Extraordinary stays across the UK for £100 or under
The UK is full of one-of-a-kind places to stay – and a lot of them are easy on the pocket too. From shepherd's huts and glamping pods to converted buses, sometimes the weirdest and most wonderful accommodation options turn out to be the cheapest as well.
Read on to browse 25 unique UK stays where you can spend the night for £100 or less...
*Prices correct at time of writing.
Set on an organic smallholding near the Mourne Mountains, this gorgeous and secluded off-grid cottage is entirely solar and wind powered. There's a wood-burning stove and solar-powered hot water (which also provides underfloor heating), with plenty of scenic walks, local pubs, restaurants and shops to explore.
The owners, who live on the farm, run courses and open days focused on sustainable living, from growing your own food to going off-grid. Stays at one-bedroom Birch Cottage cost from £80 per night.
The owners describe Windmill Campersite as "the quirkiest glamping site on the Isle of Wight", and it more than earns this title with a range of wacky glamping options. The family-run site boasts shepherd's huts, VW campervans, a wooden shack and a helicopter among others.
The facilities are out-of-the-ordinary too – showers at the Showershack come with a sound system and disco lights, while guests can cook up a storm with the bizarre Big Bertha BBQ and Spudomatic potato oven. There's even a silent disco area, communal fire pit, cinema and honesty shop to boot. Shepherd's huts start at around £35 per person per night.
Sleep soundly aboard a boat with no chance of sea sickness: this converted narrowboat is now moored up inland on Middlemoor Farm near Alnwick. It sleeps two in a double bed, and there's also a galley kitchen and a bathroom, with views across to Lindisfarne Castle from the porthole.
There's no chance of cabin fever either, since it's got a lovely decking area where you can enjoy panoramas as you cook up a campfire feast – logs and marshmallows are provided. A four-night stay on Moonraker works out at £94 per night.
A popular jumping-off point for excursions into the Mourne Mountains in County Down, this rustic mountain lodge and glamping site combines a plum location with some great amenities.
For the cheapest stay, the pet-friendly glamping pods serve up authentic outdoor adventure with plenty of home comforts. Guests can make use of an open fire, outdoor kitchen hut and shared shower and toilets. Sauna and hot tub sessions are also available for an extra fee. Pricing for the Pevensie pod starts at £95 per night for one person.
When it opened in 2000, this quirky hotel on Brighton's seafront was a pioneer in the hip B&B scene. Today Hotel Pelirocco still hits the mark with 19 unashamedly kitsch rooms, each with a different theme.
At the cheaper end for double rooms are Lord Vader's Quarters, Star Wars-themed bunks kitted out with a Darth Vader costume, lightsabers and DVDs. Single rooms like Do Knit Disturb start at £59 while doubles like the aforementioned Lord Vader's Quarters are available from £84 (both including breakfast).
This stylishly converted 1960s bus can be found parked up in a gorgeous garden near Hay-on-Wye, a quaint market town close to the England-Wales border. You'll find plenty of home comforts once onboard, from a wood burner to a plush double sofa bed. Outside there's a fire pit and wood-fired hot tub that up to five people can slip into. A stay here starts at £90 per night, assuming two people sharing.
Situated on The Leas promenade, this 4-star boutique hotel is perfect for couples, with ensuite bathrooms and sea views. The 44-room property also features The Cliffe Restaurant & Bar, so after a day spent exploring the nearby Leas Cliff Hall or at the beach, you can hunker down for hearty food and drink.
For longer or more intimate stays, book one of their ground-floor apartments, which come with two bedrooms and a private living/dining room with kitchenette. Rates start at £70 per night.
This historic hideaway is available for hire from the Landmark Trust. Sitting above a little square in central Lancaster, it's thought to have been built in around 1730 as a garden pavilion for a wealthy lawyer's residence. Long since detached from the house, the Music Room has an exceptional Baroque interior that was painstakingly restored by a building preservation charity.
Now guests can marvel at the extraordinary plasterwork as they recline in a four-poster bed. There's also a baby grand piano and a roof terrace with incredible views over the castle and historic city. Four nights cost from £332, which is £83 a night.
