Michael McRae

Michael McRae, who reports on the cultural offerings of his hometown, Ashland, Ore., says he enjoyed the short commute for a change: "My last two assignments took me to northern Sudan and to Burundi, where I covered a scientific team searching for a notorious man-eating crocodile in rebel-held territory." McRae is a contributing editor for National Geographic Adventure.

Nye Beach

My Favorite Fourth of July

Bend, Ore.: Best All-Around Playground

Ashland, Ore.: Best Cultural Feast