For the second consecutive season, the Maid of the Mist will launch on the earliest date in the storied history of one of North America’s longest running tourist attractions. The 2017 season will begin Saturday, Apr. 1, at 9 a.m., from its Niagara Falls, N.Y., landing. The season runs through Nov. 5. In 2016, the season began Apr. 2. Book …

California’s Great America opens its 2017 season on March 25 and will introduce an array of new attractions, entertainment and dining experiences. Patriot, the first floorless coaster in the park’s history, will make its official park debut on Saturday, April 1. Great America’s Patriot will take riders to a nine-story height before plummeting them into a 360-degree loop and a …

From the wonder of nature and blood-pumping excitement of thrill rides to the anticipation of new craft brews and joy of 50-year-old music and memories, there is no better place than Ohio to connect with the people who mean the most to you in 2017. For more travel ideas and inspiration, visit Ohio.org. Download the free “Official Ohio Travel Guide …

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens May 27 at the Walt Disney World Resort. The all-new land will immerse guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora carries on the park’s tradition of celebrating the intrinsic value …

Biltmore’s gardeners are preparing for an early flowering season in Asheville for Biltmore Blooms, the estate’s annual spring celebration. Biltmore Blooms begins March 20 and runs through May 25, 2017. Expect the showstopper of more than 50,000 tulips to kick off this year’s celebration, blooming in mid to late March. A progression of flowers takes center stage with lavish displays …

San Antonio, widely recognized as a top travel destination, is introducing even more reasons to bring the whole family to the Alamo City. Interactive world-class exhibits, close encounters with dolphins and giraffes, and a high-rise ride at a one-of-a-kind theme park are just a few of the new attractions visitors can find in San Antonio this summer. In a city …

Surrounded by mountains, hiking and biking trails, and national parks, and born out of the historic Gold Rush era, Redding is the epicenter of an outdoor paradise for young and old alike. This slice of paradise set at the northern end of the Sacramento River Valley also has a vibrant and friendly downtown center. “Redding, the hub city of Shasta …

The Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach, California, one of the nation’s largest and most-visited aquariums, celebrated its future Pacific Visions wing with a groundbreaking ceremony recently. The 29,000-square-foot, two-story sustainable structure is designed by the San Francisco-based architecture and design firm EHDD. The first major expansion project ever undertaken by the nonprofit aquarium, Pacific Visions, slated to open …