Howgills Hideaway's cute hobbit-esque huts are bound to charm even the most reluctant glampers. Set on an organic farm that's surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Howgills Fells, they're a great base for walkers.
The timber-framed pods sleep up to four in a double and sofa bed and come with a little kitchen and outside deck area, while a communal shower and toilet block is nearby. Pods start at £80 per night.
Retreat to this private clifftop farm, set along the hilly coastline of northeast Aberdeenshire, where you can stay in hideaway huts, a vintage railway carriage (pictured) or a refurbished 18th-century cottage. The wooden camping pods sleep between two and four guests and come with beds, crockery, cutlery, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave and a TV, while outside you've got your own dining and cooking area.
Spend your day winding through the great Scottish countryside with coastal views – you might even spot a dolphin – and by night relax by the fire. Communal bathroom facilities consist of a shower room while the toilet is housed in a disused whisky barrel. Hideaway huts start from £70 per night.
Affectionately known as Boris, this glamping pod began life as a military trailer – but today the camouflaged shell is the only real nod to his former gig. His insides have been transformed into a comfy place to spend the night, with a compact kitchen and two single or one king-size double bed.
A sky light ensures there's plenty of natural light too. Set in the mountainous landscape of Kylerhea, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the views are sensational and you can see the best-known locations on a vintage jeep tour. A stay here starts from £100 per night.
It's not the prettiest of properties from the outside, but it's certainly a stay with a difference. This observation tower at RAF Wainfleet, a former weapons range, dates right back to the 1890s. Spread over five floors, you can book the properties individually or together for up to 22 guests.
Alternatively you can stay at former RAF bunkers and helicopters which have been converted into more unique accommodation. The Helipods start from £70 per night.
A stay at the Church of St Mary the Virgin really does put the glam in champing (camping in historic churches). Not only are you doing your bit for charity by protecting at-risk historic churches, but you're tucked away in England's tiniest town of Fordwich.
Just three miles (5km) from Canterbury, the property sleeps up to eight guests with fold-out camping beds, and is also dog-friendly. You'll need to bring your own bedding, but you'll have exclusive use of this Norman church, which comes with hot chocolate, hammocks and all the basic kitchen supplies. A stay starts from £49 per person per night.
Ideally situated on the North East 250 (a popular 250-mile/400km circular driving route), this family-run farm offers glamping pods and caravan and camping pitches, with the historic Craigmin Bridge just a short stroll away. Each wood-panelled pod sleeps up to four adults with a double bedroom and sofa bed, while there's a wet room with an electric shower, compact kitchen and L-shaped sofa facing the neat dining table. Prices start from £90 per night, or £100 if you need sofa bedding.
Law-abiding citizens can stay in this prison-themed spot in Margate. It's set up in a former cold store in an attractive Georgian house, and the attention to detail is impressive: think bars on the windows, bolts on the doors and an optional mugshot on arrival. It's built for comfort, though, with bunk beds and bundles of blankets – and at £95 per night, the price isn't too punishing either.
Is Tŷ Milford Waterfront the ultimate bargain with a view? Have a cwtch (hug) on the king-size double bed while watching the flat-screen TV or wander down to the hotel's Fitness Suite, where guests can enjoy complimentary access. The swish, slick rooms are bright and airy and are equipped with an ensuite bathroom, kettle, towels and iron, while a one-night stay in a king room with breakfast included is just £82.
This luxury boutique hotel is set within a Grade II-listed building, and while there are nods to its history (like the hallway's chandelier and elegant staircase), today it's been fully renovated with a modern feel.
Most of the rooms offer views of Leicester Cathedral and it's just a short walk from the King Richard III Visitor Centre. The spacious rooms are set in muted blue tones and are equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, mini fridge and flat-screen TV. There's also free on-site parking and electric vehicle charging points. A one-night stay in a standard double room costs around £99 per night.
