Things to do in the Midwest

Planning a trip this year to Ohio, and want to know about interesting places to visit in Ohio that you wouldn’t want to miss?

In a nutshell, Ohio is stunning state with lovely countryside scenery, rich history, beautiful architecture, wealth of historic sites and friendly locals.

Ohio is one of the best vacation spots in the Midwest for taking historic tours, and exploring this state will leave you with lovely lasting memories.

Put-in-Bay

First on my list of interesting places to visit in Ohio is the small island of Put-in-Bay where you’ll find the Perry Monument. I added this place on my list because of the interesting history behind this landmark.

You can climb to the top of the monument and get nice views of Put-in-Bay town and the bay.

By the way, Put-in-Bay is easily reached by ferry from Sandusky in less than 50 minutes, and the trip here is overall worth it because of the charming little town.

Sandusky

The city of Sandusky is one of the little gems in Ohio, with a rich history and beautiful historical buildings.

Sandusky is, roughly, the half way point between Toledo Ohio and Cleveland OH, and it is one place you should really add to your Ohio itinerary. I added Sandusky to the list of interesting places to visit in Ohio for a couple reasons.

Places to go in Ohio

First, if you’re taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll notice that the manhole covers in the city are beautifully decorated, which can be easily mistaken for ancient Mayan calendar stones! Second, Sandusky is home to Cedar Point Amusement Park which has to be one of the best amusement parks in the states. The coasters are awesome and the park is truly a thrill seekers paradise.

Berlin

If you’re looking for the most interesting places to visit in Ohio, the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin Ohio comes close to the top. Just like the Illinois’ Amish Country, the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center is a great place to see a way of life, forgotten by most of us.

If you’ve always wanted to learn about the Amish, the center offers tours and interesting videos.

Cincinnati & Milan

Ohio is certainly home to many historic homes – many of them turned into museums now. Cincinnati & Milan are perhaps two of the most interesting places to visit in Ohio for a history tour.

A few of the places to check out in Cincinnati include: Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Taft Museum Of Art and William Howard Taft National Historic Site. While in Milan, you can check out Edison Birthplace, which is now a museum, and the Milan Historical Museum.

Dayton

A visit to Ohio wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park, in Dayton OH. The park is truly one of the most interesting places to visit in Ohio because of the interpretive centers where you can learn more about the men who invented the first practical air plane, and how they envision the idea.

Chillicothe

I added Chillicothe to my list of interesting places to visit in Ohio because of the Indian Mounds found here.

Also, if you’re in the city of Columbus OH, the town of Chillicothe is just under an hour’s drive south of Columbus so, you can easily add this place on the list of fun things to do in Columbus Ohio. The actual Indian Mounds are found at the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park where you can take a tour and learn more about the Hopewell.

Hocking State Forest

If you are traveling to Ohio in late October, or are planning a vacation in November, you should not miss experiencing the beautiful color change in the state. Normally, the last week of October and early November is when the foliage colors are at their peak.

Ohio is actually one of the best places to see fall foliage because most of its state parks have a watchtower you can climb up such as the one in Hocking Hills State Park, in Logan.

Portsmouth

The small town feel of Portsmouth OH is another of my interesting places to visit in Ohio, simply because of the beautiful Floodwall Murals.

The murals are painted on a 2,000 feet long wall along Front Street, and are simply ‘stunning’, also colorful and so intricately detailed that you’ll be blown away by them. If you do visit the Floodwall Murals, don’t forget your camera!

See: Places to visit along Lake Erie Ohio
Upper Midwest Tourist Attractions
Things to do in Cleveland Ohio this Weekend
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Interesting places to visit in Illinois
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best beaches in SE Asia

Planning a trip to Asia?

Before giving you a brief overview on Asia as well as the best time to travel and weather, let me quickly share with you seven places that are ideal for first time travelers looking to vacation in Asia. They are as follows:

1. Taipei Taiwan

Taipei Taiwan is one of the most expensive vacation spots in Asia, but it is also one of the most modern countries in Asia, offering a reliable and varied transportation system.


