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Welcome To Travel TMI

My name is Jared Hager and this website is dedicated to everything travel and vacation.

My wife and I will be reviewing products, services and anything having to do with traveling and vacations. We are your stereotypical family.  We have 3 kids a dog and a cat.  Budgets are tight so we are always looking for ways to find a good deal for traveling and If we do have to spend a good amount of money we always want to make sure we are getting the right deal.

Taveling and spending money on vacations can be very stressful.  We will be telling you of our experiences and our honest reviews of travel products.

 

 

About Me

A picture of my family Welcome to Travel TMI!

My name is Jared.  I am married to my awesome wife Brynne and we have 3 children together. We love to travel and go on vacations.  We are really big fans of the mini vacations which a lot of people like to call the local or stay cations. I am having a hard time keeping up with all this terminology but I think you get my point with what I am saying here.

I’ll be honest you, we are pinching our pennies every month and trying to find ways to save a couple extra dollars here and there. We want to do fun stuff with our family and create awesome memories for our kids. But a lot of times we are limited by our budget. So we have to get creative.

What is so awesome is that the more creative we get usually the more fun we end up having.  Don’t get me wrong, I would love to rent a $5,000 or $10,000 a day yacht in the Caribbean for two weeks but that is not in our deck of cards right now so we have to get creative and make every dollar count.

We also have family that live all over the country so a lot of our traveling has to do with going to go see family that live in a different state.  We currently live on the West Coast which is where Brynne’s family lives but all of my family is in the upper Mid West.  So we have done car trips and a lot of plane rides across the United States with our family.  We are used to traveling with a large crowd.  We know our way around an airport which means we know what to do with strollers and where all the play structures are at airports. We are also very savvy when it comes to entertaining our kids when they get bored.

Top 10 Best Places To Go Mountain Camping

By Jared Leave a Comment

Tents camping in the mountains

Camping in the mountains is an experience like no other. When you’re in the mountains, you’re higher up than you ever will be as long as you’re still alive in this world.

The mountains are not only high above the sea, they are also the closest to the sky and the clouds. 

Summer and very early fall is the most popular time for camping in the mountains. However, there are plenty of locations available for those who are into winter sports. 

They are the ideal place for taking lessons in winter sports because of the natural long ranges. 

The mountains are also very ideal for nature watching. If you’re into bird watching, for example, some areas are home to birds of prey like eagles. However, some caution is warranted as camping near a lot of nesting areas is prohibited. 

In the mountains, you’re expected to treat nature with the utmost respect. This means dumping your trash only in designated areas. This includes proper RV dumping sites. 

This also means not bringing more than you absolutely need or doing things like spraying bug spray directly on bugs.

Every site has slightly different regulations. Some are more strict than others. Many, for example, have regulations for gathering firewood and/or about the kind of firewood. 

Most have very strict regulations about handling pets while at least one has a horse rack available. 

Camping in the mountains is a very rewarding experience no matter when or why you decide to do it. It is perfect for those who love very cold weather and those who love to get away to cooler weather during the hotter times of the year.

Below are the top 10 longtime favorite locations of mountain camping. No matter where you go, however, you are guaranteed to have an experience of your lifetime. 

1. Mount Hood

Mount Hood at a distance

Mount Hood is a stratavolcano in the Cascade Arc. It is one of the best ski resorts in the market. 

If you’re a skier or snowboarder who needs to polish your skills, like the idea of taking tours in snowshoes or taking a bus tour to the meadows, this is the place for you.

There are lessons available on Saturday nights as well as other events such as the Women’s Midweek Clinic and Super Bowl Sunday. They will also be hosting a Valentine’s special of a romantic dinner for two.

You also have a number of camping sites scattered throughout the forest on and around Mt Hood. With the close proximity to Portland you better reserve a spot or get there early in the morning because on the weekends they fill up fast.

You have you traditional campsite where you just drive in and set up camp. You can rent cabins or park your RV. But you also have camp site where you have to walk a mile or two to get to from your car. So there is something for everyone. All you have to do is research what you want to do. Check out this website to help you plan your trip.

