Author Profile: Eva Keller
Discovering Hidden Gems
Eva is the founder and writer behind Discovering Hidden Gems. She spent a decade working in and studying the hospitality and tourism industry with experience in theme parks, hotels, guided vacation sales, and special events. In addition to sharing her expertise about traveling in the US, she offers a weekly email newsletter on saving money on travel and traveling more for less.
5 Best Things to Do in Downtown Holland, Michigan
Holland is a small town in the Western/Southern Michigan area with a historic downtown district known for its authentic Dutch architecture and shops. It’s an easy 1 hour or less day trip from places like Grand Rapids, Lansing, and... view more
The Ultimate Virginia Beach 3 Day Itinerary
I’m not going to lie, my first impression of Virginia Beach was not great. It seemed dirty and cheap and run-down. But once we spent a few days here and explored the local area we found some redeeming qualities that make it worth visiting (in our opinion). Virginia Beach is a vacation spot not only for beach lovers, but all kinds of... view more
The Best Cheap Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
The best cheap restaurants in Dayton offer complete meals for $15 or less and I’m not just talking about the McDonald’s drive-thru. Each restaurant on this list is either local to Dayton or is a regional chain that you can’t get just... view more
24 Best Las Vegas Desserts
Las Vegas is the perfect place to indulge in every way possible. My personal favorite Las Vegas indulgence is desserts! I’ve compiled a list of the best Las Vegas desserts you can get on The Strip, Downtown (Fremont Street), and everywhere... view more
The 13 Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
There’s an entire neighborhood in San Diego with some of the best Italian restaurants you can find called Little Italy. You probably can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants here. But even outside of this area you can find even more of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego from all over... view more
The Best San Diego Weekend Itinerary
This is a trip we did for my 24th birthday. At the time, I had been around San Diego before but had never really done anything other than SeaWorld and go to the airport. So this was my first real visit to see and do everything in San Diego. I have since visited dozens of times, so I know this San Diego weekend itinerary is great for first time visitors or for those who have been... view more
15 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine For Couples
St. Augustine is a beautiful city with a rich history and plenty of things to do for couples. We visited St. Augustine as part of a larger week long road trip around Florida. From exploring the historic downtown to enjoying a romantic dinner, there’s something for everyone in St.... view more
10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
You wouldn’t necessarily think of Dayton, Ohio as a mecca for seafood restaurants since we’re not near any major oceans or lakes. However, we do still have a few seafood (including sushi) restaurants in the area that are worth visiting, especially on Fridays during... view more
17 Best Restaurants in San Francisco with a View
San Francisco is a beautiful waterfront city with world class dining options. The clam chowder and bread bowls are a must, as well as trying some of the restaurants in Chinatown. You’ll get the best views at the hilltop restaurants and the restaurants down on the Wharf, which offer vastly different... view more
The 11 Best Restaurants in San Diego with a View
Looking for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view? San Diego offers perfect weather and bay views nearly 365 days a year. The restaurants here offer a variety of waterfront and city skyline... view more
7 Things to Do in New Orleans for Couples
There are so many fun things to do in New Orleans for couples and this is the best one day itinerary that incorporates visiting the swamps, plantations, historic restaurants, and the best of the French... view more
The 11 Best Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has so much to offer to everybody. There are so many different options for date nights, anniversary celebrations, and other special occasions that warrant a romantic evening out. These are the best romantic restaurants in Los Angeles that will make your date night... view more
15 Best Cuban Restaurants in Miami
As someone who has explored the culinary landscape of Miami with a discerning palate, I can attest to the fact that the city boasts an impressive array of Cuban restaurants. From the authenticity of traditional family recipes to the innovative twists introduced by visionary chefs, the Best Cuban Restaurants in Miami promise an unforgettable gastronomic... view more
10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Sacramento
Mexican cuisine has been an integral part of Sacramento’s culinary landscape for well over a century. The history of Mexican restaurants in Sacramento reflects the city’s diverse cultural fabric and its close proximity to California’s agricultural heartland, which has influenced the availability of fresh ingredients and culinary... view more
The 20 Most Romantic Restaurants in Las Vegas
From old school steakhouses that have been around for 50 years to the celebrity chef restaurants of today, Las Vegas is foodie... view more
The 53 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas Off The Strip
Once you’ve visited Las Vegas a handful of times, you might be considering venturing out to new areas. You may even be wondering, what is there to do outside of the Las Vegas Strip!? So we want to share with you our collection of some of the best things to do in Las Vegas off The Strip that we love to keep coming back to each... view more
Best Italian Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
No matter where your taste buds take you in Dayton, there are endless dining possibilities waiting to be explored. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a quick bite to eat, there’s something to satisfy every... view more
The Best Bars in Anaheim
