Whether you’re normally a meat eater or a devout vegan, the restaurants on this list are so good it’s unreal. Portland, OR, knows how to eat. The city is a legitimate smorgasbord of culinary options. From the colorful bakeries of the Alberta Arts District to the glittering wine bars of downtown, there is something for every type of diner. Given the city’s bent towards a progressive, environmentally-minded culture, it’s no surprise that Portland delivers plant-based options in

For a relaxed road trip with unbeatable scenery, follow Highway 1 south through Big Sur from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, CA. Highway 1 is known to be one of the most scenic roads in the world, especially the stretch of narrow highway that meanders along the cliffs through Big Sur. Big Sur is beyond picturesque. The Santa Lucia Mountains run down to meet the Pacific Ocean where dark, rugged rocks jut up from milky, turquoise water. It's a wild and remote slice of space on an

Sandwiched by the Rio Grande and towering peaks, Taos serves up a bounty of art, solitude, and hot springs. Taos, New Mexico, may be small but it manages to attract the attention of travelers of all types. The raw beauty of the New Mexican high desert, from the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the gaping gorges of the Rio Grande, captivates and entices a diverse array of visitors, from artists and skiers to mountain bikers and art collectors. While there are endless opp

A sweet little town with loads of coastal charm, a healthy dash of history, and endless outdoor activities. Visitors come from near and far to soak up the sights, sounds, and coastal charm of Monterey, CA. Situated on the edge of the expansive Monterey Bay, Monterey is truly a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and nature-lovers. You can spend your day sailing, fishing, surfing at Asilomar, scuba diving in the kelp forests, biking or jogging along the Coastal Trail, bird-watching,

Tucked in the shadow of New York City, northern New Jersey is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the city that never sleeps. Add to that the stereotype that New Jersey is home to nothing more than aggressive drivers, strip malls, and urban sprawl, and it's easy to understand why New Jersey doesn't make it on to many peoples' bucket lists. Yet, skipping over northern New Jersey in favor of more well-known destinations would be a mistake. Northern New Jersey is a pleasan

Let's talk about the 'travel self.' What's a 'travel self,' you ask? You know, it's that version of yourself that comes alive as soon as you hear the word "vacation." It's that version of yourself that can feel so elusive in your normal, everyday life. Maybe your 'travel self' is a little more carefree, a little more open-minded, a little more observant. Maybe you'd describe your 'travel self' as a little more lazy or indulgent (ain't no shame in that!). Your 'travel self' pr

I grew up in Santa Cruz, California - the land of chilled out surfer bros, mountain hippies, political protests, environmentalism, and jaw-dropping, gorgeous nature. The Santa Cruz of today is a little swankier, a little more polished, and a lot more crowded but still offers a stunning array of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to ride through the redwoods on a mountain bike or cruise through the kelp forests in a kayak, Santa Cruz has something for every outdoor ent