The gorgeous scenic views of West Virginia.

Parkitecture & Provisions

Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism

In this stretch of West Virginia, gorgeous scenery rises from creeks and cliffs, cabins sit nestled in golden forests, and the best meals come with a side of regional lore. From a postcard-perfect mill to sandstone corridors carved by time, you can explore the stunning geological and human-built “parkitecture” of the forests. And when all that exploring works up an appetite, sample the bounty of local fare—from historic pancakes to sweet-and-savory Appalachian relish.

The Golden State via Route 66: An Adventurer’s Guide

Sponsored by Visit California

Since the 1920s, when construction began on the highway that would eventually connect Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 and California have filled the global imagination with stories of ambition and possibility. California is well known as a state that values individual expression and welcomes both diversity and creativity. During the Great Depression, Route 66 offered a literal pathway for westward migration toward opportunity within the United States. As the road was modernized, it also provided an economic lifeline to businesses in small towns, which benefited greatly from access to larger markets along the highway. Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, marking a perfect time to go west to play. In California, families and solo travelers will find plentiful year-round outdoor activities, staggeringly gorgeous mountains and beaches, and a culture that celebrates freedom of expression and quality of life. If you’ve ever felt the pull to go west, make this your year to experience California.

From the Big Screen to the Slopes: Your Cinematic Winter Getaway in Colorado

Sponsored by Visit Colorado

A winter trip to Colorado, with its cinematic mountainscapes, can feel like you’re in a movie. With such a variety of activities—fast-paced snowmobile rides, railroad adventures, scenic snow shoe treks—it’s no wonder so many great films, from snowy adventure flicks to buddy comedies, were shot there. In fact, Colorado’s long onscreen history is about to welcome a new era, with the Sundance Film Festival making its home in Boulder in 2027. Travelers seeking midwinter adventure can find feature-film vistas and plentiful thrills in these Colorado spots—the settings or inspiration for favorite snow-frosted films. Whether you’re exploring the state’s alpine scenery, gliding down its powdery slopes, or engaging its rich and colorful history, Colorado has something for everyone.

7 Offbeat Experiences in (and Around) Utah’s Mighty Five Parks

Sponsored by Visit Utah

The great state of Utah isn’t lacking in natural wonder. It’s famous for its five extraordinary national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—which offer stunning views, endless hikes, and unique rock formations. But those aren’t the state’s only sights to behold. Between the parks lie even more otherworldly landscapes, historical treasures, and opportunities for relaxation. Explore an ancient Native American dwelling perched above a rushing river, wander among sandstone giants, and uncover the history of a long-lost mining town. We’ve put together an itinerary you can cover in a couple of days, with plenty of time for further wandering.

Explore Savannah’s Southern Charm for Your Getaway

Sponsored by Visit Savannah

Wander down Savannah’s cobblestone streets into a curious setting, where stately Victorian homes and moss-covered trees color the neighborhoods with unparalleled elegance. Here, a pervasive sense of history—of stories and traditions around every corner—will win you over more and more the longer you explore. There’s nothing quite like spending an afternoon popping into riverfront shops, trying saltwater taffy from a local confectionery, or taking one of the city’s famous ghost tours. In a city where the arts and culture are as rich as the comfort food, spending the night (or several) is the best way to fully experience its uniquely Southern refinement. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a storied town with modern flair.

A personal teepee room at the historic Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ.

The Explorer’s Guide to Route 66 in Arizona

Sponsored by Visit Arizona

“Get your kicks on Route 66,” the famed song goes, and that lyric seems aimed straight at the span that crosses northern Arizona. This stretch of the Mother Road is a showcase for the kitsch and nostalgia that have become synonymous with the great American road trip. Railroad hotels built for early 20th-century travelers still stand. Midcentury motor courts adorned with outsized roadside attractions remain open for business. Trading posts that once lured motorists with hand-painted billboards now serve a new generation of road trippers. Together, these markers trace how the highway—which marks its 100th anniversary in 2026—became woven into American cultural mythology. A drive along Route 66 is both a study in the evolution of American travel, from rail to automobile to preservation movement, and a firsthand encounter with the enduring appeal of the open road.

