10 great places for family vacations in national parks

National parks not only preserve nature, they also nurture families, says Jonathan Dorn, editorial director of Backpacker magazine and Nationalparktrips.com, a planning site. "These are places where families can unplug from their normal chaos and reconnect. They can have meaningful experiences in natural surroundings that are among the most beautiful in the world." He shares some favorite places for family camping with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY. [Read More]

Motor coach tours seek out Maine's hidden gems

Earlier this month, 13 tour operators stepped off a bus at the Bates Mill in Lewiston and wandered into the historical textile mill that, until the 1960s, was the state's largest employer.
Touring the mill's Museum L-A, the group wound through two floors of cavernous industrial spaces, their well-worn floors stained with years of fragrant oil and grease.  [Read More]

It's Festival Season! 12 Over-the-Top, Can't-Be-Missed Festivals

To Bean or Not to Bean, Is That Even a Question?  

 

As the leaves begin to turn red and gold deep in the Ozarks, excitement starts to build. Competitors check and double check recipes. Others put the final tweaks on their racing machines. Before long, the aroma of beans and outhouses fill the mountain air -- it's time for the Annual Arkansas Bean Fest and Great Championship Outhouse Races. This fest had GypsyNester written all over it. How could we possibly resist? [Read More]

'Hidden' attractions in Washington, D.C.

At certain times of the year, exploring our nation's capital can become an exploration of one's patience. When weekends and holidays allow many to flock to D.C.'s famed attractions, long lines and big crowds are inevitable. Beyond the monuments and the Mall, however, there's much more to see and do than you might imagine. You just need to find some of the hidden gems in and around the capital.  [Read More]

For your next road trip: Top family-friendly restaurants

There's more than pizza and chicken fingers on the menu at America's top-rated family-friendly restaurants, announced today by Urbanspoon.
Making the grade are a vegan place in Orlando, an Asian fusion restaurant on Maui, Hawaii, and Southern comfort fare in Asheville, N.C.  [Read More]