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Travel

Hikers attempting to walk the entire Pacific Crest Trail face some serious mileage—whichever way they’re going. This trail sign is near Mount Hood, in Oregon.

Going the Distance on the Pacific Crest Trail

One of America’s great long-distance hiking trails, the PCT meanders 2,650 miles through three states

Combining chia seeds, a nutrient-rich food naive to Mexico and Central America, with water creates a gel-like mixture.

Five Ways to Cook With Chia Seeds

The nutty-flavored seeds responsible for Chia Pets provide a nutrient boost to smoothies, burgers and soups

Doughy goodness is impossible to resist.

Kolaches: The Next Big Thing in Pastries and The Tex-Czech Community Behind Them

Rural Czech communities in Texas have been enjoying the buttery pastry for more than a century, now homesick Texans bring kolaches to the rest of us

Need a break from mountains, wine and cheese? The CERN lab near Geneva, like many other research facilities, offers tours of the premises.

How to Tour the World’s Greatest Science Labs

Around the globe, physics and astronomy labs—some on mountaintops, others underground—welcome visitors to tour the premises

Frank Sinatra singing on the stage of the Sands Hotel.

How to Tour Frank Sinatra’s Las Vegas

Even though most of 1950s Vegas is long gone, there are still many ways to relive the haunts of Ol’ Blue Eyes and the Rat Pack

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Has Gettysburg Kicked Its Kitsch Factor?

Historian Tony Horwitz travels to the Civil War battlefield and finds that even where time is frozen, it’s undergone welcome changes

At remote Abu Camp, visitors can hitch a ride into one of the great water holes of Africa.

The Joys and Dangers of Exploring Africa on the Back of an Elephant

Renowned travel writer Paul Theroux journeys through Botswana’s spectacular, wildlife-rich wetlands

Great Camp Sagamore in Raquette Lake, New York, was once a retreat for the Vanderbilt family.

Where Was the Birthplace of the American Vacation?

First in rustic tents and later in elaborate resorts, city dwellers took to the Adirondacks to explore the joys of the wilderness

A crew member dives overboard in the film.

Kon-Tiki Sails Again

A new film recreates the epic voyage—and revives the controversy over its legendary leader, Thor Heyerdahl

A young boy lands a kickflip at an intertribal skate jam in Albuquerque.

Skateboard Culture and Other Seriously Amazing Smithsonian Exhibits Coming to a Museum Near You

Secretary G. Wayne Clough on the Institution’s traveling exhibits

Smithsonian Best Small Towns 2013

The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2013

From the blues to the big top, we’ve picked the most intriguing small towns to enjoy arts and smarts

An estimated 2 million Peeps are produced each year. Many find homes in Easter baskets, but some are incorporated into drinks and desserts.

Five Ways to Cook with Peeps

From brownies and milkshakes to casseroles and salads, Easter’s favorite marshmallow can go a long way in the kitchen

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On the Menu This Easter in Newfoundland: Seal Flipper Pie

This breaded pie made from seals has been consumed during the Lenten season since 1555

Justin DeShields (left) and Bryan Morales, shown near of the Santo Tomas Valley, are venturing north to south down the Baja California peninsula. The Californians have gone about one-third of the way since early February.

Faces From Afar: Through Wild Desert and Urban Shantytowns, Two Men Walk the Baja Peninsula

Armed with food, water and a surfboard, two young Americans leave the comfort of home to walk and paddle the length of the Baja California peninsula

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Tip of the Iceberg: Our Love-Hate Relationship With the Nation’s Blandest Vegetable

It’s never been the most nutritious green at the grocers, but the versatile lettuce has a knack for sticking around on the dinner table

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Cherry Blossoms of Washington, D.C.

The Cherry Blossoms are about to peak. Get ready with these pictures from years past

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Beautiful Photos of Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors

Photo contest submissions capture the eye-popping colors of the annual celebration

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Travel Photography: A Discussion With a Pro About Ethics and Techniques

The author discusses the ethics, joys and challenges of photography with Canadian travel photographer Matt Kadey

These dogs are crated and ready for departure on an international flight. They will be carried in the plane’s cargo hold, where dozens of animals die each year from heat and stress.

Is Taking Your Pet on an Airplane Worth the Risk?

Air travel is not just stressful for animals. It can be dangerous, no matter how smooth the landing, timely the departure or friendly the flight attendants

An advertisement for Dole canned pineapple, circa 1940s.

It’s Pineapple Season, But Does Your Fruit Come From Hawaii?

While Hawaii was once the big kahuna in pineapple production, it’s since been overtaken by other global powers

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