by ARA

(ARA) - The world is full of amazing things to see, but there are a select few sites that people agree are truly wonders of the world. The tradition started a long time ago, in ancient Greece, when Antipater of Sidon listed the unrivaled buildings of the day. More recently, new lists of world wonders have been proposed including both man-made and natural sites, providing the perfect blueprint for a traveler's "bucket list". Luckily, Americans can start checking things off right in their own spectacular backyard by taking a Grand Canyon tour.

The Grand Canyon is not just something to see, but a destination to be experienced. Standing on the rim will give you breathtaking views, certainly, but a natural wonder of the world deserves being seen within a more in-depth context. The added dimension of hearing the story of the canyon's formation is easiest to come by if you join a Grand Canyon tour, like those offered by Tauck. Not only does a tour give you unusual access to the sites, enriching your visit, but the cost savings, when compared to arranging everything on your own, can be as much as 40 percent.

To make the most of a Grand Canyon tour, be sure that you include these essential elements in your itinerary:

• Go beyond the average view of the Grand Canyon. The complex history of the Grand Canyon stretches back eons. Rather than sticking your nose in a guide book and missing the scenery, a lecture given by an expert geologist gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of what you're seeing. Learn about the ecology and geology during your Grand Canyon tour before heading out for a full day's exploration.
• Take in the surrounding scenery. Because the Grand Canyon is situated in one of America's most scenically dramatic regions, the opportunity to see the surrounding areas is one that you should take advantage of as well. Places like Sedona, Ariz., Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are all within reasonable distances and should figure into your travel plans as well; check to see if they are built into your Grand Canyon tour.
• Relax in stylish hotels. The American Southwest is home to some of the country's top resorts and hotels, where a memorable stay adds to the overall experience. Don't miss the chance to stay at a lodge within the Grand Canyon National Park, where you can experience the landscape from sunrise to starry night. Nearby travel hubs like Scottsdale and Las Vegas offer the ultimate in luxury hotels for kicking back, pre- or post- your Grand Canyon tour adventure.

Explore your adventurous side. Taking a hike is a great way to get up close and personal with the landscapes of the Southwest, but there are other ways to dive into the experience. Try a float trip down the Colorado River, which winds its way through the region and carves out a dramatic path through the Grand Canyon. Or take wing on a helicopter ride that gives you a whole new perspective on the size and grandeur of the site.

While there's no denying that the Grand Canyon is a photogenic place, traveling to this natural wonder will show you just how difficult it is to capture its true beauty, immensity and magic. And because it epitomizes the concept of a "wonder of the world," it's the perfect place to kick off your goal to see the most amazing sights on the planet.

by Tom Medema as told to Adrienne Freeman, Park Ranger, Yosemite National Park

Guided snowshoe walks are great opportunities to explore the park. Here, chief naturalist Tom Medema greets visitors at the trailhead. (NPS photo)

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Marked winter trails around Badger Pass, Crane Flat, and in the Mariposa Grove accommodate beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. (NPS photo)

For many, winter is the best time to come; a secret season when the crowds are gone and the air is clear. Yosemite visitors have formed winter traditions for generations in places like Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass. We asked our Chief of Interpretation, Tom Medema, an epic winter sports enthusiast, to share his impressions of a perfect winter day in Yosemite.

Here is his response:

Winter has the opposite effect on me as it does on much of Yosemite's wildlife. Instead of entering hibernation, it is a time of awakening and invigoration like no other! Crisp clean air, brilliant blue sky set against the blanket of white, silence except for the stride of my skis, joyful screams of trepidation and glee on the ski hill and ice rink — these are things that keep one coming back to Yosemite in winter day after day, week after week, year after year.

Imagine the perfect winter morning: Yosemite Valley is blanketed in white with a fresh coat of snow outlining every detail – rock walls, black oaks, riverbanks, and historic buildings. The sublime scenery created in winter here is almost overwhelming.

