Divers can compete to wow judges with jolly jack-o-lanterns during the anticipated “2018 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest” on Saturday, Oct. 14 in the idyllic waters off Key Largo. Strapped with dive knives as tools and creative ideas in their heads, crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National …
Enjoy ‘Breakfast with a View’ at California Inns
Each of these 10 California B&Bs gifts guests with a spectacular “breakfast with a view”—whether its wave-crashing action, wildlife spotting or panoramic vistas of a city skyline. Seven Gables Inn, Pacific Grove Every room of the opulent Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove—including its oceanfront dining room—offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The dining …
‘Mine’ Autumn in these Top West Spots
You can “mine” your autumnal treasure in these former gold mining destinations, brimming over in mountain-high natural beauty and recreation. Just remember to pack a warm jacket and don’t forget your camera! Lake Arrowhead Gold You may not know that Southern California’s largest gold mining boom was located close by in Holcomb Valley, about an …
Yosemite’s Back & Fall Perfect
Tenaya Lodge, recent winner of Sunset Magazine’s 2018 Travel Awards for Best Park Classic hotel, has all the makings for an ideal fall getaway. Just minutes from the newly renovated Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Tenaya’s fall season includes everything from tours of Yosemite that make a stop at the giant trees to off-roading through …
Cheers to California’s Wine Month!
The state’s 14th official “Wine Month” happening right now is that time of the year when juicy ripe grapes hang heavy on the vines, basking in golden fall sunshine, and the air is filled with fruity aromas that signal harvest time. The crush that ensues is a dizzying process of picking and harvesting, selecting, pressing …
5 Fun & Funky Fall Stays in Mesa Verde Country
You’ll need lots of time to take in the fall beauty and fun of Mesa Verde Country, near the entrance to glorious Mesa Verde National Park. The nearby towns of Cortez, Dolores and Mancos provide an array of accommodations, dining and outdoor recreation. Named the “Number One Historic Monument in the World” by Conde Nast …
Enjoy Scenic California for Less!
One of the best ways to enjoy America’s stunning beauty is by train. And, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight that transports passengers from Los Angeles, winding up the West Coast to Washington with spectacular views of nature, is one of country’s most beautiful train rides. It’s also a very reasonable way of catching the beauty with rates …
Discover the ‘Faraway Land’ of Nantucket
Once on the island, you’ll find remnants of Nantucket’s storied past everywhere—from the native Wampanoag peoples, the island’s original inhabitants, to early European settlements and the island’s dominance in whaling during the mid-18th century. In the downtown district, chic boutiques and art galleries line cobblestone streets while upscale restaurants occupy historic structures. Nantucket has one …
Balloons & Beyond in Albuquerque this Fall
The nine-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is not only one of the most photographed events world wide, it is also the world’s largest celebration of the colorful sport. With autumn one of the most enjoyable times of the year to be in New Mexico, cool mornings and mild warm days with gentle winds combine with …
Discover the ‘Artistic’ Side of Vegas
If you didn’t realize you’d been meandering past and around some notable works of art on recent trips to “Sin City,” don’t feel badly. Most visitors, as well as most locals, aren’t aware of these hidden works of art scattered throughout the city, from stunning Picasso paintings and larger-than-life contemporary sculptures to perspective-changing works of …
Track the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
One of the best places on earth to experience the northern lights is Fairbanks, Alaska, ideally situated under the “Auroral Oval.” Add to that Fairbanks’ low precipitation and distance from coastal areas insure consistently clear nights. Explore Fairbanks has unveiled the Aurora and Midnight Sun Tracker to help you know when and where to be …
Discover the Perfect End of Summer in Carson Valley
Snuggled between the grand rise of the Sierra and the treasured beauty of the Pine Nut Mountains, Carson Valley is considered by many to be Nevada’s most scenic valley. Made up of the towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, Minden and Topaz Lake, the destination just 12 miles east of South Lake Tahoe is reached by U.S. …