this is the carry on lineup that finally made me stop dreading boarding. If you're a frequent flier who refuses to check a bag, steal this list before your next trip.
River City Living Life in Richmond is rich with charm, history, and local flavor. This board highlights the best of River City living—neighborhood gems, cozy homes, favorite restaurants, scenic river spots, and everything that makes RVA feel like home. I'm new here and adding to this list often. Come along for the ride.
I recently spent three days in Salem, Massachusetts. Here are my recommended things to do, eat, and see. I spent hours researching to create this itinerary for my trip so I know it will help you create yours.
It’s so easy to overpack and bring so many things that won’t be used on a trip. I prefer to keep the bare minimum and be agile so you can be flexible as you travel. Of course this style isn’t for everyone and if you’re certain to be staying put in one location a few extra checked bags won’t hurt (unless the airline loses it). So I typically avoid checking bags if possible.
If you're going on vacation with your little ones, here are the things that have made MY life easier...Thank me later. *This list may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.*
Houston has quickly become the summer party hotspot with a plethora of clubs, new restaurants and cocktail bars to choose from. Here’s a list of cocktails spots I’ve curated for a night out with your gal pals as a Native Houstonian
My Boulder favorites, from Flatirons hikes at Chautauqua and the Pearl Street Mall to the Dushanbe Teahouse, brewpubs, and The Hill. These are the spots I send every friend visiting the foothills.
For all of our aspiring digital nomad friends…these are the top programmes that we use to earn money whilst we're on the road! We have included free and paid programmes that we use to make money online.Some of these are affiliate links which means that we'll make a small commission at no extra cost to yourself - thank you for supporting us!
A regularly updated curation of my best spots in the city, from an ex-East Village girl relocated to the West Side.Given how expansive Manhattan is, let alone considering the other four boroughs, I'd pick one neighborhood to explore each day. There's fine dining, hidden gems, and drool-worthy boutiques in literally every corner — so it's a better use of your time to properly explore a few areas versus trekking around to check off a couple popular places. With that in mind, these are the highlights I'd hit around Lower Manhattan (+ some Brooklyn house venues) with one weekend in the city from south to north.
We’re on an adventure of dating on purpose. We hope to do 1 or more a month. We’re going in order but more spontaneous couples can throw all letters in a jar and be more random. It’s funany way you slice it!
I have traveled to 38 states and 5 countries so far, and compiled a list of all of my favorite travel items that I think are the most essential to bring on trips, whether it's a short road trip or a long flight overseas!
From the East coast, I became a travel nurse wandering around until I found a spot to land. Tacoma was that spot and I've been here for over 2 years. These are some of the spots I've stumbled upon that I love and made this place home.
A friendly little shortlist for planning a memorable stay. Along with coastal views, relaxing walks, and memorable local spots, there are hotel options that give you a comfortable base between all the things you want to see and do.
As someone who was born and raised in Connecticut. This is a complete list of things to do this fall in Connecticut. Fairs, Dates and Family Fun! Fall in New England in my opinion is the best season, here’s some activities to make the most of it
I may be traveling through a few states in the RV this summer and stopping by beaches, national parks and little small towns to hit the local shops and food venues. I'm putting together vacation outfits, shoes and accessories along with other traveling necessities on this recommendation list.
a list of all the sights and bites I experienced during my study abroad trip in Greece. the class was a greek mythology course so most of the sights will have a connection to the mythology. the sights will mainly be in Athens and on the island Crete
I've lived in Dunedin for years, so I've had plenty of time to find the best experiences. From my favourite cafes and places to eat, to walks, beaches, stays and easy day trips, these are the spots I'd recommend if you want to see more of Dunedin and the surrounding area.
I'd use this as a relaxed first-timer's shortlist for Angers, mixing the city's most memorable sights with easy places to stay. I've focused on spots with a distinct sense of character, from strange medieval art and peaceful gardens to wonderfully unexpected details.
The Allegheny National Forest is one of my favorite places to go for a weekend getaway in Pennsylvania. There are miles and miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and fantastic small towns to spend the night (or the evening). These are my top recommendations!
We just got back from our very first family cruise—and it was hands down our favorite trip yet! With three kids (ages 19, 16, and 14), we found something for everyone to enjoy. From start to finish, it was smooth sailing. I want to share the things we brought along that helped make our vacation easy, fun, and unforgettable.
I am picky about travel spots—if a place makes this list, it genuinely beat the hype. From futuristic gardens to temples that stop you in your tracks, these are the spots across Asia I tell everyone to see at least once. Book the ticket.
