USA Travel Magazine - Topics

  Fairbanks is the Ice Capital of the World , and where the World Ice Art Championships has been hosted since its inception in 1988. We're excited to see the works of artists from around the world, who will share their talents at the upcoming  international ice sculpture competition sponsored by the non-profit organization, Ice Alaska.  Thanks to Lee Ellen King for the highlights of the competition and exceptional artists, which you can read via Ice Alaska here .  Congratulations to all the Single Block artists. Your sculptures are truly amazing objects d’ art. It is always such a pleasure to witness the dedication and talent you all possess and share with us. Congratulations to the first, second and third place winners: Daniel Bergin, first place “Musical Escape”. (I have to admit, this was my favorite sculpture. The fluidity and grace are breathtaking), Dan Helmstatder, second place “Cold Chameleon (adore the fly) and Steve Dean, third place “Flight Risk”, said Le...

  The Crescent City Classic 10k is a New Orleans tradition, held every year. Participants run through the French Quarter, all the way to New Orleans City Park, where they cross the finish line under the cool, shady, ancient live oak trees. LCMC Health Crescent City Classic and YMCA of Greater New Orleans officials are back for the fourth annual combo of the CCC Fall Classic and YMCA Corporate Cup called the “Corporate Classic.” The family-oriented 3.1-mile race will take place this year on Saturday, November 2, 2024, in New Orleans City Park at 8 am. The joy of the event is the Crescent City Classic festivities make for a jam-packed weekend. The fun includes a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, free and open to the public. Many runners sign up simply to attend the post-race party hosted by Michelob Ultra, complete with live music from local bands and world-famous New Orleans cuisine! Be sure to stick around after the family-friendly race for a wide array of complimentary food, beer...

  The varied topography found in Grand County offers excellent, and practically unlimited, recreational opportunities throughout the year. Activities Include: Sightseeing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Extreme Sports, Photography, Four Wheeling, Rafting, Canoeing, kayaking, jet boating, Museum Hopping, Swimming, Rock Hounding, Winery Tours Dining & Entertainment include : Chuckwagon Dinners with Western Entertainment, Evening cruise along the Colorado River, with a sound and light show, Fine Dining at specialty restaurants, Micro Brewery Restaurants Calendar of Events - Annual events include sports tournaments, music festivals, art festivals, film festivals, rodeo's, marathons, fat tire festivals, square dance festivals, annual jeep safari and jamboree, barrel racing, car shows, rock & gem shows and so much more. Our Calendar of Events page has a complete schedule of events. By Kevin Willeitner Plan A Trip To Utah: Explore the vast beauty, hi...

  When seeking a place to stay guests staying at the  Alpine Lodge will find cozy rooms and great amenities. And as a surprising touch you'll also discover bear tracks inlaid on the floor and copper salmon swimming on a smooth pebble river that covers the front desk reception area, and a décor featuring an Interior Alaskan theme. Fairbanks’ newest luxury hotel, the Alpine Lodge is a 115-room three-story hotel with amenities such as complementary breakfasts, an outdoor spa, a fitness center and business center. They offer free shuttles from the airport, which is only minutes away. The majority of the rooms are identical but there are family suites and business suites available too. The conference room holds approximately 75 people Known as the Ice Capital of the World , Fairbanks has been the home for the World Ice Art Championships since its inception in 1988. This annual international ice sculpture competition sponsored by the non-profit organization, Ice Alaska, has about ...

  The rock in Bryce Canyon is composed of layer after layer of sediment deposits, deposited millions of years ago when the area was at the bottom of a lake. Now the Paria River has exposed the layers, allowing a detailed history of the lake to be determined. The Park itself was established in 1924, and was named after an early settler in the area, Ebenezer Bryce. He emigrated from Scotland, married a local girl then moved southwards in stages, building sawmills as he went. Bryce Canyon is not a canyon. It is the spectacular edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, a place where intricately carved towers and archways of stone shimmer in a dazzling array of color under the bright sun. The state of Utah in the United States is home to many beautiful National Parks, and Bryce Canyon National Park ranks as one of the most magnificent and awe inspiring. 15 million years ago the earth in this region began to shift, forming a series of plateaus. The Paunsaugunt is an extensive plateau, with the Pa...

Small towns are often like time capsules, which capture the charm and warmth of days gone by. Shinnston , West Virginia is one such town in Harrison County . Shinnston is located in the North Central part of West Virginia, where you'll find the West Fork River Rail Trail , featuring over 16 miles of scenic trails to explore. Bring along your camera and capture the West Virginia's natural beauty and wildlife. The trail is also popular with hikers, and for horseback riding. You can also rent a bike if you did not bring your own and set off for a ride along the trail. As you ride you find yourself discovering several of the other nearby towns, and country roads. This is usually where we find great Farmer's Markets that are perfect for picking up a healthy snack or treat. You can also enjoy recreation at nearby Audra , and Cedar Creek , Stonewall Jackson State Parks or visit Coopers Rock, which has a wonderful view of the Cheat Rive r gorge. Interesting sites to visit along ...

  Imagine a hot summer day splashing around in refreshing, clear sparkling blue water or taking time out while you enjoy yourself relaxing in the sun on “real sand” that is located throughout the park! “ Soak City Waterpark has all of that and more for those of us who love the beach and for those who love to play in the water. The water park is exhilarating and full of excitement with awesome water adventures along with being beautifully landscaped with flour soft white sand throughout the park. And for those of us that are thrill seekers, the “Aztec Adventure water coaster” is an exciting experience and also is the only water coaster in the Midwest to go play on. Or you can try a ride in “Volcanic Panic”, this action packed slide will take you twisting and turning with a lot of fun and excitement with a splash! For those who want to experience the thrill of all thrills! Check out the “the Cliff”. On this awesome slide you take a plunge 5 full stories in 3 seconds, WOW, now that’s ...

