Country Extra

See more of America's countryside with every issue of Country EXTRA!  Country EXTRA is delivered in between your issues of Country.  Celebrate the people, places and stories that make country life so special. Discover America through first-hand reader visits with country folks, full-color photos, reviews of country inns, country-fresh recipes and time-saving tips and shortcuts.

ENJOY THE DRIVE

NOW THAT’S FUNNY!

HUNTING FOR TREASURES • Vintage finds abound in these antiquing hot spots.

Greek heritage and the sponge industry add intriguing charm to Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Step Back in Time

Flying South • BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, NM

Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park • SUMPTER, WI

THE ORIGINAL SPA RETREAT • Relax and regenerate in the thermal waters of America’s oldest bathhouses.

A HERO’S HOMETOWN • Named for Olympian Jim Thorpe, this burg in the Pocono Mountains shows Jill Gleeson its rich and rugged character.

MIGHTY EAGLES • When America’s national emblem soars high overhead, photographer Ron Niebrugge gets his camera ready and waits.

CRUISE THE COASTS • From seasides to bays and rivers, America has 95,471 miles of shoreline.Here are five scenic drives that roll past the best of them.

STATE ROAD A1A • Cross barrier islands and beach towns as you road-trip down the Sunshine State

SEASIDE HOT SPOTS • Make time for dazzling sunrises, savory seafood and shopping.

FLATHEAD LAKE • This lakeside loop packs in majestic mountain views, watery vistas and charming small towns.

FLATHEAD ESSENTIALS • Here’s where to eat, drink, stay and play along the lake.

WHIDBEY ISLAND • Outdoor adventures, seaside views and fantastic food make this drive dreamy.

EATS AND SLEEPS • Here are a few spots to rest your head and delight your palate.

THE SECRET COAST • Small towns, beaches and fresh seafood add flavor to a scenic drive by the sea.

SERENITY BY THE SEA • Make yourself at home along Mississippi’s Secret Coast.

ACADIA ALL-AMERICAN ROAD • Built through philanthropy, this route leads to the best of Acadia National Park.

EXPLORE ACADIA • Hilary shares a few insider tips to get the most out of your visit.

America’s Photographer • In the 1980s, Carol M. Highsmith set out to photograph all 50 states. She has taken more than 65,000 images capturing the beauty and spirit of America, and has donated them to the Library of Congress. Here are a few of our favorites.

WESTERN WELCOME • A foreign exchange student sees America with eyes of wonder.

CORTNIE’S STUDENT-HOSTING TIPS

An Unexpected Gift • Braving darkness, snow and freezing temperatures, this photographer captures a glorious night sky in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.

BETH’S TIPS FOR NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

WORDS TO LIVE BY • Beauty and gratitude are the hallmarks of Florida’s Bok Tower Gardens.

WISH YOU WERE HERE • Golden and gorgeous. Readers open their photo albums and share breathtaking images of autumn.

ON THE ROAD • Can you identify these roadside attractions and their states? Compare your answers to those below.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

FIND THE NEEDLE

Country Extra

HOME OF THE ANCIENTS • Known for dwellings cut into cliffs and petroglyphs with stories to tell, Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico preserves a way of life that goes back thousands of years.