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There Is No ‘Planet B’: The Best Earth Day Celebration in Every State in 2025

There is no ‘Planet B’: The Best Earth Day Celebration in Every State in 2025 

It may seem obvious that we should care about keeping our planet clean and healthy, but until the 1970s, there was no designated day to recognize the importance of protecting Earth.

Earth Day began in the United States in 1970, conceived by then-senator Gaylord Nelson. An environmentalist concerned about the growing damage humans were causing the planet, he took action in 1969 following an oil spill in Santa Barbara. He was inspired by anti-Vietnam War education efforts and gathered a small group to organize the event around the country. It was also the same year the Environmental Protection Agency was established, and celebrations were held around the country at more than 1,500 universities, in major cities, and at thousands of schools. More than 20 million people participated in an Earth Day event of some kind that first year, representing roughly 10 percent of the population of the US at the time. Both Republicans and Democrats supported the event, which was generally seen as a bipartisan effort (until the current era of extreme political polarization). Since the 1970s, Earth Day has had measurable, positive impacts on the planet.

Photo: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Today, Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, though many events span a week or even the entire month. And it’s gone global, too. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized April 22 as “International Mother Earth Day,” noting in the proclamation that “the Earth and its ecosystems are our home” and need to be protected.

Eco-friendly travelers know the planet is in peril, and the travel industry contributes to that in many ways. So this year, why not consider attending an Earth Day event, whether you’re on the road in a new state or staying home that day? Even if you already travel sustainably — buying eco-friendly sustainable clothing and outdoor gear and even toiletries, choosing hotels committed to sustainability, or offsetting your carbon emissions — attending an Earth Day event can still offer new ways to be kinder to the planet. Many events include chances to volunteer and aid in clean-up projects, while others offer fun programs like lectures and vegetable markets. If nothing else, attending one of the Earth Day celebrations below is a great way to show the world that Earth Day still matters, and that you’ll continue to work to protect the most beautiful places and environments around the world.

To help get you in an eco-friendly mood, we’ve rounded up one fun Earth Day event in every state, from massive festivals to clean ups, garden parties, educational programs, and more.

Alabama

Hays Nature Preserve is a 538-acre natural area in Huntsville, and each April, it hosts an Earth Day celebration. This year, it’s on April 12 from 10 AM to 2 PM and will feature hands-on demonstrations, exhibits on local wildlife habitats, native plant giveaways, family-friendly DJ sets, and educational sessions led by area environmental experts. There’s even an educational bat show scheduled for 2025.
Alaska

Alaska has so much going on that we couldn’t pick just one. This April, you may want to attend the ​Alaska Hummingbird Festival, celebrating the return of Rufous Hummingbirds to Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan. The 2025 festival runs from April 4 to 26, with an art show, guided bird walks, and educational programs at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. But if you’re more into bald eagles, book last-minute flights to attend the Stikine River Birding Festival in Wrangell (April 23 to 27), to celebrate the spring migration of shorebirds, including the largest springtime concentration of bald eagles in North America. The festival also includes bird walks, lectures, art workshops, and activities for all ages.

Arizona

On April 19, Arizona’s Red Rock State Park will celebrate Earth Day against the stunning backdrop of Sedona’s red rock formations. The festival is free and includes live wildlife presentations, nature hikes, games, and educational booths. It’s a great day to explore the park for some spring hiking and learn about the fragility and importance of America’s desert environments.

Arkansas

On April 26, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks will hold its Earth Day Garden Market, combining Earth Day festivities with an annual beloved plant sale. Its an all-ages festival that includes interactive activities, crafts, games, live music, and more than 20 local vendors selling plants, flowers, pottery, garden accents, and unique artisan products. If you have a green thumb, don’t miss it. You’ll want to get tickets and sign up for guided walks in advance.

California

California has several impressive Earth Day celebrations, but Santa Barbara’s Earth Day Festival is certainly the most significant. It’s considered one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast and is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country, drawing media attention, celebrity guests, and thousands of attendees. It celebrates the town’s historical significance as the site of the 1969 oil spill that beget the idea for Earth Day. 2025’s celebration is April 26-27 at Alameda Park in Santa Barbara.

Colorado

Colorado’s Garden of the Gods is hosting an Earth Day celebration on April 19, with tons of indoor and outdoor programming. That includes booths and displays from local environmental organizations, seed plantings, crafts, giveaways, lectures, presentations, and access to the stunning family-friendly park trails.

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Connecticut

One standout event in Connecticut is the Norwalk Earth Day Festival, a lively event focused on sustainability and community action. Attendees can listen to live music, sample bites from food trucks, jump in on yoga sessions, plant trees, hang out in the beer garden, and browse interactive and educational exhibits. The event is structured around the five elements of nature — Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Spirit — all marked by colored flags to guide attendees. There are also activities like a Veterans Park cleanup and group bike ride with Sound Cyclists.

Delaware

There’s a lot going on April 19 at IWC Earth Day Celebration and Vendor Market at the InnerSource Wellness Center in Wilmington. The event celebrates Mother Earth with an Indigenous vendor market, educational sessions, and a community potluck and barbecue. One unique aspect of the celebration includes a seed swap, where you can bring excess seeds from your garden and walk home with new seeds from someone else’s. With a bit of a New Age twist, this celebration is perfect for anyone who wants to thank Gaia for the wonders of planet Earth.

Florida

Florida’s Seminole Tribe is active throughout the state, and on April 17, you can celebrate the Earth while learning about Seminole culture. “Earth Day the Native Way” is held at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and includes cultural performances like Aztec and Stomp dances, environmental education, workshops on beekeeping and gardening, and lots of extra activities. Attendees can sign up for bird watching tours, sit in on cooking and food prep demonstrations, or even learn the basics of scientific marine research.

Georgia

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta doesn’t celebrate Earth Day — it celebrates Earth Month. The list of activities throughout April is quite long, ranging from opportunities to learn about building plant trellises to science classes, public story times, art classes, and more. Note that it’s a children’s museum, and adults aren’t allowed in without kids. So buddy up with a friend who has little ones if you’re also interested in building a home trellis.

Hawai’i

The Waimea Valley Earth Day event is a two-fold opportunity: volunteers can help with projects like invasive species removal, while attendees can explore the sustainability village, with vendors, live music, speakers, and dance performances. It’s held this year on April 19, and you’ll probably want to book your admission in advance, as guided cultural tours and waterfall hikes can make the area feel quite busy on popular weekends.

Idaho

If you’re in Boise this April, you may want to stop by the City of Boise Earth Day Celebration on April 19, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Park. It’s a free event with hands-on activities and Earth Day art projects, a vendor area, eco-friendly demonstrations, food trucks, and live music. There’s also an electric vehicle show, with electric cars, e-bikes, and new electric trucks. It runs from 10 AM to 4 PM.

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Illinois

In the Chicago area this Earth Day, visitors can help keep the city green, literally. Friends of the Parks organizes an annual park cleanup around the city, taking place on April 26. Thousands of volunteers across nearly 100 parks in Chicago will participate in activities like litter cleanups, mulching, and other park restoration efforts. You can sign up in advance online. But if you’d rather have more of a festival atmosphere, head instead to the Earth Day Celebration at BUILD Chicago’s Austin Campus, also on April 26. The festival has recycled art projects, a seed swap, a resource fair, cooking demonstrations, movie screenings, and even a reptile showcase.

Indiana

For a celebration intimately tied to natural living and appreciating the planet, head to the Earth Day Festival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, hosted by the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. You can sit in on demonstrations on spinning, weaving, and felting, cuddle up with alpacas and chickens during a barnyard visit, attend wildlife presentations, and browse the eco-friendly vendor area while listening to live music. There’s also a very popular local bake sale. It runs 11 AM to 3 PM on April 26.

Iowa

The Earth Day celebration in Clear Lake features a weeklong series of events open to anyone looking to make a difference. Events held between April 21 and 26 include “Trash Bash” (a city-wide public clean-up), 5K and 10K races, a huge “Green Expo” and farmer’s market, and the popular “Outdoor Fest.” Outdoor Fest is more like a community carnival, with a bounce house, food trucks, live music, and even opportunities to meet a bald eagle.

Kansas

Few things inspire eco-action like live music. So if you’re near Lawrence, Kansas, on April 19, head to South Park for the Lawrence Earth Day Fair. The event takes place from 1 PM to 4 PM and features live music, local food vendors, environmental exhibits, and children’s activities. It’s free and co-hosted by the City of Lawrence and the Watkins Museum of History, so you may even learn a thing or two about the area’s natural history while you’re there. Local organizations, including the Lawrence Humane Society, will be present to provide information on volunteering, fostering, and other ways to get involved in community initiatives. No tickets are required, but you can reserve a spot online.

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Kentucky

Vibrant and engaging is how the Earth Day celebration at the Doran Arboretum in Murray, Kentucky, is often described. The day kicks off with the popular 5K and one-mile Mutt Strut, followed by greenhouse tours starting at 9 AM. Throughout the day, visitors can browse more than 30 vendor booths with eco-friendly products, educational displays, and community initiatives. The event is also a great place to learn about the importance of activism, including a talk by eco-advocate Beau Dodson on current environmental challenges and practical steps individuals can take to make a difference. There’s a plant and flower sale, too.

Louisiana

For the last 25 years, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade has thrown one heck of an Earth Party in New Orleans. This year’s festival will feature live music performances by local bands and artists, surrounded by food from local vendors, plus family-friendly games and activities — all in a city known to party like no other. But it’s not all about revelry at this party, and one of the primary goals of the Earth Day Festival is to raise awareness about environmental issues affecting Louisiana related to air quality, pollution, and community resilience. Held April 19 from noon to 6 PM, the event is free, though tickets can be reserved in advance.

Maine

This Earth Day in Maine, you can celebrate with the Maine Audubon Society, which is hosting a long list of planet-focused events. That includes multiple park conservation events, garden volunteer days, Indigenous-led trail walks, beach cleanups, opportunities to contribute to citizen science projects, and even a fun, bird-themed trivia night celebrating the launch of a new hard seltzer from Après Maine. Naturally, a portion of each drink purchased goes back to the non-profit, which was founded in 1897 to protect the state’s birds and avian environments.

Maryland

No matter where you are in Maryland this April, you can likely find a way to protect the planet at a Maryland state park. Each year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts and supports dozens of events around state parks. Last year’s events included a beach cleanup at Sandy Point State Park, native pollinator plantings at Gunpowder Falls State Park/Jerusalem Mill Historic Village, an Earth Day festival at Adkins Arboretum, or a guided tree hike at Pocomoke River State Park. Keep an eye on the DNR website to see soon what’s on the docket for 2025’s Earth Day festivities.

Massachusetts

Earth Day Boston organizes a handful of eco-friendly events in April each year, but in 2025, one of the best to attend may also be one of the most visible: the “United We Rage” demonstration. It’s a rally and March held at 1 PM on April 26, starting at the Hynes Convention Center, across from the Boston College of Architecture. It’s a peaceful but meaningful March on public streets designed to bring attention to politicians’ and decision makers’ failures to act to protect the planet. Bring your signs, your friends, and your sense of civic responsibility to help show that you prioritize people and the planet.

Michigan

If you love trees, head to “Awe in the Arb” on April 22, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event connects arboretum guests to nature through reflection, artistic connections, and creativity, with events like poetry readings, guided nature walks, yoga sessions, and hands-on workshops. it’s at the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum and is entirely open to the public. It’s free to attend, and no reservations are needed.

