Featured Places and Activities
Why a Self-Guided Walking Tour Is the Best Way To See the Chicago Loop
A self-guided audio tour is the ultimate travel hack for the Chicago Loop. It delivers the deep, immersive storytelling and historical context of a premium guided tour, but it hands the control entirely back to you. It is the absolute best way to see the city on your own terms. Here is why downloading a tour to your phone will completely change the way you explore Chicago.
The Culinary Detour: 6 Unforgettable Places to Eat and Drink Near Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah Valley is rich with agricultural history, and the gateway towns bordering the park—Front Royal, Luray, Sperryville, and Afton—are teeming with culinary artisans who are capturing the terroir of the region. Here is your guide to eating and drinking brilliantly around Shenandoah National Park.
The Ultimate Nashville Walking Guide: 6 Must-See Sights on Your Own Schedule
The true soul of Nashville cannot be scheduled. It is found in the lingering notes of a street performer's guitar, the slow sip of a local bourbon, and the freedom to wander down a side street just because it looks interesting. To help you build the perfect independent itinerary, here are the top 6 must-see sights in Nashville, starting right in the walkable heart of the city.
Escape the Tourist Traps: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Eating and Drinking in Portland, Maine
Drives & Detours have mapped out six incredible, critically acclaimed spots to eat and drink in Portland that are distinctive, highly atmospheric, and well worth the trip. These are the culinary experiences you do not want to miss.
Walking Through History: Uncovering the Architectural Wonders of the Chicago Loop
Few urban centers capture the spirit of ambition, resilience, and creative reinvention quite like downtown Chicago. Every street corner tells a story of visionary architects, pioneering engineers, and bold civic leaders who transformed a swampy frontier trading post into a towering metropolis of steel and glass.
A First-Timer’s Guide to Old Sacramento: Local Tips, Hidden Gems, and Gold Rush Secrets
To help you make the most of your visit, we have put together the ultimate locals’ guide to Old Sacramento. From weather quirks to the best off-the-beaten-path burgers, here is everything you need to know before you go.
Discovering Mendocino: 5 Can’t-Miss Attractions on California’s Rugged Coast
If you are planning a trip to the Northern California coast, you want to make sure your itinerary includes the absolute best the region has to offer. To help you plan your perfect, self-paced getaway, here are the top five most iconic and unmissable attractions in Mendocino.
How to Do Martha’s Vineyard Like a Local (And Avoid the First-Timer Traps)
Beneath the picture-perfect New England postcards of Martha’s Vineyard lies a complex, sprawling island with its own set of rules, microclimates, and hidden gems. We’ve put together the ultimate insider’s guide for first-time visitors to the island.
Where to Eat in the Smoky Mountains: A Guide to Authentic Local Dining
At Drives & Detours, we believe that discovering a destination’s culinary soul is just as important as learning its history. That is why we have put together this local guide to the best places to eat and drink in the Smoky Mountains. These are the standout spots—distinctive, highly rated, and full of character—that will make your mountain getaway truly unforgettable.
Uncovering Chicago’s Best Kept Secrets: 5 Hidden Gems Beyond The Bean
The real magic of Chicago lies hidden in plain sight. It is tucked away in its diverse neighborhoods, concealed within historical underground corridors, and blooming in quiet architectural marvels that most tourists completely miss. If you want to experience the Windy City like a true local, you need to step off the beaten path and look beyond the glossy tourist brochures.
The Ultimate Sacramento Food Guide: 5 Local-Approved Spots You Can't Miss
To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we have curated a list of five extraordinary places to eat and drink in Sacramento. These aren't just highly-rated establishments; they are cornerstones of the local community that offer unforgettable experiences.
Why a Self-Guided Walking Tour is the Best Way to See the San Antonio River Walk
The absolute best way to see the San Antonio River Walk is by taking a self-guided GPS audio walking tour because it allows you to explore the rich history of the Paseo del Rio entirely at your own pace. Take the freedom to pause, look closer, and connect deeply with the soul of San Antonio.
Unlocking the Great Smoky Mountains: The Ultimate Guide to the Park’s Top Sights
Exploring the Smokies is about the freedom of the open road. It’s about pulling over when you spot a black bear cub in a meadow, spending an extra twenty minutes admiring a cascading waterfall, and diving deep into the history of the land on your own schedule. Whether you are planning your first trip or your fifth, here are the top five must-see attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains—and how to experience them on your own terms.
The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Eating and Drinking in Oak Bluffs
Drives & Detours have skipped the obvious, overcrowded tourist traps by the ferry docks and curated a list of standout, highly rated local favorites. These are the unique, culturally relevant, and downright delicious spots where the locals actually eat. Here are the five best places to eat and drink in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.
Step Back in Time: 6 Must-See Attractions in Sacramento for Families and History Buffs
For history buffs and families looking for an engaging getaway, Sacramento offers an incredible mix of immersive museums, stunning architecture, and beautifully preserved historic districts. Here are the six most iconic, can’t-miss attractions in Sacramento, designed to be enjoyed entirely at your own pace.
Savoring the Coast: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Eating and Drinking in Mendocino
The food in Mendocino is hyper-local. It is stunningly fresh and deeply tied to the surrounding landscape. The chefs here do not rely on gimmicks; they rely on what the fishermen caught that morning and what the local farmers pulled from the earth.
The Fascinating History of the San Antonio River Walk
The history of the San Antonio River Walk is as turbulent as it is triumphant. Known locally as the Paseo del Rio, this world-renowned destination was once deemed a dangerous public hazard. In fact, early city planners nearly paved over the beautiful river bend to transform it into a concrete storm sewer.
Walking vs. Driving Tours: How to Choose Your Next Self-Guided Adventure
When it comes to self-guided walking tours vs driving tours, there is no universally right or wrong answer—there is only the right choice for your specific destination, your travel style, and your daily energy levels. Let’s break down the distinct benefits of each approach so you can craft the perfect itinerary for your next vacation.
The First-Timer’s Guide to the Smoky Mountains: Dodging Tourist Traps & Finding the Magic
Drives & Detours is here to help you navigate the Smokies like a seasoned pro. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for solitude, a couple seeking a romantic misty overlook, or a family trying to keep the kids entertained without losing your mind, this guide is for you. Here is how to bypass the tourist traps, embrace the wild beauty of Tennessee, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains on your own terms.
The Ultimate Guide to Martha’s Vineyard: Top 6 Must-See Attractions
To help you plan the perfect island getaway, we have curated a list of the top six must-see attractions in Martha’s Vineyard. These are the iconic sights that define the island, waiting to be discovered on your own time.