And it's not just the stunning site that takes my breath away … the historic and significant ice rink at Curry Village offers visitors and locals alike a unique and addicting way to raise heartbeats and stretch cramped winter legs. In the 1930s, Yosemite boasted a successful travelling club hockey team, a team that travelled as far as Los Angeles to play matches. Figure skating, speed skating, and ice dancing were all the rage at Curry Village; a unique tradition that continues today with adult and youth hockey, figure skating lessons, and open skating for the public — all in the shadow of Half Dome and Glacier Point. It is unquestionably the most scenic ice rink in the world.

For ski enthusiasts, the perfect day starts with a careful drive up the mountain road to Badger Pass for a quiet morning of cross-country touring on trails surrounding the downhill ski area. Follow this with a fun and adventurous snowshoe walk with a park ranger and end the day in high spirits with an afternoon of lift-line-free downhill or telemark skiing at the oldest and most historic ski area in California! Badger Pass is a perfectly unintimidating family mountain, great for beginners and tough enough for experienced skiers to find great lines through the trees or on the short steeps.

Want to get involved and learn more about how you can create a perfect winter day? To start your own Yosemite tradition, visit our website at www.nps.gov/yose and start planning.

by ARA

(ARA) - No matter how strong the familial bonds, traveling with multiple generations of family members can be a challenge. Perhaps Grandpa loves visiting historic sites, while his toddler granddaughter prefers amusement parks. Grandma relishes museum hopping while Mom wants to shop the day away. And the only thing they all agree on is the need for an afternoon nap.

Adults traveling with children or grandchildren make up 30 percent of all adult leisure travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association. And family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips per year, the association reports. Traveling with grandparents is on the rise, too; nearly four out of every 10 leisure travelers are grandparents, according to a report in TravelAge West.

"Interestingly, the economy seems to have had less of an impact on family travel than on other travel segments," says Kimberly Miles of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "People see traveling with family as an important way to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. With today's hectic schedules, many families appreciate the opportunity traveling together gives them to spend quality time together and create lasting memories."

Traveling with multiple generations can be a rewarding experience. Keep these tips in mind to help ensure your multi-generational family travel is fun, safe and rewarding for everyone in the group:

Choose wisely

When you have to please tastes and preferences that vary as widely as those between grandparents and grandkids, the destination you choose for your family vacation becomes even more important. Choosing a destination that's focused on a single theme (such as an amusement park or beach resort) or that has limited access to a variety of attractions may leave at least some members of the group disappointed.

Look for destinations that specialize in accommodating family travelers with a wide variety of activities, attractions and types of lodging and dining. For example, Myrtle Beach has earned a reputation as a family-friendly destination for its broad range of things to see and do, including miles of pristine beaches, zoos, amusement parks, museums, natural preserves, and outstanding shopping and dining.

Another advantage of Myrtle Beach is its drivability from practically anywhere on the eastern seaboard. Family travelers often prefer destinations that are within driving distance of home. Road trips can help reduce transportation costs, and smart families can make the journey to their vacation spot part of the overall experience.

Consider special needs

In many ways, children and seniors have a lot in common when it comes to travel and special needs. In addition to an entertaining time, both kids and grandparents will need regular meal times and plenty of rest in order to maximize their vacation enjoyment. The adults coordinating the trip will need to keep in mind any special dietary needs of all members in the group.

Before setting out, adults should coordinate medication management to ensure everyone has an adequate supply of any necessary prescriptions. They may also need to provide additional transportation options for any family members with mobility issues. For example, grandparents who normally use a walker may prefer the convenience of a wheelchair or scooter if the family will be visiting an attraction where they will be doing a lot of walking. The family may also need to forego visits to attractions where the terrain would be challenging for very young children or others with mobility issues.

Get everyone involved in planning

Certainly all adults in the party should have a say in where the family will go, and older kids can also get into the act. The choice of destination and what sights you'll see can be a group activity, and grandparents and children can enjoy researching together everything there is to see and do.

