Detroit is known for its automobiles—they're a core part of the Motor City nickname that the city takes pride in. Millions of cars have been assembled under the parentage of Detroit's “Big Three” manufacturers, and America's motor vehicle fascination can trace its supply right to the metro Detroit region. But in today's Detroit, the automobile takes second fiddle compared to the bicycle. Because with acclaimed greenways and innovative bike share companies, the Motor City is increasingly driven by pedals. Just take a look at Detroit's premier greenways – the International Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut and Southwest Greenway – all of which are full of bicycles and other pedal-powered vehicles. Experience Motor City by Trail View from Belle Island near Detroit by Walter Martin - Unsplash “I've done it myself, biking up the Riverwalk and taking in the scenery,” Visit Detroit CEO & President Claude Molinari said. “And what we're hearing from parents, workers, just general bike enthusiasts is that these trails are a lifeline for the interconnectivity of Detroit. Our region is just getting started providing some of the nation's best bike paths to provide equitable access between our city, our neighborhoods and our economy.” The International Riverwalk is the nation's top-ranked riverwalk, tracing the banks of the Detroit River it shares with Canada – including historic Belle Isle, an island park located between the United States and Canada. The Dequindre Cut is a 2.5-mile path converted from an abandoned railroad line, one of the first greenways opened in Detroit. Additionally, the Southwest Greenway opened in May 2023 after sponsorship from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. It connects Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, a community space set to open in 2024, with Michigan Central Station, newly renovated and home to Ford Motor Company's electric vehicle (EV) research teams. All of Detroit's modes of transportation are connected via these greenways, making the transportation arteries increasingly important. A row of bikes in Detroit by Sadie Coulter - Unsplash Together, the three established trails provide more than 6.5 miles of bikeable paths that create equitable access to hundreds of shops, offices and restaurants in Detroit. It's never been easier for Detroiters to trade in their car keys for a bike helmet, not only helping the environment by lowering personal emissions but also saving money in an increasingly difficult economy. These bike paths are only expanding, as the 27.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway project is rapidly growing thanks to its award-winning Framework Plan. This path will connect and expand Detroit's existing trails, as well as link them to pathways in nearby Dearborn, Hamtramck and Highland Park. The under-construction Gordie Howe Bridge will also connect to the Joe Louis Greenway in 2025, with bike access linking the United States and Canada at one of the two nations' busiest intersections. Pickup Bikes On-Demand Buildings in Detroit by Alex Brisbey - Unsplash Even the very access to bikes has seen innovation in Detroit, as local rental company MoGo provides a comprehensive bikeshare service similar to Spin scooters. These MoGo bikes allow anyone to rent a bike on-demand, getting Detroiters where they need to be, when they need to be there. Detroit's past might've been tied to the gas-powered automobile, but its future is tied to sustainable multimodal transportation. With increasing options for Detroiters to skip the gas station and bike to work, eat or play, the city has never been more interconnected than today. And with so many projects underway, the current state of transportation pales in comparison to the future.

Earlier this summer, the National Trust for Historic Preservation unveiled its 2023 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, an annual ranking that spotlights significant sites of American history that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. “This year's list of the nation's most endangered historic places is a portfolio of sites that are nearly as diverse as the American experience itself,” said Jay Clemens, interim president and CEO of the National Trust. “The places on this list come in all forms, from individual residences to entire neighborhoods, and are located across the country from small communities to urban streetcorners and rural landscapes. The diversity of sites on the 2023 list—and the stories behind them—reflect the complexities and challenges that have always been part of what it means to be American but have not always received the attention they deserve. Losing any of them would diminish us all.” Since first debuting in 1988, the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has proven to be a highly effective tool for shining a light on the threats facing our nation's greatest treasures. Due to the efforts of the National Trust and our passionate supporters, the 11 Most list has often provided the decisive force needed to preserve important cultural landmarks. Now in its 36th year, the ongoing initiative has galvanized public support behind more than 350 sites across the country with only a handful lost. Below are the 11 places that make up the list for 2023, sorted alphabetically by state. Osterman Gas Station, Peach Springs, Arizona Built in 1929, the Osterman Gas Station along Route 66 has been a focal point of the Hualapai Tribal community for generations. Extreme weather has damaged the already deteriorated building, and it needs stabilization and rehabilitation in order to continue to serve its community and the next generation of travelers. In consultation with experts, the Tribe is developing a preservation and reuse plan and raising funds to save the Hualapai-owned gas station. Little Santo Domingo, Miami, Florida Aerial view of Miami, Florida by Ashley Satanosky - Unsplash Little Santo Domingo, the cultural heart of Allapattah, is a key commercial corridor in one of Miami's oldest neighborhoods. Growing development interest in Little Santo Domingo is leading to displacement, demolition, and rising rents. The Allapattah Collaborative hopes to encourage a more balanced approach to development and preservation while protecting the neighborhood's heritage and culture. Pierce Chapel African Cemetery, Midland, Georgia Pierce Chapel African Cemetery, established