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Minnesota

On Saturday, April 19, in Minneapolis, anyone can give back for a few hours by joining the 31st Annual Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup. It’s a huge community service event in which volunteers clean and beautify 42 sites throughout the city’s park system. Since 2008, volunteers have collected more than 165,000 pounds of garbage. There’s no need to register — just show up at whichever site you’d like, grab a bag and gloves, and help keep the “City of Lakes” clean and beautiful for the year ahead.

Mississippi

The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, hosts events throughout the year, and Earth Day is no exception. On April 19, visitors are invited to “help be better stewards of the Blue Planet upon which we depend” at the event co-hosted by the Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance. The event includes food vendors, an informational marketplace, live music from local singer-songwriters and an environmental scavenger hunt for kids and families. It’s free to attend, running from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.

Missouri

The St. Louis Earth Day Festival is a two-day celebration of the Earth, and 2025’s theme is “climate hope” with programming to “inspire and empower solutions to climate challenges.” There’s live music, roughly 200 vendors, an eco-friendly fashion show, and numerous food vendors from the city’s “Green Dining Alliance,” with a focus on vegetarian and vegan foods. It’s totally free to attend and runs from 11 AM to 5 PM on April 26 and 27 at St. Louis’ Forest Park.

Montana

April 19 is the Earth Day Expo in Kalispell, Montana, with a mix of interactive and low-key programming. The day starts with a keynote address from cookbook author and Indigenous chef Mariah Gladstone, who is also doing the lunch presentation and teaching an afternoon kitchen class. Kids can join junior Audubon birding classes, build solar cars, or sit in on a “Wings of Prey” presentation, while adults can browse dozens of booths or sit in on panels on topics ranging from fire resilience to food security to local Montana conservation efforts. The Earth Day 2025 event runs from 9 AM to 3 PM and is totally free to attend.

Nebraska

Earth Day Omaha is a pretty large event, sponsored by everyone from the Sierra Club to the local zoo and University of Nebraska. More than 100 vendors will be on hand, as will local food trucks and various green exhibitors. One of the coolest things to see may be the presentation from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum & Nebraska Forest Service, who will demonstrate tree-climbing techniques. Other highlights include a tree-planting demonstration and an electric vehicle show featuring bikes and cars. It happens this year on April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM.

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Nevada

Las Vegas usually gets most of the attention in Nevada, but this Earth Day, Reno is the place to be. The biggest little city’s Idlewild Park sits alongside the Truckee River, and on April 19, it hosts a huge Earth Day celebration. It includes live music on multiple stages, a huge arts and crafts fair with vendors from around the state, and lots of festival-style programming, The event is on a Saturday, so you can make a long weekend of it by going to the celebration, then spending Sunday sightseeing or skiing near nearby Lake Tahoe, where extensive environmental protection programs have helped keep the lake impossibly blue.

New Hampshire

You can celebrate Earth Day every weekend in April with events at New Hampshire’s Massabesic Wildlife Center. The historic farm is open every weekend for events that include activities across the grounds, including guided morning birding walks, nature exhibits, and even a 4 AM dawn bird walk on April 26. There’s a full calendar of events on days when it’s open (Wednesday through Saturday), but you can always visit and go birding on your own, if you’re not keen on organized adventures.

New Jersey

The Holmdel Earth Day Festival on April 27 at Bayonet Farm is a good event for Jersey residents who appreciate a blend of nature, history, and community engagement. The event starts with a two-mile guided walk around the farm’s wooded trails, then moves to a variety of programming ranging from a drum circle to beekeeping presentations to tours of the historic Harding House. The event runs from 9 AM (for the guided walk) to 5 PM, with an on-site deli and bake sale (among other vendors) for when you work up an appetite. Parking, admission, and all events are totally free.

New Mexico

The biggest Earth Day event in New Mexico is the annual Earth Day Festival at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. The theme in 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” focused on renewable energy. There’s a pavilion with talks and lectures, a large vendor area, an arts show and competition, and a lot of energy — about 4,000 people attended in 2024. Other areas in New Mexico are also doing events, from brewery parties to local cleanup and outdoor events.

New York

Earth Day Initiative in New York City is one of the biggest eco-festivals in the country, held in Union Square on April 17. There’s an absolutely massive lineup of live music from popular bands and performers, climate art and kids programs, a big vendor area with dozens of organizations, and interactive workshops. It’s free to attend, but if you register on the event website, you’ll get an email with links to specific events and how to sign up for each activity.

North Carolina

“Music. Art. Education. Awareness. Celebration.” is the motto for North Carolina’s Earth Day Jam, which sums up what you can expect at the one-day, laid-back music festival. It’s a fundraiser for an organization that provides nature-based community therapy and shared gardens at schools. It’s free to attend, but you can buy VIP tickets if you want a better viewing spot and access to local fare. Think of it as a party in the park vibe, with more than a dozen music acts and plenty of food and drink vendors to ensure you stay in good spirits throughout the day. It’s on April 12 this year.

North Dakota

If you’re anywhere near Theodore Roosevelt National Park on April 20, consider joining in on a special Earth Day guided hike to the only sandstone arch in the entire park. It’s a special event led by rangers, who will guide guests along the roughly four-mile hike. No advance registration is required and it’s free to attend, though you’ll need to pay to enter the park ($30 per car, or free with a national parks pass). The hike starts at 10 AM and meets at the Halliday Well Trailhead.

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Ohio

Rock out and appreciate the Earth from the ground up in Columbus with a unique way to celebrate Earth Day 2025. The Ohio Statehouse is offering a fossil tour on April 19th at noon, led by expert geologists. They’ll guide attendees through the building’s limestone walls and columns, which contain fossils of prehistoric organisms. It’s a perfect event for geology enthusiasts, rock lovers, and aspiring paleontologists. While there’s no cost for the tour, interested visitors are asked to RSVP in advance of the event.

Oklahoma

OK Earth Day Celebration is a fun event held in partnership with traditional music and art, as well as Indigenous food experiences. The events stages will welcome multiple live music acts on April 20, including a drum circle and performances from Cherokee singers and songwriters. Speakers include everyone from environmental journalists to Cherokee film directors to leaders at the Sierra Club, and programming ranges from classes on traditional Indigenous foods to movie screenings, outdoor events, and a “farm to fire” locally sourced dinner. Some events require tickets, which you can buy in advance online.

Oregon

There’s a lot going on in Oregon around Earth Day, including Cannon Beach’s annual “12 Days of Earth Day” event. It includes a parade, street fair, and quirky sessions like lectures on how to spot tufted penguins. But if you’re closer to Portland, a unique event definitely worth attending is one of the events of the Portland EcoFilm Festival, focused on new Indigenous short films. It’s on the evening of Tuesday, April 22, at the Hollywood Theatre. The screening will feature five short films about Indigenous communities around the world, and will be followed by a conversation with the movies’ directors. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended. (There’s also an environmental justice-themed day on May 1).

Pennsylvania

Regenerative farming is one of the most sustainable ways to produce food in the world, and at the Earth Day Celebration at Pocono Organics in Pennsylvania, you can tour a working regenerative farm during a free event on April 26. Visitors can walk the farm, learn about techniques like composting and organic growing, meet live local animals, and browse a vendor village featuring everything from e-bikes to organic soap. There are also local organic food trucks and sponsors like local wineries.

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Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the Aquidneck Resilience Earth Day Party is a luxuriously laid-back Earth Day gathering, held at Newport Vineyards. The event is a chance for locals and visitors to learn about efforts to protect the small state’s sensitive ecology. The event starts at 5:30 PM on Earth Day (April 22), and at 6 PM, Aquidneck Resilience will be presenting its plan to address climate change on Aquidneck Island, part of the popular Narragansett Bay tourist region. There’s a cash bar and the event is free to attend, but guests are asked to register online in advance.

South Carolina

Anyone in South Carolina who likes camping may want to attend the Earth Day Campout at Anne Springs Close Greenway. The large park is celebrating Earth Day over the weekend of April 11-13, giving guests easy access to activities like live music, a fishing contest, cookouts, guided hikes, archery and yoga classes, reptile meet and greets, farm tours, and more. Camping requires advanced reservations, but many of the daytime activities are open to drop-in visitors.

South Dakota

Western Dakota Tech is hosting an enormous open house on April 26. Visitors can tour the school’s Aquaponics and plant lab, or join in on discussions on renewable energy or yoga classes. There’s a clothing swap and shop, an adoptable pet pop-up, an electric vehicle show, on-site electronics recycling, and even classes on floral arranging. It’ll have all the usual fun draws, too, like family activities, food vendors, a petting zoo, and a Strider bike course for little ones learning the joy of two wheels.

Tennessee

Across the state, Tennessee State Parks host various Earth Day activities. At Paris Landing State Park, you can craft bee boxes to support native bee populations, while Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers a hands-on workshop where participants can recycle old paper into DIY seed paper for planting. Events take place between April 18 and 27, depending on the park. f you’ve got a little one in the family, consider celebrating sustainable parenting at the Babies & Blooms Earth Day Festival. This event features the “Great Cloth Diaper Change” race, local eco-friendly vendors, games, raffles, and more.

If you’re in Gatlinburg, head to SkyPark on April 22. Visitors can pick up native Tennessee wildflower seed packets and toss them from the bridge to support local pollinators and foster a healthy ecosystem of plants and animals.

Texas

Many people don’t realize the slogan “Don’t Mess With Texas” originated from the conservation movement. It was created by the Texas Department of Transportation in 1985 to reduce littering on roadways. And the massive Earth Day Expo in Dallas continues that tradition, with five days of world-class thought leaders covering topics from marine ecosystems and climate change to green business and environmental policy. It’s one of the biggest events of its kind and is a chance not just for education, but also professional networking, career development, and opportunities to make a more serious commitment to Earth-friendly business policies. Advance registration is essential.

Utah

Zion National Park gets in on the Earth Day action this year with Zion Chalk & Earth Fest, happening April 26 and 27 at the Zion Canyon Village in Springdale. There’s live music, a beer garden, and dozens of talented chalk artists creating sidewalk masterpieces for the public. It’s an always-popular event, especially considering the crowds Zion National Park has been known to draw on spring weekends. Much of the art at the festival is nature-themed, because as the organizers point out, “Earth without art is just eh.”

Vermont

Vermont is known for being one of the quirkiest states in the US, and in the spring, April showers brings… a lot of mud. That may be why Vermont hosts one of the quirkiest Earth Day traditions: the Earth and Space-tacular Festival on April 20. Held at ECHO Leahy Center at Lake Champlain, this event features hands-on activities exploring Earth and space science. But the highlight? The annual “Mud Fling,” where participants can make and throw mud pies in celebration of Vermont’s muddy spring season.

Virginia

Virginia is a big state with lots of festivals going on each spring, but for Earth Day 2025, one of the most unique ones is the Garlic Mustard Derby in Blacksburg. This year, it’s on April 12. It blends environmental conservation with culinary creativity, as volunteers help remove garlic mustard (an invasive plant), learning about all the ways to enjoy it along the way. After “harvesting,” you can sit in on workshops on how to cook with it and use the popular herb at home all year long.

Washington

The Healthy Planet, Happy People celebration at the Reach Museum in Richland is a chance to put an artistic twist on protecting the planet. Unique draws include an electric vehicle show, a human-sized labyrinth inspired by bees, sustainable art activities for kiddos, a museum-wide scavenger hunt, cooking demonstrations, poetry workshops, and even the chance to climb through a supersized, 25-foot-long salmon. It’s sponsored by major Washington state companies, including REI.

