Travel in state Wisconsin

With some tweaks, the colorful minnow and feathered lures would make pretty cute earrings, I thought, or great Christmas tree ornaments.

Passport processing times have fallen once again with the U.S. Department of State getting through them faster than even last month.

There are many things I love about living in New York City since moving from Wisconsin over 10 years ago, but there's nothing like a Midwestern grocery store.

At the top of Mount Hamilton, near San Jose, Calif., Lick Observatory looks out over the dense sprawl of the San Francisco Bay Area. On a clear day from the 4,200-foot summit, you can see San Francisco to the north, as well as the entrance to Yosemite Valley, 120 miles east, as the crow flies. At night you can see even farther — millions of light-years into space.

My kids and I didn't visit a water park this summer, so I began looking into indoor options now that the weather's cooled down.

For her family vacation next year, Liz Thimm has booked a 10-day trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama, in February. She requested time off from her pharmacist job a year in advance, checked out guidebooks from the library and has shared itinerary ideas with her daughter and son — who are 11 and 9 — to involve them in the planning process. One thing she has not and will not do? Schedule the trip around a school vacation.

A new group of institutions of higher education across the country has been recognized for demonstrating commitment and work to build stronger communities, safer streets, and better bicycling for everyone – on and off campus.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city on the rise; so much so that it just joined our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Long considered nearby Chicago's little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own by growing amongst younger people for its affordability over the Second City, allowing people to buy homes and rent better apartments. Not to mention the growing restaurant scene, new infrastructure increasing walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable—it’s no longer just a small town. And with so many local colleges and a venerated art museum, there is strong curiosity and willingness to embrace the new.

Despite my love of travel – and travel-planning – organizing a stellar family vacation is a quagmire for me.

For some experienced travelers, taking it slow is the way to go. 

What are the friendliest places in America? The self-storage company Neighbor.com has just released its fourth annual list of America’s 25 Most Neighborly Cities, in honor of National Neighbor Day. The 2023 study ranks U.S. cities based on factors like charitable donations, volunteering, crime rates and more.

A new crop of businesses nationwide has been recognized for demonstrating commitment and work “to build better places to bike” by making cycling safer, easier and more accessible as a means of transportation and recreation.

Ever wanted to wade into a cranberry bog? No need to audition for an Ocean Spray commercial—you can immerse yourself in a sea of burgundy berries by taking a cranberry bog tour. The best time to visit is during the cranberry harvest season, which typically occurs from mid-September through mid-November.

Those in prime locations throughout Canada and the northern U.S. may be in for a spectacular celestial show this week as a solar storm makes way for the most magical astrological phenomena there is: the northern lights.

One of the fruits of getting on a train is that it makes me want to chat. So instead of gazing at Kent as we proceed to Paris from London, I talk to my neighbour. Martha grew up in San Francisco, studied in Oregon, and puts syrup on everything. When we part ways on the concourse of Gare du Nord – she to lunch with a friend from Wisconsin, me to amble around before continuing towards Turkey – she says the best things about the US are Taylor Swift and meatloaf. It’s good to talk.

Think the Midwest is just a cornfield you fly over between coasts? Don’t be fooled by that nonsense.

Come fall, there are many leaf-peeping opportunities in America’s national parks. But the great outdoors extends far beyond official park boundaries.

I moved to New York City from Wisconsin over a decade ago. While autumn in New York City can feel like living in a Nora Ephron movie, for me, nothing compares to fall in the Midwest.

An American travel influencer who told her viewers to book a vacation to Asia was met with backlash as TikTokers pointed out it wasn't easily affordable for people who weren't wealthy, but the influencer hit back and said she wasn't born into privilege.

Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws. And while autumn is always an exciting time to visit (think football and foliage), there’s enough happening in each of these destinations to warrant a getaway any time of year. From a bustling big-city suburb to a UNESCO City of Literature, here are the Midwest’s best college towns to visit now.

Want to hike through Colorado’s stands of golden Aspens, glide in a hot air balloon above Asheville’s fall foliage, or take a road trip through New England to gawk at the famous autumnal color palette that paints the trees brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow?