Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and exercise. But most of us would never even dream of hiking the length of the United States. Trevor Thomas, an avid hiker from North Carolina who lost his sight in 2005, is preparing to hike the entire span of the Continental Divide Trail(CDT), a 3,100 mile trek that stretches from Canada all the way down to Mexico.

Thomas, an adventure sports junkie, is planning to start a journey this summer through some of the nation’s most rugged and remote terrain. Although he expects to hike the majority by himself, he will be accompanied by three others to help him navigate the more difficult sections of the trail. As a part of Team Farsight, Thomas plans to not only challenge his physical and mental abilities on the trip but also raise public awareness and expectations for the blind community.

A veteran hiker, Thomas has already backpacked the full length of the Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles) and the Appalachian Trail (2,175 miles), making him the first blind person to attempt and complete either hike. Though he had assistance on the Pacific Crest Trail through deep snow and poorly marked areas, Thomas completed the Appalachain Trail alone. This next hike will mark Thomas’s completion of the “Triple Crown” of hikes in the nation.

Known as the “King of Trails”, the CDT was created in 1978 to help preserve the wild, scenic “backbone” of America. The trail passes through five states, including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Along the way, Thomas and his team will also pass their fair share of mountain ranges, including the Rockies, the San Juans, the Sawatch Range, and the Grand Tetons. Set to start in June, the grueling thru-hike will take roughly six months to complete.

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Thirty young bison from Alberta, Canada will board a large Russian transport plane and fly ten hours to Siberia in March. They will become part of a project to repopulate a wild area located in the Republic of Sakha, where the native bison went extinct. It is a massive, northern area with just under one million people, and slightly over one million square miles.

“The Government of Canada’s commitment to the recovery of species at risk is not limited by international borders. In providing wood bison to the Republic of Sakha, we are contributing to the continued survival and well being of an iconic and majestic animal that was once on the brink of extinction,” said Mr. Benoit. (Source: Marketwire.com)

Canada’s Elk Island National Park has played a very important role in conservation of bison. Following the period in which they were nearly exterminated, some of the remaining few were taken care of there. Since 1907 they have worked to rejuvenate the bison herds, and have been successful enough that they have shipped 855 bison to Alaska, Russia and other parts of Canada. Elk Island is located not far from Edmonton, and has the one of the largest populations of wild hoofed animals in the world. It is home to both wood and plains bison, but also elk, moose deer, coyotes, beavers and some rare birds. Today there are about 400 plains bison, and 315 wood bison in the park.

In 2006 a group of 30 bison from Canada was shipped to Russia also, for the same project. The new group will join the foundation herd soon. The first group of 30 produced 21 calves in five years. The second group will help expand the herd and prevent inbreeding.

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This is quite the statement: The Sierra Club is offering "The Best Internship on Earth." Do we get to tag along with Indiana Jones? The deadline for video entries is March 16, if you dare.

This is the second year for "The Best Internship." It's open to students and recent graduates who want to spend the summer of 2011 as the Sierra Club's Youth Outdoors Ambassador. Wait a minute, ambassador? That sounds like a lot of hand shaking.

Not really. The winner gets to hike, raft and camp on a series of outdoor adventures, in California and other states. OK, how much will it cost me? They actually pay you a $2,500 stipend (if you win), and travel during the internship is included, along with $2,000 worth of North Face and Planet Explore gear.

As part of the gig, you have to create a video blog to document the experience and promote "the importance of giving all young people opportunities to experience the outdoors." For some inspiration, see these videos from the 2010 winner, Evan Geary.

OK, I've heard enough. Where do I apply? Slow down. There's a lot of competition. Think about your application for a moment. And see what's been turned in so far.

"When we launched the Best Internship on Earth last year (2010), we had no idea we would be met with such an overwhelming response," says Sarah Hodgdon, the Sierra Club's conservation director.

"We're excited to see the creativity, energy, and enthusiasm that students are pouring into their application videos. It's inspiring to see how passionate young people are about exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet."

Juniata River, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Harrisburg PA ICO

To apply, you need to submit a 90-second video talking about why you'd be a good fit for the Best Internship on Earth. The www is sierraclub.org/bestinternship.

