March 21, 2018 America's 11 most endangered historic places Houston's Astrodome stadium, New York's old Pan Am Worldport Terminal at Kennedy Airport and Montana's one-room schoolhouses are joining a list of the nation's most endangered historic places. On Wednesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released its listing of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. It includes sites from Maine to Alaska. Here are America's most endangered historic landmarks:
March 21, 2018 40 day hikes to do this summer In its simplest definition, a day hike is a wilderness walk you can complete in a single day. That means you can go fast and light, unencumbered by tent, sleeping bags, cooking pots and other trappings of overnight camping. It's a short, glorious booster shot of nature to tide you over through yet another work week. And, at its best, a day hike gets straight to the essence of the place. It takes you inside the canyon, beneath the waterfall and delivers you straight to the wildflower-strewn clearing at the mountain's peak. We've rounded up a collection of some of the greatest day hikes in a nation that's crisscrossed by tens of thousands of miles of trails. To be fair, we picked 20 in the East and 20 out West (OK, we cheated—three are up in Canada, another country spanned by untrammeled wilderness and chockfull of trails). For the most part, the West—with its high altitudes, rugged peaks and generally chill, outdoorsy vibe—has quietly claimed the reputation of quintessential hiking milieu. But for those who would write off everything east of the Mississippi, the seemingly endless wilderness stretches along the Ozark Highlands, North Country Scenic Trail and Appalachians have some surprises in store. There are miles of quiet singletrack trails, panoramic views and majestic peaks. The hikes we've chosen include national parks gems, as well as more than a few you've never heard of. They run the gamut from easy, two-hour jaunts among wildflower glades and berry thickets to all-day, hope-you-brought-a-headlamp slogs that serve as one-day highlight reels for entire mountain ranges. So, whether you're an expert or a first-timer, we've got the day hike for you. Not sure how to judge your time out on the trail? First of all, know yourself and the rest of your hiking party—a group is only as fast as its slowest member. Next, apply Naismith's Rule, an old rule of thumb for judging hiking time that was developed in the 1800s by Scottish mountaineer W. Naismith. It's as simple as this: Add one hour for every three miles covered. Add at least an additional 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet you'll ascend and, in steep terrain, the same for every 1,000 you descend (I know it sounds crazy, but it usually takes roughly the same amount of time coming down). Also, understand that Naismith was an old-school badass, who probably strode easily over almost any terrain, and that Scotland is, for the most part, very open, unbroken terrain. If you're hiking over tricky territory, it'll take you more time. With enough practice, you can come to know your hiking speed and more accurately judge future hikes.
March 21, 2018 13 beautiful natural swimming holes around the U.S. It's almost summer, and we'll bet you want to go swimming. Lucky you, we found natural spots—gentle waterfalls, deep swimming holes, lazy rivers—where you can relax with a dip.
March 21, 2018 10 famous American landmarks while they were still under construction It is natural to assume that America’s landmarks have always been a part of our national fabric. It’s hard to imagine the National Mall without the Washington Monument or Mount Rushmore without, well, Mount Rushmore. But a look back into the archives at the Library of Congress shows the “in progress” stages of some of the nation’s most treasured sites. Whether it’s a scaffolding hanging off the White House or two hunks of steel in place of the St. Louis Arch, these photographs paint a picture of a country in the process of making its own history.
March 21, 2018 5 places to go sandboarding Love the thrill of downhill sports? Lose your woolly socks and thermal fleece and get ready for sandboarding—arguably the coolest new way to have fun on a beach or desert getaway. Kids have long been sledding down sand dunes on pieces of cardboard and plastic snow sleds. But in recent years, surfers and out-of-season snowboarders have taken it to the next level with sandboarding—riding down dunes on boards and sleds made out of a slicker material that glides on sand. Want to try sandboarding or sand sledding on your next getaway? A waxed snowboard or snow saucer will probably do. If your kids are up for serious careening, then you’ll want to rent boards and sleds made specifically for sand. While this emerging sport is a natural fit for beach destinations, some of the best places to try sandboarding and sand sledding may surprise you. (Michigan and Colorado? Who knew?) Here are five of the best dune destinations in the United States:
March 21, 2018 6 places to spend a night at the museum Ever since Ben Stiller discovered what happens to exhibits after the sun goes down in the blockbuster movie “Night at the Museum,” sleepover experiences have taken off at attractions across the country. These overnight adventures invite big kids, ‘tweens and sometimes young teens (and a parent) for an overnight stay that delivers fewer crowds and the chance to explore with some exclusive, VIP activities thrown in. As you might expect, overnight events at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the National Museum of Natural History in D.C.–the backdrops for “Night at the Museum” and its sequel—are hot tickets that can sell out months in advance. Programs at other museums can often have shorter waiting lists. What can you expect? In general, museum overnights are aimed at the 6-to-12 crowd, but be sure to check the age range at each institution. Count on paying between $100 and $140 per person and bringing a sleeping bag, flashlight, and sense of adventure. Still game? Here are six more can’t-miss museum sleepovers around the country.
March 21, 2018 Top 10 hidden corners of US national parks Whether you’re a seasoned national park traveler or just planning your first vacation to our nation’s most precious gems, you know that every park has its “go-to” spots that you can’t miss. Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Cades Cove of Great Smoky, Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite – the list of these iconic wonders goes on and on. Though these attractions are must-sees, due to their popularity they often don’t deliver fully what we came here for - silence, solitude, and serenity. If you’re looking to really get away from the parking lots and crowds, this list should get you going in the right direction for the perfect and peaceful backcountry getaway.
March 21, 2018 Summer vacation on a shoestring budget This summer’s travel forecast calls for high airfares and newly increased fees from major airlines. Groan if you must, but don’t give up on your summer vacation just yet. The key to planning an affordable family vacation this summer, and every summer, is making common-sense choices that keep costs under control. Here are six time-honored strategies for getting away on a dime.
March 21, 2018 12 gorgeous urban rooftop pools Deciding on a destination for an upcoming trip is never easy. While the beach and mountains may beckon, cities are a great option year-round, offering an array of activities for every type of getaway. After a long day of sight-seeing, however, some may long for those quiet, relaxing moments by the pool that are often easier to come by in non-urban destinations. So we’ve rounded up our favorite urban rooftop pools, so you can find relaxation even in a bustling metropolis. Discover some of our favorite hotel rooftop pools.
March 21, 2018 8 destinations for country music fans Hop into your best pair of jeans and cowboy boots and head to where country music is king. From Virginia to Missouri, here are eight destinations that celebrate all that is country music.