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STAFFScion Project Manager: jeri Yoshizu, Sciontist editor: eric duckerMuSic editor: jeremy dillahuntcreative direction: Scionart director: ryan di donatoProduction director: anton SchlesingergraPhic deSign: thomas Bongiorno, Shanti garcia, Kaitlin LaveryautoMotive editor: Stephen gisondi, Korey tsunoautoMotive coPYwriter: Martina chaconasautoMotive PhotograPherS: dave Folks, jeff Li

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Theres never been a beTTer Time To geT ouT on The road

and explore The majesTy of america. from The pacific

To The aTlanTic The uniTed sTaTes offers a bounTy of

Treasuressome are hidden spoTs ThaT wonT make iT

inTo your average guidebook while oThers are well-

Trodden desTinaTions worTh re-discovering, no maTTer

how big The crowds are. use This magazine as a sTarTing

poinT when planning your nexT Trip. iT doesnT maTTer

if iTs a weekend jaunT or a monTh-long expediTion, a

quesT for culTure or an acTion-packed advenTure, a

wilderness Trek or a relaxing geTaway. whaTs imporTanT

is ThaT you geT ouT There. we wonT sTeer you wrong.

Safe journeys. ToyoTa does noT guaranTee or warranT The accuracy, compleTeness, or usefulness of any sTory and shall noT be liable To you in relaTion To The conTenTs of, or use of, or oTherwise in connecTion wiTh The informaTion conTained in The following arTicles.

P R E P P I N G Y O U R T R I P

With a full tank of gas youre revving to go, so here are some tips to make sure youre ready to head out on the highways.

T E x T b Y D a N I E l a R N O l D , E R I c D U c k E R a N D J E f f T h R O P E

*HITTIN THE*ROAD

P R E P P I N G Y O U R T R I P

Check out travel advice from the bands of Scion Garage Fest at scionav.com/lifestyle/scionmagazine

4

ReserveAmerica.comSince 1992, the people at ReserveAmerica.com have been leading the charge in revolutionizing North American camping by basically erasing all of your lazy excuses for not doing it. What started as a normal software company in 1984 has expanded to an Expedia-style campground-rental interface that makes the once overwhelmingly vast network of semi-wild places as accessible as the nearest chain motel. The next time you need to get out of the city, just pick a state, check off your favorite activities (i.e. boating, hiking, beach) and go where ReserveAmerica tells you. Plus, you can take care of everything from firewood to fishing licenses right on the site.

Picking a CameraIf you turn your next trip into a full-on photo expedition, chances are youll miss out on some action while youre trying to preserve it. To avoid this unfortunate downfall, pack a camera that doesnt require a lot of thought. Sure, film shot on a manual SLR has a warmth and intimacy that you wont get anywhere else, but if youre spending three minutes twiddling knobs every time you spot a squirrel, your friends are gonna feed you to a bear. Any digital camera with an automatic setting and not terrible flash will do, but honestly, youll get the best balance of convenience, authenticity, art and economy if you make a habit of grabbing a new disposable camera every time you refuel. Theyre light, you dont have to worry about passing them around and, surprisingly enough, they take some really good photos.

Choosing a Sleeping BagIf youre traveling in the summer months and you know there isnt going to be a huge dip in temperature when the sun goes down, get a light summer bag with a temperature rating of about 35 to 40 degrees that weighs close to nothing. A summer bag will be perfect for sleeping under the stars in the desert. When traveling in the spring or fall, when you need some extra warmth at night, go for a three-season bag that has a rating of around 15 to 20 degrees. Dont scrimp on money here, as a good sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of gear you can have while camping. No matter which type of bag you buy, youre also going to have to choose between synthetic and goose down insulation, a decision that campers will argue about for years to come. Synthetic is cheaper, dries quickly and is easy to take care of. Goose down is light, lasts longer and does a great job of wicking away body moisture. Dont order a sleeping bag online. Instead, go to a camping store, tell an employee where youll be going and see what she suggests. Itll be worth it.

Music MixesSure, the art of the homemade mix has faded with the invention of that iPod thinger and its infinite playlists, but before your trip, take a weekend afternoon to sit down with your records, your CDs or your computer and make a mix for old times sake. The best part of creating one is the reaction of your fellow travelers, so make your recordings in private and be sure youre not the only person along for the ride whos putting one together. Dont be nervous about your selections (youre probably the only one paying that much attention) and remember that everything from Dylans Highway 61 Revisited actually sounds better in a car.

HITTIN THE ROAD *MIXTAPE*

HITTIN THE ROAD MIXTAPE

Packing For WeatherWhen weather is a consideration in your travels, layering is always the best option. In cold climates several light layers take up less room than one bulky jacket, and in hotter regions the temperature often drops after dark. Sweaters and lined vests are smart, but really this is what fleece jackets are really made for. As for accessories, a scarf is handy, though hats are a must either way the thermometer swings.

SnacksAn easy way to save money and save time is to pack your own snacks before setting out on the road. If theres no room upfront for a mini-cooler to stock with fresh fruit, opt for dried mangos and cranberries instead. An assortment of Japanese rice crackers is a crunchy and crumb-free alternative to trail mix. As for the question of jerky, stock up on a couple packs of your favorite kind before you leave since a lot brands have the textureand taste of shoe leather. But keep an eye open for local varieties during rest stop breaks. And remember: Always pick teriyaki over hot pepper.

America the Beautiful PassThe National Parks America the Beautiful annual pass (created in 2004) costs $80, but holy heck is it worth it. The pass works at any federally owned recreation site and allows

free admission for one vehicle at any per-vehicle fee area or is good for up to four people at any

per-person fee area. The passes are available at any park, over the phone or on the internet. The

pass pays for itself after visits to four or five locations.store.usgs.gov/pass

a M E R I c aT h E

b E a U T I f U lP a S S

6

Packing Your Car

Check List Before Starting Your Road TripTake a shower, for everyones sake. Plus you dont KNOW when the next one is coming.Get change for tolls, bridge crossings and parking meters.Remove any potentially offensive

bumper stickers. Goo Gone does the trick.

Fully charge your cell phone, GPS device and any other essential electronics. Also check that all chargers, base stations and adapters are packed.

Make sure there is a fresh battery in your digital camera and plenty of room on the memory card.Add any new favorites to your mp3

player and delete anything dubious clogging it up.

Figure out the driver rotation, as well as who gets to sit up front and who is stuck in middle seat in the back.

First off, takeout everything from the car that

doesnt need to go on this trip. A blank pallatte

will definitely help you pack with a clear mind.

Load the larger items that you wont need

until you reach your destination toward the

back of the storage space. Put items you

may need during your drive, including an

emergency kit, into the car last.

Make sure all valuable items are out of sight.

When packing, try to distribute the weight

equally across both sides on the car. Also,

remember that packing light will help you

save on gas.

Keep a cooler of snacks and plenty of

water accessible in the cars main

compartment during the drive.

If youre still not sure if youve done it

right, find someone older to lecture

you about how they would have

done a better job.

America the Beautiful PassThe National Parks America the Beautiful annual pass (created in 2004) costs $80, but holy heck is it worth it. The pass works at any federally owned recreation site and allows

free admission for one vehicle at any per-vehicle fee area or is good for up to four people at any

per-person fee area. The passes are available at any park, over the phone or on the internet. The

pass pays for itself after visits to four or five locations.store.usgs.gov/pass

G E T T I N G T h E R E

Always keep your eyes on the road and remember that theres an adventure at every turn.

T E x T b Y D a N I E l a R N O l D , J E R E M Y D I l l a h U N T , E R I c D U c k E R , c a R O l I N E M c c l O S k E Y, J E f f T h R O P E a N D M a R G a R E T W a P P l E R

*HITTIN THE*ROAD

G E T T I N G T h E R E

10

Radio Station Guide When driving cross country music selection is key, but theres no better way to get some local flavor than by scanning the radio stations. A good general rule is to stick with the left end of the dial when passing through a college town, since the frequencies in the high 80s and low 90s are generally where youll find the idiosyncratic offerings of bored university kids. Oldies are widely available anywhere and pair nicely with most backdrops. The dulcet sounds of regional NPR and the agitation of talk radio come in handy when you need to hear a human voice. And dont forget about the AM band during those long stretches between civilizationsyou truly never know whos out there.

Country RoadsWhen traveling on I-5 and I-83four-to-six-lane blacktops with a posted speed limit of 65 MPHthe drive from Seattle, Washington to Hood River, Oregon takes approximately three and a half hours. Sure, its the quickest way to get there, but the sights along these corridors are about as unthrilling as you can get: fast food chains, truck stops, more fast food chains and the barest proximity to the natural landscape. The same trip can be made by following route 410 past Mount Rainiers west-facing glaciers, ranging evergreen forests and wildflower meadows. Then head down route 12 via the 8,000-foot-tall Mount Adams to route 131, the heart of Washington States burgeoning wine countrya dry, tan landscape pockmarked by green sprouts of dogwood trees hugging meandering river banks. Sure, it will add an extra ten hours to the journey, but instead of bland and repetitive surroundings, country roads offer access to the idiosyncratic charms and beauties of the American landscape. For those who love the journey as much as the destination, the slow road cant be beat.

Staple Diner MealsTheres nothing better in a diner, or anywhere for that

matter, than a cheeseburger (cheddar people, cheddar), french fries and a cola. Always make sure to ask if theres any local variation of this classic meal. If youre in New Mexico

load on some green chile and if youre in Wyoming, try it with bison meat. And if you dont eat meat or

just dont like cheeseburgers, take advantage of most diners all-day breakfast options. An omelet

with hash browns is always good.

