Country June/July 2021

Working from home comes with interruptions. For me, those breaks seem to last a bit longer if there’s a gorgeous photograph on my computer screen. “Whoa, that’s really cool,” my husband said, as he leaned over a little too long to get a good look at this issue’s cover image. “That’s a reader photo of Havasu Falls, and you have to hike about 10 miles to get there,” I said, hoping the mileage would break the image’s spell. It didn’t. “A reader took that?” he asked. I nodded and paused for a moment, grateful for the reminder that our readers are truly amazing. That photo of Havasu Falls and all the others in this issue’s Hidden Gems special section were taken by readers. It’s a stunning collection of places I…

I was settling in to read the February/March issue when I saw a mention of humpback whales in the article “A Day in the Wild” about the Channel Islands. I turned the page to 32 and the Anacapa Island Trail looks like a whale tail breech! Keep up the good work! Come to my state and you’ll fall in love! RENAE NEWMAN Gouldsboro, ME I’ve been a subscriber for between 20 and 30 years. I want you to know that this April/May issue is the best yet, as [the content] is fresh, current and interesting. I am 87 years old and have gotten to the point where I do not enjoy the heavy emphasis on nostalgia and the “long ago” articles. The photography has always been excellent and continues to…

“PEOPLE DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL THE WORLD TO SEE SOME OF THE MOST AMAZING SITES ON EARTH. THE U.S. HAS EVERYTHING TO OFFER AS FAR AS SCENERY AND ADVENTURE GOES.”FE / KALLIE KANTOS LEARN ABOUT COUNTRY’S FIELD EDITOR PROGRAM! Visit country-magazine.com/fieldeditors WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. CONNECT WITH US! Share your comments: feedback@country-magazine.com Submit stories and photos: country-magazine.com/submit FACEBOOK country magazine INSTAGRAM @country.magazine SEE MORE READER PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK! HERE’S ONE FROM ASHLEY BARNES. “This is our 17-month-old enjoying Country before breakfast.”…

OUR FAMILY LOVES ROAD TRIPS. I normally plan an itinerary for each day that details where we will be and what we will do, but I always leave room to explore the unexpected. Well, while on a trip visiting Utah’s national parks, we came across the unexpected. Just before reaching the entrance to Canyonlands National Park, we spotted Moab Giants, a dinosaur theme park. Our children (Austin, 12; Dakota, 11; and Savannah, 8) begged us to stop. I’m glad we did, because they had a blast! We started our adventure on the Dinosaur Trail, a half-mile loop that winds past 100 life-size replicas. The kids stood close to these giants and let their imaginations run wild. Watching the kids get excited was so much fun for my husband, Michael, and…

IF YOU LOVE JAM, head to an idyllic spot known as Jampot in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Run by monks from the Holy Protection Monastery on Lake Superior’s shore, this hidden gem is known for its preserves and jams made from thimbleberries. Transforming these wild berries into jam is difficult since they usually start breaking down as soon as they’re picked. If you’re in the area in early August, look for them growing wild in semi-shady areas along trails and roadsides. Once you taste the tart, sweet berry, you’ll want to bring home some of the monks’ preserves. Jampot is open May through mid-October. poorrockabbey.com MORE TO EXPLORE ON THE KEWEENAW BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN Drive up this 10-mile road to see a full 360-degree view of Lake Superior. Time it right for…

SALT LICK BBQ DRIFTWOOD, TX Bring your best appetite to this cash-only Texas mainstay just 30 minutes from Austin. Settle in for a feast of brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken and more that’s been sizzled up tender and juicy in an open pit. Don’t skimp on the sides or the dessert! The peach cobbler is so good that you can buy it by the half or full tray. Check online for current information on table service, takeout, picnic dining and special music events. saltlickbbq.com…