2. Mount Rainier

Mt Rainier

Mount Rainier is a stratavolcano located in Cascadia south-southeast of Seattle. Its National Park currently has three campgrounds. They are open all year, however, summer is their peak season. For safety, they have their own regulationsabout parking and visiting hours.

Most campgrounds are first come, first serve. However, Cougar and Ohanapecosh Rock require reservations. There is no electricity or running water on the grounds and some of the larger tents have been known not to fit in the ground space well.

3. Grand Tetons

scenic view of Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons is located in Moose, Wyoming. It contains approximately 200 miles of trails and a ride on the Snake River. There are also opportunities to backpack through the backcountry, climbing, and mountain viewing.

You can bring your pets. However, unless they’re service animals, they’re not allowed in places like park trails. 17 of the Tetons’s areas are accessible to those requiring wheelchairs through the Self Evaluation Transition Plan. 

Their fun Junior Ranger program is available for children.

4. Denali

Delali Alaska

Mount Denali is located in the Cordilleras in Alaska. It is the third largest mountain peak in the world at over 20,300 feet above sea level. 

Several rivers, creeks and lakes serve as campgrounds. Riley Creek, Savage and Teklanika River have the option for either RVs or tents. Whereas, Wonder Lake, Sanctuary River and Igloo take only tents. 

You can rent all of your camping equipment from your tent to your hiking clothes.

There are several resorts and lodges. However, Otto Lake Cabins and Campgrounds is no longer accepting reservations.

5. Mount Adams

Mt Adams

Mount Adams is a stratavolcano in the Cascade range. It is the second highest peak in the state of Washington. 

Many of their campgrounds require reservations. Everything from the fees to seasonal restrictions vary from site to site. None of the sites have electric service. There are some private sites, such as Cougar and Trout Lake available. 

Mount Adams has everything from fishing to horseback riding available. Most of their forest area is open to FAA drones. However, there are some safety restrictions on that as well.

6. Yosemite

Yosemite Half Dome

Yosemite is a National Park that is best known for its waterfalls. Overall, it is the picture perfect representation of the ideal mountain with its beautiful scenery of deep valleys, meadows, sequoias, etc. 

Camping is usually quite full between April and September so early reservations are very strongly recommended. RV sites are available in most areas.

We would like to note that Tioga and Glacier Point Road are usually closed during the winter and open in May or June. Some places may require tire chains.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain Landscape

The Rocky Mountain is located in northern Colorado and reaches across the Continental Divide. It is known for its Trail Ridge and Old Fall River Roads that span across numerous rivers and aspen forests.

The Rocky Mountains has both winter sports and summer camps. The latter is usually full so early reservations are strongly recommended. Their busiest hours are between 9:00 am and 3pm so they warn that there is a lot of congestion and long waits during those hours.

For winter sports, equipment can be purchased or rented.

8. Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountain Landscape

The Great Smoky Mountains span across the Tennessee and North Carolina borders and are an Appalachian subrange. 

They have several different types of campsites. The backcountry is reserved for backpackers and the frontcountry is a developed campground. 

The latter has group reservations for eight or more available. The horse camps have hitch racks available for horses. 

Roads are often closed in the winter. As a result, summer and early fall are usually the best times to camp there. However, late spring tends to have the smaller crowd. 

9. Olympic Mountains

Olympic Mountains in the distance

The Olympic Mountains are a range in the Peninsula of the Pacific Northwest.

Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc require reservations. Otherwise, it’s first come, first served. Payment is in cash or check only and they state that they can’t give change for cash overpayments. There is no electricity or running water available on the campgrounds. 

Personal plans are available for backpackers. 

They do have a lot of safety regulations. Hunting and firearm use are both strictly prohibited. Pets must be kept on a leash and only eight people per group.

10. Mount Shasta

View of Mt Shasta

Mount Shasta is located in Siskiyou County, California. It is approximately 3,600 feet above sea level. The Shasta-TrinityNational Forest has dispersed, campground, and group camping. 

Dispersed is camping au naturalle, along the shoreline. The campgrounds have running water but electrical hookups and RV dump sites are not available. Group camping is like the campground but with larger tables, grills, etc. 

Mount Shasta is rich with legends. The most well-known one being that giant Lemurians that survived the sinking of Lemuria reside in the hidden city called the Telos.

