What's so special about Route 66?

Has any other road in United the States been immortalized in pop culturemore than Route 66? Bobby Troup's "Route 66" is one of the mostrecognizable songs around. "Route 66" was a television show in the 1960s,and the highway provided the setting for cartoon automobiles in thepopular Pixar movie "Cars." John Steinbeck called Route 66 the "MotherRoad" in his novel "The Grapes of Wrath." Continuehere.

10 Best Hiking Spots in the United States

Why do people hike? Is it simply a holdover from our wanderings when wewere hunting and gathering? After all, humans and prehumans didn'texactly have mass transit. Walking was a necessity. If a tribe wanted torelocate to greener pastures, there was only one way to do it. Even if partof our desire to walk the Earth is hardwired, there's also the obvious -- thebeauty of Mother Nature. Vistas and waterfalls, giant redwoods and granitemountain faces aren't typically visible from the interior of your car. Andeven when they are, it's not the same as feeling the earth beneath yourfeet and standing on the edge of the cliff. There's also simplicity in puttingeverything you need to live on your back and walking into the woods tocommune with your surroundings. With no distractions or modernconveniences, you can learn a lot about yourself on a hike. Henry David Thoreau went into the woods to live deliberately and you can, too. Hereare 10 of the best hiking spots the United States has to offer. Continuehere.

How the Grand Canyon Works?

Its grandness and expansiveness have inspired jokes about what might fitwithin -- but how big is the Grand Canyon, really? And how did it get thatway? The Grand Canyon is at the heart of the 1 million acre Grand CanyonNational Park in Arizona. The canyon is the largest gorge in the world andis known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Continuehere.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Drives in the United States

The best way to take in the sights is to drive a convertible. The road trip:Hopping in the car, filling up the tank, cranking the tunes and hitting theopen road. It's an American tradition -- head out on the highway, lookingfor adventure (and whatever comes your way). Maybe you're ready for anice drive, but you don't know where to go. We've compiled a list of 10 of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the United States. We'll take youfrom Hawaii to Alaska and many places in between. Each trip featuresscenery from some of the most visually stunning areas of the country, sodon't forget to bring your camera. Let's hit the road! Continuehere.

How Miami Works: Miami City Guide

You've heard the hype about Miami: hot, hot heat and cool, blue-wavebeaches; couture fashion and flip-flops; rollerbladers on Ocean Drive; andflashy nightclubs that pulse to a never-ending beat. But there's anotherside to this international city that can turn your trip from touristy to aterrific memory-making experience. It's a side where neighborhood Cubanrestaurants serve picadillo and arroz con pollo as tasty as any abuelas,where beach bums revel in the sun sans the skimpy chi-chi crowd, wherethe lure of world-class art trumps the run of the mill souvenir circuit.Continuehere.

Las Vegas getaways

Its name means "The Meadows" in Spanish... Its name means "TheMeadows" in Spanish, but you probably know Las Vegas best by its moretitillating (not to mention fitting) moniker of Sin City—and for good reason.With a mafia past and enough modern-day seductions to tempt a priest,you'd be hard pressed not to commit at least one of the seven deadly sinswhile vacationing in this glittery parcel of Nevada desert. Continue herepart 1andpart 2.

How Atlanta Works: Atlanta City

Although Atlanta prides itself on its history, it's very much focused on thefuture. Call it Southern with an international flair. Don't let the relaxedatmosphere, polite culture, and historical landmarks fool you. A specialenergy exists in this premier city of the South. Whatever your interests,they're likely to be satisfied in Atlanta. While most people visiting Atlantaare directed to Buckhead for shopping and nightlife, downtown hasbecome a big draw following the 1996 Olympics. But don't stop there. You'll find interesting neighborhoods throughout the city -- each with itsown distinct personality. As a whole, they give Atlanta its unique character.Continuehere.

How Austin Works: Austin City

The minute that visitors enter the airport in Austin, Texas, the sound of music fills the air. Cool blues, rockabilly, you name it -- local artistsshowcase unique sounds on stages throughout Austin-BergstromInternational Airport. Dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World," musicis synonymous with the city, as is great barbeque, a decidedly liberalculture, and the likelihood that the tattooed hipster standing next to you inline at a local music venue is a tech millionaire. Continuehere.

How Boston Works: Boston City

Boston has always been extremely proud of its past. After all, theAmerican Revolution started here. In Boston, history isn't just confined tomuseums; it's everywhere, especially along the city's famous Freedom Trail, the path that traces the "footsteps" of colonial Boston's struggle forfreedom and independence. Boston's compact size, quaint architecture,and acres of green open space give the city an almost European feel. YetBoston is also a thoroughly modern city. Boston's student population --there are more than 100 colleges and universities in the Bostonmetropolitan area -- gives the city a definite youthful vibe. Today's Bostonis not so much old provincial capital, but a cosmopolitan city with adecidedly New England charm. Continuehere.

How Charleston Works: Charleston

Charleston is where the Ashley and the Cooper Rivers come together andform the Atlantic Ocean, or so that's what the locals say. Charlestoniansknow this Southern city is special, and it doesn't take long for visitors torecognize that as well. Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldestcities in the United States and the heart of what is called the SouthCarolina Low Country -- coastal lands that include marshes and barrierislands. There's an air of civility and privilege that almost drips from theSpanish moss on the oak trees. Exquisitely preserved architecture in anextraordinary setting and exuding Southern charm and grace, the genteeltown is as much about its people as it is about history and the sights tosee. Complete strangers will smile and say hello and, more than likely,they can recite their entire pedigree, because Charlestonians take as muchpride in their own history as they do their city's. You will know you are in aunique place from the minute you arrive on "The Peninsula." Continuehere.

How Chicago Works: Chicago City

You may think you know Chicago: a hard-working, no-nonsense city wherebratwurst-toting football fans cheer on "Da Bears" despite bone-chillingwinter winds. Guess again. This Midwestern metropolis has reinventeditself as a truly cosmopolitan destination. International visitors flock to thecity's world-class museums while snapping shots of the skyline (modernarchitecture was born here, after all). Continuehere.