HOCKING HILLS
JOURNEY
Emerge from your winter cave, then
go explore a new one—plus leafy glades and a college town—on a rejuvenating trip to Ohio’s Hocking Hills.
DOWN TO EARTH
Emerge from your winter cave, then
go explore a new one—plus leafy glades and a college town—on a rejuvenating trip to Ohio’s Hocking Hills.
JOURNEY
This hike is less than a mile (one way) and ends at Whispering Cave, a 300-foot-wide recess cave with a 100-foot-tall waterfall.
WHISPERING CAVE TRAIL
WHISPERING CAVE TRAIL
Des Moines, IA
Hemlock Bridge Trail
Connected to Whispering Cave Trail is Hemlock Bridge trail, where you’ll cross a swinging rope bridge surrounded by towering hemlock trees.
ATHENS FARMERS MARKET
The Athens Farmers Market is open on Saturdays year-round, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
OHIO UNIVERSITY
Chartered in 1787, Ohio University’s red-brick campus is located in downtown Athens and welcomes visitors to take a stroll.
ATHENS
About 30 miles east of Hocking Hills is Athens, a vibrant college town that is home to Ohio University.
LITTLE FISH BREWING COMPANY
This craft brewery in Athens makes its beers from locally sourced ingredients and specializes in saisons and barrel-aged sours.
bodhi tree
This yoga studio and farm hosts a variety of classes in scenic surroundings near Athens.
HEMLOCK BRIDGE TRAIL
ATHENS FARMERS MARKET
OHIO UNIVERSITY
Placeholder for a sentence of copy.
athens
Placeholder for a sentence of copy.
LITTLE FISH BREWING COMPANY
Placeholder for a sentence of copy.
BODHI TREE
Placeholder for a sentence of copy.
This hike is less than a mile (one way) and ends at Whispering Cave, a 300-foot-wide recess cave with a 100-foot-tall waterfall.
The Athens Farmers Market is open on Saturdays year-round, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
BONUS RECIPES
WINNERS
BEEKEEPING
HOME
HOW-TO
JOURNEY
BONUS RECIPES
WINNERS
BEEKEEPING
HOME
HOW-TO
JOURNEY
ASH CAVE
Found in the southernmost part
of Hocking Hills State Park, Ash Cave is an enormous natural cavern with a waterfall surrounded by woods and hiking trails.
INN & SPA AT CEDAR FALLS
At the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, the Kindred Spirits restaurant offers fine dining in an 1840s log cabin.
CONKLE's hollow
Designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1977, Conkle's Hollow is a deep gorge featuring breathtaking overlooks.
BEST IN SHOW
You read about many of our award-winners in the magazine. Here are 25 more, in the categories of culture, food and drink, travel and wellness.
BEST IN SHOW
WINNERS
You read about many of our award-winners in the magazine. Here are 25 more, in the categories of culture, food and drink, travel and wellness.
AVON GARDENS
Greer
Chicago, IL
WINNERS
culture
FOOD + DRINK
TRAVEL
WELLNESS
culture
FOOD + DRINK
TRAVEL
WELLNESS
Not only is this independently owned bookstore in the Shaker Heights suburb of Cleveland one of the most beautiful shops you’ll enter, it’s also one of the most helpful. In addition to a large selection of new, used and rare titles, Loganberry offers an online program that helps readers track down childhood favorites, even if you don’t remember the title or author.
First Avenue
avon gardens
City Museum
Keg and Case
Toppling Goliath Brewing Company
Mari Vineyards
Buckhorn
Virtue Cider
st. charles
Saugatuck
Kinnikinnick Farm
Upper Peninsula
German Village
East Village
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Big Cedar Lodge
kansas city
Grand Hotel
BROWN COUNTY
adams county
The Charmant Hotel
Sandhill Crane Migration
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Boyne mountain
culture
FOOD + DRINK
TRAVEL
WELLNESS
City Museum
First Avenue
Loganberry Books
Buckhorn
Keg and Case
Mari Vineyards
Toppling Goliath Brewing Company
Virtue Cider
Adams County
Big Cedar Lodge
Brown County
The Charmant Hotel
EAST VILLAGE
GERMAN VILLAGE
Grand Hotel
KANSAS CITY
Kinnikinnick Farm
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Sandhill Crane Migration
Saugatuck
ST. CHARLES
Upper Peninsula
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Boyne mountain
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Loganberry Books
When Prince passed away in 2016, his death only elevated the legendary status of the downtown venue where Purple Rain was filmed. Until it’s safe to jam indoors to live indie rock concerts again, peruse the jet-black exterior’s painted silver stars showcasing the names of artists and groups that have gigged here. (You’ll recognize quite a few.)
