In these memorable vacation destinations, fresh perspectives and reimagined experiences will bring out the playful side in your crew – even if you think you’ve seen it all.

Nashville is all about the music. Stars named on the sidewalk at the Music City Walk of Fame include artists such as Roy Orbison, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, and Little Richard. Explore gospel, R&B, and hip-hop sounds at the National Museum of African American Music. Channel “Ring of Fire” at the Johnny Cash Museum, a tribute to the Man in Black. Hear Ray Stevens perform “Everything Is Beautiful” at his namesake CabaRay Showroom. Head to the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium for extravagant shows by headliners. And pay homage to all genres at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Intimate venues around town provide more mellow performances every night. For an overview, take a trolley, double-decker bus, or Segway from site to site. Bottom line: Music City will have you clapping to longtime favorites and discovering new ones day and night.

Issue Features

Club News Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture, and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Serve Up a Little of Everything Itinerary: Branson, Missouri Q+A with Hiking Expert, Ash Nudd RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia

Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks

Q + A with Hiking Expert, Ash Nudd

Ash Nudd

name

Travel blogger, former national park ranger

profession

Pleasant Grove, Utah

hometown

Logan, Utah

current city

A

Q

I never leave home without five main things: water, snacks, a map, hiking boots, and my backpack. I have a great day pack that stays packed with the essentials so that when I head out the door, all I need to do is put on my hiking boots, grab my pack, add some snacks and a map, and make sure I have adequate water. That is what I recommend most people do as well, so it isn’t such a chore to get ready to go. Get a pack and keep it ready, so that you are too.

What item(s) do you never leave at home when you hike?

01/15

Ash Nudd, a former national park ranger and current national park expert, has amazing insights into planning and executing a national parks vacation for travelers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner who has never set foot on a trail before, a hiker at a moderate skill level, or a complete pro who’s hiked all the top spots, Ash has something useful for you. As the founder of the Dirt In My Shoes national park trip planning website, Ash has explored nearly all U.S. national parks (plus a few in Canada, too) and has compiled handy and practical travel guides and tips that are beneficial for all park visitors. She has also created national park trip itineraries to help you make the most of your time, see all the best sites, and avoid the crowds.

Summer issue 2023

PARKS

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FEATURE

dining

INTERVIEW

Find Balance in Branson

ITINERARY

where to stay

You’ll find a little bit of everything in Branson, whether you seek to sample wonders of nature, chapters in history, or the flavors and fun of beloved local attractions. Here’s a weekend itinerary that incorporates several signature experiences.

Club Wyndham Branson at The Falls

Start your weekend with a splash on an underwater voyage through the Aquarium at the Boardwalk. You can stay dry, but the 7,200 sea creatures who live here – including sharks, rays, and tropical fish – don’t. Marvel at coral reefs, explore a kelp forest, and put skin to fin by touching rays and sharks. Phone cameras go wild in the Jelly Infinity Room, where thousands of bioluminescent jellyfish pulse and flutter in slow motion. While you’re in underwater mode, explore a somber saga in sea history at the Titanic Museum Attraction. The museum’s exterior looks just like the ill-fated ship, including a replica of the iceberg that caused it to sink in April 1912. Inside, you'll see re-created staterooms and steerage quarters, along with artifacts recovered from the real ship. Couples can pretend they’re filmdom’s Jack and Rose on the Grand Staircase.

Afternoon

Dig into a down-home dinner at Danna’s Bar-B-Que and Burger Shop, where they promise barbecue made the way it’s supposed to be — beef and pork smoked 12 to 14 hours over local hickory wood — plus ribs, chicken, and sausage smoked for four hours twice a day. They make their own rubs and sauces too. Cap the night with a free fountain show at Branson Landing. Every hour, plumes of water rise 120 feet into the air to the sights and sounds of coordinated music, lights, and cannon fire. The last show starts at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. on Sunday).

Evening

Branson is famous for its many shows along the Strip (aka Country 76 Boulevard), dubbed the Vegas of the Midwest for the way it glows with neon lights. Sight and Sound Theatres brings Bible stories to life with spectacular high-tech special effects and live animals. For a casual dinner theater, Dolly Parton's Stampede dishes up Southern-style cooking and a horse show. Dine on barbecued pork and scratch biscuits as riders entertain you with music, comedy, and stunts.

Evening

It’s a Branson tradition to stop at Dick’s 5 and 10, the now more than 60-year-old dime store that sells a little bit of everything — souvenirs, vintage toys and games, candy, craft supplies, and lots of novelty items. Shop to the sound of model trains running overhead and the sights of World War II-themed aviation art and a Baseball Wall of Fame. Recently voted America’s Best Theme Park by readers of USA Today, Silver Dollar City offers rides, musical shows, restaurants, and shops, all with an 1880s mining town motif. More than 100 resident artisans demonstrate crafts like pottery, glassblowing, and woodcarving, while costumed interpreters wander the property. The thrills are very modern on Time Traveler, the world's fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster.

