Lauren Dana

Every good vacationer deserves a trip to an art museum. These bastions of revolutionary thought and constantly evolving mediums draw our surprised attention and admiration—and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the old masters and mistresses either. The idea that an art museum is a static place of boring two-dimensional artwork is an outdated viewpoint: today’s art museums incorporate a wide array of experiences and engagement with the work, from art viewed by VR goggles to electronic works to audio sound gardens and more. Experimentation has always been the path forward for artists, and work that we now consider mainstream was once visionary and even rejected by the gatekeepers, like Impressionism and Pop Art. Come see what today’s artists are doing! RECOMMENDED: The weirdest museums in the U.S.

America is home to millions (!) of lakes of all shapes and sizes, some of which boast pristine sandy beaches that rival the ones you’d find by an ocean. Of course, some lakes are, put simply, more special than others, be it for their stunning scenery, clear-blue waters, an abundance of activities, or a combination of the three. So, as you plan your summer getaway, consider a lake vacation: Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite lakes throughout the United States, from New Hampshire to Florida, to Oregon and beyond. RECOMMENDED: The best beaches in the USA

Congrats! You’ve officially made it through the end of your educational journey, but now it’s time for your next challenge: #Adulting. Entering the so-called real world also includes paving your way through the workforce. Albeit exciting, this can certainly feel overwhelming and even stressful at times. However, advice from a trusted mentor may put your mind at ease since you can freely ask questions (rule no. 1: There’s no such thing as a stupid question.), gain insight, and, of course, establish and grow your network. All of these factors can play a pivotal role in your career path. While finding a mentor may be a daunting task on its own, there are dozens of mentorship programs that’ll pair you up with someone in your desired field. To help you land on your feet, we’ve rounded up the top post-grad mentorship programs based on your career interests, passions and experiences.

Welcome to the Bachelor Party Capital of the World. Now, we aren’t going to put too much into the “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” mentality, as love and commitment deserve more, but there is no better place on the planet for a debauchery-filled blowout. Vegas has it all and then some, from fighter jets to jousting. Come to think of it, fighter jets and jousting aren’t all that different. The best Las Vegas bachelor party ideas are every bit as exciting as you might assume. Everything is covered here, no matter the desire. Party crews will be in wonderland, while Vegas offers plenty of curiosities and charm for less-excitable troupes. Hiking, culture, casinos, and buffets, it is all here. Yes, that is everything. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap hotels in Las Vegas

Summer is just beginning, finally, which means it’s time to start planning your next beach vacation. Fortunately, you don’t have to jet off to some faraway destination to enjoy some of the best beaches: In fact, the best stretches of sand may be closer to home than you think. The east coast of the United States is teeming with charming beach towns, each with its own distinct flavor and ambiance. From an arty enclave in South Florida to a New York oceanfront oasis that’s still a secret, keep reading for the best East Coast beach towns along the Atlantic. RECOMMENDED: The 21 coziest cabins on Airbnb near NYC

Hot springs are famous for their mineral-rich waters, which, for years, have been thought to possess healing powers to alleviate pain, stress and other maladies. Not to mention they're a wonder after a strenuous hike through a national forest, which is exactly where you'll find some of these natural beauties. Don’t just take it from us, though. Studies have found that mineral-enriched water can block pain receptors. Hello, natural remedy. Additionally, more recent research concluded that hot spring baths for three or more days could alleviate musculoskeletal pain. Have we convinced you to plan your next soak yet? If the answer’s yes, read on for some of America’s best hot springs, including under-the-radar picks in Nevada and California to scenic hot spots (pun intended, of course) in Alaska and Virginia. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable pools in the U.S.  

