Forget everything you think you know about Texas. El Paso, Texas, doesn’t do things the way the rest of the state does. Perched at the far western tip of the Lone Star State — where Texas, New Mexico, and the rugged Southwest converge — this borderland city defies every expectation, and it rewards every traveler bold enough to seek it out.
A weekend in Choctaw Country is more than a simple getaway. It is an immersion into a living culture and a celebration of connection. From the storytellers at the cultural center to the artisans along scenic paths, every encounter feels genuine and rooted in place.
You’ll leave Goshen County with a renewed appreciation for the people of today who feed our country, the people of yesterday who built it, and the fact that, if we slow down to take a look, amazing travel destinations can often be found right under our noses.
Las Vegas may be known for casinos. But the outdoor adventures surrounding the city reveal an entirely different side of the region that rivals some of the most well-known outdoor recreation hubs in the country.
There’s no wrong way to experience Dubois; rather, there’s no shortage of great ones. Here are six of our favorite activities, both in and out of town.
Start your final morning with a one-hour drive to the iconic Devils Tower National Monument, the country’s first national monument. Here, you can hike the scenic 1.3-mile base trail, which winds around the tower’s massive rock formation, or simply soak in the breathtaking views from the visitor center. Devils Tower’s dramatic landscape and rich cultural significance make it a must-see destination for any traveler in the region.
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.
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.
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).
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.