Heatwaves and Adventure: Traveling to The World’s Hottest Destination

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 19, 2023

This outdoor oasis in the South is a solid wanderlust attraction. A scenic city that is always on the move can be your next perfect weekend getaway. The city is bustling with energy, and on a typical afternoon, you will see its locals as well as weekenders venturing into the Tennesse River along with their boards and boats. The bikers go up and down the hilly streets through the town, running and walking down the pedestrian bridge and playing with frisbees in the numerous parks. The parks look neat, being hedged by bike lanes and carefully placed benches. Public art makes the town come alive with color and socio-cultural significance. The number of things that will stay with you long after you visit this town is too many, but one of them will be the food and the restaurants. There are also a lot of adventures to be had outdoors in this character-filled city. If you are looking for some weekend fun or a short trip to feel rejuvenated, this city is close by and has to offer a lot. This is going to be the best weekend spot for you, and we have brought you the best of it. Here are some of the most fun and memorable things to do in Chattanooga. Things To Do In Chattanooga hotels.com If you have thought about going away sometime and taking a break, but you can’t think of any place so far. Chattanooga could be a great option. Here are some of the best things things to do in Chattanooga that will stay imprinted on your memory. Tennessee Aquarium tnaqua.org One of the fun things to do in Chattanooga is visiting the aquarium. This aquarium maintains two buildings. There is River Journey which showcases the freshwater habitats from around the world, and Ocean Journey, where visitors are treated to the magnificent view of sea creatures and ocean life. It is recommended to spend at least three hours while visiting to take in a good fraction of the 10,000 animals that are here. If you are looking for things to do in Chattanooga with kids, they will love the adorable macaroni penguins and dreamy sea jellies. Try visiting on a weekday, as it gets busier on weekends, for a more authentic experience. If you are looking for free things to do in Chattanooga, the city also offers a free shuttle to get here, making the experience pocket-friendly. Lookout Mountain cntraveler.com There are three scenic attractions this mountain ridge has to offer. There is the Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. The Ruby Falls is the United States’ deepest and tallest underground waterfall standing at 260 feet. Rock City is where one can see seven states from the iconic Lover’s Leap. And when you hop on the Incline Railway, you will be witnessing the steepest passenger railway on Earth. You need to spend a minimum of 4 hours at these mountains to gauge the highlights of the spot. Each of the three attractions has separate expenses, and the tickets are known to sell out fast. Raccoon Mountain Caverns wikimedia.org The Raccoon Mountain Caverns are located 1.3 miles off the I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit. It is less than 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. This mountain offers views of a cave in its natural state that has thousands of diverse rock formations. There are stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, delicate soda straws, rimstone pools, columns, draperies, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation. It also offers many wild cave “spelunking” expeditions for all those who want to go deeper into the caves and explore the mountain. An expedition to the waterfall dome allows visitors to get to the place with the view of the tallest underground, unassisted, naturally flowing waterfall. Walnut Street Bridge pickyourtrail.com This is one of the best examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges dating back to the years between 1884 and 1923. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum wp.com This nostalgic train trip will offer aesthetically restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars that encase the intricate craftsmanship of ages long gone. The ride will take you through the beautiful Tennessee countryside that has awe-inspiring views bound to make you reflect on the simpler times of the past. The museum’s exhibit has an impressive set of artifacts, old photographs, and other memorabilia that help bring the rich railroading history to life. The staff here are highly knowledgeable and will eagerly share information on railroad history while being dressed in period attire. The experience will provide you with lots of fascinating insights whether you are a history buff or otherwise. Ruby Falls simpleviewinc.com This one is the deepest and tallest underground waterfall that is open for public access in the States. There are guided tours such as the classic waterfall tour, the lantern tour, and the extended cavern experience tour. The tour will take you along its beautiful cavern trail to a gorgeous waterfall that is surrounded by old geological formations that took millenniums to form. There are also extensively picturesque views of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee Valley, and the Tennessee River from the top of the Lookout Mountain Tower. The tours fill up pretty quickly. You must purchase the tickets online in advance for increased availability. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery chattanoogawhiskey.com One of the other things to do in Chattanooga for adults is visit the whiskey distillery. This distillery is the first ever to craft whiskey in Chattanooga in over a hundred years. It boasts over 100 different barrels that mature in an aging cellar. Each visit to the distillery is an ode to the past, present, and future of hand-made bourbon. You can reserve a tour & tasting trip to check out their latest craft. This can also be one of the things to do in Chattanooga for couples. You must be 21+ with a physical and valid ID. Creative Discovery Museum This museum is a hands-on children’s museum at the very heart of downtown Chattanooga. It is known to inspire children of all ages to innovate, explore, play, and create. The exhibits are designed to entertain as well as educate children on exploring the world around them. They are pushed to become inquisitive about art, science, music, water exploration, and dinosaur digging. It was rated number #7 by Trekaroo of the children’s museums in the U.S. in 2015. Wrapping Up Chattanooga sure has everything you could want for a short trip away from the hustle of the city. If you want to know about things to do in Chattanooga this weekend, we hope this article gave you a headstart. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! 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BY  Anindita Dey Mar 29, 2025

With the beautiful Spanish culture spread across Manila, there are a lot of places to visit. There are a lot of things to do in Manila which I will highlight in this blog so that you can plan your trip accordingly.   Starting from contemporary museums to art scene, the place is the home of the oldest Chinatown across the world. Let me share with you several elements that will help you explore the place, both the old and the new.   I think Manila is one of the best places to visit in February especially because the weather is dry and pleasant. You can easily explore the city during this time.   Read All About Things to Do in Manila!   If you are wondering about the things to do in Manila, let me share with you some of the coolest places to visit. The nightlife is good here, but I am more of a museum and art scene girlie. It is the home of several parks and museums that will express history to you.   Several elements will make you feel that you have come to a previous era. Additionally, several places offer entertainment and fun to people of all ages.    Rizal Park   A beautiful park, open from Monday to Sunday. It is mostly open from 5 am to 10 am and 11 am to 8 pm. When you visit the park, entry is completely free. There are several gardens, laws, and other outdoor events organized across the 57-hectare park.   There is also a statue of hero Jose Rizal, commemorating him, and the name of the park is given. The hero has contributed to the wellbeing of the city hence, you get to see a lot of him and his commemoration in and around the city and places to visit.   There are a lot of places where you can go shopping once you explore the city. Henceforth, if you are traveling alone, carry the best travel credit card you possess.   Fort Santiago   It is a landmark in Manila which is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 11 pm. The place is a defensive fortress which has a museum exhibiting many arts and sculptures. The national hero, Jose Rizal is commemorated through the exhibits of the museum.   In 1571, the Spanish governor and navigator, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi built the castle or the citadel. The city of Manila was newly established by then and is currently one of the oldest fortifications.   National Museum of Fine Arts   A massive museum, the place is a collection of fine art, botany, natural history and archaeology related to Filipino culture. The museum is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm.   As the home of 29 galleries and exhibitions in the hallway, it comprises national artists and Filipo masters of the 19th century.   San Agustin Church   A beautiful place to visit, this historic place was constructed in the 16th century. The San Agustin Church is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. The ceilings are vaulted while the church exhibits detailed frescoes.   It is a Roman Catholic church which is located in the intricate walled city of Intramuros in Manila. The church functions under the auspices of the Order of Saint Augustine. Furthermore, when you visit you get to see Baroque art in the church.   Manila Ocean Park   More of an aquarium if you ask me, the Manila Ocean Park is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The theme park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. and it has evolved into the perfect holiday destination for tourists.   It is an aquatic theme park which you will have both fun and knowledge when you check it out. Additionally, it is a perfect place for you, if you are traveling with your kids. It is one of the best places to travel with kids.   It is also an educational facility that features live shows, an oceanarium, and hands-on activities. There are all-star Bird shows, Sea lion shows and many more giving you the perfect experience and offering you the thrill of the ocean.   Intramuros   The meaning of the term, Intramuros, is the “Walled City” which is the oldest district in Manila. It looks like a fortified city which was one of the most important places for Spanish governor during earlier times of colonial times.   If you are a lover of history, this is the place for you. The culture of the place has been heavily influenced by the colonial rule and the impact it has on ordinary people.    