Taipei Taiwan is home to many memorials and cultural attractions, but it is also a city that offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as climbing and hiking at the nearby Yangmingshan Park.

2. Hanoi Vietnam

One of the most popular and affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, Hanoi Vietnam is a popular destination amongst outdoor and shopping enthusiasts. The old Quarter of Hanoi boasts a variety of street markets where you can get cheap foods, souvenirs, etc.

Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

Top 10 Places To Go In Southeast Asia

3. Seoul Korea

Seoul Korea is another destination in Asia renowned for its tax free shopping opportunities, and electronic goods.

Seoul Top Tourist Sites and Attractions

Apart from shopping, the city of Seoul is home to half a dozen palaces and other interesting sites such as the War Memorial of Korea and Gyeongbokgung Palace which features regular changing of the guard.

4. Surabaya Indonesia

If you are planning a holiday vacation in Bali, Surabaya Indonesia is normally considered a transit city between Jakarta and Bali.

Top 10 places to go in Indonesia

places to visit in Java for the day

Having said this, Surabaya Indonesia is a great vacation spot on its own right, and one of the best destinations in Asia for families. The city is home to the Surabaya KBS Zoo and the Ciputra Zoo.

5. Manila Philippines

The capital city of Manila Philippines is another popular family destination with many festivals such as the Filipino Heritage Festival geared towards families.

beautiful places in Philippines

The shopping scene, nightlife scene and the many Tourist Spots in the Philippines are the reason that brings many travelers to the capital of Philippines.


6. Okinawa Japan

If you’re looking for an affordable family vacation in the Asia Pacific region, Okinawa Japan is one of the most popular places to go in Japan.

With so many beach resorts and beaches offering camping by the beach opportunities you can have an affordable vacation. There are also many things to do and see such as visiting the renowned Okinawa Aquarium.

7. Goa India

Being a former colony of Portugal, Goa India has distinctive feel to the rest of the Indian subcontinent. The state of Goa India is one of the trendiest places in the region and a popular beach vacation.

Things to do in Northern India

cheap places to go for backpackers

Apart from beaches and festivals, Goa India offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as hiking at one of the nearby national parks. If you are planning a first time vacation to Asia but not sure where to go, read on to get an overview of the different regions in Asia and best time to travel.

Overview

Asia is, indeed, a vast continent and it is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth both geographically and ethnically. One of the most interesting facts about Asia, it’s that more than half of the world’s population lives in the continent with Japan and China being two of the most powerful economies in the region.

Planning where to go in Asia (or anywhere in the world, for that matter) doesn’t have to be daunting task at all, and choosing the right vacation spot comes down to three things:

- Type of vacation (family travel, romantic travel, cheap beach vacations, etc.)
- Budget (shoestring or luxurious vacation)
- When you’re traveling (off-season, peak-season, monsoon season, etc.)

Regions in Asia

Beautiful Places in Asia to visit on vacation

The continent of Asia is traditionally divided into three regions:

- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, Laos, Brunei, East Timor, Papa New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand

- Asia Pacific: China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

- Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Tibet

Where to go

There many great vacation spots in Asia but the regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent are popular destinations amongst budget travelers and travelers backpacking around the world. The Southeast is home to many great vacation spots in Asia, and it’s a magnet to all kind of travelers (couples, families, backpackers, etc.). Anywhere you travel in this region, you can expect cheap shopping opportunities and good accommodation at affordable prices.

Common Myths about Thailand 

There are truly so many great vacation spots in Asia to suit anyone’s interests and budget that you won’t find any shortages of destinations. For instance, if you are tying the knot soon, Asia is home to some of the most exciting places to live (i.e. Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, etc) with popular honeymoon destinations such as a honeymoon in Malaysia.

Weather in Asia

Each of the regions in Asia share similar weather although each country has slightly different climate so, bear this in mind. Asian monsoons are another factor to take into consideration when traveling into the continent, as the region can also experience cyclones.

Things to do on hiking trips to Nepal

For instance, in the Indian subcontinent, the Himalayas and even parts of southern China experience the monsoon season between June and September. In the southeast region, the area experiences the monsoon season between December and early March, while Asia Pacific experiences a summer monsoon between early May and late August.

