Source:  The Discover Blog/Kellie Cappola, Editor
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From the arid Southwest to the rocky coastline of the East Coast, the United States has some of the most stunning natural terrain in the world. Narrowing down the most awe-inspiring destinations in this country is one of the more difficult things we've done. Go ahead and argue with our choices, but here's our list of places that we can't stop drooling over.

​Whether adorned with golden aspen leaves or shimmering in the red-orange glow of an early morning sunrise, Maroon Bells is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Located just outside Aspen in the Rocky Mountains, this spot is also one of the most photographed destinations in America - and we don't have to guess why.

​It's hard to pick just one gorgeous spot in Arizona to feature (hometown bias is real). But Antelope Canyon has captured the hearts of visitors for decades. It's not the only beautiful slot canyon in the West, but it's by far the most famous. With golden rays of light illuminating walls smoothed by decades of erosion and flash flooding, this delicate location is magical in the extreme.

​Covering 669,984 acres in Alaska, the Kenai Fjords National Park features jaw-dropping vistas of glaciers and sea. The Harding Icefield is the crowning jewel of this park, featuring mile-thick ice fields punctuated by waterways. Whether you explore via kayak or boat, keep your eyes open for wildlife like seals, otters, moose, and black bears.

​The second-oldest national park in America features the tallest trees in the world. Dotted with thick-trunked sequoias, this park is a labyrinth for visitors. Golden light fills the thick air, and most of the park is only accessible by foot, meaning the intrepid traveler can find themselves almost completely alone, surrounded only by these ancient trees.

​Jurassic Park references aside (yes, the original was filmed here) the Na Pali Coast is otherworldly. Soaring red cliffs covered in bright green vegetation are licked by the sparkling water of the Pacific. This coastal view is one of the most beautiful in the world, and whether you choose to hike, helicopter, or boat around this natural setting, you're guaranteed more photo opportunities than your camera can hold.

​This smattering of coral islands off the southern coast of Florida are the closest the U.S. gets to Caribbean bliss. Palm trees and sugary beaches meet mangrove forests framed by some of the clearest water in the U.S., creating plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, boating, and fishing.

​There's a reason the Smoky Mountains is the most-visited U.S. National Park. The hazy hills turn impossible hues of red and orange in the fall, and you'll find some of the best hiking east of the Rocky Mountains here. Every drive is a scenic drive in this park, with waterfalls, trees, and wildlife offering better entertainment than a smartphone.

​While these spiky trees in the arid desert may not strike some as beautiful, all we can say is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And if that beholder finds themselves in this national park on a clear night with the Milky Way above, they'll go gaga for this landscape.

​The Pacific Northwest is home to more than its fair share of stunning spots, and while there are a number we could have picked, one of the best is Cannon Beach. With the famous Haystack rock fixture jutting out from a wide sandy beach, and pools of water reflecting a misty sunrise, there's no better place in America to be when morning hits.

​This stretch of shoreline along Lake Superior definitely earns its spot on the list. These scattered islands, sea caves and uniquely-shaped cliffs are home to some impressive wildlife, not to mention the occasional old-fashioned lighthouse. And when winter hits and the lake freezes over, these caves become fringed with sparkling icicles straight from your favorite Christmas movie.

​Home on the range gets a new meaning in this national park. Despite the myriad mountain ranges in the U.S., Grand Tetons has been known to overshadow the rest. Snowcapped peaks peer out over a thriving valley that is just as majestic in the summer as it is in the icy winters.

The rocky coastline of this national park features stunning views of the ocean, glacier-carved peaks, and rich forest. Ruggedly beautiful with quaint and cozy towns nestled here and there, this coastal journey is one for the books.

If rural life is more your style, then you need to see the bluebonnets of Texas. Flowering between March and April, these wildflowers cover rolling green hills dotted with docile cows and farmhouses to create the picture of tranquility.

​Yosemite is no stranger to having its picture taken, and iconic viewpoints and stunning hidden gems abound in this national park. Glacier Point at sunset is one of the most recognizable shots, with a view of the valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls packed into one stunning frame.

