Frontpage Article Archives | Page 4 of 11 | My Life on (and off) the Guest List

5 Companies That Have Raised Money for COVID-19 Relief Efforts

April 18, 2020/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the lives of Americans across the country, individuals and organizations are stepping up to help those in need. This help is still sorely needed, despite recent talks from federal officials about reopening the country to start resuming “normal” life. New York, one of the hardest-hit spots in the country, is still seeing about 2,000 coronavirus hospitalizations every day and Governor Cuomo has announced that nonessential businesses will stay closed until at least May 15.

To help healthcare workers, essential staff, and everyday citizens affected by the virus, companies of all shapes and sizes have been raising money for COVID-19 relief efforts. Here are five organizations making a difference during these unusual times.

Faviana and No Kid Hungry

Faviana, a high-end evening wear brand founded and based in New York City, has partnered with the No Kid Hungry campaign to help support the millions of vulnerable children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Share Our Strength, a nonprofit with the objective of solving issues of hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world runs the national No Kid Hungry campaign. This campaign connects children in need with nutritious food and helps teach their families how to cook meals that are healthy and affordable.

To support the campaign, Faviana is encouraging its community to post photos on Instagram that capture themselves in a moment of positivity using the hashtag, #CelebrateYourself. For each post, Faviana will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign. Faviana is offering free virtual styling appointments and consultations to incentivize participation. They are also accepting direct donations through GoFundMe for the No Kid Hungry campaign to help boost their Instagram initiative.

Feed the Frontlines New Jersey

A coalition of New Jersey restaurants has formed a new initiative known as Feed the Frontlines New Jersey, inspired by Feed the Frontlines New York. Eddy Sujak of Sofia Restaurant in Englewood, New Jersey started the initiative to help feel healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 in New Jersey. Other local restaurants such as Giovanni’s Bicycle Club, Axis Taverna, and Bennie’s have also joined the cause of supplying meals to the state’s hardworking healthcare workers.

The mission of Feed the Frontlines New Jersey is to raise money to fund the meals from participating restaurants. By visiting the initiative’s website, donors can choose the restaurant and medical institution they would like to support. Not only do these donations help keep healthcare workers fed and energized, but they also support local restaurants and their employees.

Proper No. Twelve Whiskey

MMA Champion Conor McGregor is used to fighting, but he has recently joined a battle unlike any he’s ever fought before. McGregor’s Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey brand has donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Heroes Fund. This fund is run by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and is also focused on the healthcare workers risking their lives to fight the novel coronavirus. The fund has pledged $3 million to provide these workers with meals and personal protective equipment. The fund will also provide financial relief through temporary mortgage payments to a healthcare worker’s family should they lose their life-fighting COVID-19.

In addition to their $100k donation, McGregor’s brand is encouraging individuals to purchase a “One For All” t-shirt. If you purchase a shirt, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the COVID-19 Heroes Fund. A repeat donor to Tunnel to Towers, McGregor’s brand donated $1 million to the foundation earlier this year in support of the country’s first responders. As these responders handle life-threatening emergencies such as crashes related to operating a vehicle while impaired, supporting them year-round is essential.

Milk Makeup and the Wu-Tang Clan

You heard that right. NYC-based skincare brand Milk Makeup has partnered with the iconic Wu-Tang Clan to support New Yorkers affected by the pandemic. On April 10, Milk Makeup donated 100% of proceeds from purchases made on that day to the NYC COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. This fund supports healthcare workers, local small businesses, essential staff, displaced hourly workers, youth, families, and other New Yorkers in need at this time.

The collaborative COVID-19 relief efforts raised a total of $106,264.31 in just 24 hours. All shoppers who bought at least $55 worth of Milk products received a complimentary, limited-edition Wu-Tang x Milk Makeup Lip Color. During this successful one-day sale, the makeup brand gifted 1,155 lip colors to their generous shoppers. The brand also donated $250,000 worth of skincare products to frontline responders in New York City hospitals.

