Southern Comfort
Celebrated poet Mark Doty succumbs to Houston's humid charms
Also see: In Seattle, a Northwest Passage
Adventures of a Portuguese Poet
Wild-hearted Luis Vaz de Camoes’ years abroad are not well-known, but that hasn’t lessened his legend
Macau Hits the Jackpot
In just four years, this 11-square-mile outpost on the coast of China eclipsed Las Vegas as gambling's world capital
Georgia at a Crossroads
Past armed checkpoints into outlaw lands, the author traces the history of the Caucasus republic, the leading recipient of U.S. aid after Israel and scene of a potential new cold war
A World on Rails
A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway offers inspiring sights, from snowscapes to wildlife
Silken Treasure
The Italian city of Como, celebrated for its silk and scenery, has inspired notables from Leonardo da Vinci and Giuseppe Verdi to Winston Churchill and George Clooney
Snapshot: The Champagne Region
An area famous for its bubbly wine offers natural and cultural riches
Acadia Country
Anchored by the spectacular national park, the rugged, island-dotted coastal region of Maine distills the down east experience
Ancient Citadel
At least 1,200 years old, New Mexico's Acoma Pueblo—the longest continuously inhabited settlement in North America—remains a touchstone for a resilient indigenous culture
The Life Aquatic with Bruce Mozert
When the photographer gazed into the crystalline waters of Silver Springs, Florida, in 1938, he saw nothing but possibilities
Back to the Frontier
Want to fork hay, play vintage baseball or try your hand at tanning deer hide? At Conner Prarie, Indiana, living history is the main event
End of the Road
In the 1800s, travelers along the perilous forest trail known as the Natchez Trace called it the "Devil's Backbone." Today, the storied route marks the milestones—and tombstones—of sourthern history
Blogs
Most Popular
Games
Enter Now!
Smithsonian's 6th Annual Photo Contest
Enter the Smithsonian magazine 6th annual photo contest now >>
Como, Italy
Advertisement
Smithsonian Videos
In The Magazine
October 2008
Smithsonian Journeys
Journey Across Russia
Discover the vast cultural landscape of Russia aboard the new Golden Eagle Express luxury train






