Springtime beckons travelers to get outdoors. Surround yourself with natural beauty at the destinations below, and discover new attractions and ways to enhance your experience in the outdoors. Enjoy outdoor experiences in Eastern Tennessee Eastern Tennessee is a popular destination for travelers wanted to explore the Great Smoky Mountains, but this spring there are even more reasons to find yourself in this part of the country. In Gatlinburg, buckle up for a thrill ride on Anakeesta's new Hellbender Smoky Mountain Coaster, with heart-pounding twists, gravity-defying drops and jaw-dropping views. Nearby, in Sevierville, a first-of-its-kind lazy river experience, Kaleidoscope Kavern Lazy River, features a uniquely immersive tunnel inspired by the Smoky Mountains, dynamic kaleidoscope lighting and sound to captivate the imagination at Wilderness at the Smokies. While in town, don't forget to see the Dolly Parton Experience, opening in May at Dollywood; it includes exhibits which span Dolly Parton's iconic career, a look at the inspiration for her biggest dreams, importance of family and a curated exhibit highlighting her signature style through the years. In northeast Tennessee, stargazing adventures and breathtaking views await on the Tennessee Night Sky Trail. Unveil a unique journey traversing the trail by your zodiac sign at one of the nine viewing areas. In Knoxville, on May 11th this year, the Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival returns to World's Fair Park with a brand new TN Whiskey Experience, food trucks, craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails, Maker Market and performances by Old Crow Medicine Show, The Dirty Guv'nah's and Maggie Rose. In addition to the popular draw of the Smokies, there are also plenty of amazing state parks in the state. Learn new skills like backpacking or birding, take a guided kayak tour, night moon hike or enjoy spring events and festivals at one of 57 Tennessee State Parks. See the beauty of Illinois, beyond Chicago Starved Rock Waterfall - courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism today announced its new outdoor video series featuring stories from Illinois adventurers spotlighting the extensive range of outdoor recreation and activities available throughout the state. The series of videos titled, “Real People, Real Stories, Real Outdoors,” aims to capture genuine experiences of Illinois residents and visitors exploring the outdoors, while highlighting the state's natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Home to 70 state parks and recreation areas, 2,900 lakes and seven national scenic byways, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure in Illinois. The stories featured in this new content series uncover picturesque nature trails, hidden gems, iconic landmarks, unique stays and beyond. Travelers can find inspiration in this new content to plan their own getaway to the state. "This campaign inspires visitors to explore all that Illinois has to offer and positions the state as a leading outdoor destination – especially in downstate Illinois,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Illinois' one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences have the power to attract a large market of outdoor enthusiasts and bring economic development to more rural areas of the state. This campaign shows the world why Illinois' outdoor wonders should be at the top of everyone's travel bucket list.” "In our increasingly hectic and digital world, it's vital to reconnect with the great outdoors, where every hiking trail offers a journey of discovery and every beautiful scene reveals a moment to remember,” said Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The content series features up close and personal stories of friends and families in Illinois as they explore outdoor destinations, including: A love letter to family camping & fishing in Illinois: For Dennis and Carol Sporleder, visiting their home state of Illinois is an opportunity to create special memories with their granddaughters by returning to some of their beloved places like Rock Cut State Park near Rockford and Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby. To watch the Sporleder family's experience, click here. Finding beauty in a nature escape from Chicago: Watch as a group of friends escape Chicago to discover the beauty of diverse landscapes like Camp Aramoni's luxury safari-style campground in LaSalle County and Rend Lake in Southern Illinois. The group's experience creates an easy itinerary for outdoor adventure options like paddling, swimming and off-the-grid camping with friends and family. To watch their adventure, click here. Adventures in Illinois to challenge and inspire you: Follow Chicago adaptive climber Meaghan Cusack and her squad to some of Illinois' best climbing spots for people of all abilities and skill levels, including Cave-in-Rock State Park, Giant City State Park near the Shawnee National Forest and breathtaking Pere Marquette State Park along the Mississippi River. To watch Meaghan's inspiring journey, click here. Feel enchanted under the night sky of Arizona Saguaro National Park at night - courtesy