Just 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco is the go-to place for fun in the DFW Metroplex. Recently ranked the safest city in the nation, again, by Smartasset, Frisco boasts an environment full of attractions for families, sports lovers, business goers, and the everyday visitor. With a boundless calendar of events, more than 400 restaurants, and award-winning resorts and hotels, it’s easy to see why Frisco is known as The City That Plays.

Home to several professional sports organizations, including the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, Dallas Stars, Frisco RoughRiders, as well as PGA of America’s headquarters, Frisco is the ultimate sports destination. Go behind the scenes of America’s team on a tour of The Star, the World Headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. Love soccer? Frisco’s own major league soccer team FC Dallas kicks off their season in March. You can learn about the history of soccer through modern technology at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. It’s an immersive experience for visitors as they try their hand at goal tending through virtual reality, pose for the cup-winning picture, or deign your own scarf. Prefer baseball? Frisco is home to a minor league baseball team, the Frisco RoughRiders, who play at Riders Field. The stadium features a “cool” way to watch the game in a lazy river.

For the perfect blend of history and entertainment, discover Frisco’s growing museum district. Play on the largest game of Pong at the National Video game Museum. Inside of the Museum of the American Railroad, check out TrainTopia–a miniature world connected by model trains that bring visitors into a space of appreciation for the rail system. And let your kids try more than 100 different professions such as firefighter and podcaster at KidZania, a city built for kids, and run by kids.

When it comes to arts and culture, the city has an impressive public arts trail with more than 65 pieces of art displayed, as well as the Texas Sculpture Garden, which is the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture and made publicly available, and plenty ofInstagram-worthy murals in the historic Rail District.

If shopping is your sport, Frisco offers more than 9 million square feet of retail space. Whether you stop at Stonebriar Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in North Texas or pop into a charming, locally owned boutique, you’re sure to find something that’s just the right fit.

As one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., there’s always a new gem to discover. Omni PGA Frisco Resort, the largest resort currently under construction, opens May 2023. The resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses, a two-acre putting green, a lighted 10-hole short course, entertainment district,13 dining options, 500 guest rooms and suites, and 10 luxury ranch houses.

Alongside Omni PGA Frisco Resort and PGA of America making the north side of Frisco home, Universal Parks & Resorts has announced they will be building a first of its kind park and hotel in Frisco. The project will feature a 300-person hotel and a park designed for young children that will host a variety ofUniversal characters and themes.

From sports to resorts, to the arts and parks, no matter the way you play, Frisco has something for everyone.

VISITFRISCO.COM

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Whatever it is that brings you to Owatonna the first time, you’ll find many reasons to return and experience Owatonna again from another perspective. The friendly small-town atmosphere gives you a relaxed and at-home feel, with no lack of amenities or experiences. Depending on the time of year you find yourself in Owatonna, you may experience the hustle and bustle of the Steele County Free Fair, or the relaxed and colorful scenery of a bike ride through the numerous parks connected to the 17+ mile trail system.

The history & architecture in Owatonna is a must-see no matter what time of year you visit, and the self-guided walking tour is a great way to experience it all. Over 60 businesses and homes are highlighted in the Historic Walking Tour, with several of those being on the National Register of Historic Places. Three Historic Districts are recognized, including Minnesota State Public School, which now houses the State School Orphanage Museum as well as the City Hall. Pillsbury Academy Campus now operates as Pillsbury College Prep and hosts summer camps. The third district,Downtown Owatonna was added in 2015. The Cedar Avenue street scape project was recently completed in 2022 to increase accessibility for Owatonna’s Main Street.

Rotating exhibits at the Steele County History Center focus on special highlights of the area’s unique history. The Village of Yesteryear is a great way to get a glimpse into the past. The original village layout was similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park, and has grown over the years with additional moves of historic structures.

