Things to Do in North America

Whether it’s the waves that rhythmically roll towards beaches covered in thatched-hut palapas, or the marlin, shrimp, and mahimahi tacos that are served with a squeeze of lime, there’s something exotic and nearly utopian about small town Sayulita. When compared to neighboring Puerto Vallarta—its glitzy, grown-up cousin—Sayulita is a laidback village where the pace of life is just right. “Discovered” by surfers in the 1960s, this Nayarit darling is the trendy new hotspot for escaping the nearby resorts. Thanks to the gentle, beginner-friendly waves that lap at Sayulita Bay, the town has become one of Mexico’s best for learning to ride the waves. Brides looking to say “I Do” now flock to the town in droves, drawn by the area’s affordable lodging and wealth of white sand beaches. Grab a snorkel and hop aboard a cruise to the Marieta Islands, where dozens of species of tropical fish all scour the coral reef. Or, hire a longboard and paddle into a world-class, righthand wave—perhaps choosing to standup paddle just before drinks at sunset. Add in some yogis, a healthy food scene, and a collection of coastal hiking trails, and Sayulita is the Mexican beach town that’s easier to reach than leave. 

With more than 30 displays of unique marine life, the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium is an engaging exhibit showing the diversity of life under the sea. Exhibits are themed by habitat and include thousands of aquatic creatures, a 1800 degree saltwater tunnel tank, and interactive touch pools. The aquarium works both to educate visitors and advocate ocean conservation, particularly of the sea turtles, seahorses, and seals that are threatened in the wild. Aquarium displays feature fascinating creatures such as reef sharks, rays, octopus, and jellyfish.

Colorful, well curated exhibits full of sea life grant a glimpse into the underwater world. Informative talks with aquarium staff as well as feedings take place throughout the day and allow for an even more in depth experience. Interactive cartoon journeys with quiz cards are available to help teach children about the importance of conserving our world’s oceans.

Nashville may be the country music capital of America, but the Schermerhorn Symphony Center brings a touch of class to a bustling downtown area that’s filled with gritty bars and live music venues.

Since 2006, the Center’s Laura Turner Concert Hall has been home to the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony. Its natural lighting, 30 soundproof windows and custom-built organ make for a unique concert experience. The smaller Mike Curb Family Music Education Hall hosts performances for children, schools and families as part of the Center’s Music Education City initiative.

While the symphony is one of the hottest tickets in Nashville, visitors say even if you can’t catch a performance, it’s still worth touring the grand space and wandering through the beautiful public Martha Rivers Ingram Garden Courtyard on a trip to Nashville.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a riverfront path for joggers, walkers and bikers that runs more than 26 miles, from downtown Philadelphia and through the Valley Forge Historical Park to the town of Phoenixville. This stretch of scenic path offers a perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy the riverfront when the weather is nice. And along the city center section of the trail, the newly built Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is an extension to the trail that includes four scenic overlooks that offer great views of the city. The trail is also a great option for visitors interested in alternative transportation as they sightsee—you can rent a bicycle to explore along the river from the Rocky Statue and the Art Museum to the cafes of Manayunk.