Route 66The Mother Road, as its sometimes called, is an old U.S. highway that once stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona along the way. Established in 1926, the famous pathway used by migrants in the Dust Bowl era is heavily featured in the John Steinbeck novel The Grapes of Wrath. Now fused with several interstate highways, U.S. Route 66 encompasses some 2,500 miles and is at its best when it winds through small, sleepy communities such as Galena, Kansas or Catoose, Oklahoma (home to the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a structure retiree Hugh Davis built as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife). The government stopped calling Route 66 a highway in the 1980s, but many sections of the road are well preserved, including a stretch between Springfield, Missouri and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

12

Classic Camper Vans If youve ever been in an old camper from the 1970s or early 1980s you know that theres no better way to do a road trip. The backseat folds down and the top pops up to expose another bed, so theres no need to put up and take down a tent every day. You think youll miss the good mountain air by being in the car? No way! All the windows pop open, giving you just the right amount of breeze and

cross ventilation. And lets be honest, all those details arent important when youre riding in

some of the coolest cars ever made.

Car Ride GamesAlthough a long drive is a great time to let your brain wander, too much time alone in your mind can lead to some unfortunate things. If state troopers gave out a book of Mad Libs with every speeding ticket, the amount of inter-car arguments would plummet. With that in mind, dont leave home without a cache of distracting road games. If youre traveling with a deep crew, ask everybody to come prepared with a questionsomething thats more Whats your strangest obsession? than Whats your favorite color? When the ice-breaking conversation dies down, take a closer look at your surroundings. Can you find every letter of the alphabet in order on the passing road signs? Can you scramble the next five license plates to spell out a

sentence? Is there a car from every state in the union on the highway? Find out.

Local Variations on Truck Stop FoodTo eat well on the road, adopt the mentality of a presidential nominee. Although a tour of overpass fast food is more likely to put you in touch with the nations heartbeat, its the mom and pop truck stops that bare its soul. Breadbaskets and blue plate specials should be regarded with as much wonder as free-grazing roadside buffalo. So stop in at the last of the three-name lunch counters, shake somebodys hand and dig into potato-fried tilapia, great gravy and homemade waffles.

bONUS T IP fROM aN acTUal TRUckER: If youre ever near the Poconos and run across the Mountain of Sausage, dont get it. Three

pancakes and an egg topped with twelve sausages is a very, very bad idea.

*** ***

S E T T I N G U P

The drive is over and the bags are all unpacked, so now its time to let the real journey begin.

T E x T b Y D a N I E l a R N O l D , J E R E M Y D I l l a h U N T , E R I c D U c k E R , c a R O l I N E M c c l O S k E Y, J E f f T h R O P E a N D M a R G a R E T W a P P l E R

*HITTIN THE*ROAD

S E T T I N G U P

Dig into recipes of more meals to cook when camping at scionav.com/lifestyle/scionmagazine

16

Selecting Firewood and Starting a Camp Fire So youre not rolling into the campsite with a full stock of pine starter and some lighter fluid? Not a problem. The key is to start small, with kindling. Pine cones, needles, crackling twigs, and dried bark are all perfect. Next, look for hard, dry logs: oak, birch, beech and maple are all solid choices. Once you have the kindling burning, build a teepee of small logs over it. Be sure not to suffocate the kindling, since breathability is crucial to a campfires health. And remember to overstock on fuel for your fireonce the flames are up and running, you wont want to scrounge for more wood to keep the dream alive.

**To stay safe and prevent forest fires, always: keep the fire attended, build the fire away from overhanging branches and dry grass, make sure your match is completely extinguished and drown it with water (including embers and any sticks) when youre done.

Meals to CookLunch and dinner are both mighty fine meals, but the true star of camping trip cuisine is breakfast. Sitting outside your tent before

the sun has warmed the air and cooking something hot while your fellow campers are still asleep gives the whole experience a rugged authenticity. Start a fire, get out your Dutch oven and

put in your pre-made biscuits, get some coffee going, fry up some eggs and bacon, then wake everyone up with that metal triangle

you secretly bought along (it weighs less than a pound, so the joke is worth it). Breakfasts ready, come and get it!

Cast Iron CookingCast iron recipes come in two types: frying and baking. The latter requires a tight-fitting lid. For both, its critical to keep the pan well greased; otherwise youll end up with burned remnants superglued to its surface. Frying recipes should be done over a campfires openthough not ragingflame. Baking recipes are best done two or three inches above a bed of coals thats two inches deep and the same diameter as the pan.

Here are some other easy meals to make on your trip: Cheese and Onion Quesadillas Sesame Noodles (use soba noodles instead of pasta) Blueberry Pancakes Turkey Corn Chili Pepperoni Pizza (use Bisquick for the crust)

Airstream Trailer CampgroundsAirstream trailers are shiny, sleek bullets of retro style, but getting one for yourself is an expensive idea. Luckily, you can stay in your own for a few nights at KOA campgrounds in Watsonville, California; Sugarloaf Key, Florida; Bar Harbor, Maine; and, of course, Las Vegas. Rates run between $109 and $220 a night. If youre lucky enough to own your own, there are Airstream-only campsites dotted around the U.S., including Penn Wood in Limestone, Pennsylvania; Tennessee Cumberland Plateau Campground in Crossville, Tennessee; Jersey Shore Haven Airstream Park in South Seaville, New Jersey; and Minnesota Airstream Park in Clear Lake. And then theres Belrepayre Airstream in the Pyrenees foothills of France, the only Airstream park in all of Europe.

Pick enough blackberries to cover the bottom o

f your pan twice over.

Combine cup butter, 1 cup flour, 1 cup suga

r, 2 teaspoon baking

powder, a pinch of salt and cup of milk. W

hisk until smooth.

Pour the batter into a warm, well buttered cas

t iron pan.

Add the fruit and evenly spread it over the bat

ter.

Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it

sit one to two inches

over a bed of coalsno flamefor 45 to 60

minutes or until the

batter is crisp and golden brown.

hERES a REcIPE fOR

* baked Crispy *blaCkberry Cobb

ler

Yurt CampgroundsA yurt is a circular structure modeled off the traditional homes used by nomads in Central Asia. Western versions of the yurt are sturdy, easy to put up and, like teepees, can be placed virtually anywhere. These traits make them perfect for sleeping in remote locations without having to rough it too bad. The frame of a western yurt is made of wood with a large polymer cover, which means that unlike the nomadic yurts of the East, its not going to be portable. But the solid structure means great insulation for cooler summer nights and warmer winter nights; windows; and a real floor that welcomes a comfortable bed. Check out Colorado Yurt Companys website (coloradoyurt.com) for a surprisingly large list of campgrounds throughout the country where you can try something new and stay in a yurt. Youll thank yurtself later.

Motel Swimming Pools Lets assume youre not blowing it out at the Ritz. Lets say youve chosen to decamp at a perfectly serviceable motel chain somewhere outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico or Moab, Utah. Maybe they do not offer the high thread counts or $22 cocktails of a luxury hotel, but roadside motels, especially in the Southwest, often come with a pool. It may be a neglected chlorinated hole surrounded by a dingy white metal fence. Who knows whether its functional or strictly decorative? Either way, there is something undeniably grotty-glamorous about the aesthetic. Do not let the fact that no one is in it deter you. Grab your BluBlockers and a bag of Cheetos, channel True Romance and hit the plastic lounge chairs for a fully articulated low-brow afternoon.

Yes, its increasingly important to get in touch with nature, but its usually best to follow that idea figuratively not literally. Here are some plants with a definite hands-off policy:

Poison Oak Found in different varieties on the West and East coasts, poison oak has tri-leaflet pattern and turns from green to red (West coast) or orange (East coast) as the year progresses. When urushiol, poison oaks surface oil, makes contact with human skin, it causes itching that can lead to inflammation, blisters, hives and other rash like symptoms.

Poison Ivy Found in wooded areas in nearly every state in the U.S., its green leaves feature three almond-shape leaflets. Like poison oak, the urushiol on its surface causes an allergic reaction in human skin.

Poison Sumac Found mainly in the swamps of eastern states, it can range in size from small shrubs to plants that tower over any human. Its urushiol-covered leaves turn a reddish tint as the year progresses and its leaflets number more than seven per branch. Its effects are the same as poison oak and poison ivy.

Poison Hemlock Found throughout the United States but particularly a problem on the West coast, poison hemlock can be absorbed through the skin and fatal when ingested. The dangerousness of this plant is increased because of its similarity in appearance to fennel and parsnip.

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Bear PreventionTheres a widespread adage among national park people that goes, a fed bear is a dead bear. All it takes is a single misplaced PB&J sandwich to incite bear aggression, a terrifying proposition that inevitably leads to property destruction by the bear (and puts both the bear and hikers in danger). Scavenging

bears have become such a problem in Rocky Mountain National Park that rangers now require all overnight campers to pack

a bear canister. Most canisters fit into an ordinary backpack and provide a proper, bear-proof storage space for food,

pots, pans, soap, toothpaste and anything else bears might consider delicious. Some campsites now provide hanging poles to keep well-sealed bundles of potential bear bait out of reach. If a pole is not available, tie a rope high between two trees, then tie one end of a second rope to your package and the other to the first rope, suspending it in mid-air. For further safety, make sure to not only thoroughly clean up after yourself but for whoever else came before you.

