Tag: US Travel

Albuquerque Offers a Different Kind of Southwestern Fall Foliage

Fall foliage may not be the first thing travelers associate with New Mexico, but according to this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure, Albuquerque’s location being between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains gives the high-desert city a surprisingly varied autumn landscape. Golden cottonwoods line riverside trails, maples turn shades of crimson and orange, and groves of quaking aspens brighten the mountains above the city. Better yet, Albuquerque’s dramatic changes in elevation stretch the color season across several weeks. Leaves can begin changing in the higher mountains around late September, while cottonwoods and other trees at lower elevations may hold their autumn color into early November. That makes Albuquerque an appealing base for travelers who want to experience several distinct versions of fall within a relatively compact area.

One of the easiest places to begin is along the Rio Grande. The city’s Paseo del Bosque Trail follows the river for 16 paved miles through the bosque, the cottonwood forest that occupies the Rio Grande floodplain. During autumn, the canopy takes on rich shades of yellow and gold, creating long stretches of color for walkers and cyclists.

Nearby, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden provides a more landscaped approach to fall. Its Sasebo Japanese Garden combines maples with ponds, waterfalls, stone features, and carefully designed plantings. Another part of the BioPark,Tingley Beach, offers ponds surrounded by cottonwoods and opportunities to spot migrating birds passing through the Rio Grande corridor.

The most dramatic change in scenery comes east of the city in the Sandia Mountains. The Sandias rise thousands of feet above Albuquerque, creating cooler conditions and an earlier start to the foliage season. The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway makes the climb particularly accessible, traveling 2.7 miles to its upper terminal at 10,378 feet.

The approximately 15-minute ride passes through multiple ecological zones before reaching the high country, where groves of quaking aspens turn brilliant yellow. At the summit, the observation area opens onto an expansive panorama of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding landscape. Temperatures can also be 20 to 30 degrees cooler at the top than in Albuquerque, so fall visitors should arrive prepared for a noticeable change in weather.

For an entirely different palette, head about 90 minutes southeast of Albuquerque into the Manzano Mountains. Cibola National Forest is home to Fourth of July Canyon, an area known for its bigtooth and Rocky Mountain maples. Instead of the predominantly golden foliage associated with New Mexico’s aspens and cottonwoods, the canyon can produce combinations of red, orange and yellow more reminiscent of hardwood forests farther east. Hiking trails through the area provide a closer look at the seasonal color, although visitors should check current Forest Service conditions before setting out.

Fall 2026 also gives travelers another reason to explore Albuquerque. November 11 marks the centennial of Route 66, and the city has been celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road throughout the year. Albuquerque contains 18 continuous miles of historic Route 66, creating an easy way to pair autumn scenery with neon signs, roadside architecture, museums, public art, and local restaurants.

The Albuquerque Museum, for example, is presenting The Other Route 66: 100 Years of People, Identity, and Place in Albuquerque through January 3, 2027, exploring the road through hundreds of artifacts, photographs, and local stories.

Together, the Rio Grande bosque, Sandia Mountains, and nearby Manzano Mountains make Albuquerque’s autumn scenery far more varied than its high-desert setting might suggest. Rather than arriving all at once, fall descends gradually from the mountains into the city—offering weeks of changing color and several distinctly New Mexican ways to experience the season.

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Mountains, Waterfalls, and Brilliant Fall Color Make New Hampshire a Natural Wonder

New Hampshire may be one of the smaller states in the country, but its landscape packs an extraordinary amount of natural beauty into a relatively compact corner of New England, as per this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure. Mountain peaks rise above seemingly endless forests, waterfalls tumble through rocky gorges, and rivers wind between small towns and wilderness areas. Add in brilliant fall foliage and some of the Northeast’s most dramatic scenery, and it becomes easy to understand why the Granite State has earned such a strong reputation among outdoor lovers.