circa 1828, is one of the oldest burial grounds for Africans enslaved at several plantations in Harris County, Georgia, and their descendants. However, the cemetery has deteriorated over time and suffered damage due to recent use of heavy construction equipment. The descendant-led Hamilton Hood Foundation is leading efforts to raise awareness about this significant place and preserve Pierce Chapel and its stories for future generations. Century and Consumers Buildings, Chicago, Illinois View of the Chicago skyline by Dylan Lapierre - Unsplash As two iconic early skyscrapers along Chicago's historic State Street, the Century and Consumers Buildings contribute to the architectural significance of the area known as “the Loop.” Yet they have sat vacant since the General Services Administration bought them in 2005 and are now being considered for demolition. Advocates are urging reuse options that could meet security needs of the adjacent federal courthouse while avoiding the buildings' wasteful demolition. West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana This 11-mile stretch along the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish includes historic villages, agricultural fields, and two plantations where the lives of enslaved people are studied and interpreted. But now port facility Greenfield Louisiana LLC has applied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to build one of the largest grain elevators in the world amid the area's nationally significant cultural resources. A coalition of local and national advocates, including many descendants of people enslaved in the area, is advocating for the Army Corps to deny the permit or for the developer not to build the terminal. Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church (aka Perseverance Benevolent and Mutual Aid Society Hall), New Orleans, Louisiana Built circa 1880 in New Orleans' 7th Ward, this building was first home to the Perseverance Benevolent and Mutual Aid Society, with its main hall doubling as a jazz venue, and later, the Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church of Eternal Life. Impacted by repeated hurricane damage, the remaining portions of the building are threatened with collapse. Working in partnership, the pastor and congregation of Holy Aid and Comfort and the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans are seeking funding and support to stabilize the remaining historic fabric and reconstruct the rest of the building for congregational and community use. L.V. Hull Home and Studio, Kosciusko, Mississippi African American artist L.V. Hull transformed her Kosciusko, Mississippi, home into a creative wonderland that attracted visitors from around the world. Though her artwork was relocated after her death in 2008 and recently conserved by the Kohler Foundation, her unoccupied house suffers from neglect, vandalism, and weather exposure. Filmmaker and Hull's friend Yaphet Smith has purchased the house and is partnering with other advocates with a vision to create an arts campus celebrating Hull's legacy. However, they need partners and funding to restore and revive the home as the heart of this broader project, where it will tell a unique, overlooked story of a Black woman in the South who claimed a space to pursue her full artistic vision. Henry Ossawa Tanner House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Built in 1871, this North Philadelphia rowhouse was home to Henry Ossawa Tanner, an internationally recognized African American painter, along with many other Tanner family members with significant achievements. But gentrification is putting the neighborhood's Black cultural legacy and heritage landmarks such as the Tanner House—already seriously deteriorated—at risk of demolition or erasure. The Friends of the Tanner House and its partners are creating a long-term stewardship plan to reimagine the house's future. Philadelphia Chinatown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Storefront in Philadelphia's Chinatown by Ryan Favinger - Unsplash As one of the oldest remaining active Chinatowns in the United States, Philadelphia Chinatown has been a vibrant community since 1871. But with the 76ers basketball team proposing to build an arena abutting Chinatown, advocates—including the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation—are concerned that the development could further disconnect the neighborhood, discourage visitors, impact the local economy, displace residents and businesses, and ultimately contribute to the erasure of the area's cultural heritage. Neighborhood residents and leaders are encouraging arena supporters to listen to and invest in protecting the Chinatown community as they consider their options. Charleston's Historic Neighborhoods, Charleston, South Carolina Union Pier, a 65-acre waterfront site along the Cooper River in downtown Charleston, is former marshland that has been used for maritime shipping, industrial production, and port operations since the early 18th century. The pier's current owner, South Carolina Ports Authority, has proposed selling the land to a private developer for a new mixed-use district that could threaten the area's historic character, viewsheds, and climate resilience. Advocates and residents are encouraging the city government to start with a community-led vision for the site before the formal review of a specific development plan. Seattle Chinatown-International District, Seattle, Washington Storefront in the Chinatown-International District in Seattle by Jimmy Woo - Unsplash As one of the oldest Asian American neighborhoods on the West Coast, the Seattle Chinatown-International District (CID) has been a center of the city's Asian American life for more than a century. However, Seattle's Sound Transit is considering several transit expansion options that could impact transportation access and cultural preservation in the CID. Transit Equity for All, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Wing Luke Museum are part of a coalition advocating for a more transparent, equitable process that reflects careful decision-making, centers the voices of the CID, keeps the community connected to transit, and protects the neighborhood's vitality and cultural heritage for future generations. —To learn more about the places on this year's list and find out what you can do to help preserve them, go to www.SavingPlaces.org/11Most.