Involving everyone in the planning can also make trip preparations go more smoothly. For example, retired grandparents can ease pre-trip stress by helping parents confirm hotel, airline and rental car reservations. Teens and grandparents can team up to research dining options and plan family meals on the road.

"Traveling as a family can be an enriching experience for everyone," Kimberly Miles says. "By choosing the right destination and putting some extra thought into planning and preparations, you can help ensure everyone enjoys the trip."

by The Civil War Trust

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Wilson’s Creek--Missouri State Guardsmen fighting on Bloody Hill. (National Park Service Photo)

Candlelight Christmas Tours, Gettysburg, Pa. - The Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg, Pa. will be hosting Candlelight Christmas Tours every Saturday through December 17. Guests will take an interpretive tour of the house, which will be adorned in 1860s Christmas decorations, while learning about how the Shriver family experienced the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War.

The Shriver House Museum is located at 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Pa. For more information, visit: www.shriverhouse.org/2011_Christmas_Tour.html

Annual Olde Tyme Christmas Holiday, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. - The Harpers Ferry historic downtown area will host holiday events throughout the weekends of December 2-4 and 9-10. The festivities will begin on Friday, December 2 with a yule log celebration. Activities include all day bake sales, breakfast with Santa, horse and wagon rides, children's storytelling hour, and ornament making. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will hold a special living history program, "Captain Flagg's U.S. Quartermaster City," depicting the experience of Union soldiers stationed in town at Christmas 1864.

Historic downtown Harpers Ferry is located off U.S. Route 340, in Jefferson County, W.Va. For more information, visit: www.historicharpersferry.com/articles/old_tyme_christmas.php

Christmas Open House, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove, Ark. - On December 4-5, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park will host a Civil War-themed Christmas Open House. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., guests will be able to attend guided tours of the historic Latta and Morrow houses. The event will also include demonstrations of period crafts, including lace making and spinning and weaving, with local artisans.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is located at 506 East Douglas Street, Prairie Grove, Ark. For more information, visit: www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield/events/park-events-details.aspx?id=43435

Annual Luminary Driving Tour, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Republic, Mo. - On Saturday, December 10, from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wilson's Creek National Battlefield will host its eighth annual memorial luminary driving tour, featuring 2,539 individual lights representing those killed, wounded, or missing during the August 1861 battle. Vehicles will embark on a five-mile driving tour through the battlefield, with stops at the Ray House and the visitor center. Visitors are encouraged to tour the Ray House and learn about the hardships faced by local families during the Civil War. Music, refreshments, and information will be provided at the visitor center.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located ten miles southwest of Springfield, Mo., at the intersection of Highway ZZ and Farm Road 182. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/wicr

19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor, Wilderness, Va. - On Saturday, December 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Ellwood Manor on Virginia's Wilderness battlefield will host its 19th Century Christmas. This family-friendly event will feature period decorations crafted by the Fawn Lake Garden Club, children's crafts and games, plus the event's highlight - a visit from the Victorian-era Santa Claus. Interpreters will recount how Christmas was celebrated at the manor, read Christmas letters from Civil War soldiers and perform period music.

Ellwood Manor is located at 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, Va. For more information, visit: www.fowb.org/events

The Civil War Discovery Trail, a network of more than 600 sites in 32 states, the District of Columbia and three international destinations, is an excellent resource in planning visits this holiday season and beyond. Explore Civil War history and plan your next trip online at www.civilwardiscoverytrail.org.

The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 30,000 acres of battlefield land in 20 states. Learn more at www.civilwar.org, the home of the Civil War sesquicentennial.

by ARA

(ARA) - This year, thousands of Americans will be hitting the roads in their RVs and facing cold temperatures, along with the snowy and icy conditions winter weather brings. These factors are not only a nuisance, but at times, very dangerous, even for the most confident and experienced drivers. Simple driving maneuvers, such as starting, stopping and making turns can become very challenging if vehicles are not properly prepared for inclement weather.