Ana Luisa Jewelry

The jewelry company has launched the #UnitedTogether campaign to help fight COVID-19. In this campaign, Ana Luisa Jewelry has launched the Unity bracelet and is donating all proceeds from purchases of the bracelet to the CDC Foundation. The foundation uses their donations to help communities prevent, detect, and respond to COVID-19, deploy emergency staff to the frontlines, and fund and deliver home essentials to quarantined individuals.

The unisex bracelet is made with an adjustable black cord and three gold chain links. Each bracelet costs $25 and shoppers can buy one for themselves as well as send bracelets to their friends and family. Ana Luisa created the bracelet to symbolize interdependency and encourage everyone to stand together, even when physically apart. With no vaccine for the coronavirus yet in sight despite the U.S. holding over 45% of the global pharmaceutical market, the message to stay united in the fight against COVID-19 is more important than ever before.

All of these COVID-19 relief efforts come at an important time when our country is faced with an emergency the majority of our population has never before experienced. Although Americans are accustomed to fighting disasters like hurricanes that plague the Atlantic region for six months every year and fires that ravage the west coast during scorching months, the coronavirus has tested the country’s resources and resiliency. With efforts like these, however, it’s only a matter of time until we come out of the other side of this pandemic together.

Effleure Launches First-Ever Luxury Scented Lingerie Collection

April 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Fashion, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

For the moment, most of us are quarantine with our loved ones, many of which are your significant others. While absence makes the heart grow fonder, we’re not so sure if 24hr access keeps the relationship all that exciting. Let’s be honest; most of us are living in sweatpants or leggings. So that had us wondering, how are you keeping your love lives exciting? We know that boredom can lead to many things; with a reduction in libidos, how do you make being intimate become exciting again? Luckily for you ladies, Effleure has a way to add a bit of excitement back in the bedroom with the launch of the first-ever luxury scented lingerie collection.

Founded by Virginia Marcolin, a veteran of the lingerie market, the memorable sensory collection shows that you can be your own or your partner’s aphrodisiac. Effleure is the perfect marriage of scent and luxury ladies underwear in three iconic designs. Available styles include the Bikini ($20.00), the G-String (2-pack/$25.00), and Boyshort ($25.00, aka the culotte in the UK). These underwear styles are gently and safely infused with ingredients that are free of heavy metals and known carcinogens.

The therapeutic-grade essential oils allow the scent to last through multiple washes of the top drawer staple. Effleure scent-infused undergarments are as safe for the skin as taking a bubble bath, thanks to their tried and tested proprietary formula. The black lace and microfiber underwear are infused with lavender, black coconut, dark chocolate, or French vanilla essential oils. They are designed to embolden the wearer and are available in sizes small through XXL.

“Our lingerie is about embracing womanhood, and frankly, seduction is the bonus. We want women to wear lavish lingerie that inspires confidence to succeed in everything they do. This kind of luxury is a state of mind.” Virginia Marcolin, the founder and CEO of Effleure Inc.

By introducing a third sense to the mix, Effleure lingerie not only stimulates in the moment on a higher level, but it also employs the brain’s ability to recall enticing memories.

Marcolin adds, “The science behind this is simple. After you’ve worn our infused lingerie with your lover, when they’re away and happen to smell a similar smell, the brain’s olfactory function springs into motion and they immediately think of you. It’s an instinctual win/win.”

Furthermore, Effleure is committed to donating $1.00 of every sale to one of four partnering charities.

Fashion and Alcohol Companies Step Up To Meet Coronavirus Needs

March 31, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Fashion, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

The COVID-19 outbreak has turned modern society on its head, taking children out of schools, keeping consumers at home rather than in bars and stores, and halting the operations of all types of businesses. While various businesses are pausing their usual productions and sales, many are finding new purpose in the national effort to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Fashion and textile companies across the country are focusing their efforts on making face masks and hospital gowns while distilleries are adjusting operations so that they can produce disinfectants and hand sanitizers. Although statistics show that as many as 70% of business partnerships fail, partnerships within these businesses are coming together to satisfy the needs of healthcare workers in the United States. The collaboration, internally and externally, of these companies to adjust their operations could prove to be a game-changer in the fight again coronavirus.