That beauty recently received national recognition when New Hampshire claimed the top spot in a Holafly ranking of America’s most naturally beautiful states. Researchers compared all 50 states using factors including mountain elevation, river mileage, forest cover, national parks, volcanoes, and waterfalls. New Hampshire earned an overall score of 90.83 out of 100.

At the center of it all is Mount Washington. Rising 6,288 feet, it is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and dominates the Presidential Range. The mountain is famous for its rugged terrain and notoriously unpredictable weather, but it is also one of New Hampshire’s defining natural landmarks. Visitors can experience the mountain through hiking trails, scenic overlooks, the historic Mount Washington Auto Road, or the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Yet New Hampshire’s beauty is hardly limited to its tallest mountain. The broader White Mountain National Foreststretches across hundreds of thousands of acres, protecting forests, streams, mountain passes, and recreation areas. Scenic roads weave through this landscape, giving travelers access to impressive views without requiring a strenuous hike.

One of the best-known routes is the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic stretch of road that crosses the White Mountains between Lincoln and Conway. Along the way, travelers pass mountain overlooks, forest trails, rocky rivers, and waterfalls. The drive is spectacular throughout much of the year, but autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into layers of red, orange, yellow, and gold.

Then there are the forests themselves. With trees covering more than four-fifths of the state, New Hampshire often feels defined by the woods. In summer, dense green forests surround roads and trails. Autumn brings one of the country’s most celebrated displays of fall foliage. Winter replaces the color with snow-covered evergreens and frozen mountain landscapes, while spring brings rushing waterfalls fueled by melting snow. That seasonal transformation may be one of New Hampshire’s greatest strengths. Rather than having a single signature landscape, the state continually changes. A mountain overlook visited in October can feel completely different beneath February snow or surrounded by deep summer greenery.

But New Hampshire’s appeal goes beyond statistics or rankings. Its beauty comes from how closely so many landscapes exist alongside one another. Towering mountains can give way to waterfalls, forested valleys, rivers, and lakes within a relatively short drive. For travelers, that compact geography means a trip through New Hampshire can include a surprising variety of scenery without crossing an enormous state. A morning might begin beside a quiet lake, continue along a forest-lined highway, and end with views from one of the highest mountains in the Northeast.

For a state nicknamed the Granite State, New Hampshire is remarkably green, blue, and colorful. Its mountains may provide the drama, but the forests, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and changing seasons fill in the rest of the picture. Together, they create a landscape that proves natural beauty is not always about size. Sometimes, it is about how much scenery can fit into one small place.

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Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Mountain Views Await on Glacier’s Highline Trail

There are few places in Glacier National Park where alpine scenery arrives as quickly as it does on the Highline Trail, as per this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure. Beginning at Logan Pass, the route traces the Garden Wall along the Continental Divide, carrying hikers above broad valleys and beneath rugged peaks. Wildflowers spread across open slopes in summer, waterfalls spill down rocky cliffs, and wildlife sightings can include marmots and mountain goats. With several possible turnaround points and extensions, the trail can become anything from a shorter out-and-back excursion to an ambitious journey deep into Glacier’s high country.

The adventure begins at Logan Pass, the highest point reached by Going-to-the-Sun Road. Almost immediately, hikers encounter one of the Highline’s most photographed sections: a narrow pathway carved into the mountainside above the road. Commonly called “the ledge,” the passage appears especially dramatic from a distance, although the tread is wider than many photographs suggest. A hand cable attached to the rock provides additional stability along the exposed stretch.

Once past the ledge, the trail settles into a relatively gradual traverse beneath the Garden Wall. This is where the Highline’s appeal becomes especially clear. Instead of climbing directly toward a single viewpoint, the route stays high above the valley for mile after mile, revealing changing perspectives of Glacier’s forests, mountains, and meadows. Haystack Pass provides one of the more noticeable ascents along the way, while seasonal wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and small waterfalls add variety to the landscape.