Some more disclaimers: Students must be at least 18 years old, and currently enrolled in high school or college, or be a recent graduate.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions are here, including the intinerary, which is still being developed, but will include "at least one rafting trip, multiple hikes, a 'volunteer vacation' where you help improve a beautiful park area, and some of the most glorious and spectacular scenery in the country." You have to get yourself to and from San Francisco, California, at the beginning and end of the trip, but everything else is covered, the Sierra folks say.

Grand Canyon, Arizona. Photo Credit: John Melvillea

More on Traveling and Adventure
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The most memorable travel I've done in my life has always involved animal viewing. Whether it was the sought-after cheetah in South Africa's Kruger National Park or the scarlet macaws on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, it's the exotic creatures that you see for the first time outside of a zoo that you remember the most. You often have to travel to the world's most remote places but that's where you'll find the real adventure anyway. Great wildlife viewing is spread far and wide, across this stunning globe.

Love nature and the indigenous animals that go along with it? There's just no museum quite as dramatic as the natural world with all its crazy creatures. Here's some of the most awe inspiring animal viewing and where to globetrot to catch a glimpse.

1. Osa Peninsula: Costa Rica

Photo:Stockbyte

My husband and I spent our honeymoon on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula relaxing amidst the howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and iguanas. We walked through the rainforest each day and as we strolled we saw howler and spider monkeys skipping from tree to tree without even noticing us. You may also see the white face monkey, kinkajou (night monkey), 3 toed sloth, and the chestnut mandible toucan. This rainforest was a world separated from any reality that I had ever known and it was an experience that has impacted my life ever since.

2. Denali National Park: United States

Photo: Jupiterimages

Likely some of the most untapped wilderness in North America, Denali National Park is ideal for a bit of animal viewing adventure. You'll see iconic large mammals like grizzly and black bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall's sheep. You may encounter the wildlife hiking through the park or in one of the park's large vehicles, which allow you to sit higher up for great viewing.

3. Sundarbans National Park: India

Photo: Jupiterimages

On the southern tip of West Bengal you'll find Sundarbans National Park, a mangrove forest that's home to rich biodiversity. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 200 remaining Royal Bengal Tigers, the largest tiger reserve in all of India. The Sundarbans house the world's largest delta made up by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. The park is also home to the endangered river Terrapin, the Barking Deer, and rhesus monkey to name just a few.

4. Yanchep National Park: Australia

Photo: Thinkstock

If you just can't wait to view a koala or a kangaroo in the wild, then don't miss a visit to Yanchep National Park. You can also seek out the Carnaby Black Cockatoo or the Black-glove Wallaby and Quenda (bandicoots). The park is located just outside of Perth on Australia's western coast. Learn about Aboriginal history in the park's 400 caves as well.

5. Kruger National Park: South Africa

Photo: Thinkstock

It's about the size of New Jersey but Kruger National Park is one of the most incredible places on earth. At sunrise feast your eyes on an elephant and her babies meandering across the road or a herd of Wildebeests sipping on water and hanging out on the open landscape. Kruger has it all including lions, zebras, leopards, giraffe, hippopotamus, white and black rhinoceros, wild dogs, hyenas, and one of Africa's most poisonous snakes, the Black Mumba. And you might even get to check out a cheetah, though these are some of the most difficult predators to view. But once one is seen, park enthusiasts pass the location along like in a game of telephone so that you too might get to see this postcard perfect creature.

6. Yellowstone National Park: United States

Photo: Tom Brakefield/Thinkstock

Many of us tend to take our own national park system for granted. Both Denali National Park and Yellowstone have some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Visiting Yellowstone you're likely to see gray wolves, elk, moose, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and bald eagles as well as grizzly and black bears.

7. Parc des Volcans: Rwanda

Photo: Anup Shah/Thinkstock

The rare mountain gorilla is likely one of the most extraordinary creatures on earth to view in person. "In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat," wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, "are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas". Here, hidden deep in the lush biodiveristy you'll find the elusive mountain gorilla. You may also see populations of buffalo and elephants as well as the rare golden monkey.

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Shark fin soup has been at the center of controversy of late because it is one of the leading causes of the global decline of the one of our ocean's most important predators. Shark finning claims between 26 million and 73 million sharks annually, according to Science News. But what exactly is shark fin soup anyway and why is it considered such a delicacy or a status symbol for that matter?

