Top 10 Best Kept Secrets

Since the end of World War II, the Poconos have been thought of as the place to go for a weekend (or longer) of unbridled romance. But before that, and still today, the real attractions of this mountainous territory are activities of a more outdoorsy nature. Learn More

If you’re thinking about visiting "wine country," then Texas probably isn’t on your list of potential destinations. But it might be time to reconsider your options. Texas is now the fifth-largest wine producing state in the nation, behind such standouts as California and Washington. Learn More

With their laidback atmosphere, tropical climate and rich ecosystem, the Florida Keys are 110 miles of alluring islands beckoning vacationers to relax with frozen drinks as Jimmy Buffet sings their cares away. Starting in Key Largo, you can hop from island to island via connecting bridges and causeways, snorkeling and trying every possible version of key lime pie along the way. Learn More

Children clad in vibrant swimwear bouncing through warm summer waves. Women shopping with flip flops on their feet and souvenirs on their minds. Men in breezy polos teeing off on picturesque greens. These are characteristic snapshots of vacationers in Myrtle Beach. But there is another, lesser-known visitor that frequents this top summer destination: the angler. Learn More

A Midwest boating mecca, Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is a 55,000-acre haven for water skiers and wakeboarders, speed boat and jet ski junkies, pontoon partisans and fishing fanatics. Its more than 1,500 miles of shoreline house a plethora of resorts, restaurants and state parks. But there’s more to this destination than what ends up on the standard tourist itinerary. Learn More

A well-worn phrase among Coloradans goes something like this: "You come for the winter, but stay for the summer." Colorado is probably best known for its mountain peaks that include some of the top downhill skiing destinations in the world. But its summer months are no less worthy of praise. Learn More

Okay, so the Great Smoky Mountains aren’t much of a secret. Some 9 million tourists set foot in Great Smoky Mountain National Park each year, Many of them come to glimpse the plentiful wildlife and flowers, the distinctive “heath balds” and the signature fog in its rain forest-like upper elevations. Learn More

Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda comprise a triple-shot of scenic beauty known as Three Capes Scenic Drive. This coastal paradise can easily be toured in one short day trip, starting about 70 miles due east of Portland. Begin at Cape Meares, which features a 200-foot state scenic viewpoint where you can see the amazing Octopus Tree and one of the largest nesting bird populations on the continent. Learn More

Minnesota and Wisconsin lake vacations are classic Midwest summer getaways. After checking a few more of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes off your list this summer, consider visiting the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area for a day of fun away from the water. Learn More

Ah... the California Wine Country - home to lush vineyards, upscale bed and breakfasts, and oenophiles. However, you might not realize that there’s a lot more to Wine Country than grapes. Of course you can play a round of golf or pamper yourself at a spa, but look a little further. Learn More