Best Western Thunderbird Motel

Bucket list Fall roadtrip details below👇😍🍁

🚘 Kancamagus Highway - “The Kanc”

This 34 mile stretch of road is considered by many to be the best place to see fall foliage in the USA. The epic autumn drive winds through the White Mountains with hiking trails, waterfalls, overlooks, historic sites, and spectacular views!😍

🌄 Crawford Notch State Park

Some of the most popular stops are Silver Cascades, Mount Willard, Frankenstein Cliffs, Arethusa Falls, and driving the beautiful Highway 302.

🚂 Conway Scenic Railway

This historic scenic train ride starts at its picturesque Victorian train station (which was built in 1874) and runs through the Mount Washington Valley and over the rugged Crawford Notch. We took the “Mountaineer”which is the most scenic journey and takes anywhere from 4-5.5 hours.

🥾Dixville Notch State Park

Despite its small size, Dixville Notch has views that will take your breath away with gorges, waterfalls, creeks, and beautiful hikes. A few highlights are Dixville Flume, Huntington Falls, Lake Gloriette, and the 120-mile scenic drive through the Great North Woods.

🍁Franconia Notch State Park

This park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest and has some of the most gorgeous autumn views we’ve ever seen. The most popular activities here are riding the Cannon Mountain aerial tramway, walking through the Flume Gorge, and hiking above Echo Lake.

🔥 Best Western Plymouth Inn-White Mountains

This Best Western is perfectly located in the White Mountains and just the short drive from Franconia Notch and The Kanc making it the perfect base for our autumn adventures. It has a HUGE heated indoor pool, fireplace lounge, bonfire pit, arcade, and our favorite…complimentary breakfast. 😋

🛤️ Scenic Rail Rider

Scenic Rail Riders is a family-owned company that provides railbike tours through New Hampshire’s woodland, farms lands, and along the Merrimack River. The tour is over 6 miles, takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and we loved the scenery, tranquil river views, and bridge crossings.

📷 @ georgeandcris on IG

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🏨: Aruba Boutique & Art Hotel, BW Signature Collection by Best Western. We loved this new hotel because it had shallow pools for the kids, an amazing restaurant on site, easy parking, and the staff were incredibly nice

🏝️ Beaches: Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, & Renaissance Beach

☀️ Activities: Phillips Animal Sanctuary, Explore Downtown via free trolley, afternoon of play at Hunga Indoor Playground, Donkey Sanctuary

I wish we had more time to explore because I feel like there is still so much to be explored on this beautiful island! 🏝️

✈️ Direct flights from New York, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, etc.

📷 Part Time Tourists

Just came back from Bend, Oregon and we get the hype 👇

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what we’d 100% do again

🍻 Hit up Monkless on the Ale Trail – great brews (even non-alcoholic ones!) + delicious food

🛶 Thrift for outdoor gear at Gear Fix – we scored some epic Patagonia finds

🎥 Relive the nostalgia at the last Blockbuster on Earth (next time we’re renting!)

🏨 Stay at Hotel Peppertree Bend, BW Premier Collection by Best Western – such a stunning hotel packed with amenities for those travelers who care about VALUE! Best Western never fails to impress us!

🥐 Ocean Roll at Sparrow Bakery – worth any wait, trust us!

📷 @ touristtolocal on IG

We love to stop in the charming town of Sheridan, WY on our road trips through the West. It’s a great place to stay when heading to the Black Hills from the West, or to Yellowstone from the East.

And situated along the edge of the spectacular Big Horn Mountains, it’s an adventure-enthusiast’s destination all on its own.

Where to eat in Sheridan:
Casual: Powder River Pizza, Cowboy Cafe
Fine Dining: Frackelton’s, Open Range
Breakfast: Silver Spur Café
Coffee Shop: Bison Union Coffee Company

Shopping: Kings Saddlery

Where to stay:
Our favorite hotel in Sheridan is the historic Sheridan Inn, a BW Signature Collection by hotel. Designated a Registered National Historic Landmark, it feels like stepping back in time to the days of the Wild Wild West.

Once the stomping grounds of Buffalo Bill Cody, the hotel dates back to 1893 and its remarkable history is on full display throughout every part of the hotel, including its restaurant, the Open Range.

Fully renovated to its former glory ten years ago, guests can choose from one of the Inn’s 22 rooms, named after important figures in Buffalo Bill’s life and showcased in each suite.

Have you had a chance to visit Sheridan yet?

📷 MattandKaren

Just wrapped up another incredible adventure staying at Dayton House Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western in Myrtle Beach, SC and WOW it’s officially a family favorite!

Waking up to stunning sunrises over the ocean was just the start of our perfect days. ☀️ With a spacious room featuring a full kitchen, we felt right at home. The complimentary breakfast was delicious, and the staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable!

The real highlights? Three amazing pools, a lazy river, and a hot tub that had the kiddos grinning from ear to ear! Plus, the beach was just steps away, with a lovely lawn area perfect for games and lounging. 🏖️ And let’s not forget the daily free water ice for the little ones – such a sweet treat! 🍧

While exploring Myrtle Beach, we hit the boardwalk shops, took a spin on the Sky Wheel, dined at fantastic restaurants, and even enjoyed a thrilling pirate dinner show! 🏴‍☠️ What a fantastic way to cross off another state in our 50 states by 2030 adventure! 🚗 Thank you, Best Western, for another amazing stay!