Whether you’re looking for a place to watch the game, listen to live music, or just enjoy a drink with friends, Anaheim has the best bars for just about everyone (over 21). From immersive themes, to speakeasies, to your typical sports bar, Anaheim has it... view more
New Orleans in One Day: 11 Fun Things to Do
There are so many amazing things to do in New Orleans in one day, but this itinerary takes you to all the highlights including historic spots and the must try foods and... view more
The Best Day Trip to Long Beach Itinerary
Back when I was working for Hilton, we would occasionally receive free tickets for area attractions to familiarize ourselves with them and one day we were gifted a day trip to Long... view more
The 9 Best Hidden Gems in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is known as the “live music capital of the world”, but beyond their music scene there are so many hidden gems to explore. There’s a huge mix of natural wonders, outdoor exploration, a theme park, and so many other... view more
The 17 Best Burgers in Anaheim
Being a huge tourist destination and a highly populated city, Anaheim has so many different burger joints. From fast food to steakhouses and everything in-between, there’s a burger for every palette and budget here. As someone who has been living in Anaheim since 2016, I’ve tried a lot of burgers around... view more
The 21 Best Things to Do in Tombstone, Arizona
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a classic Old Western town, Tombstone is it. Though the town was nearly a ghost town back in the 70s, the resurgence came when the movie Tombstone was released back in the 90s. Ever since, the town has fully embraced its history and the tourism that comes along with it. Making it the perfect day trip or weekend... view more
The 19 Best Kept Secret Restaurants in Tucson
There are quite a few restaurants and vendors that meet various aspects of those UNESCO requirements and we decided to try as many as we could on our recent visit! Not every place we visited is part of Tucson’s City of Gastronomy, but we’ll let you know which ones are and... view more
15 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg
There are so many historical sites in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, also known as America’s Historic Triangle. You can’t really do it all in one day, but you could see it all over the course of a long... view more
The 40 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas besides Gamble
If you’re like me, you’d rather spend your money on something that promises something in return, so you want to do anything besides gamble when you’re in Las Vegas. My first few trips to Vegas I didn’t gamble at all because I didn’t have the money to spare. So I found other forms of entertainment to pass the... view more
The 12 Best Birthday Restaurants in Los Angeles
Celebrating a birthday in LA can be so much fun whether you’re just visiting or you’re a local. You can spend the day wine tasting, visiting hidden gems, going on hikes, or visiting the ever popular Universal Studios... view more
25 Best Cheap Restaurants in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known as being a city for high rollers, but you can also go to Vegas while “ballin on a budget” by dining at the cheap restaurants. While “cheap” is a relative term, we have a variety of restaurants on this list that have entrees for less than $10, while others on the list are at least under... view more
14 Best Things to Do on Cannery Row – Monterey, CA
Cannery Row is a vibrant waterfront district in Monterey, California, that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, food, or fun, you’ll find it on Cannery... view more
The 11 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Los Angeles
Dining at rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles is a popular activity whether you’re just visiting here or you’re a local. Depending on what neighborhood you’re visiting you can enjoy views of the city skyline, the ocean, and even the Hollywood... view more
The 14 Best Seafood Restaurants in San Diego
Many lists of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego cover a large region as far north as Oceanside, so I wanted to make a list as hyperlocal as possible. Some places on this list might have multiple locations, but at least one of them will actually be in the city of San... view more
The Best Key West Day Trip Itinerary
If you’ve never been to Key West before, this is the best Key West day trip itinerary. You’ll want to take advantage of the entire day because there is so much to see and do... view more
20 Best Things to Do in Manhattan in One Day
There are so many amazing things to do in New York City. If you’re short on time, the best itinerary is to try to see as much of Manhattan as possible in one day. We found that staying in one area allowed us to see and do a ton more than if we had traveled through a variety of... view more
6 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia in One Day
There are so many things to do in Philadelphia in one day if you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible. This itinerary takes you to most of the... view more
31 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
Washington DC is probably the only place I’ve visited the most in my life besides Disney World. Growing up I went for Christmas many times and in high school I went on school trips here every year. So I was very excited when I finally got to take JP here for his first... view more
13 Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is a small, historic, coastal town near the border of Georgia and South Carolina. Here you can see a variety of historic sites, small town charm, local haunts, and even the famous park bench scene from Forrest Gump. We spent a long weekend exploring everything in and around town that could while we were on a larger road trip around the... view more
The Best Cincinnati Day Trip Itinerary
Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, I went on day trips to Cincinnati all the time. Whether it was to see a Reds game, visit family, or just to explore new places, I always found something new to do each time I visited Cincinnati. Once JP started making trips back to Ohio with me, I took him out to all of my favorite spots and we found new places to explore together. Everything in this day trip itinerary was all new to me on this... view more