Afternoon

Sleep in a bit and grab a late breakfast at Sugar Leaf Bakery, Cafe and Espresso in the Grand Village Shops. Have some coffee and quiche, or cut right to the chase with their signature sweets — pastries, muffins, cakes, cookies, artisanal marshmallows, and more. They serve lunch, too, offering fresh salads, paninis, and soups. Save room for a piece of key lime pie.

morning

During your hours in Branson, explore the area’s natural beauty. The centerpiece is Table Rock Lake, a dam-created reservoir known for its clear water and relative solitude. You can swim, fish, water-ski, stand-up paddleboard, or cruise in a boat — Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina has rentals. At Branson Mountain Adventure Park, go zip-lining through the trees, mining for gems, or gliding downhill on an Alpine coaster. And if you have time to play 18 holes — or even just nine — before you leave town, Branson is a great place for golf. Branson Hills Golf Club is a favorite, carved through the Ozark Mountains and featuring waterfalls, creeks, and rock outcroppings.

afternoon

Head downtown for breakfast at Branson Cafe, an old-school diner that opened in 1910 — before Branson was even a city — and moved to its current spot in the late 1920s. Through a succession of owners (including new ones in 2022), it’s remained a homey place to dig into a big country breakfast, like hot biscuits and gravy and made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls.

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NATIONAL

Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture, and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas

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RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia

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Across the U.S., food halls are wonderlands of exotic flavors, farm-fresh produce, and local wares. Come hungry — and dig into the exciting flavors and ambiance of these top destinations.

Food-focused Portlanders have long adored street food bought from carts or container-park stalls. Now they gather over pan-fried pork dumplings, sweet mini doughnuts, and craft IPAs in more comfy indoor digs at Pine Street Market. Seven food and drink vendors have counter-service homes inside this market, which occupies the Carriage and Baggage Building, an 1886 structure with its original skylight and Douglas fir beams. The space was designed to house horses and carriages, later stored logging materials, and eventually made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places. Today, locals gather in the cavernous interior along communal tables set under festive fairy lights. Open since 2016, the hub for the hungry offers not only cocktails, souvlaki on pitas, and steamy bowls of ramen, but also a wide variety of vegan foods. Veggie chorizo tacos, anyone?

Pine Street Market

Ferry Building Marketplace

Pike Place Market

Pine Street Market

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About the Issue

Take a trip that inspires awe. One that puts you closer to nature and nurtures your adventurous spirit. Find your fellow national parks enthusiasts, outdoor explorers, and travel companions, and create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gary Thompson, Lisa A. Beach, Rona Gindin COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth WYNDHAM DESTINATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains, Alissa Miller Destinations Editor 6277 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando, FL 32821 WorldMarkbyWyndham.com ClubWyndham.com MargaritavilleVacationClub.com ShellVacationsClub.com Destinations is produced quarterly for WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Club Wyndham owners, and semiannually for Shell Vacation Club members. ©2023 Wyndham Resort Development Corporation; Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc; Shell Vacations Club, LP. All rights reserved.

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Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever

Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Serve Up a Little of Everything

Outdoor portrait of Ashley Nudd, a petite white woman with long blonde hair, hiking near rock formations

Who is Ash Nudd?

Hands down my favorite park for hiking is Grand Teton, but you could have replaced “hiking” with any number of things and for me, the answer is always Grand Teton. It is my favorite park! I spent a lot of time there growing up, I was a park ranger there, and I still visit at least yearly. After Grand Teton, my list is dominated by mountain parks with jagged, craggy, high-elevation peaks like Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier, Yosemite, Denali, and Kings Canyon. I love hiking in all the national parks, but if I have to choose favorites, those top my list.

What is your favorite national park for hiking?

02/15

Since my time as a park ranger, I’ve tried to focus on making hiking more accessible to people. I speak to people all the time who are worried about getting the best gear, or preparing with the right fitness programs and a host of other concerns before they feel ready to get out on the trail. Some people see social media pictures of hikers on the precipice of rocky peaks and feel intimidated. My advice is to start small and to start simple and not let complexity keep you off the trail. Hiking is simply walking up, down, over, and around things. You can start right now! Expensive gear is not necessary; it’s nice, but not necessary. You don’t have to have a specific body to enjoy getting out on the trail, and you don’t have to go all the way to the end of the trail to have a good experience. I’ve always said that the national parks are best seen from the trail, so find one, grab your pack, and take it as far as you can.

How did being a national park ranger change your approach to hiking?

03/15

You’ll primarily find me on the trails, but I always like to try to add in activities that cater to the specific vibe you’ll find in each national park. For example, floating the Merced River in Yosemite, jeeping in Arches and Canyonlands, stargazing in the Great Basin, rock climbing in Joshua Tree, and visiting the historic homesteads in the Great Smoky Mountains.