Kansas City is famed for its fantastic BBQ, from cheesesteaks to ribs and brisket. But to put the city down to simply a BBQ haven is to do it a disservice (though they do do a damn good brisket). Kansas City is home to a whole array of world cuisines, from Ethiopian to Mexican and family-run Italian joints to swanky cocktails and small plates. This is the place to get delicious wood-fired pizza, sumptuous fried chicken, and unreal pulled pork, and then spend your evening sipping on cocktails at a speakeasy, or heading to a wine bar. From old city classics to modern new twists, here are the best restaurants in Kansas City right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ Where to eat the best BBQ in Kansas City🍷 The best bars in Kansas City🍺 The best breweries in Kansas City📍 The best things to do in Kansas City🏨 The best hotels in Kansas City

Portland has always been cool, but in recent years it’s really made a name for itself as a cultural hub, a trendy getaway destination, and especially important, a haven for foodies and drinkers alike. A ton of very talented chefs now reside in Portland, cooking up innovative snacks to really put it on the map, and as a diverse city, there’s pretty much every kind of cuisine you can imagine here. Think French fine dining on one road, handmade pasta on another, and Thai and Mexican food trucks that draw in queues down the street. There’s so much going on here, it would be impossible to get a sense of it all without a bit of help. And that’s where we come in. from specialty ice cream to wine and small plates, here are the best restaurants in Portland right now. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Portland🍔 The best food trucks in Portland🍻 The best breweries in Portland🍩 The best doughnuts in Portland🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland

No desire to ski this winter? No problem—really. Shredding the slopes isn't a requirement at these incredible ski resorts in North America. Instead, travelers can spend time savoring unique food and drink offerings, getting their zen on, enjoying the après ski scene, and oh-so-much more. Keep reading for the best ski resorts for non-skiers across North America: Best of all, there’s a resort for every type of traveler. RECOMMENDED: The best winter festivals in the U.S. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

As Nashville becomes increasingly popular (read: overcrowded) you don't want to sleep on Memphis. This historic southwestern Tennessee city – known for its fascinating history, lots of live music, and some of the best BBQ in the country (sorry, not sorry, Kansas City) – is ready for its moment in the spotlight.  What’s more, Memphis – which is known as both the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll” – is teeming with music and mouthwatering bites. After all, this is the home of the legendary Sun Studio (Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley both recorded albums here), Presley's iconic Graceland estate, and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which is in the Guinness World Record as the "largest pork barbecue contest in the world" (FYI, it takes place each May!). Not convinced yet? A mere walk around Beale Street – which may seem like an overhyped tourist attraction but, upon second glance, is actually a local favorite as well – will undoubtedly turn Memphis into one of your favorite cities across the US. So, book a room (there are plenty of top-notch hotels in the area) and stay awhile: Here are all the best things to do in Memphis.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in MemphisRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Memphis

While a lot has changed since the Prohibition era—for one, alcohol is now legal once again—speakeasies have remained popular. In fact, over the past several years, new speakeasy-inspired bars have been popping up all across the country. While these hidden bars are no longer 'secret,' per se, they do offer a distinct allure, inviting guests to step back in time to relive the glory days of the Roaring Twenties. The speakeasy-themed bars of today are just as fun. Plus, they feel just as exclusive with their secret entrances, passwords, and ​​hard-to-find locales. Ahead, the coolest speakeasy entrances in the US—and how to get in. RECOMMENDED: Under-the-radar wine regions in the US to visit before they get crowded  

Winter is the best time to experience Houston's burgeoning craft cocktail scene. With cooler temps on the horizon, a handful of the city’s most eclectic drinking establishments are raising the bar (sorry, not sorry for that one) with a stunning selection of refreshing rum cocktails. And, while you may equate rum with tropical temps and far-away isles, this dynamic spirit is incredibly versatile: What’s more, the options are essentially endless when it comes to crafting creative rum-based cocktails. From a fruit-forward drink featuring eight-year-aged rum served at a swanky eatery to a cozy, caffeinated rum cocktail found at a boutique hotel bar, here are the best rum cocktails to drink in Houston this winter.