Edible PlantsNot only will it save you money, but youll feel harmonized with nature by foraging for some of your own food. Some of the edible plants youll find in forests and temperate climates are familiarblueberries and acorns, for instancebut then there is exotic fare such as prickly pear cactus and amaranth leaves. One of the safest bets is dandelion leaves. Wash thoroughly, then combine with hunks of cheddar cheese and a simple dill vinaigrette for a tart salad. Mushroom-picking is not for beginners, as the indicators of edible varieties are very hard to identify. The best idea is to pick up a reliable guide like The Foragers Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer or the Department of the Armys trusty The Illustrated Guide to Edible Wild Plants and scour it before you try anything.

Setting Up A TentLocate the flattest spot on your site, preferably where the ground is the softest. Try not to set up directly underneath a tree or too close to the food preparation site, especially if you are in bear country. If you are in a remote area, stay away from mountaintops or the lowest ground since those are high risk areas during storms. Lay down a tarp to prevent dampness from bad weather and morning dew from seeping in. Orient the entrance of the tent along the direction of the wind to help ventilation. Peg or stake the tent down, even if the weather is currently calm.

******Room Service****** So youve splurged on a legitimately decent hotel. Now its time to draw the blinds, Pay-Per-View a terrible Bruce Willis movie and curl up with the room service menu. Ease like this comes at a steep premium, but its worth it. Grilled cheese and fries? Totally! Etiquette-wise, wearing a robe when answering the door is perfectly acceptable. When you get the bill, check to see if gratuity is included; if not, 20 percent is considered a standard tip.

And when youre done, erase the experience by wheeling the cart and dishware

into the hallway.

T h E P a c I f I c c O a S TI l l U S T R a T I O N b Y R O b E R T R O D R I G U E z

2009 Robert Rodriguez / lindgrensmith.com

Adventure Sports Along The Pacific Coast From border to border the Pacific Coast is filled with knockout nature and all types of weirdness. Embrace the spirit of the seekers who came before you and go west into the unknown.

ROck cl IMbING IN YOSEMITENorthern Californias Yosemite National Park is the place for climbers to set records and make a name for themselves. Of course, you dont have to be on that level to enjoy the sport while there. The Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service, the only company allowed to operate within the park, works with climbers of every ability. Though Yosemite is known for daunting rock walls like the famed El Capitan, there are also bouldering opportunities and bolted climbs around the park.

Entrance fee to the park is $20 per car.

NPS.GOv/YOSE

Climbing lessons from The Yosemite Mountaineering School average about $120 per person.

YOSEMITEPaRk.cOM/acTIvIT IES_ROckclIMbING.aSPx

MOUNTaIN cl IMbING IN MOUNT hOODAbout an hour outside of Portland, Oregon is Mount Hood, a potentially active volcano along the Cascade Range. There are day-hiking opportunities and plenty of skiing, but the truly adventurous can take part in a mountain climbing expedition. That said, youll definitely need more than a fleece and a canteen to make it to the summit. Timberline Mountain Guides has multiple programs for interested climbers, including ones for beginners that involve a basic snow climbing course and overnight expeditions for those more experienced.

Timberlines programs range from $460 for a two-day introductory course to $900 for a four-day expedition-style seminar.

TIMbERlINEMTGUIDES.cOM

kITESURfING/WINDSURfING ON ThE hOOD RIvER aND WhITEWaTER RafTING ON ThE WhITE SalMON RIvERTake a double shot of water adventure on the border between Oregon and Washington. The point where the Hood River meets the Columbia River Gorge is a top spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and there are plenty of stores nearby to take lessons from or to rent gear. Once youve gotten the hang of these two technically challenging surface-water sports, head over the Hood River Bridge into Washington for the visceral thrill of whitewater rafting. Pick up the journey at B Z Corners, following the rapid-filled White Salmon River through the gorges that surround it. There are plenty of rafting operators in the area to sign up with.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons around the Hood River average $95. A day of whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River is about $65.

f E a T U R E D R O a D T R I PAdventure Sports Along The Pacific Coast

S T O R Y b Y E R I c D U c k E RSometimes you need more than a camera and hiking boots to best experience the glories of the Pacific coast. For decades, people in California, Oregon and Washington have embraced adventure sports and there is a vast network of operators and guides out there to help rookies, veterans and everyone in the middle. These activities are more about getting closer to na-ture than adrenaline thrills but yes they can be pretty thrilling.

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lONGbOaRDING ON SaN ONOfRE STaTE bEachSan Onofre State Beach is a time warp back to the era before Xtreme. Located an hour north of San Diego and about an hour south of Laguna Beach, San Onofre has been a longboarding destination since the 1940s. It still fosters a classic California scene, with a parking lot packed with old school vans and waves full of leather-skinned surf bums. Beach mutts now have to be kept on a leash, but there are still firepits for evening cookouts. Arrive either very early or very late, because the line of cars trying to get in can get ridiculous. Beginners and non-locals welcome.

Parking is free, call 949-492-4872 for beach hours.

PaRkS.ca.GOv/?PaGE_ID=647

cOlD WaTER SURfING aT caNNON bEachFar in both distance and feel from sun-drenched SoCal surfing, catching some waves at Oregons Cannon Beach is an exhilarating experience. The water temperature rarely breaks 60 degrees even in August, but the surfing itself is great. In town, Clean Line Surf Shop has been serving the area for nearly 30 years and they can set you up with all the gear you need to handle the frigid temperatures. A package including board, hooded wet suit, boots and gloves costs $35; they also teach lessons. As a bonus for movie fans, Cannon Beach is where the final scenes of late-20th century classics The Goonies and Point Break were filmed.

Clean Line Surf Shop is minutes from the beach, which features free admission.

clEaNlINESURf.cOM kaYakING ON ThE kERN RIvERJourney inland to Kernville, south of Sequoia National Park, for kayaking on the Kern River. Veteran kayakers will tell you that spots like this just dont exist anymore. Sierra South (sierrasouth.com) offers lessons or demos boats, depending on your skill level. The best time to go is in the early spring, when the pure (and supercold) water melts down from the snowfall on Mount Whitney. The river features rapids ranging from class 2 to class 5, including the famed Cataracts. Dont be intimidated by the Killer Kern sign that lists how many people have died on the river since 1968. And if you are, sit the day out with a hamburger at the Kern River Brewing Company, co-owned by Olympic silver medalist kayaker Rebecca Giddens and her brother Eric.

Sierra Souths two-day introductory class costs $305; the whitewater kayaking equipment rental package is $45 per day.

kERNRIvERvallEY.cOM

2009

ExPlORE ThE

MaJESTY Of ThE

PacIfIc cOaST

laNDMaRkS OfThE PacIfIc

TExT bY JEREMY DIllahUNT, ERIc DUckER aND caROlINE McclOSkEY

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARKWith a landscape stark and bizarre enough to warrant comparisons to the moon, Joshua Tree is a must-see for anyone in pursuit of epic, sweeping visuals. Beyond the alien-looking eponymous trees, this park in the midst of the Mojave Desert contains a gallery of other oddballs, including a giant rock resembling a skull, gardens of insidiously clingy cacti and several palm oases. NPS.gOv/JOTR

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: 140 miles from Los Angeles.COST: $15 for a seven-day permit to the park.MOST POPULAR TIME TO vISIT: Spring.BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO vISIT: Fall, when the scorching heat and vacation crowds have both subsided.WHERE TO STAY: Joshua Tree Inn & Motel (joshuatreeinn.com). Gram Parsons bedded down here in Room 8 on his last night on planet Earth. The low-key vibe (koi pond, lounging areas, pool) encourages mingling without requiring it. Rooms start at $85 per night.

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALKResting on the Pacific, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a 20th century throwback fueled by endless cotton candy and quarters plunked into flashing carnival games. Though the Boardwalk doesnt specialize in the metal monsters that now dominate other amusement parks, the wooden Giant Dipper rollercoaster will rattle your teeth even though it is nearly 100 years old. BEACHBOARDWALK.COM

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: Less than half a mile from downtown Santa Cruz and 75 miles from San Francisco, California.COST: $29.95 for an all-day unlimited rides wristband.MOST POPULAR TIME TO vISIT: Summer.BEST TIME TO vISIT: April, when the temperature starts to climb and all the rides are open, but the school trips havent clogged up the lines.WHERE TO STAY: The Dream Inn (dreaminnsantacruz.com). A former eyesore, the Dream Inn has been totally renovated into a mod-style boutique hotel right on the beach. Rooms start at $259 per night.

