b>Idaho

Arts programs have been an important component of community downtown revitalization programs across the country, but Idaho Falls has taken its commitment to new heights. It started seven years ago with the opening of the city new public library in the historic district and has expanded to now include the Willard Arts Center and Colonial Theater, the Museum of Idaho, Eagle Rock Art Museum and the Actors Repertory Theater of Idaho. These five arts organizations venues are neighbored with several commercial art galleries, glass and ceramic studios, dance studios, a movie house, public art displays and Chesbro Music, the largest wholesale sheet music company in the West. There are also several restaurants located in what is now referred to as the Idaho Falls Cultural District.

Colorado

Clear Creek County, just 30 minutes west of Denver, is a place for visitors to have both a glimpse of the states history and breathtaking views of the scenic majesty of the Rocky Mountains. North Americas highest road, the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, is located here along with the historic narrow gauge Georgetown Loop steam train and the Argo and Phoenix Gold Mines, treasure troves of mining history. This region is also home to the small town of Empire and the Peck House Hotel. This 10 room bed and breakfast has been in continuous operation by the Peck family since 1862 and they welcome the opportunity to greet visitors, sharing their family history and that of the region. Many groups stop here for lunch or dinner to enjoy the property gardens and its sweeping views of the valley. Empires main street is dotted with interesting curio and antique shops. The Miners Cemetery has some of the regions best-preserved headstones, bearing distinctive and elaborate creations that were popular with the early settlers. 87-889-6454, www.clearcreekcounty.org

Kansas

The four corners of Kansas offer a traveler dramatic and changing landscapes and an introduction to numerous historic events. There are five designated scenic byway routes and the Route 66 corridor, each offering an opportunity to discover the diversity and heritage of this state. The Kansas Getaway Guide outlines these routes with information about sights, history, contacts and other information needed to plan an itinerary that travels along the Glacial Hills, Gypsum Hills, Frontier Military, Flint Hills, Post Rock and Smoky Valley Scenic Byways or Route 66. For a copy of the guide, contact: 800-252-26727

Texas

The Transportation Wing of the Petroleum Museum in Midland features Jim Hails famed Chaparral racing cars. The main gallery displays all seven of the 2 series models, plus there is an operating maintenance garage and auto shop. Interactive exhibits explain the aerodynamics of racecar design and auto racing. Other exhibits tell the story of Hails contributions to the sport. Contact: 432-683-4403

Oklahoma

Alabaster Caverns State Park near Freedom will reopen its main cave this October with a new state of the art light system that greatly enhances visitor viewing and more accurately reflects the caves natural colors. The new lighting system creates less heat, thereby avoiding disturbance of the caves bat population. It also stops algae growth and helps to preserve the caves delicate ecosystem. The park office has added a new exhibit that gives visitors an up close view of live bats and has a video showing the main cave and the Selman Bat Cave. Program options for visitors include a one hour guided walk through Owl Cave, a guided nature walk of the park grounds and visits to the nearby Selman Bat Cave, which has Mexican free-tail bats. 800-654-8240, 580-621-3381

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