Minneapolis
Getting lost in this former shoe factory’s jungle of coiled climbing structures and tunnels is the point. Storming down the 10-story-tall spiral slide is the reward. And leaving with a couple scrapes and bruises is the totally-worth-it price you pay. (Wear long pants.) Limited admissions, one-way climbing routes and nonstop sanitizing have kept the fun alive and safe during COVID-19.
St. Louis
In the early 1980s, owner Karen Robbins cleaned up 5 acres of land to create her mini Eden west of Indianapolis: a harmonious blend of display gardens, retail outlets and events space. Some of the structures on the grounds are 200 years old, salvaged from the family hog farm that once claimed the property.
Avon, Indiana
Good luck leaving this emporium of edible goodies without seeing something new (looking at you, 14-foot-tall glass mushroom-growing chamber) or trying something for the first time (say yes to a traditional Middle Eastern confection from House of Halva). If you’re going to call yourself a food hall, don’t just be hip and delicious—be at least half as inventive as this one.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Craft-beer enthusiasts from around the country come to a tiny northeast Iowa town to quench their hop thirst at this husband-and-wife-owned brewery. Once named the second best in the world by BeerAdvocate, it’s known for IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, plus a strong roster of flagships and seasonals featuring unique hops and intriguing flavors like evergreen and mango.
Decorah, Iowa
The primo wine-growing region of northwest Michigan boasts a star-studded collection of places to imbibe, so it’s really tough to pick a winner. Mari takes it by a grape-skin-thin margin thanks to an “I can’t believe it’s not Tuscany” tasting room and aging caves, plus beautiful blue views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Traverse City, Michigan
When it’s safe to clink our Brandy Old-Fashioned
(a Wisconsin specialty) with strangers again, we’re booking it to a supper club in the Badger State, where more than 250 of these dimly lit time capsules remain. Buckhorn nails all of the requisite details: buttery steaks, silky Key lime pie and employees who treat everyone like decades-long neighbors.
Milton, Wisconsin
This cider house rules, and not just for the beautifully tart barrel-aged drinks made from local apples. Take a glass with you to the shade garden and stroll the farm grounds, where founder Gregory Hall’s team grows heirloom veggies and raises heritage breeds.
Fennville, Michigan
Along Main Street’s fairyland of white lights, brick-lined streets and independent shops (gift ideas FTW!), a cast of strolling characters appears a few evenings each week through the season. You’ll be able to spot Father Christmas, Tiny Tim, carolers in top hats and even a capped gent roasting chestnuts. It’s easy to feel like part of the show in this historic town 25 miles northwest of St. Louis, and that’s part of the magic.
Missouri
A hand-crank ferry shuttles beachgoers along the Kalamazoo River from downtown’s art galleries and restaurants to the golden sweep of Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. The tallest dune, Mount Baldhead, provides a romantic sunset-viewing perch for many LGBTQ+ couples who let their rainbow flag fly in this exceptionally welcoming town.
Michigan
How to describe Kinnikinnick? Well, you’ll sleep in a canvas-walled cabin, drawing water for your dishes with a hand pump. You’ll hop aboard a wagon to help feed the chickens. You’ll eat really well, whether frying eggs for breakfast al fresco or joining other guests for a legendary pizza night. And your family will earn bonus grandparents in owners David and Susan Cleverdon, who greet every child by name.