24

SALTON SEAIn the course of one century the Salton Sea has experienced its birth and its death. After the Salton Basin flooded in 1905 it was transformed into the states largest lake and by the 1950s it had become a popular resort town that rivaled Palm Springs. Then the salinity, algae and bacteria of the sea rose to dangerous levelsdecimating the bird and marine life. While there is talk about revitalizing it, the largely abandoned area is now totally creepsville, giving an awesome glimpse at what life looks like beyond Thunderdome. SALTONSEA.CA.gOv/THESEA.HTM

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: 60 miles from Palm Springs, California.COST: Free.MOST POPULAR TO vISIT: The Salton Sea no longer has a peak tourism season.BEST TIME TO vISIT: Whenever its not too hot and the dead fish smell isnt too strong.WHERE TO STAY: There are seven campgrounds on the eastern side of the Salton Sea with varying degrees of amenities. (saltonsea.ca.gov/recreation/camping.htm)

REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK Best known for its oxygen-rich glades of old-growth redwoods, the park also contains the Klamath River Overlook, where you can witness the gray whale migration in the spring and fall. NPS.gOv/REDW

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: 325 miles from San Francisco, California and 378 from Portland, Oregon.COST: Entrance to the park is free.MOST POPULAR TIME TO vISIT: Summer.BEST TIME TO vISIT: March and April, which is prime time for whale watching.WHERE TO STAY: The Ships Inn in Eureka (shipsinn.net). This super mellow bed & breakfast dispels the genres myth of being a doily-bedecked, cloyingly grandmotherly experience. Rooms start at $130 per night.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS Hop a ferry to Orcas, Lopez or San Juan islands (there are more than 450 islands in total, but these three are the most accessible), famous for sea kayaking. When you reach land, hit the farms, open-air markets, orchards and vineyards and assemble your own locally grown feast. vISITSANJUANS.COM

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: 108 miles from Seattle, Washington.COST: $35 to $45 (depending on the island) for car and driver ferry fare from the mainland.MOST POPULAR TIME TO vISIT: Summer.BEST TIME TO vISIT: Summer, when theres the best weather and the most bountiful produce.WHERE TO STAY: North Beach Inn on Orcas Island (northbeachinn.com). Rustic, private, and remote, North Beachs 13 rooms afford solitude, views and ample opportunity for spacing out. Rooms start at $140 per night, with a minimum two-night stay.

REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK Best known for its oxygen-rich glades of old-growth redwoods, the park also contains the Klamath River Overlook, where you can witness the gray whale migration in the spring and fall. NPS.gOv/REDW

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: 325 miles from San Francisco, California and 378 from Portland, Oregon.COST: Entrance to the park is free.MOST POPULAR TIME TO vISIT: Summer.BEST TIME TO vISIT: March and April, which is prime time for whale watching.WHERE TO STAY: The Ships Inn in Eureka (shipsinn.net). This super mellow bed & breakfast dispels the genres myth of being a doily-bedecked, cloyingly grandmotherly experience. Rooms start at $130 per night.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS Hop a ferry to Orcas, Lopez or San Juan islands (there are more than 450 islands in total, but these three are the most accessible), famous for sea kayaking. When you reach land, hit the farms, open-air markets, orchards and vineyards and assemble your own locally grown feast. vISITSANJUANS.COM

DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITY: 108 miles from Seattle, Washington.COST: $35 to $45 (depending on the island) for car and driver ferry fare from the mainland.MOST POPULAR TIME TO vISIT: Summer.BEST TIME TO vISIT: Summer, when theres the best weather and the most bountiful produce.WHERE TO STAY: North Beach Inn on Orcas Island (northbeachinn.com). Rustic, private, and remote, North Beachs 13 rooms afford solitude, views and ample opportunity for spacing out. Rooms start at $140 per night, with a minimum two-night stay.

King Bowling Supply

Hearst Castle This sprawling estatelocated in San Simeon, California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Franciscowas commissioned in 1917 by newspaper magnate and art collector William Randolph Hearst. His taste was notoriously grand, eclectic and ever-shifting. The result is an over-the-top blend of architectural influences (Spanish Renaissance, Mediterranean Revival, Gothic Hearst even imported a ancient Roman temple to garnish his masterpiece) that took architect Julia Morgan nearly 30 years to complete, It boasts 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and 41 fireplaces. In its heyday, the castles aura of glamour was matched by its guestlist, which was frontloaded with luminaries such as Greta Garbo, Winston Churchill, Cary Grant and Charles Lindbergh. When Hearst ran into health and financial woes in the 1950s, the castle was donated to the state of California, which designated the property a historic landmark and opened it for tours. HearstCastle.org

Tours are available daily from 8:20AM to 3:20PM and cost $24 per adult.

tHe MYsterY sPot Advertised throughout California via complimentary bumper stickers, The Mystery Spot in the redwood forests of Santa Cruz exists in a realm (or at least in a shack) outside the laws of gravity and physics. During the 45-minute tour, the guides race through demonstrations to prove the strangeness of this place: balls can roll upwards, people seem to shrink in size depending on where they stand, etc. The internet will tell you these phenomenon are all in your mind, but youll definitely leave The Mystery Spot with your head genuinely reeling. Of course, that might be because of the fumes the buried alien spaceship is leaking. MYsterYsPot.CoM

Open everyday, the tour costs $5 per person and there is a parking charge of $5 per car.

Vineland driVe-in By now, most drive-ins have gone the way of the four-wheel roller skate, but, happily, a few holdouts remain. Among them is this kitschy gem just off Interstate 10, roughly 20 miles outside of Los Angeles. The last drive-in in L.A. County, Vineland unites two essential elements of SoCal culture: cars and movies. There are a few concessions to the 21st century here, such as Dolby stereo sound accessible through a cars FM radio and visual enhancement by Technalight. Remember to bring cash (Vineland doesnt take cards) and your own snacks (the concession lines are slow and the prices are steep) to the evening double feature that begin nightly at dusk. VinelanddriVeintHeater.CoM

Admission is $8 per person.

26

ALTERNATE ROAD TRIPlos angeles, california To anza-borrego, california

insTead of To joshua Tree, california

While no U2 albums were named after it, Anza-Borrego still has plenty going for it. On 600,000 acres in the middle of Californias Colorado Desert, this state park is even more remote than Joshua Tree. A major draw is the blooming cactuses and amazing wildflowers that come in the spring (there are even obsessives who track them via web cams to know the exact time to go), but Anza-Borrego boasts miles and miles of spectacular hiking trails year-round. With a four-wheel-drive vehicle you can get to the most secluded parts of the park. For those looking for a different type of isolation, the recently renovated Palms Hotel in nearby Borrego Springs offers the same escape it brought to the Hollywood elite back in the 1950s. PArks.CA.gov/?PAge_id=638

Operating hours are from dawn until dusk, park admission is $5 per car.

Music Festivalp i c k a T h o n

THE PICKATHON INDIE ROOTS MUSIC

FESTIVAL IS HELD UNDER THE SHADOW OF

MOUNT HOOD ON PENDARVIS FARM, A

80-ACRE WORKING FARM THATS JUST 20

MILES OUTSIDE OF PORTLAND, OREGON.

FOUNDED BY ZALE SCHOENBORN AND

SCOTT PENDARVIS IN 1999, NEARLY 40

ACTS PLAY ACROSS SIX DIFFERENT STAGES

DURING THE FESTIVALS THREE DAYS. PAST

PERFORMERS INCLUDE BLITZEN TRAPPER,

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, THE AVETT

BROTHERS AND LANGHORNE SLIM. MULTI-

DAY CONCERTGOERS CAN CAMP OUT,

OR STAY IN NEARBY HOTELS LIKE THE

BEST WESTERN SUNNYSIDE INN AND THE

DAYS INN PORTLAND SOUTH (BOTH IN

THE TOWN OF CLACKAMAS) THAT OFFER

A FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE FESTIVAL.

WHILE THERES PLENTY OF MUSIC,

CRAFTS, AND FOOD TO ENJOY ONSITE,

ATTENDEES CAN ALSO EXPLORE MILES OF

GORGEOUS HIKING PATHS THROUGH THE

SURROUNDING DOUGLAS FIR WOODS.

pickathon.com

Every time I go somewhere, no matter what, there is a whole tourist market. Ever since I was a kid I was always walking off side streets and looking for something different. I do that almost everywhere. In a place like Hawaii, you totally miss out on the small neighborhoods and how Hawaiian people really live. Thats where all the good stuff is at: the good food, the good snacks. It always helps to know somebody local or talk to someone local whos working. I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so I asked some guy who was working at a candy shop where he goes to eat. He told me about some great spot three blocks away that nobody goes to because you dont get an ocean view. A lot of times when I go somewhere, I try to go to a flea market. Its not to buy souvenirs, I look at peoples old stuff I learn about a place. You see a history of what people have bought and what theyre getting rid of. Its a totally underrated. Also, the people there are kind of chatty.

Eric Nakamura is the publisher and co-editor of Giant Robot. He produced the film The Dwelling, which appeared in Scions Easy Ten film series. Learn more at scionav.com/film/easy10.

Sawtooth NatioNal ForeSt

GraNd StaircaSe eScalaNte

NatioNal MoNuMeNt

T h E f R O N T I E R S T a T E SI l l U S T R a T I O N b Y M a R I O W a G N E R

2009 mariowagner/agoodson.com

Overlooked Nature Destinations in the Frontier States Boasting some of this countrys most dramatic landscapes, the Frontier States are home to both indelible landmarks and hidden pockets of amazingness. Whether the tourist buses roll through them are not, these are places that cant be experienced by postcard.

orGaN PiPe

NatioNal MoNuMeNt

caNyoN de chelly

NatioNal MoNuMeNt

diNoSaur NatioNal MoNuMeNt

GraNd tetoN NatioNal Park

cRaTERS Of ThE MOON NaTIONal MONUMENT In addition to having one of the best names of any park in the country, Craters of the Moon is composed of eerie lava fields dotted with sagebrush and juniper. Located in central Idaho, Craters is a place that needs to be seen by foot, whether its through the lava fields or in the cave (preferably both). The half-mile hike up Inferno Cone offers panoramic views of the park, while Boy Scout Cave is covered in stalactites, formed by hot lava dripping down and then cooling on the walls. The cave retains ice year-round and its floor is a thick, slippery sheet, so walk real slowly.

Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle. NPS.GOv/cRMO

SaWTOOTh NaTIONal fOREST If you dont have time to drive to Alaska, Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho might be the next best thing. The more than two million acres that make up Sawtooth are, in a word, rugged. The forest area is some of the wildest in the lower 48, and the 50 granite peaks that rise above 10,000 feet make it one of the handsomest as well. And with over a thousand lakes and three thousand miles of rivers, its no surprise that Ernest Hemingway asked to be buried here (his gravestone is in the nearby town of Ketchum). There are 37 campgrounds in Sawtooth National Forest, most of them situated on the water and near mountains, so bring your camera and get your Ansel Adams on while baking some Idaho potatoes in the fire.

Admission to the forest is free. fS .fED.US/R4/SaWTOOTh

GRaND STaIRcaSE EScalaNTE NaTIONal MONUMENTGrand Staircase Escalante National Monument is all about the hoodoos. Unfamiliar with hoodoos? In laymans terms, a hoodoo is a tall, thin spire of rock thats topped by harder rock. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but youll know when you see one. Located in Southern Utah, the Grand Staircase Escalante is nearly two million acres big and is divided into three main areas: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante. Take the Cottonwood Canyon Road through the Staircase area to see the rich reds of the canyon walls and become more familiar with hoodoos.

Admission to the park is free. blM.GOv/UT/ST/EN/fO/GRaND_STaIRcaSE-EScalaNTE.hTMl

f E a T U R E D R O a D T R I POverlooked Nature Destinations in the Frontier States

S T O R Y b Y J E f f T h R O P EThe American West is filled with postcard-perfect landscapes and astounding sites. But as magnificent as Arizonas Grand Canyon and Utahs Monument Valley really are, there are plenty of other spectacular places for camping and hiking. Head out into the frontier states and enjoy these treasures without the crowds and hassles that the most popular vacation months can bring to tourist hubs.

30

ORGaN PIPE NaTIONal MONUMENT Organ Pipe National Monument is the desert, pure and simple. Its Edward Abbey country. Tucked away at the southern border of Arizona, right above Mexico, Organ Pipe is part of the Sonoran Desert. When youre there, life is slow, good, hot and cold. Winter days can get up to the 70s and drop to the 30s by night. There are plenty of areas where you can set up a tent and watch the sun set over a horizon filled with organ pipe cactuses. Before you fall asleep, take a 21-mile spin on the twisting and graveled Ajo Mountain Drive, one of the best ways to see the park.

Admission to the park is $10 per vehicle. NPS.GOv.ORPI

GRaND TETON NaTIONal PaRkIn the late 1920s John D. Rockefeller Jr. bought the land that is now Grand Teton National Park so he could keep a protective hold on it until the National Park Service was ready to take it over. Located in northwestern Wyoming outside of Jackson, the Grand TetonWyomings second highest peak and the parks namesakewatches over 100 alpine and backcountry lakes, the mighty Snake River and countless moraines (large fields of rocks and boulders left behind by glaciers). That mountain air is therapeutic, so make sure you do a little camping while youre there. Also, be sure to wake up before dawn one day, take a drive down the Jenny Lake Scenic Road, watch the sunrise and then go to Jedediahs House Of Sourdough in Jackson for some of the best sourdough pancakes youve ever had.

Admission to the park is $25 per vehicle. NPS.GOv/GRTE

D INOSaUR NaTIONal MONUMENT The Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado might be home to several famous fossil finds, but to really understand the park you need to hop in a raft and float down Split Mountain Canyon. Head to Adrift Adventures in Bueno Vista (adrift.com), one of two commercial companies that the National Park Service allows in, and spend the day relaxing while imagining what that area of the world looked like during the late Jurassic period, when the Allosaurus was running around. When your float is over, pitch your tent at one of the parks six campgrounds.

Admission to the park is $10 per vehicle. NPS.GOv/DINO

caNYON DE chEllY NaTIONal MONUMENTCanyon de Chelly in Arizona is unique in the National Parks system in that it is entirely Navajo Tribal Trust Land. The only way to hike on the canyon floor is to take a guided tour with a park ranger. Youll walk through towering walls of rock that have sustained one of the longest continually inhabited landscapes of North America. The tour costs $15 and you can sign up at the parks Visitor Center, three miles from Chinle, Arizona. The exception to the guided-tour rule is the White House Trail, a short two-mile hike that takes you to some impressive ruins dating back to around 1200 A.D. There is no fee for entrance or camping, so bring some cash to buy some of the crafts that the Navajos sell at the ruins.

Admission to Canyon de Chelly is free. NPS.GOv/cach/INDEx.hTM

TEXT BYjeremy dillahunT and jeff Thrope

LANDMARKS OF THE

FRONTIERdiscover The wonders of The american fronTier

Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone is the pride and joy of all American parks. Its the first of its kind and is home to more large mammals (buffalo, gray wolf, grizzly bear, mountain goat, etc.) than any other place in the continental United States, making it the spot for wildlife viewing. nps.gov/yell

Distance from the closest city: The park is enormous, but Old Faithful is about 70 miles from Jackson, Wyoming.Cost: Admission is $25 per car.Most popular time of the year to visit: Summer.Best time of the year to visit: Try something different and get to Yellowstone in the winter. The crowds will be virtually gone, wildlife will be easily visible, and youll be able to end a day of touring the park via snowmobile by the fireplace. Where to stay: Slough Creek Campground. Located in Lamar Valley, its in a somewhat remote part of Yellowstone but has some of the parks best wildlife viewing (nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/sloughck_cg.htm). Camping is $12 per night.

Monument Valley Anyone who has watched old Hollywood westerns, particularly those of director John Ford, knows what Monument Valley looks like but probably never knew it by name. Monument Valleys famous red buttes are iconic images of the American southwest. It is part of the Grand Circle, which includes the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef and several other parks. navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm

Distance from the closest city: Monument Valley is located in Utah, near the Four Cornerswhere New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah meetonly 150 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona. Cost: Admission to the park is $5.Most popular time to visit: Summer and early fall. Best time of the year to visit: This is the desert and there isnt much shade, so go to Monument Valley around September, right in between the hot summer and cold fall and winter. Where To Stay: Monument Valley Campgrounds, operated by the Navajo Tribal Park. Camping is $10 per night.

monTana, wyoming, arizona, uTah

32

The Grand Canyon When it comes to the Grand Canyon, Teddy Roosevelt really nailed it when he said, Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your childrens children and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American should see. nps.gov/grca

Distance from the closest city: The South Rim of the Grand Canyon receives 90 percent of the parks visitors. Thats where you get the classic views of the canyon. Phoenix, Arizona is 231 miles away, but at 278, Las Vegas, Nevada is just 47 miles more.Cost: $25 for park fees and car entrance.Most popular time to visit: Summer.Best time to visit: As with any National Park, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is when the tourists go away. The South Rim is open year round, so beat the crowds and the insane heat of summer and wait until the fall when the temperature drops to a reasonable 60 degrees. When the sun starts to set, youll have less competition for that perfect picture. Where to stay: The Bright Angel Lodge (grandcanyonlodges.com). Built in 1935, the Bright Angel Lodge is located a few feet from the Canyon rim. Its more rustic than some of the more luxurious accommodations located in the park, which means youll save money and be able to buy more sundaes at the lodges old fashioned ice cream fountain. Plus, the Bright Angel is a Natural Historic Landmark. Rooms with a private bathroom start at $90.

Glacier National Park Glacier National Park borders the Canadian Border in northern Montana and is home to the unbelievable Going to the Sun Road, a National Historic Civil Engineering landmark that traverses the Continental Divide. nps.gov/glac

Distance from the closest city: 150 miles from Missoula, Montana.Cost: $25 for park admission.Most popular time of the year to visit: Summer. Best time of the year to visit: Winter at Glacier can be brutally cold, so stick to the warm months. Where to stay: Fish Creek Campground. Park rangers host a nightly evening program at the amphitheater at Fish Creek Campground, one of two campgrounds in Glacier that take reservations. A spot is $23 per night.(nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/camping_detail.cfm?cg=Fish Creek)

Bonneville Salt FlatsThe Bonneville Salt Flats, a remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville, are home to Bonneville Speedway, which hosts some of the worlds fastest car racing. Some vehicles have clocked up to 600 miles per hour. bim.gov.ut/st/en/fo/salt_lake/recreation/bonneville_salt_flats.html Distance from the closest city: 115 miles west of Salt Lake City, Utah.Cost: Admission to the salt flats is free.Most popular time of the year to visit: August.Best time of the year to visit: Bonneville Speedway hosts Speed Week each August, where racers come from all over the world to compete for the title of fastest car. Its worth dealing with the crowds to see it. Where to stay: The KOA Campgrounds in Wendover. Ten miles from the flats, it will only set you back around $30 per night. (koa.com/where/nv/28130)

See whats going down in Salt Lake City culture at scionav.com/lifestyle/scionmagazine

tHe HooVer daM The Hoover Dam is located 30 miles south of Las Vegas, towering high above the great Colorado while keeping her tame. When it opened it 1936, the Hoover was the biggest of its kind in the world, but today its moved down to the 35th place. The dam has had an enormous environmental impact on the Colorados ecosystem, preventing flooding that is imperative to the survival of many plant and animal species. A lot of nature lovers have a difficult relationship with the Hoover Dam and see it as a testament to the modern desire to try and control our environment. usbr.goV/lC/HooVerdaM

Open from 9AM to 6PM, parking is $7 and admission $11 for each adult.

tHe neon MuseuMs boneYard The Neon Museums Boneyard is the final resting place of some of Las Vegas most iconic signs. Located just north of the Strip where they originally sparkled, more than 150 historic, unrestored signs sit on the three-acre site. Dating back to the 1930s and up to the present day, many of the signs come from Sin Citys main neon supplier, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO). YESCO leases the signs out and then donates them to The Neon Museum upon their return. Among the world famousand dearly departedlandmarks now on view: Caesars Palace, Golden Nugget, Moulin Rouge and The Stardust. neonMuseuM.org

Tours are available Tuesday to Saturday at noon and 2PM, they must be reserved in advance and cost $15.