After their homes, the second-largest financial investment for most is their vehicle; helping it stay in good working order during the colder months of the year should be a top priority. Because money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that could be put off, at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even help create unsafe driving.

To prepare vehicles for the winter months ahead, here are some simple tips to help you arrive safely at your destination.

Traction is key: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with wet weather and unpredictable winter conditions ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. Your tires need good traction to help keep your RV on the road. It's important to have the correct tire tread and in particularly cold climates, drivers should consider investing in winter tires. For example: The Winter Reactive Technology used in Goodyear's Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires offer a combination of innovative tire features to help drivers react to changing weather conditions with enhanced starting, stopping and turning traction for superior performance on the roads. Winter driving experts such as the ILR Car Control School, located in Mount Albert, Ontario, choose Goodyear UGI Ice WRT for superior performance in winter conditions.

Feel the pressure: As temperatures change, so does tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and even good fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked at least monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle's fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

Keep it clean: Consumers' RVs, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the RV's finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a RV's finish.

Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

Be prepared: Keep a survival kit handy. A flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, water bottles, cellphone charger, jumper cables, flares, a "help" sign, and a first aid kit will prepare you for emergency situations or unexpected breakdowns.

For more helpful information on tires, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyear.com.

by Civil War Trust

Sunset at Gettysburg

There is no better way to observe Veterans Day and pay tribute to our brave men and women in uniform than to visit one of our nation’s Civil War historic sites and battlefields.

Veterans Day is a holiday set aside to honor America’s military servicemen and women. There is no better way to observe this day and pay tribute to our brave men and women in uniform than to visit one of our nation’s Civil War historic sites and battlefields. The Civil War Trust has compiled a list of our favorite Civil War sites to visit for Veterans Day.

African-American Civil War Memorial and Museum, Washington, D.C.: The African-American Civil War Memorial and Museum honors the 209,000 black soldiers and their 7,000 white officers who fought in the Civil War. The highlight of the memorial is sculptor Ed Hamilton’s dramatic “Spirit of Freedom” monument. The names of the soldiers are engraved on plaques, placed on curved walls behind the sculpture. The recently-opened nearby museum interprets the African American experience in the Civil War. For more information, visit www.afroamcivilwar.org.

Andersonville National Historic Site, Georgia: Located in central Georgia, Andersonville National Historic Site remembers the sacrifice of American prisoners of war from the Revolutionary War through Operation Iraqi Freedom, and every conflict in between. The park comprises the remains of Camp Sumter, where 45,000 Union prisoners once struggled to survive, as well as the National Prisoner of War Museum and Andersonville National Cemetery. Veterans Day weekend features the Avenue of Flags, a display honoring prisoners of war. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ande.

Carnton House and Plantation, Franklin, Tennessee: Carnton House and Plantation is located on part of the 1864 Franklin battlefield. In the days after the battle, the plantation was overwhelmed with more than 6,000 Confederate casualties, leaving the floors of the plantation forever bloodstained. Today, many of those causalities rest in the nearby McGavock Confederate Cemetery. Originally, the cemetery, with its 1,500 burials, was watched over by Carrie McGavock, popularly known as the “Widow of the South” for her devotion to the project, which was immortalized in a New York Times bestselling novel of the same name. For more information, visit www.carnton.org.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia and Tennessee: Located on the border of Georgia and Tennessee, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was the first battlefield park created by the federal government. It encompasses hallowed ground associated with the two major battles that give the park its name, fought in the fall of 1863. For Veterans Day, the park hosts a special exhibit entitled “Enlisted Men of the Civil War,” which examines the life of the common solider of the conflict. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/chch.

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick, Maryland: Established in 1990, the museum tells the story of medical treatment and the medical profession during the Civil War. The museum began as a private collection of medical artifacts. Today, the museum highlights the challenges faced by the doctors and surgeons of the Civil War-era and the medical innovations developed at that time. It also tells the story of camp life and the home front. In addition to its Frederick site, the museum maintains the Pry House Field Hospital on the Antietam battlefield. For more information, visit: www.civilwarmed.org.