Built to Last: A Journey Through Fort Myers’ Unexpected Architecture

Sponsored by Fort Myers

Nestled into the southwestern corner of Florida, the Fort Myers area is known for its diverse wildlife and endless outdoor activities, from kayaking to bike riding to manatee watching. But the city and the surrounding areas are also home to a fascinating collection of architecture. From ancient manmade shell mounds to striking Spanish Revival facades, the architecture throughout the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers tells a rich and varied story that stretches thousands of years. With this itinerary of the region’s most captivating estates, timeworn landmarks, and visionary structures, you'll experience how each is a testament to the artistry, ambition, and imagination that have shaped this corner of Florida.

Tranquil Colorado: Explore the Wildlife Wonderland

Sponsored by Visit Colorado

A chance encounter with wildlife, whether a sudden sighting of a bird of prey or the whisper of hooves on powder across a snowy expanse, makes a vacation getaway even more memorable. Colorado, with its mountains, grasslands and microclimates offers opportunities to spy majestic moose, pronghorns, snowshoe hares and all manner of birdlife. Whether you prefer hiking, snowshoeing, or even snowmobiling, there are plenty of ways to appreciate Colorado’s winter wildlife and experience your own magical moment of animal awe.

The Explorer’s Guide to Western North Carolina

Sponsored by Visit North Carolina

Western North Carolina is a place where ancient geology meets accessible activities and human comforts. Within a few hours’ drive, you can scale the tallest peak in the East, wander through a limestone cavern system once believed bottomless, follow a dessert trail dedicated to a regional fruit-filled dish, and end your night under some of the darkest skies on the Eastern seaboard. This itinerary spotlights 10 uniquely North Carolina stops, natural marvels, small-town legends, and delightfully odd attractions, perfect for a long weekend or a roaming road trip through the Blue Ridge.

Explore Pennsylvania, Land of Natural Wonders

Sponsored by Visit Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania is known for things like Philly cheesesteaks, steel production, and a vibrant Amish community, it’s earned a proud reputation for its incredible natural features—and the many creative ways to enjoy them. Visit a stunning gorge in the middle of an urban center, savor panoramic views from atop a rocky pulpit, or see a shallow lake transformed into a sea of white during an annual migration of tens of thousands of birds. Whether you’re looking to embark on a multi-day trek through one of Pennsylvania’s largest state parks, take in an afternoon hike that encompasses 18 waterfalls, or stand among old-growth pine trees that tower over 150 feet, there’s something for you among PA’s natural wonders. Get ready to be inspired!

Your Guide to Unexpected Adventure in Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Sponsored by Discover Bedford County

Bedford County, Pennsylvania, is a destination where you can go beyond the expected. Bedford is where you can leave garden-variety visitor activities behind to seek adventure and experience local culture and surprise. Explorers, creators, caregivers, and historians all have something unique to discover here in south-central west Pennsylvania. From an adrenaline-pumping racetrack to limestone caverns, serene lakes, and quirky roadside attractions, visitors come to enjoy its rich heritage, natural beauty and welcoming spirit. These eight itinerary stops will get you started.

A Tour Through Pennsylvania’s Surprising Food Scene

Sponsored by Visit Pennsylvania

Perhaps you're already familiar with Primanti sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks, yet many other cultural culinary treats await you in the Keystone State—you just have to know where to look. From traditional Pennsylvania Dutch meats and inventive, use-it-all creations like scrapple, to a beloved Polish pierogies shop that’s the product of a true American dream, Pennsylvania is packed with surprising gastronomical goodies. Along the way, you’ll discover a 1920s Italian bakery that closely ties its community with timeless tomato pie, two types of tasty Amish treats, an only-in-Philly kind of French fry, and the birthplace of the banana split. So, grab your fork, and let this itinerary guide you on a mouthwatering journey through Pennsylvania's most iconic foods.

Explore These Wonders in the Wilds of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania

Sponsored by Experience Reading & Berks County

Staunch Swifties surely know that the famous songstress hails from Reading, Pennsylvania. Fewer may know about the fascinating sites to explore throughout Berks County and the stories and history they hold. Take a rural barn tour that highlights historic American folk art, see a celebrated sculpture by pop artist and native son Keith Haring, or enjoy a creative hub housed in a historic safety goggle factory. All this art and culture is surrounded by unparalleled scenery of rolling hills and the Appalachian Mountains. Even casual birders won’t want to miss Berks County’s world-class avian refuge. Get ready for a road trip with welcome surprises at every turn with this nine-stop tour.

