The Bluegrass State might be known for its bracing bourbons, but there’s something entirely different here that can warm you down to your toes just as easily. (Well, almost.) Rich, warm, and smothered in the creamiest Mornay sauce, the Kentucky Hot Brown is the stuff of dreams come wintertime.

The Back Story

Way back in the 1920’s, The Brown Hotel in Louisville opened its luxurious doors. Some of the city’s most elite and wealthiest members frequented the hotel for ballroom dancing and drinks. Late into the night—when the band took a break—hundreds of guests would descend on the hotel’s restaurant for a snack. So in 1926, Chef Fred Schmidt whipped up something new: a hot, open-faced turkey sandwich reminiscent of Welsh rarebit, only better. After the usual ham and eggs the guests were used to eating for a late-night snack, it was a delightful change that grew in popularity and demand. Today, the iconic hotel still serves the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, along with establishments across the entire state.

The Breakdown

So what’s all the clamor about? Picture this: Texas toast topped with roasted turkey and Roma tomatoes, covered in a cheesy white Mornay sauce and broiled until bubbling. Then it gets a few final slices of crispy bacon, some parsley, and a dusting of paprika. It’s no wonder the Hot Brown earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after comfort foods in Kentucky.

In fact, it’s garnered attention nationwide over the years. Everything from The L.A. Times and The Wall Street Journal to the Food Network and Travel Channel have covered the legendary sandwich. Naturally, a few variations cropped up in restaurants and home kitchens (Hot Brown casserole, anyone?) But ultimately, it’s pretty tough to improve upon the original masterpiece created nearly a century ago.

Where To Pull Over

Visitors, of course, want to experience the true home of the Hot Brown. That’s why all year long—but particularly during the Kentucky Derby—The Brown Hotel remains the busiest and best place to dig in.

In Lexington, Ramsey’s Diner is beloved for their generally authentic take with one small caveat: the cheese is added to the top instead of mixed into the sauce. And The Whistle Stop in Glendale is another beloved Hot Brown destination, with a touch of sliced ham tucked into the mix. Want a Hot Brown for breakfast? Head over to Wild Eggs in Louisville, where the “Kelsey KY Brown” is presented as the usual decadence, but with a crowning egg on top.

Photo: Sarah Jane Sanders

Massachusetts has a lot going for it: the gorgeous fall foliage, towns and cities brimming with history, glistening waterfront views, and a perfected art form that simmers in pots across the state. We’re talking clam chowder, and the New England version found in Massachusetts just may be the most beloved.

The Back Story

It’s hard to put our finger on exactly when clam chowder first became a “thing,” but most people agree it dates back centuries, at least in New England. Thought to be the brainchild of early European settlers, the Colonial version was thickened with crackers in place of cream back before milk was transported year-round, and made primarily with cod. Massachusetts in particular is known for its thick, creamy version, beloved in Boston and celebrated there as the authentic recipe before other regions began creating their own chowder spinoffs.

The first known recipe for chowder was published in the Boston Evening Post in 1751. Then it was referenced—quite reverently— in the famous novel Moby-Dick a hundred years later. These days, it’s written about and discussed regularly and served coast to coast. Time may have changed the composition of the iconic dish a bit, but it sure hasn’t touched it’s popularity.

The Breakdown

What you’ll find in the chowder crock varies by region (and even by chef). There are far more riffs than we can even list, so we’ll divide it into the two major categories: New England (“white”) and Manhattan (“red”).

When in Massachusetts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything but the ultra-rich, creamy New England-style “chowda.” The main players: potatoes, salt pork or bacon, onions and of course, fresh clams. Thickened up by way of heavy cream or a flour roux, it’s the heartiest defense against a frigid winter’s night. There’s no telling how many bowls and Styrofoam containers Massachusetts ladles up each day, but we’re guessing it’s a dizzying number. Cracked pepper, a dash of hot sauce, and a few oyster crackers stirred in? Sounds like dinner is ready.

Manhattan-style chowder, its “red” counterpart, contains a tomato-based broth and often a slew of other vegetables. From there, the variations continue. Rhode Island uses a clear broth, San Francisco serves theirs in a sourdough bread bowl, and the adaptations just keep going and going.

Where To Pull Over

Road tripping in Massachusetts? You’ll need to stop for stomach fuel, and Union Oyster House is a solid bet if you’re in search of great clam chowder in Boston. Plus, it has some impressive historical significance as the oldest continuously-operating restaurant in America. For a no-frills, deliciously-straightforward experience, head to Yankee Lobster, situated smack on the waterfront where everything tastes fresher. Captain Parker’s Pub in Cape Cod has received award after award for it’s chowder, and will happily send you off with a to-go quart of the goodness. And when in Cambridge, Summer Shack will hook you up with a steaming, perfect bowl, no matter what time of year you visit.

Photo: Kristin Teig

Indiana may be marked by vast stretches of cornfields, but there’s something else Hoosiers have claimed when it comes to state cuisine: the pork tenderloin sandwich. Road trips to, and through, the state wouldn’t be complete without a stop for one of these massive works of culinary art.

