Perhaps you’re putting international travel on a back burner and concentrating more on exploring what the U.S. has to offer. You’ll be surprised to know how many historical and adventurous getaways our country has waiting to be discovered by more travelers. 

Forbes shared a list of 25 best places to visit in 2020 and they’re all based in the U.S. The writer, Laura Begley Bloom, spoke to travel experts and influencers to compile this incredible list. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Not only is New Orleans a great destination to visit during Mardi Gras, but it has an abundance of festivals, delicious foods, and music to get you on your feet all night long. 

This year, the city will be hosting the Women’s Final Four games and the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship — so if you’re a sports fan, New Orleans is the place to be this year. 

Foodies should head to Bourbon Street where in addition to great food, there’s plenty of drinks and jazz music. 

If you’re into admiring beautiful homes, head to the Garden District where you can also find boutiques and antique shops. 

Vail, Colorado

Vail is perfect for family travel because everything can be found in one central location. Vail Village is a great town to visit and has heated cobblestone streets, coffee shops, eateries, and bars. 

The largest free transportation system in the country runs frequently here so you can travel from Vail Village to Lionshead Village and anywhere in-between seamlessly. 

If you’re into skiing, head to Vail Mountain which is open from November 15, 2019, until April 19, 2020. 

Hudson Valley, New York

New Yorkers love getting away from the hustle and craziness of the city to Hudson Valley for fresh air and relaxation. Located less than two hours away from NYC, Hudson Valley is comprised of small towns located east of the Hudson River. 

For amazing food, head to Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, where the chef-owners secured a nomination for the Best Chef: Northeast James Beard Awards last year. 

Legoland New York Resort will be opening this year for travelers to enjoy 50 rides and the New York City skyline made out of Legos.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a great city to visit if you’re an avid music lover. Visit the Stax Museum which honors artists who created music that current artists are influenced by. 

This year, the Hattiloo Theater, known as the only freestanding Black repertory theater in five surrounding states, will open for its 15th season. 

Greenville, South Carolina

Although the U.S. has 35 Greenvilles, residents don’t want you to be confused. Greenville, South Carolina’s residents have so much pride and its home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

It is also home to the only BMW museum in North America and delicious homemade sourdough bread at Topsoil restaurant. 

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, the home of Walt Disney World, is amazing to visit no matter what age you are. There will be new attractions debuting in 2020 and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last month. 

Other than visiting this epic theme park, head to Sixty Vines, a wine bar offering over 60 wines on tap. 

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is known as the first ski resort in the U.S. and has been open since 1936. The town is still known for skiing today with the addition of restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and music festivals. 

Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park will be opening this year, making it the newest national park in the U.S. Travelers will be able to discover beaches and the sand dune mountain, Mount Baldy. 

If you’re traveling with young ones, check out the Children’s Museum. The Madam Walker Legacy Center is another great museum to visit and honors Madam C.J. Walker, the first female African-American millionaire. 

Martha’s Vineyard

Hop on a 30-minute ferry from Cape Cod, Massachusetts and you’ll be transported to the beautiful town of Martha’s Vineyard. A hot spot for celebs like Spike Lee and the Obamas, the town is filled with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fresh seafood. 

Key West, Florida

With a nickname like “America’s Caribbean”, Key West is perfect for a laid back getaway. 

Embark on a 90-minute sail to the Great Florida Reef with FuryWatersports where you can snorkel and experience the third-largest coral barrier reef system on the planet. 

You can also take a tour of the first legal rum distillery in Key West which is located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant. 

St. Louis, Missouri

Besides Nelly, the most known landmark is the 630-foot arch which can be spotted above the Mississippi River. 

Travelers should visit the recently renovated Gateway Arch National Park, which recently went under a $380,000,000 renovation. 

For bomb food, try Rooster, whose brunch will satisfy your tastebuds. Clementine’s Creamery has delicious handcrafted ice cream and you can even try some of their spiked flavors. 

U.S. Virgin Islands

Although the U.S. Virgin Islands were hit with hurricane Irma and Maria, they have made enormous strides to make a comeback. 

Head to the swim-up taco bar located off the coast of St. John or head to Navy Beach in St. Thomas. 