Best time to visit Asia

Weather truly plays a major role when deciding when to go to Asia and most travelers avoid traveling to Asia during the monsoon season, although some travelers take advantage of it to find better hotel deals and cheap airfare. If you are planning a getaway in Southeast Asia, the best time to visit this region it’s in the winter months (November and February), apart from Malaysia which is usually best enjoyed between late spring and late autumn.

6 places not to miss in Myanmar

In the Indian subcontinent, summer is very hot and humid, especially the further inland you travel, and if you’re not planning a beach vacation, you’ll find the hot weather very unpleasant and uncomfortable.For a trip to the Indian subcontinent, I would suggest traveling between March to mid-April when weather is much cooler and dryer.

See. Top Sights to See in Laos
Popular Things Tourists do in Cambodia
Places to Visit in Southern China
Places to Visit in Taiwan
Places in Malaysia to visit

North Carolina is bordered by Virginia on the north, South Carolina on the south, Georgia on the southwest and Tennessee on the west.

The state of North Carolina has a diverse landscape and where you go depends on the activities and things you are planning to do.

For instance, if you are looking for camping sites in North Carolina state parks where your family can enjoy plenty of fun hikes, wildlife spotting or rafting river tours, the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont regions are home to many trails, diverse fauna and flora, and river gorges.

Cities such as Charlotte NC and Raleigh NC are located within the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont regions.

For family beach vacation spots in North Carolina, the coastal region of North Carolina offers many great spots such as the popular Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks region enjoys great weather and if you are looking for cheap beach vacations, most families camp out at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which offers great campgrounds with great beachfront locations.

Family Vacation Spots in North Carolina

Winston Salem North Carolina

The city of Winston-Salem NC is another top spot for a fun family vacation. The city boasts many golf courses such as the Winston Lake Golf Course and Forsyth Country club; and parks such as Reynolds Park and Washington Park, ideal for picnicking and recreational activities.

Apart from fun activities, the city is home to a children’s museum, a large planetarium, art galleries, and more.

Town of Cherokee

If you are looking for family vacation spots in North Carolina close to the Great Smoky Mountains, the town of Cherokee has plenty of cabin rentals within miles of the foot of the mountains.

Charlotte North Carolina

Charlotte NC is a vacation spot for travelers planning to explore nearby South Carolina. Charlotte NC is just miles from the North Carolina/ South Carolina border, and within driving distance from cities such as Columbia SC and Greensville SC.

Charlotte NC is particular great during the summer and fall months due to the variety of amusement parks such as Carowinds, and festivals such as the Charlotte OktoberFest Beer Festival and the Yiasou Greek Festival.

Raleigh North Carolina

The capital city of Raleigh NC is, undoubtedly, one of the best family vacation spots in North Carolina.

The city is home to a wealth of cultural attractions such as museums, and recreation areas where you can enjoy cycling, paddle-boating, and picnicking.

If you are interested in performing and visual arts, Raleigh NC boasts many art galleries, symphony orchestras and theaters such as the Kennedy Theater and the Fletcher Opera Theater.



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Looking for popular southern Ontario vacation spots?

Top Canadian Tourist Attractions

Southern Ontario Canada is truly an amazing place to explore all year round, and enjoy fun outdoor activities with friends and family. Three of the most popular southern Ontario vacation spots include:

Ottawa Canada

Things to do when visiting Ontario Canada  

Ottawa Canada is truly and outdoors haven in terms of the amount of outdoor opportunities that it offers. For instance, the Ottawa River is a popular place white-water rafting, kayaking and enjoying a cruise.

Toronto Canada

Toronto Canada is popular for its city parks and the Toronto Islands, which are a popular spot for enjoying fun recreational activities.

Another popular side to Toronto Canada is its vibrant nightlife and summer festivals such as the lively Toronto Caribana Festival.

Hamilton Canada

There are a ton of great places to visit in Hamilton Canada. If you are looking to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as winery tours and hiking, Hamilton Canada is just on the Niagara Encampment, which is an area renowned for its vineyards and the famed Niagara Falls, which is just a mere 8 miles from the city.