To know Mexico's state of Aguascalientes is to discover Mexico on a more intimate level. It's a place that is steeped in centuries-old traditions, history, and culture and embodies so much of what makes up the fabric of Mexico as a whole. With a history spanning more than five centuries, Aguascalientes is Mexico personified. The museum-rich capital of Aguascalientes is peppered with leafy parks, lined with broad boulevards, and dressed up with impressive architecture. It's a city that is as known for its industrial history as it is for its ornate cathedrals, rich wine culture, and high-end shopping. A small city compared to some of Mexico's other capitals, Aguascalientes packs a punch. Discover the very best of this important state in Mexico with the top 10 activities in Aguascalientes. Temple of San Antonio Like something out of an obscure fantasy novel, Aguascalientes’ Templo de San Antonio is unlike any other cathedral you’ll find in Mexico. The prestigious and hauntingly beautiful monument is quilted together with a variety of architectural styles, including neoclassical, baroque, gothic, Arabic, and Russian. More than just a mishmash of styles, it’s a swirl of brilliant colors, like yellow, green, and pink, all reflected in the veins of the quarry stone that was used to construct it. The mesmerizing structure is finished off with other opulent touches, like a stained glass Russian dome, towers, and soaring vaulted ceilings. Jardin de San Marcos Jardin de San Marcos - courtesy of EnRoute / Viva Aguascalientes An oasis of green in the city center of the city of Aguascalientes, the Jardin de San Marcos sits tucked behind an impressive stone archway. Creating a separate space away from the buzz of the city's energy, the park is a beloved hideaway of peace and tranquility right in the heart of downtown. Explore the meandering pathways that criss-cross the garden, or enjoy one of the many public events that are held at the central fountain. In fact, the San Marcos Fair is one of the most beloved city traditions and has been held since 1828. Altaria Shopping Center Aguascalientes is as cosmopolitan and modern as it is classic and historic. One of the main commercial centers in the city is the Altaria Shopping Center. Home to more than 130 brand-name stores, Altaria Shopping Center is the premiere luxury shopping venue in the capital city. But beyond designer labels and upscale boutiques, Altaria has a movie theater, restaurants, cafes, and even a few bars. It's much more than just a shopping mall — it's an urban center of luxury. Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption - courtesy of EnRoute / Viva Aguascalientes Classically beautiful, stately, and rich in history, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of the most important religious houses in Aguascalientes. The building dates back to 1704, though the construction was completed in 1738. Visitors are greeted by two massive twin towers. Inside the cathedral is a wash of white marble and the image of the Virgin of the Assumption, the patron of the city of Aguascalientes. Parque Tres Centurias Parque Tres Centurias - courtesy of EnRoute / Viva Aguascalientes History, culture, and community collide at the Parque Tres Centuries in downtown Aguascalientes. Aguascalientes' history is deeply rooted in railway heritage. The railroad played an important part in the industrialization of not only the state of Aguascalientes but in Mexico as a whole. Get to know the rail history of the state with a visit to the park, where tourists can explore historic sites like The Hidrocalida, a stunning locomotive that stands at the entrance to the plaza. Don't miss the park's impressive fountain, the largest in Latin America, which displays up to 60 different colors and whose spout can reach up to 12 meters. Plaza Patria and Exedra Plaza Patria - courtesy of EnRoute / Viva Aguascalientes Spread out in front of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is the Plaza Patria, or the main square of Aguascalientes. It is the premiere center of life in the city, as well as one of the most historic. Here is where visitors will find the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace, as well as the Legislative Palace and the Old Imperial Hotel. At the center of the square is the Exedra, a tall column, crowned with a sculpture of an eagle devouring a serpent, the national symbol of Mexico. Santa Elena Winery Mexico has some serious players in the international wine market, and Aguascalientes is one of them. The Vincola Santa Elena is one of the best wineries in central Mexico, featuring a vineyard, cellar, and wine cave where visitors can come to tour the grounds and take a tasting. The winery is known for producing decadent, full-bodied wines using varietals like Nebbiolo, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The National Museum of Death Festival de Calaveras - courtesy of EnRoute / Viva Aguascalientes Spirituality is deeply ingrained in Mexican society and culture. The afterlife is one of its greatest fascinations, and keeping connected with the spirit world is a vital part of what it means to be Mexican. Aguascalientes has a museum dedicated to the afterlife, known as the National Museum of Death. The collection depicts the historic role of death and the funeral arts within Mexico, both throughout history and into the present day. The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, lithographs, and photos, all of which are used to illustrate the relationship between the living and the dead. Jose Guadalupe Posada Museum Museo Posada - courtesy of EnRoute / Viva Aguascalientes Speaking of Mexico's relationship with death, Dia de Los Muertos is one of the most important cultural traditions in the country. One of the great symbols of Day of the Dead is the iconic skeleton, "La Calavera Catrina." The artist who created her was Jose Guadalupe Posada and Aguascalientes features a museum dedicated to his life's work. Posada began producing illustrations of death following a massive flood that swept through Aguascalientes in 1882. The destruction was so overwhelming that it fueled his fascination. Death became a lasting theme in his art, which is on display at this Aguascalientes museum dedicated to his work. Museum of Aguascalientes Perhaps the best place to get a comprehensive overview about the culture and historical significance of Aguascalientes is at the city museum. Built in 1903, the pink stone, neoclassical building recognizes the work of the most famous artists from the state of Aguascalientes. The collection features paintings and sculptures from artists like Jesus F. Contrerars, Francisco Diaz de Leon, Gabriel Fernandez Ledesma, and Saturnino Herran. It is one of the premier museums in the country that celebrates the life and work of acclaimed Mexican artists.

