Taryn Shorr-Mckee

Live music isn’t just a weekend event in Texas’ capital city – it’s part of its DNA. Dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World" (yep, the city has it trademarked), Austin pulses with sound and is home to more than 250 venues.

Whether you think queso, a Tex-Mex staple, borders on Americanized blasphemy or you would happily bathe in it, there’s no denying its status as Austin’s unofficial, official cuisine – right up there with Texas BBQ.

New Mexico’s volcanic past left something of a steamy legacy: dozens and dozens of mineral hot springs scattered across its beautifully rugged, dramatic landscape. The state certainly earned its "Land of Enchantment" nickname, with colorful canyons, steep gorges, obsidian-studded terrain, and even waterfalls hiding these geothermal treasures.

These girls trip ideas—including spa retreats, secluded state parks and one-of-a-kind accommodations—deliver relaxation, just the right amount of indulgence and plenty of bonding time with your besties.
Trying to plan the perfect girls weekend? The Midwest offers destinations for all kinds of escapes, whether your crew is into sipping wine, hitting the trails, exploring major cities or simply soaking up some sunshine on the beach. To narrow down the list, I asked Midwest Living editors to sha...

New Mexico may just be the Rocky Mountains’ best-kept secret – in terms of skiing, at the very least.

Are you looking for a unique, intimate setting in Scottsdale to exchange your vows? Say goodbye to traditional wedding venues and “I do!” to memorable spaces guaranteed to elicit a few oohs and aahs.
Whether you’ve always dreamt of a resort ceremony, you’re picturing an outdoor adventure, or you want a totally unexpected experience that will leave your guests speechless, Scottsdale has something for every couple. Here are 15 unique places to elope in Scottsdale.

For most, Arizona conjures up images of sweeping painted deserts, towering saguaro cacti, isolated winding highways and endless sunshine. Yet that’s just one piece of this tremendous and remarkably diverse state.

Through determination, ingenuity and a bit of sweetness, Yes, Honey proves a small-town Missouri business can make a tremendous impact.

When it comes to pizza, the Midwest proves there’s no single right way to do it. This region's pizza is defined by variety, local flavors, unusual ingredients (crab rangoon or Korean BBQ short ribs, anyone?), and deeply rooted traditions. Detroit is known for its crispy, cheesy-edged square pies; cracker-thin crusts topped with Provel made St. Louis famous; a fierce deep-dish vs. tavern-style debate divides Chicago. Each Midwestern state serves a unique slice and style of pizza culture.

One could make a strong argument that the Great American Road Trip was inspired by the Grand Canyon State’s long stretches of lonely desert highway, enveloped by a striking contrast of rugged red rocks and pastel-colored skies.

There’s something especially magical about small-town holiday traditions. Come to these Midwest holiday destinations for bustling Christmas markets, parades the entire town seems to watch, carolers decked out in Victorian garb, holiday lights, visits with reindeer and more. Some towns have festivities throughout December, while others focus on just one or two special weekends, so check your calendar and, like Santa, make your list. You might want to visit more than one.

With restaurants inside a cave, amid an orchard and in a river (yes, you read that right), the Ozarks offer one-of-a-kind foodie experiences — the settings are just as memorable as the meals.

There’s no shortage of ways to explore the magical Sonoran Desert, but going horseback riding in Scottsdale is arguably one of the most unique. Horses go where vehicles—and sometimes even feet—cannot, giving you access to little-explored scenery and allowing you to very literally cover a lot of ground in a short time.

Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience Missouri’s abundant natural beauty and diversity. Here are 10 hikes that truly show off the Show-Me State.