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is the perfect location for art lovers with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the free experience of ArtWalk being recently opened. 

For ultimate self-care, head to Royal Palms Resort and Spa which just opened an 11,000-square-foot spa. 

Redding and the Shasta Cascades, California

Redding and the Shasta Cascade region are located in Northern California and is commonly referred to as “California’s Last Frontier.”

While here, you can experience 50 waterfalls, lakes, rivers, mountains, six national forests, and active volcanoes. Best of all, the sites are either totally free or inexpensive. 

Denver, Colorado

In 2019, there were 32 million visitors to Denver. The city is known for its food truck culture, street art, and live music. 

It also is in close proximity to hiking trails and bike paths. 

If you’re a beer lover, there are hundreds of breweries and more pop up every day. 

Southern Utah

Zion National Park has recently celebrated 100 years of being open and is the gem of Southern Utah. Another great place to visit in this are is Bryce Canyon National Park, the second oldest national park in the state of Utah. 

Southern Utah is only a few hours away from Salt Lake City and is close to Las Vegas so you can travel to multiple places while vacationing here. 

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics and known for its top of the line ski resorts and relaxed mountain culture. 

Lake Tahoe is perfect for those who love nature and also has luxury resorts, casinos, camping, fishing and golfing. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has been put on the map recently because of the 2020 Democratic National Convention and it’s placement on Airbnb’s top destination to visit in the world for 2020. 

Milwaukee is also home to Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world, Milwaukee Art Museum and Harley-Davidson Museum. 

McCall, Idaho

The state of Idaho has everything you can ask for: nature, adventure, and great beer. Located about an hour away from Boise, McCall has about 3,200 residents and is great for biking and zip-lining. 

Luckily, McCall isn’t a common area for tourists yet, so you can truly enjoy the authentic essence of this charming city while visiting in 2020. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia was one of only two locations in the U.S. picked for the National Geographic’s Best Trips of 2020 list. 

Philly is a great city for art, fashion, eateries, and history. 

Miami, Florida

Miami has been a hot spot for years but this year the Raleigh Gardens will be hosting an art experience by the beach, making it the largest-ever outdoor public show by artists Claude Lalanne and Francois-Xavier Lalanne (Les Lalanne). Admission is free and you’ll see over 40 sculptures and objects by the artistic duo. 

Another art space is El Espacio 23 which has thousands of paintings, sculptures, videos and photographs collected by billionaire Jorge Perez on his travels around the world. 

The Museum of Grafitti recently opened in the artsy area of Wynwood and it’s the first museum to honor the pioneers of graffiti. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

2020 will be the continuation of the celebration of the 5000th anniversary of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. 

El Distrito will be opening this year and will offer a multi-sensory experience. Spoon Food Tours will offer travelers a foodie experience through Old San Juan or around the countryside on a party bus. 

Head to the Ron de Barrillito Visitor Center to sample the oldest rum in Puerto Rico. 

Plymouth, Massachusetts

There will be festivals and events this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing at the Plymouth.

You can tour the Plimoth Plantation and see a replica of the Mayflower, which brought the colonists to the U.S. in 1620.

Today’s Plymouth is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and views of the harbor where pilgrims once lived. 

Los Angeles, California

Known for the infamous Hollywood sign is the city of LA. 

Don’t sleep on the food scene in LA, 12 restaurants in West Hollywood were given Michelin awards in 2019. It is also home to Gilles @ Montage Beverly Hills, a restaurant opened by the youngest chef to receive a Michelin star. 

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of LA Pride, honoring the LGBTQ community. 

The Ozarks

The Ozarks are surprisingly becoming one of the fasting areas in the country for Americans to vacation. 

Silver Dollar City is a theme park which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020. 

Travelers can also visit the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, WonderWorks (science indoor amusement park) and Big Air Trampoline Park. 

There are so many dope places to explore in the world which makes travel a priceless experience. While traveling is always worth the money spent, saving bucks along the way is definitely a plus. 

Heading to locations on your bucket list is best during the off-peak season when flights and accommodations are cheaper and areas are less crowded. 

Fortunately, Kayak has analyzed millions of yearly bookings from 2019 and came up with which locations will have the biggest price drops during each month in 2020. 