Paco Park   An urban park which offers you serenity when you visit it between 6 am to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday. The park has been developed on a cemetery site which is walled of course. There are shaded paths for people to walk along with areas dedicated for gardens.   The cemetery is under the maintenance of municipality, and it was built by the Dominicans. During the Spanish colonial period, it was built and filled within it are interred remains of city figures.   Ayala Museum   https://www.instagram.com/p/DGpqNWWTrLn/?img_index=4 Another amazing museum that you must visit if you are going on a trip to Manila is Ayala Museum. It is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum has a modern touch exhibiting Filipino archeological exhibits.   Starting from history to modern and cultural artifacts and exhibits are available here. There is also a research library that is quite important for you if you are writing a research paper on the history of Spanish colonial period.   The place is run by the Ayala Foundation privately. It houses several ethnographic, archaeological and cultural exhibits and art. You will be fascinated to know that the place exhibits the Surigao treasure of the indigenous tribe?   Arroceros Forest Park   Another urban park that you must visit is Arroceros Forest Park as things to do in Manila. There are a wide variety of plants and trees in the park along with a riverside walkway and a fishpond! A perfect combination of nature and modern practices will enhance your overall experience.   The park is open for you to visit from Sunday to Monday from 8 am to 5 pm. The lush green forest is filled with greenery. Did you know this place is also known as “Last Lung of Manila”? Spread across 2.2 hectares, the park is a home of many flora and fauna species.   Casa Manila   The Casa Manila is a house that now serves as a museum which is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm. The house was built in the 1850s and is not restored to exhibit art, architecture, and colonial furniture of the Spanish colonial rule.   It is often called the living museum which features the way a well to do affluent Filipino family will live. The lifestyle of this family is depicted through the arrangements of furniture, art and architecture.   The colonization had severely impacted Manila and this is how we can see when we enter the museum. It is a must-do list of things to do in Manila.   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, now that you have gone through the things to do in Manila, I am sure you are already planning on what to do. When you visit the place, I am sure you will experience the ancient practices and instances of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.   Comment below on which place is your favorite to visit when you to Manila. You also need to share with us if you think we have missed something on the things to-do list.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Mashum Aug 2, 2021

Indiana state is famous globally as the “Covered Bridge Capital” because there are 32 covered bridges alone in Historic Parke County, which are discoverable through a road trip. Apart from the Indiana national parks, the state is also famous by the name of “great lakes state” since it shares 40 miles of shoreline with Lake Michigan.  The four national parks in Indiana are renowned as outdoor adventure destinations, namely the Indiana Dunes National Park, President Lincoln’s Boyhood Cabin, George Roger Clark, and the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail. Of the four national parks, Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-see destination. Indiana Dunes National Park and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park are national parks in the term's true meaning. And, the other two national parks in Indiana, i.e., Lincoln’s Boyhood National Memorial and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, are the two memorial sites in Indiana, recognized for their routes of historical significance or original trails by the National Historic Trails. Let’s check more details about each of the national parks in Indiana and see how we can spend our day if we plan a trip there. The Four Noted Indiana National Parks 1. Indiana Dunes National Park:  Of the four celebrated Indiana national parks, this one is an unmissable destination if you are in the state. The national park shares 15 miles with the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes National Park is spread over 15,000 acres and has a lot to offer.  Your search for rare species of birds will end here, along with 1,100 native plant species and the fun of flying kites on the sandy beach. You will feel enchanted with every step you take in this national park as this place is among the most biologically rich areas in the nation.   The park offers 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, sunny prairies, mysterious wetlands, peaceful forests, and meandering rivers for hikers. Shall we now check out basic information about the national park to plan our tour accordingly? Directions To The Park: You can access Indiana Dunes National Park through Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road, U.S. Highway 12 & 20, Indiana State Road 49, and several other local roads. To visit the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, you need to take Indiana State Road 49, between U.SD. Highway 20 and Interstate 94. Operating Hours Of The National Park: This Indiana national park has general areas that are open throughout the year but have specific hours of operation. The standard working hours of the general areas of the national park are Monday to Sunday from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm. The entrance to the Indiana Dunes National Park is through the west beach. The hours of operation of this portion of the park is Monday to Saturday from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm. Weather News: Usually, July is the warmest month in the national park, and January is the coldest month. June month witnesses the heaviest rainfall with 4.66 inches of rain on average. Entrance Fees To The Park:  West Beach - Standard Entrance Fee $6.00, Senior Pass Entrance Fee $3.00, Access Pass Entrance Fee $3.00, Bus Entrance Fee $30.00. Dunewood Campground - Standard Camping Fee $25.00, Senior Pass Camping Fee $12.50, Access Pass Camping Fee $12.50. This campground is 1.5 miles from the beach and boasts 67 campsites made for both RVs and tent camping.  