Shark fin soup is made from a variety of shark fins. While the shark meat itself isn't worth very much money and as a result is often just thrown back into the ocean at a complete waste, the fins are extremely pricey, going for $300 per pound. The fins are processed by removing the skin and then drying them out completely. Sometimes hydrogen peroxide is added to the fins for color. The fins are sold either frozen or dried. The flavor of the soup itself comes mostly from the broth and the fins themselves are chewy and crunchy. It seems the price, certainly not the flavor, is what really impresses people at up to $100 per bowl. But it's certainly not worth what Time Magazine has called "extinction in a bowl."

Shark Finning Is Brutal and Wasteful

According to Pacific Daily News, the importance of sharks in our ocean's ecosystem should be a vital concern to us all. "Sharks are not only natural predators, they are critical partners, cleaning and balancing agents in our surrounding waters."

Jaymi reported on the brutal practice of shark finning last year. A shark is caught, pulled onboard a boat, its fins are cut off, and the still-living shark is tossed back overboard to drown or bleed to death.

Banning Shark Fin Possession in California

A new bill introduced by two California lawmakers seeks to ban possession, sale, and distribution of shark fins, used in shark fin soup.

While shark finning was banned in US waters thanks to the Shark Conservation Act, which Obama signed this year, no other states except Hawaii have banned the possession, sale, and distribution of shark fins. The only exception is at a North Carolina Fishery, which according to Our Amazing Planet, was made so that North Carolina Senator Richard Burr would sign the bill.

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Want to have the kind of body that a Brazilian bathing suit was designed to drape over? When traveling to Rio de Janiero, the city that, to many, pretty much defines the ideal image of “beauty,” it’s no shocker your average chick might for a moment wonder: “what trade tricks can I pick up…” And that was my mindset when I boarded the American Airlines non-stop flight from Dallas to Rio. Ok, so I didn’t just board, I did a pre-flight Quickie Workout (pretty much the greenest workout around) while standing at the gate waiting to board (after all, I was about to endure a 10.5 hr flight and I wanted to get my metabolism pumping), plus butt squeezes and knee lifts mid-flight to keep the circulation going and minimize my chances of a blood clot… ok, so it was also a last ditch to tighten my backside in preparation for that feared/loved Brazilian bikini.

Already feeling a twinge of tightness from those in-flight butt squeezes in-between meals, movies, sleeping, and reading, I felt ready to brave the tropical heat of the beach city and find out how these women were so beautiful! Maybe I could learn a thing or two to take home and implement into my own beauty routine.

Drinks… and Food

As is custom when you (or at least I) land in a foreign country, I like to get my bearings by going to a place with great views and imbibe in some local libations. So I boarded the two-stage cable car up to the 1,300 foot high summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) where, lucky for me, situated at the top was Abençoado Bar & Restaurant on Urca hill, known for their caipirinhas made with only fresh, seasonal fruits (many of them superfruits) that are blended into each drink from whole (not juice) form. It’s so good it almost feels good for you! Of course, the fact that it is an alcoholic beverage… maybe not the best for you. But really, it’s all about the fresh juices.

Caju fruit (or cashew fruit).

Yes, it’s the fruit part of the nut. In fact, the nut takes up only a very small top portion of the fruit, making the process of obtaining those nuts quite wasteful and expensive in countries where the fruit isn’t highly regarded as the wondrous, should-be superfruit that it is, and the way it is regarded in Brazil. Apparently the Caju fruit is stuffed with Vitamin C and when mixed into a caipirinha, it’s simply magical!
Other superfruit-infused caipirinhas (or regular juices) to try:

Siriguela- another vitamin C bomb that looks a bit like a Kumquat

Acerola- a superfruit cherry that locals swear kills colds thanks to its insane amount of vitamins

Pink Peppercorn- so it’s not a fruit… but it’s a natural fat-burner and I love that the locals infuse it into their drinks. It’s delicious and beautiful… just like the Brazilians!

But it’s not all alcoholic beverages that the Brazilian beauties drink. Fresh, local fruit juice is served all over the city in little corner kiosks where they squeeze, press, or crush the fruit right in front of you and serve it up fresh- no cans, bottles, or any other unnecessary packaging except the fruit skin. What could be more green?

Beyond fruit, local fish cooked with little oil, but lots of herbaceous flavor is a regular on most menus, as well as interesting native tubers and vegetables from the surrounding jungle, like Manioc- a potato-like root vegetable that is served in several forms from ground and powdered to sliced and fried (like French fries).

