When Prince died in April 2016, we lost an icon and music lost one of its most creative and dynamic talents. Prince Rogers Nelson was utterly unique and his death at the (way too young) age of 57 left a void in the lives of his legions of fans and fellow musicians.
Though he will always be missed, he left behind a sensational back catalog and archive that is still referenced and celebrated by titans of the industry. His legacy also extends to numerous sites throughout his native and beloved Minneapolis and the wider US – from places he called home to venues he left his considerable mark on.
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Set along the Balkans’ spine, in between tourism heavyweights Croatia and Greece, landlocked Serbia isn’t exactly known for bucket-list appearances. Yet the lack of crowds and globally recognizable Instagram-bragging snaps makes the experience of traveling here all the more authentic.
What you will find – and perhaps be surprised by – is diversity, both in terms of nature’s gifts and cultural influences stemming from a stormy history. Needless to say, there’s more to Serbia than its ever-transforming capital. As you traverse the country, striking contrasts are revealed: from the Austro-Hungarian art nouveau of Subotica on the sunflower-coated northern plains where alluvial forests by the Danube echo with the roar of red deer, to the Ottoman-era mosques of Novi Pazar in the windswept Dinaric highlands of the south where griffon vultures prey high above the serpentine Uvac canyon. Bring your curiosity and hit the road.
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This article is adapted from the most recent Pocket Washington, DC guidebook written by Karla Zimmerman.
Folks often call Washington, DC’s National Mall “America’s Front Yard.” It is indeed a lawn, unfurling 2 miles of scrubby green grass from the Capitol west to the Lincoln Memorial. It’s also where citizens come to protest their government and connect with the nation’s most-cherished ideals writ large in monuments and museums. Iconic monuments dot the grounds to the west, hulking Smithsonian museums to the east, and at the northern edge, the White House.
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Vertiginous ravines, 4000m (13,100ft) peaks and an monumental glacier are Valais’ calling cards.
Anchored by the soaring pyramid of the Matterhorn in southwest Switzerland, this canton abounds with Swiss icons – think ridiculously handsome mountains, warm and gooey AOP Raclette de Valais cheese and slobbery St Bernard dogs.
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San Francisco is a small city on a seven-by-seven mile grid, which means it’s easy to see a lot of it in a short amount of time.
Visitors can make it from the historic Ferry Building on the Eastside waterfront to a magnificent sunset at Ocean Beach on the west side in a day, experiencing the culture, food and character of major neighborhoods along the way. If you want a more leisurely layover, focus on just a couple parts of the city, perhaps sticking to the greatest hits for first-time visitors. Skip Alcatraz and Angel Island on a layover, though, due to the amount of time they take to visit.
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Rugged Colorado is famous for its spectacular landscapes, outdoor adventures and gorgeous Rocky Mountain getaways. The Centennial State is also home to a vibrant crop of hip and happening cities, fascinating historical sites and the best four-season weather just about anywhere.
Interstate highways zip between the state’s major hubs, though they can get packed with weekend warriors in season. The roads to more remote destinations are quieter, but be prepared for steep passes, hair-raising switchbacks and winter closures. Getting around Colorado by public transport is possible – just about – but you'll get more out of the state with a car.Here are the best places to visit in Colorado.
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There’s never a bad time to visit Puerto Rico. The average temperature in any given season is 80°F (26°C), which can go up drastically in the summer months, or dip to 60°F (15°C) in the winter. While you can go to the beach at any time of the year, there’s a busy festival calendar and an equally busy hurricane season to be aware of before planning your trip.
Depending on your vibe, you can hit the carnivals in December and January, a period that comes with a hefty price hike in accommodations. Looking for a quieter getaway? April and May are optimal months for milder temperatures and emptier tourist spots.
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In Lonely Plan-It, we take you step by step through how we put together some of the most complicated travel adventures. Here, travel writer and outdoors enthusiast Anna Richards explains how she hiked the Armenian section of the under-the-radar Transcaucasian Trail.
I knew very little about Armenia before deciding to hike the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT), which winds hundreds of miles through this under-explored country. When I told friends of my plans, most knew little more than the scraps I did – a turbulent, tragic recent history, some vague connection to the Kardashians.