Coming up soon on August 5 is National Lighthouse Day. While perhaps this isn't the most celebrated holiday on the calendar, it can serve as a great excuse to plan a quick day trip or journey to a nearby coastline. Lighthouses not only offer a glimpse into the unique history of the areas in which they are built, but they are often perched in locations that offer incredible views of the surrounding areas (especially those that are open to climbing to the top). Below are five must-see lighthouses in the US. Point Reyes Lighthouse (Inverness, California) The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 to help ships navigate around the Point Reyes Headlands, a land mass jutting out 10 miles into the sea near San Francisco Bay. It was retired from service in 1975 when the U.S. Coast Guard installed an automated light instead, though today the lighthouse is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Visitors can drive Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to the western-most point of the Headlands to visit the lighthouse. The National Park Service recommends planning one hour and forty-five minutes for the drive (three hours and thirty minutes round-trip) from the Santa Rosa area, northwest San Francisco, or the northern East Bay, as the road is windy and slow-going. New Dungeness Lighthouse (Sequim, Washington) Boats in the harbor in Port Townsend by Joanna Lopez - Unsplash The New Dungeness Lighthouse is located near Sequim on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula between Port Townsend and Port Angeles, and situated in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge at the end of the Dungeness Spit extending 5 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It was the first US lighthouse completed on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and has operated continuously since its lard oil lamp was lit for the first time in December 1857. Visitors can trek along a five-mile hike, boat or kayak in from nearby public boat launch Cline Spit, or simply drive right to the lighthouse. Additionally, the lighthouse allows families a unique opportunity to be "Lighthouse Keepers" for a week. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (St. Augustine, Florida) Pathway to Ponce Inlet Lighthouse in Florida by Truck That Beach - Unsplash Completed in 1887, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is Florida's tallest lighthouse. Once a month, during the full moon, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse Preservation Association hosts special evening tours of the site. This year on National Lighthouse Day (Saturday, August 5) visitors to the lighthouse and museum will get a special opportunity to celebrate the founding of the US Light-House Establishment. From climbing 175 feet to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse to touring the world-famous lighthouse museum, guests will discover 250 years of American lighthouse history at one of the nation’s largest and most authentic light stations. Family-oriented activities including living history interpretations, hands-on workshops, and kids crafts will also be available to guests. All special activities are provided free of charge with regular admission from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Boston Light (Boston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts) Built in 1716, the historic Boston Light overlooks the sea from Little Brewster Island, casting a light beam 27 miles into the Atlantic. It is the oldest continually used and last staffed lighthouse in the country. While Little Brewster Island is closed to the public, visitors can hop on a two-hour cruise around the Boston Harbor, which features close-up views of the Boston Light, Graves Light, and Long Island Light. Tours depart from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center. Bodie Island Light Station (Nags Head, North Carolina) Bodie Island Light Station in Nags Head by Kevin Dunlap - Unsplash The Bodie Island Light Station is located at the northern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. It is open seasonally for self-guided climbs—with over 200 steps (equal to a 10-story building) and no air conditioning it is a strenuous climb and, therefore, not recommended for everyone. However, those who are able to make it to the top will be rewarded with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Pimlico Sound. Two other lighthouses can be seen nearby, though they are currently not open for tours or climbing; the Cape Hatteras Light House is currently closed for restoration and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is only open periodically for viewing from the base.