Margaret L

Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing wall and exercise equipment on two levels. Along the outside of the park is a set of 147 steps you ca...

A part of the Nova Scotia Coastal Heritage Park System, Conrad's Beach is a jewel. The system is made up of three beach's - Lawrencetown Beach, Stoney Beach, and Conrad's Beach. Most of the beaches around are made up of rocks and cobblestones. But Conrad's is one of the nicest sand beaches around. There still are cobbles to navigate in some parts, but you’ll mostly find soft sand all around. On...

The Colorado Lagoon is a wetland that is being restored. To make this 1 mile walk into a loop, you have to walk along sidewalks near the park. This is a very kid-friendly destination. This trail crosses over the lagoon on a boardwalk. It also accesses a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, picnic areas, nature center, and a model boat shop. The hike itself is flat and level

Found in the heart of Dartmouth, Leighton Dillman Park is a great place to stroll through the paths. It is a bit hilly in places, so it can feel like it's more of a hike. The view is worth the climb. There are benches and shaded, covered, areas where you can rest or enjoy your lunch. There is also the community oven and some gardens. From what we were told, the community gets together on occasi...

Saddleback Butte State Park is a state park in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. It’s oftentimes looked over, but you’d be surprised what you can find there. Definitely a place to stop. It is located east of Lancaster. It can get hot so make sure to bring lots of water and wear sunscreen. in the unincorporated community of Hi Vista. It can get hot so make sure to bring lots of w...

I preferred the steps, before anything was painted on them. Whoever thought it would be a great idea to do that was wrong. No upkeep and these stairs have been heavily vandalized. The steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated people from the neighborhood in getting to the “red” streetcars, that used to run throughout the city. ...

The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small house where the courageous Harry Hay once resided.

Beautiful views of the Rose Bowl and surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. A protected .75 mile loop, that offers an easy path, to stroll along. You’ll find convenient water filling stations, clean bathrooms, and a fitness area, along the path. Easy parking all around.

Where else but the Lone Shieling Trail can you see 350 year old sugar maple trees! This area has is one of the largest old growth hardwood forests in the Maritimes. One of the most protected areas of the park, access is restricted to this short loop trail. You can find a replica of a Scottish crofter's hut at the beginning of the trail. It’s like stepping back in time and walking through a fai...

Trail riding can’t get better than this. The Rum Runner trail is a bit tricky to find if you're not from the area, but Google maps will show you the way. This is a popular trail used for hiking, biking, and running, and plenty of places to stop and soak in the amazing views. It starts in Halifax and goes all the way to the colorful town of Lunenburg, which happens to be a UNESCO heritage site. ...

Head out on Benjies Lake Trail early and you can have the whole place to yourself. So worth the short hike because at the end, you’re rewarded with a serene lake. We had the place all to ourselves! It was heaven!  Moose have been known to frequent here, but unfortunately on our trip, we did not get to see one. Gives us more reason to come back. It took us about 35-40 minutes out-and-back, but ...

The Greenbelt used to be the right-of-way for the long lost Pacific Electric Red Car, an amazing system of public transportation that connected Long Beach, LA, Orange Coutny, and even San Bernardino. The pathways are landscaped with plants typical of the area and plenty of native flowers for the bees and butterflies. The common plants include different kinds of sages, as well as sage brush. A...