A Vacationer’s Guide to Jones Lake: Black Diamond’s Hidden Gem

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A roadside welcome to Washington, the Evergreen State sign.

Nestled away in the enchanting woodlands of Washington State lies a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The serene Jones Lake sits at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Jones Lake offers a diverse range of adventures in this slice of the Pacific Northwest, from tranquil hikes through towering forests to the thrill of fishing in various serene waters. This Jones Lake vacation guide is your ticket to unlocking the treasure of the Black Diamond area, with tips and insights into top fishing spots, boating activities, camping retreats, and nature trails to make your vacation unforgettable. Location and Accessibility Geographical Details Jones Lake is a natural jewel in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, near the charming town of Black Diamond, Washington. The lake is known for its stunning emerald waters, which mirror the evergreen trees that line its shores. With an elevation of over 650 feet, the area boasts year-round beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation in Black Diamond, WA. How To Get There The most common entry point to Jones Lake is from Highway 169, offering a picturesque drive through the wilderness. Visitors traveling from Seattle will find themselves 47 miles southeast of the bustling city, a convenient distance for a day trip or weekend escape. The closest urban spot, Renton, acts as a gateway to the outdoor paradise and a starting point for a leisurely hourlong drive to the lake. Activities and Attractions Hiking Trails For those passionate about exploration, Jones Lake is the central spot for many nature trails in and around the Black Diamond area. The Franklin Ghost Town Trail is ideal for a quick 47-minute adventure, leading to a viewpoint that provides a breathtaking panorama of the lush trees, babbling river, and surrounding peaks. Meanwhile, the trailhead of the 3.7-mile Tribulation to Revival to Exodus Loop provides an immersive experience of the local flora and fauna. Other nature trails great for strolls or runs include: Lake Sawyer Trail. This trail is 2.1 miles with a 131-foot elevation gain, an estimated 44-minute hike. Trail difficulty is easy. Cedar River ...


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February 5th, 2024

The Best Things to do in Fort Worth, Texas

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Fort Worth TX Flag

What Are the Top Things To Do in Fort Worth, TX? We're so glad you asked! Fort Worth is a city located in the state of Texas, United States. Known for its rich Western heritage and cultural offerings, Fort Worth offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Fort Worth: The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District: This historic district offers visitors a glimpse into the city's Western heritage, with attractions such as the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Stockyards Museum. The Kimbell Art Museum: This world-class museum features an impressive collection of art, including works by Monet, Matisse, and Picasso. The Fort Worth Zoo: This zoo is home to over 7,000 animals, making it one of the top zoos in the United States. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: This museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden: This beautiful garden features over 2,500 species of plants and is the oldest botanic garden in Texas. Sundance Square: This popular downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as a number of public art installations. The Fort Worth Water Gardens: This architectural wonder features cascading waterfalls, tranquil pools, and lush greenery, making it a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the city. The Fort Worth Herd: Watch the twice-daily cattle drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards, a re-enactment of the famous drives of the late 1800s. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: Offers a wide-ranging collection of contemporary art, as well as several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Are you in need of storage in Fort Worth? Let FreeUp Storage Ridgmar, FreeUp Storage Forest Hill or FreeUp Storage North Richland Hills help you make space for life. Our amenities include clean, secure climate-controlled storage units, 24/7 surveillance, indoor access, exterior units with drive-up access, friendly customer service and more. Contact us ...


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October 11th, 2023

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Macon, GA

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Cherry Blossom Trees

Macon, Georgia is a city located in the central part of the state, known for its rich history, southern charm and cultural heritage. It is the county seat of Bibb County and the fourth largest city in Georgia. The city offers a variety of activities and things to do for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the top things to do in Macon: Visit the Ocmulgee National Monument, which features an ancient Indian earthwork, a reconstructed Mississippian village and a museum. Take a stroll through the historic district of Macon, which features over 90 historic homes and buildings, including the Cannonball House and the Hay House. Check out the Macon City Auditorium, a historic theatre that hosts concerts, plays, and other events. Enjoy the outdoors at Amerson River Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, and picnicking. Visit the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, which celebrates the state's rich sports history and achievements. Macon is famous for its connection to the Allman Brothers Band. The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House is located in the band's former communal home and offers a fascinating look into their history and music. Tour the Tubman Museum, dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. It features a diverse collection of exhibits, including artwork, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visit the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women, Wesleyan College, which has a beautiful campus with historic buildings and gardens that are worth exploring. Explore the historic, charming downtown Macon area, with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The Cherry Street district is particularly lively, with a variety of dining options. If you visit Macon in the spring, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms that the city is famous for. The Macon Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this natural wonder with events and activities. The benefits of living in Macon include a lower cost of living compared to other major cities, a strong sense of community, a diverse population, an abundance ...


