The EPIC West

Saint Louis, Missouri lies along the western shore of the Mississippi River with a growing skyline that includes the landmark Gateway Arch. Just a five hour drive from Chicago, Saint Louis shares many of the same features of the metropolis—unique food, avid sports fans and an easy public transportation system.

Fill up on gooey butter cake, thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli at local bakeries and pizza places. Thanks to the Busch family, Saint Louis is also known for Busch and Budweiser beer. Families can say hello to the Budweiser Clydesdales and Bison at Grant's Farm. Those 21 and over may tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery facilities and learn about the history of prohibition and sample some brews as well. Or just grab tickets to a Cardinals game at the new Busch Stadium downtown.

The city's light rail system, MetroLink, turns 20 in 2010, its youth evident in both its cleanliness and its continual expansion. For now, the rail sprawls in two branches pointing north and south, meeting just east of the Delmar Loop, one stop along the MetroLink. Visit the Loop, rapper Nelly's stomping grounds in University City, which includes several blocks of shopping, bars and restaurants, street performers and concert venues.

Albuquerque is a sprawling desert city near the center of New Mexico. Although it is the largest city in the state, it is often overshadowed by Santa Fe, 60 miles to the north. But Albuquerque has a number of great attractions in its own right, with pleasant scenery, colorful history and a spectacular hot-air balloon fiesta in the fall.
Albuquerque is in the high desert and has a generally warm, dry climate with four distinct seasons. This is a casual town. Expect shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals to be entirely acceptable almost everywhere.

Visitors to the city should explore the Albuquerque Biological Park, which includes the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach. Old Town, located east of Rio Grande Boulevard in between Central Avenue and Mountain Road, is a nice sightseeing area where centuries of history and modern life merge. The neighborhood blends 18th century architecture with narrow brick paths, adobe architecture, world famous artwork, fine jewelry, delicious food and specialty shops. There are several museums located within easy walking distance of the Old Town plaza.

The Sandia Mountains offer outdoors opportunities ranging from straight hiking to serious, multi-day rock climbing. Mountain biking is also really popular. During the winter, you can ski or snowboard at Sandia Peak.

The Indian Pueblo Culture Center is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblo Tribes of New Mexico. Visit the museums, galleries and gift shops where more than 305,000 visitors annually experience the culture, art and history of pueblo life. Children are welcome to join hands-on experiences in the Pueblo House Children's Museum. Art and craft workshops, various Indian Rites and many special celebrations and events are planned throughout the year. The Pueblo Harvest Cafe serves great New Mexican and Native American dishes at reasonable prices.

Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. Commonly referred to as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” it is situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert landscape. The city has giant mega-casino hotels, decorated with lavish care and attention to detail to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. The casinos have names that evoke romance and mystery—Luxor Hotel and Casino, The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, and the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Others evoke popular worldwide destinations, such as: New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, and The Venetian. There is an abundance of shows and many of the larger casinos now include high-end shopping areas with designer stores.

Opportunities to gamble are found in most places in the Las Vegas metro area, as well as McCarran airport and small supermarkets. However, please be advised that it is state law that all gamblers must be at least 21 years of age. Las Vegas is also the wedding capital of the world. Both parties must have valid ID and the cost is $55 per couple. The Las Vegas Wedding Bureau is open from 9 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, including holidays. No waiting period is required.

Vegas has some of the best climbing in America. Red Rock Canyon is located on the western edge of the Las Vegas city limits and features hundreds of traditional/gear and sport routes. Climbing is possible year-round, though spring and fall tend to be most comfortable.

San Francisco, a bustling, cosmopolitan city in northern California, is the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its diverse ethnic and political communities, hilly terrain, world-class restaurants and scenic beauty.

It is the home of the ‘50s beat generation, the ‘60s flower power students, the ‘70s gay rights movement, the ‘80s culinary revolution and, of course, the ‘90s technology boom. Today, the city remains the epicenter for all things cyber and is on the leading edge of the sustainable food movement.  

Ride a cable car, walk across (or windsurf under) the Golden Gate Bridge, scribble poetry in a North Beach café, shop at the hip boutiques along Union Street, check out the latest exhibit at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, see an opera, then club-crawl through cyber-cool South of Market.

So much to see and do, it’s no wonder why Tony Bennett left his heart there.

Fine and performing arts are the focus of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which includes art galleries, a movie theater, a theater for live performances and a beautifully landscaped garden with striking fountains. Take time to visit the one dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr., that invites strollers to walk behind a waterfall as they contemplate quotations from both him and other assassinated leaders of the Civil Rights movement. Music and theater groups perform among the five and one-half acres of rolling gardens during lunch from May through September. Concurrent with exhibits are informative lectures and seminars, poetry workshops and resident artist programs.

In the late 1800s, a Scotsman named John McLaren transformed more than 1000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of busy city life. Stretching from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscaping features ever-changing settings at every turn. There are trails for walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, as well as a golf course, lawn bowling greens, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. For those seeking less strenuous diversion, check out the California Academy of Sciences and an authentic Japanese Tea Garden. For families with children, there are playgrounds, a live buffalo reserve and a carousel.You could also find the Shakespeare Garden going down a hidden lane in The Golden Gate Park.

