Disneyland didn’t always embrace Halloween. Once it did? Game-changer

Disneyland is part tourist attraction, part cultural institution, and our country’s gradually changing view of Halloween — one from a costume-and-candy-driven day of partying to nearly two months of horror or spooky-themed extravaganzas — is evident in how the Anaheim institution has evolved from once barely acknowledging the holiday to being completely consumed by it.

Famous Ohio prison’s ‘Escape from Blood Prison’ tour offers heart-pumping seasonal scares

This year, the old Ohio State Reformatory, also known as the Mansfield Reformatory — the world’s largest free-standing steel cell block, which was used as a filming location in the 1994 thriller, “The Shawshank Redemption — has added more Hollywood-like special effects to some areas as well as daylight “Beyond the Scare” tours.

10 places to visit along Oregon’s North Coast

These stops along the 75-mile stretch of Oregon’s Highway 101, also known as the Oregon Coast Highway, are a good way to sample of all of the beauty, food, history and activities the Oregon coast has to offer.

Virginia is for lovers ... of wine and autumn leaves

A guide to 6 Northern Virginia wineries where you can taste the fruits of the vine while admiring spectacular fall foliage

This little Las Vegas claims a large presence in New Mexico’s history, landscape — and skies

The dot of a town, a 2-hour drive northeast of Albuquerque, lacks slot machines, massive buffets and neon lights but does have small-town charm, Old West architecture and history, hometown restaurants and art galleries and antiques shops galore.

It’s a glorious time to hike the High Sierra, now a paradise of wildflowers and snow

A fall guide to hiking the California mountain range — straightforwardly named for its lofty elevation — which runs north from Lake Tahoe to the Golden Trout Wilderness, south of Sequoia National Park. It encompasses parts of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and several U.S. Forest Service areas, including the Inyo National Forest along the east side. After a fierce winter delayed backpacking season, September (and perhaps the first half of October), might be the best and driest time to hike among the lofty peaks.

50th hip-hop anniversary pop-up opens in Atlanta

While the pop-up, which is located at Underground Atlanta, highlights Atlanta’s contributions to the music genre through photo exhibits, artwork and memorabilia, organizers say it’s more of an experience than a museum as they also plan to host parties, artist Q&A sessions, celebrity podcasts, live DJ sets and documentary screenings there.

What is it about Austin? Simply put, this ‘weird’ Texas city has it all

The capital city of Texas, whose slogan “Keep Austin Weird” was established in 2000 (3 years before Portland’s), offers plenty of live music venues, outdoor activities and beauty, history, art and, of course, brisket and Tex-Mex.

Hot, wet summer could put a damper on leaf-peeping season

How extreme heat, flooding and wildfires affect the colorful trees in New England, New York and North Carolina.

Be your own suitcase

Avoid those pesky carry-on fees by wearing most of your belongings at once

Be your own suitcase

Avoid those pesky carry-on fees by wearing most of your belongings at once

Ride the rails using your own steam in Kentucky

Rail Explorers in Versailles offers the chance to pedal a rail bike for the 10-mile round trip on the Louisville Southern Railroad rail line that dates to the 1880s. Along the way, riders will see breathtaking views of rolling hills and captivating greenery as well as all sorts of wildlife, including horses.

Exploring Seattle’s historic side from Pioneer Square to deep underground

Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and Great Seattle Fire of 1889 by visiting Seattle’s Arctic Club Hotel and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitors center and by taking a tour at Beneath the Streets.

TSA slows push to require additional ID checks for some travelers

The Transportation Security Administration has altered a plan that would have required all travelers enrolled in Clear’s expedited screening program to undergo additional identification checks.

Which Mississippi River cruise ship is right for you?

Three modern cruise lines – American Queen Voyages, American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises ply the Great River, with at least seven ships docking as far north as the Minnesota river towns of Red Wing, Winona and St. Paul. Itineraries to and from Minnesota explore up to 10 states and dozens of ports, from the wild and scenic Midwest to the blues-soaked Delta and iconic New Orleans. Choosing which Mississippi cruise line and ship that is right for you comes down to your budget, your interest in American history and/or your taste for modern comforts.

A Motown lover’s guide to Detroit

Expansions to the Motown Museum offer a fresh reason to revisit a Michigan city steeped in soul. Here’s where to find live music, soul food, classy cocktails and more.

Mammoth Mountain extends ski season into August for third time ever

Usually, the California resort receives an average of about 33 feet of snow — enough to fuel a season lasting from November through June. This winter shattered that norm. A record 60 feet of snow was recorded at the resort’s main lodge, the snowiest season on record.

A Georgetown canal boat tour offers a leisurely trip through the past

The Georgetown Heritage is the 1st boat to carry visitors through the area’s stretch of the C&O Canal for more than a decade. As they cruise, visitors get an unexpected history lesson and learn about the backbreaking work, done mainly by immigrants, to construct the canal, while enjoying the views and breeze.

Be tickled pink at the fab World of Barbie exhibition in California

Among the highlights at the recently expanded immersive experience, now staying at Santa Monica Place through Sept. 4, are life-size recreations of the doll’s beach house and camper van, the latter of which was designed by local car shop West Coast Customs.