You're guaranteed a stylish stay at this boutique hotel: think subtle glam with all the silver trimmings. Situated in the picturesque Oulton Broad suburb of Lowestoft, all rooms are ensuite while downstairs you can sit at the bar and order a sumptuous cocktail or two. Rates start from £63 per night.
Set in a beautifully restored Edwardian townhouse a short stroll from Derry/Londonderry's city centre, this boutique adults-only hotel hits all the right notes with its jazz-themed interiors.
Each of the five individually designed guest rooms pays tribute to a jazz icon, while the overall vibe channels the spirit of a 1930s speakeasy. There's also a lounge, a shared kitchen and a pretty garden to kick back in. In low season, double rooms start from just £68 – a smooth deal if ever we saw one.
This airy lodge started life rather prosaically – it used to be a railway signal box. Previously overlooking Wymondham Station, it was moved to its current lush location in the Norfolk countryside back in 2000. Set over two floors, it's large and light-filled with an open-plan dining area and a spacious bedroom. Costing from £473 for a week, a stay here works out at less than £68 per night.
This cute, family-run inn started life in the 16th century as a coach house, but today it's best-known among locals for its cask beers and traditional grub, and for being a great base for exploring nature and wildlife. There are only two rooms here – a double and standard twin room – both of which come with ensuite bathrooms, landmark views and breakfast. This only adds to its splendid English charm, and rooms cost roughly £100 through Booking.com.
This refurbished bijou hotel near Llanelli is the perfect setting for exploring the wider Carmarthenshire area and neighbouring Swansea Bay. The old manor house offers five themed rooms from Cariad (Love) to Cwsg (Sleep) and all except one are ensuite. The Cwtch room features an inviting fireplace while Cariad overlooks the heart-shaped lawn.
Topped with a lounge bar, terrace and restaurant, Llwyn Country House is a great base for exploring or simply bunking down. A one-night stay costs around £84 per night or from £99 for two people.
Glampers will adore these charming timber-framed roundhouses and luxury pods set on a country campsite within the gorgeous North York Moors. Designed to blend in with the surrounding woodland, the pods sleep up to four and come with a wood-burning stove and lovely deck for alfresco eating. Meanwhile the roundhouses also sleep four, with electric heaters for chilly nights and decks with barbecues.
Handily there's an on-site shop that sells all the camping essentials you need. The roundhouses and pods typically start from £160 for two nights, working out at £80 a night.
Nestled in the Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, this red shepherd's hut comes with an equipped kitchenette including a fridge and microwave. There's also a bathroom, flat-screen TV and outdoor patio area. A double bed is tucked into the corner of the white-walled bedroom with a small table and two comfy chairs beside it.
The outdoor patio area is perfect for listening to morning birdsong with a cup of coffee, or star-gazing after dark. A night's stay costs around £99.
Locals say the water around this grand Victorian hotel is health-boosting, so don't be surprised if you leave feeling practically bionic – especially after some time in the spa.
Perched on a hillside just outside Pitlochry and set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Perthshire Highlands, the hotel blends traditional highland hunting lodge architecture with plenty of contemporary touches. Two stylish lounges and a renowned restaurant are ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the hills. Depending on the season, you can snag a double room for just £79.

