VIA Web Extras

Best Bicycle Paths [2]
Pedal along rivers, delve into forests, and enjoy the views in this collection of happy trails.

To Japan with Love [3]
Two years after the devastating earthquake and tsunami, writer Don George muses about the day he first fell head over heels for Japan.

Head for the Coast [4]
A roundup of articles explores seaside towns—including Cannon Beach, Ore.—and tide pools from central California to Washington’s Olympic National Park.

Get Outside [5]
Weird rocks, spiky cacti, blazing wildflowers, and cool mountain lakes await you in the natural wonderland of the Western landscape.

Five Top Weekend Escapes [6]
Denver and San Francisco are just two of five fun getaways filled with vibrant restaurants, eclectic shops, nearby world-class vineyards, and provocative museums.

Photography by Robert Landau/Alamy

This article was first published in May 2013. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.