If locations like Cartagena, Hawaii, and Buenos Aires are on your wishlist, you’re gonna want to keep reading!

January – Big Island, Hawaii

There are 14 different climate zones in the world and the Big Island has 10 of them. You can experience lava deserts, volcanic mountains and succulent rainforest all in one location. 

Travel in January for a 38% price drop. 

You can expect to pay around $336 for airfare.

February – Sint Maarten

This Caribbean island has both a Dutch and French side — with the Dutch side being referred to as Sint Maarten and the French side as Saint-Martin. 

Sint Maarten speaks mostly English and has an abundance of resorts, casinos, duty-free shopping, and beach bars. 

Travel in February for a 35% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $390 for airfare.

March – Tahiti, French Polynesia

Looking for an exotic escape? Head to Tahiti in March. With the beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and ancient villages, you’re bound to have an experience of a lifetime. 

Travel in March for a 43% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $891 for airfare.

April – Nantucket, Massachusetts

Explore the U.S. with a trip to Nantucket, a town filled with lighthouses, beaches, and beachside accommodations. 

Travel in April for a 34% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $447 for airfare.

May – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is located northwest of Tahiti and has gorgeous turquoise water, wind-sand beaches and views of a dormant volcano.

Travel in May for a 17% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $1,742 for airfare.

June – Vail, Colorado

Vail in the summer is reminiscent of Europe with its cobblestone streets, amazing eateries and cycling culture.

Travel in June for a 27% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $440 for airfare.

July – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is an awesome location if you’re wanting to explore the U.S. more. Whether you’re into art or fishing, Cape Cod is sure to be a good time.

Travel in July for a 39% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $339 for airfare.

August – Asheville, North Carolina

Located amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains is the breathtaking town of Asheville. Visit Biltmore Estate while here to see the 8,000-acre mansion, known as the largest privately-owned home in the U.S.

Travel in August for a 30% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $254 for airfare.

September – Bar Harbor, Maine

Experience the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. Although a small town, it has plenty of dining options, bars, and souvenir shops. You can also hike to cycle the trails of Cadillac Mountain, known as the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard.

Travel in September for a 31% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $356 for airfare.

October – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is a fusion of European and Latin influences. Explore the beautiful historic buildings, delicious food and epic nightlife in this vibrant city. 

Travel in October for an 18% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $947 for airfare.

November – Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena has white-sand beaches and bustling city culture. Experience the cobblestone streets, delicious local cuisine and colorful buildings while in this lively destination. 

Travel in November for a 41% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $389 for airfare.

December – Vienna, Austria

Submerge yourself in this busy city that somehow has a small-town vibe. If you’re a coffee-lover, Vienna will impress you with its cafe culture. 

Travel in December for a 31% price drop.

You can expect to pay around $899 for airfare.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience living like one of the characters from “Frozen”, now is your chance. There are winter wonderlands popping up across the U.S. and Canada, perfect for a fairytale-esque escape. 

Ice Castles has been in business since 2011 and has been curating winter experiences worth traveling for.

According to Ice Castles, “Although Ice Castles has grown significantly since then [the very beginning], our mission remains the same — to create happiness, laughter, and unforgettable winter memories.”

What started off as the founder, Brent Christensen building his own mini ice castle at his house in Utah has transformed into six stunning locations. The Ice Castles are located in Dillon, Colorado; New Brighton, Minnesota; North Woodstock, New Hampshire; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Midway, Utah; and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

When visiting these locations, you can expect interesting mazes, light shows and more. As a result of the various climates of each location, the construction and curation of each castle are unique.

Ryan Davis, Ice Castles CEO, tells NBC: “Mother Nature is our primary architect, and we are always amazed by what she allows us to create each season. Our crew in Colorado has been working hard over the last few weeks laying out the castle’s design so we can build a unique, winter experience that is fun for people of all ages.”

Although there is no official opening date as yet, you can head to the Ice Castle’s Instagram account to see what’s in store. 

Sometimes the best way to survive the cold is to embrace it. These top ski destinations around the country pack in adventure and luxury to get you through these winter months.