Wild Horses & burro adoPtion Wild horses seem like mythical creatures in this day and age, but they exist, enough so that the Bureau Of Land Management gathers up over a thousand a year and offers them for adoption or sale to those willing to provide humane and long term care. The sale usually goes down in the fall, and though they happen from Maine to Washington, the one in Livingston, Montana helps maintain the land and herd health of the nearly 33,000 wild horses that roam federal property out west. By adopting a horse, youre not only helping to find a home for a beautiful animal, youre helping maintain our public lands. nationalWildHorseadoPtiondaY.org

34

Music FestivalmonoliTh fesTival

CARVED INTO THE SANDSTONE

LANDSCAPE OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS,

ITS HARD TO THINK OF A MORE JAW-

DROPPING BACKGROUND FOR A

CONCERT THAN THE LEGENDARY RED

ROCK AMPHITEATRE. THE GEOLOGICALLY

FORMED VENUE SEATS NEARLY 10,000

PEOPLE AND HAS HOSTED MUSIC EVENTS

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY. DEBUTING

IN 2007, THE MONOLITH FESTIVAL IS A

BUZZING ALTERATIVE ROCK SHOWCASE

FOR BANDS LIKE YEAH YEAH YEAHS, OF

MONTREAL AND CHROMEO. ITS ALSO RED

ROCKS FIRST EVER MULTI-DAY, MULTI-STAGE

EVENT, WITH 50-PLUS ARTISTS COVERING

FIVE STAGES OVER TWO DAYS. CAMPING

IS NOT AVAILABLE, SO BOOK A HOTEL IN

DENVER, JUST 20 MINUTES TO THE WEST.

monolithfestival.com

After the Art Basel show in Miami a few years ago my girl Keiko and I decided take a road trip and drive back to Los Angeles. Since Keiko is from Brazil, she wanted to see some of the statesplaces like New Orleans, Austin and Marfa. We had just left Marfa when I got a call from a friend who told us to roll through a town called Bisbee in Arizona and stay at a place called the Shady Dell. Bisbee was an old western mining town during the turn of century and the Shady Dell is a mid-century Americana kitsch time warp. Nestled in the hills of Bisbee, the Dell is a vintage trailer park where you can rent a 1950s Airstream or a Spartan Manor trailer for the night or weekend. These trailers come complete with mid-century televisions, record players, kitchen appliances, dishes and dcor. There is even a 50s diner where you can get a blue plate special.

J. Shea curated the Travel and Document show at the Scion Installation Los Angeles space, scionav.com/art/installationlosangeles. His art appeared in the Installation 4 and Installation 5 tours, scionav.com/art/installationtour.

denver To black canyon of The gunnison naTional foresT, colorado, insTead of To rocky mounTain naTional park, colorado

ALTERNATE ROAD TRIPdenver To black canyon of The gunnison naTional foresT, colorado,

insTead of To rocky mounTain naTional park, colorado

Sure, Rocky Mountain National Park is a nice place to drive to when you finally reach the Centennial State, but for some of the most dizzying views in Colorado, head south from Denver to the less frequented Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The scenery is insane, the canyons are narrow (40 feet at its narrowest point!), the fly fisherman are plenty, the climbers are some of the best in the world, and if you have a fear of heights, youll have plenty of breathtaking reasons to get over it. nps.gov/blca

T h E M I D W E S TI l l U S T R a T I O N b Y J O h N k a c h I k

2009 John Kachik / lindgrensmith.com

Eating Across The Midwest Popping up along the Midwests unending highways are unmissable cultural pitstops and meals youll remember for the rest of your life. There are plenty of reasons to take your time as you head across Americas heartland.

f E a T U R E D R O a D T R I PEating Across The Midwest

b R E I T b a c h S c O U N T R Y D I N I N GBreitbachs Country Dining, 15 miles north of Dubuque, is one of Iowas oldest restaurants. Founded in 1852 and owned by the Breitbach family for six generations, its known for its simple, made-from-scratch Midwest and German-heritage foods. Since 2008, fires have gutted the restaurant twice, but Breitbachs still manages to rise from the ashes. It reopened once again this past summer to hungry, loyal crowds. In addition to fried chicken, spicy ribs, sauerkraut and sausage, Breitbachs is acclaimed for its fresh fruit pies. At the outlook just north of the restaurant, catch a view of the Mississippi River Valley.

Open daily. Call 563-552-2220 for restaurant hours.

c O U N T R Y l a N E b a k E R YNortheastern Indiana is home to the third-largest Amish community in the country. In addition to the horse and buggies the Amish are known for they also make amazing baked goods. One of the most traditional stops is Country Lane Bakery on a family farm near Middlebury. Lit mostly by gas lamps, the Amish-owned establishment specializes in sticky apricot turnovers, cinnamon rolls and apple butter. In nearby Shipshewana, Yoders Meat & Cheese Company offers natural, antibiotic-free beef, pork, lamb, chicken and buffalo.

Country Lane Bakery is open Monday through Saturday, call 574-825-7918 for more information and store hours.

Yoders Meat & Cheese Company is open Monday to Saturday. YODERSMEaTShOPPE.cOM

a R T h U R b R Y a N T S b b qNew Yorker columnist Calvin Trillin has called this Kansas City institution possibly the single best restaurant in the world. With origins dating back to the early 1920s, it certainly has had its share of famous guests, including Presidents Truman and Carter, Steven Spielberg and Jack Nicholson. The draw is BBQ slow-cooked on a combination of hickory and oak woods, then doused with Original or Rich & Spicy sauce. Other specialties include lard-fried fries. Its not good for you, but you can try and walk it off by exploring the rest of downtowns treasures, like the American Jazz Museum.

Open daily. aRThURbRYaNTSbbq.cOM

l U c I a S Minneapolis is an arty, progressive Midwestern enclave and its eating establishments reflect that character. Chef Lucia Watson, a third-generation Minnesotan, opened her namesake restaurant 24 years ago, and its been a mainstay of the Uptown neighborhood ever since. With a weekly menu that relies heavily on seasonal ingredients, chef Watson merges classic French cooking styles with northern heartland rusticity. And when youre done classing things up at Lucias, stay in Uptown and head to Spyhouse, a divey restaurant/bowling alley/theater.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. lUcIaS.cOM

S T O R Y b Y M a R G a R E T W a P P l E RDining in the Midwest is mostly known for big portions and big calories, there are all kinds of good eating in the region. Sure, its OK to indulge in the occasional gutbuster (and listed below are some places where you can definitely do so), but theres also room for more refined and adventurous meals. So pack up the car and dont be surprised if you pack on some pounds.

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M a R S c h E E S E c a S T l EOnly in Wisconsin would there be a temple to dairy. Worshipped by locals and tourists alike, Mars Cheese Castle is top-to-bottom Badger State kitsch. Need a foamy hat resembling a cheese wedge for the next Packers game? Find it here. Want to get a gluttonous but delicious sausage and cheese platter for the folks? You got it. Located just across from the Illinois border, Mars is especially known for cheese curds, a special type of melt-in-your-mouth cheese that hasnt been salted or pressed into bricks yet. They also do a brisk mail order service, so even when Mars is far away in your rearview mirror you can still get your fix.

Open daily. MaRSchEESE .cOM

l U l a c a f & E D N a S S O U l f O O DChicago is a bastion of comfort food done in all stylesfrom diner-counter simplicity to feasts for the most discerning of gourmands. Lula Caf sits near the upper end of that spectrum, but its not fussy. The vibe is laidback dinner party. Brunch is a standout, featuring a rotating menu that has included chamomile-custard-stuffed brioche French toast and shrimp enchiladas with pickled vegetables. A couple of miles down the road is Ednas, a favorite of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who liked to host planning meetings there. Specialties of this soul food stopover include biscuits, collard green and peach cobbler.

Lula Caf is open for all three meals Wednesday to Monday. lUlacafE .cOM

Ednas is open Tuesday to Sunday, call 312-638-7079 for more information.

J E f f R U b Y S S T E a k h O U S ECincinnati restaurant impresario Jeff Ruby improves on the Midwestern steakhouse formula by steeping his restaurant in 1940s French Art Deco flair. Located in the heart of the citys entertainment district, Rubys is across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts, which was designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli. Dont miss out on Rubys Mac Daddy & Cheese made with six cheeses and cavatappi pasta, or the 24-ounce bone-in rib steak thats dry-aged on the premises.

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. JEffRUbY.cOM

z I N G E R M a N S D E l IZingermans has been called the best deli outside New York City. Started in 1982 by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, the Ann Arbor, Michigan institution offers everything from the traditional pastrami on rye bread (baked in house) to Indonesian sea salt and Irish butter. Perhaps most impressively, theyve branched out to create a network of Ann Arbor businesses, a model that was praised by Inc. magazine in 2003 as the coolest small company in America. Zingermans Roadhouse, two miles down the road from the deli, is one of the jewels of the empire, where whole hog, chicken and brisket are pit-roasted over Michigan hardwood.

