9 Tips For Authentic Travel Experiences

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

Are you looking for a unique and fun travel destination for your upcoming trip? If yes, head to Gatlinburg. This town- nestled in the mountains of Tennessee-allows you to see breathtaking views from every location, adding a gorgeous background to the area. From Ober Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome, you can enjoy mountain vistas from everywhere. Moreover, there is never a shortage of adventurous points to observe the scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, whether you’re hiking or riding along in a car. This enchanting town is home to some of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Tennessee, and its vibrant downtown is full of unique attractions. Whether you’re hunting for an action-packed trip or a relaxing vacation, Gatlinburg stores something for every visitor. Additionally, Gatlinburg is full of shops and novelty stores. In fact, the Village Shops have about 25 unique galleries and boutiques, providing you with an unforgettable experience. Alongside, this town is also filled with delicious restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, southern BBQ, pizza, pancakes, or Mexican, you can find it all in this town. But that’s not all. One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is that it’s a budget-friendly destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Gatlinburg or the hundredth, there are countless ways to save money during the vacation. After all, you can get Gatlinburg vacation packages and the best vacation experience within your budget. Here Are 4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg 1. Have Fun at Anakeesta Trust us, a trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without visiting Anakeesta. Anakeesta is one of the best attractions and is a must-visit during your trip to Gatlinburg. With scenic views and an impressive number of exciting activities, this is an excellent spot for visitors of all types and ages. But what can you do at Anakeesta? Some of the fun activities to try at this attraction include: Gem mining: During your trip to Anakeesta, don’t forget to stop by and find your treasure at Gem Mining. An interactive cascade and sluice gate let visitors of all ages looking for an exceptional fossil or gemstone. Grab a meal: If you want to enjoy your meal with breathtaking views, make sure you visit the Cliff Top Restaurant. They offer various meals such as desserts, burgers, steaks, appetizers, and whatnot. Rail Runner: This is a personal roller coaster on a single rail at Anakeesta. The exciting ride starts with 1600 feet of downhill turns and ends with a picturesque uphill ride back to the Anakeesta. 2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium Wondering what makes Ripley's Aquarium a must-visit place in Gatlinburg? One of the best parts about this attraction is that it's perfect for everybody. Everyone will have a blast at Ripley's Aquarium if you have kids or grandparents in your group. The displays are interesting to everybody, and they will all love watching sea creatures like fish and sharks, providing you with a unique chance to bond with the whole crew.  Besides that, throughout the aquarium, you can see creatures up close. For instance, you get the unique opportunity to touch live stingrays as they swim at Touch-a-ray bay. Whereas in the Discovery Center, you can hold horseshoe crabs. This attraction offers a reasonably priced adventure for the whole group. With all the exhibits of the aquarium and the fantastic creatures you can learn about, the price to enter this aquarium is worth it. Moreover, you can even watch one of the interesting live shows at the aquarium. This allows you to watch divers clean and maintain exhibits while being close to the massive predators in Shark Lagoon Dive. Not just that, you can even explore coral reefs and learn more about the colorful fish living during the Coral Reef Drive, guaranteeing you the best time of your life. 3. Roam Around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular park in America, and it’s no wonder why. After all, you can explore many historical sites, from Cataloochee to Old Mill. Whether you’re interested in seeing grist mills or barns, you can find a historic place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not all. There are a lot of other things you can do at this national park, such as: Horseback riding: This allows you to see the national park differently. Sugarlands and Cades Cove are the most famous stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dove: Head to the highest point in this park- Clingmans Dove. Additionally, this is also the highest point in entire Tennessee. You can get to the summit of Clingmans Dove for some of the most incredible observation points. Camping: You can go to the Deep Creek Campground, a 90-site campground perfect for visitors who want to embark on various freshwater activities. Additionally, it also provides impressive hiking trails and views of gorgeous waterfalls. 