Summer is right around the corner. Get excited with these fun ideas for a great family vacation, including road trip inspiration, educational attractions, and outdoor activities. Take a ride on this giant indoor roller coaster in Missouri Town scene on the Fire in the Hole coaster - courtesy of Silver Dollar City The largest family roller coaster in the Heartland, Fire In The Hole, is now open at the internationally awarded Silver Dollar City theme park, in the heart of the Ozarks. At over 32,000 square feet, Fire In The Hole represents the 1880s theme park’s single-largest attraction investment to date — a nearly 3-minute long ride retelling an account of the night the real town Silver Dollar City now sits on was burnt to the ground. Integral to the ride’s story, “volunteers” are asked to board their very own “pumper” — an 1880s steam-powered, firefighting wagon — and save the burning town from notorious vigilantes, the Baldknobbers. 14 iconic show scenes are paired with 3 gravity-driven drops, while the journey ends with a surprise, quick water-splash finale. The final product is a result of years of collaboration with Idaho’s Rocky Mountain Construction and Herschend Creative Studios. “Fire In The Hole is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Duane Marden, founder of the Roller Coaster Database, a worldwide database with statistics on over 10,000 roller coasters and counting from around the world. “The ride combines a family coaster experience all can enjoy with indoor elements illustrating the history of this area, all in a massive building that ends with a water splash. There’s nothing like it anywhere and will be an absolute must-ride every visit.” True to the theme park’s 1880s roots, the new coaster recounts the story of a real night in Ozark Mountain history when the mining town of Marmaros — the once-real town Silver Dollar City now resides on and inspiration for the park’s theme — was burned to the ground by the Baldknobbers. This new coaster follows in the legendary footsteps of the original Fire In The Hole, a 51-year-old coaster that held final rides on Dec. 30, 2023, after hosting over 25 million riders since 1972. Now, housed in a 5-story, temperature-controlled building, the new family coaster will always be open regardless of the day’s weather and temperature. “Fire In The Hole is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the men and women who work here at Silver Dollar City,” said Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company. “Work on this massive addition started back in 2021, with planning much before that. They have poured tens of thousands of hours into this project, and their craftsmanship can be seen in every nook of this ride, from the queue line and coaster building, all the way to the hand-painted backdrops and lush foliage.” Effectively doubling the size of one The City’s most popular areas, Fire In The Hole is the new centerpiece in the newly incorporated Fire District. Additionally located in The Fire District is Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe, an all-new restaurant serving handmade pretzels, pretzel dogs and pretzel sandwiches. Plus, just across the street, the new Flanders Dry Goods offers a line of “Flanders-branded” merchandise, connecting the store location back to Fire In The Hole’s rich lore. “This new Fire In The Hole continues our mission of creating memories worth repeating, as we look to always improve the experience for our guests and towards the future of our park,” said Thomas. “This coaster, just like the original, ensures the whole family makes lasting memories for the foreseeable future, and the only place you can ride something like this is Silver Dollar City. Fire In The Hole marks the beginning of an action-packed summer this year at Silver Dollar City, with the park’s Summer Celebration kicking off June 8, with extended nighttime hours starting July 13 with Summer Nights, all the way through August 4. And, there’s plenty of fun between now and then, too, as this spring The City celebrates the final year of Street Fest from April 11-29. Then, Bluegrass & BBQ from May 2-27, awarded “Top Bluegrass Event” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Enjoy inshore and ocean fishing Florida Fishing in the waters of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches - courtesy fo Florida's Historic Coast Spend a leisurely day casting a line into the surf with toes in the sand or wrestling a sport fish out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, it's easy to understand why fishing is Florida's favorite pastime. And there's no better place than St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches, where there's a myriad of backwater honey holes, guided charters, challenging tournaments, and passionate fishing experts. Saltwater fishing is king here—kingfish, that is. St. Augustine is home to the Southern Kingfish Association, which sanctions more than 100 tournaments throughout the Southeast. The ocean waters are also home to blackfin tuna, tarpon, flounder, wahoo, mahi mahi, sailfish, cobia, and king mackerel. Hop on board one of Sea Love Charters' public trips for a deep-water adventure or charter a fishing boat from the Conch House Marina or the Nix Boat Yard Road Marina. The ever-popular fishing tournaments are on. If you want to put a little more on the line, enter one of the many tournaments hosted on Florida's Historic Coast. Kingfish tournaments lure in large crowds of fishermen and fisherwomen after big fish and even bigger cash prizes. St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem kicks off on May 30th and Old School Kingfish Tournament follows on June 8th. The Ancient City Game Fish Association hosts the Kingfish Challenge on June 28th and 29th. Go from the big water to the backwater with any number of guided fishing charters that explore the marshes, creeks, and bays that vein Florida's Historic Coast. The area is known for its local redfish, as well as flounder, tarpon, black drum, and speckled sea trout. The aptly named Drum Man Charters and Fishardy Charters can navigate St. Augustine's inland waters and venture 30 miles offshore, while First Coast Inshore Fishing, Chips Coastal Charters, and Prime Time Charters specialize in Ponte Vedra's inland waterways. Bringing your own boat? Get bait, gear, hot local tips, and tie-up overnight at Devil's Elbow Fishing Resort or Genung's Fish Camp. Along Florida's Historic Coasts 42 miles of pristine beaches, Surf fishing at sunrise is a must-do. Cast past the waves during the warm summer months and land speckled sea trout, pompano, or jack crevalle. Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Matanzas Inlet, and South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area are all perfect places to surf cast – just remember to be respectful of other beach-goers! Anglers also have tremendous fun fishing from the area's piers and bridges. Most well-known is the St. Johns County Ocean Pier on St. Augustine Beach. The $6 fee to fish includes a fishing license! There are also Lighthouse Park on Anastasia Island, the Vilano Beach Pier and Usina Boat Ramp Fishing Pier on Vilano Beach, Vaill Point Park in St. Augustine South, and the Rose of Sharon Pier just north of the Bridge of Lions. Give bridge fishing a try at the Matanzas Inlet Bridge on A1A or the May Street Bridge. Having fun on the water is key, but remember, these waters are very sensitive ecosystems that can easily be damaged. Help preserve the natural environment for future generations by following a few simple rules. Don't discard any fishing materials or refuse in the water; discard used fishing line in designated receptacles, where it can be safely recycled; stay off the dunes; and boat at safe speeds. Fishing, fresh air, and the water are sure to stoke the appetite. Grab some delicious bites packaged to enjoy in the great outdoors from Kaiser's Deli on Anastasia Island, the Floating Food Company on Vilano Beach, Stir It Up on St. Augustine Beach, or Trasca and Company in Ponte Vedra Beach. Fishing is just the beginning of the adventure on Florida's Historic Coast. Be sure to take advantage of the unforgettable stays and deals available on Florida's Historic Coast this Spring and summer. Explore outdoor recreation in the Laurel Highlands Visitors enjoy the rivers in the Laurel Highlands - courtesy of GO Laurel Highlands The Laurel Highlands is home to excellent outdoor recreation on the Youghiogheny and Stonycreek rivers as well as eight state parks (Keystone, Kooser, Laurel Hill, Laurel Mountain, Laurel Ridge, Laurel Summit, Linn Run and Ohiopyle) and two state forests (Forbes and Gallitzin). Architecture aficionados flock to the Laurel Highlands to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater – a UNESCO World Heritage site – as well as Mantyla and the Duncan House, both of which are located at Polymath Park, and Kentuck Knob. History lovers are drawn to Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Fort Ligonier and the Flight 93 National Memorial. Family vacations are especially popular in the region, which is home to Idlewild and SoakZone, Laurel Caverns, Jennerstown Speedway and Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands – the official destination marketing organization of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties – said the region's diverse range of activities and experiences make it the perfect summer getaway. “Summer is a season filled with anticipation,” she said. “Three months filled with dates circled for family gatherings, celebrations, parades, and vacations simply are not enough. “The Laurel Highlands has always been a summer destination because the region checks many boxes for visitors,” Nemanic said. “An entire week could be filled with outdoor experiences alone – hiking numerous trails, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, floating a kayak on calm water, or screaming excitedly over Class IV rapids on the Yough. A blend of history and cultural assets is appealing to many, with museums and artist studios scattered throughout the landscape. For little tots, Idlewild and SoakZone create memories for their first amusement park experience. Pepper in farmers markets for fresh-grown ingredients to take home, and you have yourself one tremendous escape this summer.” Recently, Ohiopyle Borough, which has about a dozen year-round residents captured the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award as the Best Small Town in the Northeast. The popularity of Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands has been showcased multiple times by USA Today 10Best: Keystone State Park was named the Best Destination for Fall Foliage in the U.S., and the Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort was chosen the Best Apres-Ski Bar in North America. Ohiopyle outfitter Wilderness Voyageurs was voted one of the 10 Best Whitewater Rafting Tours last year, and Greensburg's El Diablo Brewing Co. was one of the nation's top new breweries. The Great Allegheny Passage was recently in a contest for the top recreational trails in the U.S., and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run – just a few miles outside of Ohiopyle – is currently a nominee for Favorite RV Campground. Save on sight-seeing in San Antonio, Texas The Alamo by Gower Brown - Unsplash As of March 1, admission to The Alamo's – Exhibit and Church is now included in San Antonio CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS tickets, the first-ever bundled attraction tickets in North America, offer substantial discounts on combined admission to iconic attractions in 16 North American destinations. The Alamo, part of Texas' only UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Lone Star State's top tourist destination, is a fantastic addition to the already impressive San