​The South wouldn't be complete without its stunning oaks, and this one takes the prize. The 500-year-old tree can be found just outside Charleston. Its knobby arms draped with moss make it a wonder to behold, and you'll feel like you just stepped out of a southern romance novel.

NOTE FROM TERIE:  Dan and I are hoping to make a cross-country road trip at the end of this summer and are looking forward to stopping at some of these amazing locations!  Where have you been?  Do you have a favorite spot that I haven't listed?  We'd love to hear your comments and see photos!  That's my challenge for this week:  share the most beautiful location in the US that you've visited!

N​ext time you’re planning to take a vacation, why not invest a bit more time and make the journey part of the adventure? Ditch the airport in favor of traveling by rail and you’ll be surprised at just how much more you’ll see. Here are five train routes in the U.S. you just can’t ignore.

​Where do you start when there’s so much to see in the Great Smoky Mountains? A couple of rail trips on offer from Bryson City might just provide the answer. Its most popular departures utilize steam locomotive #1702 and you’ll want a souvenir selfie of this historic engine before climbing aboard. The Tuckasegee River excursion opens up the countryside en route to charming Dillsboro while the Nantahala Gorge excursion follows the Tennessee and Nantahala river valleys across Fontana Lake and through the gorge. These scenic routes take around four hours apiece, making the perfect day trip whichever you choose.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?
Just email us and we'll be happy to help design your perfect Train Vacation!

LAS VEGAS
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You thought Las Vegas was just for grown-ups, but this shimmering city actually offers a family scene that is nothing short of legendary. Soar 550 feet above the famous strip in the High Roller Observation Wheel with 360-degree views. Take in one of the Cirque du Soleil shows which are sure to delight and mystify the kids and teenagers alike. The Shark Reef at Mandalay Beach Hotel wows with two underwater tunnels and more than 100 sharks, with 30 alone in one of the largest tanks in the US. For your teens, Circus Circus has the Adventuredome, featuring El Loco, a rollercoaster with an angle drop of 90-degrees for an experience at 1.5 vertical-G. If you’re visiting Las Vegas in the winter, make sure to try the ice skating rink at the Cosmopolitan. Adventures off the strip include excursions to the Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire, and the Grand Canyon.
NOTE FROM TERIE:  Can you believe it?  I have NEVER been to Las Vegas!!  I know, it's hard to believe!  But guess what?  Dan and I will be spending several days there in August to attend a Travel Conference!  I am super excited!!  We'll be staying at Ceasar's Palace -- and we'll have lots of opportunities to check out shows and sites before, after and evenings during the conference!  Stay tuned for some cool photos!

WASHINGTON DC

​Give your kids an All-American vacation they’ll never forget in their nation’s capital. Hit the Mall – the National Mall, that is – to see the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Air and Space Museum. These spots are sure to wow with stories of our nation’s past and hope for its exciting future. Then make sure to show your young ones the important ideals our nation was founded on with a visit to the National Archives, which houses The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and The Bill of Rights. Washington, DC is also home to the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, for hours of exploring. Show your young ones memorable American artifacts, including the new portraits of Former President Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama, plus exhibits on immigration, new media, and even Sesame Street. Part of the Smithsonian is the National Zoo, which is free to the public, and if you didn’t see the pandas in San Diego, here you can stop by to see Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub, Bei Bei, who was born in 2015.
NOTE FROM TERIE:  I was stationed in the DC area for 12 years (multiple duty stations!), so this is an area I am well-versed on!  If you're a history buff like me, and willing to travel a little south, there's are a number of  amazing "Living Farms" in Southern Maryland -- about 24 miles from downtown DC.  The kids will have a chance to pick cotton and spin it, see what's it like to live during colonial times and play games from that era.  It's well worth the trip!