4. Thrill Yourself at The Skylift Park Do you want to experience something adventurous and fun during your trip to Gatlinburg? If yes, Skylift Park is the perfect cherry on top of your stay in Gatlinburg. But what can you do at this attraction? Here’s how you can spend your time at Skylift Park: Ride the SkyLift: The famous Skylift was created in the 1950s, taking visitors to the top of mountains and back down again. Visit the Skydeck: As soon as you get off the Skylift, you’ll meet the incredible Skydeck. Placed particularly on top of Crockett Mountain, this is the perfect place to relax. You can even grab a snack or beer and enjoy the scenic views. Browse through the gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the first floor of Skycenter on Skydeck. Whether you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountain-themed toys, clothes, or Skylift Park-themed merchandise, you can find it all here. Head to Skypark: The Gatlinburg Skypark lies on the top of the mountain. You can spend your day at the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views you might not find anywhere else. Final Words If you’re confused about where to go in Gatlinburg, check out these places. During your getaway to Gatlinburg, make sure you explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alongside, visit Anakeesta for an exciting and adventurous experience. Trust us, no matter which attractions you choose; you’ll have a blast in this town. Read Also: 5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers

BY  Sibashree Sep 20, 2023

A beach vacation is something we all dream about. The sun, sand, and surf provide the getaway you need for both families and beachgoers alike. The sea will provide you with all the scenic views you can ever desire. But you might be looking for beaches nearest to your location, and if your location is Ohio, then we have a list for you to visit. If you live in Ohio, it is indeed tough to plan a beach day. Among the options for the closest beach to Ohio, you have are Ocean City, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a few other locations. Let’s enjoy the whiff of the sea and explore the most happening places. THIS Is The Closest Beach To Ohio | Ocean Beaches Close To Ohio What is the closest ocean beach to Ohio? It is Atlantic City.  However, all the Ohio beaches have something for everyone, from sandy shores to family-friendly activities.  They will help you make memories while not having to travel too many miles. We are sharing with you some of the beaches close to Ohio and how they feel like a daydream!  1. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina Located just out of Wilmington, North Carolina, it is one of the most gorgeous beaches close to Columbus Ohio. It is in the vicinity of a college town, and its beach is a popular spot for surfing, with several surf outlets to check out. For families, the Airlie Gardens are more suitable. Justin Waller It offers breathtaking scenery, whereas the Battleship North Carolina has a historic tour enjoyed by families with kids.  Leisure calls for good food, and these beaches have plenty of restaurants to try out. There are beachfront accommodations available for a more relaxed holiday with a view of the sea while being the closest beach to Ohio. Distance from Cleveland: 700 miles; approximately 10 hours, 16 minutes Distance from Columbus: 609 miles; approximately 9 hours, 10 minutes You can do several watersport activities, including paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and SCUBA diving at this closest beach to Ohio! You can go out to experience scenic harbor cruises, sailing the Intracoastal waterway, chartering a boat, deep-sea fishing, or a private excursion.  You can enjoy a beautiful sunset at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier, where you can birdwatch or go for a jog! The beach experience is quite significant, especially when you are mesmerized by it.  2. Atlantic City, New Jersey One of the closest ocean beaches to Ohio is Atlantic City, New Jersey. You can reach here from Ohio in under 8 hours. If you are looking for a big-city experience at ocean beaches within 8 hours of Ohio, Atlantic City is your best bet. There are casino resorts that overlook the coastline with 5-star restaurants and high-street fashion boutiques. One of the best beaches closest to Ohio, this place is suitable for all kinds of beach-goers.  Surfing and kayaking are some of the activities that you can do when you visit the beach. You can make plans during the summer as this beach is perfect for fishing and windsurfing! If you want adventure as well as entertainment, then all while you are on the beach, AC is the closest ocean beach to Ohio. Events, activities, and entertainment are all an integral part of this closest beach to Ohio.  If you want to choose hotels on the Beach and Broadwalk, then you can go to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City or the Ocean Casino Resort. Distance from Cleveland: 493 miles; approximately 7 hours, 20 minutes Distance from Columbus: 531 miles; approximately 8 hours, 1 minute There is a huge boardwalk across Atlantic City beach where you can take your children to enjoy! There are different food options, such as fudge, saltwater taffy, and other food items.  