Incredibly good paninis at this inconspicuous little lunch place. I had the Grouper Panini and loved it. Also got to taste the sweet potato and Chili Cactus Soups which were really well done. The owner was friendly and the service was fast. When you walk in - go straight up to the counter and order - then take a seat. They will bring the food to your table. All the ingredients were fresh and if I was local, this place would become my regular lunch stop.
A great zoo with an incredible history. Definite highlights for us were the insect house and the reptile building which is one of the oldest zoo buildings in the country. The zoo has been cleverly laid out so that you don't feel like it's crowded - even when it's at capacity. A solid selection of animals and a lot of fun. Remember to bring water since it's expensive on site.
A surprisingly beautiful park outside of Cincinnati in Hyde park with a great pavilion which overlooks the park and surrounding area. The flower gardens are kept really well and there is a great little playground to take the kids after a walk. It's worth noting that though it's dog friendly, some areas of the park are off limits.
The castle sits on one of the 1000 islands and is quite an epic site to come up on as you traverse the islands. There is a fee to do the tour, and I was surprised by the number of visitors while I was there - but it was well worth the visit. Walking the grounds and secret gardens with their views across the island is great.
One of Americas most unrecognized but most stunning national parks - Zion's is so close to St George that you can pop in and out for a visit in an afternoon. The drive through the park I alone will blow your mind, and each of the relatively quick hikes really take it to the next level. A must visit!
Growing up near the Dandenong mountain and would love to visit William Rickets Sanctuary - like something from a dream - these moss covered statues are built into the landscape and will often surprise you with how understated they are. You will be walking past a tree and realize that there is one if the statues hiding around it. That fact, makes it particularly amazing for exploring. A really magical place. Can't wait to take my kids!
After a 14 hour hike from the car park, down a mile of vertical switchbacks into the canyon, through an Indian village and over two miles of loose sand - this trip is not for the faint of heart! That said, it is 100% worth it once you reach the falls, which are without of a doubt one of the most spectacular sights in this world. There is a fresh water spring that is tapped out of the ground for water once you reach the campsite - definitely stay hydrated as there are some long hikes to reach each of the falls.
Almost every movie with a desert scene uses Arches in its shoot because if it's sheer epic nature. The hikes up to each Arch varies, but the park is massive and will probably require a few days to hit all the major arches. That said it is well worth it! Check out delicate arch and double arch - both are epic. Windows Arch is also great and is the set for the first scene in Indiana Jones and the last crusade.
A nice little landmark stop if you are driving through the reservation - be aware that there is a small cost and they take cash only. there are a lot of interesting places in the area - but the monument is worth checking off the list if you are nearby.
The contrast of the Lasals over the red desert of Moab makes them an incredible sight. Only a short 20-30 minute drive from Moab proper, the Lasals keeps snow almost all year and is a great place to go for tobogganing in the winter and hiking year round. A nice place to cool off from the desert heat!