35 Fun Things to Do at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic California beachside amusement park experience. With over 100 years of history, the boardwalk offers something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly rides and attractions. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to have a great time with so many fun things to do at Santa Cruz Beach... view more
The Best Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
No matter where your taste buds take you in Dayton, there are endless dining possibilities waiting to be explored. This list highlights some of the best restaurants in Dayton, Ohio. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a quick bite to eat, there’s something to satisfy every... view more
The 14 Best Temecula Wineries to Visit
The best Temecula wineries offer a variety of experiences, from casual tastings to elegant dinners. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with a glass of wine or enjoy a special occasion, you’ll find it in Temecula Valley. Here are the best Temecula wineries (in order of when we visited, because it’s really hard to rank these due to personal wine... view more
Secret Spots in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has seemingly endless things to do and every time someone finds something new, it immediately goes viral and is no longer one of LA’s secret spots. But there are still plenty of lesser known places around LA that you won’t find on every travel guide, so we consider them as secret spots or hidden... view more
Best Las Vegas Happy Hours (Part 1)
We visit Las Vegas multiple times throughout the year and our favorite way to pass time in the middle of the day is happy hour deals! Every place hosts their happy hour at different times and you can find a happy hour 24/7 in... view more
Best Las Vegas Happy Hours (Part 2)
Want to find the best Las Vegas happy hours? From deals on drinks, to meals, to desserts, and more, these are the most recommended happy hours in Las... view more
Best Italian Restaurants in Las Vegas
Want to enjoy the best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas? Italian restaurants in Las Vegas are easy to come by, but they’re not all the same. These restaurants feature recipes from all over Italy and have a variety of old world style and new world style... view more
7 Best Hidden Gems in Oceanside, California
We recently took a weekend getaway to Oceanside, and let me tell you, we had the best time exploring it’s best hidden gems. For this trip we didn’t have any plans set in stone. But we did have a few different ideas of things to do just in... view more
15 Best Things to Do in San Diego in November
Unlike visiting San Diego in September or October where the Fall festivities are in full swing, November brings a mix of the Winter holiday celebrations beginning. Contrary to popular belief, San Diego does experience some changes throughout the seasons, though the weather is not as extreme as the neighboring mountain... view more
9 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim in November
There are so many fun things to do in Anaheim in November for a variety of interests. November has a great mix of activities where Halloween is ending and Christmas events are beginning. In-between there are also plenty of other general Fall and harvest themed events going on throughout the month. There are also some events that aren’t necessarily themed to the season, but only take place in November, so we’ll include those in this list... view more
18 Romantic Things to Do in Long Beach
Nestled along the picturesque California coastline, Long Beach offers a perfect backdrop for romantic escapades. Whether you’re a local looking to rekindle the flame or a visitor seeking love-infused adventures, this city has a lot to... view more
20 Best Things to Do in Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana, California is known for its status as the county seat of Orange County and its vibrant Hispanic culture. It is recognized for the Santa Ana Zoo, which houses a variety of exotic animals, and the Bowers Museum, renowned for its art and cultural... view more
17 Fun Things to Do in San Diego in October
Below are some of the fun things to do in San Diego in October from festivals to theme park holiday events to the scariest Halloween events and... view more
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles in September
While it’s a little early for most of the Halloween events in LA, there are a ton of Fall, Oktoberfest, and other events that take place all throughout the month of... view more
Are There Beaches in Las Vegas?
The city is located in the middle of the Mojave Desert and is surrounded by mountain ranges, so beaches are not an option. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some beach-like activities while visiting! There are plenty of great beaches within driving distance that make for a perfect day trip or weekend... view more
The 11 Best Beaches in Long Beach, California
Long Beach is an absolutely beautiful coastal city in Southern California, just south of Los Angeles (heads up: “just south” means about an hour’s drive in Cali traffic time). As a city with nature, city, great eats, and everything in between, Long Beach truly has something for everyone and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals... view more
The 23 Best Things to Do in Calistoga
Calistoga is a small town just outside of Napa that is a huge contributor to the success of the wine... view more
The 21 Best Things to Do in North Park San Diego
North Park is a fun, artsy neighborhood in San Diego with so many cool things to do. These are the best things to do in North Park San... view more
The 19 Best Things to Do in Ocean Beach San Diego
Ocean Beach is a great neighborhood in San Diego to visit on a day trip or the perfect weekend getaway. There’s so much to do in San Diego, that a great way to see and do it all is by exploring one neighborhood at a... view more