Soldiers National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Soldiers National Cemetery was created in the fall of 1863, in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg. The site, located on aptly-named Cemetery Hill, was set aside by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to properly bury the Union dead of the battle. Eventually, more than 3,500 Union soldiers from 18 states were reinterred in the cemetery, many of them unknown to this day. In November 1863, President Lincoln attended ceremonies dedicating the new cemetery, delivering his immortal Gettysburg Address. Today, the cemetery is part of Gettysburg National Military Park. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/gett.

The Civil War Discovery Trail, a network of 600 sites in 32 states, the District of Columbia and three international destinations, is an excellent resource in planning visits this Veterans Day and beyond. Explore Civil War history and plan your next trip online at www.civilwardiscoverytrail.org.

The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its goal is to preserve our nation’s endangered Civil War sites and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds through education and heritage tourism. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 30,000 acres of battlefield land in 20 states. Please visit the Trust’s website at www.civilwar.org, the home of the Civil War sesquicentennial.

by ARA

(ARA) - Cooler weather doesn't mean your outdoor fun has to cool off too. Plenty of travel destinations, especially those in southern states, offer temperate climates and ample opportunities for outdoor enjoyment throughout fall and into winter.

If you're planning a cool-weather vacation, but aren't necessarily interested in snow sports, you can find a destination that will still allow you to enjoy the great outdoors. Keep three key considerations in mind as you search for your destination: climate, convenience and attractions.

Climate

Millions of Americans every year hit the ski slopes in winter, but you don't have to limit your outdoor vacationing to mountain resorts and snow-themed activities. Many locations throughout the southern states maintain temperate climates year round, meaning you'll find a greater variety of outdoor activities there in winter than you would in snowy regions.

Beach locations, like Myrtle Beach, S.C., can offer a range of outdoor fun, from watersports -- like kayaking and fishing -- that work well in cooler months, to biking, hiking or simply walking on the beach. While the water may be too cold for swimming by late in the season, year-round sun ensures a stroll on the beach will be just as enjoyable in October as it is in spring and summer. Other popular beach activities like bird-watching and crabbing continue year round.

Look for destinations that also offer outdoor fun in a less wild setting, such as golf courses or botanical gardens. The Myrtle Beach area boasts more than 100 golf courses, many open year round. Brookgreen Gardens features more than 300 acres of gardens and outdoor sculpture art, and is open all year.

Convenience

Since your fall or winter getaway may be shorter than your summer vacation, the last thing you want to do is spend a big chunk of it getting to your destination. Look for a vacation spot that is either an easy drive from where you live or that is served by a major airport. Positioned around the midpoint of the Eastern seaboard, Myrtle Beach is a reasonable drive from most points in the East. And the Myrtle Beach International Airport, which is serviced by many major carriers, and budget airlines like Spirit and Direct Air, makes it easy to reach area beaches and other offerings from anywhere in the country.

Activities

Attractions in many northern shore resort towns shut down in the winter. But choosing a destination with a temperate climate ensures you'll find more attractions open and operating throughout the fall and into winter. From amusement parks and miniature golf, to triathlons and camping, you'll find a wealth of outdoor activities and events in full swing in southern regions.

Many traditional beach activities like jet skiing, parasailing or even surfing can still be accomplished in cooler weather with the simple addition of the right insulating attire. You can also kayak, canoe and tube, fish, or simply explore nearby wildlife in national parks throughout the south.

And while summer festivals and barbecues may be over in northern regions, southern spots like Myrtle Beach host fun events well into fall and winter. For example, the city's popular annual Triathlon and Mini Marathon both take place in October, when crowds are smaller and temperatures cooler, and the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February attracts more than 10,000 people annually.