Washington, DC

There’s so much happening for Earth Day 2025 in DC that it’d be hard to visit the nation’s capital in April and not see some kind of event underway. The Kennedy Center is hosting a science and arts-focused lineup of events, and each year, thousands of volunteers come together to clean waterways and parks around DC. But for visitors, the best Earth Day event to attend is probably one of the many events hosted by the Smithsonian. Highlights include the Living Earth Festival at the National Museum of the American Indian, eco-themed art tours at the National Gallery, and “Mother Earth and Me” performances.

West Virginia

A standout Earth Day event in West Virginia is the West Virginia Sustainable Fashion Show, celebrating eco-friendly fashion from repurposed materials and sustainable textiles. The 2025 theme is “Foraging,” inspired by Appalachian traditions and showcasing creative designs from secondhand and natural materials. Designers will compete for awards in various categories, and attendees can vie for a “best-dressed guest” prize. You’ll want to buy your tickets in advance online.

Wisconsin

A unique Earth Day event in Wisconsin is the Rock the Green Earth Day Celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The zero-waste festival has a pedal-powered stage, where live concerts are powered by bicycles, live music, and quirky activities like baby goat yoga and interactive drum circles. There’s a morning cleanup before the festival, starting at 9 AM on April 26.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, why not do something a little different for Earth Day 2025? On April 26, you can volunteer with a Wyoming branch of Habitat for Humanity’s “Jimmy Carter Build Day” in Jackson. It’s named for former US President Jimmy Carter, who was a huge supporter of Habitat for Humanity after his presidency. You’ll need to sign up in advance online but don’t need any construction skills — Teton Habitat will provide all the tools and training you’ll need. It runs from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, and you can select either the morning or evening shift. It’s advised to wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, and any and all volunteers are welcome.

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It’s one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Europe — and a huge headache for locals.

That’s why La Sagrada Família in Barcelona is planning to build a dedicated “selfie station” to accommodate the thousands of tourists who gather daily for photos in front of the iconic basilica. The new platform is intended to improve pedestrian flow and safety in the busy area, particularly along Carrer de Mallorca, where sidewalks often become overcrowded with visitors trying to get the perfect shot. The proposed station will be slightly elevated to offer an unobstructed view of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, and is part of a larger ongoing overtourism issue in Barcelona.

The roughly 10,000-square-foot platform will be between the “Nativity Façade” of the basilica and “Plaça Gaudí” on Carrer de la Marina — an already popular spot for photos of the famous late-Gothic architectural marvel. The goal is to reduce the interruptions and inconveniences for locals caused by the roughly 4.7 million visitors each year to La Sagrada Família, the second-most visited tourist site in all of Spain. According to early reporting by Euro News, the project will cost roughly 2.7 million Euro, and construction will run from late fall of 2025 to early April of 2026.

The project is part of a larger 44 million euro plan designed to manage the heavy influx of tourists in the city. Most funds will be spent around three major tourist sites: La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Boqueria market on La Rambla. Strategies include potential tourist quotas, additional enforcement and on-the-ground tourism agents, new tourist taxes, additional tourist buses and public transportation options, and increased cleaning and maintenance efforts.

Here are four other locations that could also benefit from designated photo areas to keep tourists out of the way for locals.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome

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The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, could make use of a dedicated tourist platform. The fountain attracts millions of visitors annually, creating chaotic scenes as tourists compete for space to take photos or toss coins into the water. It taints the visitor experience, but also disrupts locals, as the streets around the fountain have turned into elbow-to-elbow crowd situations on most days. A tourist platform or designated area for photos could help reduce some of the litter, noise, and street blockage in areas around the fountain. Of course, given that it’s an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece surrounded by buildings from the 1700s and earlier, there’s not exactly tons of free space for building new large-scale tourist infrastructure.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

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The Eiffel Tower could greatly benefit from a designated photo or selfie platform to manage the overwhelming crowds that gather at its most popular viewpoints, such as the Esplanade du Trocadéro and Champ de Mars. The Esplanade du Trocadéro would be an ideal location, as it already has one of the most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower. A raised or tiered structure there could provide help funnel tourists to one spot, allowing locals moving through the area to walk without dodging selfie sticks and big groups taking family photos.

The Colosseum, Rome

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The paths leading to the Colosseum in Rome suffer from heavy tourism congestion and could benefit from a designated photo or selfie platform to manage the crowds. A good location would be near the Arch of Constantine, one of the busiest parts of the Colosseum complex. Visitors frequently stop in high-traffic areas to capture photos, creating bottlenecks and disrupting pedestrian flow. As with many locations popular with tourists, the selfie station could be something temporarily constructed in the busy tourist season to help manage crowds without permanently changing the look of the historic area. Another option is Colle Oppio Park, which has more panoramic views of the Colosseum from a quieter vantage point slightly uphill.

The Tidal Basin, Washington, D.C

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Each spring, the National Mall in Washington, DC, gets overrun with visitors coming to take photos and pose for all manner of photo shoot under the bright pink cherry blossom trees that line the Tidal Basin. While a viewing platform wouldn’t help with the throngs of people during the Cherry Blossom Festival that can fill metro stations and overrun sidewalks, it would make it easier to move around the Tidal Basin, especially for residents trying to go for jogs, bike rides, or walk to work. A raised, temporary platform that provided unobstructed views of the trees and the Jefferson Memorial could also benefit the trees by reducing foot traffic and eliminating damage to their branches and root systems.

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NYC to Paris and Back in a Day: The ‘Out-and-Back’ Travel Trend Is Real

On any random Tuesday, when other people might be packing work lunches or taking kids to school, if Kevin Droniak wakes up with a deep, insistent urge to be in Paris that day, he goes to Paris.

Okay, it’s not quite that simple — the travel content creator who also manages social media accounts for his famous grandma (Grandma Droniak) plans for most of his adventures in advance. But his sentiment represents a growing cohort of travelers and social media influencers who are embarking on a new kind of day trip: ones that involve flying home the same day you leave to sleep in your own bed that night.

The burgeoning obsession with out-and-back day trips might be the latest “it trend” in the travel industry’s incessant buzzword cycle, or perhaps an unconventional indicator of a coming recession. Or it could illustrate people’s reluctance to spend money on hotel rooms and multi-week journeys when they could see their dream cities in the span of eight mere hours.

Whatever the reasoning behind them, those who seek out such getaways are generating plenty of online fascination, to the tune of millions of views, likes, and comments asking for specific cost breakdowns and similar details, in hopes of replicating the micro-itineraries.

Out-and-back travel work if you’re short on time

Droniak flew from NYC to Denver and back for a one-day ski trip. Photo: Google Maps

Droniak, who first got the travel itch around 2018 while studying abroad, says he started embracing out-and-back travel because he wasn’t in a position to leave home for very long due to family obligations.

“I could go on a quick trip, see some new place or go back to a place that I love, and then be back and not miss out on much,” he explains. “It has given me more of a thrill, because the clock’s ticking and you want to do everything and you’re not just sitting there on your phone.”

There’s a certain freedom in honoring your whims and hopping on a plane. In February 2025, Droniak said he wanted to squeeze in a ski trip before the season ended but didn’t have many options near NYC in a quick time frame. The solution? He booked a 6 AM flight to Denver, with a flight back at 10 PM. The time difference provided an advantage. “It just felt so fulfilling to be on the slopes and then go to bed in my New York City apartment,” Droniak shares.

 

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His Instagram reel detailing that experience has close to 90,000 likes as of April 2025. It starts with him standing on the street, bleary eyed, saying: “You probably don’t know this, but Colorado is a day trip from New York.” In short order, Droniak is taking an Uber to the mountain after touching down in the snow-covered city, then whizzing down the mountain in ski gear, a giant smile now on his face.

Despite the instant gratification portrayed on screen, Droniak has to put time into finding the cheapest flight deals (Expedia and Google Flights are his top two platforms) and making sure other logistics are viable. He’s quick to acknowledge that living near a major metropolitan airport hub is a major factor that allows him to make out-and-back travel happen, and recommends that anyone trying to plan similar trips pick flights that meet certain criteria. That includes choosing nonstop flights that leave early in the morning, and making sure there are night flights back to where you live. He also recommends at least six hours on the ground and won’t do less than that.

So far, Droniak’s been able to see friends in Montreal, tan on a Puerto Rico beach, eat sushi in Miami, people-watch from a Parisian sidewalk cafe, and make many more memories packaged into a single day. He has no plans of stopping.

Out-and-back day trips allow travelers to fly with just a small bag or backpack. Photo: Twinsterphoto/Shutterstock

But Seth Kugel, the New York Times’ former “Frugal Traveler” columnist who now pens the paper’s “Tripped Up” advice column, is a skeptic. “My first thought is, how often is the flight going to be on time? It’s okay if everything goes perfectly, but aren’t you already going to be spending two hours at the airport on one end and two hours at the airport on your way back?”

I think it sounds like something that people just made up to get views,” he added.

The only scenario he imagines that could justify such an unconventional (and, in his mind, ill-advised) mode of travel is an unmissable event, “like if you had an amazing, hard-to-get reservation in a unique restaurant, or you’ve always wanted to visit [a particular] museum in Paris.” “But why would you not want to then go to dinner in Paris? And, if you’re already spending hundreds or thousands to do this, why can’t you stay in a hostel overnight? It just doesn’t compute for me. It’s not serious for the average person.

Some influencers are trying to make it more mainstream

Smith recommends buying hotel day passes to use facilities like pools, and booking when airlines have promotional discounts. Photo: Chiycat/Shutterstock

Maddie Smith, a DC-based travel influencer who does out-and-back travel and has a video series called “Out ‘N Back,” thinks the viewers most receptive to her content are average travelers, and that nothing about the trips reads as cost prohibitive.

Her popular Instagram reels share not only the exact flight prices and amounts spent at any given destination, but also include time-stamped agendas that anyone can follow without feeling like they’re perpetually running out of daylight. Smith also shares detailed tips and tricks on how to make the most out of these day-long escapes. She recommends using sites like ResortPass to gain access to hotel amenities like pools and showers, picking only two or three must-do activities (with backup options), packing light, and researching nearby luggage storage facilities. She also notes that anxieties over the unique method of travel can be managed by remembering that at the end of the day, everything can be figured out.

 

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In January 2025, Smith and a friend took a day trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, costing them each only $120 per person, thanks to a Southwest Airlines sale. In one day, they explored the city’s main drag, relaxed on the beaches, and had multiple meals and snacks, all while being back in their beds by 11 PM the same day.

Smith has also traveled for special occasions, as Kugel suggested may be the only way to make this type of travel make sense. In fact, she says it’s one of her favorite excuses for day trips, which made up over half of the 50-plus trips she took in 2024.

“In September, I went with my dad to the opening game of the [New Orleans] Saints season. We both had commitments that Saturday and Monday, and so we could only fly down on Sunday,” Smith says. “It’s the type of thing where, in previous years, we were like, ‘Oh, this just isn’t going to work.’” Ultimately, it ended up being “one of the best days ever” for Smith.

Both Smith and Droniak always book very early morning flights, and return well past dark. Photo: Nico.Stock/Shutterstock

It wasn’t the first time she’s traveled for a single event. She recalls another standout travel moment, when she surprised her best friend who was running the Chicago Marathon.

“I took the first flight out and was able to get to her by about mile 10 of the marathon, and she had no idea I was coming,” Smith says. “That video went viral and got 10 million views. Out-and-back travel is a way to be there for key milestone events that I never would have thought was possible before.”

