Things To Do In OKC For Couples: A Perfect Date Night Guide In This Laid-Back City

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 1, 2021

What’s better than rekindling the best essence of summer with a beach vacation?  The sand, the sun, and the waves caressing our ankles; all paint this idyllic picture that makes our minds tranquil immediately.  If you are feeling the monotonous blues of the mountain or the city life, this might be the time to switch places. Maybe taste the salt in the air a little. The USA coast is filled with beautiful beaches, key largo resorts, picturesque sceneries, and all the blue aesthetic you can ask for. Now, after following all the Covid guidelines if you find yourself in the coast of Florida, especially the gorgeous Navarre beach. Or, even if you are planning your next vacation there, then you have reached the right place.  In this excerpt below I will be pointing out things to do in Navarre beach that will make your stay quite the adventure. Fun Things To Do In Navarre Beach From blackwater to Zip lining; Navarre has it all covered. Here are the first ten things to answer: What Does Navarre Beach have to offer?  Fly The Boat  In this Navare beach marine sanctuary you can let your sporty side go wild. Away from the tranquility of the beach, we all need a little adrenaline rush from time to time.  If snorkeling, diving and exploring underwater reefs falls under your beach bucket list then this is the perfect place for you. They are situated a little off shore, the main Navarre beach one in the Gulf Of Mexico and the other in Santa Rosa Sound.  The marine ecosystem is one of the most phenomenal works of mother nature and since at Navarre it is so easily accessible, you can experience it with very little effort.  One of the major attractions of this place is the Marine sanctuary is the flying boat! Now you have to go there to understand this phenomenon in all its true sense.  You can also try solo travel. Is The Water Clean In Navarre Beach? According to the Florida Health Department. The Navarre Beach has clean and good quality water.  Watersport For The Family  Not all vacations are with your friends or solo, Navarre beach is also an excellent family destination with attractions for the entire lot. You want to have a lazy day at the beach and think about things to do in Navarre beach with your family.  Then Navarre Family Water Sport & Mini Golf is the place for you.  There are children friendly watersports which will entertain them for hours and mini golfing which will give you the peaceful beachy ambience to enjoy.  Is Navarre Beach Safe To Swim?  Considering all the water activities for both adults and kids you can plan in Navarre beach, it is safe. It has also been credited by the FDOH that it is safe in absolution.  Escape Adventure  Who said beaches are only meant for water activities and tanning in the sun? If you are done with all those, it might get a little monotonous eventually. That’s why you need an ‘escape’  No, I mean literally!  Find yourself in the Escape zone 60 at Navarre for a fun time with your friends and family. It is a 60 minutes escape from the room with exciting puzzles and with the two games of Escape Mars and The Houdini Escape.  This indoor-outdoor activity will be the best for ending things to do in navarre beach the day perfectly. 60 minutes doesn't mean you will have to leave after that. You can spend hours in the escape rooms and let me tell you,  You will not feel like leaving!  Can You Do a Bonfire On Navarre Beach?  No, you cannot set a camp directly on the beach but at the same time you can visit some of the phenomenal campsites that will give you the beachy camp experience nevertheless.  A Beer To End At the day’s end we all want something that will be the cherry on top for an exciting day at the beach. What could be better than some craft beer at Navarre’s craft beer brewery company St. Michael’s.  After a day of tiresome water activity, you finally found your solace in the embrace of the heavenly beer. The beers offered by this brewery are renowned and loved by both the local folks and the travelers.  Apart from that, it has a great ambience to blow some steam.  Fulfill Your Taste Buds  We have talked about adventures both indoors and outdoors. We have also talked about a little craft beer at the end of the day, but how do we sustain ourselves and get the energy for so many activities? That’s why next on our list of things to do in Navarre we are bringing you the delicious treats of sushi and other mouth watering seafood.  If you are craving for a twist in your regular sushi, you can easily get it in your home city as well; then I would suggest getting into the foodie spirit and visiting Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar.  They serve some of the most mouth watering and creative sushi dishes known in the area. However, it is not just sushi since your sea food cravings will also be fulfilled in this place with its delicacies.  Where Can I Snorkel In Navarre Beach? In Navarre beach you can snorkel in any of the marine beaches that have been mentioned above. Along with that, you can also enjoy other activities.  Is Navarre Beach Better Than Destin?  Destin is a beach not far from the Navarre coast. Very honestly you cannot really pick the best among these two. Although they both have beaches, both of them have such unique and individual things to offer you should visit both these destinations.  Experience Like A Local  Tired of the beaches? Or, the bust hustles of the city? Here is how you can experience the best not looking like a tourist. The Navarre Farmer’s market is the perfect spot for you to experience a lazy day.  Walking through the farmers market, interacting with the locals [if your extrovert heart allows it]. You can also collect some local products like homemade butter, jam, cake and other goods that you can carry as a souvenir when you go home.  Away from the city, this small down delight will retch you the meaning of simple living again.  What Is The Hottest Month In Navarre Florida?  The hottest month in Florida is June.  Gifts & More  The ending of a trip is such a bittersweet experience. We are homesick but at the same time we are sad about leaving the adventure behind. However, there is another fun activity we can add among the things to do in Navarre beach; buying gifts and souvenirs to take home.  Your next place should be Salt Water Cottage.  An original vintage cottage with an aesthetic store offering you books, jewellery, home decors, and even food so that you don't get hungry through all the shopping spree.  