Newport Aquarium

On the riverbank in Northern Kentucky, you'll find one of the coolest aquatic attractions in the country - the Newport Aquarium. With several fascinating exhibits, you'll view everything from penguins to turtles to seahorses to sharks and much, much more.

My kids and I really enjoyed "Surrounded by Sharks." Walking through a tunnel you can see sharks and other sea creatures swimming by at all angles. It's quite a site to see. There's also a shark bridge that you can walk, stepping just feet above a pool of giant sharks.

There's a touch pool where kids are invited to touch sea stars, horseshoe crabs and anemones. The Stingray Hideaway just opened over Memorial Day Weekend and remains open until early September with an opportunity to see stingrays up close and even touch them.

Be sure to explore the website in advance, newportaquarium.com, for special admission offers.

Oh, and for when you get hungry, you'll find a spot in the aquarium to enjoy a local staple, Skyline Chili - or I'd also recommend stepping across the courtyard to Tom + Chee for some awesome grilled cheese!

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

A sunset over Lake Galena from the inn.

Located within the beautiful Galena Territory, a private 6800-acre community in Northwest Illinois, the Eagle Ridge Resort is a luxury resort offering 80 rooms within its inn and another 200 condos, villas nestled among the wooded and sprawling hillside areas.

The inn is located on Lake Galena with beautiful views, the Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge (and other banquet rooms), a coffee shop, boutique, general store (just off-site), pizza parlor and spa. The resort is a huge draw for golfers as there are four courses, including "The General," which has ranked as No. 41 in Golf Digest's list of America's top 100. The clubhouse at each course offers light meals and snacks. Over 40 miles of trails await hikers who want to make their way through the natural landscape and the Shenandoah Riding Center welcomes visitors for trail rides and riding lessons.

On a recent visit my sister and I visited the spa for a massage, which I highly recommend. The spa offers a number of services and a tranquil relaxation room to linger in either before or after your service.

A spring scene on the grounds just outside the inn at Eagle Ridge Resort.

For a relaxing day of fishing and boating, rental boats are available at the Lake Galena Marina.

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The inn underwent a large renovation project this past winter and the comfortable, cozy rooms are ready for your summer excursions. Rental homes can also accommodate your groups with housing of one up to six bedrooms.

With beautiful scenery at every turn, a visit to the Galena Territory is the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city and suburban areas to enjoy a peaceful few days enjoying natural surroundings. For more information, visit eagleridge.com.

A shot from a scenic overlook site in the Galena Territory.

Thunderbay Falls in a breathtaking must-see when visiting Eagle Ridge Resort.