GatewayCommunities
Explore smarter, and connect deeper, from one horizon to the other.
Dive into insights on local culture, hidden gems, and the most rewarding ways to immerse yourself in these unique destinations. From essential preparations to fostering meaningful connections, embark on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary.
Enjoy Illinois: The Eastern Gateway to Adventure
Illinois is a state where every road and river tells a story. In Chicago, world-class museums and innovative cuisine reflect a city that has shaped global culture, while the winding path of Route 66 invites travelers to retrace America’s past, from historic prisons to quirky roadside landmarks. But venture south, and the rhythm slows: Shawnee National Forest’s towering rock formations and the Cache River’s whispering wetlands reveal a wild, untamed side of the Midwest. Here, the Land of Lincoln unfolds as a journey through human ingenuity and nature’s quiet beauty.
From Brian Head Skiing to Zion National Park: Winter Adventures in Cedar City, Utah
Winter in southern Utah often surprises travelers. While the region is best known for red rock deserts and iconic national parks, Cedar City, Utah, offers a winter experience that blends snow-covered mountains, accessible outdoor recreation, and uncrowded landscapes – all framed by those classic Utah red rock views.
From Trails to Festivals in Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is without a doubt the most bustling ghost town in the American West. With a heaping roster of family-friendly festivals and entertainment and a genuine tie to California’s mining past, it’s a destination where old west history comes to life, year-round.
Macon, Georgia: Gateway to America’s Next National Park
Just an hour south of the Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport lies a mid-size city at the crossroads of middle Georgia. This isn’t just any other pass-through town at the interchange. This is Macon, Georgia: future home of America’s 64th National Park.
Maine’s Great Outdoors Itinerary: From Rugged Coast to Wild Waterways
Follow Maine’s wild edge from coastal paddles and mountain hikes to northern waterways and small-town stops. This adventure-forward itinerary highlights the state’s best outdoor experiences without skipping the food, culture, and scenic drives that make the journey unforgettable.
Outdoor Lover’s Guide to Maine: Nature, Small Towns, and Coastal Food
Maine is a destination where days are shaped by salt air, forest trails, and open water and evenings are spent wandering small towns, sharing good food, and slowing down. From iconic national parks to quiet, stunning state parks and friendly lakeside communities, Maine offers a rhythm that blends adventure with comfort in a way few places can.
Summer in Missoula, Montana: All About the Outdoors
The ultimate all-American summer awaits in Missoula, Montana. Rodeos, fairs, outdoor concerts, rooftop bars, and fields of wildflowers are just a few reasons to love summer in Missoula.
The Ultimate Road Trip Upgrade: Rent a Campervan
Campervans are the Swiss Army Knife of any road trip. They’re cleverly designed to maximize storage and utility, and you can take them just about anywhere. Read on to find out why campervans–particularly those from Travellers Autobarn–are our tool of choice to support any adventure.
Tusayan, Arizona: Your National Parks & Route 66 Bucket List Town
Did you know that the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has over 30 miles of rim views and is the widest part of Grand Canyon? Tusayan is the closest town to the South Rim of Grand Canyon – Just one mile from the entrance. Make Tusayan your home base for exploring this World Wonder!
Hidden Nevada: Why Cowboy Country Is the Best Road Trip Between Reno and Salt Lake City
The variety of landscapes throughout Cowboy Country had my jaw dropping what felt like every few minutes. There are multiple hot springs and geothermal features in the area, rolling sand dunes, and wide expanses of desert that feature some of the most quiet places in the US (aside from the occasional coyote howl).
Exploring Indigenous Heritage on Route 66
Route 66 isn’t just asphalt and neon, it threads across the ancestral and living homelands of many Indigenous nations. From Potawatomi lands at the Chicago start, through Osage and Kickapoo land in the Midwest, across dozens of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma, to Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Navajo and Hualapai lands in Arizona, more than half of Route 66 runs through Indian Country. For travelers looking to go beyond the kitsch, the most authentic experiences are those led and offered by tribal people themselves. These experiences vary from guided canyon walks and pueblo tours to trading-post galleries, and tribally owned lodgings. Spending your money at these establishments directs tourism dollars to local economies and cultural programs. You can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
Make Your Getaway in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne captures the spirit of the West—old and new, welcoming, and adventurous. In just three days, you can hike through granite canyons, bike along urban trails, paddle across clear blue lakes, and still make it back in time for a steak and sunset. For travelers craving wide spaces, easy access, and authentic Wyoming character, this capital city proves that the frontier is still very much alive.