📷 @ welcomingsavannah on IG

ULTIMATE DOLOMITES ITINERARY 😍👇

8 must-visit places on your unforgettable adventure in the stunning Italian Alps! 🌄🇮🇹

📍Cadini di Misurina: Hike the Cadini di Misurina Panoramic Viewpoint—2.1 miles with about 700 feet of elevation gain and rated “Easy”. Enjoy breathtaking views of rugged peaks and one of the most famous photo spots in the Dolomites.

📍Alpe di Siusi: Walk the Alpe di Siusi Loop—5.5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Experience the lush meadows and stunning mountain vistas of Europe’s largest alpine meadow.

📍Lago di Braies: Explore the Lago di Braies Trail—2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Circle the turquoise lake for spectacular reflections and plenty of photo ops. Canoe rentals also available on a first come first served basis- cash recommended.

📍Hotel Coma Rosetta BW Signature Collection by Best Western: After your adventures, unwind at this top-rated hotel featuring luxurious spa services, some of the most impressive views of the Dolomites, delicious onsite breakfast, and the highest quality service. And that’s not all…underground there are two swimming pools, a world of saunas, Turkish baths, and even a spa garden complete with whirlpool bath and barrel saunas. Basically, this is the ULTIMATE location to relax and recharge during your Dolomite adventures.

📍Passo Gardena: A picturesque mountain pass that connects Val Gardena with Val Badia. At an altitude of 7,000ft, you can explore the Dolomites on skis, on foot, mountain bike, or just by driving the pass and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sella Group and surrounding peaks.

📍Seceda: Hike to the Seceda Viewpoint—0.8 miles with 360ft feet of elevation gain. Traverse alpine meadows with stunning views of the breathtaking Seceda peaks.

📍Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Conquer the Tre Cime Circuit—6.2 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Marvel at the iconic peaks and dramatic alpine scenery.

📍St. Maddalena Hike in Val di Funes: Enjoy the St. Maddalena Trail—4.3 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain. Experience picturesque meadows and views of the Odle Peaks.

📷 @ georgeandcris on IG

Can you believe this hotel is just 5 minutes away from Downtown Halifax?

Matt and I planned a quick trip to Nova Scotia and stayed at the Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel which exceeded all of our expectations! Just a short drive into downtown we were able to explore the entire city and all it has to offer without breaking the bank.

We rented a car and went on a road trip around Cape Breton Island which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, you cannot come to Nova Scotia and skip out on it!!

We would not have been able to pull this trip off without Best Western. As always, leaving with the best memories🤍

📷 @ meaganglesmann on IG

Who says you have to sleep outdoors to enjoy nature…

Glacier National Park, “The Crown of the Continent,” is full of adventure, wildlife and stunning views. You could spend countless hours exploring it.

But it was so nice to have a shower, hot breakfast and comfy bed to return back to each day.

The Best Western Kalispell/Glacier Park is a great value and perfect location for exploring the park. There are lots of restaurants nearby to grab a bite to eat.
It’s also about 30 minutes to Flathead Lake: the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and one of the cleanest lakes in the world.

Tell us: are you pitching a tent or sleeping in a nice warm bed while exploring Glacier National Park?

📷 @ wander.smore on IG

Welcome to Ha Long Bay 🇻🇳

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, known for its majestical floating mountains covered in lush jungles surrounded by emerald waters. Tucked away in the maze of mountains, you can find floating villages that have been around for thousands of years, still used as homes for fishermen and their families, hours from any city or town.

The only way to access these communities and meet the locals is by taking a boat from Ha Long City, which is where you need to stay. For the best view possible, book a room at the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long Bay. You definitely don’t want to miss this when planning your next trip to Vietnam!

📷 @ colinduthie on IG and TT

Part 2 driving the International Selkirk Loop

This drive has been on our must-do list for a long time. It’s a 280-mile scenic drive that circles the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.

And it’s one of only 32 All-American Road National Scenic Byways in the U.S.

We planned a 3-day itinerary, spending the first day/night in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, and the second night in Nelson, British Columbia.

Itinerary from Sandpoint, ID to Nelson, B.C.:

Shopped at the Bonners Ferry Saturday Farmers Market,
Stopped for coffee and donuts at the Mountain Barn in Creston, B.C.,
Toured the Glass House, made from 500,000 embalming fluid bottles,
Visited the shops in the artisan community of Crawford Bay,
Took the ferry across Kootenay Lake, the longest free ferry ride in the world

Then, we headed to the charming historic town of Nelson, where we checked into the Best Western Plus Baker Street, a beautiful hotel in the heart of the town’s boutiques and restaurants.

Our 3-day experience on the International Selkirk Loop had everything you could ask for: stunning scenery, local eateries, charming towns, quirky roadside attractions, and great lodging.

📷 @ mattandkarensmith on IG

Driving the International Selkirk Loop has been on our must-do list for a long time. It’s a 280-mile scenic drive that circles the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.