Winter's approach doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to hanging out indoors or learning to ski. By choosing the right destination, you can enjoy the great outdoors well into the winter months.

by ARA

(ARA) - Pull that fleece jacket out of the back of the closet, order up a pumpkin-spice latte, and breathe in the crisp morning air. Yes, fall is here. And that means the trees are beginning their yearly transformation into blazing glory. And what better way to enjoy the show than to hop in the RV, and let the beautiful sights coast by. Here are the top scenic drives to see those vibrant leaves:

Route 7 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont)
Prime Time: mid-September through early October

"Vermont gets all the fall foliage glory, but southern New England has its fair share of blazing hillsides and quaint roadside towns," says Pieter van Noordennen, editor of travel advice site Away.com and a Connecticut native. U.S. Route 7 runs 308 miles from Norwalk, Conn., to Highgate, Vt., passing through the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts and Connecticut, and continuing to the Green Mountains in Vermont. Fifty percent of the trees in this area are red and sugar maples, creating the scarlet red and warm orange glow that is legendary in these parts. These spots are no doubt a mecca for serious leaf-peepers. Make a weekend of it with a bed and breakfast in Middlebury or a camping spot at Kent Falls State Park. And if you need a break from snapping leaf pictures, head to Waterbury, Vt., for a yummy tour of the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory. Route 7 was not unscathed by Hurricane Irene. But the damage is isolated to a few sections in Vermont, and detours are in place. Besides, doesn't taking a detour every now and then make for a good adventure? Call (800) VERMONT if you have questions about Route 7.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee)
Prime Time: mid- to late-October

The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Shenandoah National Park and winds 469 miles through western North Carolina to the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. The ups and downs along this parkway range from 650 feet to over 6,000 feet, with leaf color peaking at the higher elevations first. You will find a brilliant canvas created by the deep red dogwoods, the bright yellow hickories, and the vivid orange sassafras. Orbitz recently launched an iPad app that makes booking hotels on the go easy, so you don't have to plan too far ahead. So make pit-stops along the way in the "Blue Ridge Capital" of Roanoke, Va., hippy-chic Asheville, N.C., and the spectacle that is Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi)
Prime Time: mid- to late-October

The Deep South breathes a collective sigh of relief as the blistering summer heat gives way to pleasant fall temperatures, and lovely foliage to go along with it. The Natchez Trace Parkway begins in Natchez, Miss., and stretches a little over 440 miles to Nashville, Tenn. In late October you will see the maples, oaks, and other hardwood trees showing off their vibrant red, yellows, oranges, and purples. And leaves aren't the only attraction. Hiking and biking trails dot the way, as do historic sites and charming craft centers, inviting you to park the car and stretch your legs. Camping is a budget-friendly option for a multi-day trip, or you can detour off the track for a comfortable hotel room.

Yosemite (California)
Prime Time: mid- to late-October

Yosemite is a beautiful park year-round, but visit in October and you'll see the maples, oaks, and dogwoods boasting their color among the evergreens. Yellow is the favorite fall color of these deciduous trees, with some red and orange splashed in. Near the Yosemite Chapel, check out the non-native sugar maple that turns a bright red; there are several short walks and stops along the way where you can get great leaf photos. To make the drive more than just a day trip, roll into little towns like Mariposa and get a restful night's sleep at the adorable bed and breakfasts.

If you need a dose of closer-to-home fall foliage, GORP.com's interactive fall color map shows peak seasons around the country.

by Michael Groomer, Chief of Interpretation & Resource Management, Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith volunteers and employees present living history demonstrations throughout the year. This rider wears the uniform of a U.S. Marshal. (NPS Photo)

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Winter snows blanket the grounds. (NPS Photo)

Nestled between the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges, Fort Smith offers a wide range of activities, exhibits, and places to see. Along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, you can read the accounts of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, and Seminole who traveled this way during their forced removal from tribal lands in the Southeast.