With 10 million views comes much praise and awe, yes, but, just as frequently, influencers like Smith and Droniak get fervent pushback. The common thread? Environmental concerns, what with all that flying. “There are so many people out there who fly private, while I’m flying commercial. Also, this is my full-time career, and it’s not uncommon to fly on a daily or weekly basis for work, so it’s kind of the same thing,” Smith offers in response.

Droniak addresses the criticism with concision: “These planes are taking off with or without me.”

But critics question if it’s actually enjoyable

A delayed flight could quickly turn a single-day vacation into just a day spent at the airport. Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

Kugel of The New York Times remembers working in a Massachusetts summer camp when he was younger and getting just 24 hours off to decompress. He recalls that he and his fellow counselors would go to Boston and New York — peak daredevil behavior in their eyes at the time.

“Even that was a challenge,” he says. “Drive three hours to New York and then come back by the next day at noon.” But he recalls that at one point, one counselor said randomly that they were going to go to London for 24 hours.

“And they did it,” he recounts. “But only to tell other people they did it, right? They didn’t enjoy their four hours in London.”

Out-and-back travelers say it can work

Droniak has gone from NYC to Puerto Rico and back in a single day. Photo; Sean PavoneShutterstock

Both Droniak and Smith try to get a bit more than four hours on their out-and-back day trips, and both say there are benefits to this type of travel. “Doing these day trips makes me realize how much time there actually is in a day, which trickles into real life,” says Droniak. “When I’m home doing things, I’m like, ‘Oh, actually, I could make time for this, because I just went to Puerto Rico and back for a day.” Being able to pack so much into his out-and-back day trips has helped him learn to make the most of each day, he thinks.

Most people will likely fall into one of two camps: the group inspired to pull out their travel backpacks and jet-set out to Mexico City for a day, or those like Kugel, who think all this “sounds like lunacy” mixed with a healthy dose of privilege. But out-and-back day-trippers claim there’s a major lesson to be learned: that of taking advantage of the limited time you do have and enjoying a full day –- even if it’s just one day – in an amazing destination thousands of miles away.

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Travel Editor Tested: Parmi’s Outdoor Apparel Is as Technical as It Is Chic

Travel Editor Tested: Parmi’s Outdoor Apparel Is as Technical as It Is Chic

By Katie Gavin

All photos: Parmi Lifewear

If your closet looks anything like mine, there’s one winter jacket that always ends up doing the heavy lifting. It’s the one by the door — the default choice for cold mornings and spontaneous hikes. The rest make rare cameos when guilt kicks in.

When the seasons shift, it’s easy to fall into the habit of buying just one more layer. Maybe it’s a national park tee to support conservation efforts (or because it makes you feel like you could summit something before lunch) or a technical fleece that costs more than your mortgage payment and promises to wick moisture better than the other two you own. Either way, the cycle repeats — round and round like the spin cycle on an overloaded washing machine — new gear in, old gear out.

 
On a recent ski trip to Tignes in the French Alps, I was given a lightweight winter jacket by the Canadian clothing brand Parmi Lifewear to test. My initial reaction of “I don’t have room in my life for another shell” was quickly replaced with “I’ll make space.”

Tignes was unseasonably warm for November, and by midday, I was sweating through a bulky ski jacket with no layers to shed, sweltering on the chairlift like someone who dressed for an Arctic expedition but missed their flight out. The next day, I wised up and layered the Explore Jacket under a gilet, and finally felt like I could move. With my arms free, my turns were cleaner and everything just flowed; honestly, the shell alone would’ve done the job with a lightweight wick-away underneath. This unicorn jacket has breathability dialed in, excellent insulation, and a helpful inner pocket perfect for stashing your cell and whatever else you don’t want tumbling down the mountain.

After a few days of wearing it on the slopes, I caught up with head designer for the brand, Virginie Brunet. Brunet’s skill for creating technical clothing that is also seriously stylish is a breath of fresh air. Take the Explore Jacket. Its clean lines, use of matte fabric with just a touch of sheen, and tailored silhouette make it suitable for a ridgeline and out in town.

These days, it feels like every outdoor brand is trying to prove it can make gear that both performs on the mountain and looks good when grabbing beers after. While big names like Goldwin and Fjällräven have already blurred the lines between backcountry-ready and city-approved, Parmi, being a smaller family-run company, brings something more personal. Born in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Parmi nails that sweet spot between technical function and street-level style without trying too hard.

Parmi shot its winter collection in Tinges with TV personality Jean-Michel Péloquin, who travels the world in the comfort of Parmi’s collections.

Rewriting the rules of outdoor apparel through conscious consumption

I first learned about Parmi’s stance on fast fashion while chatting with Brunet. Later, I connected with the brand’s co-founders, twin sisters Michèle and Véronik Bastien, to dig deeper. As we talked, it became clear that Parmi isn’t trying to flood the market with trend-driven drops. Their goal is more straightforward but harder to pull off: make fewer pieces people want to wear for years. This approach relies on durable materials, classic fits, flexible collections built for capsule wardrobes, and gear designed to last beyond a single season.

The Bastien sisters hail from Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. The mountain resort village is an all-season outdoor playground for snow hounds, mountain bikers, trail runners — you name it. It’s also a community where you wouldn’t feel out of place rocking up to a bar fresh off the hill.

“When you live here [in Mont-Tremblant], outdoor activities are ingrained into everyday life, which is why having versatile clothing is so important,” Véronik says. The Bastien sisters have infused Mont-Tremblant’s status as a premium adventure destination into Parmi’s collections. Their apparel embodies both functionality and style, with minimalist designs and timeless colors. “The colors we are using are very important,” Michèle says. “You’ll never see garish primary colors or flashy over-the-top styles.”

The rise of athleisure has reshaped wardrobes around the world. The global athleisure market, valued at over $358 billion in 2023, is expected to nearly double by 2030. Big names like Patagonia and Arc’teryx helped pave the way and make much-loved gear and clothing, but there’s something to be said for turning your attention to smaller, emerging labels that deliver the same technical quality and are built to last. Parmi falls into that space. Many of its pieces are at a price point that reflects the intended longevity: technical tees around $100, lightweight jackets run about $200, and trail-to-town pants are in the $150 range.

With a shared background in finance and marketing and a successful venture in women’s cycling wear behind them, Michèle and Véronik launched Parmi Lifewear in 2021, driven by a vision to simplify and elevate the outdoor experience.

“Cycling was our foundation for five years,” Michèle says. “But with Parmi, we wanted to take that experience and build something bigger — clothing that adapts to how people actually live, where you don’t need a different outfit for every part of your day.”

That ethos carries into their newer collections, including cycling apparel designed for a shift in the culture. “People are riding in a different way,” Michèle observes. “If you look at our products, we don’t have that regular jersey with a zip down the middle. We wanted to create a more informal style for cycling gear.”

Rather than focusing solely on technical specs or performance built for elite athletes, Parmi designs with the everyday outdoor enthusiast in mind with gear that’s functional enough for a ride or hike but casual and comfortable enough to wear straight into the rest of your day.

At their Mont-Tremblant outpost, Michèle and Véronik Bastien and Virginie Brunet draw from the surrounding landscape to shape Parmi’s collections.

Sustainability beyond the marketing jargon

The impact of conscious clothing purchases is undeniable, given that about 34 billion pounds of textiles are disposed of in the United States each year. Many outdoor brands such as NEMO Equipment, Cotopaxi, and Outerknown are trying to combat this by leaning into circular production models — recycling, repairing, and reusing gear in an attempt to extend the life of products.

Parmi offers something similar with its patch repair services to mend minor rips in well-worn gear. The company also promotes a mindset of purchasing fewer, higher-quality pieces — pieces you’ll reach for again and again that don’t need to be replaced.

Parmi collaborates with European factories that follow sustainable energy, waste, and environmental practices. The brand employs mineral dyeing and digital printing techniques that reduce water, energy, and ink consumption by approximately 10 percent compared to traditional methods. It also incorporates recycled fabrics into its denim lines and selects materials that require less frequent washing, such as merino wool, which is naturally odor-resistant and breathable — thereby extending the lifespan of each garment and conserving water. Of course, there’s a fine line between producing clothing with a smaller environmental footprint and ensuring durability. Michèle explains that when choosing between a recycled fabric that’s less durable and a more robust alternative, opting for the latter can be more sustainable in the long run, since it reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Adding to that, the Bastien sisters will launch a Preloved Market this summer to sell items used in photo shoots or pieces that have minor defects. For consumers, it will be a great opportunity to score discounted must-haves and sell their own Parmi products. For the brand, it means less waste of otherwise perfectly good clothing and gear. The launch is expected to coincide with the outcome of the company’s pursuit of B Corp certification.

Investment pieces for a capsule wardrobe

Some of Parmi’s best-sellers, like the water-repellent Bridge Pants ($230, pictured above), offer technical performance for cycling and all-day comfort for everyday wear. The merino wool t-shirts ($110) are breathable and moisture-wicking, while staying effortlessly stylish in eight colorways. Pair them with the reversible lightweight vest ($216) for a polished, adaptable look that layers for evenings out or cold mornings in the mountains.

There’s no question that for many, Parmi’s pieces are investment items. But it fits well with the mindset of buy less, save more, and begin building a capsule wardrobe.

Parmi’s collections lean on uncluttered designs and refined palettes to help you create a wardrobe that actually works. “We have excellent repeat business,” Michèle says. “People like the fit and the quality. We’ve been in the market for two years, and some customers have ordered over 20 times. They’re returning not to swap out a t-shirt for a different color, but to invest in new pieces that expand their wardrobe into a fuller, more functional collection.”

While versatility is the thread running through every piece, Parmi doesn’t cut corners on performance. “Of course, you need some specific gear. For biking, for example, you need a decent bib,” Véronik clarifies. “But overall, we’ve created items people want to wear for all activities.”

The balance between form and function, simplicity and sport keeps people coming back. Not for a new version of the same thing, but to build something that lasts. To make that process easier, Parmi also offers one-on-one personal shopping assistance via email or the online chat function, helping you figure out what you need based on your lifestyle and existing wardrobe.

Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in New York’s Finger Lakes to Honor Women

Hear the words Upstate New York and you might conjure scenes of sprawling forests, summer days by glinting water bodies, or heavy snowfall and cozy cabins. Naturally, those images also apply to the Finger Lakes, a subregion of Upstate New York that’s centered around 11 long and narrow lakes. It’s a sight to behold, sure, but there’s a lot more to the Finger Lakes than beautiful landscapes.

The Finger Lakes has a long history of backdropping important historical movements — specifically, those led by important women. Long before American women won the right to vote in 1920, Susan B. Anthony fought for suffrage in Rochester, New York. Meanwhile, Harriet Tubman guided enslaved people to freedom from her home in Auburn, New York, not long after escaping from slavery herself in 1849. Their fearless activism shaped both history and the region, and the women of today’s Finger Lakes continue to make a lasting impact.

For a visit that embraces not just the beauty of the Finger Lakes but also its significance in women’s history, here’s a closer look at the historical sites you have to see, the woman-owned businesses you’ll love to support, and the dining you won’t want to miss, from Rochester to Auburn and the must-see places in between.