For many hikers, the primary destination is Granite Park Chalet, reached after roughly eight miles from Logan Pass. Constructed by the Great Northern Railway in 1914 and 1915, the stone-and-timber building recalls an era when a network of backcountry chalets encouraged visitors to explore Glacier on foot and horseback. Granite Park later became a National Historic Landmark and remains one of only two backcountry chalets still operating inside the park, along withSperry Chalet.

Because Granite Park Chalet is accessible only by trail, even a daytime stop feels like reaching a remote mountain outpost. Overnight accommodations remain intentionally rustic, without many modern conveniences, while day hikers can stop to rest and refuel before deciding whether to turn around or venture farther. Granite Park can also be reached from The Loop along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Although that approach covers only about four miles, it gains more than 2,500 feet in elevation, making it a considerably steeper alternative.

Hikers looking for an additional challenge near the chalet can tackle the spur to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. The approximately 1.6-mile round trip adds close to 1,000 feet of elevation gain over a short distance. From the overlook, the terrain drops dramatically toward Grinnell Glacier and the lakes of the Many Glacier area, providing an expansive perspective across one of the park’s most recognizable glacial landscapes.

Access is an important part of planning a Highline Trail hike. Glacier’s transportation and vehicle-access procedures can change from season to season, particularly around busy Logan Pass and Going-to-the-Sun Road. Travelers planning a longer Highline excursion should review the National Park Service’s current Logan Pass information, shuttle options, and road updates before arriving. Snow, weather, trail maintenance, and wildlife activity can also affect hiking conditions, making the park’s trail status reports an important resource before setting out.

Whether the day ends at Granite Park Chalet, includes the steep climb to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, or continues across Swiftcurrent Pass, the Highline Trail offers an unusually immersive look at Glacier’s alpine landscape. Its combination of history, exposed mountainsides, wildlife habitat, wildflower meadows, and nearly continuous mountain views makes the journey itself every bit as memorable as the destination.

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How to Spend a Mountain Escape in Lander, Wyoming

Lander, Wyoming, offers a different kind of Rocky Mountain escape—one shaped by granite peaks, flowing rivers, Indigenous culture, and a downtown that still feels connected to the American West, according to this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure.. Home to roughly 7,500 residents, the community sits at the base of the Wind River Range, away from the heavier visitor traffic associated with Jackson and Yellowstone. Reaching Lander generally requires a road trip or a flight into a regional airport, but its comparatively modest lodging costs and immediate access to outdoor recreation reward travelers willing to take the longer route.

The mountains provide the town’s dramatic backdrop and much of its appeal. The Wind River Range contains glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, imposing rock walls, and Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest point. Its extensive trail network supports everything from short hikes to demanding backcountry expeditions, while the cliffs surrounding Lander have helped establish the town as an important rock-climbing destination. Travelers planning longer outings should research routes carefully, carry appropriate equipment, and prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather.

A more accessible introduction to the landscape awaits at Sinks Canyon State Park, only a few miles southwest of downtown. Here, the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River rushes into a limestone cavern known as “the Sinks” before resurfacing about a quarter-mile downstream at “the Rise.” The exact underground route remains difficult to trace because the water travels through a complex system of cracks and passages. Overlooks make it easy to observe the geological phenomenon, while trails such as the Canyon Loop lead through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain.

Lander also borders the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Visitors can learn about the region’s living Indigenous traditions through cultural programs, museums, and public events held with the permission and participation of tribal communities. The annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwowtakes place in nearby Fort Washakie each June, bringing together dancing, singing, relay races, and an Indian rodeo.

North of town, the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary explores another important part of the region’s history. Located on a working ranch within the reservation, the sanctuary maintains a free-roaming environment for wild mustangs. Its visitor center contains exhibits about horses in Indigenous culture and the broader story of wild herds in North America. Guided side-by-side tours travel into the pasture for closer views, and reservations are advisable because tour schedules and seasonal hours can change.

