Gracie Metz

One of the lighthouses along Michigan’s northeast shore (photo courtesy of Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The lighthouses along Michigan’s northeast shoreline have helped guide more than a century’s worth of sailors. This driving tour follows nearly 78 miles of U.S. Route 23.

Interior of The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, Kentucky (photo courtesy of The Henry Clay Estate)

Explore the life of Speaker of the House and U.S Senator Henry Clay in Lexington, Kentucky, at an estate preserved by his children and grandchildren.

Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (photo by Becky Thurner)

This hands-on museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, teaches visitors about the wonders of space, the human body and the city’s waterways. 

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Boats docked at marina on Cave Run Lake in Winchester, Kentucky (photo by Sherman Cahal)

This expansive body of water in Winchester, Kentucky, comes alive in the summer with opportunities for recreation. 

Child playing with giant chess set at Children's Museum Of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee (photo by Disciple Photo)

More than 30 interactive exhibits including an outdoor splash park await at this Memphis, Tennessee, museum dedicated to the art of learning through play. 

Third-floor gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (photo by Diana Carniato Photography; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Learn about the legends of the genre at this Nashville, Tennessee, attraction where names like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks are honored.

Exterior of the Elwood Hotel & Suites in Lexington, Kentucky (photo by Alyssa Rosenheck)

Southern-chic luxury makes its home at this Lexington, Kentucky, boutique hotel named for the first woman-owned horse to win the Kentucky Derby.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Chicago Illinois (photo by Marcin Cymmer)

Once a jazz club, this Chicago, Illinois, spot elevates the steakhouse experience with prime beef, great cocktails and shareable desserts. 

Visitors at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan (photo by GLSHS Photo)

This main gallery at this Paradise, Michigan, favorite is filled with ship artifacts and historic photography depicting 13 vessels lost on lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan.

People looking out of Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Waiteville, West Virginia (photo by Sharyn Ogden)

This former fire tower located on a mountaintop in Waiteville, West Virginia, is now a scenic lookout point along the Appalachian Trail where volunteers track the migration of raptors. 

Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of The Hershey Co.)

This sweet spot in Hershey, Pennsylvania, brings the fun with a fun ride, interactive experiences and plenty of chocolate to go around. 

People riding hillside incline at Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Hillbilly Golf)

Play a unique game of miniature golf in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Take a ride up the mountainside before playing 18 holes on the way back down. 

Person walking over illuminated suspension bridge at sunset at Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park (photo courtesy of Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park)

This attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sits on 70 acres and boasts opportunities for dining and shopping, a mountain coaster and a treetop walk.

Two women in robes at the Inn and Spa at Walden in Aurora, Ohio (photo courtesy of Inn and Spa at Walden)

Lounge within one of the six styles of suites, including the 1,250-square-foot loft suite, or head to the spa for a variety of treatments at this luxurious Aurora, Ohio, getaway spot.

Little Debbie Park in Collegedale, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Gametime, A Playcore Company)

Climb on Cosmic Brownies and play among other larger-than-life snacks at this whimsical park in Collegedale, Tennessee.

Barbecue dish with sauces and beer at Mabel's BBQ in Cleveland, Ohio (photo by Dustin Johnson)

James Beard Award winner Michael Symon features signature flavors of his hometown in the offerings at this downtown Cleveland, Ohio, favorite. 

View from the Muddy Boots Horseback Tour in Pikeville, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Tour Pike County)

This scenic tour has riders saddling up in Pikeville, Kentucky, for views of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Illuminated trees and path at Oglebay Resort’s Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia (courtesy of Oglebay Resort)

Since 1985, this seasonal attraction in Wheeling, West Virginia, has wowed families with its 6 miles of dazzling installations. 

Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York (photo courtesy of Old Fort Niagara)

Visit one of the longest used military bases in the country in Youngstown, New York. Tour guides tell of life here in the 18th century. 

Pomona Salt Cave and Spa in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Pomona Salt Cafe and Spa)

Enjoy a restful retreat at this halotherapy-focused spot nestled in the mountains of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Presque Isle Lighthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania (photo by Brian Berchtold)

Standing along the Lake Erie shore since 1873, this lighthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania, is brimming with maritime history. 

Sandwich at Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of Primanti Bros.)

Home to the "Almost Famous" sandwich, this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spot is more than just a local legend. 

Twin baby elephants at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York (photo courtesy of Rosamond Gifford Zoo)

There is something for every family to enjoy at this zoo in Syracuse, New York, from summer festivals to the recent addition of twin baby elephants. 

Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto, Ontario (photo by Scott Munn)

Established in 2015, this park that is located a 45-minute drive from central Toronto, Ontario, offers a wealth of outdoor activities and hiking trails.

Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee (photo courtesy of destination)

Once the home of the Grand Ole Opry, this downtown Nashville landmark still hosts live performances and offers tours. 

Stand-up paddleboarders on Summersville Lake in Summersville, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Visit Southern West Virginia)

Chock full of recreation, from rock climbing to scuba diving to swimming, this Summersville, West Virginia, offers plenty of adventure. 

Interior of The Church Brew Works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of The Church Brew Works)

Housed inside a deconsecrated church that opened its doors to worshippers around the turn of the 20th century, this Pittsburgh brewery has become a destination for craft beer fans.

Couple sitting in lawn chairs lakeside at The Lake House on Canandaigua in Canandaigua, New York (photo courtesy of The Lake House on Canandaigua)

Stay lakeside in Canandaigua, New York, at this charming Finger Lakes region inn featuring a relaxing, outdoor barrel sauna experience, beautiful lake vistas and more. 

Night sky reflected in lake at Watoga State Park in Pocahontas County, West Virginia (photo by Jessie Thornton)

Go stargazing at this state park in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, that is home to the largest designated dark-sky zone east of the Mississippi River. 

People zip lining at Red River Gorge Ziplines in Campton, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Red River Gorge Ziplines)

Red River Gorge Ziplines in Campton, Kentucky, offers a canopy-tour experience that includes five zips for adventurers of all ages.