Rochester

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Things to do

Memorial Art Gallery

Photos: Mion Edwards

Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is the kind of museum that encourages you to take your time, with a simple layout that keeps the focus on the artworks on display. Its permanent collection — an accumulation of 13,000-plus artworks spanning prehistory to today — celebrates a wide range of artistry. That includes cross-continental Indigenous creations, works from antiquity, contributions from the European and American traditions, and a growing body of work from contemporary artists the world over.

One highlight if you’re visiting with women’s history in mind is an exhibition titled Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas, which will be on display through May 2025. Thomas was the first Black woman to graduate from Howard University with a fine arts degree. Her abstract artwork is inspired by “nature, the cosmos, and music,” according to MAG.

My recommendation: Try to visit on a day when the gallery is hosting a special community event to get a better sense of the Finger Lakes community while you’re there.

Memorial Art Gallery: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Photos: Karlsson Photo/Shutterstock and Mion Edwards

In Rochester, tour the home of Susan B. Anthony (a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement) to learn about her upbringing, her arrest for voting illegally in the 1872 presidential election, her role in starting the Revolution newspaper that ran between 1868 and 1872, and her connections with other abolitionists. This home — now a National Historic Landmark — was her residence for 40 years and the place she lived until her death. After my tour, I had a deeper understanding of how truly brave Anthony was during her time.

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House: 17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608

Let’s Have Tea Sculpture

Photo: Mion Edwards

Directly across from Susan B. Anthony’s home is a sculpture called Let’s Have Tea that memorializes Anthony alongside her friend, fellow civil rights leader, and Rochester native Frederick Douglass. What moved me the most was seeing previous visitors honor Anthony’s fight for women’s right to vote by placing “I Voted” stickers on the statue.

Let’s Have Tea Sculpture: 31 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608

Mount Hope Cemetery

Photo: Steven Bodnar/Shutterstock

Tucked away in a park-like setting, America’s first municipally owned Victorian cemetery spans over 190 acres. Not only is Mount Hope Cemetery a peaceful spot to visit, but it’s also the final resting place of notable Rochester natives including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Their walking graves and within walking distance of one another — standing by either (or both) is a humbling experience that gives weight to the great impact they had on history.

Mount Hope Cemetery: 1133 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Where to eat

Brown Hound Downtown

Photo: Mion Edwards

Brown Hound Downtown is located within the Memorial Art Gallery, which not only makes it a convenient place to grab a bite on a busy sightseeing day but also like you’ve stumbled upon a real in-the-know spot. The bistro, bakery, and full bar is known for its all-American menu — one standout dish is the crispy fried chicken and waffle (and don’t be shy with the sriracha syrup).

Brown Hound Downtown: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

La Bola

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Located inside Mercantile on Main, Rochester’s food hall, La Bola serves a fusion of Spanish and Mediterranean flavors. Menu items include patatas bravas with spicy bravas sauce, sherry-glazed pork belly, and a deconstructed flatbread featuring boneless romesco chicken thigh accompanied by hummus, basmati rice, spiced yogurt, pickled onions, and more.

La Bola: 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604

Canandaigua

Photo: Real Window Creative/Shutterstock

Things to do

Ontario County Courthouse

Photo: Mion Edwards

Check out the exterior of the Ontario County Courthouse, a historical building where Susan B. Anthony was tried in 1873 for “illegal voting” in the federal election. She was found guilty and fined $100. Her trial became a pivotal movement in the fight for women’s rights, which was ultimately realized 48 years later. Standing on those steps reminded me that every protest, no matter how small it may seem in the moment, can be a catalyst for real change.

Ontario County Courthouse: 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

New York Kitchen

Photos: Mion Edwards

My wine tasting here was like none other I’ve done (and trust me, I’ve been to plenty). Not only did I learn about wine notes and pairings — tasting crisp whites, full-bodied reds, and local cheeses — but New York Kitchen also took it to the next level by hosting a panel of women winemakers and industry leaders from the Finger Lakes community.

The afternoon was spent sharing personal stories about the love of wine-making and the need to continue uplifting the next generation of winemakers. It wasn’t that long ago that female winemakers were rare in the Finger Lakes and beyond, but today, more and more women are making their mark on the wine industry. I learned how each woman there carved out a space in a traditionally male-dominated field and how the region is evolving to become more inclusive.

New York Kitchen: 800 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Where to eat

Patty’s Place

Photos: Mion Edwards

Although it hasn’t always been Patty’s Place, this is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Canandaigua, with eateries serving the city from this site for more than 130 years. Patty’s Place is a great choice for breakfast for the whole family or anyone passing through town, with a hometown-diner-like atmosphere and a come-as-you-are vibe. I got the Patty’s Special, featuring two eggs, crispy home fries, and bacon — a classic American way to start the day. Adding a piece of blueberry muffin bread french toast enhances the experience.

Patty’s Place: 33 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Simply Crepes

Photo: Mion Edwards

This cozy spot in Canandaigua is known for its sweet and savory crepes made with fresh ingredients (and an aroma that’ll have you salivating as soon as you enter). My recommendation: Get the chai latte paired with the Boston crème crepe, filled with chocolate mousse, crème brûlée custard, bananas, crushed shortbread cookies, and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Simply Crepes: 101 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Bloomfield

Photo: Mion Edwards

Things to do

Green Riding Retreats

Photos: Mion Edwards

In a word, I’d describe my horseback riding experience with Green Riding Retreats as therapeutic — a chance to reconnect with both myself and nature. The instructor, Jessica Green, has over 40 years of experience working with horses — and you can tell. While riding, Jessica fostered a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience. After a few first-time jitters, I felt at ease as we ventured through the terrain and forest, spotting deer along the way.

Green Riding Retreats: Liberty Stables, 4318 Buckelew Road, Bloomfield, NY 14469

Geneva

Photo: Jay Yuan/Shutterstock

Things to do

Trestle 31

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Founded by Nova and Brian Cadanatre, Trestle 31 is a family-run vineyard in the Finger Lakes region. Nova, a Master of Wine, brings her extensive knowledge and experience in the Finger Lakes and Napa to the winery, which produces a range of whites from rieslings to chardonnays, as well as select rosés and reds. But wine isn’t the only talent the family brings to Trestle 31 — the family’s creativity also shines through the intricate artwork Nova’s mother, artist Linda Wiliams McCune, creates.

Trestle 31: 436 Exchange St, Geneva, NY 14456

Three Brothers Wineries & Estates

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With not one but four tasting rooms — as well as an on-site brewery and cafe — this winery has something for everyone. Sip on your favorite wine or sample your way through them all. Whether you’re looking to try hand-crafted wines, brews, hard ciders, or craft sodas, a visit to Three Brothers promises a fun, laid-back spot for a tasting with friends or a day on the town.

Three Brothers Wineries & Estates: 623 Lerch Rd, Geneva, NY 14456

Where to eat

Kindred Fare

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This casual, woman-owned restaurant embraces the shared meal experience, blending big portions and bold flavors. Favorites include crispy honey hot cauliflower wings with creamy dill dipping sauce; flavorful friendship fries topped with pickled red onions, buttermilk dressing, spicy aioli, feta cheese, hot sauce, and scallions; and the pork belly rice bowl featuring turmeric rice, miso-glazed pork belly, a fried egg, pickled onions, spicy mayo, peanuts, and sesame seeds. If you still have room for dessert, the peanut butter mousse pie with a chocolate cookie crust and house-made chocolate sauce is a great sweet treat.

Kindred Fare: 512 Hamilton St., Geneva, NY 14456

Where to stay

One standout experience during my visit to the Finger Lakes was my stay at The William Smith Inn, which offers a cozy and historic retreat in a beautifully restored 19th-century home. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with antique furnishings and modern amenities, and guests get a delicious homemade breakfast served each morning.

When you’re not enjoying the property, the inn is conveniently located near the Finger Lakes Wine Country where you can explore over 100 wineries.

William Smith Inn: 600 Castle Street, Geneva, NY 14456

Seneca Falls

Photo: Dennis MacDonald/Shutterstock

Things to do

Women’s Rights National Historical Park

Photo: NPS

In 1848, the small Finger Lakes hamlet of Seneca Falls became the backdrop for a big historical moment: the nation’s first official women’s rights convention, aptly named the Seneca Falls Convention. This is widely considered the event that formally started the women’s suffrage movement — in part thanks to a rallying cry called the “Declaration of Sentiments” that was written and delivered by activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, mirroring the language of the Declaration of Independence. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park commemorates this significant event during which 300 women and men gathered to declare that “all men and women are created equal.”

A couple of doors down, do your part to support a woman-owned Seneca Falls boutique by browsing for souvenirs at Blush by CVDesigns. The shop carries trendy clothing, charming home decor, and unique jewelry.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park: 136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148

National Women’s Hall of Fame

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A short walk across the It’s a Wonderful Life Bridge spanning Seneca Falls’ Van Cleef Lake will take you from the Women’s Rights National Historical Park to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, which is located in a repurposed knitting mill. The site bills itself as “the nation’s first and oldest nonprofit organization and museum dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of distinguished American women.” Exhibits and events range from educational showcases of little-known female illustrators during the early 20th century to meet-the-author opportunities that celebrate the female creatives of today.

National Women’s Hall of Fame: 1 Canal St., Seneca Falls, NY 13148

Muranda Cheese Company

Photo: Mion Edwards

Muranda Cheese is technically in Waterloo, not Seneca Falls, but it’s worth the drive for a cheese-tasting experience (regardless of the fact that that drive takes less than 10 minutes). This was my first-ever cheese tasting, and it didn’t disappoint — it featured a fun variety of interesting cheeses, ranging from dill and scallion to spicy jalapeno, all of which is produced using high-quality milk from Finger Lakes farms.

Once acclaimed dairy farmers themselves, the family behind Muranda Cheese Company now uses its farm to produce more than 20 artisan cheeses, which you can sample on-site and are also likely to see on winery menus around the Finger Lakes.

Muranda Cheese Company: 3075 NY-96, Waterloo, NY 13165

Where to eat

Flint and Stave

Photo: Mion Edwards

Perfect for a date night or an otherwise cozy evening meal, Flint and Stave is a chef-owned establishment specializing in American-style tapas and heartier entrees. The restaurant is proud to use fresh and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible to whip up standout dishes like seafood risotto, which comes with seared scallops and grilled shrimp.

Flint and Stave: 84 Fall Street, Seneca Falls NY 13148

Where to stay

The Gould Hotel

Located next to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Gould Hotel combines history with a modern twist, having originally opened in 1920 and having since seen all the necessary updates to both the boutique building and the hotel’s amenities. The rooms are cozy with a contemporary feel, providing travelers with a sleek, stylish, and convenient place to rest. Even if you don’t book a room, swing by on Saturday night for live music.

The Gould Hotel: 108 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148

Auburn

Photo: WirestockCreators/Shutterstock

Things to do

Equal Rights Heritage Center

Photos: Mion Edwards

If you’re looking to be inspired by past Civil Rights leaders, this interactive exhibit showcases the important role New Yorkers played in advancing equal rights through the abolition of slavery, the women’s rights movement, and more. Be sure to check out the statue of Harriet Tubman — she’s holding a lantern, symbolizing the light she used to guide enslaved individuals to freedom.

Equal Rights Heritage Center: 25 South St., Auburn, NY 13021

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

Central to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park is the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where Harriet Tubman’s funeral was held. After years of restoration, the landmark has been brought back to how it looked in 1913 when she died. Tubman helped raise money to build the church and was a member for over 20 years. The nearby parsonage now serves as the park’s welcome center when it’s open.