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Colorful, chaotic, crowded – all the cliches about India are true, as are the tropes of culture shock, sensory overload and land of contrasts. It is a huge country with different cultures and customs across its length and breadth. A bewildering array of sights, sounds and smells greet you as you navigate the fast-paced cities where highrises stand cheek by jowl with slums, and yes, there are indeed cows on (some of) the streets. But this is also the land of majestic mountains, sandy beaches, scorching deserts and thriving forests, not to mention opulent palaces, awe-inspiring heritage sites, pulsating cities and enchanting villages.
The capital city of Delhi impresses with its historical monuments and stately demeanor while the financial capital of Mumbai will draw you in with its cosmopolitan vibe and rich art and culture scene. Then there’s the Taj Mahal in Agra and the state of Rajasthan with its many palaces, forts and unmatched hospitality. Goa is where you go to soak in the sun and sand (and to party) while further south, Kerala beckons with its languid backwaters and Ayurveda-led wellness experiences.
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Lonely Planet’s senior social media manager, Rachel Lewis, recently returned from a weekend with her wife in Portland, Maine. Here she shares her trip highlights and what to prepare for before you go.
I’ve always had a clear picture in my head of what visiting Portland, Maine would be like, and, honestly, it was pretty stereotypical: buttery lobster, stripes and linen, setting sail from the Old Port and thumbing through pottery at local shops. I’d never been to Maine, period, but when I told my grandmother (who’s from Massachusetts) that I was planning a long-weekend trip with my wife, she had two recommendations: eat as much as you can manage, and go to the locally owned Cool As A Moose (and buy her a mug for Christmas – on it, Gramma). My wife and I landed with empty tums and space in our luggage for goodies, and hit it.
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Anna is a Lyon local who covered the city for our France guidebook. Here she shares the best time to pay a visit to Lyon.
A rare and special thing; Lyon is great at any time of year, like a flannel shirt that works equally well thrown on for a summer evening or layered up in winter. That’s because it’s not dressed up for tourists, but thoroughly lived in, so there’s plenty of events taking place no matter the month you visit.
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Over 7000 sq miles of mountains, rivers, forests, and farms dotted with postcard villages and opulent estates: the Hudson Valley is so vast, you need a car to see it all.
Unlike neighboring NYC, public transit isn’t readily available throughout the region. Buses and trains stop in large towns, but driving is the only way to reach some of the Hudson Valley’s best hikes, historic sites, and tiny hamlets.
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Seville is one of Spain's most beautiful cities, but the streets can be sizzling hot in summer and busy in spring and fall. Here are the top times to come.
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Michigan boasts beautiful wild landscapes, charming small towns and thriving, vibrant cities. Where to begin? These are our 11 favorite places to visit.
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While deserts may be more closely associated with barren, dry characteristics, Palm Springs and the broader Coachella Valley are flush with things to do. In recent years, the region has attracted far more than retirees and Coachella fans.
Whether you’re wanting to slow down and unplug with a rejuvenating sound bath or race something fast, southern California’s Palm Springs and surrounding cities have got you covered.
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There’s a huge weight of expectation for first-time visitors to Ireland who are looking for dramatic landscapes, traffic jams of sheep and friendly pubs resounding with traditional melodies. Sure, there are top-class attractions, five-star hotels and a sophisticated dining scene, but what makes Ireland truly special are those intangible moments that stay with you long after returning home. A sunset over ancient ruins after a day of rain. An evening in the company of locals in a rural pub. A flock of sheep blocking a country road.
Whatever version of the Emerald Isle you’re coming to find, here are the best places in Ireland to start your search.
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When you think of the best food cities in the US, the usual cities come to mind – New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami and Chicago. But if you’re traveling in search of great eats this year, consider thinking outside the box and heading to these great but underrated culinary destinations instead.
From surprising places to find some of the country’s best food made by immigrants to the growing farm-to-table movement as it mixes with traditional cuisine, these cities go beyond expectations. We’re talking about chocolate from celeb-fave DeBrand Fine Chocolates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bourbon and burgoo stew in Bardstown, Kentucky or discovering the namesake Pueblo chiles in Pueblo, Colorado. Each destination offers a taste of something new, great and unexpected. So pack up your suitcase, save this list and head out to discover these under-the-radar foodie destinations.
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Anchored by the Appalachians, the Mountain State holds a trove of wild rivers, deep gorges and thick forests perfectly suited for action-packed adventures.
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Upon mention of Minneapolis, most non-Minnesotans don't have too much to say. "Prince is from there", they might remark, or perhaps "I heard they have a lot of lakes". Both of these things are true, but there's a lot more to Minneapolis beyond the legendary purple-loving artist and glorious lakes. This city has a reputation for its subzero temperature winters, but every season in Minneapolis brings distinct seasonal experiences with plenty of things to do.