Conclusion

When it comes to mountain camping, for the most part, it pays to make a reservation ahead of time. Summer and very early fall are usually the best times to visit the mountains. 

The mountains are usually cool when everywhere else is hot though it depends on the location and it’s weather conditions. 

Camping in the mountains is sometimes hectic and sometimes calm. However, it is almost always very rewarding. It could even be a good therapeutic experience and is almost guaranteed to give you good exercise as most involve a lot of walking.

If you love camping but haven’t tried doing so in the mountains, we strongly recommend it. Mountain air is usually very fresh. It makes a good change scenery and can help you put life into perspective in a way that nothing else can.

Every site is different and has its own unique features. We recommend that you pick the one that’s best for you and your family or friends. There are some places that take backpackers have au naturalle spots and some are more of a frontcountry of cabins and tours. 

Again, you will need to figure out which location will be best for you and/or your group. Remember that some locations allow pets and others allow only service animals. 

You will need to explore all of the regulations and rules before making your reservation or deciding to go to a site. Some of them are pickier about their regulations than others. For example, the Olympic Mountains are definitely not for hunters. 

Some have running water and electricity and others don’t. However, if you’re looking for off-grid solitude, we guess that the ones that don’t are what you’re looking for. 

However, if you’re looking for something more vacation-like, a campground with cabins is probably more your style.

As a bonus, in case you’re wondering what tent camping in the snow is like, here is a video of that. 

10 Best Places For Food Travel In The US

By Jared Leave a Comment

Meals for food travel

In my opinion food travel is the best because when it comes down to it, quite often travel from one city to another is pretty much the same. With mild exceptions, there are the same hotels, the same swimming pools, the same art museums. And truly memorable travel is when you experience true uniqueness. 

While many cities offer only the occasionally unique tourist spots, one thing that most cities have that is truly unique is food experiences that are out of this world. 

Here are a few of our favorite food travel destinations in the U.S.

1. San Francisco

View of San Francisco and Coit Tower

According to US News and Reports the number one food travel destination city in the country is San Francisco. 

San Francisco has seven 3 star Michelin rated restaurants, and well over a dozen one and two-star restaurants. But it’s the sheer variety of food that makes San Francisco such a popular food destination, due to its extremely diverse population.

As the San Francisco Chronicele reported on it’s article, “20 Funnest Restraunts in San Francisco,” there is plenty of variety.

From Irish Pubs, Korean Barbecues, to Thai-Laotion restaurants, if you hanker for variety, consider San Francisco a must travel destination.

2. New Orleans 

New Orleans Street Party

Alternatively, Trip Advisor rated New Orleans as the best place in the U.S. for a food vacation. 

Why New Orleans? Think gumbo, jambalaya, Po Boys, and more. Trip Advisor says the New Orleans French Quarter is the number one booked food walking tour in the U.S. and its hard not to agree after the experience.

Creole and Cajun food abound in the Big Easy, and the unique combination of French, Spanish, Italian and African cooking elements blend so well, that even keto dieters splurge when in New Orleans. 

3. New York City

Empire State building in New York City

New York City is on Fodor’s list of top foodie cities, and the Big Apple is on practically everyone else’s list as well. 

Sure you can dine at Masa for a 26-course “Leave it to the Chef” meal that will set you back 5 bills or more, but you’ll be just as happy with a Reuben at Katz Deli, or a hot dog at Pappaya King. 

It’s safe to say there is no cuisine in the world that you can’t find a restaurant for, so if you have a hankering for Egyptian food, Turkish food or Russian food, then eat away.

A word of caution though. Get there early or on non-peak hours. Even delis, places that sell Philadelphia cheesesteak or hot dogs get really crowded during peak times.

4. Austin Texas

Graffiti of Austin

According to Conde Nest Traveler if you want a great food vacation, visit Austin Texas.

We’ve been to Austin multiple times, so feel free to call us prejudice, but Austin lays claim to some of the best barbecue and Tex Mex food anywhere. 

A must-go place is Franklin’s barbecue, which is world-famous, and people willingly stand in line for two hours just to get it.

Another unique trend are the many food trucks in the city. Geographically spaced throughout Austin, you can get unique items like fish tacos, or comfort food like meatloaf wrapped in bacon. 