of Arizona / Ray Cleveland Soak in breathtakingly clear star-scattered skies by visiting Arizona's 7 Dark Sky Communities, 12 Dark Sky Parks, and 1 Urban Night Sky Place. Stargaze in Flagstaff, the first ever Dark Sky Community and home to the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. Then start making plans to return to Lowell this fall to participate in the opening of its new Discovery Center. All three of Arizona's National Parks have been recognized for their limited light pollution with both the Grand Canyon National Park and Petrified Forest National Park being designated International Dark Sky Parks and Saguaro National Park being an Urban Night Sky Place. Catch sight of the Milky Way while exploring Sedona, Fountain Hills, Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox and Mt Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory in Tucson. Looking for a unique place to stay? Live within an earth and log hoghann (Hogan) and enjoy a traditional Navajo dinner thanks to the Navajo Experience offered by Shash Dine Eco-Retreat located near Page. During your two-night minimum stay, hear Navajo stories while eating savory lamb, bread and desserts underneath an endless starry sky before waking up for the morning walking tour to witness an unparalleled sunrise. Add additional BMW convertible tours that explore the desert, night sky and sunrise to reconnect with nature. Explore a luminous site at Lookout Mountain, Georgia Rock City gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia by Chris Boyer - Unsplash Rock City is one of the South’s most popular natural attractions. Known for its unique geological and botanical wonders, the enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, a large waterfall that cascades down Lookout Mountain and the Swing-A-Long Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet. See Rock City like never before at Rock City Nights: Flora Luna, the attraction’s brandnew evening experience! Visit nightly from April 5 through May 12, Sunday through Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Low-light lanterns illuminate this one-of-a-kind garden party with a fine selection of wine and beer, luminous art creations and locally sourced small plate food. “Flora Luna invites guests to discover Rock City in a whole new way while enjoying small bites and drinks in an artful and inspiring environment,” said Kim Jackson, Flora Luna storyteller and curator. “One-of-a-kind sculptural installations, an original musical score and poetic story stitches are woven together to invite guests to engage, reflect and contemplate what inspires them.” Flora Luna highlights Rock City’s natural environment and artfully tells the story of the Enchanted Trail’s beginnings. Follow the path that Rock City founder Frieda Carter first marked with red string over 90 years ago and be one of the first to cross the Swing-A-Long Bridge at night! The softly lit trail winds through multiple food and beverage locations, where tastes and flavors thematically compliment the sights and sounds of the gardens’ surroundings. Hear an original musical composition by composer Tim Hinck blend with the natural sounds of water, wind and cicadas. “Flora Luna offers guests the opportunity to learn about the amazing local farms, producers and fantastic foods that exist right here in our area,” said Aaron Reed, SRC director of food and beverage. “The southern Appalachia region is extraordinarily abundant in food, and we are proud to be a steward of that rich and wonderful heritage.” The culinary experience begins with seasonal fruit and cheese skewers featuring Sequatchie Cove Creamery cheese and locally sourced fruits and mint. Head to Café 7 for slow-smoked brisket, fresh-braised greens and twice-fried Mediterranean wings with a regional craft beer or Italian wine. Enjoy a culinary experience with a view while listening to the tintinnabulation of the sound installation, Chime Tree. Choose from a wide drink selection at Perch and enjoy a relaxed experience in a sittable sculpture installation and suspended woven papasan chairs in this avian-inspired location. The foodie experience continues at Hearth for cast-iron-grilled red wine-braised short rib on French potatoes and poached chicken thighs on artichokes. Make room for dessert; both Hearth and Café 7 are serving Clumpies’ Brownie a la mode and seasonal ice cream with fudge sauce. Tickets are available online only at www.SeeRockCity.com/floraluna. Guests can purchase a sip and savor pass with their ticket purchase to receive all food and beverage offerings at a discount. Gem members receive free admission and a free food item or non-alcoholic beverage at Parterre at The Garden Party.

