Lake View Beach on Lake Michigan in Indiana

Lake View Beach is one of the Beaches East of Indiana Dunes that not only offers one of the most beautiful views in America, but is also pet friendly... and best of all FREE!

With crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and lots of parking, what's not to love?

Take a stroll, build a castle, people watch, or take a dip in the crisp waters.

Pavilions are on site to have a picnic lunch!

Even on a rainy day you can watch the storm roll in from under these with miraculous beauty! (Make sure to find safety if severe weather arrives!)

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago Illinois

Zoos fascinate children and adults all over the world. The rarer the species, the more ooohs and awwwes. And with a view like this, who can resist a walk?

From tigers and lions...

To apes, chimpanzee and monkey species......

Even reptiles & amphibians..

Small mammals and Marsupials...

Seals.... and much more...

There are all types of critters at the Lincoln Park Zoo... and the best part.... It is FREE!

So take a step out of the busy streets and escape into a mystical jungle... right there in downtown Chicago!

Marysville City Park & Chrysler Beach in Marysville Michigan

Chrysler Beach sits across the road from Marysville City Park (where there are playgrounds, sporting areas, a splash pad, and picnic tables to enjoy a lunch). 

The beach is excellent for a dip in the cool waters of the St. Clair River. Some bring out kayaks or floats to float down the river to nearby St. Clair. (on a float this can take all day).

There is even a dock for those who like to dive or jump into the deep area since the waters are decently calm near shore in this area. (careful not to venture out too far...this river does have a swift current farther out!)

Also a great place to watch for freighters (may even get to splash in some small waves) or building a sand castle! The beach is dog friendly so feel free to bring along Fido. (please remember to clean up after your pet). 

Restrooms and parking are located on site.

Did I mention that Canada is across the river?

Lighthouse Park & Beach in Port Huron Michigan

Lighthouse Park & Beach offer a view as well as crystal clear water to cool you down on a hot summers day, right where Lake Huron feeds into the St. Clair River... and for free! For a small fee, you can even climb the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse steps for a view from the top.  Restrooms and a playground are available as well as vending machines!

The beach offers sand for the kids to build a castle and beautiful stones for those into rock collecting.

The water does have current as well as waves so be prepared!

There are a variety of water crafts which frequent the port, so it is a perfect place to watch freighters and sailboats alike.

Don't forget the sunscreen!

David Crockett State Park

Whether you are looking for a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, a picnic, camping, biking, boating, or just love historic sites, David Crockett State Park is definitely worth stopping by. With more trail heads than I could count to 6 miles of hiking trails, access to a lake and a creek with beautiful waterfalls and spillways, an Olympic size swimming pool with an additional wading pool for kids, and many other accommodations mentioned below, there is something for everyone.

Above is Davy Crockett Falls... perfect for wading and to get cool on a hot day. You can sit right in the middle of the falls and let the water cascade over you. (Rumor has it a bit farther downstream there is also a swimming hole). 

The spillway above... off of Waterfall Trail... standing under it was refreshing!

Lindsey Lake above...  perfect for fishing!

There are pavilions as well as picnic tables located throughout the park. Tent camping or cabins are available for rent as well as watercraft. A restaurant is located on site overlooking the lake and a snack bar is near the pool area for refreshments. Be sure to stop by the museum! 

Crystal Shrine Grotto @ Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, TN

Crystal Shrine Grotto is located within Memorial Park Cemetery near Memphis. 

Many don't think that cemeteries are places to take a road trip, unless you are in New Orleans of course. BUT this one is also unique.

Abraham's Oak...

Many visit from around the world to see this shrine, sculpted in the 30s by a Mexican self taught and proclaimed sculptor by the name of Dionicio Rodriguez.

See inside a tomb... 

The entrance to the shrine below... 

inside the shrine.... sculpted of quartz and precious gems.

Don't forget to sign the guest book

The funeral home offers sacks of fish food for free so the children can feed the fish!

So escape the summer heat and see this site listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Other sculptures are on property such as The Wishing Chairs. Check it out!