The Back Story

Anyone who takes a bite of a tenderloin sandwich will notice its similarity to wiener schnitzel, the breaded cut of meat we associate with Austria and Germany. Legend has it, German immigrants in Indiana were the first to kick off the sandwich version about a hundred years ago. Many Hoosiers trace its origins back to Huntington, Indiana, when Nick Freienstein threw pork wiener schnitzel on a bun and added a few toppings. The idea proved successful from the sandwich cart he operated, and he eventually opened a restaurant that still serves the sandwiches to customers (aptly named Nick’s Kitchen).

Today, you can find riffs on the tenderloin sandwich all over the Midwest, but Indiana claims the fame for their pork-only, deep fried, oversized sandwich. And most Hoosiers you ask will have a strong opinion on which places serve the best versions (and maybe the worst).

The Breakdown

The concept seems simple enough: a tenderloin on a bun. But any good Hoosier knows there’s a lot more to it than that. First, the meat. It’s the star of the show, and begins with center cut boneless pork loin pounded thin (about a quarter of an inch) until it reaches an impressive circumference. Next, it gets dunked in an egg and milk mixture, then flour, and finally crushed crackers before being deep fried to crispy, crackly, golden perfection. Finally, the enormous pork patty gets stuffed inside a bun, along with a slew of toppings—typically onions, pickles, mayo, and mustard. If done correctly, the tenderloin outsizes the bun by a sizable margin, creating a delicious dilemma about how to approach the first bite. Some handle this with a knife and fork; some just pick the whole thing up and start chomping.

Where To Pull Over

The pork tenderloin sandwich is on literally hundreds of menus across the state of Indiana…so where to stop? For true tenderloin historians and purists, Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington is a must. Considering the stories that swirl about it’s status as “the original,” it’s well worth the visit. The Mug in Greenfield was recently voted one of the best in the state when it comes tenderloins, serving fresh “farm to curb” (it’s a drive-in) fare. And when in Indianapolis, urban-dwellers will point you toward The Aristocrat, a pub-style eatery just north of downtown.

The list of national parks has been growing for over 100 years now, pointing travelers to some of our country’s most beautiful and beloved destinations. One of the newest additions is sandwiched between Cleveland and Akron: Cuyahoga Valley. Designated a national park not too long ago (October 2000), the area draws more than 2 million visitors a year for hiking, off-road biking, bird-watching, camping, kayaking and even golfing.The park is open 365 days a year and the entrance fee is hard to beat (completely free). Below, we’ve pulled together a few highlights to help you plan your trip to Cuyahoga Valley.

When To Go

Every season brings a different look to the park and a different activity to enjoy, so this really comes down to personal preference. Summer is popular, of course, and a great time to explore the waterfalls, wander the trails and do a little catch-and-release fishing in the Cuyahoga River.

Don’t discount winter for a visit, though. When there’s more than 6 inches of snow on the ground, the park rents out winter sports equipment: think snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice fishing. But if you ask a local park ranger, we hear they favor autumn, when sweeping views of the valley are transformed with color.

What To Do

Here, it’s a beautiful mix of farmland, forest, river, waterfalls, and rock formations, so there’s no shortage of scenery to behold. Most visitors set off for the hiking trails: the Buckeye Trail is long-distance, occasionally muddy (it crosses several streams) and carries you out to more isolated areas of the park; Ledges Trail offers a 2.2 mile easy hike and an overlook with picture-perfect views across the valley. One of the most popular hikes is the Brandywine Gorge Trail that leads to a stunning waterfall–easily a visitor favorite.

To spot wildlife, head to Beaver Marsh, where you might encounter a great blue heron, wood ducks, otters, and yes, likely beavers. There’s a boardwalk across the marsh, making it easy to venture near the water and all the creatures who love to call it home.

Paddlers can canoe and kayak down the Cuyahoga River for a different way to take in the landscape. Worth noting: the park recommends this only for experienced paddlers, as they don’t actively clear hazards from the river and warn that conditions can fluctuate.

For an in-depth look at the valley, book a seat on the train. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers 3.5 hour excursions all year long, giving you great glimpses of all the natural splendor during the journey. Some of the rides even offer beer and wine tastings, murder mysteries, and fun kids’ themes (Polar Express!).

Good To Know

If you plan to stay overnight, the park has primitive camping for $25 through the end of October (nearby state parks also have campsites) plus two beautifully historic lodging options: The Inn at Brandywine Falls and the nine-bedroom Stanford House.

For those who want to hike, run, or bike long distances along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail but don’t want to make the return journey, you can hop on the train one-way (bike aboard) for just $5. The proper way to flag down the engineer is by waving both (not one!) arms overhead at any of the boarding stations.

And finally, a word to golfers: there are four golf courses within the park. So if hiking and biking aren’t your thing, plan to visit Cuyahoga Valley and tee it up instead.

Summer is prime season for National Park adventurers, for all the obvious reasons. But Acadia puts on her most spectacular show in the fall. Most savvy travelers agree: September and October are your best months for heading to the crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast.

