Las Vegas
Bryce and Beyond
Most people think of Utah’s Bryce Canyon as an afterthought to Zion National Park, its more popular neighbor in southern Utah. But that doesn’t do justice to Bryce, which boasts one of the most visually arresting landscapes in North America. Rising from the canyon floor are thousands of hoodoos, slender limestone spires that resemble giant ginger-colored stalagmites or mysterious totem poles. A scenic drive hugs the rim of the canyon, offering sweeping vistas, and hiking trails lead to colorful formations like the Queen’s Garden.
Four hours northeast of Las Vegas, Bryce is one of many jewels to see along stunning Scenic Byway 12, a 124-mile ribbon of highway that stretches from Bryce to Capitol Reef National Park. En route, the road crosses through huge swaths of federally protected lands and some outstanding state parks. Hoodoos and other equally fanciful red rock formations erupt from the shoulders, and wherever the natural beauty was too gorgeous to spoil, the road tunnels through the crimson cliffs.
Scenic Byway 12 has been named an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration, making it one of 20 drives to be designated a destination unto itself. Markers announcing Scenic Backways pop up like Burma Shave signs, and each stop is more spectacular than the last. Several pullouts near Bryce offer unparalleled views of the stepped plateaus of the massive Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument as it rises 6,000 feet from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
A few miles east of Bryce on Scenic Byway 12 is Kodachrome Basin State Park, so christened by the National Geographic Society for the remarkable contrast between its russet sandstone chimneys and the crisp cobalt sky. Beyond Kodachrome is “The Blues,” a turnout with vistas of Arizona, Colorado, and — in fall or winter — migrating elk.
Around the town of Escalante, Utah, several little-used back roads branch off to secluded fishing holes, four-wheel-drive tracks, and off-road biking trails. At Calf Creek Recreation Area, another 15 miles east, a gentle three-mile trail passes by ancient cliff drawings before ending at a towering waterfall with a pool placid enough for swimming. The Burr Trail Grill & Deli in nearby Boulder, Utah, is a good stop for gourmet salads and sandwiches. They’ll also make picnics to go, because there’s still a mountain, another national park, and miles of priceless scenery ahead. — John Rosenthal
(Unheard Of)
Hot Stuff!
Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles, died earlier this year. But the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, just outside Osaka, lives on. This free museum houses a replica of the home-based workshop where Ando perfected his world-famous invention. It’s got a chicken noodle workshop where guests can make their own instant noodles, an Instant Ramen Tunnel featuring a display of instant noodles from around the world, and a wonderful short film in which Ando himself talks about the challenges — and the rewards — of inventing something new. nissin-noodles.com — Arin Greenwood
San Diego
Soak It All In
Around the lively Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, you can do almost everything: browse boutiques and galleries, dine at pubs and restaurants, take in live entertainment, or live it up in the nightclubs. Now there’s another activity to add to that list: relaxing. The newly opened, boutique-style Sofia Hotel stands out for the subdued cushiness that it offers so close to downtown’s vibrancy. The 212 rooms serve as a modern oasis and are decorated with a focus on comfort. The hotel’s color palette and natural decor, including fossil sculptures, soothe the weary traveler and add to the theme of harmony and balance. Guests can kick back with a selection of in-room spa treatments and Gilchrist & Soames bath and body products, or release stress in the 24-hour yoga and fitness studios, complete with on-call instructors and trainers. The hotel’s VIP suites offer the ultimate luxury experience, with fine art to enjoy as you soak in the whirlpool spa tub. thesofiahotel.com — Kaitlyn Geremia
Cozumel
Clearly Exciting
Normally, seeing water in the bottom of a boat might be cause for panic, but the clear kayaks at Playa Uvas let visitors see right to the ocean floor without sinking to it. Located inside Chankanaab National Marine Park in Cozumel, Mexico, Playa Uvas is a tour company that offers activities like a guided, 45-minute kayak trip through protected reef formations. The company also has its own private beach and restaurant. So after a day spent exploring, guests can indulge in Playa Uvas’ gourmet Mexican food, internationally inspired tapas, and cool exotic drinks. The private beach offers stunning white sand and a gorgeous view of the clear water. Or, if the waves still beckon, visitors can also travel 300 yards down the shore to Chankanaab National Park, a unique hideaway with lush botanical gardens and a saltwater lagoon perfect for splashing around some more — without paddle, of course. playauvas.com — Erin La Rosa
Brussels
Misty Mountain Musique
Back in the 1970s, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page would capture the audience’s attention by conjuring the high-pitched sonic moan of the netherworld. Many concertgoers probably thought Page was tinkering with some pretty heavy juju as he manipulated the sound with swooping hand motions, but visitors to the Musée des Instruments de Musique, in Brussels, know better. The psychedelic sound came courtesy of the theremin, an instrument developed by Russian inventor Léon Thérémin that looks like a small black metal box with a wobbly antenna. It’s just one apparatus featured in the museum, which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of rare and historical musical instruments. Items range from Dali-esque piped creations to engraved Spanish guitars from the 18th century to a spinet harpsichord dating back to 1619 (all of which can be heard on audio clips via headphones). Whoever said the song remains the same never ventured here. mim.fgov.be — Owen Baker
Washington, D.C
Neighborhood Nosh
In Washington, D.C., there’s a lot to be said for eating alone at the bar — especially because you never know whom you’ll be sitting next to. At Marcel’s in Foggy Bottom, chances are it won’t take long to get acquainted with your fellow barflies. The staff seems to know guests on a first-name basis at this French-Belgian neighborhood eatery — whether they’re canoodling couples or buttoned up G-men. Chef Robert Wiedmaier opened Marcel’s in 1999 after shoring up the culinary program at the nearby Watergate Hotel. Between the menu’s delicious fare and Marcel’s pretheater special (a $48 prix-fixe dinner includes transport to the Kennedy Center), it’s no wonder the locals keep coming back. marcelsdc.com — John Patrick Pullen
Getting There: All the destinations covered in “Go Explore” can be reached by flying Continental Airlines. To book your vacation, contact Continental Airlines Vacations at covacations.com.