For a truly unique taste treat, try Gordoughs on Lamar Avenue which makes virtually and kind of sandwich baked inside a fried doughnut!

For fantastic soup, visit the Soup Peddler’s Real Food and Juice Bar.

The terrific thing about Austin is you can always find a sumptuous meal for under $10 bucks. 

5. Alaska

Anchorage Alaska Frozen

It may seem unfair that an entire state gets thrown in as a contender but Alaska, being so far north and having less of a population than many of the cities on the list, perhaps that can be excused.

According to Adam Richman, former host of Man vs Food, one of his biggest challenges took place in the small city of Kodia, population 6,000.

You can view the video on Youtube called the “Kodiak Arrest Challenge.” which involved making 28 ounces of salmon burger, covering it in cheese, then topping it with 3 pounds of Alaskan Crab.

On top of that, there was also a huge, reindeer sausage sour cream and chives mashed potatoes. Even if you never go to Alaska, the video is a food lovers delight. 

If you go to Anchorage, some say Chicago or New York be damned, the best pizza in the U.S. is made at Moose’s. And if pizza isn’t your thing. Reindeer hot dogs are everywhere. 

6. Portland Oregon

Famous Portland Sign

In both 2018 and 2019, Wallet Hub named Portland as the best foodie city in America for its 600 food carts and its high number of full-service restaurants as compared to fast food joints.

Portland was also named high for its abundant amount of coffee shops and plenty of breweries. 

As you can imagine there are plenty of upper-crust restaurants. But Portland also offers a large variety of affordable delicious unique places like the delis Kenny and Zukes or ice cream shops like the Salt and Straw with unique flavors you’ll likely never find elsewhere. Or if you prefer greasy pig out food then Lardos sandwiches are perfect and so are sausage nachos from Clutch Sausagery.

For ten bucks you can get a real bang for both your wallet and your tastebuds in Portland. It’s another must-see foodies destination.

7. Bar Harbor Maine

Lighthouse at Bar Harbor Maine

You can buy lobster everywhere. So why would you want to travel to a tourist town that all but shuts down in the colder months? Possibly because Bar Harbor offers lobster so fresh you’ll swear it was just delivered off the boat.

Bar Harbor has only 5,000 people but 27 seafood restaurants and besides lobster, lobster rolls, clam chowder and muscles, you can get old fashioned food like hand made pancakes.

But lobster rules here, and you can even get ice cream with candied lobster at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium.

If you have ever dreamed of a 3-pound lobster, just swimming in butter, Bar Harbor should be a part of your food destination itinerary. 

On top of the food, Bar Harbor is a nice little town to tour around in the summertime. Sort of like the town featured in the movie “Jaws” only without the great white shark. 

8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

Stores in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is just the opposite of Bar Harbor. It’s popular all year around because of its many attractions. With skiing, Jackson Lake, and the nearby Tetons, Jackson Hole is hopping through ever season.

One of the things you can get in Jackson Hole for food is fantastic wild game at The Gun Barrel Steak and Game House. If you’ve never eaten buffalo or wild elk, you owe it to yourself to try it. 

Featuring Venison Bratwurst, Buffalo Wraps, Bison Carpaccio, Snake River Potato Boats, fried green potatoes, along with Velvet Elk, Buffalo Sirloin, Elk Chops and Buffalo ribs, this restaurant will soothe the savage meat-eater within you.

There are dozens of other restaurants to choose from in Jackson Hole, so don’t worry, you don’t have to choose between an expensive restaurant or Wendy’s, Subway or McDonald’s. You have lots of restaurants that are in between. Generally, people come to Jackson Hole for an experience and that includes food. 

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Sign

A reporter once asked a famous bank robber, Willie Sutton, why he robbed banks. Sutton said, point-blank, ” Because that’s where the money is.”

They don’t rob banks, but more money flows through the casinos of Las Vegas than perhaps any other city 10 times it’s size. That is precisely why there are close to 50 celebrity chef managed restaurants in Las Vegas.

Gordon Ramsey has a presence. Guy Fieraa is involved. Bobby Flay has his hand in the Las Vegas market.