Aspen, CO

Ski season on Aspen Mountain generally begins in late November during Thanksgiving weekend and goes through late March – sometimes stretching into April. With endless activities and a vibrant nightlife in town, Aspen is a great option for visitors looking for more than just hitting the slopes.

Snowbird, UT

This mountain is not ideal for beginners. It’s rugged terrain and deep powder require a certain level of expertise. But with some of the best snow on Earth, Snowbird is a great winter getaway. If skiing isn’t your thing, you can enjoy other winter activities including snowshoeing, tram rides, or drinking hot cocoa by the fire.

Telluride, CO

Another Colorado favorite, Telluride is known for its epic terrain, elegant lodging and dining, and extraordinary views of the San Juan mountains. The mountain offers 148 trails ranging from beginner to expert. Rent a mountainside condo and enjoy the easy access to the slopes from your front door.

RELATED: The Top Winter Adventure Destinations Around The World

Vail, CO

Vail is one of the biggest and baddest mountains around. With something for just about everyone, from a wide variety of terrain and off-slope activities to more dining options than you can experience in one visit, Vail has set the standard for ski resorts and snowy, winter getaways.

RELATED: Escape The Winter Chill In These Tropical Locations

Jackson Hole, WY

This is the Wild West of the ski world. Totaling up an impressive 4,139 feet of vertical drop, Jackson Hole has the longest continuous vertical of any ski resort in the US. Needless to say, this mountain isn’t ideal for people who have never skied before, but with other great outdoor options, there are enough snowy adventures to keep anyone busy.

With lower temperatures, fewer summer crowds, and cheaper travel options, Fall is a great time to travel. If you are looking for a getaway that doesn’t involve visas and passports, here are some perfect local options.

Lafayette, Louisiana 

Lafayette is not only affordable, but this small southern town hosts many great festivals and free concert series in the fall to keep you busy. Average round trip tickets cost $440 and you can snag a hotel for only $77/night.

RELATED: Find The Cheapest Flights From Your City With MIT’s New Search Engine

Grand Junction, Colorado 

Colorado is one of the most beautiful states to visit in the fall due to the changing of leaves and comfortable temperatures that make it ideal for enjoying the outdoor views. A few local options include a bike ride through wine country or hike up Grand Mesa. Average round trip tickets cost $460 and a hotel will cost you around $85/night.

Fresno, California

Fresno is a great West coast option. The city boasts a range of outdoor activities that are enhanced by its proximity to several national parks, national forests, and wilderness areas. Average round trip tickets cost $400 and hotels average around $89/night.

Phoenix, Arizona 

With oppressive heat in the summer, fall is a great time to visit Phoenix. The city is also in close proximity to national parks like Grand Canyon National Park and Canyonlands National Park where you can take in views of the iconic red rocks and impressive mountains. Average round trip tickets cost $347 and you can grab a hotel for around $99/night.

RELATED: Here Are The Most Affordable Countries To Study Abroad

Newport News, Virginia 

The Newport News Fall Festival and other outdoor activities that are enhanced by the beauty of fall foliage and mild temps are great reasons to visit the area this time of year. There are more than 30 parks nearby to explore, making it a great option for a family getaway. Average round trip tickets cost $394 and a hotel will cost you around $95/night.

Source: travelandleisure.com

Room service is one of the greatest luxuries of staying at a hotel. But what if puppies came along with that bottle of wine you ordered? In celebration of National Dog Day, Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Denver is offering just that.

RELATED: A Day In Black-Owned Denver, Colorado

Their Puppies + Prosecco Package could be one of the greatest amenities ever and is available when you book a night in one of their luxury suites. Simply let the front desk staff know which day and time you would like to have puppies brought to your room for an hour of playtime. You can expect 6 to 10 puppies to arrive from Lifeline Puppy Rescue, a local no-kill rescue for young puppies throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. And if you get too attached, you can take one (or 10) home with you since all of the puppies are available for adoption.

“At Hotel Monaco, we are always looking for advanced elements of comfort and feelings of home for our guests,” said Chris Guse, general manager of Hotel Monaco Denver to departures.com. “With that approach, puppies have naturally been incorporated into our evening wine hour program. The joy this activation has generated for everyone involved made it apparent we needed to take the concept to another level but in a more intimate setting.”

