Old Market town in Santa Fe. From a historical perspective, there are few American cities more intriguing than Santa Fe. Originally given the name of “La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís”, (“The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi”), Santa Fe was established in 1607 as a remote territory of Spain. This altitudinous town at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains didn’t become a US state until 1912 and is the oldest European city in the western US.

New England in the fall. Founded in 1719, Litchfield has a rich history. The town was the home of the first law school in the United States as well as an early school for girls. At the end of the 19th century, Litchfield residents became leaders in the Colonial Revival movement. Today, carefully preserved 18th and 19th c. homes share space with innovative 20th c. architecture. Travelers from all over the world visit Litchfield to enjoy its architecture, shops, restaurants, and natural beauty.

Portland Head Lighthouse. Cape Elizabeth’s Portland Headlight is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Cape Elizabeth, Maine is also home to the 94-acre Fort Williams Park, where you’ll find ruins of an old fort that housed troops in World Wars I and II.

Niagara Falls. Known in the past as the premiere Honeymoon destination, this geological wonder is not only one of most popular tourist attractions in the state of New York, but also functions as one of the major power providers to the state itself. Comprised of three waterfalls — American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls — Niagara Falls water stems from the upper Great Lakes and the river is estimated to be 12,000 years old.

Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its white beaches and emerald green waters. Destin’s history dates back to the seventh century A.D. Artifacts confirm American Indians lived here, surviving off the abundant seafood in area waters. Spanish explorers visited some 900 years later, and divers are still finding wreckage of old ships in area waters.

Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway. One of the most scenic roads in America (and part of the National Park Service), the Blue Ridge Parkway offers unmatched, spectacular mountain scenery. Drive north or south on the Parkway from Asheville and quickly ascend in elevation. It's all about the journey, so go slow, stop frequently and enjoy. To return from your starting point, you can often exit the Parkway onto a highway that provides a faster trip back.