For literature and history lovers, Alabama is a perfect and budget-friendly destination to explore American culture. The Southern destination is home to several American authors' hometowns, and features many historically important sites across the state. Alabama is also a great state for roadtripping. Visitors can drive from Huntsville in the north to Mobile in the South in just over five hours. What’s more, none of the major sites are more than 2.5 hours from each other: Birmingham is just 1.5 hours to both Huntsville and Montgomery, which in turn is 2.5 hours from Mobile. The state is easy to get to as well, with direct flights to Atlanta, Georgia, a two-hour drive from Birmingham. And if you want to combine it with other parts of the Deep South, New Orleans in Louisiana is a couple of hours from Mobile, while Nashville, Tennessee, is the same distance from Huntsville. Stay at F. Scott Fitzegerald's former home (Montgomery)Geese in Montgomery, Alabama by Rojan Maharjan - Unsplash Tender is The Night turns 90 in 2024. F. Scott Fitzgerald worked on parts of Tender is The Night while staying in Montgomery with his wife Zelda from 1931 to 1932; the book was published in 1934 and was the author’s last completed novel. The couples’ former home is now a museum, and you can stay upstairs in the one-bedroom Scott apartment or the two-bedroom Zelda for two (thefitzgeraldmuseum.org). While both are as period accurate as possible (the Scott features original wallpaper in the bedroom and living room), they have kitchens and modern bathrooms. Zelda wrote part of her novel Save me The Waltz there; she was also an artist – you can see some of her work at The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (mmfa.org). The centenary of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous novel, is in 2025.Visit where life is "like a box of chocolates" (Mobile) July marks 30 years since Tom Hanks told us that life was like a box of chocolates while portraying Forrest Gump in the Oscar-winning movie. The 1994 film placed Forrest’s home near the fictional town of Greenbow, Alabama, but Winston Francis Groom Jr. set his 1986 novel in his hometown of Mobile. Groom studied at the University of Alabama (also ‘attended’ by Gump) and was inspired to write the book when his father, a lawyer in Mobile, told him about a slow-witted boy he had known, whose mother taught him to play the piano. That night, the author drafted the first chapter; he finished the book’s first draft in just six weeks. Groom died in Fairhope, Alabama, in 2020 and is buried in Mobile’s Pine Crest Cemetery. His tombstone is inscribed with a quote from Forrest Gump: “So whatever else has happened, I am figgerin this: I can always look back an say, at least I ain’t led no hum-drum life. You know what I mean?”See Helen Keller’s childhood home (Tuscumbia) A 10-minute drive from Muscle Shoals is Tuscumbia, where Helen Keller was born in a house called Ivy Green in 1880. She famously became both blind and deaf as a toddler, and, with the help of her teacher Annie Sullivan, she learned her first word, water, at the well pump in the garden. The Miracle Worker, William Gibson’s tale of Helen’s childhood, is performed on the grounds of Ivy Green during the summer. Book in advance to see the true story brought to life. Tour the town that inspired Harper Lee (Monroeville)Trees in Alabama by L L Sammons - Unsplash Celebrate the 98th anniversary of Harper Lee’s birthday by watching a play of her novel To Kill a Mockingbird at the courthouse in Monroeville, the town where she grew up and which doubled as the fictional Maycomb in the book. The two-act birthday celebration play is on April 27th; the $135 ticket includes food, drink and a chance to meet the actors. Other performances are held throughout April (tokillamockingbird.com). Tickets sell out fast; those for 2025 are already on sale. Visitors to the courthouse museum can see exhibitions on Harper Lee and her childhood friend Truman Capote, the inspiration for Dill in the novel (monroecountymuseum.org). There’s also an interesting self-guided walking tour around Monroeville, including the original county jail, the elementary school and Mel’s Dairy Dream, a hamburger restaurant on the site of the author’s original home. Harper Lee’s grave is marked by a simple granite stone in the town’s Hillcrest Cemetery. More details on visitmonroevilleal.com. Those aren't the only towns with literary history in the state: Daniel Wallace, author of Big Fish, later a Tim Burton film, was born and grew up in Birmingham; while Winston Groom wrote Forest Gump in Mobile and based it in Bayou La Batre, Alabama’s fishing village and seafood processing harbor. And Barracoon, Zora Neale Hurston’s account of how Cudjo Lewis journeyed from capture in Africa to captivity in Alabama on board the Clotilda, was published in 2018, a year before the scuttled ship was identified in Mobile.Learn about Civil Rights history Overlooking the Alabama River, Freedom Monument Sculpture Park honors the lives and memories of 10 million Black people who were enslaved in America and celebrates their courage and resilience. The 17-acre site opened March 26, 2024, to the public. Visit www.legacysites.eji.org/about/monument/ for more information. Holt Street Baptist Church once was the first meeting spot for the Montgomery Improvement Association and where Martin Luther King Jr was voted as president of the MIA in 1951. It is now a museum and the newest addition to the Alabama Civil Rights Trail. The MIA was created after Rosa Parks was arrested and the Montgomery Bus Boycott had begun. More than 50 years after the United States banned participation