We’re not saying that a meal at a celebrity chef’s restaurant is always perfect. Generally you get a much better experience for your one hundred plus dollars than if the head chef is a recent graduate of the Institute for Culinary Education. 

There are literally dozens of restaurants in Las Vegas that are amazing, with nine of them holding 1 star Michelin rating. 

For around $20 bucks or so with a discount, you can get a decent buffet at one of the strip casinos. For around twice that amount, you can eat lobster till it’s coming out of your ears at a top rated buffet.

Our tip is to eat at least once at the best possible restaurant of your choice, and in-between times, hit up McDonald’s or In and Out Burger. 

10. Every Place Else

You can get a great BLT in Valley City, North Dakota, at Budget Burger but you wouldn’t want to drive 60 miles from Fargo to get one. But you might drive 300 out of your way to taste the best Apple Pie in 6 states. 

The point is to make an adventure out of it and to have fun.

Concslusion

Being a foodie, and combining travel with great food can really make your life more enriched. 

Wherever you travel, search on the internet not only for the best restaurants in that city but also for the most unique or fun restaurants. You’ll find plenty of food establishments to tickle your fancy. 

10 Best Places To Go Camping In Michigan With Your Family

By Jared Leave a Comment

A mug with Michigan on it

Summer is here again and you need some great ideas that will blow the socks off last year’s annual trip to Boredomville. This year you want to do something memorable, something that you and your children will remember for years to come. It would be awesome if your trip could include some fun, excitement, adventure, water, and creating wonderful memories that will last for a long time.

We have put together an out of this world, kick-bucket family excursion list that will make another summer vacation trip to Aunt May’s look like a walk in the park (No disrespect to Aunt May). Some of these camp locations will offer a more authentic camp experience. Some are for those new to camping or who have younger children. Here are our 10 best camping summer getaways to do with your kids while in the great state of Michigan.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Waterfall At Porcupine Mountain State Park MI

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or the Porkies as they are affectionately called, are part of Michigan’s largest state park. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park houses miles of streams, rivers, trails, and “Superior” shorelines. Yeah, that would be Lake Superior. You probably couldn’t find a more picturesque place than the Porkies anywhere in the wilderness areas of the U.S.

It features many natural and man-made wonders, like Lake of the Clouds , a Porcupine Mountain ski area, a scenic golf course, and Summit Peak tower for observation. 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Cliff at Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is famous for its multicolored cliffs. Activities on the sprawling campgrounds include biking, hunting, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting and more.You and your family will be mesmerized by the breathtaking sandstone formations of Chapel Rock and Miner’s Castle. Beautiful 12 Mile Beach is a great place enjoy the beautiful sand and picturesque shoreline. The beach also cuts a trail through a forest of white birch.

Shipwrecks can still be found along the shoreline near the Au Sable Point Lighthouse a mysterious, yet popular relic from the 19th century.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Running down dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Michigan really is a beacon of pleasure for campers everywhere in the Midwest. Situated along the coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula, is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This beloved camping mecca encompasses 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s Eastern coastline. It is not an understatement to say that this incredible oasis of beauty is one of the most spectacular places on earth.

It was named in 2016, by ABC’s Good Morning America, as “America’s Most Beautiful Place”. But Sleeping Bear is not just a sleeping beauty. There is so much to do, that it’s is sure to make your head spin. The kids may even want to access the North or South Manitou Island. Guided tours are available with vehicles but most campers like to travel on foot. Late May is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the hordes of summer tourists that descend every year.

South Higgins Lake State Park

Water activities at Higgins Lake

In Roscommon County, located on the southern shore of Higgins Lake, sits South Higgins Lake State Park , a 1,000 acre state park that also completely encompasses a second lake, Marl Lake. In fact, the two lakes are joined by the Cut River, which also flows into the Houghton Lake.

The campground is pet and kid-friendly, possesses showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and also provides firewood. There is a horse camp, picnic shelter, and landing strip. We suggest you explore both lakes to get a full sense of this park’s experience.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Lake at Huron Manistee National Forest

These two forests were combined in 1945 and make up nearly a million acres of public lands, including over 5,000 acres of wetlands and thousands of lakes. The forests stretch across the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Recreational opportunities abound for campers, like hiking and enjoying the wildlife. The rivers of Pere Marquette and Au Sable allow for some memorable fishing and canoeing. In the Manistee National Forest part, you can indulge in some fabulous boating and nature watching along Lake Michigan.