What is your favorite nonhiking activity to do when you visit a new national park?

04/15

My top tip for national park visitors is to have a really good plan for seeing the sights. It’s becoming more difficult to have a good experience in the parks without planning ahead – for better or worse, campgrounds, tours, and even entry into the parks are mostly changing to reservation-only. If you hope to navigate around the parks without the headache of circling parking lots and getting stuck in traffic, you need to have a good plan to follow. I am all about helping people experience national parks in the best way at Dirt In My Shoes! I have hour-by-hour trip itineraries that help you experience the parks while avoiding the crowds and still seeing all the best sights. WorldMark by Wyndham wanted to join in the fun as well, which is why we are working together to provide owners with these itineraries.

What’s your top tip for national park visitors?

05/15

Aside from the national parks, I rarely visit the same place twice. Travel has always been a priority for me, and I’ve been lucky to have traveled and lived all over Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska. Right now, I’m currently training for an upcoming backpacking trip in Peru.

What’s your favorite (non-national park) vacation destination?

06/15

Put your phone down and get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try something new with your family. And bring lots of snacks!

What advice do you have for travelers looking for outdoor adventure on their next vacation?

07/15

I have been lucky enough to stay at two WorldMark locations. I’ve stayed in The Moab Resort and the WorldMark right outside the west entrance to Yellowstone. I love them both. They are both in incredible locations for exploring the national parks. WorldMark West Yellowstone couldn’t be more convenient for getting through the gate and into the park, and The Moab Resort is perfectly situated for exploring Arches and Canyonlands.

What resorts have you visited? Which is your favorite?

08/15

Running out of water on the trail can be dangerous, so pack more than you think you’ll need and bring an alternative way to get water with you. (You can get a small, inexpensive filter or iodine tablets.)

What are some good safety tips for new hikers?

09/15

A few important safety tips that would benefit new hikers would be to always carry extra water, make sure someone knows where you’ll be and when you expect to return, wear sturdy footwear, and take a map with you.

Also, never hike without a map. Even the most straightforward trails can get confusing when you’re out there, so it’s important to have something you can refer to while you’re out exploring.

Always tell someone where you’ll be and when they can expect you to return. I also recommend trying to hike with someone else whenever possible. Having another person with you will eliminate so many dangerous scenarios and increase the likelihood of completing your hike safely.

Invest in hiking shoes or boots that protect your ankles, won’t give you blisters, and have good traction.

Grand Teton National Park. The other parks where I was a park ranger in Utah and Alaska would also rank high, but if I were to remove all of my ranger time and just count up the individual trips I’ve taken, the list would probably be Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Zion, Arches, and the Grand Canyon.

Which national park have you spent the most time in?

10/15

I have visited 50 of the 63 national parks. I’m waiting to visit some of them until my kids are a bit older, especially the remote parks in Alaska where you hire a charter plane to drop you off in the wilderness for a few days!

How many national parks have you visited?

11/15

In December of 2020, Congress declared New River Gorge in West Virginia our country’s newest national park. My husband loves river rafting and that park is well known for its exciting river trips, so that will probably be the next new park we explore.

Which national park are you planning to explore next?

12/15

However long it takes to really get a feel for a park. All my itineraries have been crafted out of multiple trips to the parks, and as the parks change, so do my itineraries. Each park has its own personality. I spend time hiking all over the parks, but as silly as it sounds, I also spend a lot of my time sitting in my car watching parking lots, seeing when they fill up, and getting a feel for the ebb and flow of visitors through different sections of the park. Once I figure that out, then I feel like I can confidently guide people through the park in a way that avoids the crowds and maximizes opportunities for solitude, because that is what I want myself! At this point, some of my itineraries are the result of months spent in the park over a long period of time.

How long do you typically spend exploring a national park to compile one of your travel guides or itineraries?

13/15

I can still do almost everything I used to, but now that I’m a mom, I have to be a bit more flexible with our plans. Trails generally take a little longer and need to be a little shorter. Meals need to be a bit more on a schedule. Days can still start early but maybe need to end a little earlier. My husband and I were also very intentional about getting our kids out of the pack and hiking on their own as soon as possible. We have found that if we have frequent snacks and a good story, we can keep our kids happily hiking for many miles. They have adapted to traveling and hiking really well!

How has being a parent changed how you travel and hike?

14/15

I have always been the designated travel planner. I love taking someone’s idea of a fun trip and making it happen for them. As a park ranger, I loved helping people have meaningful and unforgettable experiences in such beautiful places. During my time as a ranger, though, I noticed that people often missed out on some great opportunities for adventure within the national parks due to a lack of planning. The parks can also feel overwhelming with so much to see and do. That’s when I decided to merge my love of trip planning with my love of the national parks! I started Dirt In My Shoes with the intent to provide the best advice out there on national park trip planning. What started as a small blog with can’t-miss lists for the parks has grown into fully planned itineraries, hundreds of free trip-planning articles, a podcast, and a YouTube channel. I now get to live my dream of helping people have the most epic national park vacations ever!