Each neighborhood offers something different from the next, with an impressive dining and arts scene throughout the city – plus a whole lot of that "Minnesota nice" that remains a point of pride for locals. Here's a guide for first-time visitors to Minneapolis.
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Some destinations will always get pitted against one another. In this series, two passionate writers go head-to-head to explain why you should visit their chosen destination.
We're finally wearing sweatshirts in the morning, and you know what that means. It's time to book that fall foliage tour and soak in the cozy awesomeness that is nature putting on its biggest show of the year. But which cabin in the woods do you want to light that first fire in? Which woods do you want to spend your days hiking through?
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Listen, I love a fast-paced jaunt through Los Angeles, but after a few days of sprawling city madness and innumerable ire-inducing traffic jams, I find myself craving something a tad more chill. This is typically the part where I say, "Ah yes, San Diego exists," and drive south for around 2 hours in search of the same glorious California goodness with a bit of a lower volume.
Despite never actually living in California, residing overseas has made it my typical entry point to the US whenever I return to see friends and family. San Diego has become one of the many places that feel like home to me, and I love popping by once or twice a year to visit my brother. If you have a weekend in town, here's what I'd recommend: When to arrive:
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Uzbekistan is often travelers' entry point to Central Asia, but Tajikistan and Kazakstan are absolutely worth a visit on their own – which is right for you?
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Capital of the southern French region of Occitania, the alluring city of Toulouse boasts broader gastronomic flair than most others in the country.
Ever since the Visigoths made it their own capital in the 15th century, small helpings of outside influence have shaped Occitan culture, which visitors to Toulouse today find expressed mainly through food. What’s more, a thriving aerospace industry (Toulouse is home to Airbus HQ) and an influx of tech companies have brought a worldly edge to the city, meaning global cuisine and modern food trends are well represented.
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Winter in Europe can be lovely: bundles of pillowy snow, steaming mulled wine at Christmas markets, the crunching score of ice skates on a frozen canal.
But then comes the rain. And the biting winds. That never-ending darkness. Who doesn’t miss the sun and soul-restoring doses of vitamin D?
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There’s no better way to experience the best of Australia than on a road trip in a camper through its stunning and wild natural landscapes.
Australia’s National Highway 1 may not be as storied as America’s Route 66, but a “lap of the map” – via endless surf beaches, koala-dotted forests, flaming red deserts and awe-inspiring starry skies – will be life-defining. If you haven’t got time for the whole shebang, you’ll have just as much fun exploring one coast (the east coast or west?) or even a smaller region.
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Skiing in Montana is particularly synonymous with one place: Big Sky. Just an hour from Bozeman, over 300 ski runs crawl all the way up to the summit of Lone Peak, just begging for fresh powder and thousands of skiers (or snowboarders!) to glide down them annually.
There’s only one problem for me: I don’t ski. I have skied – in fact, I learned how to ski in Big Sky, and I’ll admit I’m not very good at it – but I cannot fathom how one could argue that freezing your toes off in brutal temperatures compares in the slightest to this:
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Washington, DC is a nexus of culture. Its geographic location brings together the northern and southern US, and its role as a major entry point for immigration has led to the creation of hundreds of international communities.
The beautiful collaboration and harmony of the city’s residents comes across in the thriving dining scene – according to recent Yelp data, DC has the most new restaurants relative to its population. Across the city, you'll find traditional dishes from countries around the world and creative flavor fusions snatching a little bit of inspiration from everywhere.
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California is renowned for its sun-drenched strips of sand dotted up and down the Pacific coast with good reason. You don't become synonymous with US beach culture without some impressive shores that put the gold in the Golden State.
Find family fun in La Jolla, gaze upon world-class surfers in Huntington Beach, mingle with the bohemians in Venice Beach, cuddle at sunset in a Big Sur cove or find yourself on the stunning Lost Coast Trail.
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Find the best ski resorts in Valais, Switzerland, whether you're a powder fiend, all about the après, or content to meander down gentle, tree-lined slopes.
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Charleston captivates visitors with its colorful architecture, cobblestone streets and rich tapestry of history spanning the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. Within a single block, visitors can wander a historic pathway, peruse a modern boutique, gawk at a centuries-old abode and enjoy seemingly endless creative culinary finds – dressed-up biscuits at Callie’s and the creamiest she crab soup at 82 Queen are personal favorites.