Open daily. zINGERMaNSDElI .cOM

Watch Drop the Lime visit his family in Minneapolis at scionav.com/lifestyle/scionmagazine

Landmarksof the

Midwest

GOODCO

NTAINS

INFORMATION

Hittin The

Road!!!

Lewis & Clark TrailStretching more than 4,600 miles from Washington D.C. to Washington state, the Lewis & Clark Trail reaches one of its high points in Missouri. The pinnacle is the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, but deeper in the state is Bellefontaine Cemetery, where Clark himself is buried. lewisandclarktrail.com

Distance from the closest city: Pick it up in St. Louis and follow it along the Missouri River out of the state.Cost: Much of the Lewis & Clark Trail passes through the Missouri state park system, which does not charge entrance fees.Most popular time to visit: Late spring and early summer.Best time of the year to visit: Early fall for the turning leaves. Where to stay: Iron Horse Hotel in Blackwater, Missouri (ironhorsehotel.com). This small, restored 1880s railroad hotel has fine dining, gardens, ten unique guest rooms, and quaint atmosphere to spare. Call 660-846-3001 for rates.

The Gateway ArchAt 630 feet tall, St. Louis gateway to the west is the tallest man-made monument in the country. From the observation area you can look out over the Mississippi River and at the visitors centers Museum of Western Expansion you can expand your mind. gatewayarch.com

Distance from the closest city: Located in St. Louis.Cost: $7 for a tram ticket to the observation area.Most popular time to visit: Summer.Best time of the year to visit: In spring at the start of the baseball season, so you can also take in a game at Busch Stadium.Where to stay: The Millennium Hotel (mileniumhotels.com). Within walking distance to Busch Stadium, Old Cathedral, Laciedes Landing, and President Casino, the Millennium Hotel is in the heart of downtown. Rooms start at $129 a night.

South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri

South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri

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Landmarksof the

Midwest

GOODCO

NTAINS

INFORMATION

Hittin The

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Mt. RushmoreThe iconic carvings of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are impressive (and were mostly done with dynamite), but the surroundings are equally spectacular. Nearby is the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Black Hills are rich with canyons, pine-covered slopes and windswept peaks. nps.gov/moru

Distance from the closest city: 18 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.Cost: Admission is free, parking is $10.Most popular time to visit: Summer.Best time of the year to visit: July 3, for the fireworks display.Where to stay: Historic Franklin Hotel in Deadwood (silveradofranklin.com). Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, John Wayne, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Babe Ruth were among the Franklins guests in its heyday. The restored hotel now features woodwork and fluted columns that match early photographs of the lobby and several other vintage touches. Rooms start at $89 per night.

BadlandsThis spooky landscape of jagged rocks and plunging crevices is best experienced at sunset or sunrise, when the shadows are most dramatic. Bison and black-footed ferrets roam the area, not to mention prairie falcons and all types of snakes. nps.gov/badl

Distance from the closest city: 80 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.Cost: $10.00 per car for a seven day pass.Most popular time to visit: Summer.Best time of the year to visit: May, during wildflower season. Where to stay: Cedar Pass Lodge (cedarpasslodge.com). The authentic but no frills Lodge first opened for business in 1928. The cabins dont have TVs or telephones. Try the homemade Indian fry bread or buffalo tacos at the restaurant. A cabin with a private bath is $85 per night.

Wisconsin DellsThe Dells area in Southeastern Wisconsin is a watery wonderland, with more than 20 outdoor and indoor water parks. Other attractions include Wisconsin River boat tours, golfing, go-karting and a host of oddball venues, like the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, which boasts more than 150 interactive activities about science, technology and space. wisdells.com

Distance from the closest city: 40 miles from Madison, Wisconsin.Cost: A city pass to see 14 attractions costs $84.Most popular time to visit: July and August.Best time of the year to visit: Mid-week in September. Itll still be hot, but with school in session, the crowds should be thinner.Where to stay: Chula Vista Resort (chulavistaresort.com). Located three miles north of downtown Wisconsin Dells, the sprawling Chula Vista is tucked into the cliffs and pines of the Wisconsin River. Rooms start at $139 a night.

DOCTOR BONDSDENTALSERVICE

ioWa state Fair A state fair should be like a flea market: have something for everyone, be cheap enough for the whole family and stay endearingly ragtag. The Iowa State Fair, usually held in August, is one of the Midwests most glori-ous. With nearly 200 food stands, the Iowa State Fair offers more than 50 snacks on a stick, including deep fried Twinkies and the traditional corn dog. Of course, no state fair would be complete without contests of all kinds, with competitions in spelling, hair braiding, chess, the banjo and twin and triplets contest. If you want to play it more low key, theres also the quite pleasant demolition derby. ioWastateFair.org

Grounds are open from 7AM to 1AM, and admission is $10.

MotoWn HistoriCal MuseuM From Stevie Wonder to The Supremes to The Jackson 5, some of the worlds greatest musicians recorded in Berry Gordy Jr.s small house in Detroit, Michigan. Using an $800 loan from his family, Gordy founded Motown Records in a two-story row house in 1960 that was soon dubbed Hitsville USA. Now the home has been fully restored into the Motown Historical Museum, which displays stage uniforms, sheet music and other historic paraphenilia. Visitors can also peek into Studio A, where Marvin Gaye recorded Whats Going On, and test out the pre-reverb echo chamber (a hole in the ceiling) that was used to create the signature Motown Sound. MotoWnMuseuM.CoM

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10AM to 6PM, admission is $10, guided tours included.

tHe Corn PalaCe Colorado may have its towering peaks, Oregon its lush forests, Florida its white sand beaches, but South Dakota has a monument to agriculture with an exterior made of thousands of bushels of native corn, grain and grasses shaped into large murals depicting Americas great destinations. The Corn Palace in Mitchell is truly a standout in the Midwests many monuments to kitsch. This shrine to prairie gold is not only how the locals show off their bountiful harvest, its also an auditorium for nationally touring entertainment. CornPalaCe.CoM

Hours shift depending on time of year, but admission is free.

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Music Festivalchicago powerfesT

A MAGNET TO ALL THINGS METAL, ILLINOIS

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chicagopowerfest.com

ALTERNATE ROAD TRIPchicago To mackinac island, michigan

insTead of To The wisconsin dells, wisconsin

With dozens of water parks, the Wisconsin Dells is a classic getaway, but the true escape from the daily grind can better be found on Michigans Mackinac Island. Since 1898, cars have been banned from Mackinac to encourage tourism, so today all travel is by horse or bicycle. Hovering just north of Michigans Upper Peninsula in Lake Huron, the island is reached by ferry. Travel the eight-mile shoreline trail to capture the full breadth of this former Native American settlement. mackinacisland.org

The ferry costs $21 per adult.

People think that being on the road is all rock star antics and throwing plasma TVs out of windows, but for the most part, when youre touring its all about getting a proper meal. On a tour that took us through Kansas City, me and Eli Escobar had the craziest BBQ Ive ever tasted in my life. We went directly from the airport to Oklahoma Joes, this BBQ spot in the back of a grimy gas station thats in the middle of nowhere. From the look of it, its the last place that I would really want to eat, but Im glad I went. Most ridiculous BBQ I ever had, no question. I waited in a long line to grab my plate of ribs and brisket and proceeded to kill it sitting shotgun in the parking lot. It gave me the after-Thanksgiving feeling for the next few hours. Definitely worth the trip, although the homies sharing the stage with me that night might have disagreed.

Cosmo Baker mixed Scion CD Sampler Vol. 15 with DJ Ayres, another member of The Rub. Listen to Scion CD samplers at scionav.com/music/scioncdsamplers.

T h E S O U T hI l l U S T R a T I O N b Y J O N N Y M E N D E l S S O N

2009 Jonny Mendelsson / lindgrensmith.com

The Souths Musical Legacy When traveling through the South there is good music, good eating, good deals and good people. Throw in some wild scenery and the occasional gothic cemetery and youre guaranteed an unforgettable adventure.

S T O R Y b Y J E R E M Y D I l l a h U N TThe American Southa region once described as the sow belly by blues master Son Houseis undoubtedly the root of so much of the music we listen to now. Just 14 or so songs by Robert Johnson lay the foundation for soul, R&B, rock, boogie and funk. In turn, those sounds gave birth to hip hop, techno, house and so on. But much better than talking about music is experiencing it, and the following are must-see destinations to celebrate the Souths contribution.

MEMPhIS, TENNESSEEGracelandFrom the white terracotta monkeys and the peacock stained-glass windows to the indoor waterfall, Graceland is a miracle of taste. Elvis Presley lived here for more than 20 yearsfrom the height of his fame to his death in 1977and recorded much of his later work in the mansions music studio. Via guided tours, visitors can experience a firsthand glimpse of the over-the-top aesthetic that informed the Kings infamous stage costumes and sprawling sonic identity.

Tours available daily. Check the website for holiday closures.

ElvIS .cOM

Stax MuseumFrom 1960 to 1975, Stax Records introduced the world to soul and R&B giants Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the MGs, Wilson Pickett and many more. Not only did this remarkable collection of talent rework the musical landscape, but the Stax catalog also provided what would become staple sample material for hip hop, breaks and house music. Located at the record labels former headquarters, the Stax Museum is home to the famous Studio Awhere artists including Carla Thomas and Ike Turner recordedand memorabilia including the organ Booker T. played on Green Onions and Tina Turners gold lam miniskirt.

Tours available daily.