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Miami Herald
5 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Hit the Road: Epic Midwest Road Trips You've Gotta Try
Ready to plan your next great American road trip? Skip the usual and hit the heartland! The Midwest is packed with jaw-dropping natural beauty, quirky roadside stops, and vibrant cities that don't get nearly enough love. Use Chicago, St. Louis, or Detroit as your launchpad, then head toward epic sand dunes, storybook islands, or even a Christmas-themed amusement park (yes, in the summer!). Whether you're in the mood for hiking, history, or just a really good slice of pie, the Midwest delivers. This state-by-state guide will show you the best vacation spots across America's middle - from Ohio's hidden gems to South Dakota's wide-open wonders. Let's roll!I Need more travel inspiration? Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Oak Park, Illinois Best known as the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is the first suburb west of Chicago and easy to get to via the Green Line on Chicago's famous elevated train system. (It seems like just about every movie filmed in Chicago has at least one scene that takes place beneath the L tracks!) Stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, then take the walking tour of the Wright-designed homes in the surrounding neighborhood. Read More: How to Road Trip with a Baby – A Survival Guide for Parents Great River Road Scenic Byway More than 2,000 miles long, the Great River Road Scenic Byway runs along the Mississippi River through 10 states and hundreds of historic river towns. That includes 33 miles from Hartford to Grafton, Illinois, where the road is known as the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. This drive is particularly beautiful in the fall when the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. Read More: How to Plan an Epic Family Road Trip in 6 Easy Steps Starved Rock State Park This lovely state park is about 90 minutes west of Chicago. It's a mecca for hikers and nature lovers. Trails wind along the gorgeous steep sandstone cliffs that line the Illinois River. During the spring and early summer, it's easy to find waterfalls along the hiking trails. You can camp there or spring for a stay at the Starved Rock Lodge. Indianapolis, Indiana This Midwest town is one of our favorites. It's small enough to feel manageable, even to people who aren't used to urban hustle and bustle, but big enough to offer plenty of fun. Start at Indianapolis' White River State Park. Located right in the center of the city, it's home to the Indianapolis Zoo, a minor league baseball stadium, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum (check tickets) and the NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions, with lots of fun hands-on play for tweens and teens. Indy locals consider the river one of the city's hidden gems. Indianapolis is also home our hands-down, absolute favorite kids' museum, the Indianapolis Children's Museum. It's a must-stop destination for dino-loving families. Get a tickets pass to eight main attractions of Indianapolis. And then visit Indy Island, one of Indiana's best indoor waterparks. The city neighborhoods of this Midwest vacation spot are connected via biking trails that wind through its cultural districts. SheBuysTravel Tip: If you have a membership to a local museum or zoo, check to see whether it is a member of a reciprocity group before you head off on your family vacation. It could mean free entrance to museums and zoos during your trip as well! There are groups for science museums, zoos and cultural institutions. Santa Claus, Indiana / Holiday World It's Christmastime year-round in Santa Claus, Indiana. Write a letter to Santa at the post office, or spend the day at the super family friendly theme park, Holiday World. Who doesn't love an entire theme park themed to Christmas? Des Moines Let the kids run off some road trip energy at Des Moines Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This park is located off of Grand Avenue and showcases more than 25 sculptures spread over more than 4 acres. Metered parking is readily available nearby. Not only is this a great photo spot that teens will love for the Insta, but it's got a hill in it that kids can't resist rolling down over and over. Who said fun can't be free!? Dubuque Located where Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa meet, Dubuque lets you tick off three states on your Midwest road trip. While there is plenty to do in Dubuque, including an arboretum, aquarium and caves to explore, we highly recommend checking out the Fenelon Place Elevator (also called the Fourth Street Elevator). Technically a funicular, this elevator has been called the shortest, steepest scenic railway ride. You sit in a cable car for the ascent. Once you're at the top, you'll have a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and three states. Elk Horn How often do you have the opportunity to feel like you're visiting another country without leaving the Midwest? Elk Horn, Iowa, is home to the Museum of Danish America. If you have older kids, let them roam the grounds and explore the museum. For kids under 12, the better stop is going to be the Danish Windmill. You'll get some fun family photos and get to check out a working windmill. Originally built in Nørre Snede, Denmark in 1848, the windmill was brought to the United States in pieces and rebuilt by a team of volunteers in 