Antonio CityPASS lineup of attractions. Renowned worldwide for its significant role in American history, the Alamo offers a unique and immersive journey through 300 years of history. While first established as a Spanish mission in the 1700's, the Alamo is best known as the site of a tragic battle during Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. It was during this 1836 Siege of The Alamo by Mexican General Santa Anna that every last Texas defender, including famed frontiersmen David Crockett, William B. Travis and James Bowie, perished while fighting for freedom. That tragic event transformed the site into a sacred place to which travelers have paid homage for nearly 200 years. One of the most iconic of the historical buildings at the Alamo is the Church, dating back to the site's Spanish Mission era. The Long Barrack, located near the cherished Alamo Church, houses exhibits detailing the Alamo's history and the events leading up to the famed Battle of the Alamo. Visitors can engage in interactive demonstrations of early 19th–century daily life, military drills and other activities in the Living History Encampment. While entry to the Alamo grounds and Church is always free to the public, admission is charged for the Alamo Exhibit located inside the Ralston Family Collections Center. San Antonio CityPASS tickets cover this admission fee. The Alamo Exhibit offers a state-of-the-art curatorial environment dedicated to the preservation of the Alamo. Here, visitors can view priceless artifacts gifted to the State of Texas by musician and historian Phil Collins (yes, that Phil Collins!), including the Battle of the Alamo Diorama featuring his narration. Additional period pieces are showcased in the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection among the many displays and interactive exhibits. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the San Antonio CityPASS program bundles discounted prepaid admission into one easy-to-use mobile ticket. Visitors can now save 39% on combined admission to four of the following must-see San Antonio attractions: Go Rio San Antonio River CruisesSan Antonio ZooThe Tower of The AmericasThe DoSeumSan Antonio Botanical GardenWitte MuseumSan Antonio Museum of ArtNEW The Alamo — Exhibit and Church Visiting is easy with a San Antonio CityPASS mobile ticket. The tickets cost $59 (value $92), for adults and $49 for children ages 3-11. Once scanned at the first attraction visited, CityPASS tickets are valid for nine consecutive days starting with the first day of use. (Should travel plans change, a 365-day refund is available for nonactivated tickets.) Tickets can be purchased online at citypass.com or at one of the participating attractions. Customers can use the My CityPASS app to access their tickets, make reservations, and find entry instructions, directions, special offers, and more for each attraction. Experience the iconic Route 66 in Illinois Sprague's on Route 66 in McLean County, Illinois - courtesy of Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Nestled in the heart of Illinois, McLean County invites travelers to embark on an unforgettable adventure along Route 66. As the legendary Mother Road weaves through the county, it leaves a trail of history and nostalgia, offering a personalized travel experience. With a multitude of attractions, dining, shopping, and events capturing the essence of Route 66, McLean Countyensures a memorable journey for all. What sets McLean County apart is its commitment to personalized travel, without the hustle and bustle of big city travel. Discover the cultural heritage and create lasting memories in McLean County, where warmth and hospitality await all travelers. For travelers venturing into McLean County, step back in time at Sprague's Super Service station in Normal. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and meticulously restored to its former glory, this landmark, now known as Ryburn Place, serves as a poignant reminder of Route 66's storied past. This location is great for photo taking and has a popular route 66 gift shop. Bloomington offers travelers a huge array of dining and shopping opportunities along Route 66. Exploring the Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center in Bloomington to get your passport stamped, shop and discover the local area. Spend time at the McLean County History Museum in Bloomington, where exhibits chronicle the region's pivotal role in shaping the American landscape. Stroll through the charming streets of Downtown Bloomington, where there's something to delight every palate and preference. Funks Grove in Shirley beckons travelers with its idyllic scenery and warm hospitality. Visitors can explore Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, a family-owned maple syrup farm that has been producing delicious syrup for generations. Visitors can't miss Memory Lane in Lexington or the thrill of Dead Man's Curve in Towanda. And for those seeking great photo locations, the Route 66 Monuments in Bloomington, Normal, Lexington, Chenoa, and McLean stand as the perfect backdrop for your travel photo taking. The adventure continues with a lineup of Route 66 events that promise excitement and camaraderie. From the annual Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festivals hosted in many communities in McLean County to the adrenaline-pumping 11th annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66 run/walk from Funks Grove to McLean, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the spirit of the Mother Road. Check out the new EV charger at Miller Park pavilion in Bloomington that highlights the region's commitment to sustainability and accessibility along Route 66. Looking ahead, the eagerly anticipated Route 66 Murals slated for Cruisin' with Lincoln on Route 66 Visitor Center, Downtown Bloomington, Lexington, and McLean promise to captivate and inspire visitors starting June 2024.

