Tara Schatz

Tara Schatz has been exploring Vermont swimming holes since before she could walk. Here, she shares some of her favorites. Take advantage of that rare sweltering day in Vermont and head to one of these spots.

Are you looking for ways to tire out your favorite pup and keep him from getting bored while stuck at home this winter? Me too! Under normal circumstances, traveling with my dogs is my favorite way to spend a weekend, especially when we can hike new trails, drive back roads, and visit dog-friendly restaurant patios.

The Connecticut River meanders for almost 200 miles from north to south along the entire border between Vermont and New Hampshire. It’s a gentle river, beloved by paddlers of all abilities for its unspoiled shoreline, abundant wildlife, and ample public access points.

There are few things more relaxing than soaking in a natural hot spring while you take in the incredible scenery. These waters are perfect for easing sore muscles, relaxing your mind and soothing your soul.

Want to outfit your outdoor space so you’ve got the coziest campsite in your campground loop? Here are a few must-have necessities for creating a sanctuary in your outdoor home, whether you’re camping for a single night or a whole summer.

Winter is a fabulous time to tackle new photography projects, learn fresh skills, and capture some amazing images, but it does pose a few challenges, especially for the outdoor photographer.

Do you love taking outdoor photos of things you discover on your adventures? Nature photography is a huge genre, consisting of landscapes, wildlife photography, outdoor macro photography, and even abstract photos. If you enjoy exploring the outdoor world, there’s a good chance that you’ll love taking nature photos. More good news: Your iPhone has the perfect camera for taking nature photos without a lot of additional equipment.

Gorgeous mountain vistas, unique hiking trails, and a beautiful family-friendly campground – Mount Ascutney State Park is a playground for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor adventurers. Its close proximity to Wilgus State Park on the Connecticut River means you can hike to spectacular vistas in the morning and paddle the meandering river in the afternoon. What more could you ask for in an outdoor vacation?

Vermont’s newest state park is appropriately named — Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park is a unique collection of hiking trails meandering over 204 acres of fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens.

The Green Mountain National Forest is one of Vermont’s greatest treasures. It encompasses nearly 400,000 acres of rugged mountains, wild woodlands, and secret valleys in southwestern and central Vermont. It’s within a day’s drive of 70 million people, and I count myself lucky to be a close neighbor to these vast lands.
Earlier this fall, I had the good fortune to head out to Grout Pond Recreation Area for a little paddling, hiking, and camping adventure. Located in Stratton, Vermont, Grout Po...

When you think of sand, surf, and sunshine, New Hampshire may not be the first place that comes to mind. But this New England state with just 18 miles of coastline will surprise you if you give it a chance. Along with New Hampshire’s beautiful Seacoast communities you’ll find plenty of sandy beaches as well as endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and sand castle construction.
Here are five compelling reasons to visit New Hampshire’s Atlantic coast this summer.

Are you embarking on a long-awaited theme park vacation this year, and wondering how you’ll foot the bill? While theme parks are awesome destinations for families, they can also be expensive. Instead of paying a fortune now and paying off a mountain of debt later, look for ways to save before and during your trip. With a little online research, and a bit of frugality, you can save money without putting a damper on your family getaway. Here are some of our favorite tips for saving money on you...

Dogs make fabulous adventure partners — they are resilient, rugged, and up for anything. But that doesn’t mean that accidents, mishaps, and illnesses won’t occur. If you share your home with a dog, you can prepare for minor and major emergencies with a bit of knowledge and a well-stocked first aid kit. Here are 18 essential items necessary for your dog’s first aid kit, as well as some preparation tips for dealing with medical mishaps.
Basic First Aid Kit Essentials
Many items in your human fi...

Applying for and using credit cards is often an exercise in trust. On the one hand, most credit cards are insured against fraudulent activity and theft. On the other hand, consumers give out a lot of personal information when they apply for a credit card. How do you know that credit card companies are keeping your personal information and money safe?

The Green Mountain State of Vermont is about as New England as you can get, with its quaint mountain villages, incredible recreation opportunities, and secret back roads. Route 100 runs right through the center of the state, from north to south. At 216.6 miles, it is Vermont’s longest state highway, and it’s also one of the prettiest.