SOUlSvIllEUSa.cOM

aUSTIN, TExaSSouth Congress AvenueThe center point of the infamous South By Southwest Festival, Congress Avenue is also offers one of the most vibrant stretches of music in the U.S. during any time of the year. Dozens of nightclubs line Congress sidewalks and tributary streets. One of the most notable spots is the Continental Club, a staple since 1957 that has hosted Stevie Ray Vaughn, Wanda Jackson and the Cobras, among many others. At the start of every month, Congress Avenue hosts First Thursday, which essentially turns the thoroughfare into a night-long block party.

Gibson Guitar FactoryGibson guitars tell the story of innovative guitarmaking over the past 100 years: the Les Paul, the Flying V, the Lucile, the Flametop Sunburst and the Wes Montgomery. The companys Memphis showroom tells much of this history and allows players to test out the wares. But the real funfor guitar, music and woodworking nerdsis on the factory floor, one block south, where tours take visitors through the complex process of assembling a Gibson. Call ahead to find out if there is a master luthier (a fancy word for a stringed-instrument maker) present; if so, he can answer questions about the history of the company, guitarmaking and Gibson lore.

Tours available daily.

GIbSON.cOM/EN-US/lOcaTIONS/facTORYTOURS

Beale StreetAfter the Civil War, Beale Street gained a reputation for its dedication to music, libation and the sporting life. Artists including Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B.B. King and Rufus Thomas settled in Beale haunts for so long that they helped create the musical style know known as the Memphis Blues. Currently more than 25 clubs are crammed into four city blocks, and musicians ranging from locals to legends play the venues every night of the week.

f E a T U R E D R O a D T R I P The Souths Musical Legacy

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ShEff IElD, alabaMaMuscle Shoals Sound StudiosThe Swampers, a Deep South rhythm section that backed up almost as many hits as Motowns the Funk Brothers, played most of their days in a nondescript building identified as 3614 Jackson Highway, better known as Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. One day back in 1971, Mick Jagger wrote Wild Horses while holed up in the bathroom. (The bathrooms door still features the signatures of Wilson Pickett, Cat Stevens and Wayne Perkins.) Originally a casket factory, the building was slated for demolition until it was purchased in 1999 by a Chicago transplant named Noel Webster, who was looking to create a personal studio. Upon learning its history and those who recorded in itAretha Franklin, Paul Simon and Willie Nelson to name a fewhe rehabbed it and now offers tours.

For information, call 256-783-2641.

MUSclEShOalSSOUND.ORG

NEW ORlEaNS, lOUIS IaNaPreservation Hall of New OrleansAs the swinging 1950s turned into the rock & roll 1960s, many feared that jazz might fall by the wayside. This issue was a major concern of Alan and Sandra Jaffe, Philadelphia transplants and jazz aficionados. The couple created the Preservation Hall of New Orleans, an organization dedicated to maintaining the unique musical style of New Orleans jazz. The living museum they started 45 years ago now features live music seven nights a week (that includes holidays, which are particularly popular). The Halls own Jazz Band holds things down most evenings and visitors can also catch jazz legends like Leroy Jones or Thais Clark throughout the month.

Doors open at 8PM, music begins at 8:15PM seven nights a week.

PRESERvaTIONhall .cOM

claRkSDalE , MISSISSIPPIIke Turner, Sam Cooke, John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters all left Clarksdale, Mississippi to go onto fame and influence. Still, this town of 20,000 people remains largely unrecognized as a crucible of American music. Except for Morgan Freemans polished Ground Zero Blues Club, the towns music venues trend more towards juke joints like Reds, a blowover shack thats barely able to withstand the amplifiers inside. About two miles from Clarksdale is the Old 8 Crossroads, maybe the most important and notorious intersection in American music history. Music historians have speculated that if Robert Johnson did indeed sell his soul to the devil to become the worlds greatest blues musician, he would have done it here. Johnsons family lived on Dockery Farms, and nearby Dockery Road intersects the Old 8 Highway, a dirt road that runs parallel to Route 8, connecting the Mississippi towns of Cleveland and Ruleville.

aUGUSTa, GEORGIaJames Brown SitesJames Brown lived in Augusta for more than 40 years and his imprint is all over the city just as its all over modern music. There is a boulevard named after him, and in 2003, the city government erected a solid bronze statue of their favorite soncaped, clutching a microphone stand and smiling. Sadly, that statue is now a memorial to the man since his death on Christmas in 2006. Fans can pay their respects to Browns on James Brown Boulevard between 8th and 9th Streets before heading over to the James Brown Arena, where national acts play.

NaShvIllE , TENNESSEERyman AuditoriumThough the Grand Ole Opry no longer calls the Ryman its home (the venerable institution, now more formally known as the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, moved to its own digs a few miles down the road), there is hardly a more storied place in America to see live music. Originally constructed as a revivalist church, the Ryman transformed into a lecture hall and concert center over the course of its 113-year life. It has hosted Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, W.C. Fields and many more. Currently, the Ryman features shows from craggly pioneers like Merle Haggard and dandy upstarts like The Decemberists. Sometimes, you get both kinds of acts on the same night, as when Nashville transplant Jack White joined Bob Dylan for a song on the legendary stage.

RYMaN.cOM

Big Bend National ParkStraddling the U.S./Mexico border, and bisected by the Rio Grande River, Texas Big Bend National Park is the place to live out your John Wayne/tumbleweeds/cow skull desert fantasies. Architectural finds here date back as far as 9000 years. nps.gov/bibe

Distance from the closest city: 146 miles from Marfa, Texas or 340 miles from El Paso, Texas. Cost: $20 for a 7-day pass to the park.Most popular time of the year to visit: March.Best time of the year to visit: October, when the heat finally ebbs but the skies are crystal clear.Where to stay: Chisos Mining Company Motel. This desert outpost, steeped in casual South Texas hospitality, is a perfectly situated homebase for exploring Big Bend National Park. Rooms start at $58 per night. (www.cmcm.cc/big_bend_lodging_001.htm) Ten Bits Ranch. This secluded B&B offers unparalleled views of the stars. (tenbitsranch.com)Rooms start at $129 per night.

The Blue Ridge ParkwayWith a maximum speed limit of 45 MPH, its slow going on the winding, ear-popping Blue Ridge Parkway, but that just means more time to take in the unbelievable panoramic views. This 469-mile mountain road spans Virginia and North Carolina. blueridgeparkway.org

Distance in miles from the closest city: Asheville, North Carolina is located at the southern base of the Parkway.Most popular time of the year to visit: Spring and summer.Best time of the year to visit: Fall, when the foliage is ablaze with color.Where to stay: The Grove Park Inn (groveparkinn.com). Relaxing in front of the historic Grove Parks enormous fireplace alone justifies the price of admission. The spa and terrific service are just gravy. Rooms start at $275 per night.

TExaS, TENNESSEE, NORTh caROlINa, SOUTh caROlINa, flORIDa

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The Everglades National ParkMosquitoes, crocodiles, swamps and heat make a classic recipe for adventure. The raw, overgrown wilderness of the Everglades teems with lush plants and subtropical wildlife. nps.gov/ever

Distance from the closest city: 45 miles from Miami, Florida.Cost: $10 for a seven-day pass to the park.Most popular time of the year to visit: December through April.Best time of the year to visit: February, one of the mildest times of year, with minimal humidity.Where to stay: Prince of Homestead Inn (theinnofhomestead.com). Barebones and inexpensive but totally serviceable, Homestead offers cost-effective proximity to the wilds of the Everglades. Rooms start at $105 per night.

Charleston, South CarolinaHome of sprawling antebellum plantations and Gone With the Wind hero Rhett Butler, Charleston was once a booming American port and a focal point of the Civil War. Far from a relic, though, modern day Charleston has emerged as a popular destination for sports nuts who make the pilgrimage to check out professional soccer and minor league baseball teams, as well as regular rugby, golf and tennis tournaments. charlestoncvb.com

Distance in miles from the closest city: 106 miles to Savannah, Georgia.Most popular time of the year to visit: Spring.Best time of the year to visit: April and May, when sporting seasons overlap but before the heat hits hard.Where to stay: Vendue Inn (vendueinn.net). Classy from start to finish, the throwback Vendue traffics in old-time Southern charm. Rooms start at $175 per night.

The Appalachian Trail Snaking from Maine all the way down to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail crescendos when it hits Virginias Shenandoah National Park, Tennessees Clingmans Dome (the Trails highest peak) and North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains. appalachiantrail.org

Distance from the closest city: Gatlinburg, Tennessee is about 10 miles from Clingmans Dome. The Max Patch summitnear Hot Springs, North Carolinais 40 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina.Cost: Free.Most popular time of the year to visit: Spring.Best time of the year to visit: April through June, when the spring flora is abloom.Where to stay: Park Vista Resort Hotel (parkvista.com). Its older than most hotels, but comfortable, and sits in a prime location between the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. Rooms start at $182 per person.

st. louis CeMeterY 1 Things may be a little dodgy in the surrounding neighborhood, but its still worth it to take a daytime trip just outside of the French Quarter to get a solid dose of southern-gothic weirdness at St. Louis Cemetery 1, New Orleans oldest burial ground. The mausoleums (since New Orleans is below sea level, above-ground tombs are the custom) and statuary straddle the line between lovely and macabre, and several operators around the city offer toursa safe way to explore the site. St. Louis provided the backdrop for the psychedelic peak at the end of Easy Rider, and voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and civil rights figure Homer Plessy were laid to rest here as well. saVeourCeMeteries.org

The Save Our Cemeteries tour costs $12 per adult. Basin St. at Saint Louis St., New Orleans, Louisiana.

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