in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the schooner Clotilda trafficked men, women and children from Africa to Mobile in 1860. It is the last known American slave ship and was destroyed to hide the evidence of the illegal activity. The ship’s remains were discovered and identified in 2019. On July 8, 2023, Africatown Heritage House opened, with multisensory exhibits and artifacts from the ship to bring life to the story of the 110 survivors, who demonstrated remarkable optimism and resilience. Visitors will also be able to take a boat tour on the Mobile River and hear stories of the captives who sailed the same waters — but in a very different manner. Today, the National Geographic documentary Clotilda: Last American Slave Ship is out on Disney+, while Netflix has bought the rights to Descendant, which tells the story of the slaves’ descendants.

For motorcyclists, now is the time to enjoy the beautiful warm and sunny weather and hit the open road. If you're looking for a destination along your next road trip, try the events and attractions below that specifically cater to bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. Rock and ride at the Loretta Lynn Ranch (Tennessee) The open road in Tennessee by Nathan Kosmak - Unsplash Rev ’em up! Get ready to rock and ride at Tennessee’s one-of-a-kind “Moto & Music” event. The seventh annual Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival (TMMR) will be held May 16-19, 2024, at the 3,500-acre Loretta Lynn Ranch at Hurricane Mills. This popular, four-day festival, presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Co. ®, is a motorcycle enthusiast’s playground and a music lover’s paradise. Tennessee’s largest motorcycle gathering will feature a stellar selection of artists across multiple genres and a huge variety of two-wheeled events. Tickets are on sale now, exclusively at www.motorcyclesandmusic.com. The two-wheeled playground offers something for everyone who enjoys motorcycles of nearly any kind. Included are Harley-Davidson demo rides, motorcycle racing, ADV trail riding, a hill climb, V-Twin Visionary performance bike show, an all-class bike show, biker games, group motorcycle rides, minibike races, stunt riders and an extraordinary showcase of hand-crafted custom motorcycles from across the country in the BC Moto Invitational. Artists and bands, including recording artists Elvie Shane, Whey Jennings and Whitey Morgan, are specially curated primarily from the region and the booming talent coming out of Music City (see full lineup here). Genres include outlaw country, southern rock, country, bluegrass and rock. Promoters from around the country make their way to the festival every year to choose bands from the extraordinary plethora of talent—it’s a musical showcase of sorts. In addition to the three main stages, TMMR features live music at the Speed Shack, aptly situated next to the racetrack, and the Waterin’ Hole, alongside Hurricane Creek. TMMR is committed to supporting U.S. military veterans and will be working with Special Ops Xcursions to provide complimentary tickets and camping to members of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). Additionally, Helmets for Heroes will showcase a variety of custom-painted ICON Motorsport helmets available by auction, with funds going to the military nonprofit. In terms of accommodations, a wide range of options are available in three unique campgrounds, including RVs, glamping, tent camping and vehicle camping. Nearby hotels and Airbnbs are also available. “It takes a lot of hard work all year long,” says singer-songwriter Tayla Lynn, granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, family ambassador for the event and co-emcee, along with motorcycling legend and salt flats land speed record holder, Jay Allen. Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival is generously supported by Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Progressive Insurance, Appleton Harley-Davidson, Bumpus Harley-Davidson, White Lightning Harley-Davidson, Frontier Coffee, Icon MotoSports, Crowe Security, Jack Daniel’s and more. For more information, visit the TMMR website, motorcyclesandmusic.com, and check out the group’s social media sites Instagram @TNMotorcycleRevival, Facebook @TnMotorcycleRevival and YouTube @TnMotorcycleRevival. Subscribe to the email list HERE or text “TMMR” to (888) 306-6093 for updates. Loretta Lynn’s ranch is located at 8000 Highway 13 South in Hurricane Mills. Guests can also tour the museums and shops in the ranch’s Western Town. "Ride into History" with antique bikes on the beach (Florida) Bikes in St. Augustine, Florida - courtesy of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau Motorcycles are more than a mode of transportation on Florida's Historic Coast – they're a way of life. The smooth roads that hug the ocean and the fresh breezes make it the perfect place to explore on two wheels. The Riding into History™ antique motorcycle event embraces this joie de vivre by featuring the most stunning bikes of yesteryear. Now in its 24th year, Riding into History™ is on Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th, with Saturday's