New England Travel Guide

*This post originally appeared on www.ryanhemphill.net.

New England has it all: history, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. The six states that make up New England have something to offer everyone—whether you’re a city lover or an outdoor enthusiast. Below are some of the top reasons why you should make New England your next vacation destination.

 

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is located in Maine, and it’s the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. The park features mountains, forests, and coastlines. Echo Lake Beach is a must-visit for bird watchers who want to catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons. Another section of the park that’s worth visiting is the Thunder Hole. The Thunder Hole is a rock formation along the Atlantic coast that makes a clapping sound when water rushes into it. At times it also sprays water as high as 40 feet into the air.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mount Washington Cog Railway was the first cog railway in the world with the ability to climb up a mountain. It’s still in operation today and offers unparalleled views of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The train climbs up the mountain at 3 miles an hour, and it takes about an hour to reach the top.

Mystic Seaport

Visiting Mystic Seaport is like stepping back in time to the 19th century. The living history museum features a number of ships that were built during the late 19th century. When you visit you will also find a recreation of a 19th-century coastal village and the Preservation Shipyard where workers use traditional shipbuilding methods to make ships. Visit Mystic Seaport’s website to learn more.

Kancamagus Highway

Along the 34.5-miles of the Kancamagus Highway you won’t get good cell phone reception or see any hotels, but you will see some of the best fall foliage in New England. If you plan to drive down the Kancamagus Highway, then make sure you fill up your tank before the trip. The luxuries of modern life are left behind when you start your journey.

 

Fenway Park

Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and home to the Boston Red Sox. The park opened in 1912 and has a number of interesting features like the lone red seat. The lone red seat can be found in the right field bleachers. It marks the spot where the longest home run in Fenway history was hit.

New England has so much to offer visitors. No matter which state you visit you’ll find beauty and excitement. To learn more about New England visitDiscover New England.

What You Need To Know Before Visiting Colombia

*This post originally appeared on www.ryanhemphill.net.

As a result of the popularity of the Netflix show Narcos, more Americans are thinking about Colombia. Yet the country has a lot more to offer than a dark past haunted by Pablo Escobar. If you are planning on visiting Colombia, below are some things you should keep in mind.

It’s Safe To Visit

While Pablo Escobar remains a popular media subject, Colombia’s days of drug violence have mostly vanished. Colombia’s capital city Bogotá feels just like any other major city. In fact, the capital, in addition to being home to numerous museums and galleries, is known as the Athens of South America due to the number of its educational institutions.

The Colombian Peso

The Colombian Peso is in denominations of mil (Spanish for one thousand). Don’t be surprised if you see a cappuccino that costs 5 mil. You can use notes of 1000, 2000, and even 50,0000 pesos.

You Probably Don’t Need A Visa

US citizens who travel to Colombia as tourists don’t need a tourist visa. If you travel to the country for business, though, the visa requirements might be different so make sure you do additional research before booking your trip.

Check The Weather

The weather you’ll experience on your trip depends on which city you visit. For example, the average monthly temperature in Bogota is 58 °F. On the other hand, the coastal city of Cartagena has a tropical climate where temperatures usually average in the 80s. If you plan to travel to multiple Colombian cities, then make sure you bring appropriate clothes for different climates.

Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle

It’s common practice to haggle with street vendors in big cities like Bogotá and Medellín. When a street vendor quotes you a price on something, you don’t have to accept it. Negotiation is an accepted practice, and it’s the best way to get a cheap deal. The first price that street vendors quote is usually incredibly higher than what they are willing to sell for.

Coffee

Colombia has some of the highest coffee production in the world. The country loves coffee so much that there’s even a theme park that’s dedicated to coffee production. It’s called the National Coffee Park. When you visit make sure you get a cup of café tinto (black coffee).

Salsa

If you’re a fan of salsa dancing, then you’ll love Colombia. And if you’ve always wanted to learn the dance, there’s no better place than Santiago de Cali. Cali is often called the “Capital de la Salsa.” To learn more about salsa in Colombia, read this article.

Aguardiente

Aguardiente means fiery water. The spirit usually has between 25%-30% alcohol content and is drank neat. In the Andean regions of the country, aguardiente has been the most popular alcoholic drink since Spanish rule. A celebration in Colombia wouldn’t be complete without it.

4 Locations For Your Fall Getaway

*This post originally appeared on ryanhemphill.net

Soon summer will be over, and the leaves will start to fall. If you live in the Eastern United States, you are in the prime location to experience the best that fall has to offer. Keep reading to learn about some of the top fall travel destinations.

Vermont

The Green Mountain State has some of the best fall foliage on the East Coast. According to Vermont’s official tourism website, 75% of the state is covered in forests, and the state has “the highest percentage of vibrant maple trees in the country” (Vermont). Wherever you go in the state, you will not be disappointed by the colors that you see. Each year the tourism website releases a fall foliage report. Take a look at last year’s list to get some ideas on where you should visit this year. And check out this page for some of the best ”foliage tips.”

New York

New York is another great destination for fall foliage and activities. Whether you are in the city or exploring the rest of the state, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable fall adventure. The ILoveNY website has a helpful list of different activities that you can do during autumn, including a weekend getaway page. The weekend getaway page lists 4 different trip ideas, and everything is planned out from where you should eat to which parks you should visit. It’s a great resource for travelers who have trouble planning their trips.

Quebec

While this destination isn’t located in the Eastern United States, it deserves a mention. Quebec borders the two states mentioned above. One place worth visiting is Jacques-Cartier National Park which is located 30 minutes from Quebec City. The park features over 60 miles of hiking trails. During autumn the surrounding trees come alive with vibrant color. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the fall. The Quebec tourism website recommenders 3 “renowned mountain bike destinations.”

One of the most popular cities to visit in the country is Montreal. The city features a number of parks that won’t disappoint visitors that seek fall foliage.  Mount Royal Park, in particular, has some of the best autumn views in the city. Take a look at this site for more Montreal travel inspiration.

North Carolina

If you prefer to head south during the fall, make sure to pass through North Carolina. In addition to the beautiful foliage you’ll encounter, you can also enjoy one of the state’s many fall music festivals. Here’s a handy list of 8 festivals that take place during September and October. Asheville is a popular destination to visit in autumn due to the many waterfalls in the area. Nature lovers will be blown away by the combination of spectacular waterfalls surrounded by brilliant fall colors.