Shannon Sims

It might sound like an impossible request: a last-minute Labor Day getaway with gorgeous weather and minimal crowds that you can squeeze into a long weekend. There are good reasons many destinations across North America won't fit the bill. Wildfires are burning in some parts of the West, tropical disturbances are brewing in the Caribbean, the East Coast's coastal retreats are packed and much of the South is sweaty and oh so steamy. But if you're still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away. Here are inspirations in North America for a Labor Day getaway.

Stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight, Medellín, Colombia, is honing a new reputation as an enticing place to eat.

PozCast is a new podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.

Lake Charles has been battered by storms over the past 20 years – and now its most famous landmark lies in ruins

Last week, one south-west Louisiana city in particular was girding itself for Hurricane Francine's blow: Lake Charles, located about four hours west of New Orleans and two hours east of Houston.

If you are looking for comfort food, 1700 Pull Up is the place. Chef Rosetta Bond owns the Lindsey Park neighborhood restaurant.

After decades of destructive storms, Lake Charles is grappling with the climate realities tied to its oil and gas-driven economy as its most iconic building, the Capital One Tower, was recently demolished.

The fast-growing Tampa Bay region, home to about three million people, hasn’t had a direct hit from a hurricane since 1921. More than 5.5 million Florida residents were urged to evacuate.

Peter Batinski and Keri Terenzio, who met in April 2020, are no strangers to crisis. But the Asheville, N.C., residents couldn’t have anticipated the latest: planning a wedding with no running water.

The hottest place to be this weekend is in Austin, Texas — and the off-track action starts here.