Ian Spiegel Blum brings his expertise to a diverse array of topics, from delicious dining spots and seasonal activities to unique local experiences across states like Oregon, Virginia, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Maryland, Idaho, Kansas, Georgia, New Jersey, Wyoming, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. His articles highlight local culture, events, and food trends, showcasing the distinctive flavors and attractions that each area has to offer. With a keen eye for detail, he connects readers with the best of what these states have in store.
On the nights you are feeling particularly bold, karaoke is the answer. Some nights, all you want to do is sing your heart out. No matter where you are in Maryland, a microphone is close at hand....
Ready to get your sing on? In Idaho, there’s no shortage of fantastic spots to belt away into a microphone and live out your rock star dreams. But when you can only choose one spot for karaoke,...
Diners are an American original. Culturally a symbol of American optimism, they’ve been featured prominently in arts, movies, and culture for over a hundred years. Today, great American diners can...
Few dining experiences are more American than diner-going. Even if the diner happens to serve Mexican food, as one on our list does, you can’t help but feel the melting pot of America stirring you...
Eating at diners is one of America’s greatest traditions. Few places evoke the nostalgia and comfort of sitting in a big booth with friends or family chowing down on a heaping helping of eggs with...
American diners have the ability to immediately transport their customers to a nostalgic time-gone-by. Diners with this magic have the right comfort food, the homey atmosphere, and give off the...
When Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel introduced Superman, they had him grow up on a farm in small town Kansas. Why? Because there aren’t many places more American than Kansas farms. Diners represent...
Owning a rambunctious dog with a lot of energy calls for a ton of open, outdoor space! Fortunately for those in Virginia, getting outside for playtime is easy in one of the state’s many spacious...
Between Northern Virginia’s Skyline Drive and Southern Virginia’s Seashore State Park, there is no shortage of natural beauty for the Virginian camper. Whether you’re looking for a night under the...
Throw a stone anywhere in Texas and you’re likely to hit an award-winning barbecue joint. The tradition of slow-roasted barbecue is deep in Texas blood, with many of the best, most delicious, and...
Virginians love southern comfort food and nothing screams southern comfort like good barbecue. Smokehouses across the state pride themselves on unique techniques, tangy flavors, decadent sides and...
When you’re craving good barbecue, nothing else will do. In Oregon, we know how to smoke meats. Whether you’re craving brisket, pulled pork, or a smoky rack of ribs, the great barbecue joints of...
Barbecue. BBQ. Barbeque. No matter how you spell it, or which way you cut it, barbecue is to Alabama as pulled is to pork. It’s no surprise then that Alabama is stuffed with mouth-watering...
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches on the shore, Virginia hikers enjoy many of the most beautiful trails anywhere in the country. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual stroll or...
Shadowy hallways, moving paintings, terrifying ghouls. For some, the fall might mean pumpkin spice lattes, but for others, it is the season of fear. Embrace the dark side this 2024 with these top...
Next time the sun is shining and the weather is warm, consider mini golf to make a memorable day. It doesn’t matter if you’re a master putter or not, mini golf offers family-friendly fun for...