What gave you the idea to start your website, Dirt In My Shoes?

15/15

You want a burrito. Your spouse prefers burgers. The kids are all about pizza. If this dining conundrum strikes a chord, consider heading to a food hall for your next group meal, where myriad restaurant concepts span nearly every imaginable culinary category under one roof. As a bonus, some food halls occupy historic buildings with fascinating histories. Here are three of the best across the United States.

PORTLAND, OREGON

SEATTLE

SAN FRANCISCO

PORTLAND, OREGON

When you reach Pike Place Market, look for the crowd gathered around a fish counter. Soon enough, two staffers will volley a whole raw fish back and forth. This headlining fish purveyor is the attraction at Pike Place Market, which has been a fixture since 1930, selling high-flying halibut, caviar, wild Pacific salmon, and more. Located in a nine-acre mall on the Elliott Bay waterfront, the market and its dozens of vendors, like the chowder specialist and the teeny Pasta Casalinga with a five-item menu, have served Seattle since 1907. You can easily spend hours wandering its indoor and outdoor stalls, shops, and restaurants with your 20,000 closest friends. Our advice? Arrive hungry.

SEATTLE

Pike Place Market

At its height, San Francisco’s 1898 Ferry Building ushered 50,000 travelers through its doors each day. Today, the iconic clock tower-topped Ferry Building Marketplace is a magnet for locals and visitors craving a taste of fine urban goods and chef-driven delicacies, like gourmet cacao truffles; small-batch coffee blends tailored to your liking; cheesecake with crust made from scratch-made graham crackers; lamb bacon from local farmers; and authentic Chinese teas. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, the site hosts one of the country’s most famous and expansive farmers markets, with fresh produce and artisan foods you can pick up to enjoy back at your resort.

SAN FRANCISCO

Ferry Building Marketplace

Did you know that the National Park System reported nearly 312 million recreational visits in 2022? This represents a 5 percent increase (15 million visits) from 2021 — almost a complete recovery to pre-pandemic levels. But with 63 incredible parks to see, which ones should you visit? Below, you’ll find five distinct national parks that draw global travelers with their unique vibes. Ready to find the park whose ambiance resonates with you?

If you like out-of-this-world landscapes, try…

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Spanning both the Mojave and Colorado deserts in California, more than 790,000-acre Joshua Tree National Park often resembles a tranquil, surreal alien world. With rugged rock formations, hidden valleys, and twisted, prickly Joshua Trees, the park provides a uniquely mesmerizing landscape. For easy, scenic hikes, try the Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, or Discovery trails. For a wheelchair-accessible path, follow the Oasis of Mara Trail in Twentynine Palms. Animal-lovers might spot coyotes, jackrabbits, ravens, and (on rare occasions) bighorn sheep. To the delight of thrill-seekers, this world-famous climbing mecca offers 8,000 established routes and 2,000 bouldering problems. Open 24/7, the park draws amateur and seasoned astronomers for its awe-inspiring stargazing opportunities — earning it an International Dark Sky Park certification.

Tucked into Utah’s southwestern corner near Springdale, Zion National Park beckons geology fans, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers with its soaring sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and hidden waterfalls. As Utah’s first national park, Zion lures visitors with its dramatic landscapes and mild-to-wild activities. Cycle the Pa'rus Trail or Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Spot some of the 291 species of birds that live here. Go rock climbing or try canyoneering — the canyon-exploring activity that blends a mix of techniques like hiking, navigating, and rappelling. Snap photos of the park’s majestic wonders, such as Angels Landing and Zion Canyon. Take a guided horseback ride or try an adventurous hike through The Narrows. The 2-mile out-and-back wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk also allows you to see The Narrows along a paved trail.

Zion National Park, Utah

If you like stunning red rock formations and canyons, try…

Nearby Miami seems worlds away in this South Florida coastal gem. Spread across 173,000 acres, Biscayne National Park protects four distinct ecosystems: mangrove forests, the southern portion of Biscayne Bay, the northernmost portion of the world's third largest coral reef, and the Florida Keys. Visit Boca Chita Key (the park’s most popular island) to climb the iconic 65-foot-tall lighthouse for stellar views of islands, ocean, and the Miami skyline. Explore Elliott Key — the park’s biggest island — where pioneers once cultivated pineapple farms. Book an eco-adventure, such as a snorkeling tour, for an up-close look at a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail. Since the park is 95 percent water, you’ve got plenty of in-the-water opportunities. Take kiteboarding lessons, paddle a canoe, go diving, or try kayaking. You’ll also find hundreds of species of marine wildlife including fish and birds, plus plants and insects found nowhere else in the country.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

If you like tranquil, water-focused destinations, try…

Encompassing 52,000 acres of the Colorado Plateau, Mesa Verde National Park captivates visitors with its peek into the Ancestral Puebloans. This ancient civilization thrived on the edges of mesas and canyons, carving out its place in history in the desert climate. Discover some of the nearly 5,000 sacred archaeological sites and architectural cliff dwellings built in the 13th century. Immerse yourself in the Puebloan's rich heritage through ranger-led educational programs and cultural dances and performances, tying together the ancient and modern people. Hike scenic trails offering panoramic views of the rugged landscape dotted with deep canyons, sloping mesas, and ancient rock formations. At night, look up for spellbinding celestial displays in this certified International Dark Sky Park. Exuding a sense of mystery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site shares the story of the people who lived here more than 700 years ago and connects visitors to the past.