Concours d'Elegance at its new home – the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 Dixie Highway South. The theme of this year's event is Chasing the Rising Sun featuring Japanese motorcycles. The Riding into History™ event kicks off on Friday, April 19th, with the Grand Marshal Tour and Banquet featuring the 2024 Grand Marshal, Henry DeGouw. Born in Gainesville, DeGouw had a long and successful career as a motorcycle road racer, race team manager, and promotor, beginning in 1964. He raced in the AMA Expert Formula 1 National Championship Series on the Yamaha TZ750, scoring several top-ten finishes and securing several championship wins. He promoted races throughout Florida and managed race teams competing in international championships. He was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, and his beloved 1977 Yamaha TZ750D is on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. He has also been honored with a plaque at the Daytona 200 Monument. The Grand Marshal Tour is for Concours entrants only, and they must ride antique motorbikes. They can ride with the Grand Marshal through the historic backroads of Florida's Historic Coast. This is followed by the Grand Marshal Banquet, where visitors can hear Henry DeGouw speak about this epic history of racing. The Banquet takes place at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort and features a catered banquet meal and a silent auction. Tickets for the banquet may be purchased here. Never has a machine embodied the essence of cool like vintage bikes do. The sleek lines of a classic motorcycle entices everyone from experienced riders to young children. Visitors can get up close and personal with over 300 antique and vintage motorbikes at the Riding into History™ Motorcycle Concours on Saturday, April 20th, from 10am to 4pm at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine. All bikes must be at least 35 years old to be shown, with exceptions being made for significant or limited edition later-year models and those with historical interest. The event will also feature exhibitors, dealers, food, entertainment, and curated exhibitions. Spectator tickets are $15 each at the door, or two tickets for $25 online. The Grand Marshal will present awards in multiple classes at 3pm. Chief Judge Harris Turner will oversee judging, joined by some special guests! Children ages 8 to 16 can explore their love of motorcycles by signing up for the Motorcycle Youth Judging Program. Young motorcycle enthusiasts will receive entrance to the Concours d'Elegance, easy-to-understand training, and a goodie bag. Parents can expect judging to take approximately one hour. The program is free; kids can register to be a youth judge here. With its new location at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, the Riding into History™ Concours d'Elegance is closer to the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine. The Classic Car Museum is a 30,000-square-foot special events space, museum, and classic car storage facility. Its museum showroom is packed with everything from classic cars dating back to the 1800s to modern-day supercars. Proceeds from the Riding into History™ Concours d'Elegance benefit their longtime charity partner, K9s for Warriors. Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. Whether you're a biker with thousands of miles under your belt, a dreamer, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of design, Riding into History™ is a can't-miss event! Once you're here, there are plenty of backroads, beaches, and historic landscapes to explore. Use our trip planner to craft the perfect visit to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches. Head to the Harley-Davidson Museum (Wisconsin) The Harley-Davidson logo by Austin Neill - Unsplash The collection within the halls of the H-D Museum brings to life the story of an American icon that is renowned the world over. And with Earth Day just around the corner, it’s time to Rock the Green! The 13th annual free, zero-waste Earth Day Celebration arrives on campus Saturday, April 20 and is presented by the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office and Milwaukee Riverkeepers. After helping clean up Mother Earth, join the fun outside the H-D Museum for some refreshments and a live concert with Urban Empress & The Urbanites, Sarah Fierek & The Widlflowers and Jonah Denae performing on a pedal-powered stage. Plus, learn more about eco-education from community nonprofits & partners and hear Earth Day Remarks. Rain or shine with free parking and pets are allowed outside on H-D Museum™ grounds. If you can't make it for Earth Day, try this summer: tickets are moving fast for this summer’s Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival. Visit HDHomecoming.com to secure your two-day general admission tickets for headliners like Jelly Roll and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in July. Join the fun in Milwaukee for the annual four-day celebration of music, motorcycles, and H-D’s hometown. The H-D Museum campus will be one of the places to be from July 25 – 28. This year, we’ll be celebrating legendary biker, builder, and former H-D Chief of Styling, Willie G. Davidson. Powered by Rockford Fosgate®, Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires, H-D Insurance, Twisted Tea®, Wisconsin Lottery®, Official Harley-Davidson™ Trucks and Death Wish Coffee Co.