Caledonia, Illinois
The three largest Great Lakes (Huron, Michigan and Superior)
lap against the shores of the upper arm of Michigan, where life spreads out and the world becomes blissfully quiet. Marquette, the UP’s largest city at less than 21,000 residents, makes a perfect base for paddling at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and hiking the wilderness. Stay fueled with meaty pasties, a Yooper specialty.
Michigan
Redbrick homes, shops and restaurants line narrow brick-paved streets in one of the city’s first neighborhoods. Settled by German immigrants in the early 1800s, the area feels as if history comes to life around every gaslight-illuminated corner. Lose yourself in the 32 rooms of The Book Loft—or in the macarons and croissants at Pistacia Vera.
Columbus, Ohio
The gold-leaf-painted dome of the Iowa Capitol used to be the only beacon on this side of town, but now It’s glistening above a full slate of shops and restaurants.
The revitalization began in the aughts and just keeps going. Check out Raygun for sassy souvenirs, Gong Fu Tea for teas and teaware, Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio for cards and posters, and Bellhop for punchy tiki drinks.
Des Moines
Loon calls. Fishing rods. Campfire s’mores. These rhythms of daily life in the Brainerd Lakes region have drawn families for generations. Madden’s delivers all of that,
in addition to four golf courses, tennis courts, a full-on armada of watercraft rentals and a day camp for kids.
Brainerd, Minnesota
Just beyond Branson, you’ll find this nature-inspired theme park of a resort with cabins in the woods and three grand lodges on Table Rock Lake. Check out Fun Mountain for indoor and outdoor family attractions: a ropes course, rock wall, go-karts, laser tag, bowling and oodles more. While the kiddos play, be sure to find time to sneak off to chill in Cedar Creek Spa’s Ice Room. (The cold never bothered you anyway.)
Ridgedale, Missouri
If it’s summer in KC and you don’t bring Fido to dine with you on a dog-friendly patio, you’re in the minority. Leading the pack is Bar K, a membership-based restaurant and bar constructed out of repurposed shipping containers that has an off-leash dog park (guest passes are available). Locals also love taking puppers for walks at Shawnee Mission Park, where dogs roam free in a 44-acre section of the park and are allowed to jump in the lake. Whee!
Missouri
As you take the 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland to this car-free isle between Michigan’s two peninsulas, the Grand Hotel’s 660-foot-long front porch dominates the landscape. The 1887 property delivers the finest of bygone bougie without a hint of stuffiness. After all, you deserve that horse-drawn carriage ride and a formal dinner and dance accompanied by a live orchestra.
Mackinac Island
Nestled 60 miles south of Indianapolis, the county’s woodsy topography prevents looking too far ahead on roads or trails—making the payoff even sweeter when you round a bend and spot a covered bridge or top out at a vista transformed by autumn’s brush. Stretch your legs by hiking or mountain biking through Brown County State Park, or wander around the artsy village of Nashville.
Indiana
A manageable day trip east of Cincinnati, this rural county is wildflower central and has more than a dozen parks and preserves (including the aptly named Edge of Appalachia). By mid-March, the first migrant birds arrive: Louisiana water thrushes, blue-gray gnatcatchers and black-and-white warblers. Come April, trout lilies and hepatica bloom on hillsides; twinleafs and trilliums star when the blooms hit their peak.
Ohio
They won us over with free truffles during check-in, but that’s just an amuse-bouche to the sweet touches inside this retired 1898 candy factory along the Mississippi River. Framed vintage art hangs on bedroom walls, and the French-leaning restaurant makes killer chocolate desserts.
La Crosse
As February nears its end in south-central Nebraska, the birds begin to arrive. A few lone cranes grow to dozens, to hundreds and soon to a crowd of up to 1 million lining the banks of the Platte River as they take a multiweek layover on the journey between Mexico and Canada (or even Siberia). Catch the annual spectacle by joining the Crane Trust on guided treks to viewing blinds (happening virtually in 2021).
