The Explorer’s Guide to Erie, Pennsylvania

Sponsored by Visit Erie

Perched on the southern shore of its namesake Great Lake, Erie, Pennsylvania is a port town with a rich history and a treasure chest of natural wonders. Where else can you hike through six ecosystems in one waterfront park? The area is home to the state’s only sandy beaches, savannas, waterfalls, and hundreds of exotic birds like the roving plover. It’s also heaping with local charm and out-of-the-ordinary fun. From grabbing breakfast at a retro “dinor” with a unique regional spelling to hiking along bluffs to soak up jaw-dropping views of Lake Erie, this itinerary unearths the area’s hidden gems (including the two ultimate sunset spots in the county). Along the way, take in a minor league baseball game—with all its offbeat customs—and visit the burial site of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, who was dug up and boiled (we’ll explain). End your day by grabbing a craft beer and bite in an iconic train station that has hosted presidents, sports greats, and—some locals say—ghosts.

Explorer’s Guide to Susquehanna River Valley

Sponsored by Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau

Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley is bucolic Americana at its finest, with small town vibes and lush greenery fed by the meandering river. The quirky, the quaint, and the unexpected are on order in the region, which spans Union, Snyder, and Northumberland counties. A jaunt through the area reveals the hospitality of small town America in the valley’s charming wineries, antique stores, and mom-and-pop eateries. This region of Pennsylvania holds intriguing sites in American history, and preservation is of strong value to locals. Landmarked sites and structures can be found throughout the region, along with walking tours to contextualize the artifacts of another era. You’ll also want to partake of the river valley’s other signature charm: The area is considered a playground for outdoor adventure and sport, thanks to the sweeping greenspaces that surround the Susquehanna River. On a road trip (or bike ride, if you’re very ambitious) from town to town, stop for beloved local noshes like hot dogs at the Squeeze-In, enjoy the SRV’s many outdoor recreation areas, and check out artifacts that reflect the country’s founding era.

The Explorer’s Guide to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley

Sponsored by Discover Lehigh Valley

From its days as a major center for iron ore production to nearly 200 years of crafting an iconic brand of acoustic guitar, eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley offers unique experiences around every turn. Situated about 66 miles north of Philadelphia, this mix of urban centers and pastoral farmland is oozing with history, and ample attractions to boot. Spend an afternoon exploring the ruins of an old anthracite furnace in a spectacularly wooded park, dine on escargot and lobster in an old-school eatery that resembles the interior of a ship, or catch a double-feature at the world’s oldest operating drive-in theater. Whether it’s sampling a hand-crafted guitar reminiscent of rock star legends or cheering on track cyclists under Friday night lights, these Lehigh Valley attractions are sure to thrill, delight, and inspire.

A Guide to 10 Hidden, Historic, and Awe-Inspiring Places in The Northern Outer Banks

Sponsored by The Northern Outer Banks

In the canon of mainland United States vacation spots, North Carolina’s Northern Outer Banks region is a hidden gem. Classic Americana-by-the-sea but far less traveled than your typical beachside outpost, The Northern Outer Banks is beloved by families, golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and American history buffs alike. Those who return year after year relish the area’s seclusion, its miles of pristine Atlantic beach, and the quaint pleasures of towns like Corolla. The northernmost region of “The OBX” includes over 20 miles of shoreline, and 14 distinct picturesque communities. The Northern Outer Banks is a classic, but the region offers much more than a beach backdrop—like wild horses. The Corolla wild horses are the genetic descendants of Spanish Mustangs brought to America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and their unique association with the Outer Banks has earned them the distinction of State Horse of North Carolina. They roam freely on Carova Beach, where vacationers and locals safely and respectfully share their time watching these wild beauties while enjoying the sound of the tide. But that’s just the beginning; a trip to The Northern Outer Banks has something for everyone.

The History Lover’s Guide to Gettysburg

Sponsored by Destination Gettysburg

Gettysburg is synonymous with historical significance. Each year, thousands of visitors, from regional school groups to international travelers, flock to the town to walk in the footsteps of the soldiers and civilians who lived through the bloodiest battle of the U.S. Civil War. But even the most avid history buffs may be surprised by the sites beyond Gettysburg’s battlefield legacy. From a circular barn and a secret hideaway in a historic home, to the lesser-known war stories of children, free Black townspeople, women, and more, this itinerary delivers Gettysburg’s key historical sites and its under-the-radar oddities.