One-half of the site is open for reserve, and the other half is given on a first-come-first-served basis. You will find showers and restrooms at the campground but no water or electric hookups.  Indiana Dunes Visitors Centers:  Dorothy Buell Visitor Center - This Indiana national park visitor center is open on all days except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The operation hours are 09:00 am to 04:00 pm Central Time (Due to covid-19). At Dorothy Buell, you will view lobby displays, read brochures about Porter County, Dunes State Park, Indiana, and Indiana Dunes National Park. You can also shop in the Eastern National Bookstore and enjoy watching educational displays and two short orientation videos. Paul H. Douglas Center For Environmental Education - This visitor center is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm Central Time during Summers and from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm during Winters. This center is your gateway to the magnificent Paul H. Douglas Trail via Miller Woods. You will find a natural environment all through the center through its hands-on educational exhibits, animals, lectures, Nature Play Zone, ranger-guided hikes, and crafts. Popular Activities To Do At The National Park: Hiking. Picnic at the beach. Birding. Swimming. Fishing and Paddling. Geocaching. Horse Riding on the equestrian trails. Camping (Between April 1st to October 31st). Biking. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Shuttle Bus Services: During the summer period, on weekends, you can take the services of free shuttle buses from the Dunewood Campground to the beaches. You can stop at sites like the Miller Train Station, Marquette Park, Lake Street Beach, and The Douglas Center.  Pet Friendliness: Indiana Dunes National Park is completely dog-friendly. You can take your pet to almost all trails and other parts of the park, besides a few exceptions. For example, you cannot take your pets on Glenwood Dunes Trail’s equestrian part, in the lifeguard area of the West Beach, and the Pinhook Bog Trail. You can enjoy a free public wi-fi facility at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. 2. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park:  Located on Southwest Indiana and beside the Wabash River, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is one of the small Indiana national parks, which has a few monuments, a picnic spot, statutes, and a visitor center as its main center of attraction. The national park is about an hour tour in total.   Why Was George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Built? George Rogers Clark National Park was built in the 1920s in memory of an American Colonel named George Rogers Clark, who captured Fort Sackville in 1779 and his army with help from French residents of the Illinois country. The capture of the fort guaranteed the United States a claim to the frontier, which is approximately an area as big as the original 13 states. The National Park is a memorial built to commemorate Clark’s success for his unmatchable success for the revolutionary war’s 150th anniversary. When you visit this national park’s visitor center, you will discover the fort’s history, how it was built, and how it felt living in the Pullman District. In addition, at the national park, you will be shown a 30-minute short film on the life of George Rogers Clark. Things To Do At The George Rogers Clark National Park A short walk around the nearby town of Vincennes will offer you the following things to do at this small Indiana national park: Dine at restaurants. Camping at Campgrounds. The Old Cathedral. State Historic Sites. Shops to shop. Antique Stores. There are particularly no campgrounds at George Rogers Clark National Park. But, visitors can find campgrounds for RV and tent camping at the Ouabache Trails Park, located in Vincennes.  Space For Pets: Your leashed pets can accompany you on the walkways around the Memorial and the visitor center, but their entry inside any buildings is strictly prohibited. Operating Hours: The park is open for visitors on all seven days of the week. At the same time, it is closed on most of the federal holidays except Independence Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Timings for the Park District: George Rogers Clark Memorial is from 09:00 am to 04:45 pm on demand. Weather At The Park: The weather inside the national park is very much typical for the Midwest. Summer months can be hot and humid, and winters quite cool. Entrance Fees To The Park: For a George Rogers Clark National Park tour, there is no entrance fee charged.  The Visitors Centers To Visit: This Indiana national park has one visitor center with the same name as the national park. This center has a small exhibit area. You will be shown a short 30-minute introductory movie titled “Long Knives,” which tells about the backstory of George Rogers Clark and his military campaign. No drinks or food are allowed at the visitor center or Memorial. Services offered here are charging stations, restrooms, bookstores, and drinking fountains. 3. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial:  In the southern part of Indiana and Lincoln City, you will find the third Indiana national park, named Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. This is where former President Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood before becoming the 16th President of the United States of America. Operating Hours Of The Lincoln Boyhood National Park: All visitors are allowed to tour the national park grounds and visit all the outside areas daily, between sunrise and sunset. Once you arrive at the park, there are plenty of things that you can do, such as two miles of trails, watching the sculptured panels on the outside of the Lincoln Memorial Visitor Center, visiting the Cabin-Site Memorial, the Pioneer Cemetery, and the Living Historical Farm. Unfortunately, the park is closed on almost all federal holidays. Weather At The Park: The climate in Southern Indiana is moderate, with a touch of warmness and moistness. The summers are warmer and winters cooler. It rains the most during Spring. Visitor Center At The Park: The Lincoln Boyhood park has a Memorial Visitor Center built in 1943 with two memorial halls and a connecting cloister. In the Memorial Court, you will find the works of E.H. Daniels and five sculptured panels that mark significant periods in Abraham Lincoln’s life. Taking a tour of the whole Memorial will take up to 30 to 60 minutes. There is also an orientation film shown at the visitor center every half an hour from 08:00 am to half an hour before the day’s closing. The Museum artifacts and exhibits speak about Abraham Lincoln’s life.  This national park is all about Lincoln’s family, boyhood, and frontier life in this Indiana national park area. During summers, the visitor center is open on all seven days from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm except for the federal holidays. And, at the time of the Fall season, the timings are 07:00 am to 03:00 pm. Place For Pets At The Park: Visitors are permitted to bring in their pets inside the park, but with certain restrictions. The pets must be restrained at all times on a leash, which should not be longer than six feet in length.  The pets are only allowed on the 2 miles of hiking trails and roads in the park and barred from entering public buildings. Things You Can Do At The Park: It will take at least two hours to complete a tour of the whole park. The indoor activities at the park include: Watching the Park Film at the Memorial, titled Forging Greatness and Lincoln in Indiana, which is 14 minutes in length. Paying a visit at the Lincoln in Indiana Museum, which would take around 15 to 30 minutes. The outdoor activities include: Hike the Trail of Twelve Stones, a type of front-country hiking of 20 minutes. Hike the Boyhood Trail, which is another front-country hike of 10 to 15 minutes. Visiting the Lincoln Living Historical Fa, you'll find a re-created homestead with outbuildings, log cabins, field crops, gardens, livestock, and split rail fences.  For kids of 05 years and above, there is a Junior Lincoln Boyhood Ranger Program. Lincoln Spring, which is an obscure waterway. The entry to the Lincoln Boyhood Indiana national park is free. 4. Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail:  The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is nearly 4,900 miles long, starting from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Columbia River mouth, which is near the present-day Astoria, Oregon. This Indiana national park follows the historic incoming and outgoing routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along with the preceding section initiating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Wood River in Illinois. This Trail connects 16 U.S. States and many Tribal lands. Today, visitors are allowed to explore the whole Trail using varied transportation methods and interpretive means, following the approximate route of the Corps of Discovery, i.e. Lewis and Clark Expedition Members.  Places To Visit In Lewis And Clark National Park:  Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Centers and Museums: At Lewis and Clark Historic Trail Museums and Visitor Centers and Cultural Centers, visitors can learn more about the expedition and experience blissful and diversified landscapes and communities on the Trail. Directions To The National Park: You will find the Lewis and Clark Indiana national park visitor center inside the DOI, National Park Service. Weather At The Park: The summers are sweltering, so you must drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen when stepping out for a tour of the Trail. The winters are icy, with ice settling on trails and sidewalks. Since this Trail covers 16 U.S. states, you must watch the weather prediction of the state you are planning to visit. The Final Thoughts We hope that the above comprehensive guide on Indiana national parks is a one-stop solution and a valuable guide for you if you plan a trip to any of the four national parks and trails. From serenity to beautiful natural landscapes, from magnificent and ancient monuments to rare species of animals, you will find every part of each of the four national parks surprising. More Resources: A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide 8 Best Bachelor Party Destinations To Visit In 2021 A Guide To National Parks In Michigan – Latest Guide 2021