HONOLULU

Load up the iPad for the flight and then head to America’s very own paradise. Great for families who crave relaxation and excitement alike, Honolulu is the perfect destination to stretch out on the world-famous Waikiki Beach and then hike up Leahi, also known as Diamond Head, for panoramic views of the islands. Leahi is a great stop for families with tweens and teens with underground tunnels and military bunkers to explore. Get your hula on at Paradise Cove Luau for an evening of unforgettable family fun, including arts & craft demonstrations, delicious island buffet, a lei greeting, and Mai Tai punch, and the Hawaiian revenue. Delve into our nation’s past at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, including the USS Arizona that was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. The site also offers an exploration of an actual submarine used in World War II.

From sea to shining sea, from our nation’s capital to our very own island paradise, the United States has a destination perfect for your family’s next vacation. Start planning now with by giving me a call, so you can you answer the most important question of them all: “When do we leave?”

California is so big, so varied, so enduringly symbolic, you could create literally thousands of vacations up and down the coast and barely scrape the surface of what the Golden State has to offer, from San Francisco to Long Beach, to Los Angeles and Anaheim, to San Diego.
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California has almost 1,000 miles of coastline and some of the most popular beaches in the world. In San Diego, visit Coronado, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla. LA is home to El Matador, Malibu’s Zuma, and Surfrider. If in Santa Barbara, check out Rincon and El Capitan State Beach. Carmel has Point Lobos State Reserve. You’ll find Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo. And, the Anaheim area is known for popular Laguna Beach.
The state’s relaxed vibe lends itself to beach bumming and the big West Coast waves are ideal for surfing.

From hip South Beach to the lush and relaxing Keys, from 5-star restaurants to beach-side bars, whether you’re traveling with the kids or looking for family fun, or traveling with your significant other looking for a romantic escape, The Sunshine State beckons and stands ready to provide the beach vacation you’re yearning for.
On the Atlantic Coast you’ll find glittering Miami – known for its blend of Latin American and Caribbean cultural influences, with cuisine to match. South Beach is one of the area’s most popular beaches, thanks to its turquoise waters and soft, white sands. North of Miami is Ft. Lauderdale, which has a calmer seaside vibe. Those looking for a more laid-back vibe will find it in the Keys. Key West is quirky, charismatic, and unique, with some of the best fishing in the world. 

Head to the Gulf Coast for romantic beaches and mesmerizing sunsets. Naples has high-end shopping, swanky eateries, and a historic downtown area. Families love Clearwater for its numerous activities and the serene and pristine beaches.

Hawaii is cherished for its legendary beaches, active volcanoes, regional delicacies, dramatic waves, cultural experiences, and inspirational activities. The 50th state is imbued with “Aloha Spirit” – the warm welcome and genuine kindness that blends with the lush, luxurious tropical landscape. And, with several islands to visit, there’s a beach for everyone.

The small island of Oahu is known for its perfect surfing conditions and beautiful beaches. You can get a taste for both on Waikiki as well as the North Shore, the surfing capital of the USA.

On gorgeous Maui, water sports, luaus on the sands, and brilliant tropical scenery create a serenely appealing way of life that’s perfect for sun worshipers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hit golden Ka’anapali Beach for body-boarding, kayaking, and sailing.
Nicknamed the “Garden Island,” Kauai is green and flourishing with lush fora from the mountains to the ocean. There are more than 50 miles of beaches – more beach per mile than any other island in Hawaii. The gorgeous Napali Coast spans 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore and has some of the best views Hawaii has to offer.

The Island of Hawaii, popularly known as “The Big Island,” is arguably the most diverse island in the chain. The beaches here come in a variety of colors and textures, including fine, black sands, crystal green sands, and newly formed lava rocks.

On Molokai, you’ll find the longest white-sand beaches in Hawaii and ultimate relaxation. The people here prefer a simpler way of life, so vacationing here really defines getting away from it all.

Lanai is the smallest of the inhabited islands. A popular vacation spot for celebrities, the beaches here are secluded and uncrowded, with soft, white sands and rolling blue waves.

America is multicultural, vibrant, and home to beautiful and varied beach experiences from coast to coast.  Give us a call today to start planning your next USA beach getaway.