There are bars, hotels, and casinos illuminating the sidewalk and boardwalk of Atlantic City Beach. There are mostly seagulls in and around the beach, as there are birds that keep flying around the beach.  3. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon)  This park beach is another pretty seascape, and the closest ocean beach to Ohio. This park has no entrance fee and, therefore, is quite a popular choice for families. Maumee Bay Beach is the ideal place to spend a sunny day with family and friends. Located in Oregon, it is pretty close (a short drive) to Ohio. The sand is clean and maintained in the premises of this park. The water, too, is warm and clear, which makes it suitable for swimming or playing while waves hit. Family activities such as picnicking, fishing, and hiking are available for beach-goers, making it one of the most popular beaches around Ohio. Distance from Cleveland: 110 miles; approximately 1 hour, 58 minutes  Distance from Columbus: 150 miles; approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes  If you are wondering about ocean beaches near Ohio, Maumee Bay State Park should be your utmost choice. There is a Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, too, if you are planning to stay over for the night. The closest beach to Columbus Ohio, Maumee Bay State Park Beach, has a beautiful campground with fireplaces and an indoor pool and lobby. It is a grassy field which is spacious along with foliage covering the space. You can also go biking when you visit this campsite.  This closest ocean beach to Columbus Ohio is used as a campground close to the lodge and water. There are lodges where helpful staff along with friendly attitude towards the visitors. You can easily enjoy all the activities and services near the beach. 4. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor) A beach as pretty as Headlands Beach State Park is hard to find. This is one of the best beach in Ohio. It is located on a long stretch of sandy beach on the coast of Lake Erie. It is an ideal place for swimming, building sandcastles, and sunbathing. This beach also allows pets, but they must be put on a leash. There are quite a few picnic tables and grills available that allow lakeside lunch and dinner. Being right next to the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, you can get a little more adventurous and take a hike on the trails through the dunes nearby. Distance from Cleveland: 36 miles; approximately 41 minutes  Distance from Columbus: 170 miles; approximately 2 hours, 33 minutes  This park has the largest natural beach in Ohio. It is a mile-long beach with natural sand.  The beach near Columbus is also popular for swimming, beach glass hunting, and sunbathing. At just a 41-minute distance, it is also the closest ocean beach to Cleveland, Ohio.  5. Lakeview Park Beach (Loraine) Another beach near Ohio for a family is Lakeview Park Beach. The beach is located on Lake Erie. It offers lots of fun family activities. It has a large playground, picnic tables, and lots of open spaces for families and their kids to play and relax in. The sand here is clean, and the water is equally refreshing. It is one of the most perfect places to soak up the sun and just unwind and thus it is one of the best beaches to live in Ohio. Lake Erie is the 4th largest Great Lake and became famous ever since the War of 1812. It is also one of the warmest of the Great Lakes, which makes it ideal for swimming. In winter, however, the lake freezes completely. The water flows through the Detroit River, which comes from the upper lakes. The upper lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. 6. Edgewater Beach (Cleveland) The Edgewater Beach in Cleveland is yet another popular choice for beach lovers in Ohio. It is one of the best family beach towns, and it has loads of beach activities to keep every member entertained. The sand is clean, and the water is clear, making it suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and taking in all the incredible views. This beach is known for its picture-perfect sunsets. Off-beach entertainment, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier, are also present for everyone’s enjoyment. For food and dining, there are many restaurants as well as food vendors all over. For a casual meal, try the burgers and pizza joints in the area to get the local taste. To try something more beachy, there are many seafood and steakhouses around the area. This place is accessible from the lower and the upper sides of Edgewater Park. So, are you still looking for the “closest ocean beach to Cleveland Ohio?” Edgewater Beach is your destination.  