  Travelers visiting Idaho's majestic landscape find Historic sites and Cultural events to explore. Idaho is a haven for those who love the outdoors. From Hell's Canyon and Heaven's Gate, to thousands of natural springs, rapid white waters, and a city of rocks; you'll find adventure around every bend in Idaho. Our journey through Idaho took us through stunning landscapes and along crystal clear lakes. We discovered paradise, and continued our search for the wild side of Idaho, and then our adventure along Idaho's Main Salmon and Middle Fork of the Salmon river began. With Warren River Expeditions, Inc . we have the choice of 5, 6, and 10 day white water rafting trips on Idaho's Main Salmon and Middle Fork of the Main Salmon rivers. It's said that both of these rivers are arguably two of the finest white water experiences in the world. We found out there's nothing like the rush of heading down the river and finding ancient rock drawings around the bend. T...

  The National Park Foundation is proud to release their annual ‘Top 10’ list, a photography guide highlighting the very best Fall photo experiences in America’s national parks and public lands. Coming in at number two among the ‘Top 10’ is Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its unique geology, consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The vast and austere landscape is one of the world’s most scenic backdrops. Its awe-inspiring canyons and cliffs embrace a spectacular array of geological wonders. This high, rugged, and remote region has bold plateaus and multi-hued cliffs running for distances that defy human perspective. The park’s diverse landscape makes Bryce Canyon National Park an ideal site for photographers to explore the rich color and texture of rock formations. A Ford Photo Tip For Your Trip - With such vast beauty it is often best to search for details, and this is easy to do when...

  The Tamarack’s first boutique hotel, the Members’ Lodge & Spa brings new meaning to luxury and relaxation in Idaho. With luxury hotel rooms and condominium suites overlooking the beautiful Osprey Meadows on one side and Tamarack Mountain on the other guests can simply relax and take in the natural beauty or explore the many adventures diversions offered at the Tamarack. Let your troubles slip away at the luxurious Santé Spa at the Tamarack that features three treatment rooms and two styling stations, the latest in massage therapy, facials, peels, envelopments, waxing and tinting, pedicures, manicures, and hair styles. Work out in the state-of-the-art Nordic center or join a fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates, as well as personal training and stretching sessions. In the evening enjoy a gourmet meal at Morels, featuring an expanded menu of Pacific Northwest cuisine while you enjoy The view through the 100-foot wall of windows featuring amazing views of the Tamarack meadow...

  There are truly remarkable recreational opportunities in every region of Idaho – hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, camping and much more. Idaho mountain ski resorts are ready to see the snow fly on another outstanding ski season. New lifts, runs and facilities abound, making this winter in Idaho really sizzle as a vacation spot to remember. Schweitzer Mountain Resort , located in North Idaho, is becoming an all-season, destination resort overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. With more than 2,500 acres of skiable downhill terrain and eight lifts, including Idaho’s only high-speed, six-passenger chairlift, this mountain resort is already a spectacular family or solo destination. The resort’s newest features include recently constructed ski-in, ski-out accommodations and additions to the Stomping Grounds Terrain Park, which include the new Terrain Garden, featuring entry-level and intermediate jumps and rails, along with the addition of six Planet Snow Design rails. Ano...

  Classic Journeys' host adventures for family's which are unique and memorable each summer in the U.S. and Canada. This is a chance to enjoy six days filled with nature hikes, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and cookouts under the stars. The wonderful Classic Journey guides make the experience a fresh and exciting trip that is fun and educational as well. Among the recent Classic Journeys families can enjoy together are a adventure at Montana's Glacier Park or head to Bryce, Grand Canyon & Zion in Utah. They also explore the Canadian Rockies and offer a deluxe camping trip as well, and have trips to Nova Scotia. Families can also explore the San Juan Islands on a Classic Journey. If you've been looking for a unique way to celebrate a family gathering or create that once in a lifetime trip, Classic Journeys has adventures for every age, and can help you plan a amazing adventure. By Melody Schubert Plan A Trip To Utah: Explore the vast beauty, history, recreation a...

  Moonlight Meadow is the place to watch the scenery change as the sun goes down. The view of Canyon Country is spectacularly framed between Haystack Peak and Brumley Ridge. Brew some tea, stay for the sunset and ski in the moonlight! For those who prefer a little warmer atmosphere, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open year-round, with the Visitor Centers closed only on Christmas Day. With the crowds of the main season gone, the serenity of the parks unfold as you explore nature and take in the sparkling beauty. Generally mild winters lend to sunny winter-warm days that make hiking especially pleasurable.   Under a blanket of white or even a skiff of snow the views in the parks are magnificent, with the glistening white snow creating a stark contrast against the red rock. Rock formations that go unnoticed during the other seasons, suddenly come to life in the winter snow. Photograph opportunities are spectacular due to the added dimensions brought out by the w...

  Whether you want to commune with nature or have some mechanized fun; the perfect activity is waiting for you in Deer Valley , Utah . On a vacation in the winter you can enjoy awesome downhill skiing, and there are plenty of other fun activities that the winter snow provides. Enjoy the area's undefiled wilderness by touring the area by way of cross-country ski or snowshoe. It is a physical, yet relaxing possibility that is sure to make you feel in harmony with nature. Especially if you are new to backcountry adventure, it is a wise thing to go with a guide, although, the flight back to civilization in a Search and Rescue helicopter is a pretty memorable experience. If you like taking in the scenery with ease and speed, embarking on a snowmobile tour is a great option. Deer Valley offers the Summit Meadows Adventure snowmobile tours. Tours are held on the Garff Ranch which is only 5 miles from nearby Park City's historic downtown. This seven THOUSAND acre ranch is available by ...