Northern Virginia has quite a few spooky experiences and houses that pop up in late September and run through Halloween (or shortly thereafter). Not all of them have to be spooky--some embrace the Halloween season through fun activities for kids (or adults). These are my personal favorites during “spooky season”!
Looking for exciting places and festivals within the Lehigh Valley area that are as educational as they are entertaining? This list features must-visit spots and events where you can explore history, culture, science, and the arts—all while having a blast! Whether you're into interactive museums, historical landmarks, or local festivals filled with music, food, and hands-on experiences, there's something here for everyone. Perfect for families, curious explorers, and lifelong learners alike!
Carry-on travel must-haves ✈️ Dbl points for being T1D-approved essentials. Keep yourself prepared, comfortable, and confident through TSA, flights, and travel days. Save this list before your next trip bestie.
Is Saratoga Springs, NY kid-friendly? Absolutely. Beyond the historic racetrack and mineral springs, Saratoga is packed with incredible parks, interactive museums, and spots tailored just for families. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a local day trip, here are our absolute top picks for family-friendly activities in the area.
My husband is from St Louis so we like to visit a couple of times a year but We really love the holiday season here. The Christmas lights and events all around the city are really magical. There are some amazing restaurants too.
Exploring the far north of Norway felt surreal — from standing at the cliffs of Nordkapp to watching powerful tidal currents and discovering quiet coastal villages. This list brings together the Arctic places that truly impressed me and made the edge of Europe unforgettable.
This is the kind of place where… a short walk can take you from colourful streets and quiet waterfronts to lava, ice, and stories of the people who came before. I put this list together from the places that made Reykjavik, Iceland feel especially memorable to me, with a mix of thoughtful stays and genuinely distinctive stops I'd happily recommend to a friend.
I'd use this as my little Nancy shortlist: grand squares, quietly beautiful corners, one excellent museum, and stays for different kinds of trips. I've focused on places with a strong sense of place, from gilded gates and old stonework to easy bases for exploring the centre.
New York has more Nike stores than I expected. So I mapped the ones worth your time. You get two giant flagships in Manhattan for new drops. There are also factory and clearance stores in every borough. Those outlets are where the real bargains hide. Each spot is easy to reach by subway or ferry. Which Nike store in NYC is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!
ROAD TRIP! Seems like a great idea until you're trapped in a space smaller than Harry's cupboard under the stairs with bored children who have energy in spades!
With four high-energy kids, I've learned a few things that make traveling just a little easier.
1) Keep them entertained while the car is moving.
2) Make sure that entertainment won't be messy or space-eating.
3) Snacks & Drinks are essential at all times.
4) Rest Stops are the unsung heroes of travelling with kids. USE THEM. And not just the toilets. Use the grills, the grassy spaces, and the playground!
5) Pack as much food as you can, so you won't be eating out for every meal.
Merging onto the highway used to spike my heart rate every single time. That tiny sliver of invisible space between my mirror and my shoulder check nearly got me sideswiped twice last summer. I spent way too long testing stick-on mirrors, adjustable convex options, and wide-angle upgrades before landing on what actually works. If you white-knuckle it every time you switch lanes, scroll through before your next road trip.
Every vacation photo was either a nostril-angle selfie or a blurry mess taken by a random stranger who cut off someone's head. If you travel with family or even solo and you're tired of the awkward tap-on-the-shoulder routine, this is the gear that finally let me get everyone in the frame. Took me three trips and a lot of wasted money to land on these, so save yourself the hassle.
Practical and thoughtful finds for travelling more comfortably and confidently. From useful everyday gear to small details that make packing, exploring and living out of a suitcase easier.
These are some of my top things in the Central Florida area that aren’t your normal tourist attractions. (If a theme park restaurant or mainstream place is on the list it’s because it is truly worth it!)
Planning a trip to Tofino, BC, and want to keep it eco-friendly? I've got you covered! Here's a list of amazing places, from the best pastry shops and markets to aquariums and zoos. Perfect for enjoying Tofino while keeping the planet happy!
A collection of my go-to places along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Perfect for the whole fam, beach lovers, day-trippers, and anyone who loves a good view, amazing eats, or a good deal.
A handy collection for anyone planning a trip here. You’ll find coastal views, relaxing walks, and memorable local spots, plus hotel choices that can make the whole experience feel a little more relaxed and memorable.
I've lived in Flagler County, and these are the spots I actually take people to. From focaccia that will change your life to the most peaceful hidden boardwalks, this is my honest, no-fluff guide to the best of Flagler County. Drop a comment if you've been to any of these!