® In addition to these fun events, there are plenty of things to see and do at the museum. Current and upcoming exhibits include“Mama Tried: Bringing it Together”, J. Shia's unconventional 1972 350cc Sprint (inspired by Tchaikovsky's famous ballet "Swan Lake"), and “Creating a Legend: Art & Engineering at Harley-Davidson” (opening May 25). At the H-D Museum entrance, a new case featuring two long-time Wisconsin riders is on display. Lee and Pearl Christopherson have been together since meeting on a motorcycle in 1958. Lee was a member of the Blue Knights, a group of active or retired law enforcement officers. While Lee can’t begin to guess how many miles he’s ridden over 76 years, Pearl has kept track of her time in the saddle and surpassed 175,000 miles in the summer of 2023. The display features Pearl’s Motor Maids shirt and vest along with a Blue Knights Club vest from Lee, and the couple’s H.O.G.® patch and pin collection. The recently revealed 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival model, the fourth installment in the Harley-Davidson® Icons Motorcycle Collection, celebrates the 75th anniversary of that 1949 landmark bike, a champion of the Panhead era. And the new bike could be yours. Visit the H-D Museum to check out the original 1949 model in the H-D Museum’s Motorcycle Gallery. Then throw a leg over the 2024 Icon in the Experience Gallery and learn how you could be riding home on one of these limited-edition bikes.

Celebrate the environment, sustainability, and natural beauty by booking a trip to these lovely and Earth-friendly destinations. These places not only enchant visitors with their beautiful scenery, but special care is made by local organizations to protect and preserve their charm for generations to come. While booking a vacation for Earth Month (April) is a fun idea, there's really no bad time to visit these spots below. Explore and preserve the beauty of Hawaii Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and unique states in the US, and local efforts to preserve the people, place, and culture are strong. County of Hawai'i's Hawai'i Sustainability Summit 2024 Community Celebration takes places this year on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, April 20, 2024. Held at Kailua Kona' Brewery Block, this celebration will showcase the accomplishments of this year's Hawai'i Sustainability Summit and establish commitments to the county's sustainable initiatives. The celebration will conclude this year's summit with a community event featuring local-grown foods, sustainable products and live, local music and talent. Also on the Big Island, the Hawai'i Land Trust (HILT) has opened its first series of Talk Story on the Land Hikes and Volunteer Days at the Māhukona Navigational and Ecological Complex on the Kohala Coast. In December, HILT, in partnership with the nonprofit Nā Kālai Waʻa as well as federal, state and county agencies, and the Kohala community, announced that it had closed on its largest-ever purchase, permanently protecting 642 acres at Māhukona. The public is invited to join community representatives for a brief guided interpretive hike or volunteer service opportunity. Both experiences aim to offer the community opportunities to learn about the Māhukona area's cultural significance and history as well as elements of traditional Hawaiian ocean navigation. On Oahu, the International Market Place (IMP) is hoping to inspire mindful travel and protect and preserve Hawai'i's natural world with its recent partnership with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii for beach cleanups. Participants in IMP's DIY Beach Cleanup Program can receive a $20 gift card valid through December 1, 2024. Visit the IMP's Customer Service Desk on Level 1, Mauka Court to learn more. Turtle Bay Resort is home to the 480-acre Kuilima Farm, which provides the resort with more than 700 lbs of fresh produce each week, and even more produce to the local community. Kuilima Farm offers 45-minute farm tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Tour participants enjoy a scavenger hunt for native Hawaiian plants and, occasionally, the opportunity to help with new native plantings. Wayfinder Waikiki has created volunteer experiences for residents, visitors and hotel guests to explore O'ahu and make a lasting impact on the planet. The activities include farm experiences, beach cleanups, and cultural education and sustainability initiatives such as the ones listed below. As part of the hotel's Mālama Hawaiʻi initiative, $1 per night of every stay is donated to the Bishop Museum. Cultural Education and Sustainability Initiatives with the Bishop Museum — The recently launched “Hawaiian Stars and Stories: Wayfinder Planetarium Adventure” is a special initiative, happening every third Friday monthly, allowing participants to explore the science of traditional non-instrument navigation practiced by early Hawaiians and learn about Hawaiian history and