Mesa Verde National Park, colorado

If you like history and archaeology, try…

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world's most active volcanoes (Kīlauea and Mauna Loa) on the Big Island of Hawaii. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this explosively unique park showcases volcanoes, lava flows, pit craters, and lava tubes amid lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems. Hike Crater Rim Trail to soak in panoramic vistas, check out steam vents, cross lava fields, navigate Puu Huluhulu Cinder Cone, and examine petroglyphs. Or take a scenic drive along the nearly 19-mile Chain of Craters Road, which brings you gently down Kīlauea’s slopes. Along the way, stop at Kealakomo Overlook for sweeping views of lava plains and the Pacific Ocean. At Kīlauea Visitor Center, dig into Hawaiian culture, stay current on eruption conditions, watch the free film “Born of Fire, Born of Sea,” learn about hiking trails, and find out what’s on the daily activity schedule (like ranger talks and guided tours).

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

If you like volcanic environments, try…

and find the right one for you

Be a good steward of the earth by following these Seven Leave No Trace Principles when visiting the outdoors:

1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly. 4. Leave what you find. 5. Minimize campfire impacts. 6. Respect wildlife. 7. Be considerate of others.

Ancient Pueblo ruins in Mesa Verde National Park

A man and a woman in their 60s holding hands and walking between large rock walls in Zion National Park

A small lighthouse on a peninsula in Biscayne National Park

A wide view of hardened, black lava, set against the sea under stormy skies

A young ethnic woman sits at the edge of a sharp, steep, narrow cliff. Ahead is a range of mountains. Below is a winding highway. She is looking back over her shoulder and smiling at her friend off-camera.

Spiky trees and large rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park

The Strip reflects the cultural kaleidoscope of Las Vegas, but if you’re willing to venture a little deeper, higher, or farther out, you’ll discover a city of tranquil escapes and invigorating thrills. Remember, what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas. You can take home a refreshed body and spirit, inspiration for artistic impulses, and memories of thrilling times.

Glamour meets garden and botanical turns magical at Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a 14,000-square-foot showcase of floral fantasies. The design changes with the seasons. This summer, “Majesty: The Grandeur of Nature,” showcases nature’s transformative power and is open through September 9. Roman baths seem a natural amenity for a place called Caesars Palace, but at the hotel’s Qua Baths and Spa, you don’t have to do exactly as the Romans did. Get a Cleopatra 24-Karat Gold Facial, have a Mojave Rain Massage (with Native American-inspired sacred plants and oils), and chill out in the Arctic Ice room, where real snow falls. The climate changes at Sahra Spa, Salon and Hammam at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where their CBD Moroccan Journey takes you to exotic Marrakesh. Start the trip lying on a heated slab, then proceed through an itinerary of cleansing, exfoliating, detoxifying, and moisturizing. Enter a steam bath, be lacquered with pure honey, steam again, soak in a whirlpool, then end with a CBD and botanical-infused massage. Lest desert sun and heat take a toll on your body, hydrate at Aria Spa and Salon at the ARIA Resort and Casino. Whirlpools, steam baths, and saunas supply ample moisture, plus there’s a therapy pool on a balcony above the main pools. Ease inflammation with a relaxing CBD Renew Body Treatment and care for your countenance with an Oxygen Glow Facial. Relax with a stroll around a colorful botanical garden and follow interpretive trails through a scenic wetland habitat at Springs Preserve, a 180-acre cultural site about three miles west of downtown. Billed as the birthplace of Las Vegas, the preserve is a portal to the city’s history, with museums, galleries, native habitats, and archaeological sites that let you trace the steps of the area’s explorers and ancient peoples.

Desert Tranquility

For all its energy and sensory stimulation, Vegas can be surprisingly therapeutic for mind and body, with many places to relax, recharge, and be pampered.