San Diego is a perfect budget-friendly destination that works for all kinds of vacationers—couples, families, friend groups, and solo travelers. There's something for everyone: music festivals, beautiful beaches, great food, and kid-friendly entertainment. Several new restaurants and attractions, plus fun events and activities make 2024 the time to visit this Southern California city. See family-friendly attractions LEGOLAND California is ready to roar in '24: Not only is the park in coastal Carlsbad celebrating its 25th birthday (aka “brickday”), but it will open a new themed area called Dino Valley as well as hosting North America's very first LEGO World Parade. Dino Valley will include two brand-new rides as well as plenty of interactive features for young visitors. SeaWorld San Diego, which has been remaking its patron experience over the past few years with numerous new rides and attractions, is adding another twist in 2024: An aquarium called Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. With its walk-through arch and giant viewing wall, the aquarium promises to be as immersive as things can get without actually swimming alongside the jellies. One of the most distinctive structures in San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park, the Botanical Building was built in 1915 and is recognized as one of the largest wood lath structures in the world. This home to hundreds of rare, tropical and indigenous plants has undergone a major reconstruction intended to restore the building to its original design, and will reopen in 2024. Birthdays don't get much more monumental than The Nat's: The venerable Natural History Museum in Balboa Park marks its 150th in 2024. Now the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, The Nat will celebrate with free birthday admission, a new Nature Garden and giant-screen movie, and a whole lot more.Enjoy arts and entertainmentWonderfront Festival - courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority Two years after San Diego and Tijuana jointly received designation as World Design Capital 2024 — a major global honor — the yearlong WDC24 celebration is about to kick off. San Diego is the first U.S. city to be named or co-named World Design Capital, and the city teamed with its cross-border neighbor of Tijuana, Mexico, to beat out Moscow (the other finalist) for that distinction. Now the two cities will mark WDC24 with an extended series of events and happenings centered on the theme of “Home.” The WDC designation helped inspire AFAR Magazine to include San Diego and Tijuana in its “Where to Go in 2024” roundup of “the 25 most exciting places around the world to visit next.” After taking a hiatus in 2023, the sprawling Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival will again unfold along San Diego's sparkling Embarcadero, with three days of music, food and fun. The fest, last held in 2022 with headliners including Gwen Stefani and Kings of Leon, is moving from its previous November slot to a new time frame (dates and artists have yet to be announced). The art of exquisite automotive design will get a world-class showcase here in 2024 —with a breathtaking setting to match — as the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance unfolds at La Jolla Cove in April. From a “Porsches on Prospect” sports-car extravaganza to chic VIP happenings to the vintage spritz of the event's “Roaring '20s and Glamorous '30s” theme, the Concours d'Elegance promises to be a car-lover's nirvana. And with more than 170 classic vehicles on display, there will be plenty to love. Historic Copley Symphony Hall — the longtime indoor home of the San Diego Symphony — will stage its much-awaited reopening in 2024 after a $125 million renovation. Improvements to the nearly 100-year-old Downtown performance space (formerly the Fox Theatre) include a reconfigured stage, a reshaped main seating level, improved acoustics and more. Some five years after its last edition in Del Mar, the popular KAABOO music festival is making its return in 2024. While the lineup of artists has yet to be announced, the fest has a rep for big-name performers and will again unfold at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.Dine at creative, sustainable, and award-winning restaurants Lafayette Hotel - courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority/Haley Hill Since San Diego's CH Projects took over ownership of the venerable Lafayette Hotel in North Park, it has gone on a wildly creative binge with its dining and drinking options. The eight Lafayette eateries now open or coming online in 2024 include everything from the retro Beginners Diner to the Oaxacan restaurant Quixote to The Gutter, a bar with its own two-lane bowling alley. As San Diego continues to gain worldwide renown for its restaurant prowess, the region will enter 2024 with a full five restaurants that have been honored with coveted Michelin stars. They include the elegant Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, one of only a handful of restaurants in all