Horseshoe Falls, Rocky Mountain NP - Estes Park, Colorado

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:27:00 -0700

In July 1982, Lawn Lake burst its dam and millions of gallons of water swept trees and boulders down the Roaring River Valley, leaving three dead and the town of Estes Park under 6 feet of water. Today the boulders and dead trees sit beneath lovely Horseshoe Falls provide a dramatic reminder of the power of nature.

Seaside Heights Boardwalk, New Jersey

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:43:00 -0700

Seaside Heights Boardwalk offers a mile of delights on two piers, Casino Pier and Funtown Pier. Discover all the standard boardwalk fare and a few surprises: There are carousels, a Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, go-karts, and bumper cars. In addition, there's arcade on top of arcade on top of arcade -- eight in all -- with games of chance and skill where you can win not only stuffed animals but some unusual prizes as well. Or how about a game of mini-golf up on the roof?

Photo

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway - Broken Bow, Nebraska

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:22:00 -0700

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a 270-mile route through the heart of Nebraska that takes in small towns, historic buildings and 4th or 5th generation ranches. The main attraction however is the Sandhills region itself, 20,000 square miles of gently undulating dunes, native grassland and diverse wildlife - including the Sandhill Cranes that descend on the Platte River in their hundreds of thousands every spring.

Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:38:00 -0700

The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association operates this museum that pays tribute to the firefighting trade with an extensive exhibit of vintage fire engines, equipment, patches and other items. The impressive Wall Of Valor in front is in itself worth a visit.

Photo by Megan Edwards

John Coffee Memorial Bridge - Alabama

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:19:00 -0700

The Natchez Trace Parkway crosses the Tennessee River in northern Alabama over the John Coffee Memorial Bridge, a sleek 0.8-mile bridge that sits low over the water. The bridge was named after General John Coffee, who fought under the command of future US president Gen. Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812 with Britain, and also in the Creek Wars of 1813-14.

Historic Oatman, Arizona

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:16:00 -0700

Once a thriving mining town, then a virtual ghost town when Route 66 was bypassed, Oatman has been reborn in recent years as a popular tourist destination for its Old West flavor. Many of its historic buildings still stand, including the Oatman Hotel, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent a night of their honeymoon, and where the lobby is covered by thousands of dollar bills that tourists have attached to the walls and ceilings. There are stagecoach rides, cowboy shootouts and gift shops galore. But above all there are the burros, descendants of animals

Bear Creek Tour Road - San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Stevinson, California

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:17:00 -0700

There are four wildlife refuge areas comprising 45,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands and riparian habitats. This is part of the Pacific Flyway, a major route of migrating birds. This area is the largest contiguous freshwater wetlands in California.