Dollywood: A little bit country, a little bit rockin' rides

With its abundance of music and live entertainment, craft demonstrations, celebration of Appalachian culture, year-round festivals, world-class roller coasters and rides, and — of course — its spotlight on icon and namesake, Dolly Parton, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has long distinguished itself from typical regional theme parks. But with the summer 2015 opening of the 300-room DreamMore hotel, Dollywood has become a true destination resort.  Go there...

GOOD SAM DESTINATION: OUTER BANKS ODYSSEY

In the early 20th century, two Dayton, Ohio, bicycle mechanics sought a place to test their experimental flying machine. They chose a narrow, 200-mile string of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast highlighted by high dunes, blustery winds and the promise of soft, sandy landings. The Outer Banks were a near wilderness then, and the inventors could run their tests out of the scrutinizing glare of a curious public.  Go there...

Yosemite National Park: Bone-dry but still beautiful

As the spring sun melted the final bits of snow, Barbara Ducey and her two sons huffed along the Panorama Trail, all of Yosemite beneath them. Normally, this trail wouldn't be open for weeks or months, but there they were, above the crowds and the cars, staring across the valley at the full height of Yosemite Falls.  Go there...

Road Trip Idea: New England’s Literary Treasures

This week I’m focusing on the northeast, with a picturesque itinerary through the quintessential Massachusetts countryside that inspired America’s early writers and philosophers. You could do this itinerary in as little as two nights, or you could spread it over a week and find plenty more to explore en route. -  Go there...

Quirky America: Roadside attractions you have to see

There’s no time like summer for a classic American road trip. While many travelers obviously enjoy visiting the country’s major cities, landmarks and state parks, it’s the quirky roadside attractions that make the USA such a fun place to drive around. From the world’s largest frying pan to an exact replica of Stonehenge made from foam, here are 10 detours to consider while road tripping across America:  Go there...

Summertime in Colorado: 10 adventures to put on your list

Colorado is lovely in the winter, but visiting the Centennial State in the summer is equally amazing. We’ve narrowed down a long list of things you can do. Some scream adventure, and others soothe the soul.  Go there...

10 Things Every Traveler Should Know Before Going to Mexico

More Americans visit Mexico every year than any other international destination. It’s no wonder: the very idea of a vacation in Mexico conjures up images of white sand beaches, clear, blue water, and sunny weather — no matter when you visit. While hot spots like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are some of the country’s most popular destinations, there are lots of places (with top-notch food and shopping) to check out beyond the typical tourist destinations. Check out our tips below for making the most of your visit to Mexico.  Go there...

DOWN EAST IN MAINE AND IT’S AMAZING COASTLINE

They call this part of Maine we’ve been exploring this week “Down East.” And it’s a term applied in several different ways. In the narrowest sense, Down East refers to the coast of Maine from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border, but it is sometimes used as a loose term for the entire eastern portion of the state. Scores, perhaps hundreds, of companies and organizations in Maine have “Down East” as part of their name.  Go there...

Offbeat destinations entice die-hard sports fans

Many people combine their love of sports with travel, stopping while on the road to idolize football heroes at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, or take in a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. But there are plenty of offbeat sites that die-hard fans of baseball, football, basketball and hockey should know. Here are a few to check off your scorecard.  Go there...