royal artifacts on a guided tour of the museum's Hawaiian Hall.Taro Field Restoration with Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi Farm — On the final Friday of each month, participating Wayfinder Waikiki guests are driven by shuttle to Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi farm to participate in the restoration of its lo'i kalo (wetland taro terraces), forge connections with its dedicated workers and gain an appreciation for the cultural and environmental importance of O'ahu's Heʻeia community.Beach Cleanups with Waikīkī 'Ohana Workforce (WOW) and 808 Cleanups — Wayfinder Waikiki regularly partners on volunteer beach cleanups with these nonprofit environmental organizations committed to restoring the natural beauty and ecology of Hawaiʻi's coastlines. Book a beach trip to St. Augustine, Florida The sun ripples over the beach in St. Augustine, Florida by Maddie DiFilippo - Unsplash Each year, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches, known as Florida's Historic Coast welcomes visitors from around the world to enjoy its unique charms. One of the region's main attractions is the 42 miles of pristine beaches that stretch from Ponte Vedra south to Marineland. Tucked into a slight nook on North Florida's Atlantic Coast, the beaches provide a place for play and relaxation, a protected habitat for numerous animal and plant species, and a barrier that protects many waterfront homes, hotels, and businesses. Florida's Historic Coast residents and officials are passionate about preserving this precious resource for today and future generations while still providing access to an important part of the destination. And soon, visitors and residents can enjoy lush, freshly restored beaches! Much like the historic architecture that lines St. Augustine's Historic District and the lush vegetation that thrives throughout Florida's Historic Coast, resources like the beaches need regular and highly specialized care to ensure their integrity and natural beauty stay intact. St. Johns County, home to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches, is taking measures to protect its beaches by performing beneficial restoration projects with minimal impact on beachgoers throughout the summer. The short and sweet of it – the beaches will be open and ready to welcome visitors. Visitors and residents can plan their beach visits around the current work sites by visiting the St. Johns County project website here. The beach is ready and waiting. As it has been for generations, surfing on Florida's Historic Coast is a favorite pastime here. The Springtime winds kick up just enough waves for buggy boarding, traditional surfing, and the thrills of kite surfing. There are plenty of surf shops to set you up with the right gear. Once summer hits, plan to swim in the calm ocean waters, relax and soak up the sun on the newly restored beaches. What better way to see long expanses of the Atlantic Ocean than to bike the beach? Riding at low tide offers beach bikers a nice firm sand base. And, nothing beats a drive along the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway – A Must Do Experience. There are several beautiful oceanfront resorts and hotels, as well as vacation rentals and campgrounds along Florida's Historic Coast. Something for every budget and style. Use the trip planner to plan your seaside getaways to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches today. View wildlife in and around Seattle, Washington Mount Rainier National Park by Joshua Peacock - Unsplash Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood is getting a new hotel in 2024. Located in RailSpur, a sustainable micro-district that includes three historic warehouse buildings, the hotel will include 120 guest rooms and suites, signature indoor and outdoor restaurant on activated "Railspur" alley, as well as a rooftop bar. Hotel Westland is anticipated to be one of the most sustainable hotel openings in the U.S and only the second hotel in the country to be “carbon-positive.” While in town, check out the three national parks – Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park – are within driving distance of Seattle, making the city a fantastic basecamp for outdoor exploration. From stunning lake hikes to fall colors, to wildlife sightings of pikas, mountain goats, and marmots, there's lots to love about our state's national parks. Don't forget to hit up a local brewery after your outdoor forays. Anticipated to be completed in summer 2024, the Seattle Aquarium's Ocean Pavilion shares the story that we have the power to save our oceans. In the Ocean Pavilion, visitors will be able to witness the exquisite biodiversity of a reef ecosystem in the Coral Triangle, a marine area in the tropical Pacific – coming face-to-face with sharks, rays, schooling fish, mangroves, seagrasses, and nearly 30 species of coral. For a unique wildlife sighting, plan to come sometime between July and November, when visitors can witness three species of Pacific Salmon passing through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks. See as many as hundreds of salmon per day through huge glass windows at the fish ladder as they return upriver to spawn. An average of 15,000 Chinook salmon pass through the Locks each year, with peak viewing in August. Sip sustainably in Santa Cruz, California A bottle of Carbon-nay - courtesy of Evan Nelson/WarRoom Cellars + Bonny Doon Vineyards Always innovating, Bonny Doon Vineyards in Santa Cruz, California is set to become the first winery in the country to use fully-recyclable paper wine bottles. The winery’s rosé wine — which is being marketed as Carbon-nay — will be sold at Whole Foods stores throughout California this spring and will expand to other stores throughout the U.S. This new packaging - shaped like a wine bottle - is five times lighter than a traditional wine bottle, reducing the carbon footprint of bottling and shipping.  