Although the city proper is rather small, Kamakura's coastal location and many seasonal festivals, as well as various shrines and temples, make it a popular destination for tourists. The city also offers several wooded hiking trails that connect some of its historic sites. Another unique feature of Kamakura is its "Seven Entrances," the only ways to access this natural fortress before the construction of modern roads and tunnels.
Shenandoah National Park follows the crest and eastern slopes of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, protecting a long, narrow landscape of forests, ridges, streams, and mountain valleys. The park stretches along Skyline Drive, a scenic road that provides access to numerous overlooks and trailheads. Elevations vary considerably across the park, creating changes in vegetation and climate over relatively short distances.
Tajikistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is defined by its dramatic mountain landscapes, including the towering Pamir and Fann ranges. These rugged peaks and deep valleys create a striking backdrop for ancient Silk Road sites and traditional villages, reflecting the country’s historical importance as a crossroads of cultures.
Pendleton, Oregon, sits in the heart of the high desert region, where wide open skies meet rolling wheat fields and the rugged Blue Mountains. The city is widely recognized for its rich history in ranching, railroads, and wool production, which visitors can explore through preserved buildings and museums. Downtown Pendleton features brick storefronts, murals, and sculptures that reflect the city’s connection to both the frontier and the railroad era.
Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in southeastern Canada, Prince Edward Island has been nicknamed "The Garden of the Gulf." It was founded in 1534 by French Explorer Jacques Cartier and is primarily a fishing center and summer tourist destination.
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Travelers are advised to linger in historically-rich Bucharest, even if their future itinerary stop of Transylvania is beckoning. Those that do will be rewarded with 21st-century modernity and belle époque antiquity. Attractions include the gargantuan Palace of Parliament, the grand concert hall Romanian Athenaeum, King Mihai I Park, and the Arch of Triumph war memorial.
Other Popular Destinations in Romania
Braşov
Nestled in the heart of Romania, Brașov is a charming city that effortlessly blends medieval history with stunning natural beauty. Encircled by the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov's well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit destination.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara rises above the Târnava Mare River as one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still lived in and admired today. Its historic center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999, recognized for its long history as a fortified Saxon settlement and its role in trade and defense on the edges of central Europe. Wander through cobbled alleys framed by pastel-colored houses, and the layers of time feel close at hand, from the city walls and guild towers to busy cafés.