The full package includes:

• Private puppy party with puppies from Lifeline Puppy Rescue
• A bottle of Prosecco
• Italian cicchettis from Panzano
• 50% of the proceeds donated to Lifeline Puppy rescue

RELATED: Black-Owned Marijuana Dispensaries In Denver

A puppy expert will also be on hand to answer any questions you have about puppy care.

Book you suite soon, because the offer is only valid August 23 – 26, 2019.

Now’s the time to start planning that final summer getaway. With just under two months left before Fall arrives bringing a new school year and hectic schedules, here are some easy family-friendly and budget-friendly getaways to make the final days of summer a little sweeter.

Mobile, Alabama

Once called the “Paris of the South,” Mobile is a port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Mobile offers plenty of cheap outdoor activities for the entire family including a ride on an airboat on the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, boarding the USS Alabama Battleship, and checking out some reptiles in Alligator Alley. Not to mention, many excellent beaches are found very close to the city, including Dauphin Island and Fairhope.

RELATED: The Best Summer Cruises For The Whole Family

Albuquerque, New Mexico

With low hotel costs and plenty of inexpensive outdoor activities, Albuquerque is a city filled with historic adobe buildings, museums, and shops that sell native-inspired handicrafts. You can also ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and take in the views of the surrounding mountains.

Corpus Christi, Texas

When it comes to popular beach towns not many people think about Texas. However, Corpus Christi’s gorgeous coastline can rival Florida and California. It’s home to miles of beaches and popular tourist attractions, like the USS Lexington and Mustang Island. Low transportation costs and inexpensive dining options are also a great reason to visit.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem is located on the northwest Piedmont area of North Carolina, just west of Greensboro. With 45 wineries and over 450 restaurants, this small southern city is a food lover’s dream. Cheap hotel costs will leave you with money in the budget to indulge in all the Southern soul food your stomach can handle.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs earned its name due to the natural beauty and incredible rock formations that define the park. Although this city is a bit more expensive than the other locations on this list, with a day climbing the red rock formations running you around $69 per person, hotels are fairly cheap and there are many great food options in town.

RELATED: How To Save For Travel On A Limited Budget

Jacksonville, Florida

With 22 miles of beaches, Jacksonville is one of the best summer, family-friendly getaways on the list. Another city with affordable hotels, Jacksonville can also boast a booming arts district to explore and deep-sea fishing excursions to keep the family entertained.

Denver is an outdoor city known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries, chef-driven dining, and music scene. If you find yourself in the Mile High City, here is one way you could spend an entire day supporting local black-owned businesses.

Morning

Coffee & Conversation

Start your day at this neighborhood favorite, Coffee at the Point in the heart (Welton Street & 27th Street) of the revitalizing Five Points neighborhood, a historic area in Denver. Come for the coffee and breakfast sandwiches, stay for one of their many meetups and events including Writer’s Groups, Book Clubs, Professionals of Color Networking Events, and Professional Women’s Networking events.

RELATED: How To Spend A Day In Black-Owned Boston

Self-Care Morning

Head to BFree Mind Body and Soul Massage Studio for a therapeutic Massage followed by a treatment at the Body & Soul Salon & Day Spa. Body & Soul is a salon and day spa providing nail, hair, and skin services for men & women near Cherry Creek in the Denver area. There is nothing better than starting your day with a little self-care.

Afternoon

Lunch Stop

CoraFaye’s Café is a quaint family-run parlor dishing up soulful Southern traditions, from frogs’ legs to homemade pie. Stop here for some home-style cooking featuring century-old family recipes and seasonings.

Some History

The Black American West Museum & Cultural Center (BAWM) was originally founded to tell the story of “Black Cowboys”. The museum has widened its scope to include the stories of early black settlers who came west and performed as miners, soldiers, homesteader, ranchers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, lawmen and every other profession needed to build up the West.

RELATED: Where To Find Black-Owned Travel Gear For Kids

Evening

Jazz & Dinner

Nocturne is a modern jazz and supper club that celebrates Denver’s rich jazz heritage through the art of hospitality, and the combination of good food, music, and cocktails. There’s nothing better than ending the day with great food and live music.