Wilderness State Park

View of Mackinaw Bridge

Located in Emmet County in Northern Michigan, this state park is popular for its extensive shoreline (26 miles), wetlands, camping areas, and endless hiking trails. A really cool feature to check out is Waugoshance Point, a 2.5 mile long cape, which sticks out into Lake Michigan. It is geographically significant because it divides the Straits of Mackinac from Sturgeon Bay.

The park provides picnicking areas, boat launch, swimming, and a campground that has 250 sites. Definitely a camper’s dream. You actually might want to stay with the kids in the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campgrounds, which is about a ten mile drive from the park. It has many modern perks and amenities, if you are new to the camping experience or the kids are young.

It has, according to its site, The Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping site,“Dozens of site types, 200 full hookup sites, a variety of lakefront cabin rentals, large RV sites, camp store, game room, playgrounds, basketball court, wifi, heated pool, natural beaches, trails, metal detecting, and shuttle service to the Mackinaw Island Ferry.” If you want a modified camp experience, please put a check on this one.

Ludington State Park Beach

Light House At Ludington State Park

This popular state park offers so much to do that it attracts thousands of tourists each year. It is frequently listed near the top of top ten camping parks in the U.S. The park is perfectly situated between Lakes Michigan and Hamlin. The Ludington State Park Beach website reveals that there is so much to explore. “Families especially appreciate the park’s Hamlin Lake Beach for its calm waters, sandy shore, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, and concessions.

From here, it’s just a short stroll to the Hamlin Lake Dam, which was constructed during the logging era when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make a holding pond for felled trees.”

The park’s other beach, which extends along the Lake Michigan shoreline, is great for sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing. A conveniently constructed walkway is available, starting at the ever popular Lake Michigan Beach House and ending near the lake’s shoreline.

One of the best features of the park is the sand dunes. There are endless miles of these sandy hills to traverse. This park is perfect for camping and should be near the top of any list of “to-explore” parks for campers.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Waterfalls At Tahquamenon Falls State Park

The Tahquamenon Falls is a vision of natural artistry. The river and the falls that bear its name are the major attraction of this park, but there is so much more. According to the Michigan state park website, “Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 50,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or power lines.

The centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls.” Many guests come to enjoy the falls, Michigan’s second largest state park has many other pleasurable sights and activities for you and your family to see and explore.

With miles of hiking trails, over a dozen interior lakes, and 20,000 acres of natural terrain, there is more to this park than a majestic waterfall.
Camping, fishing, canoeing, and observing nature are wonderful activities to do here in the summer. The diversity of wildlife is also quite impressive, with over 100 species of various birds, wolves, bear, and others

Sleepy Hollow State Park

Dock at Sleepy Hollow State Park

If you are thinking of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, you have the wrong Sleepy Hollow. This is the 2,600 acre state park with 181 campsites and a charming 410 acre lake in the center.

Apparently, this lake is the real deal. According to the park’s website, Lake Ovid has proven to be a very popular fishing lake with a wide variety of fish such as pike, largemouth, smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, rock bass, perch, catfish and bullheads.” Any camping trip that involves a great deal of fishing should probably have this fishing lover’s haven at the top of the list.

Hungry Horse Campground

Hungry Horse Campground Sign

This campground is a kid’s favorite. It’s a great way to break them into the camping experience. According to the Hungry Horse Campground site, It is “located 15 minutes south of Grand Rapids off U.S. 131 and 30 minutes east of Lake Michigan. 

Hungry Horse offers a great Michigan out-“Dorr” camping experience.” Nearly a hundred large sites are available on 90 acres of campground. Hungry Horse offers a great entertainment experience for families, with lots to keep kids active yet safe–heated swimming pools, playground structures, and hayrides, while adults can engage in relaxing activities like horseshoes, shuffleboard, nice strolls along the trails, or campfire chats. 