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park: 47 Parker St, Auburn, NY 13021

Harriet Tubman Home

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Visiting Harriet Tubman’s home in Auburn was one of the most moving experiences of my trip to the Finger Lakes. Earlier that day, I attended the Harriet Tubman Proclamation ceremony, during which a proclamation was made in honor of Harriet Tubman Day. It made being on the porch and steps where she used to be an honor. The white building, known as the Tubman Home for the Aged, was established by Harriet Tubman to care for elderly and poor community members. Harriet spent her final days there. Past the driveway, there is a brick house where Harriet lived.

Harriet Tubman Home Property: 181 South St., Auburn, NY 13021

Fort Hill Cemetery

At Fort Hill Cemetery, you can visit Harriet Tubman’s burial site, which is marked by a headstone engraved with the dedication “Servant of God, Well Done.” Being at the cemetery filled me with a profound sense of emotion and gratitude. The site, which is often adorned with mementos from visitors, is a quiet reflective space — the kind that invites you to pause and feel gratitude.

Fort Hill Cemetery: 19 Fort St Cemetery, Auburn, NY 13021

Where to eat

At Long Last Restaurant

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This woman-owned restaurant serves an elevated brunch and breakfast in a bright and inviting setting. The natural sunlight that shines into this place in the morning creates a sunny and welcoming atmosphere. Notable dishes include fried pickles, crispy hash browns, and a steak, egg, and cheese bagel. Tip: Get there early because this place is popular and tends to fill up the later it gets.

At Long Last: Restaurant, 3193 E Genesee St, Auburn, NY 13021

Prison City Brewing

Photo: Mion Edwards

Prison City Brewing is a popular local brewery known for its craft beers and vibrant atmosphere. Try the beer-braised steak nachos topped with yellow corn tortilla chips topped with black bean salsa, pickled onions, queso, guacamole, and beer-braised shredded beef. The fish and chips is another winner, consisting of lightly breaded cod and served with house fries and caper dill tartar sauce.

Prison City Brewing: 28 Ovid Street, Auburn, NY 13021

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This Caribbean Resort Is Setting a New Standard for Luxury in Turks and Caicos

Familiarity. That’s what it felt like when I reached Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory located a little under 600 miles southeast of Miami. As a Caribbean native, I felt a sense of home wash over me in the rhythm of the archipelago’s waves and the warmth of its people.

Turks and Caicos — which is made up of about 40 islands and cays, mostly uninhabited, between its two eponymous island groups — is no stranger to luxury. Parts of the islands have long been playgrounds for travelers who crave exclusivity and indulgence. But there’s a new resort on the scene that’s redefining what high-end Caribbean travel looks like: the South Bank resort.

Evolving luxury: How hospitality is developing in Turks and Caicos

Photos: South Bank

During my recent visit to South Bank — part of Grace Bay Resorts, which operates a variety of properties in Turks and Caicos — I had the opportunity to connect with locals who are shaping the future of tourism in Turks and Caicos.

Sitting in on an intimate panel discussion with Grace Bay Resort’s owner, South Bank’s leading developer, and a key figure from the Turks and Caicos tourism and hospitality efforts, I gained insight into the islands beyond their powdery white-sand beaches. Turks and Caicos is evolving, and the presence of Caribbean natives — from Haitian and Jamaican entrepreneurs to Dominican artisans — is having a major impact on its luxury hospitality industry, burgeoning tourism, and economic development.

Turks and Caicos islanders — or “Belongers” — are renowned for their hospitality, creating an environment where visitors not only feel welcomed but also embraced by the entire West Indies as represented across Turks and Caicos. This melting pot of cultures is enriching the archipelago’s identity and offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience a Caribbean destination that’s both diverse and harmonious. And with that as its backdrop, South Bank isn’t just competing with the world’s top luxury resorts — it’s setting a new standard.

Effortless luxury: Arriving at South Bank

Photos: Ariel Laura Metayer and South Bank

Facing Long Bay’s serene waters on Providenciales, the most populous island in Turks and Caicos, South Bank Resort spans 31 acres of prime, oceanfront real estate. South Bank is a newly opened venture with 92 waterfront accommodations designed with comfort and sophistication in mind. From contemporary villas with private docks and boathouses that seem to float above the water to an infinity lagoon that blends into the horizon, the resort caters to travelers who want to experience the finer things in life in a barefoot luxury kind of way.

After arriving at the resort, I was escorted in the island’s premium car service. The staff greeted me with a chilled welcome drink, a refreshing pina colada, setting the stage for the effortless luxury I’d experience in the days to come. This is what makes South Bank an exciting new addition to the Grace Bay Resorts collection. Setting itself apart from the bustle you might find elsewhere, this resort provides seclusion without isolation, giving guests their own private slice of paradise.

Bespoke luxury: Accommodations at South Bank

Photos: South Bank

Despite opening its doors in November 2024, South Bank is rumored to have already caught the eye of celebrities like Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Its range of deluxe accommodations has no doubt contributed to its quickly growing reputation.

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in an overwater villa without flying halfway across the world to the Maldives, South Bank makes that dream a reality. Its Ocean Estate Villas and Boathouses are a fusion of sleek modern architecture and Caribbean appeal. At either, you can step onto your deck each morning with a personal view of the sunrise over the calm waters of Caicos Banks.

If you prefer something more exclusive, the Lagoon Villas come with private docks, allowing guests to transition from their bedrooms to a morning boat ride in mere minutes. Whether you’re a yachting enthusiast or simply want the convenience of on-demand ocean access, this ranks among South Bank’s most standout amenities. Needless to say, my own yacht experience was an exciting opportunity to see the island in a new and refreshing way (more on that later).

Culinary luxury: Dining at South Bank

Photos: Ariel Laura Metayer

No luxury escape is complete without unforgettable dining, and South Bank delivers at Lua Restaurant. There, the chefs blend local flavors with international techniques to create a range of dishes that have wide appeal while celebrating the archipelago’s culinary heritage.

The Lua Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a pizza service that runs between 11 AM and 9:30 PM. Breakfast items range from free-range omelets to acai bowls. Lunch presents options like red snapper ceviche, whipped feta with Dominican honey, and Wagyu or plant-based burgers. The well-rounded dinner menu plates up everything from oysters or a crispy duck salad to start, followed by grilled meats and seafood or signature plates like lamb tagine or pan-roasted cod with octopus and beans. The Lua Bar, open evenings, also serves elevated Asian-leaning dishes (think chili tofu with crispy wontons, thai beef salad, or Korean crispy corn) in addition to handcrafted cocktails.

Every meal at South Bank feels like an experience, but the resort also stages what it calls “intimate dining experiences” that reinforce its commitment to privacy and luxury. These custom, person-chef-led meals can be held both in-room or at a special setting like the lagoon beach.

One evening, I enjoyed a private beachfront dinner featuring freshly grilled lobster, coconut-infused rice, and a rum pairing that showcased the Caribbean distilleries. It was the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after you leave the island.

Immersive luxury: Experiences at South Bank

Photos: Ariel Laura Metayer

South Bank offers a variety immersive experiences that are accessible to every guest. One of my personal favorites was the two-hour private charter boat, which can be arranged directly through the resort’s concierge or is already included with certain guests’ accommodations.

My boat experience took me on a ride past the island’s shipwreck landmark that’s now become a tourist attraction of the Caicos Banks, with a stop at a private island. The crew shared local insights and handed out fresh mimosas right before we arrived at brunch on the beach’s shores at Grace Bay Resorts’ main property. Charters are customizable based on group size and duration, making it easy to design a trip that fits your pace.

Back on the property, South Bank’s amenities blend luxury with wellness and leisure. Guests can enjoy a spa treatment inspired by Caribbean botanicals, take part in guided Pilates classes overlooking the water, or glide through the property’s infinity lagoon on a paddleboard at sunset.

For sunrise, I hopped on one of the resort’s complimentary bikes and rode to South Bank’s private beach, taking time to reflect on what it means to be a fruit of these Caribbean islands. Later, I gave into my inner tennis aficionado and caught a ride from resort staff via golf cart to the property’s private tennis court, nestled just beside the pickleball area.

Overall, the energy at the resort is easygoing but elevated — every detail feels intentional, designed to help you slow down and savor island life in style.

Getting to South Bank

Getting to South Bank Resort is refreshingly simple for an island escape this luxurious. I flew just under four hours from New York (JFK) to Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which offers direct flights from major US cities including Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, and Dallas, as well as international hubs like Toronto and London.

Once you land in Providenciales, the drive to South Bank is a 15-minute private transfer or taxi ride from the airport. The concierge can arrange airport pick-up in advance. Whether you’re flying in for a long weekend or an extended stay, the quick access from runway to resort makes South Bank a convenient luxury destination in Turks and Caicos.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a group or planning special experiences like a private boat charter, let the concierge know ahead of time — the resort is very helpful in curating a smooth and elevated arrival from the moment you land.

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So You’re Going on a Golf Bachelor Party. Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The social pressure to attend a group gathering and participate in its stated activity can be quite anxiety-inducing. If you aren’t a golfer but find yourself invited to a bachelor party where golf is set to feature heavily in the daily agenda (there’s not much else to do in Scottsdale but golf, eat, and drink), you’re likely twitching at the thought of positing yourself into a culture that from the outside appears staunch and quite exclusive – not to mention expensive as hell. To be sure, golf can be all of those things. But it doesn’t have to be, and whether or not you’re tight with the rest of the bachelor group, the good news is that planning for and participating in a golf-themed bachelor party is actually much easier than it appears.

Heading on a golf trip? Check out Matador’s guides to golf travel: Golf Fan? The Indoor TGL League and Its SoFi Center Make for a Great Trip A Lit Course and Glowing Golf Balls Make Arizona the Country’s Top Night Golf Destination The Coolest Airbnbs in Scottsdale for a Golf-Themed Bachelor Party 14 Scottsdale Airbnbs With Pools for a Southwestern Escape This Stunning Hotel Couples Luxury With Community at the Base of Scottsdale’s Camelback Mountain The Best Airbnbs in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a Bachelorette Party 9 Audubon Golf Courses That Prove Golf Can Be Sustainable A Golf Guide to Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches, and Neighborhoods

It’s easier to dress for the golf course than you think

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If you’ve watched golf on TV, you know the wardrobe – flexy, sporty polo shirt, khakis or Bermuda shorts, golf shoes, and a hat embroidered with the logo of a super-expensive course or a famous golf brand. Non-golfers certainly don’t own a pair of golf shoes or likely even a typical “golf polo.” Calloway hat? No chance. The good news is you may not need to rush out to the nearest Dick’s Sporting Goods to get set up.

Any polo or button-down shirt will do, as the golf dress code generally calls only for a “collared shirt.” Tennis shoes or other athletic shoes will walk the course as well as golf shoes – just don’t bring your football cleats as the goal is to keep the grassy green and fairway nice and pretty. That boat hat sitting in the back of your closet – or really any hat with a brim to block the sun – outta do just fine.

One thing to note is that your pants or shorts should feature large pockets. You’ll want to carry two or three golf balls in there throughout the round in case you lose your shot. Tees are also necessary at the start of each hole. Golf involves a lot of twisting at the waist, so don’t wear overly-tight pants – but most anything that looks decent and isn’t a pair of jeans or cargo shorts will be welcome.

You can rent or borrow everything you need

Photo: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A /Shutterstock

Another thing to note about golf is that it’s an expensive hobby. Greens fees – the cost to play a round – can run anywhere from $20 at a small par 3 course to north of $100 at higher-end public courses. If your crew is “fortunate” enough to gain access to a private or country club course, expect to pay even more than that.