See. Things to do in Windsor Ontario
Famous Canadian landmarks   
If you’re traveling to Ontario for the first time, check out below a little overview and some facts about southern Ontario vacation spots that you may find interesting:

Southern Ontario vacation spots are popular amongst families with kids and anglers alike due to the variety of freshwater lakes which mainly consists of Lake Superior (Michigan), Lake Michigan-Huron, Lake Erie (Erie PA in Pennsylvania) and Lake Ontario Canada.

Southern Ontario also has a more moderate climate than northern Ontario making southern Ontario vacation spots very popular in either winter or summer.

Another reason that makes southern Ontario a popular choice amongst travelers, it’s the region’s close location to other vacation spots in the Midwest and summer vacation spots in New England, allowing travelers the chance to explore the north region of the United States.

For instance, US cities such as Buffalo New York, Erie Pennsylvania, Dayton Ohio and Detroit Michigan are close to the border with southern Ontario.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, and are planning on doing outdoor pursuits, southern Ontario is home to the Niagara Encampment where you can enjoy anything from hiking to exploring vineyards and wineries.

Ontario Canada is also one of the most visited provinces in Canada, and with abundant natural attractions such as Algonquin Park, Bruce Peninsula, majestic waterfalls and valleys, it’s not surprising why Ontario Canada is such a great destination.

Quick Facts

- Ontario has the largest population in Canada

- Southern Ontario coastlines the famed Great Lakes

- Almost 90% of Ontario’s population live in southern Ontario

- Both French and English are widely spoken in the province

- The city of Ottawa is the capital and also the most visited city in Canada

- Toronto is the largest city in Canada.

- Southern Ontario is closely bordered by Michigan and New York

- Well known attractions in southern Ontario include: Niagara Falls, Toronto Zoo, Royal Canadian Mint and Canada's Wonderland.

- Some of the most popular festivals and events in Canada are held in southern Ontario. Some of these include: Canada Day and Windsor Freedom Festival

- Southern Ontario is home to the famed Niagara Escarpment, the largest in North America.

- Highway 401 is the widest and busiest freeway in North America, running the entire length of southern Ontario

- Southern Ontario is also home to some of the best destinations in November to experience the fall foliage.


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Top Summer Vacation Destinations in Canada
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Places in New York State to vacation
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Interesting places to visit in Quebec Province

Popular Vacation Spots in Pennsylvania

Lancaster PA is located approximately at the half-way point between Hershey Pennsylvania and Philadelphia PA.

In fact, if you’re looking for things to do in Lancaster PA area, the city is just an hour’s drive from Hershey Pennsylvania and Philadelphia PA, making Lancaster PA an ideal holiday base for exploring the south east of Pennsylvania State.

Lancaster PA is also within a short drive from Smoketown and Lancaster airports, making the city easily and conveniently accessible by air.

If you are planning on exploring nearby states, Lancaster PA is just a couple of hours from things to do in Maryland, Washington DC and fun things to do in Delaware.

In fact, Lancaster is only a couple of hours drive from Bethesda Maryland Attractions, things to do in Baltimore Maryland and fun things to do in Wilmington Delaware.

Things to do in Lancaster PA: Outdoor Activities

Water Activities

Boating & Fishing

If you enjoy water activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, both the Susquehanna and Conestoga (class 1 river) rivers are only a short drive from Lancaster PA.

The town of Columbia PA (20 minutes car ride from Lancaster) is located along the Susquehanna River and offers many spots where you can launch your canoe or Kayak.

One such spot is Chickies Rock County Park, which is only 5 minutes drive from the town of Columbia PA.

If you’re traveling with the family and would like to enjoy a canoeing trip, there are a few outfitters in town which offer canoeing tours to suit families.

Fishing-wise, there are creeks nearby Chickies Rock Park where you can enjoy fly-fishing opportunities such as Chiques Creek and Donegal Creek.

Recreational Areas

Central Park

If you are looking to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities with the family, Central Park is one of the best places in Lancaster PA.

Central Park is located a short drive from downtown Lancaster PA and offers hiking, horseback riding, swimming, picnicking and camping opportunities.