Go on an illuminating tour at The Neon Museum, a venue dedicated to collecting and preserving the vintage bright lights of the big city. The outdoor exhibition space, known as the Neon Boneyard Main Collection, contains more than 250 unrestored signs that are lit with ground lighting at sunset. Several restored signs stay on all the time. The Visitors’ Center occupies the former La Concha Motel lobby. See lights in the wild at Fremont Street Experience, a six-block entertainment district in historic downtown Las Vegas. The centerpiece is Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen, suspended 90 feet above the pedestrian mall. The screen glows with 16.4 million brilliant pixels and booms music through a 600,000-watt sound system. The Arts Factory, the hub of the 18b Las Vegas Arts District, houses 30-plus creatives and galleries, as well as bar and restaurant 18bin, and Gallery To Go, a refurbished snack vending machine that dispenses small works by local artists. Besides art, the factory hosts yoga classes, concerts, poetry readings, and live theater. Art Goldstrom bought his first Ford at age 15 and never stopped being a gearhead. Six decades later, his Nostalgia Street Rods museum features more than 180 hot rods, street rods, trucks, scooters, and other classic vehicles from 1910 to 1984, plus carloads of memorabilia. A tour provides a fascinating peek under the hood of Vegas car culture. In a town famous for live entertainment extravaganzas, nothing says Vegas like Cirque du Soleil, a blend of amazing acrobatics, eye-popping costumes, over-the-top sets, and soundtracks that mine music genres as disparate as cabaret and classic rock. The original Mystére and O shows that debuted in the 1990s have been joined by productions like the surrealist KÀ, The Beatles LOVE, and Michael Jackson: ONE.

Las Vegas is a beacon that beckons to artists of all types, and a city whose culture celebrates classic signs and automobiles.

Arts + Culture

Soar 550 feet above the Strip on High Roller, North America’s largest observation wheel. Enjoy heady views during the 30 minutes it takes to complete one revolution. Spin it as a family field trip by riding with a S.T.E.M. curriculum sheet. Or turn it into a party by booking a Happy Half Hour cabin — it includes an open bar and bartender. Get poolside seats to the game with Stadium Swim at Circa Resort and Casino. The rooftop swim party place features six pools on three levels, all with views of a 40-foot-tall LED screen showing the day’s biggest sporting events. Capacity is 4,000, with hundreds of chairs lining the pools. Guarantee personal space by reserving a lily pad, daybed, chaise lounge, or private cabana. Fly through the air with the greatest of Zs — on a zipline or zoomline at SlotZilla. The 11-story slot attraction looks like the world’s largest slot machine, with a massive arm and colossal coins, video reels, and showgirls. The zipline option launches you over the Fremont Street Experience in a seated position. The Zoomline sends you flying prone, like a superhero. Downtown Container Park repurposes old shipping containers into an open-air shopping center with dining spots, boutiques, galleries, and play spaces. Kids can hang out in The Treehouse, and there’s free live entertainment on the park’s main stage. Do yoga on the lawn, and marvel at The Mantis, a menacing 40-foot-tall metallic creature that spews flames. Not to be confused with Area 51 (the Nevada military base with rumored ties to UFOs and ETs), AREA15 is a mash-up of rides, games, alt reality experiences, art installations, live entertainment, retail, bars, and eateries. The nerve center is the Spine, where you can ride a roll-glider called Haley's Comet. It’s a hybrid of free-falling, hang gliding, zip-lining, and roller coaster-ing.

Vegas adrenaline rushes come in many forms, including those from high-altitude attractions and a hot-tempered giant praying mantis.

Urban Thrills

Aquarium at the boardwalk

danna's bar-b-que and burger shop

Dick's 5 and 10

Country 76 Boulevard

Aerial view of the Branson strip illuminated at night

Table Rock Lake

BRANSON CAFE

SUGAR LEAF BAKERY, CAFE AND ESPRESSO

SPRINGS PRESERVE

HIGH ROLLER

THE NEON MUSEUM

A few people are surrounded by large, vintage neon signs that are glowing at dusk

A large ferris wheel is lit up just after sunset — High Roller in Las Vegas

A woman, seen from the back, stands surrounded by large, vintage neon signs at dusk

A plate of fried eggs and hash browns — Branson Cafe

WRITER Lisa A. Beach

WRITER Gary Thompson

WRITER Rona Gindin

WRITER Gary Thompson

Better than a Bucket List:

WRITER Rona Gindin

Nashville, Tennessee

Tune Into Music City

You remember the Alamo, the city’s famous River Walk, and its artsy atmosphere. But below San Antonio’s surface is an ancient world waiting to be discovered. To get acquainted with the underground tunnels and hidden chambers of Natural Bridge Caverns, choose your guided tour experience. The popular Discovery Tour leads you 180 feet underground, highlighting the system’s original caverns and rooms, while the more advanced and technical Adventure Tour gives a taste of spelunking through lesser-traveled passages, nooks, and crannies. Or book a Yoga + Soundbath in the Caves class among the formations – the caves maintain a 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature year round, so you’ll be nice and comfortable. Allowing the kids to solve the outdoor maze or take to the skies on the Twisted Trails Zip Rail and Ropes Course will earn you “parent of the day” status. Pair it with the Bracken Bat Flight package to see more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats (the world’s largest colony) take flight in summer.