Those prices are before equipment like clubs, tees, and golf balls are considered. It’s not uncommon to spend more than $800 on a set of clubs. Fortunately, this is where you can get a break. Unless you plan to make golf a continued part of your life once this bachelor party is over, there’s no need to drop that kind of money. You can typically rent clubs from the course(s) you play at or from a local retailer for between $15 and $50 per round, or a bit more if you playing multiple rounds. If the bachelor party is in Scottsdale, for example, Traveling Caddy rents clubs that you can keep for the duration of your trip. In South Florida, Florida Golf Club Rental does the same thing. These rentals can include golf balls, tees, and greens repair tools, so you can literally show up to the trip empty handed without having to worry.

If your crew is playing a Par 3 course where the holes are short and a full set of clubs isn’t required, all you really need is a nine iron, a wedge (like a pitching wedge or sand wedge) or “chipper” as they’re often called, and a putter. Many exclusively Par 3 courses have these available for golfers to use – call ahead to make sure. While you may be able to borrow these clubs from a buddy, most courses have a policy stating that each golfer has their own equipment, so unless your buddy has extras they can bring, you may be out of luck.

It’s more about the camaraderie than the actual golfing

Photo: KOTOIMAGES /Shutterstock

Lastly, while golf can be an intimidating sport to jump into – especially when you’re surrounded by experienced players – in the context of a bachelor party it’s mostly a social activity. There’s plenty of time for banter, side bets, beer drinking, and general camaraderie on the course. Only about half of golfers ever play under 100 strokes in a round, despite the stated par for an 18-hole course generally being 72.

You’re there to celebrate your buddy getting married – and that should remain the priority. Don’t stress over the golf. You’re going to make some bad shots, but so is everyone else. Laugh it off and raise a toast.

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The Top US National Parks for Wildlife Are Not Where You’d Expect

The opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the most cherished experiences for visitors to US national parks. That’s possible because US national parks are some of the most important conservation areas in North America, with roughly 600 threatened and endangered species — or one-third of all endangered and threatened species in the country — found in National Park Service sites.

And the fact that the US protects wildlife has a substantial economic impact. In 2022 alone, expenditures on wildlife-related trips and equipment reached $250 billion in the US, supporting 2.7 million jobs and generating an estimated $590 billion in economic output. Within national parks specifically, wildlife viewing contributes in a major way to local economies. In Yellowstone National Park alone, it’s estimated that having wolves in the park brings in more than $80 million a year in tourism spending.

But according to a new analysis of government and wildlife data, the best national parks for wildlife aren’t the ones you’d expect. The study was done in light of National Park Week (April 19-27) by Kühl, an independently-owned company specializing in mountain-ready outdoor gear and clothing. It found that travelers across the country have access to fantastic wildlife in national parks, but the best places to spot wildlife on protected lands aren’t where you’d expect.

Yellowstone National Park didn’t make the top 5

Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley is often considered “America’s Serengeti.” But when you take into account all species found around the country, it didn’t come out on top. In fact, it only ranked as the ninth best park for wildlife spotting. Here are the parks that came out on top.

Photo: Kuhl

To rank the parks, Kühl employees included all wildlife in national parks, not just megafauna like bison and bears. That’s likely why Yellowstone National Park didn’t take the top spot.

The best national park for wildlife overall: Grand Canyon National Park

Desert bighorn sheep in Grand Canyon National Park. Photo: Grand Canyon National Park/Public Domain

Grand Canyon National Park took the top spot, primarily because it “spans across different elevations and climates, creating unique blends of several ecosystems that are home to a wide range of species.” It ranked first for bird-watching, with 447 bird species in the park, and second for mammals (91 species), reptiles (58 species, including Gila monsters), and spiders and scorpions (142 species). In addition to Gila monsters, other unique species visitors can see in the park include California condors, Mexican grey wolves, the pink-colored Grand Canyon rattlesnake, and desert bighorn sheep.

Where to stay: 13 Unique Airbnbs Near Grand Canyon National Park

After Grand Canyon National Park, the top four best places for spotting wildlife in national parks included:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: First for amphibians, first for slugs and snails, first for spiders and scorpions, third for mammalsBig Bend National Park: First for reptiles, second for birds, fourth for mammalsCarlsbad Caverns National Park: Fourth for birds, fifth for reptiles, seventh for mammalsRedwood National Park: First for mammals, seventh for fish, seventh for amphibians, ninth for birds

The best national park for birding: also Grand Canyon National Park

A California condor in Grand Canyon National Park. Photo: Shaylin Tombs/Shutterstock

One of the major reasons Grand Canyon took the overall top spot is because of its many, many bird species. It’s home to an impressive diversity of feathered friends, making it one of the most significant areas for bird conservation in the United States. In fact, in 2014, it became an internationally recognized “Important Bird Area” (a program managed in the US by the National Audubon Society). The park supports rare species like the Mexican spotted owl and Southwestern willow flycatcher, and is home to well-known birdwatching sites like Yaki Point, where it hosts hawk-watching events and bird lectures and events.

Where to stay: 7 Great Hotels Near Grand Canyon National Park

The best national park for mammals: Redwood National Park

Photo: Tom Reichner/Shutterstock

Redwood National Park’s remote location far from any major airports — not to mention its healthy forests and sweeping coastlines — makes it a haven for large species, including Roosevelt elk. That gave it the edge, taking the top spot for the best national park in which to spot mammals. In addition to elk, Black-tailed deer are also common, and visitors may even see elusive predators such as black bears and mountain lions. Smaller animals it’d be almost impossible not to see include squirrels and chipmunks, but you may also see rarer small creatures like fishers, martens, and river otters.

Where to stay: 15 Magical Airbnbs Near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks

The best national park for reptiles: Big Bend National Park

An earless lizard in Big Bend National Park. Photo: Matt Sells/Shutterstock

Big Bend National Park in Texas has more than 30 species of snakes, 22 species of lizards, and 4 species of turtles. That’s partially due to the park’s many habitats ranging from floodplains to mountain ranges. Between those canyons and summits, you may be able to find species like the Texas horned lizard, diamondback rattlesnake, and checkered whiptail. There are also poisonous snakes (so give them a wide berth) like rock rattlesnakes and the Trans-Pecos copperhead. The park also ranked as fourth-best for spotting mammals, including javelinas (also caled peccaries) and bobcats.

Where to stay: 11 Airbnbs Near Big Bend National Park

The best national park for amphibians: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photo: Leahs27/Shutterstock

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hotspot for amphibians; in fact, it’s known as the “Salamander Capital of the World.” You can find more than 30 salamander specie in the park, plus more than 14 frog and toad species. Some are hard to find, while others, like the Hellbender salamander, can grow up to 29 inches long. Great Smoky Mountains also took the top spot in terms of slugs and snails, with more than 189 “slow-moving goo-makers,” and the top spot for spiders and scorpions (969 species, the most of any park in the system).

Where to stay: 14 Gorgeous Airbnb Cabins Near Smoky Mountains National Park

The best national park for insects: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

PHoto: BlueBarrowPhoto/Shutterstock

Anyone whose been to Hawai’i knows that the state is full of insects, all of which are essential to maintaining the state’s gorgeous natural landscapes. So it’s no surprise that Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the big island is the best national park in the country for spotting insects. And it’s not just teeny-tiny critters you’ll find: the park is home to the bright orange Kamehameha butterfly (one of only two native butterflies in the state), and the easily recognized happy face spider, known for its distinctive back markings. You may also see the largest dragonfly in the US, the giant Hawaiian dragonfly, with a wingspan of up to six inches. Unfortunately, the park also has several invasive species that could threaten the park’s ongoing health, such as Argentine ants, which pray on critical pollinator species.

Where to stay: The Best Airbnbs on Hawaii’s Big Island

The best national park for fish: National Park of American Samoa

Tangs in National Park of American Samoa. Photo: National Park of American Samoa/Public Domain

It should come as no surprise that American Samoa, a national park that’s more than one-third underwater, would take the top spot for fish variety. It’s one of the least-visited national parks in the entire NPS system, with an average of 10,000 to 20,000 visitors per year, total. For comparison, Rocky Mountain National Park has 4.5 million visitors per year. So if you visit, you’re likely to have the sweeping beaches nearly to yourself. While snorkeling, paddling, or scuba diving, you could theoretically see more than 800 species of fish, not to mention hundreds of coral varieties. Easy-to-recognize species include damselfish, wrasse, and colorful tangs, but the park is also home to extremely unique species, such as the armored searobin. It’s a bizarre fish that “walks” on the ocean floor using its fins like legs. It was discovered living at a depth more than two miles below the surface in 2019.

The study’s methodology was fairly straightforward, starting with analyzing the number of animal species in each park using official National Park Service data. Each wildlife type was then assigned a weight, with mammals generally being considered more appealing to visitors than slugs. Species that are currently in the parks were given additional weight, as opposed to species that have historically been in the parks. The results were then calculated for each park by type of species, with the final results appearing in the Kühl report.

More like thisWildlifeAre Wolves Worth the Cost? The American West’s New Wildlife Dilemma.

Shabang Music Festival Is Like the Cheap, Early Years of Coachella

In San Luis Obispo, California, an independent music festival is expanding year after year after year. Ask music aficionados in the area, and they’ll tell you it’s quickly taking over the regional entertainment scene.

But with rapid expansion comes growing pains, and the founders of Shabang, the Central Coast’s biggest and fastest-growing music festival, have faced plenty of challenges while hosting the massive gathering in a quaint, somewhat isolated college town. It’s perhaps similar to what Coachella itself may have faced in the Coachella Valley desert, during its days of setting festival trends in the late 1990s.

Shabang was started for fun, not profit

The author at Shabang in 2017. Photo: Molly O’Brien

Shabang began in 2014 as a small gathering of about two dozen friends on Cuesta Ridge, a mountain just north of San Luis Obispo in Los Padres National Forest. Within a few years, it outgrew that venue and moved to a local lakeside park. This is where it was when I attended while in college at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, about a decade ago.

Back then, my friends and I looked forward to this fun, intimate music festival. It happened every spring and served as our signal that summer was coming — and, with it, a sense of freedom and sunshine.

A shuttle ran from a stop near campus for a rate of around $10 to corral us students back and forth, and it was always an afternoon of sunny, spring vibes. We’d dress up in our festival clothes and cheer on whatever musicians were taking the stage. Often, it was a Cal Poly band made up of students like us. It felt pure.

Today, what I remember as a quaint music festival has continued to grow, transforming into a massive, multi-day event at an even larger venue.

Comparing Shabang Music Festival to Coachella

Coachella circa 2016 or 2017. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Coachella wasn’t always the enormous cultural movement it is today. It was inspired by an anti-establishment movement against hefty ticket prices and venues controlled by large corporate entities — and, supposedly, founded by promoters seeking a cool new place to host a show for folks who just wanted to listen to music. Coachella’s first strums are said to trace back to a 1993 Pearl Jam concert for 25,000 fans at the Empire Polo Club.

This show proved the venue worthy of hosting such large-scale events, and the inaugural Coachella Festival was hosted in October 1999, just three months after the disaster of “Woodstock ’99.” That poorly received festival motivated Coachella organizers to offer attendees a safe, comfortable festival experience amid the fallout. According to a 1999 story in Rolling Stone, tickets to the first Coachella sold for $50 for each day, with roughly 37,000 tickets sold between Saturday and Sunday.

