Laura Hill

This is a moderate trail, that gets a bit steep at times.  Great views of the lake and has lots of spots to stop for a quick snack.  Trail is well maintained, and there is a fun waterfall, which is great to splash around in.   The trailhead is super close to Ely, MN and has bathrooms.   Make sure to bring enough water and snacks, and practice leave no trace principals! Also the lupine and blueb...

If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history.   This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies.  The Painted Ladies are row of 6 Victorian homes, and are a frequent stop on San Francisco tour bus routes.   They’re colorfully ...

Spanning 9,951 acres of backcountry a few miles northwest of Lake Pleasant and about 25  miles north of Phoenix, Hells Canyon Wilderness area offers a quick way to escape into an untamed swath of desert that’s more paradise than purgatory.I have to say, this entire trail is 36.3 miles (and is technically an OHV road), but if you’re staying at Castle Hot Springs, the first portion of this hike i...

It's not an Arizona summer without time spent on the Salt River!  And there's no better way than by kayak.  Summertime on the Lower Salt is full of people, mostly in tubes and on SUP's.  Getting on the river in the early hours of the morning help avoid some of the crowds. The best launch point by far is from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch.  Launching from here allows you to get spectacular views of t...

And there is no better place to experience this beautiful display than at Lost Dutchman State Park. The State Park website shares that visitors can find "chuparosas, poppies, fiddle necks, globe mallow, chuparosa, brittle bush, desert evening primrose, lupine, ocotillo, chicory, scorpion weed, skeleton weed, jojoba, Mormon tea, phacelia, bluebell, and more!" But I go for one flower the prickly ...

The grounds of this location are absolutely incredible – food is amazing, and the hot springs are magical.  Each hot spring boasts its own naturally occurring hybrid mix of minerals, which vary from place to place depending on the geology of the area. For the storied history of this location and the hot springs, read more here. Note that you do have to make a decent trek on a pretty road, s...

Spend a day wandering the ancient city of Ephesus, and you'll be transported back to ancient Greece.  The ruins that are everywhere you look speak to a long history of the location being the trade center of the ancient world.  This is a very popular tourist location, and I recommend taking a tour while you're there to ensure you learn all the amazing facts and history.   Depending on what time ...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is renown worldwide for its almost four-degree tilt, the result of being built with an unstable foundation. This is perfect stop on your Italian vacation, with lots of great shops and restaurants (I had the best pizza of my life in a restaurant with a view of the tower!). The green space surrounding the tower is a great place to relax, take a few photos and people watc...

A day at the Silver Strand State Beach is a must, playing in the surf and searching for seashells. Parking can be challenging, as all beaches on Coronado Island are very busy.  I recommend coming early in the morning and planning to stay all day.  Lots of food options are close to every beach, as well as restrooms. For more information, visit the San Diego website.

The building was built in the early 1900’s by the first settlers of Pine, the farm was turned into a lavender farm.  There’s a little shop, and the owner also does cooking classes!  Wonderful way to spend some time in the northern Arizona sunshine. For more information and a calendar of events, please visit their website. 4223 Pine Creek Canyon Road Pine, Arizona 85544 Phone: (619) 772...

The Cactus Forest scenic drive is one of two scenic drives in Saguaro National Park (the other is in the West district location).  The drive in Saguaro National Park East is a paved eight-mile one way loop that runs through the heart of an extensive saguaro forest.  If you’re lucky enough to visit during the blooming season, you’re in for a treat!  Wildflower season is also spectacular.  Not to...