IN THIS STORY:
>Yosemite in winter: Supersized snow cones and giant sequoias

>Badlands and Black Hills: Rock on

>Chicago: Gutsy, brawny American classic

>Washington, D.C.: The red, white, and new

>Alaska’s Tongass National Forest: Paradise found

>Sidebar: Getting There

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Chicago: Gutsy, brawny American classic

“I will,” is Chicago’s motto, and the city draws its name from an Indian word meaning, “strong” or “great.” We can’t think of anything that sums up the American spirit better. 

This brash, brawny, roll up your sleeves kind of town is the birthplace of Cracker Jack, cafeterias, steel-framed skyscrapers, and Schwinn bicycles. Chicago rolls out a hearty Midwestern welcome to all with its dazzling, unobstructed lakefront that’s open to everyone—not just rich property owners—and an inviting string of parks that are strewn around the city.

This city is home to some of the country’s most treasured museums. Yes, there’s still plenty to see at the Shedd, the world’s largest indoor aquarium (check out Wild Reef Sharks), and at the famous Museum of Science and Industry (catch a show at the Omnimax theater). There’s also good stuff happening at smaller cultural venues such as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in the Pilsen district.

You can’t really say you’ve done Chicago until you’ve checked out the city’s intriguing patchwork of neighborhoods. That’s where the city reveals itself—beyond the archway in Chinatown (population 10,000), and on the streets of Little Italy, Greektown, and Pilsen. Once a Bohemian-American outpost, Pilsen now is home to Mexican immigrants, something that’s reflected in the lively swirl of murals, authentic eateries, and art you can find here.

Speaking of art, the River North neighborhood off the loop is an arts district that rivals Manhattan’s SoHo. Meanwhile, the Printers Row/Grant Park section of the city is an urban mix of restaurants, shops, architectural gems, and jazz and blues clubs. (The term “jazz” was coined here in 1914, by the way.)

Need we say it? Taking in a Cubs game is practically the law! If any team exemplifies American’s do-or-die attitude, it’s this one. (See sidebar for more information on the windy city.)

Washington, D.C.: The red, white, and new

It is the classic American family road trip, the place you take the kids to see the monuments and memorials that honor those who died for the sake of freedom. With a little nudging from you, they’ll discover in the District of Columbia that history is all about people, not dates, and the Oval Office is the real deal, not merely a stage set for “The West Wing.” If by chance you haven’t done it yet (tsk, tsk), or if your last trip to the District of Columbia was sometime during the Lyndon B. Johnson era, here’s a look at what’s new and noteworthy along the nation’s beltway.

Everybody loves the National Zoological Park. Admire an American symbol, the bald eagle, at the new Bald Eagle Refuge exhibit. (Then ask yourself, “How could Ben Franklin have thought that the wild turkey could fulfill this role?”) 

Meanwhile, at 1 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., the recently opened National Guard Memorial Museum features uniforms, historical photos, weapons, and early 20th century artifacts. One of the hottest tickets in town (once Ticketmaster gets involved, you know it’s a happening joint) is the International Spy Museum (www.spymuseum.org). The museum, not affiliated with any government agency, offers stories of real spies, a “School for Spies” with more than 200 artifacts, and a lively take on pivotal moments in espionage from biblical times to the present. Best suited for those ages 12 and up, this attraction offers interactive exhibits, displays, and film.

The real buzz, of course, is all about the long awaited National World War II Memorial, which will take its place on the National Mall on Memorial Day 2004. Dedicated to all who served in the armed forces and the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II, the unveiling promises to be a major event. For details, call 800-639-4WW2 or visit www.wwiimemorial.com. (See sidebar to find out more information on our nation’s capital.)

Alaska’s Tongass National Forest: Paradise found

It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of those places that doesn’t disappoint—in fact, it’s even better than you imagine. With its deep woods, abundant wildlife, Technicolor-blue glaciers, and unparalleled sportfishing, Alaska represents the best of America’s great outdoors. Much of Alaska’s southern panhandle is part of the Tongass National Forest, nearly 17 million acres of rain forest that’s home to glacier mountain goats, brown bear, black bear, moose, and —in the waters of the fabled Inside Passage—more than 50 species of porpoises, seals, and whales. Bring your hiking boots and camping gear. The forest is threaded with 600 miles of hiking trails and dotted with dozens of campgrounds and cabins that are open to the public. 

Quite likely, you’ll get your first glimpse of the region in Ketchikan, which is only about an hour-and-a-half by air from Seattle. Ketchikan is a cool portal into the unique spirit that defines Alaska. Thanks to a large population of Native Alaskans—the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian—Ketchikan offers a taste of native art and culture, including the largest collection of totem poles in the world. The downtown shopping and dining drag is Creek Street, a wooden boardwalk that served as Ketchikan’s red light district back in the day. Don’t you dare visit without taking in Misty Fjords National Monument, with its 3,000-foot cliffs, and promise you’ll at least try to bring home a brag-worthy salmon or halibut you caught yourself. Don’t worry. There’s no need to buy a plane ticket for your monster catch. They’ll clean it, filet it, smoke it, and ship it to you. (See sidebar for more information about the forest and accommodations.)