Kearney, Nebraska
A layer cake of red, black and gold sandstone bluffs forms this stretch of Lake Superior shoreline in northern Wisconsin. But it’s not until you hop into a kayak that the real treasure unfolds: its sea caves. Paddle through these soaring, echoing beauties whose walls were formed millions of years ago. We recommend basking in awe for a minute or two before whipping out the camera.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Hit the slopes on Boyne Mountain’s 60 ski runs with a wide spread of beginner to expert options. Downhill skiing not your jam? Fat biking, cross-country skiing and designated snowshoe trails—plus zipline routes and a tubing park—make this northern Michigan resort the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Boyne Falls, Michigan
Placeholder for caption.
In the early 1980s, owner Karen Robbins cleaned up 5 acres of land to create her mini Eden west of Indianapolis: a harmonious blend of display gardens, retail outlets and events space. Some of the structures on the grounds are 200 years old, salvaged from the family hog farm that once claimed the property.
Avon, Indiana
Getting lost in this former shoe factory’s jungle of coiled climbing structures and tunnels is the point. Storming down the 10-story-tall spiral slide is the reward. And leaving with a couple scrapes and bruises is the totally-worth-it price you pay. (Wear long pants.) Limited admissions, one-way climbing routes and nonstop sanitizing have kept the fun alive and safe during COVID-19.
St. Louis, Missouri
When Prince passed away in 2016, his death only elevated the legendary status of the downtown venue where Purple Rain was filmed. Until it’s safe to jam indoors to live indie rock concerts again, peruse the jet-black exterior’s painted silver stars showcasing the names of artists and groups that have gigged here. (You’ll recognize quite a few.)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
In the early 1980s, owner Karen Robbins cleaned up 5 acres of land to create her mini Eden west of Indianapolis: a harmonious blend of display gardens, retail outlets and events space. Some of the structures on the grounds are 200 years old, salvaged from the family hog farm that once claimed the property.
Avon, Indiana
When it’s safe to clink our Brandy Old-Fashioned
(a Wisconsin specialty) with strangers again, we’re booking it to a supper club in the Badger State, where more than 250 of these dimly lit time capsules remain. Buckhorn nails all of the requisite details: buttery steaks, silky Key lime pie and employees who treat everyone like decades-long neighbors.
Milton, Wisconsin
Good luck leaving this emporium of edible goodies without seeing something new (looking at you, 14-foot-tall glass mushroom-growing chamber) or trying something for the first time (say yes to a traditional Middle Eastern confection from House of Halva).
If you’re going to call yourself a food hall, don’t just be hip and delicious—be at least half as inventive as this one.
St. Paul, Minnesota
The primo wine-growing region of northwest Michigan boasts a star-studded collection of places to imbibe, so it’s really tough to pick a winner. Mari takes it by a grape-skin-thin margin thanks to an “I can’t believe it’s not Tuscany” tasting room and aging caves, plus beautiful blue views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Traverse City, Michigan
The primo wine-growing region of northwest Michigan boasts a star-studded collection of places to imbibe, so it’s really tough to pick a winner. Mari takes it by a grape-skin-thin margin thanks to an “I can’t believe it’s not Tuscany” tasting room and aging caves, plus beautiful blue views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Traverse City, Michigan
This cider house rules, and not just for the beautifully tart barrel-aged drinks made from local apples. Take a glass with you to the shade garden and stroll the farm grounds, where founder Gregory Hall’s team grows heirloom veggies and raises heritage breeds.
Fennville, Michigan
A manageable day trip east of Cincinnati, this rural county is wildflower central and has more than a dozen parks and preserves (including the aptly named Edge of Appalachia). By mid-March, the first migrant birds arrive: Louisiana water thrushes, blue-gray gnatcatchers and black-and-white warblers. Come April, trout lilies and hepatica bloom on hillsides; twinleafs and trilliums star when the blooms hit their peak.
Ohio
Just beyond Branson, you’ll find this nature-inspired theme park of a resort with cabins in the woods and three grand lodges on Table Rock Lake. Check out Fun Mountain for indoor and outdoor family attractions: a ropes course, rock wall, go-karts, laser tag, bowling and oodles more. While the kiddos play, be sure to find time to sneak off to chill in Cedar Creek Spa’s Ice Room. (The cold never bothered you anyway.)
