U.S. Destinations - KRCW

Montana's sweet spot in the Western experience

Josh Noel — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:18:00 PDT

BIG SKY, Mont. — This place is absurdly misnamed. That's not a complaint, but it does require an asterisk.

Nevada's Valley of Fire a sure bet

By Renee Enna , Tribune Newspapers — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:52:00 PDT

Valley of Fire sounds like the name of the latest Cirque du Soleil extravaganza, but this 42,000-acre state park, about 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas in Overton, is light-years away from Sin City's cacophony of slot machines and man-made galaxies of marquee lights. For travelers who want — or, more likely, desperately need — a chance to hike past something besides singing hotel fountains, Valley of Fire (parks.nv.gov) delivers a different kind of jackpot.

It's time for Chicago

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:36:00 PDT

Chicago transforms into a warm-weather temptress once the city bids winter farewell. A sparkling lakefront framed by skyscraper views is just the beginning. Free events are abundant at city parks and along Chicago's 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Favorites include the Taste of Chicago (July 10-14) and the Chicago Air and Water Show (Aug. 17-18). Travelzoo reports an abundance of hotel, entertainment and local deals that save as much as 50 percent for spring and summer travel. Ditch your car and take the "L" out to the neighborhoods. Then turn around and look back at a skyline so beautiful that even suburban commuters have to marvel at it as they head to work each day. For more information about Chicago and deals to the city, visit travelzoo.com/destinations/chicago .

Dallas: Bush Library expected to be among city's top 5 tourist spots

By Mary Forgione — Wed, 1 May 2013 08:15:00 PDT

When the doors of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas open to the public today, it will mark the launch of what is expected to be among the top five tourist spots in the Texas city.

Tickets for July 4 reopening of Statue of Liberty on sale now

By Mary Forgione — Thu, 9 May 2013 06:30:00 PDT

For travelers who want to be among the first to tour the Statue of Liberty when it reopens July 4, tickets are on sale for the ferry ride and tour options of the iconic landmark.

Where 'green' began

By Kara Silva, Special to Tribune Newspapers — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:23:00 PDT

See the piece of Wisconsin that inspired conservation legend John Muir

MONTELLO, Wis. — When walking in the footsteps of greatness, it is of equal importance to follow where they lead and to discover where they began.

New York's latest must-try spot

By Ryan Sutton, Bloomberg News — Sun, 5 May 2013 19:25:00 PDT

Carbone is richly Italian at rich price

NEW YORK — Your $400 date at Carbone doesn't begin with anything fancy. No caviar, no foie gras.

Welcome mat out for gay, lesbian travelers

Josh Noel — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:42:00 PDT

At the kickoff of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's annual convention this month, that organization's strides — not to mention the entire nation's — were no more clear than on a simple United Airlines banner beside the lectern that read: "Diversity flies with us."

When couples ditch it all for adventure

By Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz , Tribune Newspapers — Sun, 5 May 2013 19:13:00 PDT

Vagabonding isn't only for the young and unattached.

Galena: Big hills, rewards

By Charles J. Johnson , Tribune Newspapers — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:39:00 PDT

Pack stamina for cycling in northwest Ill.

GALENA, Ill. — My Toyota Camry's engine squealed and kicked into gear, pushing me higher up U.S. Highway 20 and swinging me around a bend in the countryside near Galena. The gasps of the car's six cylinders filling the cabin, my bicycle looked particularly feeble at the moment, its front wheel detached, lying sideways on the back seat like a wounded animal.