Category: Travel

Free Things to Do in Pittsburgh During the Holidays

Karyn Locke
Free things to do in Pittsburgh during the holidays: One of the fun holiday decorations in Downtown Pittsburgh - a giant Christmas ornament.

If you’re like I am, your holiday budget is already taking a wallop. So, why not look for things to do in Pittsburgh that are both fun and free? From holiday kickoffs to beautiful light displays, here are the best free things to do in Pittsburgh during the holidays.  Christmas in Pittsburgh is probably my favorite time of year to head into the city. Yes, it’s chilly. And, yes, it’s snowy. But I have a hard time imagining the holiday season without that magical combination. Here are my favorite fun,…

6 Best Things to Do in Lansing, WV in Fall

Karyn Locke
Best things to do in Lansing, WV: TreeTops Canopy tour at Adventures on the Gorge

If you love outdoor activities, Lansing, WV, is probably on your radar. Especially known for its white water rafting, the area is filled with both light adventure and adrenaline-filled fun. Now, add in the fact that, during autumn, the colors are spectacular and the scenery gorgeous and you’ve got yourself a winning combination to visit. From breathtaking views to adventure, both on the ground and above, here are the 6 best things to do in Lansing, WV, in fall.  As a gal that lives right on the Ohio-Pennsylvania-West Virginia border,…

2019 Ohio Lover Gift Guide: 25 Creative Gift Ideas

Karyn Locke
2019 Ohio Lover gift guide

Have a Buckeye State lover in your life – or want to share your love of Ohio with your family and friends? Here are the coolest, cutest, ideal gifts for anyone that needs a little Ohio in their life! Check out these 25 gift ideas for this year’s 2019 Ohio Lover Gift Guide.  Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an item and purchase through my links, I’ll make a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Sand and Snow!   1.…

2019 Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival: A Photo Recap

Karyn Locke
2019 Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival: 1792 Bourbon

If you attended the 2019 Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival, you undoubtedly had a a great time, just like we did. If you didn’t, and are looking for a recap, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the scoop on the festival fun including photos and video. Cheers! Disclosure: We were graciously hosted by the folks at Pittsburgh Magazine for the 2019 Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival. All opinions (and photos!) are our own! When you have a husband that loves whiskey and bourbon, there’s no way to not attend one of the biggest…

The Best Things to Do in Laurel Highlands in Fall

Karyn Locke
Things to do in Laurel Highlands in Fall

Laurel Highlands in fall is an outdoor lover’s dream. And when the leaves are turning vibrant shades of crimson, orange, and gold, it’s even more beautiful when you head outdoors. So, what are the best things to do in Laurel Highlands in fall? From spooky haunts to fall festivals, here are my must-see top picks.  When I’m looking for things to do this weekend in Southwestern PA no matter what time of year, if getting outside is on my radar, I’m heading to Laurel Highlands. Not only is it gorgeously…

Phantom Fright Nights Review: Which Haunted Houses Are the Best?

Karyn Locke
Phantom Fright Nights Review: Fear Fest clown with bubbles

Are you headed to Kennywood Park’s Phantom Fright Nights this year? Curious to know which are the must-do haunted houses when you go? Here’s a full Phantom Fright Nights review including my take on all of the haunts and scare zones and which ones you can’t miss.  Disclosure: Kennywood Park comped us tickets to Phantom Fright Nights for the purpose of this article. All opinions are my own.  This year will make my fourth consecutive visit to Phantom Fright Nights (PFN). Truthfully, it’s one of my favorite Halloween events in…

10 Cool and Unique Things to Do in St. Augustine

Karyn Locke
unique things to do in St. Augustine - Aviles Street at night.

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, but don’t mistake that title for being antiquated and outdated. The city is a cultural mecca by day, and a vibrant wonder by night. So, what are the best things to do when you visit? From eco water tours to tasty treats, here are 10 cool and unique things to do in St. Augustine. Walk Down the Oldest Street in the U.S. Visit a Spanish Fort Stay at the Oldest Inn in America Taste Test an Ice Cream Sandwich with…

7 Important Tips for Bloggy Con at Cedar Point: Know Before You Go

Karyn Locke
Tips for Bloggy Con: Hotel Breakers Exterior

Bloggy Con is a fun event in the Midwest for both new and seasoned writers alike. It’s filled with tons of information and useful takeaways, too. Ready to make the most out of your experience? From location to what to expect, here are my best tips for Bloggy Con at Cedar Point. I always enjoy my trip up to the Lake Erie Shores & Islands area at Sandusky, OH, for Bloggy Con. Not only does it take place at the PERFECT time of year (AKA opening weekend at HalloWeekends!), it’s…

Important Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World – An Insider’s Guide

Karyn Locke
tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World - Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

Ready to visit Batuu in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? From the food to the ambiance to the rides, here are the most important tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World. Officially, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (SWGE) doesn’t open until August 29, 2019, but some media and Annual Passholders got a sneak peek last week. We won the Disney lottery and got an invite, so I took all the photos and tried as much of the food as I could stuff down in my time in Batuu. Here are my…

1886 Crescent Hotel Review: Eureka Springs Lodging

Karyn Locke
1886 Crescent Hotel Review

I love reading hotels on TripAdvisor. Heck, I’m even a TripAdvisor Official Reviewer. Having written that, I enjoyed the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa so much that I felt a longer, more detailed review was in order. So, from what’s free when you visit to photos and tours, here’s the full scoop on our visit.  Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the folks at Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. All opinions are my own! Last month, my family and I hit the road for a 14-hour road trip to Eureka…