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Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan
Gaze up at the aurora borealis in Alaska
Follow your sense of adventure to Fairbanks, where northern lights views are at their best between August and April. Go out with a guide or admire the ethereal glow from the comfort of a resort. Local outfitters combine northern lights viewing with exhilarating pursuits like dog sledding and hot springs entry.
Illinois Office of Tourism
Skyscraper tours in the heart of Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known for its distinct architecture, and a trip along the Riverwalk is an unforgettable way to view it. This pedestrian-friendly walkway lined with open-air cafés has excellent views of the Chicago River and the city’s storied buildings. Discover striking murals and sculptures along the way; visit the Chicago Architecture Center with a 3D model of the city. The Riverwalk is also a perfect launching point for architecture boat tours.
Marvel at maritime history in Maine
Road trip along Maine's rugged coast to admire iconic lighthouses and working waterfronts. In the MidCoast region, visit Owls Head Lighthouse and explore the pristine grounds year-round. This gem atop a dramatic bluff offers sweeping views of Penobscot Bay.
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Taj Tenfold
Explore artsy neighborhoods in St. Pete-Clearwater
Step out in St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, where the sun shines an average 361 days a year. Rent a bike to visit vibrant downtowns filled with eye-catching street art. You can cruise by colorful displays in St. Pete’s Central Arts District and find murals and sculptures in the Waterfront Museum District nearby.
Adventures in an iconic New York State park
Lace up your boots and hike the Niagara Gorge Trail System in Niagara Falls for views of rapids, rock formations and the Niagara River. The system offers trails for all experience levels. Great Gorge trails are perfect for beginners. Devil’s Hole Trail takes intermediate hikers to views of rock layers and rapids. Experienced hikers descend into the gorge to follow the river to Whirlpool Point on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail.
Brookgreen Gardens: an oasis in South Carolina
Brookgreen Gardens near Myrtle Beach is the nation’s first public sculpture garden and home to the world’s largest collection of American figurative sculptures. See over 2,000 artworks all surrounded by lush, manicured gardens. The indoor gallery houses smaller works by internationally renowned artists. Brookgreen’s botanical gardens include 250-year-old live oak trees and Sabal palmettos, South Carolina’s state tree.
Erick Baker
Trace musical roots throughout Tennessee
Entertainment options abound in Tennessee, from bars with live music and concert halls in Nashville to hometown stages across the state. Learn about local blues legends in Memphis, where Sun Studio and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are must-sees. Catch a show at the historic Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, known for its intimate atmosphere.
Explore small towns with big character in Vermont
Each Vermont downtown has its own distinct character and sense of community. Montpelier, the state’s capital, has been named one the best small towns for art lovers. Discover a robust beer culture and farm-to-table restaurants in Waterbury. Lakeside destinations like Burlington, on Lake Champlain, offer a mix of outdoor adventure, water activities and urban vibrancy.
Rolling hills and an iconic music festival
Just 90 minutes from New York City in New York's Sullivan Catskills, find a peaceful countryside retreat with gentle mountains, forests, lakes and charming small towns. Visit the Museum at Bethel Woods, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock music festival, for exhibits commemorating the festival and 1960s culture.
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Dustin McGrew
Big-city culture, small-town feel in Pittsburgh
See where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers meet and admire panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh on the 150-year-old Duquesne Incline. Discover the beauty of Gilded Age architecture at the Clayton Mansion or Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. This Pennsylvania city is home to three professional sports teams, which makes catching a game easy.
Visit historic Wild West sites in South Dakota
Be entertained in Deadwood, the 1800s town that’s a National Historic Landmark in the Black Hills National Forest. See Wild West shows, sip in a saloon or venture underground to tour a gold mine. You’ll find so many ways to get a hands-on look at legendary history.
Visit Idaho
Soak in Idaho’s renewing waters
Idaho is home to 130 soakable hot springs, more than any other U.S. state. Destinations range from developed resorts to woodland pools accessible by scenic hikes. Near Salmon, trek through the Salmon-Challis National Forest to savor steaming waters and spectacular views at Goldbug Hot Springs.
Connect with nature in the Skagit Valley
Discover the wonders of Washington's Skagit Valley through unique agritourism experiences. Visit a U-pick farm or farmstand, try beer brewed from locally grown malt and wander through vast flower fields. Get outdoors for hiking, biking, paddling and year-round bird-watching. The Skagit Valley is a haven for bald eagles and migratory birds in winter.
Enjoy dynamic Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Stroll through downtown Sioux Falls for diverse dining options, breweries and shopping. See over 80 outdoor sculptures by local artists on the SculptureWalk. The city provides easy access to outdoor adventures like the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and rock climbing at Palisades State Park. No trip is complete without visiting Falls Park, where water cascades over pink quartzite rock.
Inspire Creative Co
Explore an aquatic trail in Washington
Across the Puget Sound from Seattle is the Kitsap Peninsula, surrounded by water with lush evergreen forests, vibrant waterfront hamlets and the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail. The trail is open year-round for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving and fishing. Trails along the water are excellent for spotting marine life and birds.
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A countryside drive you’ll never forget
Pastoral beauty and endless activities await on your trip through North Idaho. Six scenic byways meander through the state's Panhandle region. White Pine is your gateway to Coeur d'Alene’s Old Mission State Park, home to the oldest building in Idaho. Enjoy hiking in the St. Joe River area, boating in Heyburn State Park and other adventures around every corner.
Ken Takata
Fun awaits north of Yellowstone National Park
Enjoy a perfect blend of outdoor activities and in-town adventures in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. View wildlife, fly-fish, ski and explore beautiful landscapes. Then, see dinosaur fossils at the Museum of the Rockies, visit local history museums, view artwork reflecting life in the West and dine at farm-to-table restaurants.
The Waterfront, a natural draw in Vancouver
Amble along the Vancouver, Washington, Waterfront. This dynamic destination on the Columbia River houses a mix of restaurants, tasting rooms and attractions including the cable-stayed Grant Street Pier. Spacious seating areas, interactive water features and connecting trails inspire entertainment for all ages.