 

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One difference between Shabang and Coachella is that while Coachella was considered “alternative” and against traditional music festival culture for the time, it was never exactly poorly funded. Coachella was co-founded by two well-known entertainment industry executives and organized by Goldenvoice, a highly successful Los Angeles-based concert production company and music festival promoter.

But like Shabang today, Coachella claimed to be on a quest for uniqueness and celebration of alternative artistry. According to interviews from the time, promoters intentionally aimed for a diverse lineup, booking performers based on talent as opposed to preexisting fame. This made it unique in the festival scene of the time, and Coachella hosted rock musicians such as Beck, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, and Morrissey during its inaugural year.

The festival’s popularity proved successful enough, and in 2001, the event shifted to April to avoid the Greater Palm Springs region’s 100-plus-degree early autumn temperatures. It expanded again by adding a third day in 2007, and a second weekend in 2012. 2003 was the first year it allowed camping on the festival grounds, and in 2004, with Radiohead and The Cure as headliners, the festival officially sold out for the first time, cementing its status as a world-class cultural event.

Today, Coachella is known across the world for its fashion and celebrity attendees, almost more than its music. Photo: Tim Remer/Shutterstock

I remember stepping out of work with my computer for my 15-minute break in 2017, timed to mirror when Coachella tickets went on sale, I sat in the online waiting room for much longer than 15 minutes (sorry, Cal Poly coffee shop), and was elated when I finally scored two of those coveted tickets for weekend one.

Around the same time, in San Luis Obispo, Shabang was transitioning to its new, larger venue, becoming a more significant part of the student and local experience each spring. But there was no need for a waiting room to get tickets – nor is there now.

In 2025, Shabang Music Festival will take place over two days on May 2 and 3 at San Luis Obispo’s Dairy Creek Golf Course. The lineup includes big-name artists like Goth Babe and Wallows, and has options for camping, similar to Coachella. Prices have gone up, starting at $269 for two-day general admission tickets. Single-day tickets go for $169.

It’s a leap in cost. “Not quite Coachella prices, but still pretty steep for a small festival in the middle of nowhere,” is what I thought to myself when I first saw this year’s announcement.

As someone wearing the rose-eyed glasses of nostalgia while thinking back about my own time as a Cal Poly student, paying what now feels like pennies for a Shabang ticket, I’ll admit I was anxious about the event’s rapid changes. So I decided to learn more about the shift.

Shabang brings money to the community, but not like Coachella does

Shabang is bigger than it was, but still much smaller than Coachella. Photo: Shabang

I spoke with one of Shabang’s co-founders and current marketing director, Greg Golf. Surprisingly, he told me the festival doesn’t actually make a profit. Operational costs are higher than the profitability, making it what he calls a “labor of love.”

It’s challenging to produce, he says, as the audience primarily skews under 25 — an age group without large, expendable incomes. Further, San Luis Obispo itself isn’t easy to reach. The airport has only five gates, and it’s a three-hour drive from both Los Angeles or San Francisco. That’s less of an issue for Coachella, which is just under two hours from Los Angeles and is served by the much larger Palm Springs International Airport.

“We never set out to do this. This was never our goal,” says Golf on the festival’s rapid growth and widespread success. “We really just wanted to put on an event that highlighted the Central Coast music scene and the beauty of what we have in San Luis Obispo.” He anticipates roughly 12,000 attendees at 2025’s festival. It’s a fraction of Coachella’s 125,000 people per day, but still a lot to manage.

But Golf and his team don’t let the size go to their heads. One detail that keeps them down to earth, he says, is their commitment to staying as sustainable as possible. His team constructs the entire festival by hand using recycled wood over 12 days.

Yoga and movement classes are part of the Shabang lineup and open to all attendees. Photo: Shabang

This year, 60 Shabang artists will take over four stages, with more than 50 food, beverage, and merchandise vendors on site. The event will also have a lineup of experiential art installations, yoga and movement classes, jam sessions, music lessons, and more. Golf says he hopes the event will create an experience he and his co-founders, who arrange the festival in their free time, never imagined possible at their first Shabang more than a decade ago.

Their labor of love might not make any money for their own pockets, but it certainly drives dollars into the local economy of the 50,000-person college town. But despite the heavy cash flow into the hotels, restaurants, and stores of San Luis Obispo, the town’s locals have mixed feelings about the festival’s growth and presence in their city.

“We’ve just got to be nice and respectful and work together,” Golf says on the occasional SLOcal resident’s distaste. “It’s good for the town and the economy.”

For example, he says short-term rental prices in town go up hundreds of dollars a night when they announce Shabang’s lineup.

Regardless of public sentiment, Visit SLO CAL, the region’s destination marketing organization, is a proud sponsor of the event, proving it has significant support from a local tourism industry’s perspective.

Many of Shabang’s campers buy food and supplies in San Luis Obispo, providing a boost to the local economy. Photo: Shabang

Shelby Pinckard, a spokesperson for Shabang, shared that the festival brings more than $1 million to the region’s tourism industry annually. Local businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels, she says, are experienced with the festival and well-prepared for the influx of visitors.

Over in Coachella land, I reached out to Visit Greater Palm Springs about their take on Coachella’s visitors, as well as how it works to educate travelers on education and responsible visitation. Coachella is estimated to bring in about $700 million dollars per year into the Greater Palm Springs economy.

A representative from the Visit Greater Palm Springs organization confirmed the region needs the festival and supports the event, and wants to ensure their travelers feel welcome — while encouraging out-of-towners to be respectful visitors. Coachella shows that even if towns aren’t initially thrilled with the success of such tourist-driven events, they can provide vital support for some local economies.

What’s the future of the music festival industry in California?

Photo: Shabang

As a former and current attendee, I’m eager to see how much bigger Shabang can get while still staying true to its roots. Fortunately, the team says it’s doing everything it can to maintain the festival’s integrity.

So, what’s the difference between Coachella and an up-and-coming grassroots music festival like Shabang? From my research and conversations with Shabang organizers, it seems like a key difference are the long-term goals. Golf and his team seek growth and return on investments, sure. But above all, they want it to stay unique and specialized in the existing music festival landscape. This is a sentiment shared by other midsized festivals in the state, such as Same Same But Different near San Diego, and the High Sierra Music Festival closer to Lake Tahoe.

In speaking with Golf, it’s clear he wants to preserve the community atmosphere of that original 20-person festival a decade ago through methods like hiring people who understand and respect the town’s unique needs, and who are invested in preserving Shabang’s special feeling.

After my conversation with Golf, my take on the continuous expansion of Shabang is that it won’t ever become the next Coachella. Golf agreed it’s niche, especially with an audience that skews younger, and a location harder to reach than Palm Springs. That’s part of the reason he feels confident it’ll never become an Instagram sensation that draws inspired celebrity influencers – an element that led to Coachella’s popularity and success over the last two decades.

Though both towns have roughly the same population, San Luis Obispo doesn’t have the infrastructure to support major-scale ongoing tourism like Palm Springs (near Coachella) does. Photo: joojoob27/Shutterstock

As someone familiar with SLO’s small-town size and infrastructure, I worry that San Luis Obispo could never support the 200,000-plus attendees of Coachella, were Shabang to ever reach that scale. Even a small extra influx of people in San Luis Obispo can cause everything from traffic backups to lines at restaurants to spikes in the price of goods and services.

But Golf told me the team is well aware of that risk, and plans to keep the festival contained enough to keep the same small, personalized experience it had in its earliest years. This way, when people meet each other, they can connect on a more genuine level, he says.

“Coachella is the festival that you go to to be seen, to show people you are there, and also to see the biggest artists in the world,” says Golf. “[At Shabang,] you’re not going to a festival with 180,000 people… you will meet people and stay connected with people.”

Photo: Shabang

And as most avid festival-goers know, that’s a huge part of what music events are about: Human connections, inner connections, physical, mental, and spiritual connections through music. IN many ways, Coachella feels like the opposite, with celebrity fashion and the who’s-who of attendees nabbing bigger headlines than the music itself.

Compared to Coachella, Shabang is still a sleepy festival in the mountains. But for attendees who care more about the feeling of the music than the fashion and fame, festivals like Shabang may be the future of concert travel.

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Formula 1 Returns to Las Vegas This Year With More Affordable Tickets and Year-Round Events

The Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix returns for a third year in a row on November 20 through 22 — and it’s set to be more accessible than past years while keeping an air of luxury.

This year, general admission starts at $50 for single-day access and $400 for three-day access in the Flamingo Zone by Caesars Rewards — the lowest prices offered since the event launched. Heineken GA+ options now include bleacher seating at $800. Grandstands, from the main grandstand to the new option at Turn 3 go for between $875 and $1,750. For Nevada residents, priority access and discounted pricing reinforce a growing emphasis on community inclusion. (Check here for tickets.)

Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas. Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images

The most ambitious new development is the Grand Prix Plaza, a permanent, 39-acre complex that opened on March 29. It houses North America’s largest year-round immersive F1 attraction led by three core experiences:

F1 X: A 4D exhibition with historic cars, interactive exhibits, and engineering challenges (starting at $79; $59 for locals).

F1 DRIVE: Karting on a section of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, complete with DRS zones and LED steering wheels ($37; $30 for locals).

F1 HUB: A tech-forward central zone with racing simulators, retail, and elevated dining. Locals receive a 10 percent discount.

View from the Bellagio Fountain Club. Photo: Las Vegas Grand Prix

The Plaza will temporarily close in late summer to transition into Grand Prix mode, but its year-round programming marks a significant investment in keeping F1 fans entertainment beyond race weekend.

In addition the more affordable and year-round options, Las Vegas remains a place to absorb the luxury atmosphere of F1, too. There’s the $2,500 Club Paris at Paris Las Vegas, for one, or the $25,000 Gordon Ramsay at F1 Garage, which includes Paddock access and fine dining curated by the celebrity chef. Bellagio Fountain Club offers direct views of both the track’s longest straight and the hotel’s iconic fountains — plus exclusive chef experiences and access to the Winner’s Stage — with prices starting at $7,750. An all-access experience in the Paddock Club with Wynn Grid Club goes for $20,000, and the Paddock Club Rooftop starts at $9,500.

A race weekend unlike any other

The East Harmon Zone by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on the Heineken Silver Stage. Photo: Las Vegas Grand Prix

On track, race sessions now begin two hours earlier than in 2024, with the main event slated for 8 PM Saturday night. New grandstands — including one dedicated to Lewis Hamilton — and additional access to the F1 ACADEMY paddock increase the ways fans can engage with the sport and its athletes. The ACADEMY series, which concludes its season in Las Vegas, marks a significant push to elevate women’s motorsport visibility.

Fan zones continue to expand year after year, offering live driver interviews, A-list music acts on the T-Mobile Stage, and activations by partners like Heineken, Caesars Rewards, and Virgin Hotels. Each branded zone provides tailored experiences — from craft cocktails to merchandise drops.

“Grand Prix Plaza represents a significant investment in the future of Formula 1 in Las Vegas,” Emily Prazer, president and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. and chief commercial officer for Formula 1, said in a press release. “These new attractions will offer unprecedented access to F1, giving many fans their first up-close look at a Formula 1 car before stepping into a racing simulator or even karting on a portion of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. As part of our steadfast commitment to Las Vegas, we are thrilled to offer significantly discounted pricing to locals so that Grand Prix Plaza is an easily accessible community asset all year long. Grand Prix Plaza is one of the jewels of F1 in North America, and we know it will provide access and experiences that will grow the sport’s fan base.”

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