15+ Best San Diego Urban Wineries: The Ultimate Guide
San Diego Urban Wineries is actually an alliance of 13 urban wineries throughout the local area that provide an array of wines crafted on-site with grapes grown sustainably throughout California’s wine... view more
The Perfect Weekend in Palm Springs
This weekend in Palm Springs itinerary covers the entire Greater Palm Springs area all the way to Indio. Everything is within about a 30 minute drive of each other so you can spend more time doing things instead of just driving... view more
17 Best Chinese Restaurants in Sacramento
As the state capital of California, Sacramento has a ton to offer. You can try just about every cuisine from Italian restaurants to Mexican restaurants to Chinese restaurants. Chinese immigrants began arriving in Sacramento as far back as the 1850s, so there is a long cultural history in this... view more
15 Best Italian Restaurants in Sacramento
As the state capital of California, Sacramento has a ton to offer. There is a long history of Italian immigration to Sacramento dating back to the California Gold Rush era. So much so that there is an officially designated community of “Little Italy”. You’ll notice many of the restaurants on this list are on J Street and Folsom Boulevard, which both serve as borders for the Little Italy... view more
The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco in Winter
San Francisco is a huge city and it’s nearly impossible to see and do it all. This guide below features all the best spots you must visit in the city, plus a few suggestions if you want to take day trips outside of the... view more
The 14 Best Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
As part of our week-long San Francisco Christmas getaway, we decided to take a couple days to drive up there from Orange County and stop to visit a few places on our bucket list. I had read an article that ranked Carmel-By-The-Sea as the #3 Christmas town in the US, so we just had to stop... view more
The 14 Best Things to Do in Ventura
Ventura, California is a coastal city with a lot to offer visitors. From its beautiful beaches and charming downtown to its world-class museums and historical landmarks, there is something for everyone in... view more
The 51 Best Things to Do in Dayton in Summer
I personally prefer Summer over every other season and it’s the time of year when there is the most to do in Dayton. Here are some of the best things to do in Dayton in... view more
Boston in One Day: The Perfect Freedom Trail Itinerary
This trip was JP’s first time visiting Boston, but I had been previously on a high school history class trip over a week-long spring break. It was fun to experience the city in a new way and to create our own itinerary for exploring in just one... view more
25 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas
There are so many fun things to do in San Antonio, Texas and the surrounding suburbs of New Braunfels and Gruene. These are our favorites that we recommend visiting when you’re in the... view more
The Best Columbus Day Trip Itinerary
Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, I took day trips out to Columbus all the time. Whether it was to visit the zoo, COSI, or for a football game, there was always a good reason to spend a day in... view more
The 40 Best Things to Do in Dayton in Winter
With the cold weather and unpredictable snow, it can be hard to get out and about in Dayton during the Winter months. When you’re bored of being stuck at home, here are some of the best things to do in Dayton in... view more
The Best Las Vegas Couples Weekend Getaway
Looking to enjoy a fun and romantic weekend in Vegas with your significant other? With endless possibilities, it can be hard to figure out exactly what to do and how to fit it all in to a weekend... view more
The Perfect Kings Island One Day Itinerary
Kings Island is a historic theme park in Mason, Ohio. It is known for it’s roller coasters and for being featured in an episode of The Brady Bunch. Due to it’s location, Kings Island is only open in the Summer and on weekends throughout the Fall and Winter for seasonal... view more
The Ultimate Frankenmuth Day Trip Itinerary
This Bavarian-style town in eastern Michigan looks like it was plucked from a German storybook with half-timbered buildings, cozy shops, and the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s. In just one day, you can soak in the charm, indulge in famous fried chicken, and stroll through twinkling holiday displays, even in summer! Check out this Frankenmuth one day itinerary for all the... view more
The 28 Best Things to Do in Solvang
There are so many things to do in Solvang that it’s hard to squeeze it all in to one weekend. Did you know JP and I got engaged in Solvang? Right under one of the famous windmills! Solvang is one of our favorite weekend getaways and we’re excited to share with you all the best things to do in... view more
The 19 Best Restaurants in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is one of the best places in Orange County for foodies. From the coastal California cuisine to authentic Mexican restaurants, there’s a little bit of everything... view more
Best Things to Do in Idyllwild, California
Idyllwild is a small mountain town in Southern California in-between Palm Springs and Temecula. You’ll experience all the seasons here, so it’s a great getaway especially in the Fall and Winter where you can see the leaves change and experience cooler weather. It’s a great place to reconnect with nature and slow down a... view more
17 Best Downtown Fullerton Restaurants
Downtown Fullerton is a historically preserved section of town with tons of shops and restaurants. There are a variety of steakhouses, casual eateries, coffee shops, and social gathering spots all through the... view more
The 13 Best Things to Do in Sonora, California
Sonora, California is a small town in Northern California between Yosemite National Park and Sacramento. It’s known for it’s Gold Rush history and hiking trails. There are plenty of state parks, museums, outdoor trails, and restaurants to explore during your... view more











































































