On the east coast of North Island, Napier is considered the "Art Deco capital" of New Zealand and the gateway to the Hawke's Bay wine region, whose popular varietals include pinot gris and syrah.
Boise, Idaho, often surprises first-time visitors with its dynamic mix of western history, creative culture, and easy access to outdoor experiences. Nestled at the base of the Boise Foothills, the city has grown from a 19th-century outpost into a capital city with a distinctly independent spirit. The downtown core is walkable and welcoming, where historic buildings now house coffee shops, craft breweries, and local boutiques.
Potsdam, the capital of Germany’s Brandenburg state, lies just southwest of Berlin and is best known for its grand palaces, landscaped gardens, and role as a seat of Prussian royalty.
St. Ives, a picturesque seaside town on the north coast of Cornwall, England, is a charming blend of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and quaint cobbled streets, St. Ives has long been a haven for artists, surfers, and sun-seekers alike. The town's vibrant atmosphere is palpable in its bustling harbor, where fishing boats sway with the tide and seaside cafés offer fresh, locally caught seafood.
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming.
Newark, New Jersey is often overshadowed by its proximity to New York City but still has a strong identity rooted in history, art, and global culture. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1666, Newark’s rich past is visible in landmarks like the Old First Presbyterian Church and Military Park, where George Washington once camped. The city’s architecture reflects its legacy, from the Beaux-Arts Newark Museum building to the art deco facade of the historic Hahne & Co. depar
Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, has been a popular destination since Roman times, known for romantic settings especially suited for honeymooners or lovers of all ages. When you visit Lake Como, you literally step back into the late 19th century when this was the destination of Europe's wealthy and elite. You'll experience Como with a full-day private tour of the lake famous for its landscapes and picturesque villages with visits to historic villas and medieval churches. And because of ...
Flagstaff, Arizona, is a mountain town that perfectly blends the charm of a small community with the excitement of outdoor adventure and rich cultural experiences. Nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff serves as a gateway to some of the Southwest's most iconic landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, which is just a short drive away. The town itself is surrounded by the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world, offering an abundance of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities.
Flagstaff's historic downtown is a vibrant area filled with boutique shops, local breweries, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes. Visitors can explore the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was famously discovered in 1930, or delve into the region's history at the Museum of Northern Arizona, which showcases Native American artifacts and exhibits on local geology and ecology. The town's lively arts scene is highlighted by events such as the Flagstaff Art in the Park festival, which attracts artists and visitors from all over the region.
One of Flagstaff's most enticing aspects is its access to diverse natural wonders. In addition to the Grand Canyon, visitors can explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the ancient cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument. The area's dark skies also make Flagstaff one of the best places in the country for stargazing, with the city being recognized as the world's first International Dark Sky City.
A fun fact about Flagstaff is that it's one of the highest-elevation cities in the United States, sitting at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. This elevation gives Flagstaff a unique climate compared to the rest of Arizona, with cooler summers and the occasional winter snowfall, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking a refreshing escape.