Ridgedale, Missouri
Nestled 60 miles south of Indianapolis, the county’s woodsy topography prevents looking too far ahead on roads or trails—making the payoff even sweeter when you round a bend and spot a covered bridge or top out at a vista transformed by autumn’s brush. Stretch your legs by hiking or mountain biking through Brown County State Park, or wander around the artsy village of Nashville.
Indiana
They won us over with free truffles during check-in, but that’s just an amuse-bouche to the sweet touches inside this retired 1898 candy factory along the Mississippi River. Framed vintage art hangs on bedroom walls, and the French-leaning restaurant makes killer chocolate desserts.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
The gold-leaf-painted dome of the Iowa Capitol used to be the only beacon on this side of town, but now It’s glistening above a full slate of shops and restaurants. The revitalization began in the aughts and just keeps going. Check out Raygun for sassy souvenirs, Gong Fu Tea for teas and teaware, Porch Light for stationery and gifts, and Bellhop for punchy tiki drinks.
Des Moines, Iowa
Redbrick homes, shops and restaurants line narrow brick-paved streets in one of the city’s first neighborhoods. Settled by German immigrants in the early 1800s, the area feels as if history comes to life around every gaslight-illuminated corner. Lose yourself in the 32 rooms of The Book Loft—or in the macarons and croissants at Pistacia Vera.
Columbus, Ohio
As you take the 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland to this car-free isle between Michigan’s two peninsulas, the Grand Hotel’s 660-foot-long front porch dominates the landscape. The 1887 property delivers the finest of bygone bougie without a hint of stuffiness. After all, you deserve that horse-drawn carriage ride and a formal dinner and dance accompanied by a live orchestra.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
If it’s summer in KC and you don’t bring Fido to dine with you on a dog-friendly patio, you’re in the minority. Leading the pack is Bar K, a membership-based restaurant and bar constructed out of repurposed shipping containers that has an off-leash dog park (guest passes are available). Locals also love taking puppers for walks at Shawnee Mission Park, where dogs roam free in a 44-acre section of the park and are allowed to jump in the lake. Whee!
Missouri
How to describe Kinnikinnick? Well, you’ll sleep in a canvas-walled cabin, drawing water for your dishes with a hand pump. You’ll hop aboard a wagon to help feed the chickens. You’ll eat really well, whether frying eggs for breakfast al fresco or joining other guests for a legendary pizza night. And your family will earn bonus grandparents in owners David and Susan Cleverdon, who greet every child by name.
Caledonia, Illinois
Loon calls. Fishing rods. Campfire s’mores. These rhythms of daily life in the Brainerd Lakes region have drawn families for generations. Madden’s delivers all of that, in addition to four golf courses, tennis courts, a full-on armada of watercraft rentals and a day camp for kids.
Brainerd, Minnesota
As February nears its end in south-central Nebraska, the birds begin to arrive. A few lone cranes grow to dozens, to hundreds and soon to a crowd of up to 1 million lining the banks of the Platte River as they take a multiweek layover on the journey between Mexico and Canada (or even Siberia). Catch the annual spectacle by joining the Crane Trust on guided treks to viewing blinds (happening virtually in 2021).
Kearney, Nebraska
A hand-crank ferry shuttles beachgoers along the Kalamazoo River from downtown’s art galleries and restaurants to the golden sweep of Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. The tallest dune, Mount Baldhead, provides a romantic sunset-viewing perch for many LGBTQ+ couples who let their rainbow flag fly in this exceptionally welcoming town.
Michigan
Along Main Street’s fairyland of white lights, brick-lined streets and independent shops (gift ideas FTW!), a cast of strolling characters appears a few evenings each week through the season. You’ll be able to spot Father Christmas, Tiny Tim, carolers in top hats and even a capped gent roasting chestnuts. It’s easy to feel like part of the show in this historic town 25 miles northwest of St. Louis, and that’s part of the magic.
Missouri
A manageable day trip east of Cincinnati, this rural county is wildflower central and has more than a dozen parks and preserves (including the aptly named Edge of Appalachia). By mid-March, the first migrant birds arrive: Louisiana water thrushes, blue-gray gnatcatchers and black-and-white warblers. Come April, trout lilies and hepatica bloom on hillsides; twinleafs and trilliums star when the blooms hit their peak.