A Denver native is the latest American to die after falling ill while vacationing in the Dominican Republic.

The family of Khalid Adkins is working to get his body back to Colorado, the country’s U.S. consulate told 9 News.

Adkins was vacationing with his daughter Mia on the Caribbean Island in what she said was supposed to be a “Father’s Day, father-daughter trip.”

During the trip, Adkins began to complain about a painful bump on his leg before Mia’s flight home. She told the news outlet that her father planned a longer trip than her because she had to return back to work.

Before her flight home, they stopped by their hotel’s medical clinic but decided against treatment unless the pain became worse. 

By the time Mia returned home, her father’s condition worsened the following day and he booked an earlier flight home.

Unfortunately, Adkins was forced to disembark the plane after reportedly vomiting in the plane’s lavatory and dripping sweat.

His sister-in-law, Marla Strick, told 9 News that she got a message from Khalid on Facebook that read, “I was on the plane and shivering and I went to the bathroom to throw up and they kicked me off the flight.”

Adkins was transferred to a Santo Domingo hospital where he later died.

Related Post: Latest Deaths In Dominican Republic Raise Safety Concerns For Tourists

The family learned that he was having breathing issues and that his kidneys were failing.

Strick added that even though Adkins had undergone a kidney transplant several years earlier, he was in perfect health when he left Colorado.

Khalid leaves behind his daughter Mia and a son Khalid Jr.

Family members are unsure whether his death is connected to several other deaths of American tourists in the Dominican Republic, or if it’s a coincidence.

Authorities are conducting an autopsy and have launched an investigation to determine the official cause of death. The family said they did not receive any diagnosis, as reported in 9 News.

Related Post: Tourist Deaths Taking A Toll On Dominican Republic Bookings

Questions still remain regarding the safety of the Dominican Republic after the deaths of at least nine other Americans, many who have died after falling ill.

Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García recently stated that the string of deaths of American tourists is not a mysterious wave of fatalities, but rather a medically and statistically normal phenomenon that’s been lumped together by the U.S. media, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Negative images of Black people in the media is what inspired the brand Melanin In America.

From pillows, passport covers, laptop cases, and more, Melanin In America founder Donna Hobley created the brand with the idea of celebrating the beauty of being Black people in America.

During an interview with Travel Noire, Hobley discussed what inspired her brand:

Travel Noire: Was there a particular incident in media that inspired Melanin In America?

Hobley: When I started the brand in 2017, I just felt there were a lot of killings on the news of black people at the time. There was a lot of processing for me. Just constantly seeing that and not seeing the good and positive representation of Black people. There’s a lot of trauma behind it. So my thought at the time was, I will create something that is positive and more representation so that it’s not just Black people that see, but other people who can see it in a positive light.

TN: Were there any particular individuals that inspired the images of your brand?

Hobley: I went to the University of Colorado. Obviously, I didn’t go to an HBCU or anything like that so the population on campus was mixed. But then we started getting more black people on campus and I started going to more groups where you find more black people and getting in touch with my culture.

I just wanted my brand to celebrate that positivity I saw on campus.

TN: What do you hope people will take away from purchasing Melanin in America?

Hobley: We are a light of positivity. We are an attempt at healing, change, and joy. We tend to see black people in a stereotypical light. I hope this is something that breaks the ice and opens a conversation for people to feel okay to talk about it.

I’ve had a couple of customers who were not black, who felt comfortable to come up to me and engage with me knowing that they have black friends and that they want to support.

This brand is all about making a statement that it’s okay to be black in America.

Find out more about Melanin In America on Instagram or by visiting the website.

In 2010, a man from New Mexico named Forrest Fenn said he left a treasure chest filled with gold, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds in the Rocky Mountains. At the time, he said he wanted to inspire people to explore nature and provide hope in the midst of the Great Recession. He wrote a poem that he claims contains nine clues about where the treasure is hidden.

In the near decade since then, thousands have ventured into the mountain range in pursuit of Fenn’s treasure. Recently, tragedy struck when two people died and two were seriously injured in pursuit of the treasure, causing local law enforcement to issue warnings about the dangers that treasure hunters face.