Arts & entertainment options are year-round pastimes at local gathering places. Musical entertainment is a weekly occurrence at Owatonna’s two breweries, Foremost Brewing Cooperative and Mineral Springs Brewery. The Owatonna Arts Center offers classes, music, and art exhibits all year. May through September you’ll find downtown and Central Park lively with music other community events. Seasonal performances, at The Little Theatre of Owatonna, have offered quality theatrical experiences for 57 years.

If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, you’ll love Owatonna’s parks and trails system. Over 17 miles of trails connect to parks throughout the community. If golf is your game, Brooktree Golf Course and Owatonna Country Club offers beautiful and challenging 18-hole courses. Local campgrounds offer family fun May through October. For those looking to enjoy winter fun – there are plenty of opportunities to cross country ski and snowshoe through the trails, or ice skate at Morehouse Park. Cabela’s and Straight River sports are two great places to update your outdoor equipment!

Shopping and dining are always favorite American pastimes, and Owatonna continues to add new options for you to discover! In addition to the brand name stores located at the Medford Ultra Outlets, Owatonna’s downtown has added 8 new stores and restaurants since 2019. Roma’s Italian Eatery, the newest restaurant is scheduled to open in June.

The post Visit Owatonna appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Hike Muir Woods

Spring has arrived in one of Marin’s most majestic nature spots: Muir Woods. Described by conservationist John Muir as “the best tree-lovers monument that could be possibly found,” this collection of old-growth coast redwood trees, attracts nearly a million domestic and international tourists each year.

Hiking the monument’s six miles of trails and paths brings you deep into the ancient groves, many older than 600 years. It’s a fleeting opportunity (the crowds come quickly) but the further you hike into the woods, the more powerful and majestic the trees become.

Beach and water sports fans should get set to get wet in Marin County’s oceans and bays. Marin County features water experiences with some of the most majestic Pacific Ocean and California mountain views, with attractions like Point Reyes National Seashore, China Camp State Park and Corte Madera Creek. Here are a few of the best water events this spring in Marin County, plus places you can paddle every weekend.

Kayaking

A Marin County kayak tour is a phone call (or web click) away at Blue Waters Kayaking, the oldest and only full-service kayaking outfitter in Point Reyes. Anyone from beginner to expert-level kayakers can enjoy guided tours through the famed waterways of Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay.

Blue Waters Kayaking will provide memorable experiences in the California mountains with custom design tours, retreats and getaway opportunities that include hiking, birding and even oysters.

Biking

Marin County is the birthplace of mountain biking, and as such, cycling is a big part of Marin culture; there’s even a museum dedicated to the sport, located in Fairfax. When it comes to West Marin—areas like Stinson Beach, Bolinas and Point Reyes Station—there’s a trail for every skill set. From scenic stops along Stinson Beach to long cycles to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, here are a couple of the best scenic trails in Marin.

Stinson Beach Loop 

Ready to hit the beach? First you need to get there, and the Stinson Beach Loop is a scenic, two-hour bike ride that covers 24.1 miles at 3,150 feet. There are definitely a couple hills, but also two very smooth descents. The trail starts out among the trees before opening up to views of Bolinas Lagoon and the beach. Riders can choose to continue along Highway 1 toward South Muir for a beach break or cycle onward to Mill Valley.

The Golden Gateway From San Francisco to Marin

For those heading to Marin after a few days in San Francisco, the Golden Gateway bike trail (named after the Golden Gate Bridge) is the perfect way to witness the transition from city streets to country roads. Most bikers start their ride at the Ferry Building, and from there it’s a 10.67-mile outing. While this might sound like no easy feat, the ride is smooth, ideal for all levels, as well as a pretty scenic route.

The Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau is committed to providing travelers with accurate and timely resource information about traveling to our region safely. The health and safety of our Marin visitors are our top, which is why we compiled a Travel Alert section of current updated information to our County.

Now is the time to come back to Marin and take advantage of our generous hotel  package program.

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