Planning a summer trip to Furano's lavender fields sounds dreamy until you're standing in 85% humidity with the wrong shoes, a dead phone, and no sun protection. I spent two weeks in Hokkaido and figured out exactly what to bring, where to eat, and which fields are worth the walk. Save yourself the trial and error before your trip.
If you are looking for something special to do on Mother's Day while you are in Southern California then this list is for you! This has to be one of my longest lists for mother's day events so much so I will have to make a part 2 ! Although that may be the case there are still some great events for you to check out here that are happening either the 10th or 11th of May so please make sure you are paying attention to the dates! I hope you enjoy the list as much as I did making it! I also hope you have a fantastic Mother's Day
The rainy weekends in Dallas during the first few months of 2025 forced me to compile things to do indoors with my teenager and other family. But the same items will work just as well when it gets suffocatingly hot in the summer months.
If you’re coming to Destin, Miramar Beach, 30a or Santa Rosa. I’ve got a locals list for you. From budget friendly to luxury dining and everything in between. Beachside, harbor views or other great atmospheres is included on this list.
Often times as I scroll through social media, I see “what kid friendly things can I do in Vegas?”
As a Vegas local, and a mom of 4, I’m sharing my favorites!
Let’s Visit the beautiful city of Stockholm together🙂 It is called both the capital of Scandinavia but also Venice of Scandinavia because of the numerous bridges! In this list you will find some places that you should visit and explore when in Stockholm but also some restaurants and cafes that are worth visiting!
I’d keep this list saved for the trip. It brings together green spaces, scenic views, and beautiful places to wander, with hotel options that make it easy to relax between exploring, sightseeing, and enjoying the local atmosphere.
One of our favorite places to vacation is in Panama City Beach. We have gone there for several years so I want to share some of our favorite restaurants and things to do. I love when i get recomendations for places that are not always a chain.
Phoenix, being the heart of Arizona, there is so much to do and see in and around the area. Here are some of our places and things to do that we go to when we visit. There are plenty of hotspots for adults but also lots of fun museums, parks, places to go and things to do for the kids too. Some of the biggest museums in Arizona are in Phoenix and so cool for the kids and even adults too, to experience.
Interested in travel content creation? This list of camera gear and equipment is an amazing starting place for creators looking to up the quality of their content. All of these items are specifically catered to a photographer/videographer who is on the road!
I'm in love with my new home city, and I don't care who knows it!I moved to town in May 2025, and have absolutely fallen in love with the community vibe, all the events (street fests, live music, art), food/drink scene, and of course my favorite part - the mountains!Feel free to email me any questions - [email protected]
Here's your travel list for your next trip. I want to be comfortable and leave the stress behind when I travel. That is why I created this list of must have items, including travel wear.
Orlando's comedy scene is bigger than tourists realize - a legendary improv lab downtown, a national touring club on I-Drive, dinner shows in Kissimmee, and open mics where the next headliner is working out material for free. Here's where to laugh in Central Florida, whether you have twenty dollars or a big night out budget.
I love steam engines... I write crime novels set in the days of steam in the UK... here are some of the best 'steamy experiences' you can have with your clothes on! :-) All are 100% perfect family days out...
I'm always on the go, so I need a go-bag ready and waiting. Sometimes I book work that has me on a set all day, and sometimes I'm on a train or a plane heading out of state. What's in my go-bag is what I absolutely need in a pinch (and to keep me happy). I'm often discovering that I need additions to my go-bag, and that's ok. I'm happy to need a go-bag!
I love shopping, going on nature walks, museums, concerts and tons more. I’m from Iowa and currently live here, so I made this list of my favorite things to do here! I recommend checking them out if you’re from or visiting Iowa. (I’ve been to all of these places or know of them through friends/family🤪)
What happens in Vegas doesn't always need to stay in Vegas. Let me share some of the places and things I enjoyed in the 7 years I lived there. Note: majority will be away from The Strip because as a local, we try to avoid that area 😅
Ready to level up your travel game?
These viral must-haves are perfect for stress-free, stylish, and ultra-organized adventures. From genius tech to space-saving bags, these travel essentials are carry-on ready. Pack smarter, not harder 💼🌍
Welcome to Grafton IL, Known for the Famous 'Great River Road! Check out my personal recommendations of the best things myself and my family have done for years.
Summer is approaching fast! If you're thinking about having a beach day with your partner, family, friends--or even by yourself--I've got some suggestions to make your day at the beach even better!
This is the kind of list I’d happily share with a friend. There’s a nice mix of coastal views, relaxing walks, and memorable local spots, along with hotel ideas for a comfortable and easygoing stay.