An engineering masterpiece, this bridge, built in 1937, towers with sturdy grace over the Golden Gate. Stretching over 4,200 feet, it is every bit as awesome an accomplishment in suspension-bridge engineering today as it was over half a century ago. Pedestrians and bike riders can access the east entrance for a jaunt on one of the world's most famous corridors. For photos, or to view the bridge in its entirety, try the spectacular lookout points located at the southeast and northeast ends. Don't miss the historic Roundhouse, a gift shop/visitors center, which boasts a fine selection of souvenirs, and an informative exhibit about the bridge's construction and history.

One of the busiest areas of the city, Chinatown is a hodgepodge of shops, restaurants and businesses of every kind. The vibrant and close-knit community that lives within this neighborhood has also made it one of San Francisco's top tourist destinations. Thankfully, there are many side streets, quiet shops and traditional restaurants that provide some relief from the bustle outside. Try your luck at one of the hundreds of dining options in the area, especially those serving Dim Sum, as they can be some of the best in the city. Also make sure to stop in some of the small herbal shops for some unusual trinkets and art. It is on Grant Avenue which is one of the oldest streets in Chinatown.

Developed by physicist Frank Oppenheimer and opened in 1969, this innovative and interactive museum behind the Palace of Fine Arts is dedicated to art, science and human perception. The hands-on displays unveil the mysteries of science and language. The exhibits present theories simply and succinctly. For a different kind of hands-on experience, check out the tactile dome, a labyrinth of different textures that explorers negotiate in the dark. Seminars on quirky subjects are offered on weekends.

Conventional wisdom holds that this monument is shaped like a fire-hose nozzle. It is not, at least not by design. The tower is the gift of Lilly Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric heiress who managed to stand out in a city full of them. Lilly's particular passion was for the San Francisco Fire Department. So when the money she left in her will for the city's beautification was used to construct the art deco tower on Telegraph Hill in 1932, people made assumptions. The view from here is one of the most impressive in San Francisco, taking in the Bay, two bridges, and the Marin Headlands. Inside, the first floor is decorated with excellent murals, commissioned in 1933, depicting San Francisco's history.

No longer a prison for some of America's most dangerous offenders, Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service and is a must-see for visitors to the city. Once on the island, you will certainly be captivated by its history and its incredible beauty. Take your camera because regardless of the view, a photo opportunity awaits. Also, dress in layers (even during the summer months) because the island can be breezy and inside the prison walls it is cold and damp. If you want to scare your kiddies into good behavior, there is a cellhouse audio tour of Alcatraz; for more info check out the website. Ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33, run by Alcatraz Cruises. See website for up-to-date schedule and complete visitation particulars.

Fisherman's Wharf remains one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations. The Wharf consists of a long, coast side row of seafood restaurants, street vendors, souvenir stores, and beautiful ocean scenery. Fisherman's Wharf was originally a major fishing pier, and although the fishing industry is still alive today, the main focus of this specific coastal area is its historic tourist attractions. Parking is limited on the Wharf itself so parking downtown or taking a cable car to the Wharf is recommended. Ferry rides are offered for those who would like to visit Marin County. There are numerous attractions and great places to eat (see the other entries for Tourist Attractions and Fisherman Wharf restaurants). Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, even during summer months, the breeze off the ocean can be quite chilling. And take your camera. The photo opportunities are fabulous. And don't forget to visit the barking sea lions at Pier 39. The kids will love them, guaranteed!

Portland, “The City of Roses,” is the largest city in Oregon and the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world, with an exciting blend of historic and modern architecture. The scenery can’t be beat, with majestic views of Mount Hood and the Willamette River, stately Douglas Fir trees, roses everywhere and stunning seasonal colors. It’s also one of the greenest cities around, in terms of sustainable buildings and practices. Combine these elements with great art, waterfront festivals and a diverse population, and you have one very exciting city to visit.

Portland lies about 70 miles from the Pacific Coast on the northern border of Oregon, straddling the Willamette River just south of its confluence with the Columbia River at Vancouver, Washington. Mount Hood is about 50 miles to the east, and many recreation options are available in the surrounding wilderness.

Portland mixes big-city dynamics with small-town friendliness. Although Portland is now experiencing rapid growth, similar to Seattle, it has been able to retain its unique character. Art, culture, nature, music and beer (it’s the brewpub capital of the world, with at least 70 breweries in the surrounding city area)—all figure strongly into Portland’s eclectic and exciting personality.

Geysers and buffalo and bears! Arrive early and stay late to see the natural world at its best.

With a little help from your friends—aka, professional outdoor guides—your family can have a safe and hassle-free vacation.

Minneapolis (the largest city in Minnesota) and the adjoining St. Paul (the state capital) together make up the Twin Cities, Minnesota’s rugged metropolis.

The name “Minneapolis” means “The City of Lakes” in a mash-up of Dakota and Ancient Greek. The local jewels are the “Chain of Lakes”: Cedar, Isles, Calhoun, Harriet, Nokomis, each three- to four- miles around. The city’s excellent parks department maintains walking and biking paths around the lakes, offering residents and visitors a place to exercise or stroll.

The arts are big here: The region is second only to New York City in live theater per capita and is the third-largest theater market in the United States. The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts and the Walker Art Center are well worth visits.

Downtown Minneapolis features high-rise suites, sporting events (Timberwolves, Vikings and Twins all play here) and a fresh nightclub scene. (It is the hometown of Prince, after all.) Uptown features funky food, drink, theater and plenty of tattoos and Mohawks; although it is orienting more towards yuppies and young families. Downtown St. Paul contains the Minnesota state capitol, the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota Science Museum.