Fashion Brands Making a Difference

While retail stores close their doors and fashion events are canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, brands across the country have started using their resources and skills to make face masks and hospital gowns for healthcare workers. The supply of face masks, in particular, has quickly plummeted in the United States as the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations has skyrocketed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has even suggested that healthcare workers use bandanas or scarves to cover their faces while treating patients if no other supplies are available, although neither are proven effective at keeping out airborne particles.

PHOTO by @ocregister/Instagram

To help keep healthcare workers from turning to this last resort, major fashion brands are stepping up. The National Council of Textile Organizations announced on March 21 that they would work with the federal government to come together and produce face masks. There are 10 businesses within this coalition taking part in the effort, including Los Angeles Apparel, Hanes Brand, and AST Sportswear Inc. as well as a handful of other names.

PHOTO by @csiriano/Instagram

Independent brands are also committing to making the supplies that healthcare workers need. Christian Siriano, a New York fashion designer and the host of “Project Runway,” stepped up to the need early on. He tweeted an offer to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 20 to have his team of sewers work from home to make masks. About 83% of consumers “love” or “like” when a business responds to them on social media and Gov. Cuomo was no different. Shortly after Siriano’s offer, Cuomo tweeted that his team was in talks with Siriano and urged other New York brands to follow suit. As of March 24, Siriano’s mask prototypes were pending government approval to ensure they are safe and effective.

Fashion and Alcohol Companies Step Up To Meet Coronavirus Needs - Michael Costello

PHOTO by @michaelcostello/Instagram

Fellow New York-based designer Brandon Maxwell is also pivoting his brand’s operations to gown and mask production. Maxwell has also announced that he will give away three wedding dresses to brides affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In Los Angeles, designer Michael Costello has created a washable face mask in a black, cotton-nylon stretch fabric and is reproducing it at a rate of about 150 masks per day. They are considered non-surgical grade masks, but Costello says the research he has done shows that the materials he’s using have high air filtration effectiveness rates.

Citizens of Humanity is creating a face mask prototype made of 100% cotton to send to various organizations around Los Angeles, including UCLA Health and Stanford Children’s Hospital. The company says that its factory could potentially produce up to 150,000 masks each week and that gowns and other items could be next on their production schedule.

Distilleries Swap Liquor for Disinfectant

Before scientific advances spurred companies to produce specific formulas for sanitizers, alcohol was used for centuries as a crude disinfectant. While the two products now have separate industries, the lines are blurring again as distilleries across the country use their existing equipment and knowledge to make disinfectants instead of liquor.

Pernod Ricard, a $34 billion French drinks group, has dozens of distilleries around the world that are trading out their liquor operations for sanitizer production. Jameson Whiskey and Absolut Vodka, both of which are owned by Pernod Ricard, received government approvals within 24 hours of submitting proposals to create batches of hand sanitizer. By the end of the same week, they were rolling their first products off production lines in Arkansas.

To help other distilleries do the same, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has waived provisions of internal revenue law to authorize permitted distillers to produce ethanol-based hand sanitizers. While most participating distilleries have a substantial amount of ethanol on hand, they’ve had to source other key ingredients such as glycerin and hydrogen peroxide, which they don’t usually use, as well as the right plastic containers for packaging their hand sanitizers. Once they gather the ingredients, the master blenders at distilleries have used their expertise as well as the World Health Organization’s recipe for high-quality hand sanitizer to create disinfectants in this time of shortages.