With miles of craggy coastline set against a backdrop of mountains and thick forests, it really does resemble the perfect autumn postcard. For several weeks starting around mid-September, “leaf peeping” season is alive and well, transforming the landscape into fiery hues of reds, oranges and yellows. Plus, daytime temperatures are just right for a brisk hike along one of the many winding trails the park is praised for.

Most of Acadia sits on Mount Desert Island, just off Maine’s coast (also home to Bar Harbor). Deciding on an itinerary can be tough, but we’ve rounded up a list with a few main highlights to hit:

Cadillac Mountain is a must-do. It’s the highest elevation in the park with unbeatable views. You can hike up if you want a challenge (plan on 2 hours each way), but you’ll get the same reward at the top if you drive: stunning scenery. Most people make the journey at either sunrise or sunset, when the light glitters across the sea for a few golden moments.

Go for an easy 3 mile hike around Jordon Pond, where visitors marvel at the deep, crystal clear water. Carved out by a glacier, the pond also offers great views of the famous “Bubbles,” two rounded mountains on the north end. And don’t forget to stop into Jordon Pond House for afternoon tea and fluffy popovers with local fruit jam.

For a less touristy excursion, the Isle au Haut is far more remote than the busier Mount Desert Island. Mountain bikers and serious hikers can explore the dense woods, marshes, rocky cliffs, coves and wildlife that make up the island, accessed via ferry.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll be in paradise here. Think whales, puffins, otters, moose, bears, and the list keeps going. Birdwatching is a big attraction, and you can book guided tours (bring binoculars!) for bird-centric hikes and a chance to spot Peregrine falcons or bald eagles swooping between the cliffs.

Where to stay? Camping is a great option in the summer, but for the fall there’s nothing like the historic coastal charm of Bar Harbor. If you visit in September, you can catch the Acadia Night Sky Festival. The town is serious about keeping away light pollution; in fact, Bar Harbor has an ordinance to use “night sky friendly” lighting on all outdoor construction to preserve their majestically starry nights. Hotels, adorable bed-and-breakfasts, and Airbnb options abound, keeping you close to the endless opportunities of Acadia.

Photo: Steve Shpall

Grand, gloomy and peculiar—words chosen to describe the world’s longest cave system by an early explorer. His name was Stephen Bishop and his remains are buried on site at Mammoth Cave National Park, which pulls in 2 million curious visitors each year.

Situated in southern Kentucky about halfway between Louisville and Nashville, the caverns twist and turn under the ground for 400 miles, and that’s just the mapped passageways. Explorers keep finding and charting their way deeper into the labyrinth and even more peculiar territory.

The cave was created millions of years ago after ancient waters left behind a layer of limestone capped by sandstone and shale. Erosion and rainwater then created hollowing effects. The result is a stunning and complex system of “mammoth” underground chambers and rivers, dramatic natural formations, and jaw-dropping geological wonders.

When To Go

There’s really not a bad time to visit Mammoth Cave. No matter the season, temps hover around 60 degrees underground. That said, summer sees the lion’s share of visits. The downside: contending with larger crowds. Upside: access to seasonal campgrounds, higher frequency of tours and the option to explore the above-ground area of the park.

What To Do

Fortunately, there are several options for cave tours. Visitors can pick from an easy .25 mile sight-seeing stroll (the Frozen Niagara Tour) to the free-climbing, knee-crawling, 6 hour Wild Cave Tour. One tour weaves you through miles of underground trails by flickering lantern light; one takes you up a 280-step staircase to check out high natural domes. Tour fees range from $5-$55, some specifying age and occasionally physical fitness requirements.

The Introduction to Caving Tour is popular with families. You’ll learn basic rules and techniques and gain some insight into the caving environment. If you want to capture great photos, the Frozen Niagara Photo Tour lets you weave through some of the more visually striking parts of the cave: Thanksgiving Hall, Rainbow Dome, Drapery Room and Onyx Colonnade.

Mammoth Cave guides are filled with extensive, intriguing facts, so pay attention to their stories! You might pick up bits of knowledge on your visit. One such bit: during the War of 1812, slaves mined the cave for a mineral called saltpeter that was used to make gunpowder for the war. Another bit? Critters like the eyeless cave shrimp are found in the darkest depths, where there’s no use for vision. Park guides are also known to flip off the lights on certain tours, enveloping groups in an eerie blackness only a cave can accomplish.

Things To Know

The cave temperature is described as “autumn weather” and it’s recommended you dress accordingly—a light jacket should do. Wear comfortable shoes that won’t skid, as you’ll likely do quite a bit of walking and portions of the cave can be wet or slippery. Despite the impressive 400 miles of charted underground territory, only 10 of those miles are available for the public to tour.

Don’t forget there are other attractions above the ground at Mammoth Cave National Park. You’ll find 70+ miles of outdoor trails for hiking or horseback riding and the Green River is open for fishing and canoeing. Mammoth Cave Campground is a quarter mile from the park’s Visitor’s Center, and if camping isn’t on the agenda, there’s also a hotel on site. The area surrounding the park showcases the beautiful, rolling hills southern Kentucky in known for, with several nearby small towns off I-65. Bowling Green is a half hour’s drive from Mammoth Cave and has plenty of restaurant and shopping options after a day of exploring.