Western history continues at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, which preserves objects spanning prehistory through the 1920s. Exhibits examine early settlement, regional industries, Indigenous history, and figures connected to Fremont County. Butch Cassidy worked as a cowboy near Lander before becoming one of the West’s most famous outlaws, and the county’s first jail briefly held him. Each July, the long-running Pioneer Days Rodeo carries the town’s ranching traditions into the present with rodeo competitions and community events.

Downtown provides a comfortable counterpoint to days spent outside. Whitebark Cafe serves artisan coffee and baked goods, while The Middle Fork is a popular breakfast and lunch stop known for brunch staples. At dinner, Cowfishcombines regional ingredients with globally influenced cooking, including dishes built around trout, elk, and other flavors associated with the Mountain West.

Lander also works well as a base for exploring central Wyoming. South Pass City State Historic Site, approximately 40 minutes away, preserves a former gold-mining settlement associated with westward migration and the early women’s suffrage movement. About 90 minutes north, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis pairs mineral-water pools with trails beside the Bighorn River, while the Wyoming Dinosaur Center displays fossils recovered from the surrounding region. Together, these day trips add mining history, paleontology, and unusual geology to a Lander itinerary already rich in mountain scenery and Western culture.

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The Best Stops Along Maine’s Acadia All American Road

Some of America’s most unforgettable road trips stretch for hundreds of miles, but one of New England’s greatest scenic drives proves that spectacular scenery doesn’t require an epic journey. According to this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure, the Acadia All American Road, the only federally designated All-American Road in New England, packs rugged coastlines, charming harbor towns, mountain summits, historic carriage roads, and one of the nation’s most beloved national parks into just 40 unforgettable miles. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a leisurely weekend getaway, this scenic byway offers one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience coastal Maine.

Beginning near Trenton, Maine⁠ and winding across Mount Desert Island⁠, the route follows portions of Routes 3, 198, and 233 before connecting with Acadia’s famous Park Loop Road. Along the way, travelers encounter everything from rocky shorelines and quiet forests to bustling waterfront villages and panoramic mountain vistas. Every curve seems to reveal another postcard-worthy view, making the drive feel much longer than its modest distance suggests.

The heart of the journey lies within Acadia National Park⁠, where the 27-mile Park Loop Road introduces visitors to many of the park’s signature landscapes. Granite cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, evergreen forests blanket rolling hills, and scenic overlooks invite frequent stops for photographs. Popular destinations such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond are all conveniently connected along this scenic route, allowing visitors to experience the remarkable diversity that has made Acadia one of America’s most visited national parks.

One of the drive’s most celebrated highlights is Cadillac Mountain⁠, which rises 1,530 feet above sea level as the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Reaching the summit requires only a short drive, rewarding visitors with sweeping views over Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and countless surrounding islands. A paved walking path circles the summit, making the breathtaking scenery accessible to visitors of all abilities. During the busy season, however, access requires advance planning, as vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road are required from mid-May through mid-October through Recreation.gov⁠.

Water is never far away along the Acadia All-American Road, and Frenchman Bay serves as one of its defining features. Throughout the drive, scenic overlooks reveal expansive views of sparkling blue water dotted with lobster boats, sailboats, and small islands. Pull-offs along the eastern shoreline allow travelers to pause, breathe in the cool ocean air, and appreciate the dramatic meeting of granite cliffs and Atlantic waves that has long inspired artists and photographers.

No visit to the byway feels complete without spending time in Bar Harbor⁠, the lively coastal town that serves as Acadia National Park’s primary gateway. Historic architecture, locally owned boutiques, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and inviting waterfront parks create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger. The town also serves as the launching point for whale-watching excursions, kayaking adventures, sightseeing cruises, and boat tours exploring the surrounding islands.

Before reaching Mount Desert Island, consider making a stop in Trenton, the unofficial gateway to the scenic byway. This small community offers an ideal place to stock up on supplies or enjoy a classic Maine lobster roll before beginning the drive. Longtime favorites such as Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound⁠ and Gateway Lunt’s Lobster Pound⁠ have earned loyal followings for their simple, authentic coastal fare.