Acai Bowls are hugely popular with the locals, particularly after a workout, and they are served up all over the city in little healthy fast food kiosks, making them easily accessible. In fact, they have before so popular that US beach towns are now serving the nutrient-dense dish. So what is it? It's a bowl of acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) frozen puree, sliced bananas, and granola. Sambazon sells the purple berry fruit in puree and sorbet form, just in case you want to make a "Rio Bowl" without hoping on a plane to Brazil. And the benefits? The amazon palm berry is filled with antioxidant phytochemicals shown to fight health invaders and minimize the risk of heart disease. It even has a small amount of healthy unsaturated fat. Yes, it's a serious bite with benefits!

Fact is that fresh, organic, nutrient-dense ingredients naturally help to beautify the skin while simultaneously imparting energy and life. Sure, there are some fast food joints in Rio, but many of the “fast food” spots are actually kiosks where the food may be fast-ish, but still whole, healthy, and fresh and therefore beauty-supporting! Dinner is typically light, and dessert is the norm- but, again… it’s only a few bites.

Eat Backwards Instead of skipping breakfast, carbing out on lunch and pigging out on dinner, seems the Brazilian beauties eat backwards: a healthy full breakfast that includes lots of fruit (including the superfruit acai) and oatmeal, followed by a lunch of steamed fish, salad, local veggies, and finally a light dinner of small tapas-style plates and salad. And, yes, dessert. Life is about living pleasurably in Brazil. And that includes dessert.

Beauty

Ok, so, yes, if you want to be a Brazilian Beauty, it helps to be Brazilian. However, there are lots of beauty secrets that lots of Brazilian beauties have in common. Here are a few:

Massage. Forget cellulite pills and creams, the ladies I spoke too prefer to get massages to help detox the system and help breakup and smooth away the appearance of cellulite… weekly. Love that! For them, massage isn’t a choice, it’s not a luxury, it’s a mind/body necessity that helps to keep them less-stressed (which comes through on your faces ladies) and healthier overall. Not to worry, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get your arms, legs, and back massaged. Have your guy do it instead (* side note: massage the lower back helps improve blood flow to the pelvic region which helps turn you on… just saying).

Weekly Avocado Mask- for the hair and face. Said to have mystical and aphrodisiac powers, this nutrient-dense fruit that’s high in healthy and nourishing mono-unsaturated fats known to help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, slow insulin release and boost cell repair is both eaten (often mixed into a smoothie), and spread on the skin and hair. When used as a hair and skin mask, avocado helps hydrate and imbue a natural glow. Make your own face mask by mashing it with honey for a face mask, or mixing it with milk for the hair (or just spread it on as is), and leave on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Sunscreen! That golden hue of Brazilian skin is natural, not faked by laying out on the beach holding tinfoil. Yes, Brazilians tend to spend a fair amount of time in the sun playing outdoor sports or just enjoying the great outdoors, but sunscreen is an overwhelming (and honestly surprising) must!

Au Natural… almost. Because they tend to take such great care of their skin, allowing it to naturally glow from the inside out, why would they then cover it up by pancaking on makeup? Exactly. They don’t. Make-up is minimal and used as an accent not a statement.

Exercise

Beach Gyms.

Running, playing football, even straight up exercise at open air/sand-side gyms, this is a culture that’s filled with physical activity. So much so that the main Oceanside street (typically a multi-lane thoroughfare) is closed to just 1 lane on weekends, creating a spacious fitness path for exercisers of all types and ages- runners, roller bladders, cyclists, and strollers.

Samba!

But it’s at night when their bodies really get a workout! Samba isn’t just a sexy dance done on special occasions or for show. It’s a ritual, it’s part of the culture, it’s life! At night the samba clubs, complete with live music and sometimes dinner service, light up! Couples and singles old and young come out to feel the music, shake their bodies, and just let loose. There are even late-night Samba Schools that practice until wee hours of the morning in preparation for competitions between other local schools. But don’t get the wrong idea here. There aren’t just schools, they are dance halls, some even stadiums where the floor is filled with observers who get in on the dancing action too, while the school practices front and center- yes, to a live band.

Walking. This is a walking city. Okay, so maybe not everything is close. But the locals find a way to walk anyway! From shopping, to lunch breaks, getting to a local point A to B, or just taking an afternoon stroll, walks are a normal everyday part of life.

Confidence.