Fully recyclable, the packaging weighs just under three ounces, providing expanded real estate to print information and artwork around the bottle. Designed from 94 percent recycled paperboard with a food-grade pouch inserted to contain the wine, paper bottles are becoming ubiquitous in Europe. Through innovative practices like popularizing screwcaps and the first winery to embrace true transparency with its ingredient labeling initiative, Bonny Doon Vineyards grew to become the 28th largest winery in the U.S. and is credited with popularizing Rhône grapes in California. The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is one of the oldest in the country and many wineries within Santa Cruz County employ eco-friendly practices. Storrs Winery, located in Corralitos sits on the site of a former quarry. A 6,800 square-foot structure houses the production facility, barrel room and tasting room, adjacent to a vineyard complete with helpful signage explaining the habitat and wildlife that make this place their home. The organically-farmed site is also a teaching opportunity for biodynamic farming, catering to home gardeners and small scale farmers. A rare 1945 Willys Overland convertible also graces the site, as well as a piece of stained glass from an old church found at an antique shop decades ago and a table milled from pines culled from the estate’s property. Relying on stellar fruit from Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards, Storrs’ Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are all hand-crafted from this boutique winery. Located along the Central Coast, Santa Cruz County, California, is approximately 70 miles/113 km south of San Francisco and 349 miles/562 km from Los Angeles. Many visitors choose to take scenic Highway 1 along the California coastline to Santa Cruz or Highway 17 through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors can also choose to fly into San Francisco International Airport or San Jose Mineta International Airport.   Cycle through central Mississippi Cyclists explore Ridgeland, Mississippi - courtesy of Explore Ridgeland Explore Ridgeland, based in central Mississippi, has introduced the Ridgeland Bikeshare Program, providing visitors with free bicycles for exploring Ridgeland and its surroundings. The program aims to offer convenient and sustainable transportation options for both locals and tourists to explore Ridgeland's attractions, including the National Park - Natchez Trace Parkway, the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, the Reservoir Overlook, shopping districts such as the Railroad District, Renaissance at Colony Park, and the Township at Colony Park as well as crafted trails. Chris Chapman, executive director and CEO of Explore Ridgeland, stated, "We're excited to offer our guests free bicycles to explore Ridgeland's shops, boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor recreational venues. Thanks to our partners, Bikeshare racks are conveniently located, and bicycles can be unlocked using the Koloni App." As featured on the Bikeshare brochure and Bikeshare video, cyclists can explore natural scenery along the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail or urban routes along Highland Colony Parkway, passing through outdoor shopping and lifestyle districts like Renaissance at Colony Park. The Bike Crossing and the Ridgeland Visitors Center are available to assist both locals and visitors interested in using the Bikeshare service. Bikes are available during daylight hours based on availability, and safety is encouraged. The city of Ridgeland requires cyclists to wear protective helmets which are conveniently provided with the bike share program. Bikeshare cyclists will find helmets in the bike baskets. Since its launch in February, the program has seen interest from visitors nationwide. “My wife and I had a wonderful date on Ridgeland's new Bikeshare bikes,” Russ Daniels, an entertainer from New York City, said. “We rode around the Renaissance, explored the bike paths, and ended by eating at Aplos. The process to rent the bikes was simple and the scenery was beautiful! We love Ridgeland!” Ridgeland is renowned as Mississippi's premier cycling destination, hosting various cycling events such as the annual Natchez Trace Century Ride. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own bikes to explore Mag Ridge BMX Track and at the Ridgeland Mountain Bike Trails.