As a Virginia native and South Florida resident, the steeple-clad, ever-friendly “Holy City” has been a favorite destination of mine for decades. I’ve made weekends out of watching leaping dog competitions at SEWE (the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, for Charleston newbies) but, most commonly, I simply like to wander around and be ever dazzled by the most amicable locals and preserved estates that are instantly worth a “what in the world is the significance of this place?” search. When to arrive:
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Spend any length of time in Switzerland, and you’ll come to realize just how distinct the seasons are here and how well the country wears them.
Winter, with its snow-laden peaks, groomed pistes and bluebird days, is peak time for skiers and winter walkers, while summer draws visitors for its pleasantly warm temperatures, high alpine hiking trails and lake life.
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India is heaven for budget travelers. Few places on earth offer quite so many rewarding travel experiences for such a pocket friendly price, particularly if you travel in cheaper classes on buses and trains and stay in budget hotels or hostels.
When planning a budget trip to India, remember that cost and comfort are closely linked. Traveling in unreserved train carriages can be extremely cheap, but seats are hard benches, there’s no air conditioning and carriages can be overcrowded. It’s better to think of things in terms of value – paying more to travel in an air-con or sleeper-class train carriage will bring much more comfort, at a price that is probably still less than you’d pay for a similar service elsewhere.
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The food of India is one of the world’s great gastronomic delights. Few other places on the planet offer such an astonishing diversity of dishes and foodie experiences – in a country where every meal is a feast, eating is always one of the best things to do.
India's food fame is thanks, in no small part, to its lavish palette of spices, which helped build the nation’s fortunes back in the days when strong flavorings were worth as much as gold by weight. India is the home of peppercorns, cardamoms, turmeric, and cinnamon (shared with neighboring Sri Lanka) and dozens of Asian cuisines partly owe their existence to India’s seasoning know-how.
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No matter what kind of vacation vibe you want to roll with, the Windy City can cater to it.
Whether it's jam-packed with iconic sites like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Picasso sculpture or Navy Pier or a quieter trip to chiller parts of the city like the North Side’s Andersonville, Chicago will feel like your own sweet home before long.
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Aruba, referred to as “One Happy Island” due to its 300 days of sunshine, friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, is home to more than 40 miles of coastline, graceful flamingos gallivanting around its shores and more than 95 recorded nationalities.
With an array of pristine beaches to enjoy, the island is also home to an array of things to do and places to see, stemming from unique wellness offerings like watsu water massages to more nature-based activities such as soaking in the natural pools at Arikok National Park.
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Carriage tours still clip-clop through the city's historic district, but new attractions and revamped old favorites are keeping the Holy City relevant.
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“The rainforest is like our supermarket, but we have to be careful which aisle we shop in,” chuckles Kuku Yalanji man Levi Williams, who guides visitors on cultural walks at Mossman Gorge in Queensland’s ancient Daintree Rainforest. “These things are toxic enough to kill a person within hours,” he explains, pointing to a cassowary plum on the forest floor that can only be safely ingested by the flightless bird that gave the vivid blue fruit its name.
With more than 65,000 years of ancestral knowledge to draw on, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides aren’t only experts at interpreting Australia’s wild and beautiful landscapes, they are also master storytellers, each with their own unique connection to their traditional lands. But a guided tour is just one of many ways to connect with the world’s oldest living cultures. Here’s a primer for memorable Indigenous tourism experiences in Australia.
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Houston is a massive metropolis – the fourth largest in the United States – which has drawn people from all over the world for its rich music, food, and business offerings. But don’t let Houston’s size fool you, it isn't all hustle and bustle. The city maintains a diverse, down-to-earth and inclusive vibe with all sorts of cultural, scientific and outdoor offerings throughout H-town. These are 18 of the best things to do in Houston. 1. Visit the Houston Space Center
When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, he said, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” He was referring to the on-site staff of the NASA Johnson Space Center here in H-town. Today, you can go where history was made and learn all about the moon landing and humanity’s exploration of space with a visit to Space Center Houston. The official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center welcomes 1.25 million visitors each year who come to marvel at the largest collection of spacesuits and Moon rocks in the world there are over 400 space artifacts here in Houston.
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Halloween is often celebrated with festive pumpkin festivals and costume parties. Some people take it to the next level, embracing the true spirit of the holiday by connecting with the supernatural all year round.
If you seek out the eeriest, most unsettling places, we bet you’ll love this roundup of the most haunted places in the US.