In particular, if you are looking for things to do in Lancaster PA with kids in the summer, County Pool at Central Park features a massive swimming pool with water slides and a shallow wading area.

Chickies Rock County Park

If you want to enjoy a bit of natural scenery, Chickies Rock County Park is actually a woodland and natural meadow with natural trails where you can enjoy hiking and bird spotting.

The park features and impressive rock formation, which gives name to the park, and offers lovely views of the area around and the Susquehanna River.

The park also features playing areas and open spaces where you can enjoy a nice picnic.

Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park

If you and your family love amusement parks, Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park is only 10 minutes drive from Lancaster’s city center and offers fun rides for both adults and kids, as well as puppet shows, dance shows and more.

Winery Tour

If you are a wine enthusiast, taking a winery tour is another activity you can add to your Lancaster PA itinerary.

For instance, Nissley Winery is a family owned winery located 20 miles west of Lancaster PA (30 minutes drive) which offers wine tasting tours seven days a week.

Things to do in Lancaster PA: Places of Interest

Demuth Museum

If you are an arts enthusiast and a fan of Charles Demuth work, in particular, the museum features a permanent collection of Charles Demuth original works.

Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum

The Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum is also located along East King Street and not far from Demuth Museum.

If you love quilts, the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum is an impressive place which showcases amazing Amish quilt works.

Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster

Another popular thing to do in Lancaster PA with kids; it’s to visit the Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster.

The museum is located 4 miles north of Lancaster’s city center (10 minutes car ride), and it’s an educational place where kids can enjoy a multitude of fun and interactive activities.

Landis Valley Museum

If you are visiting the Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster, it is worth adding the Landis Valley Museum to the itinerary as it is nearby the children’s museum.

The Landis Valley is an excellent place where you can learn more about Lancaster’s inventions and how rifles were made by gunsmiths in the 18th century.

Rock Ford Plantation

Lancaster PA is home to many historic landmarks, and they don’t come more historic than the Rock Ford Plantation, which is located in Central Park.

This 18th century plantation is open to the public for tours where you can see artifacts from the time, giving you a glimpse of live in a plantation back then.

Things to do in Lancaster PA: Shopping

For a bit of upscale shopping, Park City Center offers over 100 specialty stores to choose from such as Apple Bebe, Hollister Co and H&M.

This shopping center also features many dining options and steak houses such as Longhorn steak house.

Another excellent place for shopping opportunities it’s at the historic Central Market where you can purchase popular handmade Amish goods, arts and craft, and local produce such as cakes, meats and more.

Things to do in Lancaster PA: Nightlife & Entertainment

The downtown area of Lancaster is heart of the city’s nightlife where you’ll find all types of bars, pubs and clubs to suit every taste.

The main streets where you’ll find nightlife are Water Street, King Street, Chestnut Street and Walnut Street.

For instance, one of the most popular nightclubs in town is the Chameleon Club, which is located along North Water Street.

If you prefer a night of opera and performing arts with a historical feel, the Fulton Theater is the oldest running theater in the USA. The theater features quality productions such as the Eichmann Family and Fulton Cabaret Series

Things to do in Lancaster PA: Events & Festivals

Summer Music Series

One of the best times to travel to Lancaster PA is during the summer when you can catch many summer family events such as Summer Music Series held at Long’s Park.

The event is held every Sunday between June and August and features a myriad of live performances from local artists.

Long’s Park Arts and Crafts Festival

If you are a fan of arts and crafts, the Long’s Park Arts and Crafts Festival features the finest artists and craftsmen from across the USA and Canada.

The Long’s Park Arts and Crafts Festival takes place each Labor Day weekend at Long’s Park.

Sertoma Chicken BBQ

The Sertoma Chicken BBQ is one of the most popular family events in Lancaster’s calendar, and it is actually the largest chicken barbecue event in the world.

The event costs around $8 in advance and features live entertainment and plenty of chicken dinners.

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Monroe Louisiana is located around forty miles from the border with Mississippi and Arkansas, and it is one of the largest cities in Louisiana.