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In northern Brazil, there's a town called São Félix do Xingu, located in the heart of the Amazon. Rane Cortez, a forest carbon development adviser with The Nature Conservancy, spent 10 days there. She was searching, but not for a lost treasure (unless you count a less-polluted world). Cortez is working with experts and locals on ways to cut carbon emissions from the destruction of forests.

Here's the deal: The cutting and burning of trees in places like Brazil for cattle ranching or logging is releasing stored greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and contributing to climate change. São Félix is working on programs to conserve the forests and create jobs with money from international programs that pay countries to reduce their rate of deforestation, Cortez explains in one of three posts on her trip.

Cortez spent time at the home of cattle rancher and logger Jose Wilson, who she dubbed as a "True Carbon Cowboy."

Cattle in the road on the trip to Jose Wilson's ranch. Photo by Peter Ellis/The Nature Conservancy

For now, the economy of São Félix is based on deforestation, because people make a living raising cows. "As pastures become degraded, people are driven to cut down more forest in order to provide enough grass to maintain the size of their herds," Cortez writes. "This is exacerbated by the low cost of land in the Amazon and lack of enforcement to limit expansion."

The Nature Conservancy and local partners are trying to create a posse of cowboys in São Félix "who wrangle both cows and carbon through sustainable practices that promote economic opportunities while protecting the forests." Restoration programs being considered include planting high-value timber like mahogany and cutting vines to generate tree seedlings.

Degraded land in Sao Felix. Photo by Peter Ellis/The Nature Conservancy

You can read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 on the Planet Change blog. The project isn't complete, but it demonstrates that it doesn't have to be us against the trees. There's a choice between stopping deforestation and killing jobs.

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Plant a Billion Trees Campaign

Have you heard of the Lodge at Chaa Creek? It's located in Belize, and bills itself as the spot's premier eco resort. If you want to find out for yourself, you need to start typing. 300 words. The due date is May 14. The person who comes up with the "best" piece on responsible travel, and puts in a plug for Chaa Creek, will win an all-expenses-paid, all-inclusive vacation package to a slice of paradise located right under Mexico.

Besides the free advertising, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, is holding the contest to promote "environmental and socially aware tourism."

"Feedback from our guests has played a big part in our green development over the years, and we thought this would be a good way to get the word out while rewarding a creative approach to responsible travel," according to Chaa Creek’s marketing advisor Larry Waight.

The Lodge has won awards for its eco-ness, and is situated on a 365-acre nature reserve.

As for your 300-word masterpiece, the floor is open. you can express yourself in prose, a song, story or fable. There's no mention of a rap, but photos, video, multimedia and "alternative art forms" also are acceptable.

If you win, you'll get to bring one friend (or soon to be friend) along for a four-night trip, valued at $2,753 U.S.

Submissions must be received by May 14. Send them to marketing@chaacreek.com.

All entries will be posted on the Belize Travel Blog, with the winner selected by the Chaa Creek board of directors and primary school students of St. Andrews Elementary School. More information is available on the Travel Blog.

This makes us wonder, what other green travel writing contests are out there? A Google search brings up a lot of spammy websites, and a few expired contests. If you have a tip, send it to this writer via Twitter or Facebook.

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While most of us are cramped, hot, and angry in coach, the lucky ones have the opportunity to sit on the front of the aircraft. Nestling into full size seats with ample leg room and sipping on champagne at 10,000 feet. But that's only the beginning. A few choice airlines take first class to an entirely different level.

From eight course tasting menus to down-filled mattresses, you won't believe how the upper crust gets to travel. Don't believe me? Read on and see which airlines make the flight the destination and not just a mode to get there.

1. Qantas A380 Luxury Aircraft

It's luxury travel at its absolute finest. Australian airline Qantas takes the cake with its A380 Luxury Aircraft. The first class section of the aircraft is made up of 14 private suites. According to Today Luxury Travel, "[e]ach suite has a large swivel chair that converts into a bed; a dining table; an extra guest seat; a 17-inch LCD screen loaded with movies, TV shows, music and games; an eight-course tasting menu from Australian chef Neil Perry. Payot skincare products for men and women; and Akira Isogawa pajamas, slippers and socks."