Although the U.S. may consume the largest volume of wine of any country in the world, it is also partial to its liquor. And America’s favorite distilleries, small and large, are taking on this initiative as well. BACARDI Rum is partnering with Puerto Rico-based lubricant manufacturer Olein Refinery to make sanitizers. In upstate New York, smaller distilleries are also shifting operations to help local healthcare workers. These distilleries offering a helping hand include Kymar Farm Distillery, Sauvage Beverage Distillery, and Black Button Distilling. Other distilleries-turned-sanitizer-producers throughout the U.S. include the Tennessee Distillers Guild, Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Nevada, and Ko’olau Distillery in Ohau, Hawaii.

As businesses across the country adjust their everyday operations to help in the time of coronavirus, individuals can see first-hand the impact of small contributions. What can you do to help your community and ensure that everyone stays connected during these tough times?

NY Distilleries Get Green Light to Produce Hand Sanitizer

March 24, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

During these trying times of quarantine, stay-at-home orders, and sold-out face masks and hand sanitizers, distilleries have gotten the green light from the US Government to help with shortages. As the state of New York is seeing massive increases in positive cases, and a shortage in supplies, two NY Distilleries are working on producing free hand sanitizer for their local communities in Upstate NY to help with the Coronavirus. Funny thing is, this is not the first time distilleries have gone the medical route. To get around Prohibition laws, many distilleries produced medicinal liquor and now they will be helping the medical industry.

Kymar Farm Distillery and Sauvage Distillery, both New York Farm distilleries, are utilizing their distilleries to produce the much-need hand sanitizer. The two distilleries have stopped all production of their products, adjusted their equipment, and retrained their employees. This, of course, will not disrupt the production of their products; they’re just trying to do their part in helping the people of New York stay safe. The Kymar Farm and Sauvage Distilleries made sanitizer will be made in accordance with FDA and TTB requirements and will be bottled in glass bottles which Sauvage Distillery uses for their “Upstate” Vodka.

“The Coronavirus pandemic is a biological catastrophe. Everyone who can, must contribute to help society in this tough moment. We are committed to help communities by focusing our production on hand sanitizers and giving them away for free to first responders. ” says Ilio Mavlyanov, Founder of Sauvage Distillery.

The hand Sanitizers will be available for first responders, EMTs, hospitals, doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and community and government agencies. They will be available next week in Schoharie County, NY and pickups can be scheduled by emailing info@ky-mar.com or info@drinksauvage.com.

We should say a thank you to these companies who are looking beyond making money to help in the fight against this pandemic.

New App Watchworthy is Being Dubbed the Tinder of Television

March 24, 2020/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Lifestyle, Technology /by Contributing Writer

The way the average person watches television has completely transformed in the last decade. Although cable television ruled for years and tried to keep its reign alive by releasing more flexible features like the ability to record shows and on-demand options, it now faces a serious category of competitors: streaming services. Various combinations of services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime now take the place of cable television in homes across the country. Many families favor these options because they are often more affordable and offer the same, if not more, options of movies and television shows.

Despite viewers’ preference for having more options over less, the wealth of media on just one service can be overwhelming. It’s all-too-easy to find yourself scrolling endlessly through the shows on Netflix, paralyzed by indecision on which of the many options you’ll enjoy the most.

Watchworthy is a new app designed to help the average viewer organize all of these options. Ranker is the top digital media company for opinion-based, crowdsourced rankings and released Watchworthy to help the average consumer find a television show they’ll enjoy without the time commitment of searching.

Called the Tindr of tv app finds the perfect show for you by analyzing your watching habits and your favorite shows from the past. The process is similar to how Spotify offers users suggestions based on their musical preferences and the artists they listen to most often. Although advanced streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have “Recommended for You” sections on their platforms, these will often also include original series from the streaming company that it wants to promote. As a third-party app, Watchworthy is free of these biased promotions and only focuses on your unique preferences and watching history.

Born from Ranker’s driving principle that the opinions of millions of people are more relevant and predictive than the opinion of one critic, Watchworthy relies on audience insights to identify the shows that will align with an individual’s tastes. The app picks out shows new and old, allowing viewers to discover narratives they otherwise might have never found.

