User Lists

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, which makes it a beautiful day for a picnic. You know, a picnic--those old-fashioned things that have you packing wine, cheese, sandwiches and lots of ant repellent into a cheery basket lined with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and skipping off to the park for lunch al fresco. Need some inspiration on where to stock up and where to engage in said picnic? Look no further than right here. (Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources)

Blame the economy, blame the percentage of creatives in this city, blame our love of all things homemade--whatever the reason, the DIY ethos thrives in San Francisco, as evidenced by the popularity of Indie Mart, Maker Faire and street food carts citywide. To get in on the movement and save a few bucks (or make them), pick up some skills in bookbinding, glassblowing, knitting or cooking at one of these local schools and studios. (Photo of Crucible students: Dave Wright)

The great thing about spectator sports is that there's always a big game worth catching. Instead of sweating it out in person, Miami has no shortage of cool taps with an arsenal of TVs to make sure you won't miss a single play. From waterfront watering holes to lively enthusiast haunts, root for team U.S.A. at Miami's favorite sports bars.

Banned Books Week runs September 25 to October 2 and I can think of no better way to celebrate than by getting lost in the pages of a good book (banned or not) from a local bookstore or library. That's right, I like good old-fashioned black and white print on paper, in a book I can hold in my hands. Judy Blume's "Forever"--yes, I've got that, with the naughty pages dog-eared. Below, favorite independent bookstores (and a library and thrift store) within driving distance.

It's time to celebrate as the spooky season is upon us and there are plenty of scary fun things to do in Dallas. From a theme park thriller to a pumpkin patch to cool costumes and haunted houses, you'll have a monster of a time.

With less cash to burn than the chauffeured flocks of high-end tourists, but even more developed and discerning palates, Napa locals (think chefs, winemakers and restaurateurs) live to eat well and know just where to look. Follow this insiders guide to find where sous chefs nosh on affordable eats or winemakers convene over a round of cold brews. (Photo: Cook in St. Helena, a local chef favorite)

"Staycation, all I ever wanted. Staycation, I have to get away." Okay, so maybe a staycation isn't as great as a real vacation but according to the travel pubs, everybody's doing it. So if your budget doesn't afford you that romantic voyage to Paris or even just a regular old road trip to Wally World, you can at least pretend you've left town by checking into a glam hotel or B&B (The Gables, left) right in your own proverbial backyard. It may not be Europe but doesn't it beat tackling that dreaded rainy day "to-do" list?

Orlando staycations are in and traveling abroad for vacation is out. Locals are finding ways to have fun, regardless of the recession, in the great outdoors, at area attractions, by the ocean (Daytona Beach, left) and in the air. Find out which destinations to visit in our Citysearch guide before planning your summer staycation this year.

With the sixth season of Bravo's hit series underway, we're reminded of ?Top Chef? contestants of years past; many have gone on to become major players in the New York food scene, even after being eliminated from the show. Whether they're parlaying their prime time exposure into hype for a hot new restaurant (Sam Talbot) or using it to generate a renewed interest in an existing one (Nikki Cascone), ?Top Chef? alums are ever-present in our city's kitchens. Dine at one of these six spots for a chance to meet your favorite Top Cheffer in the flesh and test his or her culinary prowess. (Photo: Nikki Cascone, Leah Cohen and Dale Talde/courtesy of Bravo)

South Florida is blessed with a plethora of natural and manmade attractions. Whether it's a state park where guests skim across jaw-snapping reptiles or an eatery where its signature dessert features four pounds of bubbling chocolate, Miami offers many unforgettable experiences. Tourists will rarely have a chance to take them all in, but they have to start somewhere.