Santa Fe, New Mexico, with its adobe-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences, is a destination like no other. Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe stands apart with its rich history and cultural diversity. A fun fact about Santa Fe is that it is the highest state capital in the United States, sitting at an elevation of 7,199 feet.
Boulder, a beautiful 2,500 foot high oasis of green lawns and clean trees-shaded streets where the sun shines over 320 days a year, overlooks the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Recognized as truly a family oriented and community minded city, one only has to visit for a short time to confirm this reputation.
Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, sits in the Baltic Sea and feels like a world of its own. Its main town, Visby, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Northern Europe. Surrounded by a 3.5-kilometer stone wall with original towers still intact, Visby once served as a key Hanseatic trading hub. Visitors can walk along cobbled streets lined with rose-covered cottages, explore Gothic church ruins, and climb up the city wall for views over the harbor.
Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, offers a captivating blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Founded in the 8th century, Aarhus boasts a rich history that visitors can explore at the Old Town Museum, an open-air museum that recreates Danish life through the ages with its historical buildings and interactive exhibits. The city's medieval roots are also visible in the well-preserved Aarhus Cathedral.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, offers a breathtaking display of natural beauty centered around the deepest lake in the United States. Formed by the collapse of a volcanic caldera, Crater Lake is renowned for its stunningly clear blue waters, which are the result of rain and snowfall filling the caldera. The lake's unique color and clarity are due to its depth and the purity of its water, making it a visual marvel that attracts visitors year-round.
Nestled along the south bank of the Danube, this historical Austrian city bursts with charm. A favorite stop on European river cruises, the city's most famous attraction is Melk Abbey, which dates back to the 11th century. The original Benedictine structure was lost to fires and foreign invasion, then rebuilt during the 18th century in lavish Baroque style, including a library and inner church covered in magnificent frescoes and gilded fixtures.