We are SO excited to share an extraordinary new book by writer, photographer, and paddler Madeline Marquardt, entitled Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide. She has worked as a sea kayaking guide in the Apostle Islands, English teacher in Armenia, and paddled and hiked extensively throughout the Lake Superior Reg

Publisher's note: We absolutely LOVE this book. Click here to read our author interview! 

Hiking is a popular pastime in Ireland for both serious hillwalkers and newbies looking to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. For travelers, it can also be a wonderful way to see a beautiful country, to meet new people, and to learn about the history, culture, flora, and fauna of the Emerald Isle. 

I have found THE MOST FASCINATING book on eating outdoors. And I will tell you that once I started the book, I could not put it down (hello, 5am bedtime), and I have recommended it to all my friends who hike, meander, and eat in the wild. It has inspired me to look at being outside differently, and taught me much about food, walking and hiking, history, and culture.

There are so many benefits to spending vacation time in big cities, from the cultural exhibitions and top restaurants, to shopping up a storm and eyeing off amazing architecture. However, sometimes vacations in busy destinations can lead travelers to feeling like they really need some fresh air and strenuous exercise to counter-balance the chaos.