Although the Acadia All-American Road can easily be completed in a single day, allowing extra time makes the experience far more rewarding. Summer brings the largest crowds, particularly around Bar Harbor and Acadia’s most famous attractions, where parking lots often fill early in the morning. Travelers seeking a quieter visit may prefer late September or early October, when pleasant weather lingers and visitor numbers begin to decline. Those willing to wait a few more weeks are often rewarded with spectacular autumn foliage, as Mount Desert Island transforms into one of New England’s most colorful fall destinations.

Compact in length but enormous in scenic beauty, the Acadia All-American Road demonstrates that some of America’s finest road trips aren’t measured in miles but in unforgettable moments around every bend.

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Hidden Gems of Johnston County, North Carolina

Many travelers pass through Johnston County, North Carolina, without realizing what they are missing. Conveniently located just off Interstate 95, this fast-growing region is often overshadowed by larger Southern destinations, according to this travel blog article from Southern Living. Yet those who take the time to explore will discover a destination filled with small-town charm, rich history, outdoor adventure, unique shopping experiences, and memorable local flavors.

Centered around communities such as Smithfield, Selma, and Benson, Johnston County offers an authentic look at North Carolina culture while providing plenty of opportunities for a relaxing weekend getaway or road trip stop.

History is woven throughout Johnston County, making it an excellent destination for travelers interested in learning about North Carolina’s past. One of the area’s most significant landmarks is the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the location of the largest Civil War battle fought in North Carolina.

Visitors can explore six miles of walking trails and self-guided driving routes that trace troop movements during the Battle of Bentonville. The site’s visitor center provides exhibits, artifacts, and educational displays that help bring the conflict to life. A highlight of the property is the historic Harper House, which served as a field hospital during the battle. Today, the home offers a fascinating glimpse into both wartime medical care and civilian life during the Civil War era.

Another important cultural attraction is the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield. Dedicated to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, the museum features costumes, photographs, personal memorabilia, film artifacts, and exhibits chronicling Ava Gardner’s journey from rural North Carolina to international stardom. Visitors gain insight into both her remarkable career and her enduring connection to Johnston County.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, a sprawling preserve situated along the scenic Neuse River. Covering thousands of acres, the property protects longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife habitats that showcase the natural beauty of eastern North Carolina. More than 15 miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and fishing on the property’s reclaimed quarry lake. For those seeking a deeper connection to nature, camping facilities and cabin rentals allow guests to extend their stay and experience the peaceful surroundings after sunset.

Johnston County offers an eclectic mix of shopping experiences that go far beyond traditional retail centers. One of the region’s most popular attractions is DeWayne’s, home to North Carolina’s largest Christmas store. Open throughout the year, the massive destination features themed holiday rooms filled with ornaments, decorations, gifts, and seasonal displays. Whether visitors prefer traditional holiday décor or whimsical themed collections, the store provides inspiration for every decorating style.

For something completely different, Hidden Temple Toys has become a favorite destination for collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts. The shop specializes in vintage toys, action figures, retro games, pop culture memorabilia, and collectible treasures that appeal to visitors of all ages. Its growing national reputation has helped make it one of Johnston County’s most unique attractions.

While many travelers continue speeding along Interstate 95 toward larger destinations, Johnston County rewards those willing to take a detour. Its combination of historic sites, scenic outdoor spaces, locally owned businesses, and distinctive dining experiences creates a destination that feels both authentic and welcoming.

Whether exploring Civil War history, paddling along the Neuse River, shopping for holiday décor in the middle of summer, or enjoying a classic Carolina red hot dog, visitors will discover that Johnston County offers far more than a quick stop along the highway. It stands as one of North Carolina’s most underrated travel destinations and a place where small-town hospitality and memorable experiences come together.

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