7. Alum Creek State Park Beach (Delaware) Alum Creek State Park Beach in Delaware is one of the best options for free family entertainment that can be counted as one of the closest beaches to Ohio. This park is 4630 acres in size with a wide, sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing and having a good time. The water here is shallow and clear, which makes it ideal for swimming or wading. There are also hunting opportunities at this park. Picnic tables and grills are strewn all over to enjoy a waterside meal. There are quite a few bird-watching as well as hiking opportunities at this park. The Falls trail can be good if you are looking for a challenge. This trail takes you to the top of the falls, where a stunning view greets you, featuring the Delaware River. There is also a 14-mile mountain biking trail. Beach volleyball courts also allow you to play a hand under the sun. Restaurants and bars nearby complete the deal. Read More: The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! 8. Ocean City, Maryland Several activities for kids, such as mini-golf, go-karts, and much more along the Broadwalk, make it a must for beach vacations near Ohio. Moreover, it is the ideal option for all those looking for a beach town that has a little bit of everything. Ocean City is a large beach town with a similar vibe to the Atlantic City. There are casino resorts on the Broadwalk with many shopping as well as dining options. The beach is 10 miles long, which means there is not much overcrowding. Some of the best hotels in Ocean City are Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront, DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, and Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront. Distance from Cleveland: 505 miles; approximately 7 hours, 52 minutes Distance from Columbus: 532 miles; approximately 8 hours, 28 minutes 9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina  Myrtle Beach is the closest beach to Dayton, Ohio. However, you will have to drive for 9.75 hours to get there.  The weather in Myrtle Beach is subtropical. Furthermore, it has 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants.  As a result, this beach attracts millions of visitors every year. Further, Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for youngsters.  It has a nickname called “Dirty Beach” due to its history of rowdy partying.  10. South Carolina Are you still confused about “what are the closest ocean beaches to Ohio?” Let’s try South Carolina.  You already know about Myrtle Beach. However, you will also find beaches such as Hilton Head, Folly Beach, and Hunting Island here.  So, the beaches in South Carolina welcome you with golf courses, lighthouses, historical attractions, luxurious accommodations, and more.  Ocean beaches within 8 hours of ohio Lake Michigan (Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana) – ~4-5 hours Lake Erie (Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania) – ~2-3 hours Cedar Point Beach (Cedar Point Amusement Park, Ohio) – ~2-3 hours Mackinac Island (Michigan) – ~7-8 hours Geneva-on-the-Lake (Ohio) – ~1-2 hours Traverse City (Michigan, Lake Michigan) – ~7-8 hours These destinations offer a variety of beach experiences, from Great Lakes beaches to Michigan’s scenic coastlines. We will be talking about some of the best beaches that can give you a little joy among all the dreary city days. Let’s Head To The Best Beaches Close To Ohio  When on a quest for the best beach in Ohio, you might consider the names above. Going on a vacation to the closest beaches to Ohio will create a beautiful experience for you, especially with the wide range of activities.  Starting with hiking to adventures of surfing and swimming, Ohio creates a perfect atmosphere for your entertainment. If you are visiting Ohio with your family, you can also enjoy having a picnic at the beach along with grilling and barbequing.  You can also take a bike for rentals to travel across the beach and enjoy your heart out. There are party racks where you can keep your bike after you plan to go out clubbing or partying, so you do not need to worry about transportation.  If you have questions to ask or thoughts to share, leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.  The Closest Beach To Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the closest beach to Ohio.  What Is The Closest Ocean To Ohio?  The Atlantic Ocean is the closest Ocean to Ohio. The Jersey Shore of New Jersey has Ocean City and Wildwood.  What Is The Closest Ocean Beach Near Me If I Live In Cincinnati? The closest ocean beach to Cincinnati is East Fork Lake. It is just a 35-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. However, my silent favorite regarding the closest beach to Cincinnati is Caesar Creek Lake.The 1300-foot public beach in Caesar Creek State Park allows you to camp, hike, and play! What more can you ask for? However, if you are looking for beaches within 10 hours of Cincinnati, you can opt for the Atlantic City. Despite not being the closest ocean beach to Cincinnati by car, it is a must visit for the vibrant events and activities.  What Are The Ocean Beaches Within 8 Hours Of Ohio Near Me? Virginia Beach in Virginia and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are some of the ocean beaches within 8 hours of Ohio, near me. Huntington Beach in Cleveland and Vermilion in Ohio are other ocean beaches within 8 hours of Ohio.  What Is The Closest Coastal Beach To Ohio?  Kelleys Island State Park Beach is the closest coastal beach to Ohio. The distance between these two places is 101 miles. 