1976. The site also has a village replica, tiny chapel and gift shop full of fun items and things to eat. Kimballton This town of fewer than 500 people is another great stop to explore Danish heritage in Iowa. Kimballton is home to Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid & Sculpture Gardens. This small park based around a fountain features a replica of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark. There are 8 more bronze sculptures representing stories by Andersen. Nasreen's kids loved seeing these and talking about the original stories they were based on. It's a good, quick stop for the whole family. SheBuysTravel Tip: There's a small playground nearby, so allow time for the kids to play. Quad Cities The Quad Cities include Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. Tractor-loving kids (and adults) will require a visit to the free John Deere Pavilion in Moline. The Putnam Science Museum in Davenport is also a must-do. The whole family will demand home-made ice cream from Lagomarcino's. Choose to stop at the downtown location, open since 1908. SheBuysTravel Tip: Get some exercise by renting bikes and riding the path along the Mississippi River. Mitchell There's just one reason to stop in Mitchell on an I-90 road trip across Iowa: The Corn Palace. This kitschy stop has been operating since 1892 and is exactly what it sounds like: a reason to get people to pull off the highway and visit Mitchell. Every year, artists decorate the outside of the building with 325,000 ears of corn. A visit is free, but bring your wallet. The kids will want to buy some of the corn-y souvenirs and treats. Winterset, Iowa Winterset is the home of legendary actor John Wayne, has a super fun sculpture park, and fun, family-friendly railroad attractions. Central Iowa is also the inspiration for The Bridges of Madison County. Kansas City, Kansas The College Basketball Experience in Kansas City is a slam dunk for families. But our favorite thing to do in KC is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, where it's virtually guaranteed you'll hear someone say, "Oh, I used to have that toy!" Read More: Best Hotels in Salina, Kansas: The Little Town that Could! Whether you're visiting gorgeous beach towns on Lake Huron, spending the winter with sled dogs in Traverse City, touring the state capitol in Lansing or looking for the Northern Lights in Petoskey, there are so many delightful towns to visit in both the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. The state also offers a few unique Midwest vacation spots for your Midwest road trip. SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking to visit both Wisconsin and Michigan in one trip? Make the travel more fun by crossing Lake Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry! Detroit, Michigan If you haven't been to Detroit lately, you haven't been to Detroit. It is a city on the rise. Plan to spend a day at the beautiful Belle Isle Park, home to one of the oldest aquariums in North America. It's small and free and well worth a look to show the kids how aquariums have changed over the years. The Detroit Historical Society, a small but exceedingly well done museum, showcases the history of the town the automakers built. The Detroit Art Institute across the street is a world-class art museum with impressive special events. And don't miss a chance to eat a burger and fries at HopCat! Holland, Michigan Holland, Michigan may be the closest thing you can get to the Netherlands without traveling to Europe. A large, authentic Dutch windmill is perhaps the highlight of a stop in this Midwest vacation spot but there also are Dutch restaurants, architecture tours, and even wooden shoe carving shows. If you visit in May, you'll be treated to the Tulip Time Festival, too! Mackinac Island, Michigan This no-cars-allowed island between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas is probably the most famous Midwest vacation spot on our list. Mackinac Island is home to the United States' second-ever National Park. Mackinac Island National Park is 70 acres of forests, incredible rock formations, wildlife and beautiful water features, as well as historical and cultural landmarks. And it's a wonderful place to explore on bicycles because you don't have to dodge cars! Before you go, practice saying the name. It's pronounced Mack-i-naw even though it's spelled Mackinac. And it's definitely worth a visit, even if you can only spend one day on Mackinac Island. Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan Long the playground of wealthy Chicagoans looking to beat the city heat each summer, there is a wealth of fun outdoors things to do in Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas. Topping that list is a visit to Oval Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan. It's no wonder this small town has been named the "Best Beach Town in the Midwest" by Midwest Living magazine. Traverse City, Michigan This foodie town sits on the banks of Grand Traverse Bay and is the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes(check out available tours), one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. Really. Feed your hungry teens anything cherry — from cherry jam to cherry burgers. Duluth, Minnesota Duluth, like many of the Great Lakes towns on this Midwest family vacations list, offers lots of outdoor activities for families. It is also home to Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US. Minneapolis, Minnesota Home to the Mall of America (which may be reason enough to visit), Minneapolis and its sister city, St. Paul, have so much to offer visitors. Explore the largest mall in the US, or enjoy a number of theater performances. Hike to Minnehaha Falls or explore miles of nature trails along the Mississippi River. It's also one of the most affordable family vacations in the Midwest, with lots of free things to do with kids. Branson, Missouri Branson, Missouri, is a fun and affordable vacation destination with beautiful lakes and mountains as well as fun shows and theme parks. Silver Dollar City is a family-friendly park themed to an old mining town. Choose from more than 40 rides and live entertainment. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri 'The Strip' at Lake of the Ozarks offers your typical tourist fare: gift shops, arts and crafts, fudge and candy factories and the like. But it's the beautiful lake (with more than 50 marinas), a collection of golf courses, horseback trails, boat tours through caverns and tours of mansions (both current and historic) that makes this a worthy Midwest vacation spot that will keep you busy for as long as you want to stay. St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is one of our favorite Midwest getaway spots. Less than 6 hours from Cincinnati, Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Louisville, Nashville, Tulsa and Memphis, it may be the most centrally located destination on this list. You'll want to visit the Gateway Arch, of course, but plan to spend some time at Forest Park. It's larger than New York's Central Park and home to a free zoo and a number of free museums. There's also the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant's Farm and the eclectic, one-of-a-kind City Museum. There's a really fun and trendy waterfront area (Laclede's Landing), plus an aquarium and lots of stuff for sports lovers, including taking in a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. St. Charles, Missouri Just a half hour's drive from St. Louis is charming and historic St. Charles. Celebrate car culture with a stop at Fast Lane Classic Cars to ogle the 200 classic and muscle cars on display. Or forget about your car for a while and hop on board the St. Charles Trolley to ride the 30 minute loop around town. Download the app to track where the trolley is so you'll know how long you'll need to wait for a ride. The best part? It's free! Omaha, Nebraska Omaha as a must-do for foodies. It is one of the nicest, cleanest and most hospitable family vacation spots in the Midwest – especially in the spring when the weather is perfect. Don't miss the opportunity in Omaha for your kids to stand in two states at once! Check Omaha experiences here. Even though it was pouring rain, SheBuysTravel contributor Nasreen Stump said her kiddos still thought it was one of the coolest things they did on their Midwest road trip. There is plenty of parking on the Omaha side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. You can walk to the middle of the bridge and straddle the state line between Nebraska and Iowa. Activities for kids exist on both sides of the bridge. Cincinnati, Ohio Like the other large cities on this list, Cincinnati offers far too many attractions to really cover here. World-class museums, one of the best zoos in the country, several professional sports teams and a vast history are only a handful of the reasons to visit the Queen City. Check out the best nightlife options in Cincinnati and these fun free things to do in Cincinnati. Cleveland, Ohio The most famous attraction in Cleveland, Ohio is probably the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Even my kids, who didn't know half of the artists, found plenty of interesting things to see and do. Don't miss a stop at the fun hands-on Great Lakes Science Center next door. Save a few bucks by buying the combo ticket admission to both the hall of fame and science center. While you're in Cleveland, you should also check out the beautifully revitalized Little Italy neighborhood or catch a Cavaliers game. Hocking Hills, Ohio Travel less than an hour from Columbus, Ohio's capital city, and you'll find yourself at the beginning of Appalachia. Hocking Hills State Park has some of the area's best hiking for families. We've taken young kids there on paved trails and spent time on more difficult hikes with older kids and adults. For adventure seekers, there's zip lining. This Midwest vacation spot is also home to caves, waterfalls and cultural and historic attractions. Small lakes offer boating (pontoon and human-powered craft such as kayaks or canoes only) and water sports. Sandusky/Lake Erie Shore, Ohio Sandusky, Ohio, is home to Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. We agree. It's where we took our kids to teach them to love roller coasters! Start with the smaller, tamer coasters and work your way up the Top Thrill Dragster — a steel coaster that reaches speeds of 120 mph as it shoots you straight up, then crawls over the top to wind straight back down, all in 17 seconds. There are also four indoor waterpark resorts and beautiful beaches along Lake Erie. From Sandusky, take a ferry to Kelleys Island or South Bass Island's Put-in-Bay. On these Lake Erie islands, take a cave tour, go fishing or climb the Marblehead Lighthouse in Port Clinton for spectacular views. Warren County, Ohio You can also take a scenic train ride to Lebanon, the county seat of Warren County – 'Ohio's Largest Playground.' Here you'll find a