Ohio
A layer cake of red, black and gold sandstone bluffs forms this stretch of Lake Superior shoreline in northern Wisconsin. But it’s not until you hop into a kayak that the real treasure unfolds: its sea caves. Paddle through these soaring, echoing beauties whose walls were formed millions of years ago. We recommend basking in awe for a minute or two before whipping out the camera.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
BONUS RECIPES
WINNERS
BEEKEEPING
HOME
HOW-TO
JOURNEY
BONUS RECIPES
WINNERS
BEEKEEPING
HOME
HOW-TO
JOURNEY
GET THE RECIPE
Thai Beef and Noodle Salad
Use up those stray lasagna
noodles in this pasta dish.
DEK TK
EAT FRESH
BONUS RECIPES
EAT FRESH
We've rounded up our all-time favorite MWL salad recipes for your viewing and eating pleasure.
RECIPE ROUND-UP
GET THE RECIPE
Thai Beef and Noodle Salad
Lean flank steak, whole wheat pasta and crisp vegetables make this Asian-inspired salad a healthy choice. Ditching that time-consuming (and all-too-easy-to-forget) step of marinating the meat makes it genius.
GET THE RECIPE
Apple Couscous-BulgUr Salad
Studded with dried cherries and almonds, this hearty salad pairs well with roast pork or even barbecue.
GET THE RECIPE
BLT Salad
Turn a classic BLT into a main dish salad. The favorite combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato are added to a mix of vegetables and toasted bread to make a delightful meal.
GET THE RECIPE
Smoked Salmon Salad with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Turn breakfast into dinner! This salad is loaded with all the flavors of your favorite bagel shop--smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, jammy eggs, bagel chip "croutons" and creamy dressing.
GET THE RECIPE
Citrus-Date Salad
This fresh and colorful salad is a perfect side to grilled chicken or pork tenderloin. As you eat, the citrus juices mingle with the oil, so you don't even have to mix up a dressing.
GET THE RECIPE
Winter Bean Salad with Fennel and Clementines
Turn a humble can of beans into this impressive salad. It's already a main dish, but you can make it heartier by adding seared salmon or sizzled shrimp.
GET THE RECIPE
Shaved Cabbage Salad with Apples, Ham and Mustard
Ham adds just enough smoky richness to chef Abra Berens' vibrant salad to elevate a simple slaw to a lunch-worthy meal or a potluck stunner.
GET THE RECIPE
Apple Couscous-BulgUr Salad
Lean flank steak, whole wheat pasta and crisp vegetables make this Asian-inspired salad a healthy choice. Ditching that time-consuming (and all-too-easy-to-forget) step of marinating the meat makes it genius.
GET THE RECIPE
BLT Salad
Lean flank steak, whole wheat pasta and crisp vegetables make this Asian-inspired salad a healthy choice. Ditching that time-consuming (and all-too-easy-to-forget) step of marinating the meat makes it genius.
GET THE RECIPE
Smoked Salmon Salad with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Lean flank steak, whole wheat pasta and crisp vegetables make this Asian-inspired salad a healthy choice. Ditching that time-consuming (and all-too-easy-to-forget) step of marinating the meat makes it genius.
GET THE RECIPE
Citrus-Date Salad
Turn a classic BLT into a main dish salad. The favorite combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato are added to a mix of vegetables and toasted bread to make a delightful meal.
GET THE RECIPE
Winter Bean Salad with Fennel and Clementines
Turn breakfast into dinner! This salad is loaded with all the flavors of your favorite bagel shop--smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, jammy eggs, bagel chip "croutons" and creamy dressing.
GET THE RECIPE
Shaved Cabbage Salad with Apples, Ham and Mustard
Turn a humble can of beans into this impressive salad. It's already a main dish, but you can make it heartier by adding seared salmon or sizzled shrimp.
BONUS RECIPES
VIEWFINDER
HONEY
HOME
HOW-TO
JOURNEY
BONUS RECIPES
VIEWFINDER
HOME
HOW-TO
JOURNEY
BEEKEEPING
