Seven Bridges Road in Duluth, Minnesota is one of the most scenic short drives on the Lake Superior North Shore. It follows Amity Creek through a forest of pine, poplar, and birch. The 4‑mile route crosses seven matching stone‑arch bridges, each built where the road meets the creek, creating a rhythmic sequence of waterfalls, cascades, and gorge views.

Whether it’s an over-the-top home display like in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation or the professional wonderland of Walt Disney World, nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit better than a good old Christmas light display!

I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois known for Candy Cane Lane, so a trip to “see the lights” is something I just HAVE to do at least once a year. Call it an addiction if you must, but I’ve gone as far as Niagara Falls, Canada, not for that famous waterfall but to see the "Winter Festival of Lights.”  

So, when we pulled into Duluth, Minnesota, back in late summer, I immediately began to see the requests on social media for volunteers to set up for the Bentleyville "Tour of Lights," and my excitement started to build. Not only would I have a Christmas light display in town, but it would be within walking distance!

The Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" opened on November 17th. I was there on the opening night and twice just this week. I never expected anything as elaborate and beautifully done as this! It really is magical! I'm in awe with every visit and manage to see something new.



One of my favorite places to see waterfalls in northwest Wisconsin is Amnicon Falls State Park. Located 15 miles east of Superior, Wisconsin, near Lake Superior, it is one of the easiest places to visit waterfalls on the Lake Superior Waterfall Tour.

This is a small park with only 2.4 miles of hiking trails. The best part of the trail, a 1/4 mile easy loop, is right off the parking lot. This is where you will find four named waterfalls, three smaller unnamed falls, and a historic bridge. None of these waterfalls are very large, but they are all very picturesque. The park is small enough to see the highlights in under an hour, but if you are a true waterfall lover, bring your lunch; you could easily spend most of the day.

In 2018, Wisconsin designated the road through the Bayfield Peninsula as its fourth official scenic byway. Named the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway, this 70‑mile stretch of State Highway 13 curves around the South Shore of Lake Superior, offering sweeping views of deep forests, quiet beaches, and the ever‑changing waters of the “big lake.” Along the route, travelers pass through quaint harbor towns rich with historic architecture, old fishing villages, small orchards and fruit farms, and the homeland of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. At the heart of it all is Bayfield—the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area.

Known primarily as a summer destination, I chose to explore the Bayfield Peninsula in autumn, when most visitors have gone home and the region settles into a quieter rhythm. Many attractions are closed for the season, but it’s the perfect time to reconnect with nature. The fall colors are absolutely electric, and the landscape feels like it’s revealing a side of itself that few travelers ever get to see.

The New Orleans Garden District is one of the city’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods — a walkable showcase of 19th‑century mansions, wrought‑iron balconies, oak‑shaded streets, and iconic Southern architecture. Just a quick ride from the French Quarter, this area is famous for its grand homes, preserved historic streetscapes, and a blend of Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, and Victorian styles.

Whether you’re planning a self‑guided Garden District walking tour, searching for the best photo spots, or simply want to explore one of New Orleans’ most elegant neighborhoods, this guide will take you through the highlights, history, and must‑see homes that define the district.



​

A cave called Cave‑In‑Rock sits along the banks of the Ohio River in a quiet southern Illinois town that shares its name. Its recorded history begins in 1739, when French explorer M. DeLery mapped the limestone cavern and labeled it caverne dans Le Roc, a name that, once translated, remains in use today. Although many of the stories tied to this place are unverified, the folklore surrounding Cave‑In‑Rock began almost immediately after its discovery, weaving tales of riverboat pirates, bandits, fugitives, and murderers who were said to have used the cave as a hideout. Today, the site is one of the featured stops along the Illinois section of the Ohio River Scenic Byway, drawing visitors for both its natural beauty and its legendary past.