Spring transforms Gloucester, Virginia, into a lively, colorful coastal destination. Founded in 1651 and celebrated as the Daffodil Capital of America, this historic town blends fragrant gardens, outdoor activities, and a thriving arts scene. Wander Main Street to shop at locally-owned boutiques, enjoy flavorful restaurants, and admire historic architecture. Gloucester invites you to slow down, explore at your own pace, and make the most of a visit in the spring.  In spring, Brent and Becky’s...

Why limit yourself to local trails when you can just take the train to experience stunning bike routes like the Great Allegheny Passage and Glacier National Park? Here’s how to do it.Cycling is more accessible than ever, but why limit yourself to local trails when you can take the train to experience some of the United States’ most scenic bike routes? Rolling straight from the station onto a bike trail holds a special appeal. However, a little advance planning can help ensure everything goes as...

Just off century-old Route 66, in the nearly forgotten town of Tucumcari, a bold experiment is taking shape. Art City, a 40-acre open-air gallery and glampground, is the vision of conceptual artist Matty Mo, a.k.a. The Most Famous Artist. His mission is simple but ambitious: to show how art and culture can revive and transform declining communities. Here, 13 large-scale installations punctuate the high-desert landscape, from street artist fnnch’s 20-ft.-wide crimson Lips to Griffin Loop’s Launch Intention, a giant paper airplane tipped on its side—an invitation to lean into uncertainty. Day passes allow time to explore, but tent and RV sites, modern cabins, and shared amenities—like a sauna and communal kitchen—encourage overnight stays beneath wide-open skies. Mo recently acquired a 2,400-sq.-ft. warehouse, which he’s turning into a creative incubator and retail space, and sees Art City as the first in a “global network of artist-led micro cities,” a model he hopes other creators will adapt. “I’m open-sourcing my experience, ideas, and failures,” he says, “so that others can learn from them.”

The yellow cabs in Kolkata, India, are disappearing, slowly being phased out by court order due to age. Boxy, battered and unmistakable, the distinctive Hindustan Ambassador taxis — India’s answer to London’s black cabs — remain one of the lasting images from my guided journey through Northern India, from Kolkata to Delhi, with Explore Worldwide.

Road trips are one of the best ways to experience the breadth and beauty of the U.S. From scenic landscapes and quirky roadside attractions to must-see historic landmarks, the open road turns travel into a hands-on adventure for the whole family. With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, you have the perfect excuse to load up the car, hit the highway, and discover the country’s stories, scenery, and flavors. Here are three family-friendly road trips to inspire your 2026 plans. Kick off your...

America’s 250th birthday is the perfect excuse to hit the road this summer, and few routes tell the nation’s story better than the East Coast! From New England meeting houses and early protest sites to the seat of federal power in Washington, D.C. and the battlefields of Virginia, traveling the East Coast is hands-on way to experience American history.

Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains along the West Virginia border, Virginia’s Highland County is home to 10 working sugar camps where the sap from sugar maple trees is collected and boiled into liquid gold. The camps operate seasonally, relying on the freeze-thaw rhythm of late winter to coax the sap from the trees.

I patiently waited in the lobby of my hotel in Fairbanks, trying to ignore that it was nearly 10 p.m. — normally when I’d be switching off my bedside lamp. Tonight, though, I wasn’t winding down. I was winding up, wired with anticipation and primed to trade sleep for the chance to witness one of the world’s great bucket-list wonders: the aurora borealis.  A plain white passenger van soon eased to the curb. Out stepped Aaron Lojewski, founder of Fairbanks Aurora Tours, a man who spends eight m...

The moment you step into the dance hall, the sound envelops you. A fiddle erupts; an electric guitar wails; a keyboard drives out steady chords. Under colorful paper decorations dangling from the ceiling, couples two-step across a worn dance floor, while elders nod to the beat from folding chairs. The unwavering pull of the music unites everyone in the room.