Must See Places in southern US

If you are planning a trip to the city with the family, there are many things to do in Monroe Louisiana that include visits the city’s museums which feature exhibits geared towards families with kids.

Apart from the city attractions, Monroe Louisiana features many recreational areas and a wildlife refuge nearby, where you can enjoy a bit of hunting and wildlife spotting.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Outdoor Activities

Parks & Recreational Areas

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

If you are looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting or wildlife spotting, during your vacation in Monroe Louisiana, the city is just a short drive (20 minute car ride) from the D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge.

The good thing about the Wildlife Refuge is that it doesn’t charge an entry fee and you don’t need a fishing or a hunting permit.

The Wildlife Refuge also features an observation tower where you can observe waterfowl and wading birds.

Cheniere Lake Recreation Area

If you are traveling with the family and are looking for outdoor spots to enjoy family recreational activities, Cheniere Lake Recreation Area is the best out of all of the recreational areas in Monroe Louisiana.

Cheniere Lake Recreation Area is just 10 minutes car ride west of Monroe’s city center, yet it offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and plenty of green space to set a lovely picnic.

Ouachita River Cruise

If you are looking for romantic things to do in Monroe Louisiana or a fun day trip with the family, another activity worth adding on your itinerary it’s a cruise along Ouachita River.

For instance, Ouachita River Pontoon Cruises offer wine tours, nature tours and dinner tours lasting around an hour.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Places of Interest

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is located in Bernstein Park and it is a great place for a fun day out with the family.

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is a lovely place to take the family for an inexpensive family outing and you can get to feed the animals there during feeding time.

Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum

Another excellent place worth adding on your Monroe itinerary it’s a visit to the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, as it features educational areas where kids can enjoy hands-on activities.

Some of these areas include the ‘Bubbles Works’ area, the ‘Kids Café’ area and the popular paramedic and ER room area.

Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum is located near the bank of the Ouachita River at 323 Walnut Street.

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens are also located along the Ouachita River and, not far from the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum.

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is another must-add attraction during your trip to Monroe Louisiana.

It features the original Biedenharn home which is open for tours, a Coca-Cola and a Bible museums and a lovely botanical garden where you can explore and incredible variety of plants on display.

Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum

The African-American Heritage Museum is located on 503 Plum Street and those of you interested in African-American culture, the museum provides an educational point of interest where you can learn more about the lifestyles, value and rich heritage of African Americans.

Aviation Historical Museum

If you are interested in the in the aviation and military role that Northeast Louisiana played during World War II, the Aviation Historical Museum is an educational place and a must-add in your itinerary for history buffs.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Shopping

If you are looking to enjoy a bit of retail shopping during your vacation in Monroe Louisiana, the city has plenty of shopping opportunities within the downtown area.

For instance, you can find Eastgate, Twin City and Sunshine Heights shopping centers located along Louisville Avenue, while Northgate shopping center and Geneva’s Plaza are located along Sterlington Road.

However, the biggest of the shopping malls in Monroe, it’s Pecanland Mall (located on Millhaven Road) which features over two hundred stores including popular anchor stores.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Nightlife & Entertainment

Monroe Louisiana is a university town with a varied nightlife to suit all tastes. In the downtown area, you can find a myriad of bars offering life music.

You can also find plenty of clubs to suit your taste such as Mojo Club, Monroe’s Top Gun Nightclub, Lotus Club, Scruff’s Nite Club and Peacock Club.

Apart from bars and clubs, Monroe Louisiana features a few cinemas as well as the Strauss Theater Center where you can catch one of their high quality productions.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Events & Festivals

Monroe DeltaFest

If you are traveling to Monroe Louisiana with the family, one of the top Louisiana festivals not to be missed is DeltaFest, held at the Civic Center.

The event is normally held for 4 days and features carnival rides, bouncy castles and plenty of live music bands.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival is another cultural event in Monroe, popular amongst families. The event is held in October at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center and aims to promote Scottish, Welsh and Irish heritage through Northeast Louisiana.

The event features plenty of foods, live music and activities for kids.