Everyone there is welcoming and amiable. All in all giving a very friendly and jolly experience.  Just The Beach And You  If day one is all about the adventure, day two should be about exploring the beach in its raw sense.  Just the waves and you!  Navarre Fishing Pier is your next destination if you have explored all the adventurous sides of the beach and you just want a day with just the beach.  You can simply take the walk down the Pier or go for some fishing trip with your family or alone. It is one of the longest piers in Florida so you will be walking down a heritage of Florida.  This is also one of the best things to do in Navarre beach because of all the turtles, rays and dolphins you will get to see.  Does Navarre Beach Have A Boardwalk?  Yes, according to the Santa Rosa County official, Navarre has two boardwalks and also a dock.  Dance Among the Butterflies  Beaches are not just about the blue of nature's beauty. Navarre also offers multicolor beauty.  This is the perfect way to close the trip by visiting the Panhandle Butterfly House and bath among the idyllic flowers, plants and butterflies.  Visit The Sea Turtles The Sea Turtle Conservation Center is just a perfect place to be if you love the little sea beauties! It is a rehabilitation center for turtles where they preserve them as well as rescue the ones who might stand a chance of getting engulfed by the sea. You can totally handle them, especially when there is a unique sea turtle habitat on the Navarre beach. Check them out in the nesting season! Fishing You are on a beach, don't tell me you won’t fish? Or are you some kind of fish lover? Huh, bad joke. There is a record held for the fishing pier in Navarre as it is 1545 feet long, longest in the state. Just carry a fishing pole and dangle your feet above 30 feet of water and catch some fish people! Kayaking Can be considered an adventure sport, Kayaking is cool only when you try to be safe. There are guided trips where the ecotours are organized through the website. The swimming emerald waters of Navarre Beach look even better if you are kayaking! You can take rentals of the kayaks for both sunrise and sunset tours. To Conclude  If you are cruising around the beaches of Florida and don’t know and are trying to find things to do in Navarre beach, this will be the ultimate travel guide for you. With this, you are not restricting yourself to the beach and blue waters but everything Navarre beach has to offer. Read More: 5 Things To Do On Vacation In Belize 8 Things To Do And See In Punta De Mita What to Look for When Purchasing a Beach Tent for Vacation The Last Ski-Only Resorts in the USA: Why Do They Still Exist? How To Plan A Best One Day Trip To Atlanta With Family? Celebrate your Happiness with Family Friendly Gites South of France

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains. Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts. The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here.  Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions.  Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems. Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots. As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell.  Little Hot Springs Valley You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.   Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities. You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around.  Bumpass Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OE_c2SzWNw As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park. You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees.  The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends. The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades.  Sulphur Works It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds.  The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here. Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan's Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvAs6VPfIE The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano. Boiling Springs Lake A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees.  You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention.  As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here. This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds.  Devils Kitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pah0QzBkN0 This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a  Cauldron. The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen. Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen!  Terminal Geyser Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park.  Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud.  Cold Boiling Lake You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake.  You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park.  The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall.  Pilot Pinnacle Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road.  Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024.  The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake.  Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground).  Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777.  Final Words  The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years. With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas.  So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back.  Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs  What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park? Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife.  Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer Birds: Steller's Jay, Clark's nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc.  Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc.  Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc. Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350.  What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park? Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here.  Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park?  Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident.  The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Barsha Mar 23, 2023