BY  Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park At A Glance Location: 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Visitor Center Contact Number: 219 395-1882 Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM Time Required: 1 Full Day Fees: $15-25 (Standard Pass), $45 (Annual Pass), and Free-$80 (America the Beautiful Pass, including Senior Passes) Area: More than 15000 acres Designation: National Lakeshore (1966) and National Park (15th February 2019) Famous For: Being the birthplace of American ecology, Housing 30% of the rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plants of Indiana Best Time to Visit: April and May and Late September to October Best Way to Reach: Take the South Shore Train, having multiple stops in the park Unique Things Do In Indiana Dunes National Park | Plan Your Day Activities  Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round attraction. So, every season offers the visitors something unique to do.  Let’s explore what wonders await at this national park, rich in biodiversity. 1. Swimming And Beach Activities https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK-9ndvTKl/?img_index=1 Many of the recreational things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park center around the miles of beaches in the park. The southern tip of Michigan and the beaches there are ideal for swimming and various beach activities.  Beaches In Indiana Dunes National ParkPorter BeachWest BeachDunbar BeachKemil BeachCentral Avenue BeachLake View BeachMount Baldy Beach Even if you don’t want to take part in adventurous activities, you can just enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beaches.  2. Biking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wSPbEP6Dk/ You can bike through the 37 miles trail of the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the dunes, historical spots, and wildlife of the park.  Further, the park has gravel and paved biking trails at various distances. So, you can choose a trail according to your level of expertise.  Biking Trails In Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Kankakee Bike TrailCalumet Bike TrailPrairie Duneland Bike TrailPorter Brickyard Bike TrailOak Savannah Bike TrailMarquette Bike Trail 3. Geocaching Geocaching is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. This treasure hunt game is played by geocachers.  These geocachers have to collect geocaches or hidden containers. So, if you are a geocacher or a participant in the game, you will have a smartphone with a free geocaching app and a GPS device.  Further, at Indiana Dunes National Park, you will be able to do four types of geocaching. You can try traditional or the most traditional geocaching at Chellberg Farm.  You can even try EarthCaching at Kemil Beach, Mount Baldy, and West Beach. Moreover, other types of geocaching in the park are Lab Caches at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk and Virtual Caching at A Century of Progress Historic District.  4. Bird Watching The park, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, attracts a lot of migrating birds. It is especially delightful with the sounds of the migrating songbirds in autumn.  So, you can be a beginner or an avid birdwatcher. You will be able to spot waterfowl or other wetland birds easily. Moreover, this park hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival on the 3rd weekend of May. This is a four-day event, and the more than a dozen birdwatching spots in the park are amazing.  5. Camping Camping is one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to explore the park at your own pace.  Moreover, the park campground has 66 campsites for tents and 53 RV sites. The campground here does not have electric hookup facilities.  Furthermore, campsites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible. However, camping facilities in the park are seasonal, and for the winter season, the camping ground will remain closed till 31st March.  Moreover, the camping fee per night at the park is $25. 6. Hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rInRWoYm6/ You can explore the dunes of the park, rare plants, and diverse species of birds and animals by hiking. Further, many trails take you to the historic places in the park. For example, you can hike through the Bailly Homestead Trail and enjoy the presence of oak, maple, basswood, and beech trees.  You can even hike to the Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie Trails, and Little Calumet River. Overall, the park has 15 trails with varying difficulty levels. So, irrespective of your expertise, you can choose the one most suitable for you. Moreover, the trails can take you from 20 minutes to 4 hours to conquer. Some moderate trails in the park are Calumet Dunes Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Ridge Trail, etc. Furthermore, West Beach Trails and Mount Baldy Beach Trail are some of the toughest hiking trails for you to complete in the park. 7. Visiting Historic Sites https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj7rf8vx3y/ Exploring the historic sites is one of the most meaningful things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. Did you know that the park has more than 60 historic sites? The most important landmarks of the park are Chellberg Farm, Good Fellow Youth Camp, and Bailly Homestead. Moreover, you can visit the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, and many other 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. 8. Stargazing https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7De5iC5G_/ Despite being very close to the urban area. Indiana Dunes National Park is a hotspot for stargazing. The lakeshores of the park, especially, create an ideal ambiance for getting lost in celestial activities.  Furthermore, the sky over the footprint of Lake Michigan is darker, creating a deeper sense of intrigue. Kemil Beach is the best place in the national park for stargazing. Also, it is the “7th designated International Dark Sky Community.”  9. Horseback Riding https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAuqi-I4q3/ You can enjoy horseback riding in the park along the Glenwood Dunes trail. The trailhead is on Brummitt Road, Chesterton and it is the only equestrian trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Further, the trail remains open from 16th March to 14th December.  Moreover, you can opt for the best guided tours in the park. Every year, the park offers over 500 guided tours. So, you can get in touch with the park's visitor center before planning a day out. See you there! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.