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Interesting places to visit in Louisiana

Popular Vacation Spots in Pennsylvania

Erie PA is roughly located on the half way point between Buffalo NY and Youngstown OH, and it is separated from the Canadian border by Lake Erie, which bounds the south coast of the Ontario Canada province and the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

As Philadelphia PA is known as the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the city of Erie PA is known as a laid-back summer retreat for families with kids and romantic couples.

Things to do in Erie PA: Outdoor Activities

State Parks

If you are planning a vacation to Erie PA and have in mind outdoor activities, a vacation in Erie PA will not disappoint you.

Erie's city center is just 8 miles from the picturesque Presque Isle State Park whose beautiful coastline arches into Lake Erie.

Presque Isle State Park offers a myriad of recreational activities and some of these include:

- Over 10 miles of hiking trails
- A purposely built paved biking trail circuit spanning over 13 miles
- Scuba diving & Snorkeling opportunities
- Hunting (only during hunting seasons
- Swimming at one of many beaches
- Educational Workshops throughout the year

City Parks

Apart from the beautiful Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA is home to over fifty city parks and playgrounds offering plenty of recreational opportunities.

For instance, one of the most popular city parks in Erie PA is Liberty Park, which is located at the shore of Lake Erie and features walking paths and sandy playgrounds.

Glenwood Park is another popular city park where you can enjoy plenty of recreational activities. Glenwood Park is actually the largest of all the city parks in Erie PA and features a golf course, an ice rink and the Erie Zoo.

Great American Waterways Cruise

If you are traveling from Chicago IL and are planning on visiting Erie PA, I would suggest considering the Great American Waterways Cruise.

This cruise consists of a 15 day cruise that takes you through the entire historic Erie Canal, departing from Chicago and finishing at Warren Rhode Island with stops along the way on Erie PA and other locations such as Mackinac Island Michigan and Cleveland Ohio.

Things to do in Erie PA: Places of Interest

Tom Ridge Environmental Center

If you are traveling with the family and are looking for things to do in Erie PA with kids, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center makes for a fun and inexpensive great day out.

The center is actually a visitor center for Presque Isle State Park and offers interactive shows about Presque Isle State Park’s wildlife and Lake Erie’s marine life.

Erie Zoo

Another popular thing to do in Erie PA with kids it’s to visit the Erie Zoo located at Glenwood Park where the whole family can enjoy many animal exhibits, interactive shows and a play area for the little ones.

Erie Art Museum

The Erie Art Museum is another interesting place worth adding to your Erie PA itinerary, especially if you are traveling with kids. The museum features the popular 'kids as Curators' exhibit which showcases art from middle school students.

Erie Memorial Parks

Some of Erie’s city parks contained memorials for the city’s notables and if you have time they're worth checking out.

For instance, the Jim Brutcher Field and Joseph Wronek Memorial Field is located at Pulaski Park, while the aluminum marker honoring the magician Harry Kellar is located at Griswold Park.

Lighthouses

If you’ve never seen a lighthouse before and would like to visit one, Erie PA is home to three lighthouses. Two of them are located on Presque Isle, while the other one is located at Lighthouse Park.

Things to do in Erie PA: Shopping

Shopping is indeed a popular thing to do in Erie PA since there is no sales tax on clothing items.

The downtown area features plenty of department stores and popular names include Big Lots, Dollar General Store and Ollie's Bargain Outlet.

Alternatively, you can visit Millcreek Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Erie PA with more than 100 stores that include department, boutique and specialty stores.

If you travel to Erie PA between June and October, you can catch the popular Erie Farmers Market every Saturday on Perry Square, and shop for local produce as well as handmade crafts and art.

Things to do in Erie PA: Nightlife & Entertainment

Erie PA city center has a lively nightlife featuring a variety of bars and clubs to suit all tastes. For instance, the Boardwalk Complex Downtown and Craze Nightclub are located in the downtown area.

If you prefer a night more suitable for families and want to keep within a budget, there a couple of options that might interest you.

For instance, you could visit the popular Cinemark Millcreek Cinema 6 which shows movies that have been out for a while but at affordable prices.

Another affordable option could be a night of performing arts at the popular Erie Playhouse, which features inexpensive Broadway-type plays for families.