The Explorer’s Guide to Illinois Route 66

Sponsored by Enjoy Illinois

It is the most fabled of American highways, so venerated that it’s known as the Mother Road. (John Steinbeck nicknamed it this in his 1939 novel “The Grapes of Wrath.”) In 2026, lovers of the classic American road trip will celebrate 100 years of getting their kicks on Route 66. While the road was officially decommissioned long ago, the last chunk bypassed in 1984 by a modern highway, Route 66’s hold on our imagination has only tightened since, and significant traces—and treasures—of the road’s heyday can be plumbed along the way, from the bustle of downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier half a continent away. Explore the historic roadway just within Illinois and you’ll see 301 miles of Americana, featuring a bevy of Lincoln statues, roadside giants, and quirky spots (something I know a bit about as the author of “The Great American Retro Road Trip”). Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago, yards from Lake Michigan, and ends on the shores of the Mississippi River with the St. Louis Gateway Arch glistening in the distance. Now buckle up for this Illinois drive that’ll fuel body, mind, and spirit.

Giant Trees, Gold Rush Towns, and Starry Nights in Mariposa County

Sponsored by Yosemite Mariposa County

First things first: There's no wrong time to visit Mariposa County, home to much of Yosemite National Park, nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Named for the butterflies that flock to the region, Mariposa is picture-perfect nearly any day of the year. But on weekdays and in the off-season, when Yosemite’s tourists have dispersed, the county’s natural beauty and historic charm shine their brightest. Meander through the ghostly ruins in Hornitos, marvel at the ancient giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, and let Olmsted Point serve as your private observatory of the Milky Way. Just be sure to plan accordingly: Some Yosemite landmarks close due to heavy snowfall in the winter months, so you’ll want to check ahead before hitting the road.

Ghosts From Mississippi: Unearthing the Magnolia State’s Hidden Haunts

Sponsored by Visit Mississippi

Along with its stately magnolias and sweet, welcoming charm, Mississippi has a surprising hidden, and some say, haunted side. Journey beyond the familiar homes of Elvis Presley, William Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams, to the misty, kudzu-covered backroads, where shadowy figures roam haunted estates, long-dead soldiers frequent centuries-old cemeteries, and abandoned structures lure spirited visitors. Start your tour in Yazoo City, the gateway to the Delta, at the grave of a long-feared witch who once put a hex on the town. In Vicksburg, take a candlelight paranormal tour of one of the most haunted places in all of Mississippi, then head to Natchez to see a cemetery statue that some say comes to life at night. In between, you’ll find apparition-packed gravesites, one seriously haunted theater, and the site of a legendary deal with the devil.

The Gastro Obscura Guide to Santa Fe

Sponsored by Visit Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s culinary scene is steeped in history and heritage. Thanks to the trade routes that once ran through the city, the local cuisine mixes far-flung ingredients with produce grown nearby in the high mountain desert climate—like blue corn, beans, and chiles sought after by chefs in every corner of the world. The city’s top-flight eateries draw inspiration from these local flavors, as well as cuisines from Old Mexico, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, to create unique dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else. So what are you waiting for?

The Endless Wonders of Mammoth Cave National Park

Sponsored by Ford

With more than 400 miles of explored passageways, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system on the planet. It’s a world of layered limestone, remarkable stalagmites and stalactites, dark underground tunnels, vast open chambers, and thousands of years of human history. Together with 52,830 acres of forests and rivers, Mammoth Cave became a national park in 1941. The caves were designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, and in 1990, an International Biosphere Reserve. Simply put, the park and its surrounds are remarkable, beckoning visitors with an array of adventures ranging from offbeat to sublime. Whether it’s careening down an alpine slide or crawling your way through low-lying stretches on a six-hour subterranean tour, here are 10 ways to experience this wondrous place in all its mouth-gaping glory. So grab a paddle (or a kerosene lantern), hop on a bike or book a stay in a wigwam and get ready to explore.

The Explorer’s Guide to Grand Teton National Park

Sponsored by Ford

Overflowing with dramatic mountain views, glacier-fed lakes and a mesmerizing array of wildlife, Wyoming’s second-largest national park offers something to see, do and experience around every turn. The park is named for its tallest peak, 13,755-foot-high Grand Teton, which rises over 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole, the park’s lodging and restaurant basecamp. It’s also just a 10-minute drive from Yellowstone’s south entrance, though this 310,000-acre expanse is an entity all its own. Whether it’s spotting a grizzly sow and her cubs in their natural habitat, finding yourself precariously perched on a rock face secured by a pair of carabiners and a steel cable, or embarking on a horse-drawn winter sleigh ride among thousands of elk, opportunities for adventure in the greater Grand Teton area abound. From fat biking through the snow to rafting some of the most extreme waves on the Snake River, prepare to experience the region’s most thrilling offerings.

The Adventurer’s Guide to Arches National Park

Sponsored by Ford

With over 2,000 natural stone arches, not to mention teetering rocks, soaring pinnacles, and an endless array of “fins” (vertical rock walls that have been naturally eroded), it’s easy to see why Arches National Park draws more than 1.5 million people annually. Considered one of Utah’s “Big Five,” a national park collection that also includes Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Capital Reef, Arches is a nature lover’s playground. You might find yourself mountain biking Slickrock one day, and squeezing through a maze of thin slot canyons the next. But while the park’s more iconic features, like its fiery red Delicate Arch, are known to many, the Arches area also features less familiar landscapes and curious activities (ever heard of “highlining”?) that will surprise, delight and open your eyes to a whole new world of adventure. Ready to go?