San Antonio, Texas

Explore an Underground Cave System

At the Colonial Williamsburg living-history museum, restored buildings, 18th-century entertainment, and employees in period dress will transport you to the days of our Founding Fathers. Watch as experts weave fabric, make a harpsichord, tend to summer vegetables in a garden (look for butterflies, too), and create hardware from iron. Walk through the stately reconstructed Capitol Building where the first elected Americans were governors. Visit a meetinghouse where Protestants of diverse denominations worshipped together, and peek into jail cells that once held pirates and debtors. Refuel with Brunswick stew (a tomato-based soup with vegetables and game) at Old Chickahominy House or King’s Arms Tavern. Then start tapping your toes as fife and drum players march down Duke of Gloucester Street while playing old-time military field songs like “The Roast Beef of Old England.” Need a snack? Make it a wood-fired ginger cake cookie from the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, said to be a favorite of Thomas Jefferson.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Time Travel in Colonial America

Power up the Beach Boys on your playlist and begin the ultimate all-American road trip along California’s wild and rugged coast. For the best sites, drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) with stretches on the I-5 freeway. In the San Diego area alone, you’ll find 31 beaches within a 70-mile stretch, each with its own characteristics. Or zip from La Jolla to Oceanside in a day with multiple stops and still be back at the resort by dinner. If tiny travelers are in tow, Mission Beach beckons with an amusement park famous for its 1925 wooden roller coaster. Little ones can splash around in the calm waters of La Jolla Cove, collect shells at Fletcher Cove, and if you’re lucky, see sandcastle art on Imperial Beach. Teens and adults might prefer the surfing waves at Windansea Beach or volleyball at Carlsbad State Beach. See fishermen at work at Oceanside Harbor or pick up a souvenir when you shop near Solana Beach. Rising above San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a moving tribute to U.S. veterans. A massive white cross marks the highest point on the hill, with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the region below.

San Diego, California

Take a Classic Road Trip

Enjoy the jazz, crawfish, and Mardi Gras necklaces in the Big Easy, but make sure to discover a few surprises, too – like unearthing the city’s rich history with a walking, carriage, or private tour. Visit humble homes, haunted mansions, bars, and businesses known for phantom sightings and ghoulish occurrences on a ghost tour. Unsolved murders may make appearances in the tales you’ll hear about NOLA’s darker side, as do voodoo practitioners, pirates, and politicians. (Make sure to check the tour's minimum age requirement if you're bringing the kiddos along.) From the Garden District’s stately houses to the French Quarter’s wrought-iron adornments, NOLA is an architectural melting pot. Let an expert show you an intriguing assortment, such as Caribbean and French-Canadian styles, slim shotgun houses, plus styling including Italianate, Greek Revival, and more.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Get a Fresh Perspective on History

Park City is synonymous with top-notch winter skiing, yet this mountainous fresh-air wonderland is also a hot spot for exceptional eats. The restaurant community serves jet-setters and Sundance A-listers, but as summer approaches, the crowds thin, making it easier to get great grub by respected chefs. You can splurge on a fine-dining extravaganza, or eat well more affordably. Fuel up to explore Park City’s 400 miles of trails at El Chubasco, a taco bar renowned for salsas including mango-apple and fiery habañero. Lunch at Hana Ramen Bar on ramen made with broth that simmered for three days, at a minimum. Or sup on ravioli rolled and filled at Grappa on Main Street. Prefer to eat back at the resort? Pick up house-made salamis for appetizers or sandwiches from a local grocer, or produce at the Park City Farmers Market, held every Wednesday from June through October. Take a Gourmand Tours’ food tour to sample cuisine from a smattering of restaurants. Or pick up new cooking skills during a class with chef Linda Elbert of Mindful Cuisine. Distilleries and breweries showcase flavors of the land, some with nods to the Wild West.

Park City, Utah

Travel Through Taste

From juicy papayas hanging from trees to twisting above-ground roots of ancient banyan trees and the giant, papery hibiscus flowers in between, tropical flora and fauna rule in Princeville, located along Kauai’s north shore. The Garden Isle was a filming location for many of Jurassic Park’s dinosaur-roaming scenes — it’s home to an astounding bounty of enormous colorful flowers and plants. Many are natural, super-size versions of greenery mainlanders have only seen in waxy plastic: spiky birds-of-paradise; pineapple-like bromeliads in yellow, purple, and orange; and heart-shape waxy red flamingo flowers that can thrive for decades in tropical conditions. A three-hour garden and chocolate walking tour at Princeville Botanical Gardens showcases rare, endangered flowers plus includes fruit, honey, and chocolate samples as you stroll. For another hyper-local educational experience, nearby Lydgate Farms offers a “branch-to-bar” Chocolate Farm Tour starring the cacao it grows and transforms into treats. (Tastings are included.)

Princeville, Hawaii

Experience Flora and Fauna Like Never Before

WRITER Allison vancura

In Massanutten, the Shenandoah Valley’s scenery is spectacular, the dining comforting, and the recreational opportunities plentiful. Unlock Massanutten’s charms using your RCI External Exchange Program, and have the mountain escape you’ve been dreaming of. Here are five key ways to explore.