Watchworthy currently supports over 200 streaming services and can be found at Watchworthy.app on your mobile device. With the broad range of platforms the app supports and the usability of it on your smartphone, you can effortlessly find the perfect show wherever you are. Whether you’re riding the subway on your daily commute, in the middle of the average hospital stay of 4.5 days, or just want to watch something while you take lunch at work, Watchworthy can be your personal media concierge. The app will soon be available in the App stores as well, which are compatible with most phones and tablets.

Better Teeth, Better Health: Why Millennials Should Go To The Dentist Too

March 16, 2020/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

Maintaining a healthy smile and mouth that is free of disease and other issues requires diligent and proper oral hygiene. It is not just kids who get cavities and have to go to the dentist, 40% of whom have dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten. Adults can get cavities, gum diseases like gingivitis, and other oral health diseases that can lead to serious issues. From a young age all the way through adulthood, practicing proper oral hygiene requires:

Brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, which has proven most effective in removing dental plaque. This is a thin layer of clear sticky film that develops on your teeth in as little as 4-12 hours after brushing. Plaque is the primary cause of decaying teeth, gum disease, bad breath, and other issues related to oral hygiene.

Flossing once a day to remove the plaque that builds up under the gum line and between the teeth. If you do not remove this plaque daily by proper brushing and flossing, it will harden and mineralize into tartar. Tartar is a hard yellow or brown deposit which can only be removed by a professional dentist, like the accomplished Mesa dentist options out there.

Limiting foods that are damaging to your teeth. This includes food high in starch and sugar, especially sticky candy or other snacks. Additionally, limit snacking between meals which increases the likelihood of bacteria producing harmful acids that damage your tooth enamel. Enamel is the thin but tough outer covering that protects your teeth.

Millennials and Dentistry

Millennials have commonly been blamed by economy experts for killing off staples of the American economy, such as shopping malls, designer clothing, and even parts of the auto industry. Many believe that private dentistry may be next. This is despite the fact that over one million teens, or 5 million people total, have invested in Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Every year, adults make up 20% of the patients who get braces. Getting braces or Invisalign has helped many people achieve the teeth that they desperately wanted. It can knock people’s confidence if they are ashamed of their teeth and want to do something about it. Seeing if Invisalign can fix overbites in children, adults, etc. is something that many will look up to hopefully get their answer.

New research suggests that millennials should not be shrugging off dental hygiene, as many are not cleaning their teeth regularly. A study found that three in 10 millennials brush their teeth only once a day. Research also showed that the average millennial has gone two or more days without brushing their teeth. In addition to these facts, as high as 73% of millennials drink liquor, wine, or beer which can lead to oral health issues. Wine, both red and white, is highly acidic and known to deteriorate tooth enamel. This, in theory, should then suggest that the majority of millennials should be making sure they find dentistry services using the likes of Opencare or other websites that enable its users to find a local dental practice that is highly recommended and rated in the specific area chosen.

Why Are Millennials Avoiding The Dentist?

Despite these poor dental hygiene habits, over half or 56% of millennials are concerned about losing their teeth. Though, there seem to be various reasons why they avoid going to the dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup:

22% do not like the taste of the products used.
62% of adults in the United States are afraid to go to the dentist, many harboring this fear since childhood.
Of those who have a fear of the dentist, 74% are afraid of painful treatment, 47% are afraid of pain after the treatment, and 47% are afraid of the noise of the dental drill.

While going to the dentist may be frightening for some, it is not an excuse to avoid receiving proper dental care. There are many dentistries that will accommodate those with fears and help quell those feelings. Dentists believe that creating a welcoming environment and making their patients feel comfortable are top priorities. Ironically, the likelihood is that if you avoid going to the dentist through fear, you will end up with a host of oral health issues resulting in unavoidable pain. This means you would need to visit an emergency dentist, so you’d end up seeing a dentist anyway. If this happens to you, this emergency dental guide may be useful. At least if you go before any problems arise, you won’t have to suffer from any pain.