Do you love exploring global cuisines? And do you reside in a global food hub like Los Angeles? If you are nodding your head to the above questions, then you have definitely arrived at the right destination. Because today, we will talk about the top Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles. But in case you are a little confused about Dominican cuisine, the popular cuisine is made up of largely Spanish food items, accompanied by Middle Eastern, indigenous Taino, and African influences. So if this sounds interesting to you, then you better stick around – because we have something tasty in store for you. Stay tuned to find out more. Top 12 Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Guide Image Source: cdn.newsday.com There’s something so exotic about trying out new cuisine - if your tastebuds have an adventurous streak, then you should definitely be ready for some Dominican delicacies. And fortunately, today, we have several options when it comes to trying Dominican eateries located in Los Angeles. Are you already doing an extensive ‘Dominican restaurants near me’ search on Google? Then stop because we have already completed doing research for you. So, without wasting any more time, scroll down and find out the best Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles. 1. Mofongos: Image Source: alexsseafood.com Mofongos is perhaps one Dominican restaurant in Los Angeles that we love visiting very frequently. Located on Lankershim Blvd, this is a casual eatery serving authentic Dominican dishes, including popular items such as Mofongo De Camarones, Flan De Queso, and Arroz Con Pastel Y Tostones. 2. El Colmao: Image Source: www.mammaproof.org The strangest thing about El Colmao is exactly how we found the place. Did you know that while looking for Dominican restaurants in NYC, we first came across this hidden gem in LA? Located on Pico Blvd, El Colmao is a Cuban restaurant known for its delicious sandwiches, rice and beans, Ropa Vieja, plantains, and other authentic dishes. 3. Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant:  Image Source: duyt4h9nfnj50.cloudfront.net Another result of looking for ‘Dominican restaurants New York’ on Google was Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant also in Los Angeles. If you love those cute bakeries specializing in different pastries and cakes, then this place is a must-visit. And that’s not all – you will also get Peruvian and Cuban food like the delicious Rotisserie chicken. 4. Mario’s Peruvian Seafood: Image Source: media-cdn.tripadvisor.com We are checking out Melrose Avenue when we found Mario’s Peruvian Seafood in Los Angeles. If you are exhausted of typing ‘Dominican Republic restaurants near me’ on Google, then stop – instead, just visit this restaurant and try out popular items such as Chicken Lomo Saltado, Chicharron De Pollo, Ceviche Mixto, and Inca Kola. 5. El Florida Restaurant: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net El Florida is a festive restaurant that specializes in two things – mouth-watering Cuban dishes and lively Latin melodies. Located right on Vine Street, the El Florida restaurant is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in LA. If you do visit this restaurant, then do try out dishes like Ropa Vieja, Tostones, Bistec De Palomilla, Cuban sandwiches, and more. 6. Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant: Image Source: media-cdn.grubhub.com While doing extensive research on the best Dominican food that LA has to offer, we stumbled upon Little Kingston Jamaican restaurant. Of course, it all started with the famous ‘Dominican food near me’ search, and soon we were hurrying all over Slauson Avenue looking for Little Kingston. 7. Otoño: Image Source: cdn.vox-cdn.com While we love the Dominican restaurants in New York, there is no point denying that LA has really upped its games when it comes to global cuisines, and Otoño is one such place that has made quite a name for its delectable Dominican dishes. But there’s only one problem - although the food is great, the service is a little slow, and that’s all right since the food quality is great. 8. Versailles Cuban Restaurant: Image Source: infatuation.imgix.net If you are looking for a kid-friendly, humble Dominican restaurant, then you must head over to the Versailles Cuban Restaurant located on Venice Blvd. Moreover, the place comes with plenty of positive reviews online - this is precisely what most people, including us, check out online before visiting any restaurant. 9. El Rincon Criollo: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net Located on Sepulveda Blvd, El Rincon Criollo is a relaxed and casual Cuban eatery that specializes in shredded beef and roasted pork. The vibrant island decor only adds up to the charm of this cozy restaurant. Plus, the menu is all about authentic Cuban dishes - if you love adventures, then this one will definitely become your favorite. 10. Colombia Exotic: Image Source: digital.ihg.com Located on Union Ave, Colombia Exotic is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles. We love their food - our favorites? Arepa de Pollo, Salchipapa regular, Monster burgers, Salchipollo, and Arepa Cuatro Sabores. If your tastebuds are looking for something exotic, then this is the restaurant you have to check out as soon as possible. 11. La Guanakita Mexicana: Image Source: duyt4h9nfnj50.cloudfront.net We found so many positive reviews on La Guanakita Mexicana online that we knew missing out on such an authentic, local eatery would be honesty our loss. If you have been to Pico Blvd before, chances are you missed this local eatery on the side of the road - but this time, be attentive and visit this crazy local restaurant. 12. Mixto Comida Latina: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net The Mixto Comida Latina is one of those Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles that has both delivery and dining options. And not just that, but you will also get to choose between dine-in and delivery alternatives. Located on Hyperion Ave, Mixto Comida Latina is another one of our favorite Dominican restaurants to visit every time we are craving Dominican cuisine. Bon Appetit: Have A Good Meal! And that’s a wrap on the best Dominican restaurants located in Los Angeles. If you love exploring global food options, then you can definitely try out a few Dominican dishes. But while doing so, it’s always best to keep an open mind and let your tastebuds decide what works for you and what obviously doesn’t work for you. So, tell us what your thoughts are on trying out Dominican cuisine – and while sharing your thoughts, if you do have prior experience with this cuisine, then share your experiences in the comments below. Read Also: The Best Peruvian Food Near Me In Los Angeles Are You Looking For A Latin American Restaurant In Miami? Top 7 Salvadoran Food Near Me In Los Angeles (Completed Guide)