Lose track of time (or don’t) as you perfect your swing. Two 18-hole courses challenge players of all skill levels. With its steep terraces and hilly topography, the Mountain Greens Golf Course is geared toward more experienced golfers. At the base of the mountain, the Woodstone Meadows Golf Course’s open fairways are beginner-friendly. For an adjacent (and one-of-a-kind) sporting experience in Massanutten, try FlingGolf, a golf-lacrosse mash-up.

Take a Swing

With 6,000 acres of mountain scenery at your fingertips, outdoor adventure is everywhere in Massanutten – especially in summer. The Massanutten Bike Park gives novice and avid mountain bikers a rugged, beautiful way to experience the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. This summer, new and improved trails, plus a new lift, will be unveiled for guests. Intermediate to advanced riders will delight in the Western Slope's 30 miles of trails. At Massanutten Family Adventure Park, the Mega Zip guides you over mountain scenery for 800 feet – at a pace of up to 30 mph. For the 12 and under set, the Kids' Adventure Course is a thrill of ropes courses and a mini zip line.

Embrace Mountain Thrills

After a day of adventure, you won’t need an excuse to pamper weary muscles at The Spa at Massanutten. A full-service menu is on offer, including hot stone, mineral magnesium, and Swedish massages, revitalizing HydraFacials, nail treatments, and more.

Relax at the Spa

Pop into one of Massanutten’s popular dining spots: Virginia BBQ and Pizza Co. or Base Camp to fuel up for adventure or unwind with your crew. Try saucy, finger-licking ribs with a side of collard greens or mac and cheese, or pub grub at fast-casual Virginia BBQ and Pizza Co. The indoor-outdoor setup at Base Camp’s bar and grill is especially lively when the weather warms — on its sprawling deck, umbrellas, firepits, and plush sofas invite you to settle in with a cold one.

Connect Over Cuisine

No season can quite compare to summer, when you’ll find a lineup of concerts and festivals. The Base Camp Summer Concert Series at Massanutten Resort takes place once each month through September, with live music, games, food, and beverages. ValleyFest on Saturday, August 26, is a beer and wine festival with live music and nosh from Bayou Kitchen, K's Grill, and Urgie's Cheesesteaks.

Hit the Concert and Festival Scene

A man standing in a vast rocky area in Joshua Tree National Park

Underground cave formations — Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio

Young woman walking in front of a mural made from large music show tickets — Wall of Sound in Nashville

Small colonial buildings in Williamsburg, Virginia. A woman in a traditional 18th-century dress walks out of the front door.

A young woman in casual clothes sits on top of a vintage blue truck near the ocean at sunset — La Jolla

A beautiful pink house with red brick exposed from age. The house is surrounded by large trees — New Orleans

A family of Asian ethnicity—man, woman, and teenage daughter—walk on the beach in Princeville, Hawaii

A family of Asian ethnicity—man, woman, and teenage daughter—walk together laughing in Princeville, Hawaii

Wide view of lush green forest. A man with his camera sits on a large rock in the foreground — Shenandoah National Park

Background photo of forest-covered mountains at sunset — Shenandoah National Park

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Your resort destinations are home to exclusive events and experiences year round. Taste your way through California’s Wine Country. Catch a basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Complete your first Iron Man in beautiful Hawaii. Or check out the Austin art and music scene at SXSW. Whatever you’re interested in, from food, drink, and sporting events to wellness, music, and art festivals — we’ve got a guide for that. Get inspired with popular travel activities, find the best destination to match your interests, and start planning with a list of upcoming events. Check out one (or all!) of the new experience guides on your website and turn your vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime experience where your passions and destinations come together.

Where Passion & Travel Meet

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Yes, you read that right — your website was recently enhanced to allow Wyndham Club Pass reservations to be booked online, no fuss, no muss. Now you can view, book, and cancel Club Pass reservations at the click of a mouse (no lengthy phone call required!). But wait, there’s more. When you book your Club Pass reservations online, you’ll take advantage of a deeply discounted Club Pass exchange fee. This new website enhancement not only saves you time, it can also save you some dough. Club Pass can take you someplace new — with access to more than 95 WorldMark resorts, Club Pass puts the world at your fingertips.

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Club Wyndham The Store has helped you bring your vacations home for years, offering a wide selection of bedding, bath, and housewares products that you have long enjoyed at your club resorts. In an effort to bring you even more options, Club Wyndham The Store is now Shop Travel + Leisure — your new source for an incredible selection of goods inspired by wondrous destinations around the world. Now your home can be a reminder of amazing experiences from the past, and an inspiration for journeys yet to come. With Shop Travel + Leisure, you can take advantage of discounts and specials on high-quality, brand-name products. Visit the online store today and start living like you’re always on vacation.

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