For many young millennials, it is important to take the necessary steps listed above to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This includes practicing daily oral hygiene and regularly receiving professional dental care. This will ensure proper oral health as you grow older, which research shows is heavily linked to overall health.

Drink to Your Health: JAF TEA Artisanal Handpicked Teas

March 16, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

If there was ever a time to drink lots of tea, that time is now. Whether you’re enjoying a regular cup of antioxidant tea in the morning and afternoon or a hot toddy at night, you can’t deny the benefits of tea. Black teas help the heart, can lower cholesterol and give you energy (it’s our go-to in the mornings); Green teas are packed with antioxidants which keep your body fighting against diseases (we alternate between green and white as our afternoon tea); White teas can help you shed some pounds and boasts antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Basically, tea is what we should be drinking as we all deal with the Coronavirus. For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been staying healthy with a variety of teas from JAF TEA, a range of premium, hand-picked, and single-origin Ceylon teas.

JAF TEA has quite the history; based in Sri Lanka and founded in 1944, their teas are sold in more than 30 countries across the globe and have won a reputation for superb quality and exceptional taste. Their distinct black teas, expertly selected by their team of master tasters, from the Ceylon region, which boasts two peak tea seasons. JAF TEA packs their teas within days of harvesting to preserve the ﬂavors and characters.

Our first experience with JAF TEA was a cuppa of a flavored green tea – Lemon & Mint. Available in loose leaf and tea bags, this invigorating tea also boasts a cool minty layer that complements its burst of citrus flavor. Fans of flavored green teas will also enjoy their six other flavors, as well as their classic green tea, also available in a variety of options. As we mentioned above, we love black teas in the morning and the robust JAF TEA Ceylon Supreme was the perfect pick-me-up we needed one early morning. Its formidable taste and distinct Dimbulla character result in a bright taste that lingers with you.

Sadly, we down to our last few tea bags but we’re really excited to try these unconventional flavored green teas, including Soursop & Banana (both creamy fruits that we grew up eating), Mango, and Strawberry Kiwi. We also hear they have a Bourbon Vanilla & Rooibos tea that is sublime and most likely a perfect blend for hot toddies. We can’t wait to find out.

Whether you’re looking for robust and full-bodied or floral and delicate teas, check out this family-owned and operated tea brand from the highlands of Sri Lanka and drink to your health.

The Great Outdoors: The Top Hiking Getaways in the United States

March 13, 2020/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

With the weather warming up and summer on the way, many are starting to make plans for their outdoor vacations. While there are some more obvious tropical choices like Hawaii or Florida, you may be surprised by some of the lesser-known yet equally beautiful outdoor destinations found in the U.S that are great for hiking. Combined with an RV for a home base (see RV dealers near me here), you can stay immersed in nature. Here are six states that you should consider for your outdoor vacations this year.

Colorado

Colorado, home to the “mile high city,” is the nation’s highest state and has more than 50 peaks of 14,000 feet or higher. It’s home to some beautiful National Parks and one of the most well-known ski cities in the world.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is the third most visited National Park in the U.S. and home to some truly breathtaking sites. The park has sweeping views, waterfalls, wildlife, and countless lakes. This park is a great choice for a family outdoor vacation as it has experiences for everyone at any level of ability. You can choose to venture out on your own for hikes and rock climbing or take a guided tour to see all of the highlights. There is also camping available for an overnight stay.

Aspen

Aspen Colorado is home to some world-class skiing. There are four different mountains for both skiing and snowboarding, making it the perfect place for winter sports. Even into early spring, the ski trails are groomed and ready to go, depending on weather conditions of course. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Aspen is a great outdoor vacation destination as it has nearby lakes great for fishing, beautiful hiking trails, and tons of campsites. Tempted to head to Aspen on your next fishing trip? If so, be sure to click here for plenty of fishing tips and articles covering all the latest news from the recreational fishing industry.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is like a step back in time. This National Park is home to over 5,000 archeological sites, the most well known to be the “cliff dwellings”. These stone villages were made over 700 years ago by the Pueblo people and are truly incredible to see. As you hike along the many trails, you’ll get views of hundreds of different ancient sites.