charming downtown area with some of the country's best antiques shopping. You can even dine – or stay overnight – at the Historic Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant. Opened in 1803, the Golden Lamb has hosted 12 US presidents and dozens of other US and world dignitaries. Driving through South Dakota is THE iconic Midwest road trip. Start with a stop in Wall, South Dakota, to gawk at the incredibly touristy Wall Drug, wind through the breathtaking Badlands National Park, see Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, pay your respects to Crazy Horse, then watch the buffalo roam at Custer State Park. Consider staying in Rapid City. It's centrally located to all of the South Dakota attractions. Badlands National Park Take the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) and stop often to ogle the Instagrammable rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires of Badlands National Park. Watch for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and other protected wildlife. Mount Rushmore Look up President Washington's nose (really!) as you hike around Mount Rushmore. That's the national park where the busts of four presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — are carved into the side of the Black Hills Mountains. This Midwest vacation spot draws more than 3 million visitors every year. Custer State Park You can hike, fish and be wowed by Needles Highway here. But the biggest reason to visit Custer State Park is the chance to stop the car and watch the herd of 1,300 grazing buffalo on the Wildlife Loop. Crazy Horse Monument Unlike the other South Dakota attractions, Crazy Horse is a private endeavor run by a nonprofit. The project was started by Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948. It's still far from finished. Madison, Wisconsin Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and it's a rockin' college town. Take the free tour of the beautiful capitol building, then walk across the street to browse through the (also free) Wisconsin Veterans Museum. On Saturdays from April to November, the capital is circled with a huge farmers' market selling everything from veggies to the must-try Wisconsin cheese curds. (You know they're fresh if they squeak when you bite into them.) Here's our list of the best things to do in Madison, including eating some of Wisconsin's famous cheese curds. Never skip the cheese curds! Milwaukee, Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin combines a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan with the hustle and bustle of an urban center. Visit the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum and take the little ones to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum and school-age kids to Discovery World. Motorcycle fans can visit Harley-Davidson Museum, and Milwaukee visitors can take part in several festivals throughout the year – including Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin About an hour north of Milwaukee, Elkhart Lake is a lovely, serene family vacation spot in the Midwest. Several hotels nestle along the shores of the lake, where the calm water tends to be much warmer than Lake Michigan. We love the beautiful Osthoff Resort which has a number of wonderful restaurants. Race fans will want to plan a visit to RaceAmerica to watch a race or take a track driving course. Green Bay, Wisconsin Green Bay is best known as the home of the powerhouse Green Bay Packers American football team, which is celebrated at the team's Titletown complex. But Green Bay also is the gateway to Door County. Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County is famous for its small towns along the bay and its fish boils. Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin Dells calls itself the 'water park capital of the world.' While we love the giant indoor Kalahari Waterpark any time and the giant outdoor Noah's Ark waterpark in the summertime, there's much more to do there than just water slides. Much like a visit to Branson, Missouri, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you'll find a plethora of go-kart tracks, live dinner shows and boat tours. Don't miss a ride on the famous Duck Boats! Away from the hustle and bustle of those tourist destinations though, you'll also find plenty of water sports and hiking in the Dells' three nearby state parks. Editor's Note: This is an updated version of a post written by Jennifer Kaufman. Q: What is the best time of year to take a Midwest road trip? A: The best time to take a Midwest road trip is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the attractions are open. However, if you're interested in fall foliage, consider visiting in September or October. Q: How long should I plan for a Midwest road trip? A: It depends on how many stops you want to make and how much time you have. For a comprehensive Midwest road trip, plan for at least 2-3 weeks. However, if you're short on time, you can still hit some of the highlights in a week or less. Q: What are some must-see attractions on a Midwest road trip? A: Some must-see attractions on a Midwest road trip include Mount Rushmore, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, and the Wisconsin Dells. Q: Is it safe to travel to the Midwest? A: Yes, the Midwest is generally a safe place to travel. However, as with any destination, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Q: What are some budget-friendly options for a Midwest road trip? A: Some budget-friendly options for a Midwest road trip include camping instead of staying in hotels, packing your own food instead of eating out, and visiting free attractions like state parks and museums. The post Hit the Road: Epic Midwest Road Trips You've Gotta Try appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved


Boston Globe
a day ago
- Boston Globe
Veteran Broadway actor Richard Topol on hanging with Larry David — and that time his car was impounded
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? I've been dying to go to Machu Picchu. I'd like to do the few-day hike all the way up — something about the combination of a vigorous climb through forests and highlands to reach the top of a mountain, where you find an unfathomable man-made structure, seems like the magical pairing of natural beauty with human creation. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own? Depends on where I'll be going, but my sister-in-law is a travel agent and I often like to go through her. Advertisement Thoughts on an 'unplugged' vacation? I'm headed to the High Sierras in California for a week of backpacking in August with three of my college buddies. Can't wait. Unplugged for sure. What has been your worst vacation experience? Can I let you write about this? My girlfriend and I were traveling back from Canada in her old VW bug, and we got stopped at the border because we looked young and scruffy — or at least I did. It was during [the elder] George Bush's 'war on drugs.' I had one joint in my backpack, and they took us out of the car and searched everything. When they found my joint, which my girlfriend begged me to throw out the window before we got to the border, they impounded the car, and we were stuck at this isolated border station in Vermont. Luckily, they said we could buy the car back, and it was an old VW, so its Bluebook value was only $250. The Border folks had to drive us 20 minutes to the nearest town so we could withdraw that cash from a bank and buy the car back. The most expensive joint I never got to smoke. Advertisement What is your favorite childhood travel memory? So many. Maybe my favorite was our road trip from the Adirondacks through Canada to Quebec City, Montreal, and the Thousand Islands to Toronto, or the summer where we swapped houses with a family in Richmond just outside London. Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? Yes, yes, and yes. What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation? I've been trying to crack open both Colm Tóibín's 'The Magician' and Michael Chabon's 'Summerland.' The former seems just the right kind of intense and the latter the right kind of magical. If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? Larry David, with whom I worked on Broadway in his show 'Fish in the Dark.' He might complain a lot, but we'd get to play at all the best golf courses, and he'd make me laugh, even if our flights are delayed, our food never comes, or our luggage gets lost. Advertisement What is the best gift to give a traveler? Advice on the best places to eat, where they are going. Seriously, remember not to over-plan so much that you can't be open to the new world right in front of you. I think you are asking for a tangible physical thing, but I think this is more important and useful. What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip? I do like a few clementines or some fresh fruit because there's just so many tasty salty snacks out there that are hard to say no to. What is the coolest souvenir you've picked up on a vacation? A beautiful handcrafted wrought iron water basin with a mirror that my now wife and I picked up on the vacation in Italy where we got engaged. What is your favorite app/website for travel? I just Google everything. What has travel taught you? That the world is a big beautiful planet filled with magical places, interesting people, and incredible history. Get off your butt and be inspired; learn and grow from experiencing it. What is your best travel tip? See the previous answer and the answer to the question about the best gift to give a traveler.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Why is this attraction billboard on I-91 in Springfield blank?
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Blue 'attractions' signs along Massachusetts highways potentially inform tourists and those unfamiliar with the city's offerings however, some in the Springfield area appear to be blank. Taylor Swift-themed planetarium show 'Reputation: Under the Stars,' coming to Springfield Museums A western Massachusetts resident contacted 22News and said the signs on I-91 in Springfield labeled 'attractions at Exit 5A and Exit 3' have been blank for many years. The signs appeared to be worn out and possibly deter people from visiting. Exit 3 for I-91 is the Route 5 and Route 57 junction, Exit 5A is downtown Springfield, Union Street, and MGM Way. 22News contacted the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which is responsible for these signs, and was told that there are certain requirements that businesses must meet to be listed on the signs. It is the business (such as gas, food, lodging), tourist center, college, or university that is responsible for requesting a logo on the highway signs. Applications can be found on the state's website to request a highway logo sign. Certain criteria must be complied with, including being within three miles of the sign and paying an annual fee of $1,200. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.