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March / April 2006
Top Stories:
Western Bridges
Engineers and designers have created astounding bridges in California, Oregon, Alaska, Utah, and Arizona.
Clear Lake, Calif.: A Country Drive
Clear Lake fulfills the dream of a rural getaway in spring with wildflowers, wineries, and antique shops.
VIA Readers Favorite Waterfalls
Awe-inspiring cataracts in California, Oregon, Idaho, Hawaii, and Utah draw visitors with the thrill of cascading water.
Point Lobos: Central Coast Jewel
South of Carmel, Calif., lies a serrated stretch of coast, filled with forests, marine life, and history, that has inspired writers, painters, and artists.
Libraries That Dazzle
Visit these public libraries in California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington for spectacular designs.
Birdman of Idaho
Kent Clegg helps save trumpeter swans by relocating them from Harriman Park in Idaho to Bear River on the Utah border.
Luggage Tips
Here’s how to make your luggage stand out at the airport carousel.
Latest Western Happenings
Check out new events, online tools, scenic byways, and more in the West.
Cowboy Shops
Ranchers, cowboys, and outdoor enthusiasts shop at these Western outfitters for fancy duds, saddles, and outdoor gear.
Miss Malsy and Airport Seating
VIA’s travel advice maven weighs in on good manners and karma on an airplane.
Learning a New Language
Try these easy suggestions to help you pick up some key phrases before your next trip abroad.
Traveling with Rover
Here are some tips on where to stay and what to do to make trips with the family dog more comfortable.
Biodiesel in Hawaii
In Hawaii you can rent a car powered by recycled vegetable oil.
Mr. Vegas
The forty-foot-tall neon cowpoke known as Vegas Vic keeps on smiling.
Weekenders:
Thermopolis, Wyo.: Hot Springs Hotspot
Soothe sore muscles at Hot Springs State Park or dip into Wild West history in Wyoming’s "hot city."
Santa Rosa, Calif.: Gardenland
Ringed by farms and vineyards, the one-time home of horticulturalist Luther Burbank blossoms every spring.
Tillamook: Ore.: Land of Cheese and Trees
A coastal town famed for its cheese factory also touts the new Tillamook Forest Center and other idiosyncratic museums.
Seattle’s Ballard Neighborhood
A once Nordic working-class district has burst forth with boutiques, restaurants, and wine bars.
Calif.’s Hubcap Ranch
Litto’s Hubcap Ranch, in eastern Napa Valley, enjoys being a big wheel in the world of roadside attractions.
Basque Eateries
Basque restaurants in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho offer communal eating and specialties like oxtail stew.
Spring Whale Watching
When gray whales head north to Alaska, you can see them in San Diego, Mendocino, Calif., and Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii.
San Francisco’s Japantown
Nihonmachi, or Japantown, near Post and Buchanan streets teems with noodle houses, sushi bars, and stores with traditional Japanese goods.
Wildflower Mania
For great wildflower displays in the West, head to Tom McCall Preserve in Rowena, Ore., and Joshua Tree National Monument and Mount Diablo State Park in California.
Snowtime Fun in Spring
There’s still ample opportunity for fun in the snow in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Alaska, Utah, and California with dog races, polar bear swims, snow sculpture, and festivals.
Museums After Hours
Museums in the West offer creative events after-hours.
Reno’s Urban Oasis
The Oxbow Nature Study Area, on the Truckee River one mile from downtown Reno, is home to a bounty of wildlife.
La Grande, Ore.: Short Stop
For a taste of Oregon history or the serene beauty of Grande Ronde Valley drop into La Grande in eastern Oregon.
Your Car:
Your Car: Alternators and Smoking Cars
AAA auto experts weigh in on a smoking Ford Explorer and replacement alternators.
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