Soon t he leaves will be starting to show tinges of red, orange, and yellow so now is the time to plan for a spectacular peak season drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic highway that connects the Shenandoah National Park in northwestern Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina.

Ride awhile, then stop awhile: the two-lane…

Most people think New Mexico is called the “Land of Enchantment” because of its breathtaking scenery. I was most enchanted, however, by the state’s unique heritage and culture. Many people in the state retain their Native American culture while others still honor their Spanish or pioneer roots.

And no wonder -- New Mexico is relatively a newcomer to statehood. It’s…

Santa's admirable qualities are based on a 4th century saint who is entombed and revered in an Italian seaside town.

When most tourists visit Italy, they rarely visit the narrow region of Puglia that borders the Adriatic Sea. And those who do venture south along the "heel" of Italy's boot often skip the seaport city of Bari, an important trade center that has…