If you have just a few hours to explore South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia, hit the streets! Here are four fun things to do: Check out the Tunnel Vision Mural [1550 Marion St., Columbia, SC] Keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey above and any ridiculously huge, I mean abnormally ginormous fire […]
hike
224 posts
On a day where both my Mom from Westchester and I from Albany were free, we decided to meet in the middle – New Paltz! We enjoyed a lunch at my favorite tea room, some shopping in town, a visit to the greatest farm, and then we were ready for […]
This is one of the best, most unique, and exciting hikes I have been on in a long time. Actually, one of the top hikes I have been on in the region overall. I would say if you are capable of doing a 6.75 mile hike and willing to drive […]
If I can make it a three state day, count me in. From New York, through Massachusetts, into the Southern Berkshires that reaches to Connecticut…it sounds a lot more intense that it actually is – but Kent Falls State Park [462 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7) Kent, CT] is actually […]
On a cloudy day, a hike at Skidaway Island State Park [52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411] was a perfect activity. The visitor’s center is great! A replica of a 20-food giant ground sloth mingles with many current examples of wildlife in the area. There are binoculars and reference books, […]
A quiet preserve filled with alluring natural sights and you may just have it all to yourself. The Schoharie Creek Preserve [Intersection of Butler Rd + Burtonsville Rd, Burtonsville NY, turn right on Butler RD and into parking lot on left] is hidden away off of winding roads. We reached […]
I love a side of history with my nature. Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site [129 Schoharie St, Fort Hunter, NY 12069] has great hiking, but also works towards preserving the Erie Canal. There is a visitor’s center open from May through October that speaks to the impacts of the Erie […]
History…nature…ruins…THREE state parks in FOUR miles, do I have your attention yet? Let’s begin down in the Hudson Valley at Staatsburgh State Historic Site [75 Mills Mansion 6 Road, Staatsburg, NY 12580]. So you’ve entered through the fancy gate and parked in the lot. You’ll find some historical information and […]
This delicious morsel is a perfect addition to any day in Rhinebeck. A quick jaunt up the hill for jaw dropping views, Burger Hill [3137 New York 9G Rhinebeck, NY 12572 – sign comes up quickly!] could only be made better with a side of fries and a milkshake. In […]
The drive down into the Hudson Valley was quick and before I knew it I was crossing the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. While driving I saw a fire tower peeking out from above the treeline. Yup, that’s where we’re headed, to Ferncliff Forest [68 Mt Rutsen Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572] for a […]
Birding bonanza and gators galore! A visit to Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge [1/2 miles west of Hilton Head Island off of U.S. Highway 278] is a nature lovers dream come true. Just outside of Hilton Head it is a must visit if you are in the area, and was a […]
Quiet trails in the sleepy hamlet of Rexford are a great spot for birding, learning, fresh air, and exercise. Garnsey Park [Route 146 between Waite and Wing roads, Rexford NY 12148] has over two miles of trails through meadow, forest, and wetland habitats. Clear blue skies on an early spring […]
Bike, jog, or walk your way back through history. One day this trail will take you from Lake Champlain at Whitehall to the Erie Canal at Waterford, over 60 miles. Today there are 7 miles open to the public connecting Waterford to Mechanicville. There are a few different entrances to […]
Every spring I have to swing by Five Rivers Environmental Education Center [56 Game Farm Rd, Delmar, NY 12054] to see all of the chicks and listen to the frogs. It’s one of my favorite close to home gems (just 20 minutes away!) that whisks me far away from the […]
When we discovered that there was a national forest just minutes from Charleston excitement ran deep. The boots were strapped and the bug spray was slathered on thick. To Francis Marion National Forest we go! First stop was a visit to Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center [5821 Highway 17 […]