Rediscovering the Soul of America This Summer
What if the most transformative travel experience of your life doesn’t require a passport? This summer, we’re inviting you to explore the raw, authentic heart of America—a nation that continues to surprise even the most seasoned travelers. In our July/August 2026 issue, we’ve curated stories that take you beyond the typical tourist trail and into landscapes that have captivated dreamers for generations.
The Legendary Highway: Route 66 Reimagined
There’s something undeniably romantic about the open road. Our featured story on Route 66 isn’t your grandmother’s nostalgia trip—instead, we’ve documented how this iconic highway has evolved into a living museum of American culture and hospitality. From quirky roadside diners serving elevated comfort food to independent motels run by families who’ve maintained their properties for decades, Route 66 tells the story of everyday America.
What makes this journey truly special is how the road connects communities that most travelers overlook. Small towns along the route have become unexpected culinary destinations, where local chefs are reviving forgotten recipes and sustainable farming practices. Whether you’re stopping for fresh-pressed juices at a farm stand or enjoying slow-cooked regional specialties, the flavors along Route 66 reflect the diversity and resilience of the people who call these places home.
Quick tip: Plan your Route 66 adventure during shoulder seasons—late spring or early fall—when temperatures are moderate and crowds are lighter. Pack plenty of water and plan your stops around towns rather than rushing through them.
The Badlands: Nature’s Most Dramatic Masterpiece
Few landscapes on Earth compare to the otherworldly beauty of the Badlands. This sprawling region in South Dakota is a geological time capsule, where layered rock formations tell stories spanning millions of years. Our writers ventured into this rugged terrain to capture the essence of what makes this destination so profoundly moving.
Beyond the breathtaking vistas, the Badlands offer something increasingly rare: solitude and space for reflection. The region’s rich Indigenous history adds another layer of significance to your visit, providing context and respect for the land you’re exploring. Whether you’re hiking at sunrise or watching storm clouds gather over the vast landscape, the Badlands remind us of nature’s power to humble and inspire.
Montana: Where Wilderness Still Reigns
Montana represents something endangered in our modern world—authentic wildness. This issue features an in-depth exploration of Montana’s diverse regions, from pristine mountain ranges to expansive river valleys. We’ve documented both the famous destinations and the lesser-known corners that locals fiercely protect.
Montana’s appeal transcends typical tourism metrics. It’s about disconnecting from constant digital noise and reconnecting with fundamental human experiences: clean air, genuine hospitality, and the simple pleasure of moving through beautiful space. Our story captures conversations with ranchers, conservationists, and longtime residents who understand that Montana’s greatest treasure isn’t a commodity to be consumed but a responsibility to be preserved.
Why America Deserves Your Attention Right Now
In an era of endless international travel options, choosing to explore America’s interior reveals something important: we don’t need to travel far to encounter genuine wonder, cultural richness, and transformative experiences. These destinations challenge the assumption that American travel is somehow less sophisticated or interesting than international alternatives.
Our July/August issue celebrates the diversity, resilience, and beauty embedded in America’s landscapes and communities. Whether you’re drawn to the open roads, dramatic geological formations, or untamed wilderness, these stories offer both practical guidance and deeper inspiration for your next adventure.
The question isn’t whether America is worth exploring—it’s whether you’re ready to see your own country with fresh eyes.
