Scott McConkey

Scott McConkey is a nationally syndicated travel writer and the founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides vacationers and travel enthusiasts with trip ideas, travel guides, and inspiration. His travel articles have been seen in The Associated Press wire, ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, MSN, and many more. He and his wife, Julie, left the corporate world after nearly 30 years for a life of travel and adventure. What started as a gap year has evolved into a second act. She creates visual content while he utilizes the written word. Their goal is to create content inspiring others to travel more and live their best lives now.

national parks in November - Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in November

Happy Birthday to These Stunning National Parks: November Edition

by Scott McConkey

Discover which national parks have a November birthday and why you should visit.

A hiker sits on a ledge overlooking a large rock balancing on a rocky column.

Chiricahua National Park: America’s 64th National Park

by Scott McConkey

Chiricahua is now America’s 64th national park. Discover why this Arizona destination is special and what to see when you visit.

Best Coffee Cities in America: WalletHub Rankings vs My Favorite Café Finds

by Scott McConkey

A new WalletHub study ranks the top U.S. cities for coffee lovers. Here’s how the data stacks up against my own caffeinated travels — and why some cities surprised me.

A woman walks toward an antler arch at the doorway into Jackson Hole Airport, WY.

10 Small Airports That Make Travel Easier — And What’s Nearby

by Scott McConkey

Discover the top small airports in the US for low-stress travel, with driving distances to nearby attractions like Yosemite, Myrtle Beach, and Cape Cod. A practical guide for families, outdoor lovers, and holiday planners.

Bats fly out of the cave entrance at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

11 Spooky Experiences in and Around National Parks That Will Give You Chills

by Scott McConkey

From haunted hotels and ghost tours to mysterious disappearances and eerie park legends, these 11 spooky experiences in and around national parks reveal a different side of America’s favorite destinations.

Apples and two glasses of cider sit on a wooden table, representing that cideries are fun places to visit in the fall season.

These Cideries Are Worth a Fall Road Trip: USA Today Picks and Our Favorites

by Scott McConkey

Fall is peak season for cider tasting and scenic escapes. We highlight USA Today’s top cideries and share two personal favorites that blend bold flavors, cozy atmospheres, and unforgettable fall vibes.

A boardwalk trail leads through a meadow to a large granite dome with a tall waterfall in Yosemite National Park.

October’s National Park Birthdays You Might Not Know About

by Scott McConkey

October brings the anniversary of 11 national parks, each offering a unique reason to visit and celebrate. From desert solitude to alpine drama, these birthday parks invite fall travelers to explore nature’s legacy firsthand.

A black bear crosses the road as a car approaches in the Smokies.

What Bears Really Do in the Smokies Each Fall

by Scott McConkey

Fall is one of the most active seasons for black bears in the Smokies. As hyperphagia kicks in, bears spend long hours feeding, roaming, and preparing for winter. This guide explains what to expect, where sightings are most likely, and how to stay safe during this busy season.

A Great Smoky Mountains National Park elk bugles during the rut.

Where to See Elk Rut in the Smokies: What Fall Really Looks Like

by Scott McConkey

Elk rut transforms Great Smoky Mountains National Park each fall, bringing dramatic behavior, bugling, and active herds to open valleys. This guide explains what rut looks like, where to go, and how October conditions shape the experience.

A large scarecrow stands along an Anakeesta overlook with views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Inside Anakeesta’s Fall Festival: Atmosphere, Food, and Seasonal Fun

by Scott McConkey

Anakeesta’s fall festival brings color, music, and themed fun to the mountaintop village. This guide shares what you’ll see, eat, and enjoy during the season.