Washington

Aside from lots of rain and the possibility of running into vampires, Washington is an outdoor paradise. With its rainforests, trails and beautiful scenery, there is a destination for everyone in Washington.

The Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest located on the Olympic Peninsula is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States. The flora and fauna located in the forest are enough alone to draw visitors. There are giant 100-year-old cedar and fir trees and giant walls of moss, along with some truly bizarre fungi. Roosevelt elk live in the area and are best seen during winter and spring. The rainforest also holds some beautiful hiking trails and views of the open ocean. There are a few campgrounds in the rainforest, just be prepared with plenty of things to stay dry!

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is one of the most well known geographical sites in Washington with its summit elevation of 14,411 feet. It’s an active volcano, but don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted in over 100 years. There is skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing available on the mountain with some incredible views along the way. During the summer season, there are gorgeous wildflower hills along the hiking trails as well as gushing waterfalls with runoff from the mountain snow. If you choose to camp on Mount Rainier, you’ll likely see many photographers, both professional and amateur, as the views are world-renowned.

The Methow Valley

The Methow Valley is one of the lesser-known treasures in Washington, home to incredible hiking trails, rock climbing, camping, skiing, and even an old western town. The valley boasts the largest cross country trail system in North America and is a paradise for skiers and snowshoers during winter. The valley is also a great summer vacation destination with plenty of lakes for water activities, trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Winthrop is a small wester-themed town in the valley. Driving down the main street feels like a step back to the days of stagecoach robberies and cowboys.

California

California is known for its beautiful beaches and big names like Hollywood. But aside from that, there are some beautiful outdoor escapes that would make for an incredible vacation.

Yosemite

Yosemite is one of the most well-known of the National Parks in America. The beautiful scenery and wildlife draw thousands of visitors from around the globe yearly. The park is home to hundreds of waterfalls, five of which are over 1,000 feet tall. Spring is the best time to see these beautiful waterfalls as the snowmelt from the mountains brings them to full power. Yosemite is also a hiker and rock climber’s paradise. El Capitan, a cliff face over 3000 feet tall, is one of the most famous rock climbing locations in the U.S. Professional rock climbers train for years to attempt this feat. There are over 800 miles of beautiful hikes for all levels of hikers. There are over 400 different species of wildlife that call the park home, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Camping and RV spaces are available throughout the park.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a stretch of land along the coast of California that isn’t known for its beaches but rather it’s rugged mountainous terrain. It’s boasted as the longest and most scenic undeveloped stretch of coastline in the United States and as one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world. Big Sur is home to hiking trails, small beaches, and the redwood forest and draws about 7 million visitors a day from around the world. There are both public and private camping grounds dotted along Big Sur, so don’t miss this beautiful outdoor vacation destination.

Wine Country

Over 70% of Millennials drink liquor, beer, or wine, so with over 4,000 wineries, California would be a great vacation destination for them. California, more specifically Napa Valley and Sonoma, have some of the most popular wineries in the Country. Napa Valley is known for its world-class Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sonoma is known for its Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

North Carolina

North Carolina has some serious range in its outdoor attractions, from towering mountains to beautiful coastlines. The Appalachian Trail crosses 14 states, North Carolina being one of them.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the number one visited National Park in the United States, drawing over 11 million visitors every year. With so many activities that you and your family can try, and not forgetting the top of the range accommodations it has to offer, (read more here) it can really make this vacation and hiking trip one to remember. The park has year-round attractions for everyone. Spring and summer hold beautiful greenery and fields of wildflowers. The great weather during these seasons makes it an ideal time for hiking and camping. Fall is a great season to visit for beautiful colors and crisp air. During winter, the deciduous leaves fall from the trees opening up even more views from the hiking trails.