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October 4th, 2023

Top Things to Do in Louisville, KY

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Bridge to Louisville KY

Louisville, Kentucky is a city located in the north-central part of the state, known for its rich history, culture, and famous horse racing industry. It is the largest city in Kentucky and the county seat of Jefferson County. The city has a population of around 600,000 people and is considered an important economic and cultural center in the region. Some of the best things to do in Louisville include: Visit Churchill Downs - This historic horse racing track is home to the Kentucky Derby and offers tours and opportunities to watch live races. Explore Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory - This museum offers a look into the history of Louisville Slugger baseball bats and the manufacturing process. Visit the Muhammad Ali Center - This museum and cultural center celebrates the life and legacy of boxer Muhammad Ali, a native of Louisville. Take a walk in the Louisville Waterfront Park - This park offers scenic views of the Ohio River and features walking paths, playgrounds and picnic areas. Visit the Louisville Palace - This historic theater hosts a variety of live performances, including music, theater, and comedy. Check out the Louisville Slugger Field - This stadium is home to the Louisville Bats minor league baseball team and offers great views of the city skyline. Visit the Louisville Science Center - This science center features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and live demonstrations. Attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival - This annual festival celebrates the state's famous bourbon industry with tastings, tours, and live music. Take a stroll through the Louisville Historic District - This historic district features beautiful Victorian-era homes, and is a great spot for a leisurely walk. Visit the Louisville Mega Cavern - This underground cavern offers tours and adventures such as zip lining and underground biking. Louisville also boasts a great food scene, with a variety of local restaurants and bars serving up traditional southern dishes and bourbon. The city also has a vibrant downtown area, with many shops, galleries, and museums to explore. Are you in need of storage in Louisville? ...


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September 14th, 2023

Explore Tyler - Top Things to Do in Tyler, TX

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Tyler, Texas is a city located in the northeastern part of the state, known for its rich history and natural beauty. It is the county seat of Smith County and the largest city in the county. The city has a population of around 106,000 people and is considered a regional center for healthcare, education, and business. Some of the best things to do in Tyler include: Visit the Tyler Rose Garden - This 14-acre garden is home to over 38,000 rose bushes and is known as the "Rose Capital of the Nation." It is open year-round and offers a variety of events throughout the year, including the Texas Rose Festival. Explore the Caldwell Zoo - This zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys. Visit the Tyler Museum of Art - This museum features a rotating selection of contemporary and traditional art exhibits, as well as educational programs for all ages. Take a walk in the Tyler State Park - This park offers hiking trails, fishing, boating opportunities and a lake for swimming. It also has a playground, picnic areas and campground. Visit the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum - This historic house was built in 1859 and offers a glimpse into life in 19th century Tyler. It has been restored to its original condition and is open for tours. Check out the Center for Earth & Space Science Education - This science center features interactive exhibits and planetarium shows, making it great for families and science enthusiasts. Take a stroll down the Tyler Azalea Trail - This trail features blooming azaleas in the spring and is a popular spot for photography. Attend a performance at the Liberty Hall - This historic theater hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including music, theater, and dance. Additionally, Tyler has a variety of parks and recreational opportunities including golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools. The city also has a rich downtown area, with many restaurants, bars, and shops. Are you in need ...


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February 23rd, 2023

Bonita Springs, FL - Top Things To Do

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Palm Trees By The Beach in Bonita Springs FL

Bonita Springs, Florida is a beautiful coastal city located in the southwest part of the state. Known for its white sand beaches, warm weather, and abundance of outdoor activities, it is the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation. Here are a few things to do in Bonita Springs: Visit the beaches: Bonita Springs has several stunning beaches, including Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park and Bonita Beach Park. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also rent beach umbrellas and chairs, as well as take part in beach activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Go bird watching: Bonita Springs is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird watching. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is located on the island of Sanibel, is a great place to see a wide range of birds. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn more about the different species and their habitats. Explore the Everglades: Bonita Springs is located near the Florida Everglades, a unique ecosystem that is home to many different types of animals. Visitors can take an airboat tour, go on a guided swamp walk, or take a kayak or canoe trip to explore this beautiful wilderness area. Shop and dine in the village: The Village at Venetian Bay is a great place to shop and dine. It is a charming shopping center with a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy al fresco dining, listen to live music and walk along the waterfront. Take a day trip to Sanibel and Captiva Islands: These nearby barrier islands are popular tourist spots, known for their beautiful beaches, excellent fishing and wide range of shell collecting opportunities. Visitors can take a boat tour, rent bicycles, paddleboard or kayak. Enjoy a round of Golf: Bonita Springs has numerous golf courses, many of which are set amongst the natural landscape with spectacular views. Bonita Fairways Golf Course is a beautiful public course surrounded by lakes. For those looking to ...


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February 16th, 2023

Top Things to Do in Black Diamond, WA

Local City Guides


Mount Rainier

Black Diamond, Washington is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Black Diamond has a small-town feel and a tight-knit community, but was once a bustling coal-mining town. Some of the best things to do in Black Diamond include: Visit the Black Diamond Historical Society Museum to learn about the city’s history and mining heritage. Go hiking or mountain biking in the nearby Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Take a walk or have a picnic at the scenic Lake Sawyer. Go rock climbing or rappelling at the Black Diamond Quarry. Play a round of golf at the Black Diamond Golf Course. Visit other cities in close proximity in the Puget Sound area, such as Auburn and Enumclaw, which offer additional shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Go for a horseback ride at the Misty Acres. Have a picnic or BBQ at the Black Diamond Community Park. Hike or bike on the many trails in the area, such as the Green River Trail. Visit the Black Diamond Historical Society Museum to learn about the city's history and mining heritage. Visit the nearby Flaming Geyser State Park for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and rafting. Visit the Black Diamond Bakery for delicious pastries and sandwiches. Enjoy the scenic views from the nearby Mount Rainier National Park and the White River Valley Are you in need of storage in Black Diamond? Let FreeUp Storage Black Diamond help you make space for life. Our amenities include clean, secure climate-controlled storage units, 24/7 surveillance, indoor access, exterior units with drive-up access, friendly customer service and more. Contact us for more information! ...


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January 9th, 2023