of California to earn the maximum three Michelin stars. One of the most celebrated chefs to come out of Baja California's fertile Valle de Guadalupe will mark 2024 by opening a new restaurant in San Diego's North Park. Drew Deckman, who hails from Georgia but has been a fixture in Baja culinary circles for more than a decade (and earned a Michelin star in Europe before that), is launching Watershed on University Avenue, with sustainability as a guiding principle. San Diego is known these days as the Capital of Craft, but you could argue that the region's critical mass of craft-beer-itude began in 1989, when Karl Strauss Brewing Co. opened its first tasting room on Columbia Street. Now, as Strauss gets ready to celebrate its 35th anniversary, the grandaddy of San Diego craft brewers has reacquired that original location, which it plans to “reimagine as an homage to the San Diego brewing scene.” The just-opened Malibu Farm restaurant — owned and operated by chef Helene Henderson and her husband, actor John Stockwell — is the latest addition to the waterfront Seaport Village, whose rising profile and surge of new eateries should make it a place to put near the top of your itinerary for 2024. It's been a decade since the much-loved Whaling Bar at La Jolla's La Valencia Hotel — the renowned “Pink Lady” of San Diego — served its last cocktail. Now, after a refitting of the historic watering hole, the Whaling Bar is set to return in 2024 under the auspices of the SDCM Restaurant Group, which runs eight other San Diego bars and restaurants.View exciting sports eventsPetco Park - courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority Gallagher Square is already a much-loved focal point of Petco Park — home of the San Diego Padres and the No. 1 MLB ballpark in America, as deemed by USA Today. Now a $20 million glow-up, set for completion in 2024, will bring even more great features to the family-friendly square, including a new Tony Gwynn Terrace viewing deck and picnic space, a dog park, temporary pickleball courts, public art displays spotlighting San Diego-area artists, and much more. Speaking of Petco Park: The Downtown ballpark, which hosts not only MLB baseball but pop concerts, college football's annual Holiday Bowl and many other special events, marks its 20th anniversary in 2024. Look for the Padres to host plenty of happenings and commemorations as the big anniversary season unfolds at this beautiful venue. And there will be yet another exciting new development at Petco Park in 2024: The Padres, in partnership with C5 Rodeo Company Inc and Outriders Present, are presenting the ballpark's first-ever rodeo in January. The three-day event will transform the park into a Downtown rodeo zone, with the world's top cowboys competing for more than a half-million dollars in prize money. With the stunning success of the San Diego State men's basketball team, which made a thrilling run to the national title game in 2023, San Diego has cemented its rep as a basketball hotbed. The new Rady Children's Invitational builds on that track record, bringing top college hoops teams from around the nation to the UC San Diego campus for the second edition of this exciting Thanksgiving Weekend tournament. The Del Mar Racetrack is fast becoming a go-to home for the Breeders' Cup, one of the most prestigious annual events in Thoroughbred racing. The two-day event, with awards and prizes in excess of $30 million, will unfold in Del Mar in both 2024 and 2025, building on an inaugural run “where the turf meets the surf” in 2021. Excitement over women's professional volleyball is spiking big-time, and now our town is getting in on the action with the 2024 debut of the San Diego Mojo, a Pro Volleyball Federation club owned by Olympian and beach-volleyball luminary Kerri Walsh Jennings. The Mojo begins play in February at Viejas Arena on the San Diego State University campus. San Diego's strong and ever-growing rep as a sports town is exemplified by the return in 2024 of the State Games of America, an Olympic-style national event held every two years and showcasing matchups among State Games medal winners from more than 30 U.S. states. Some 12,000 amateur athletes are expected to compete in more than two dozen sports here, from archery to figure skating to surfing.Bask in the sunMission Beach in San Diego by Sean Mullowney - Unsplash Waterfront Park along San Diego's scenic Embarcadero is adding to its already expansive offerings with a $3 million project to bring pickleball courts, an off-leash dog park, shaded seating and more to the 12-acre oasis, which boasts beautiful views of San Diego Bay and beyond. And of course, San Diego just wouldn't be San Diego without itsamazing beaches and their world-famous plenitude of surf, sun and fun. While there are always lots of new things to do and see in this ever-dynamic city, you can always count on our 70 miles of coastline — from its beaches to its boardwalks to its bays — to make a visit here way more than worthwhile.

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.