It’s a new year, and that means plenty of new adventures to be had. I, for one, love to embrace spontaneity in my travels—checking out a restaurant my cab driver swears by or following the sounds of a street festival. It’s nice to be a wanderer and see where my fleeting fancies take me.

-Holyn Thigpen, AO Community Editor

SPONSORED BY WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

20 Places to Visit Along West Virginia’s Country Roads

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachians—some of the oldest mountains on the planet—West Virginia is filled with rocky peaks, deep cave systems, and rolling hills. More recent, human-made wonders are scattered throughout the rugged landscape, from the smallest church in the contiguous United States to a telescope that is a massive feat of engineering. These are just a few of the marvels you can find while exploring the hidden corners of the Mountain State.

IT’S ALMOST HEAVEN →

Where to Wander

Wildlife vets trek through mud and mist to care for Rwanda’s gorillas — Saving an endangered species
Meet the photographer who documents volcano peaks — Summit superstar
This female Swedish adventurer sailed around the world in the early 20th century — From Greenland to the Philippines

Place of the Day

GEORGIA

Sno Giant Head Sculptures

In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus mountains, the Giant Stone Head Sculptures in Sno represent one man’s vision to immortalize the giants of Georgian history, art, and literature. Sometimes referred to as “Georgia’s Easter Island,” the site consists of half a dozen monolithic heads carved from granite. Set on a rolling hill at the entrance to Sno village, a short detour off the Georgian Military Highway, these massive works of art are impossible to miss.

HEAD-TURNING ART →