Conclusion

Michigan has long been considered one of the nation’s top camping states. With 103 state parks and recreational areas, its proximity to four of the five Great Lakes, lends tourists access to a diversity of natural features and landscapes. Purchase an annual pass, which gives you the best rate, and allows you to discover all that the state has to offer. Choose a park on this list, pack up, and head out to the greatest summer camping adventure you and your family will likely ever experience.

Top 7 Places To Visit In Oregon

By Jared Leave a Comment

Picture of Mount Hood

Finding the best places to go in Oregon should be at the top of your list this year, and we have a few recommendations that you will enjoy. Consider going to all seven of these places on your next trip because you can get a true idea of what Oregon is all about. Yes, you will enjoy the forests and the coasts, but you will also find places to go that show you a hidden part of Oregon that is brand new to you.

1. Mount Hood

Mount Hood is one of the most gorgeous places in all of the United States. The mountain is one of the tallest in North America, and it is a place where people can hike at several different levels depending on heir interests. We have found Mount Hood to be a wonderful sight even if you were not hiking at all. Just imagine how nice it would be to sit in the foothills, have a picnic and gaze on this mountain.

If you are a serious hiker, you can hire a guide or hike with a team that could take you all the way to the summit depending on your skill level.

2. Tulip Fields

The Tulip Fields seem to have fallen from the sky to land in this state because they are a bit out of place. The Tulip Fields are a nice tour for your kids, and this could be the most romantic place that you could take your partner. The Tulip Fields are not an adventure that will last several days, but they could help create your favorite pictures from your trip.

3. Sky Lakes Wilderness

The Sky Lakes Wilderness is part of a much larger national forest that you must see to believe. You might have come to Oregon for the forests and green scenery, but you might not have imagined lakes that seem to float on the trees. The Sky Lakes Wilderness is a place that allows you to hike up to these raised lakes, camp, fish, and generally enjoy being far away from civilization. 

Plus, the Sky Lakes Wilderness might be a fun place to fly over if you wanted to have a tour done by a helicopter operator. There are several lakes in this location, and you can work with a tour guide to choose the ones you would like to visit.

4. Japanese Garden Of Portland

The Japanese Garden in Portland is a place that plays up the rose theme of the city. Someone who is trying to plan a trip through the state will go though cities, and Portland is clearly the crown jewel of this state. You can come to Portland to see the Japanese Garden because it has been set up to transport you to another world. The Japanese Garden is very tranquil, and it is a place that you can come to relax with your family because you might have been on a very hectic vacation up to that point.

5. Oneonta Narrows

The Oneonta Narrows and the gorge trail are a great place for you to travel because you can hike the gorge before going into the caves that make up the narrows. You will find that the narrows will take you to a series of underground waterways that you will be shocked by. It is like finding a hidden garden of rocks and water formations. Plus, this location allows you to either hike or take a pleasant float. 

6. Alvord Desert

The Alvord Desert is a place that you might not have expected to see in Oregon because the state does not seem like a place where you would find a desert. Plus, you can come here to see what it looks like when the sands can take over part of the state. This will remind you of the freak sand dunes that have inhabited some of the coastal waters of Europe. This could be an amazing sight, and the dunes will make it more fun for you to travel through this state because you will feel as though you are in another world.

The desert will give you some of the best pictures of your trip because you will not see anything like this anywhere else in Oregon. Also, you need to remember that most people will not spend a whole day in this area. You are not going to hike across the desert, but you can enjoy the feeling of wonder when you look across it.

7. Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is a seaside feature that you will be amazed by because it seems to be a bottomless pit that will swallow all the seawater that comes into it. No one knows precisely how this well works, but they know that it is one of the most beautiful features of the coast. You can go there with your travel group, and you can sit back and watch as the water washes into the well.

This well almost looks like a series of waterfalls that fall into a pit, and it is very easy for people to get sucked in by the beauty of this place. Thor’s Well is a great place for people to go when they want to take a trip down the cost, and it could be a part of a coastal hike that you might have planned.

Conclusion

You can check out videos that will show you how glorious the state of Oregon is. There are many people who would like to take these trips, and you should plan to start checking these items off your list right away. You can visit the web for information on the places that you want to see. It will be a lot more fun for you to come to these places to see Oregon because you will start to fall in love with the state. Plan your trips around these locations, and see the natural features that make Oregon a nature-lover’s playground.

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