Wings & Weck: A Tour of Buffalo’s Culinary Specialties

Sponsored by Visit Buffalo

The food of Buffalo, New York, is undoubtedly bold, and locals take the city’s signature dishes as seriously as they do their devotion to the Bills. While Buffalo may be best known for its chicken wings—tossed in a mixture of butter and Frank’s Red Hot, and served always with Blue Cheese, not ranch—it’s full of other city-specific specialties that are just as thrilling and filling. And each dish has a story to tell. Beef on Weck,a roast beef sandwich topped with horseradish and served on a salted, caraway-studded roll, started just as the Buffalo wing did: a creative bar snack to fill stomachs. Pepperoni pizza in Buffalo takes everything to the extreme, from the chew of the crust and the char of the ’roni to the toppings that spread out all the way to the pie's edges. The sweets here are also turbocharged: Think super-size donuts and otherworldly candy. Below, we’ve designed the ultimate tour through Buffalo’s special dishes. Bring along your appetite.

Gastro Obscura’s Guide to West Virginia’s Most Storied Food Stops

Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism

West Virginia is known for its natural beauty, stunning state parks, and iconic country roads. But don’t sleep on the Mountain State’s food scene. With legendary comfort food, kitschy hot dog stands, and spots serving up extraordinary international cuisine, West Virginia is a dream destination for foodies. Start your journey in the southwest corner of the state, where you’ll find award-winning hot dogs and a side of nostalgia at Morrison’s Drive-Inn. In the state’s opposite pocket, Alma Bea serves up inventive Appalachian-inspired tapas, mouthwatering fried chicken, and lots more. In between, discover an authentic Italian bakery known for its signature pepperoni rolls, a mammoth specialty hot dog that (if wolfed in record time) earns the diner a free T-shirt, and an authentic Swiss restaurant with homemade sausage.

Flying High: 10 Essential Stops in the ATL Airport District

Sponsored by ATL Airport District

Odds are, sooner or later, avid travelers will find themselves flying to or through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s most traveled airport. Serving over 100 million passengers and more than 750,000 flights annually, it’s a marvel. But wayfarers focused on getting from point A to point B might miss the treasures around the main attraction, namely a host of art, restaurants, museums, oddities and more. Here are some things you shouldn’t miss in the ATL Airport District.

Coastal Trails and Hidden Tales: A Family Trip Exploring Santa Barbara’s Wonders

Sponsored by Land Rover Discovery

Nestled by the Santa Ynez Mountains on California’s rugged coastline, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for a road trip. The historic city has something for everyone: amazing restaurants, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of wilderness for the whole family to explore. In a single day you might indulge your curiosity on a fossil-digging expedition, stroll through fields of native flowers at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and split a wood-fired pizza in the Funk Zone art district. Or head down to the beach, where budding oceanographers can search tide pools for starfish, snails, and anemones, and maybe even spot a whale or a dolphin on the horizon. But whatever you do, be sure to take the scenic route, and take the time to pull over and take in the wonder the American Riviera has to offer.

Chattanooga Bucket List Bites

Sponsored by Chattanooga Tourism

Chattanooga is a vibrant, varied, and welcoming city. It’s also home to a wonderfully diverse food scene. From small, family-owned eateries that serve up inventive spins on traditional dishes to restaurants dishing out classic Southern cuisine, globally inspired fare, and vegan entrees, the choices are seemingly endless. Let these 12 restaurants and their suggested dishes be just the beginning of a deep dive into Chattanooga’s incredible culinary offerings.

Gastro Obscura’s 10 Essential Places to Eat and Drink in New Orleans

It’s not hard to find a great meal in New Orleans. Every neighborhood—from Carrollton to the Bywater and across the river into the Westbank—is teeming with restaurants, bakeries, and bars, all serving up something they call their own, all contributing to this great symbiosis of flavors and cultures we call Southern cuisine. So the trick isn’t in finding places to visit, eat, and drink while here, it’s in deciding which places out of an overabundance of options. Do you trace the roots of Creole and Cajun cooking, or seek out the flavors of global diasporas spread across the city? Do you sit for a multi-course tasting, or do you dig into neighborhood dives, cultish in their fandom, where everything is handed over in to-go containers? The spectrum of dining in New Orleans is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. Here is but a small offering of all there is to explore—consider it more of a culinary snapshot of a city in constant flux than a best-of list. You’ll find James Beard nominees and previous winners to neighborhood diners, soul food favorites, and punk rock outposts in Algiers Point, plus some of the best Thai food this side of the Mekong. If there’s a prevailing sentiment here, it’s that of community, of meals shared and cultures crossed, of service in all its manifest forms, and of how food can be a catalyst for all these things. In New Orleans, love and togetherness are woven into the city, shared over and over again, one great meal at a time.