Apps make it easy to map our own cycling routes, but there’s something special about pedaling along a rail-trail. The new PBS documentary, From Rails to Trails, follows the 60-year fight to convert these once-forgotten train lines into peaceful, car-free corridors that allow us to move at the pace of our thoughts and soak up the scenery one pedal stroke at a time.I fell for rail-trails during the pandemic when I started logging miles on Virginia’s 45-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail, which...

Airlines worldwide mishandled 33.4 million bags in 2024, according to new data from global aviation tech firm SITA. Even if your suitcase eventually turns up, being without it for even a day can seriously disrupt a vacation or business trip. While Apple’s AirTag, a Bluetooth-enabled tracker, has largely become the go-to solution for iPhone users, many travelers seek AirTag alternatives since not everyone carries an iPhone. Android phones currently make up nearly 43 percent of the US mobile marke...

Air travel comes with its fair share of stress: tight connections, lengthy security lines, weather delays, mechanical issues, and more. The last thing you want, just as you’ve settled into seat 12F, is to realize that you forgot your phone charger, lip balm, or earplugs. Small items can make a big difference in mid-air, and leaving them behind can turn an ordinary trip into a frustrating experience. The solution? Keep a set of essential items permanently packed in your carry-on. If you have a go...

Forget the crowds of U.S.Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of America’s best fall road trips are waiting on lesser-known highways. From I-94 across North Dakota to I-81 through Virginia, these drives boast scenic landscapes, quirky attractions, and historic sites with fewer tourists. Whether it is giant sculptures in the Great Plains or vintage neon signs in Nevada, these underrated drives offer all the fun of classic road trips without the congestion. Pack your bags, hit the road, and e...

As the 1940s-era railcar rolled into Staunton’s historic train depot, I knew I’d arrived somewhere special. Church steeples rose above hills covered with red-and-gold trees, and the afternoon sun lit up the brick buildings that lined the streets. I felt the promise of something waiting for me around every corner.

Whether you’re into chasing thrills on a zip line, paddling across placid lakes, or cozying up in a cabin complete with mountain views, unforgettable memories await with these 10 ways to experience fall in Virginia.

Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season – the period between the peak summer and low winter season – an ideal time to explore the US. From mountain hikes and wildlife-filled drives to coastal strolls and cultural festivals, these destinations shine in fall. To boot, you’ll find fewer lines, more room to roam and landscapes at their most photogenic.

Sandbridge is where quiet coastal charm meets endless outdoor fun. It’s perfect for doing a whole lot or nothing at all. Whether you want to kick back on a calm beach, paddle peaceful inlets, or enjoy easy access to a bustling boardwalk scene, this laid-back paradise lets you have it all.   When you crave a break from the beach, stroll through local parks or get up into the treetops for a new perspective. With fresh-caught seafood, vibrant farmers markets, scenic bike paths, and paddle-perfect...

From the banks of the Potomac to Seattle’s Space Needle, a coast-to-coast bike trail is becoming a reality — one pedal revolution at a time. As I pushed off from Pittsburgh’s Point State Park — where three rivers converge beneath a skyline of steel and stone — a wave of anticipation washed over me. The sky was gray, promising rain, but all I could feel was the pull to begin my first multi-day bikepacking adventure. The night before, Amtrak deposited me into the quiet hum of the city just before...

Depending on which US coastline you find yourself closest to, Portland could mean something completely different. There's the Maine version, known for its classic coastal New England vibe and maritime history. On the West Coast, Portland, OR, is laid-back, indie-spirited and as outdoorsy as they come.

History meets waterfront charm in Yorktown, a small town that played a big role in America's story. As part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, alongside Jamestown and Williamsburg, Yorktown is preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. But you don’t have to wait to experience its cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, and stories of independence. From ghost tours to battlefield walks, riverside dining to local art galleries, Yorktown invites you to slow down,...