“In the last couple years, two people have died, two have been rescued near death, several have had run-ins with local and federal law enforcement, and one told his wife today he was injured but not where he was,” the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office stated in a Facebook post Tuesday. “These people were all near Yellowstone National Park and they were all looking for the Forrest Fenn treasure.”

Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin urged explorers to take appropriate safety precautions, including updating loved ones with their exact whereabouts, even if it compromises their top-secret treasure hunt.

“You must know that this country is unforgiving if you don’t give it the respect it deserves, “ Gootkin said.

For those who are hellbent on unearthing Fenn’s treasure, Gootkin advises treasure seekers to “let someone know where you are going – exactly, not some vague geographic area to keep your secret safe – and when you expect to return.”

“Be prepared for the changing weather and wilderness conditions. Many areas have no cell phone service. Mountain streams and rivers are especially dangerous. Bears, snakes, and gravity are found in abundance in our corner of the world,” he warns. “We encourage everyone to vigorously pursue their outdoor passions, but think like a local. Before you go after the treasure, consider your level of skill, preparation and knowledge of the area. Consider the volunteer hours spent searching if you need to be rescued, and the anxiety of those left at home.”

In 2012, Colorado became the first state in the U.S. to allow adults over the age of 21 to use and grow small amounts of marijuana at home for both medical and recreational purposes.

Since the historic legislation, the cannabis industry is well on its way to becoming a $57 billion industry by 2027. There are a few black entrepreneurs in Denver working to create space for those that have disproportionately been arrested and jailed for using cannabis while their white counterparts smoke without incident.

With the rise of the business of marijuana, people of color are finding themselves shut out of the legal cannabis market, but there are two black businesses in the state that you should support the next time you make a pit stop in Denver.

Simply Pure Denver Dispensary

Located in Denver’s hip LoHi neighborhood, Simply Pure was the first black-owned and operated dispensary in the Denver area. Wanda James and her husband Scott Durrah became the first black business owners to own a dispensary, a cultivation facility, and an edible company in America. As if you needed another reason to stop by, we heard they have a pre-roll happy hour.

Viola Extracts 

In 2014, Al Harrington and Dan Pettigrew opened Viola Extracts in a 12,000-square-foot building in northeast Denver. Dan Pettigrew and his team grow their cannabis with the help of four extraction machines and ten ovens. Today, Viola Extracts is a nationwide leader offering vapes and extracts along with traditional cannabis products in the medicinal and recreational industry.

While social media and influencer pages would lead us to believe that black people don’t participate in adventure travel, we know that’s just not true. We’ve found some of the best black and brown adventure travelers out there. Check them out.

Laura Edmonson

As the founder of @browngirlsclimb, Laura is the advocate for showing black and brown girls the way in rock climbing. The organization often has meetups for women of color to learn the ropes when it comes to the sport. This brown girl shows us that girls do it better, and they look good while doing it too!

@laura.edmonson| Instagram

Brandon Johnson

We’ve featured this skydiving instructor before, but he is showing the world that black men (and women) can enjoy going to the extreme too. Brandon currently works as a tandem instructor at Skydive Dubai in addition to being a professional jumper. His Instagram is full of cool photos from up in the sky.

@flyingjohnson/instagram

Nathan Fluellen

This adventure travel influencer and advocate has covered most of Africa. Worldwide Nate, as he is known online, has spent quite a bit of time in Africa doing everything from surfing to getting up-close and personal with active volcanoes. He is the epitome of an adventure traveler.

Photo courtesy of @worldwidenate| Instagram

Chris aka Misschrisyface

This flyfisher travels across the country to find some of the best fishing waters around. Whether it’s Alaska or Colorado, Chris makes what is typically deemed “a man’s sport” seem cool.

@mischrisyface| Instagram

Ivah_the_great

This Jamaican surfer and skater makes riding the waves look like a dream. We recently showed how Dominique Miller, the female sensation in Hawaii rips. Well, Ivah shows us that black men are representing in the water too.

@Ivah_the_great| Instagram

Related: Meet The Female Competitive Surfing Powerhouse Making Waves In Hawaii