Established on Christmas Day 1817, the first Fort Smith protected Cherokee Indians relocating into Osage territory in the Arkansas River Valley. In 1824, the Army abandoned the fort, considered the Little Gibraltar on the Arkansas, to establish a fort farther west in the heart of Indian action.

Pressured by local citizens and politicians to provide protection from anticipated Indian attacks, the government built the second Fort Smith in 1836. Although never completely finished, the fort provided supplies and protection to soldiers fighting in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), prospectors passing through in the California Gold Rush of 1849, and military forts farther west. As a major stop on the Butterfield Trail overland stage, and with steamboats bringing fresh supplies from St. Louis and New Orleans, the town of Fort Smith prospered and grew.

The Fort Smith area also has a lot to offer the Civil War buff. Confederate forces occupied the fort (1861-1863), and it was a staging area for troops sent to fight at Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, and Prairie Grove. It was later abandoned to Union forces.

Possibly the historic site's most famous period is 1872-1896, when federal Judge Isaac C. Parker presided over one of the heaviest caseloads in U.S. history. Of the 13,000 cases he heard, 160 resulted in sentences of death by hanging — only 79 of those convicted made the final walk to the gallows. Today the gallows stands as a silent reminder of law and order on the edge of Indian Territory.

Fort Smith National Historic Site is open year-round, seven days a week, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Within a short drive you can also enjoy major lakes, national forests, state parks, and outdoor fun including swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. Start exploring at the visitor center to get the most out of your visit

by Brendan Wilson, Park Ranger, Flight 93 National Memorial

Artist's rendering of the Wall of Names and Ceremonial Gateway at the crash site. (Courtesy bioLINIA and Paul Murdoch Architects)

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View of the Memorial Plaza from the Field of Honor. (Photo: Paul Murdoch Architects)

Now, during the 10th anniversary year, the opening of the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial begins a new journey to honor their actions. A different kind of memorial has taken shape; it is more than just one memorial feature, but an entire memorial landscape, spread over almost 1,500 acres. Starting at the new entrance located off US Route 30 a two-mile long Approach Road winds through woods and fields that hint at the mining history of the rural Pennsylvania countryside and belies the violence that occurred just over the ridge. At the Ring Road, the drive becomes more formal as you are introduced to the grand scale of the fields, hills, and sky that surround the crash site and then more intimate as you make your way to the final resting place of the passengers and crew. At the end of the drive is a series of formal spaces that serve as the Gateway to the Memorial Plaza itself. Here, through interpretive panels, brochures, and the guidance of the National Park Service rangers and volunteer Ambassadors, you can explore the story in more detail.

Beyond this gateway a coal black wall zigzags into the distance, tracing the edge of the crash area itself; intimately close, but ever respectful. The first bend brings you closer to the crash site than the public has ever been permitted before and out in the field beyond, on the edge of a hemlock grove scarred by the violence of that morning, a boulder marks the area of impact. All manner of birds soar on the wing and breezes stir the grasses, flowers, and trees. The stark colors, gray, black, and white, are severe, yet harmonize with the land and allow the earth and sky to provide an ever changing palette of colors. There is serenity, but also an acknowledgment of this as a site of violence.

The walk culminates at the white marble walls which indicate the plane's flight path. As part of these walls, forty marble panels stand, polished so one can barely discern where sky begins and marble ends. On each is inscribed the name of a passenger or crew member; the names of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, sisters, and brothers. Each panel represents an individual, but together they create a larger element that reminds us that these forty people took action as part of combined and unified effort.

Only by standing on the edge of the crash site, or before the names, or surrounded by the grand scope of fields and sky, can one begin to understand the uniqueness of this place. On the evening of September 9, 2011, the temporary Flight 93 Memorial will close for the last time and the next day the permanent memorial will open. Come experience for yourself a completely new and singular place of commemoration and healing.

While this dedication is a milestone, it is only one of three phases of construction. Find out how you can play a part in the next phases.