Dupont State Recreational Forest

If you visit Dupont State Recreational Forest, you may recognize some of the waterfalls and trails from Hollywood. Both The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans were filmed in part at the waterfalls in Dupont State Recreational Forest. There are over 80 miles of hiking trails and four large waterfalls. In September, the park hosts a Forest Festival where they celebrate the beauty of the forest with wildlife presentations, hiking tours, and much more. During the rest of the year you’ll find that besides hiking and the views, there are plenty of activities for every member of the family, making Dupont State Recreational Forest a great outdoor vacation destination.

Arizona

Although hot and dry, Arizona has a number of sites you can’t miss. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer for hiking enthusiasts.

Grand Canyon

Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Scientists are unsure how old the Grand Canyon is, but one thing for sure is that it is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Many people visit the Grand Canyon simply for the breathtaking views and pictures, but the National Park has much more to offer. Hikers love the Grand Canyon for the trails that follow along the rim, allowing for beautiful views the entire way. Just make sure to prepare for the heat and sun exposure as the desert does not offer much shade. You can also sign up for hiking tours if you aren’t ready to venture out yourself. Rock climbers love to scale the ancient cliff faces, just make sure to stick to the established climbing locations for safety.

The raging Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon attracts hundreds of rafters each year for dangerous but exciting white water rafting adventures. Others choose to get a higher view of the canyon with a helicopter or hot air balloon ride. One of the most well-known attractions of the area, besides the canyon itself, is the Havasu canyon trail. There are five waterfalls that are known for their unbelievable blue, green color. The path to the waterfalls is an eight-mile hike only intermediate-level hikers should attempt, but for the views at the end, it’s worth it.

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is a town known for its stunning red rock cliffs and miles of trails. People come from all over to hike or bike the trail systems. Along the trails, you’ll see beautiful landscapes and interesting wildlife, so much so you might even be interested in looking at something like this Cuddeback Trail Camera: Cuddelink Set of 4 Review (Features, Pros & Cons), so you’re able to try and film some of the wildlife in their own habitat while undisturbed! There are also jeep tracks for a bouncy offroading adventure. There’s even a wildlife park with exotic animals from all over the world. A desert is a beautiful place during the day, but at night, it takes on a whole new persona. Many gather to this area to get unobstructed, incredible views of the night sky. You can see planets, stars and the Milkyway all from the trails in Sedona.

Chiricahua National Monument

The Chiricahua National Monument is best known for being the location where Native American Warrior Geronimo hid and planned attacks. Today it’s notable for its maze of volcanic rocks and gravity-defying towers of boulders. Don’t miss the hike to Massai Point where you’ll get an incredible view of the landscape. Birdwatchers also love the Chiricahua National Monument for the bald eagles and prairie falcons that call the area home.

Delaware

Delaware was the first of the thirteen colonies to ratify the constitution, making it the first state of our nation. The state has about 26 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and is a popular summer vacation spot because of its many sandy beaches. Both its history and beautiful landscape make Delaware a great outdoor vacation destination.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the greatest coastal beauties in the country. The beach here during the summer is a great day trip for a family as there is something for everyone, including sunbathing, space for sandcastles and swimming, and even fishing from the beach. The grand lighthouse just off the beach is also a beautiful landmark to see. Aside from the beach, there are trails all along the park for hiking and biking that weave through a variety of sceneries and even past fields of wildflowers. The park is also home to the annual Delaware Kite Festival in April.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is an outdoor enthusiast’s perfect location. There are five hiking trails and along the way, you’ll be able to see beautiful and breathtaking wildlife. Many birdwatchers come to this area for great views and photography. Besides the views you’ll see on trails, there are three observation towers for a better look at the scenery and wildlife. The refuge also offers educational and nature programs for visitors, making it a great family vacation stop.

No matter where you decide to bring your family, you will all be in for an outdoor adventure that you’ll remember for years to come. Start planning your trip now and soon enough you’ll have made all of the necessary arrangements and can simply anticipate the fun you’ll have.