Things to do in Erie PA: Events & Festivals

Wild Resource Festival

If you are visiting Erie PA in early May, you can catch the popular Wild Resource Festival organized by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

If you love nature, this is one event that your family and you shouldn’t miss, as it features animal shows and nature walks through Presque Isle State Park.

Erie Blues & Jazz Festival

If you are a jazz enthusiast, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival is held in August annually at Frontier Park for two days and showcases local and regional musicians.

Erie's Heritage Festival

Another popular summer event it's the Erie’s Heritage Festival held in September at Liberty Park. The event is family-friendly and features a historic trolley ride of downtown Erie, Civil War representations and educational exhibits.



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Wondering how to make a family vacation an inexpensive one?

Not to worry, we got you covered!

As follows I've outlined some of the ways a typical family can embark on a quality cheap vacation without breaking the bank, as well as some destinations.

#1 Choose A Not So Popular Destination

 One of the best ways to enjoy an inexpensive family vacation is choosing a holiday destination that is off-the-beaten-path...or the very least, choose a destination that isn’t hugely touristy to avoid the "rip-off" tourist tag.

#2 Go the Camping Route

Camping in a state park with the family may not sound appealing at first, but it surely is a fantastic way to keep costs down. Not only that it's also as a fun way for the whole family to bond together.

Children of all ages enjoy the camping experience and because of the multitude of outdoor activities to keep the kids busy, you won’t have to worry about spending much money at all. Camping is a popular thing to do and a great idea to consider, if you’re looking for inexpensive family vacations. 

#3 Stick to the Dollar

If you’re planning to go abroad, choosing a destination that uses the US Dollar as their currency is another clever way to save some money on your family vacation.

#4 Go to Ecuador

If you’re looking for a family adventure vacation that is both fun and inexpensive, Ecuador offers plenty of activities that include hiking and biking through the stunning Andean Highlands. Also, Ecuador uses the US Dollar as their currency so you won't have to worry about currency exchanges.

Tip. The best time to enjoy a trip to Ecuador is between June and October.

#5 Stay off the Tourist Trail 

The Dominican Republic is easily one of the most touristy of the Caribbean Islands and a very popular destination among families too. However, the drawback is that it's super crowded and way to expensive.

The good news is that you can still enjoy a trip in the Dominican Republic by avoiding the tourist trail. Take for instance  the town of Cabrera. You can enjoy an inexpensive family vacation there for much less you'd pay in Punta Cana. Better still, Canbrera offers plenty of fun activities such as horseback riding, surfing in La Playa Grande beach and also hiking nearby to explore the rural Dominican life.

#6 How about Columbus Ohio?

Sometimes it's best to keep vacations nice and easy by staying at home. If you’re looking for an urban type destination which is inexpensive and in the US, the city of Columbus is a friendly and affordable family destination geared towards kids.

Columbus is home to the COSI center, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Franklin Park Conservatory.

#7 Stay in Quebec City

Another vacation destination that offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for families is Quebec City, which is home to a myriad of attractions such as Valcartier Vacation Village, Expo Québec and Méga Parc.

Quebec City is also home to the SAQ New France Festival. This festival is awesome and  a great way to enjoy a role-play type family fun dressing up in period costumes.

See. Top 10 Vacation Spots in the Caribbean
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Top 10 destinations in Cuba

Popular Vacation Spots in Pennsylvania

Hershey Pennsylvania is a great destination for fun affordable family vacations, and it is only a couple of hours drive from places to visit in Philadelphia.

Hershey Pennsylvania: Things to do

* Hershey Pennsylvania is home to the popular Hersey Park where you can enjoy fun family outdoor activities.

* Apart from visiting Hershey Park, another popular thing to do in Hershey Pennsylvania is to take a ride on a Hershey Trolley car.

A Hershey trolley car is a fun and educational tour on an old fashioned trolley car, where you get to visit the Hershey Chocolate factory and learn how Mr. Hershey started the chocolate business.


In terms of accommodation, two great suggestions are Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge which features its own golf course, tennis courts and a miniature golf for the kids. 

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