And it’s one of only 32 All-American Road National Scenic Byways in the U.S.

We planned a 3-day itinerary, spending the first day/night in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho.

What we did:
We drove up to the Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort and hopped on the Great Escape Quad for a scenic ride to the top of Schweitzer. Once we reached the summit, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Sky House.

We rented kayaks at the marina and paddled around Lake Pend Oreille,

Dinner/drinks at Barrel 33, with outdoor seating on beautiful Sand Creek,

Ice cream at Panhandle Cone & Coffee,

A sunset walk-through City Beach Park, along Lake Pend Oreille

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Ponderay Mountain Lodge, a beautiful hotel just three miles from the heart of Sandpoint.

Next up in Part 2, we head to the Canadian side of the loop.

📷 on IG

Bucket List Switzerland Itinerary Pt. 2 👇

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🪂 Paragliding In Interlaken

Did you know that Interlaken, Switzerland is one of the world’s top paragliding destinations?! With Skywings Paragliding you can soar through the air and take in the breathtaking views of the world -famous Swiss Alps and fly above the deep blue Lake of Thun.

🛷 Alpine Coaster

The Oeschinensee Mountain Coaster is fast-paced fun with tight turns and downhill straights that is sure to provide thrills and tingling sensations.

🥾Oeschinensee Panorama Hike

This spectacular hike above the stunning Oeschinensee lake has panoramic views of snow-capped mountain peaks, waterfalls, and one of the brightest blue glacial lakes we’ve ever seen! The hike is 4.5 miles with 1,500ft of elevation gain and rated “hard” on All-Trails.

⛰️ Harder Kulm

A trip up to Harder Kulm is a trip to the Top of Interlaken! Highlights include a viewing platform with incredible views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the majestic summits Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, the Panorama Restaurant, playground, viewpoint, and a short hike.

🫕 Fondue

Fondue is one of the most traditional culinary experiences in Switzerland. It’s the most popular cheese dish that every visitor should try at least once. We enjoyed our fondue at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant with unbelievable views!

🛶 Lake Thun

This crystal-blue lake in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region is surrounded by mountains, meadows, forests, and alpine pastures and perfect for water sports and relaxation!

⛵️ Stay at Best Western Premier Hotel Beaulac Neuchâtel in Switzerland

Located on the beautiful Lake Neuchatel, this Best Western hotel provides stunning views, style, class, and comfort. The daily breakfast was delicious, rooms spacious, and staff friendly and professional. This was, without a doubt, one of our favorite places we stayed during our European Summer road trip.



📷 @ georgeandcris on IG

👇 Itinerary details below 👇

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📍 Grindelwald-First | Top of Adventure

🚠 Grindelwald-First is the perfect place to start your bucket list adventures in Switzerland. With just a 25 minute gondola ride you arrive at the “Top of Adventure” where you find everything from panoramic mountian views, alpine lakes, beautiful hikes, and thrilling adventure activities such as…

🏎️ First Mountain Cart

This thrilling ride down a 3km natural road is basically Mario Kart in real life! It’s a cross between a go-kart and sled and the views of the Swiss Alps during your downhill ride are incredible!

🦅 First Glider

Soar like an Eagle through the mountain landscape at speeds up to 83km/h- all while lying down on your stomach!

🪽 First Flyer

Fly 50 meters above alpine meadows at speeds up to 84km/h on this bucket list zip line.

⛰️ First Cliff Walk

This isn’t your average viewing platform- it’s a must visit attraction for adventure seekers and nature lovers. This metal walkway, extending from the side of a cliff, is suspended 2,000 meters above the ground with jaw-dropping views of the Jungfrau mountains and Grindelwald valley.

📍 Lauterbrunnen | Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Regarded as one of the most beautiful valleys in Europe, Lauterbrunnen is home to majestic waterfalls, towering steep rock walls, and all the magical charm of a Swiss mountain town.

📍Lindt “Home of Chocolate” Tour

A tour of the Lindt Home of Chocolate covers every aspect of this Swiss cultural asset chocolate, including a chocolate fountain over 9m tall and the biggest Lindt Chocolate Shop in the world. This interactive world of chocolate is perfect for chocolate lovers because not only do you learn about the fascinating history of chocolate and the process of making chocolate …but there are more free chocolate samples than you could ever want.

📍 Stay at Best Western Hotel Spirgarten

This stylish and modern Best Western hotel in Zurich is just 15 minutes from the city center and has excellent transportation connections making it a great base camp for your Swiss adventures.

📷 @ georgeandcris on IG

Planning a trip to Chicago? We found the perfect hotel for you with Best Western!

We chose the The Whitehall Hotel BW Premier Collection by Best Western for our stay and we couldn’t have asked for a better location.

We were able to walk to most of the main things on our list and it was only a short walk from Lake Michigan.

We had such a comfortable stay which was much needed after all the walking we did everyday. The hotel was also very welcoming to pets which is an essential for us!

I hope you enjoyed our dog friendly guide to Chicago and we can’t to show you where we go next with Parker

📷: .dachshund on IG