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December may mean the year is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean your travel plans have to. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in December, here are some of Lonely Planet’s top picks. Whether you want stunning northern lights, tropical beach adventures, or cozy Christmas markets, here are some great options to add to your December travel plans. Where are the best places to travel in December for relaxation?
Why now? Dry skies for wet adventures. Dubbed “the Philippines’ last ecological frontier,” pristine Palawan—the country’s westernmost province—is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a haven of biodiversity above and below the water line. There are over 1,700 islands here, covered by virgin forest, edged by limestone cliffs and fringed by coral reefs. The diving is varied and spectacular. At El Nido, in the north, there are 20-plus dive sites where exciting sightings range from nudibranchs and seahorses to turtles and huge shoals of snapper. Around Coron Island, there’s thrilling wreck diving, with numerous WWII remnants to explore. There’s also decent diving in easy reach of the capital, Puerto Princesa—sites include walls and pinnacles, a variety of corals, plenty of unusual macro species, colorful reef fish, crustaceans, schooling barracuda and jacks, rays and reef sharks. Puerto Princesa is also the gateway to the Subterranean River National Park, a navigable underground waterway...
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While country music and southern charm make up a good part of Nashville’s DNA, the growth taking hold of Tennessee’s booming capital is attracting artists, developers and hospitality giants from around the country who are adding their worldly flavor to Nashville’s signature down-home style. Here's how to spend a perfect weekend in Nashville.
A two-day stint in the city is just the right amount of time to get a taste of Nashville’s past and its current evolution into a major metropolis. From standing-room-only honky-tonks to swanky rooftop cocktails, Music City wraps up the thrills of big city living in a southern-fried package that just might inspire a return visit. When to arrive:
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Is Bavaria the castle capital of Europe? With Disney-worthy piles, medieval masterpieces, evocative ruins and much more, the grand palaces of this southern German state run the gamut of styles, with the stories of kings, dukes and noble families who called these structures home rounding out the fairy-tale feel.
From historic cities to remote villages, large lakes to the foothills of the Alps, these are the 10 best castles all over Bavaria.
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When a city in France is known as la Ville Rose (the Pink City), it’s clear that the seasonal light plays a major part in making magic.
Which is why the timing of any visit to Toulouse matters. It’s not hard to be instantly smitten by this rosy old Roman stronghold, reimagined in pinkish terracotta brick in the 17th century.
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The fourth-largest city in France may lie in the country’s sprawling southwest, between a bend in the Garonne River and mighty Canal du Midi.
But Toulouse has never been shy in making itself heard.
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Whether you've chartered a car and driver or hired your own motorcycle to venture out alone, rumbling across the varied roads and terrains of India is an unforgettable way to experience this sensational country.
The simple act of traveling from A to B will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the world’s most colorful country. Though there are lots of options for traveling by bus and train, choosing a road trip gives you control over your itinerary and the freedom to stop where and when you want to explore further.
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From the towering peaks to the west to the sandy shores of the protected coastline, North Carolina is home to a variety of experiences.
The state is where the Wright Brothers famously made their first flight and where a little soda brand called Pepsi gained international recognition. It’s also where musicians like Earl Scruggs, Nina Simone and John Coltrane were born. Driving from one end to the other is straightforward, and the state has extensive airport and rail networks.
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It’s a universal truth: the turning of the fall foliage is one of the world’s most enchanting natural phenomena, and in the US, it comes in many different iterations.
You can drive beneath the amber canopies of New England, watch fiery maples take over the vistas of the northern midwest, or marvel at the golden aspens as they contrast against the rocky peaks of the west.
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One of the oldest urban centers in Texas, San Antonio is packed with impressive landmarks from centuries past. Yet despite the years – the city celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2018 – San Antonio remains firmly rooted in the present with sprawling markets, cutting-edge museums and a vibrant dining and drinking scene.
There’s much to see and do in the second-largest city in Texas, from strolling the banks of its iconic River Walk to spelunking at Natural Bridge Caverns. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family and friends, countless incredible activities await you. Find your next adventure with this guide on the best things to do in San Antonio.
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Canada captivates visitors with its wildlife, wilderness, and vibrant cultural offerings. Spot polar bears, cruise Vancouver’s coastline, savor Toronto’s cuisine, or enjoy Montréal's music scene.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to experience something new, these are the best places to visit in Canada. But you'll have to plan your trip ahead because this is the world’s second-largest country – you can’t see it all in just one go.
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