A Fiberglass Goose Chase Through Juniata River Valley

Sponsored by Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau

While the Juniata River Valley area certainly earns its reputation for beautiful nature, it’s also full of personality and hidden gems. The area’s annual Goose Day festival draws visitors from far and near, and it’s also home to Pennsylvania’s longest covered bridge and the only piece of Abraham Lincon’s tomb outside the state of Illinois. Go birding or catch views of both Big Valley and Ferguson Valley from Jack’s Mountain Overlook, then check out a historical site or two and maybe some antiques before grabbing a bite to eat at a sustainable, locally-owned brewhouse in serene settings. Whatever you do, be sure to take a gander at a few of the valley’s 51 fiberglass geese (and counting), and the iconic 15-foot tall Dairyland Cow in Belleville.

The Many Histories of Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Sponsored by Lycoming County Visitors Bureau

Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is a city perched on the winding Susquehanna River, and at the foot of nearby Bald Eagle Mountain. This dynamic position means that the area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to the 300,000 acres of state gamelands that surround the city; and it’s also a place with a rich social and industrial history, thanks to the power of that river. In the 1800s, Williamsport was dubbed the Lumber Capital of the World, and the river helped carry all that wood to destinations across the region. This also meant a boom of wealth for the small city, which to this day is still full of grand mansions once erected by logging barons. Beyond that timber history, this small city is packed with wonder and stories, from a firefighter terrified of being buried alive to an enterprising local who figured that kids should have their own baseball league. And while the surrounding nature is very popular in the warmer months, these diverse attractions make Williamsport a wonderful, off-the-beaten path destination for autumn and winter travel as well. Especially when those seasonal beers are on tap at Rosko’s Brew House, a craft brewery located in a nearly 200-year-old home. The list is as diverse as the city itself—so consider these stops for your next adventure.

A painting of James Brown on display at the Augusta Museum of History.

Finding America’s Soul in Georgia’s Heartland

Sponsored by Destination Augusta & Visit Macon, GA

Georgia’s rich history made it fertile ground for cultural change, from the Civil Rights movement to the fusion of influences that powered Southern soul, R&B, and rock music. Nowhere can this be more keenly felt than in the cities of Macon and Augusta. Music pumps through the very heart of Macon. This city in central Georgia was the launching pad for iconic artists like Otis Redding, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers Band. These musicians pioneered styles that brought them worldwide fame, but they all cut their musical teeth here. These legacies are very much alive and ready to explore. Not far away, along the Savannah River in Augusta, curious travelers can explore the region’s singular role in Black history at the home of the oldest African-American congregation. You can learn about Augusta’s own James Brown and much more at the Augusta Museum of History. The city is also well-known for hosting the Masters golf tournament every spring, but its enticing destinations and welcoming atmosphere make it a compelling destination year-round.

The Explorer’s Guide to Laurel Highlands

Sponsored by Visit Pennsylvania

Head to the Laurel Highlands and you’ll find a region rich in history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or seeking wilderness views and thrills, the southwestern Pennsylvania destination, about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, has something for you. This itinerary includes architectural landmarks, including several of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic homes, hiking and biking trails, and more. An ideal place to start is Wright’s famous Fallingwater home. Take this chance to explore organic architecture and learn more about midcentury design. Immerse yourself in even more architectural beauty at Kentuck Knob or Polymath Park. For a more active adventures, head out to Ohiopyle State Park, where you can hike and bike, and experience Laurel Caverns, which is on track to become Pennsylvania’s first underground state park.

The Explorer’s Guide to Happy Valley

Sponsored by Happy Valley

Happy Valley is a central Pennsylvania region with an unusual nickname: one it earned thanks to the area’s economic resilience during the Great Depression. As the home of Penn State University, the moniker “Happy Valley” became popularized in the second half of the 20th century, thanks to college sports announcers and local newspaper columnists, and it’s gladly stuck. The region consists of State College and other picturesque small towns like Bellefonte, Millheim, Centre Hall, and Philipsburg. It’s also home to a wealth of curious, rare, and ready-to-explore attractions, from the oldest university creamery in the U.S. to the largest stalagmite in Pennsylvania. Visitors can see North America’s most extensive collection of artifacts relating to 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus; visit one of the world's largest public-access libraries devoted to postal stamps and postal history; or take a motorboat through the only all-water cavern in the U.S. There are also swampy boglands, a wintering bat cave, and jaw-dropping works of art, among other unexpected offerings. Come and experience them for yourself!