Shenandoah National Park follows the crest and eastern slopes of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, protecting a long, narrow landscape of forests, ridges, streams, and mountain valleys. The park stretches along Skyline Drive, a scenic road that provides access to numerous overlooks and trailheads. Elevations vary considerably across the park, creating changes in vegetation and climate over relatively short distances.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Amarante, located in Portugal’s northern region of Tâmega e Sousa, sits quietly along the banks of the Tâmega River, framed by stone bridges, historic churches, and lush hills. The city is best known for its connection to São Gonçalo, a 13th-century monk whose name now graces the arched bridge and the grand convent-church that stands beside it.

Santa Tecla is a city in the department of La Libertad, located west of San Salvador at the foot of the San Salvador Volcano. It combines a historic urban center with green hills, cafés, restaurants, and residential districts extending toward the slopes of El Boquerón. The city is known for its walkable streets and older buildings, many of which now house shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces.

Kentucky is known worldwide for the Kentucky Derby, but there’s far more to this southern state than fast horses and fancy hats. Louisville, the largest city, pairs old-world charm with modern energy. Visitors can stroll along Museum Row on Main to explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or dive into boxing history at the Muhammad Ali Center, dedicated to the life and legacy of the Louisville-born champion.

Venice, Florida, a charming coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxed ambiance.