10 tips to make your backyard camping trip a success

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

Melanie Kaplan's solo camping trip in her backyard inspired her friends to do the same. She shares some tips.

Try backyard camping for a little change in perspective

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

For the stir-crazy, even a small change in perspective can be a big boost.

Puppy love: Idaho B&B offers creature comforts

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

For years, friends had urged Melanie Kaplan to visit Dog Bark Park Inn, a whimsical beagle-shaped bed and breakfast.

Fargo, it’s nothing like the movie

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

Some people say Fargo is in the middle of nowhere - like that's a bad thing, writes Melanie D. G. Kaplan.

Nose-to-snout with Gainesville locals

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

Melanie DG Kaplan takes a zigzag approach to getting up close and personal with Florida’s alligators.

Biking along the Ohio & Erie Canal towpath

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

In Ohio's Cuyahoga River Valley, Melanie D. G. Kaplan discovered a place where it's cool to board a train wearing a bicycle helmet.

Revitalised Buffalo on a buzz

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

Melanie D. G. Kaplan shuffled up to the city that brought the US hydraulic power, the grain elevator and spicy wings.

Pumping up on two wheels

Melanie D.G. Kaplan|Published

North Carolina mountain bike trail a Boone for cyclists, writes Melanie DG Kaplan.