2. Singapore Airlines Sky Suites

Singapore Airlines doesn't even call it first class, but rather refers to its 12 seat section as Sky Suites and this is no understatement. Each seat is its own private room. According to Gadling, seats are leather-upholstered, Burrwood-trimmed, and they fully recline. Your meal is served on fine china and you can spend the entire evening sipping on Dom Perignon and Krug. And when it's time to nod off, enjoy a turn down service and get a full night's rest atop your down-filled mattress and duvet.

3. Etihad Airway's Diamond First Class

They call it an "inspired first class" seat and you'll no doubt feel inspired on their luxurious fully flat bed and 600 thread count sheets. You also get everything that you need for bed including Ferragamo valise, slippers, and sleeper suit. Each seat has a 23-inch personal LCD television with E-BOX in-flight system that includes the latest movies and interactive games. Each seat is equipped with its own minibar as well as an "anytime kitchen menu" and a la carte menu.

Photo: Digital Vision/Thinkstock

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Would you go skiing off a rooftop if you could? How about in the middle of a major city?

Both are exactly the vision that a new project from the Bjarke Ingels Group will carry out—not surprisingly—in Copenhagen. A waste management plant is in the works for the city that will not only generate heat and electricity for 140,000 homes, but it will be covered by a ski park.

Yep, the building, which will incinerate the waste produced by five municipalities, will contain an elevator that people can ride to the top and then ski down any of three slopes—one green level, one blue, and one black.

The plant, to be finished by 1016, will replace a 40-year-old incinerator.

The New York Times describes a little more about the plan:

Alongside the ski slope, the plant’s smokestack will blow smoke rings each time it fills with 440 pounds of carbon dioxide from flue gas. In a recent interview with National Public Radio, Bjarke Ingels, the founder of the design firm, said the smoke rings would turn “the symbol of pollution into something playful,” while reminding residents of the impact of their consumption.

The same firm has a reputation for coming up with green and wildly unique design projects, like 8-Tallet, a green-roofed eco-village also in the Copenhagen area, and its current New York City project. But a project that combines waste-to-energy, a technology the U.S. is slow to adopt to start with, with a sport that is usually much less than sustainable is, at least for now, sadly, only in Copenhagen.

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When planning your next vacation, consider staying at one of our top picks for historic hotels. All recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, the following establishments boast some of the best spas, golf courses, and natural attractions in the country. Perfect for history buffs, these restored hotels merge the past and present making for a truly unique stay.

1. The Ahwahnee Hotel - Yosemite, California

Once a village of the native Miwok tribe, the grounds of this beautiful 1920’s hotel are situated in the heart of Yosemite National Park. The Ahwahnee is true to its heritage with Native American motifs in everything from the etchings in the stone floors to the deeply carved wood paneling on the walls. With views of Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point from the rooms, this hotel is a perfect spot for outdoorsy types looking to do some scenic hiking on their vacation. And for those looking for more adventure, there are many rock climbing and white water rafting spots nearby.

Photo: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.

2. Concord’s Colonial Inn – Concord, Massachusetts

Originally built in 1716, this hotel has witnessed nearly three centuries of American History. The inn, originally a private residence to the Minot family, was a meeting place for independent-minded colonials prior to the Revolutionary War. In fact, one of the rooms in the original building was used to store weapons for the local militia. After the war, the building had many roles including a local general store and a home to author Henry David Thoreau. Since 1900, the site has been an inn, housing such guests as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Shirley Temple.

Photo: Concord Colonial Inn

3. The Grand Hotel - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Only open seasonally, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a summer paradise and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a ban on cars since the 1930’s, the island’s main modes of transportation are bicycles and horses. Full of quirks, the hotel boasts the longest porch in the world, nearly 600 feet, with a giant chess board on the east end. Meticulously decorated, each one of the hotel’s 385 rooms is different, including over three dozen themed rooms such as the Lincoln Suite and the Hollywood Suite.

Photo: The Grand Hotel

4. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Nestled in between the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a scenic getaway that sits 7,522 feet above sea level. Most famous for its portrayal in Stephen King’s “The Shining”, the hotel offers ghost tours at night, taking guests from the room where King stayed through an underground tunnel to the most haunted spots of the hotel. For a different type of thrill, guests can also enjoy world class hiking, fishing, and climbing at the Rocky Mountain National Park and later unwind at the Parlour Salon and Day Spa.

Photo: The Stanley Hotel

5. 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Built in 1886, this Victorian-era hotel and spa is situated in an outdoor-lover’s haven. Besides the 15 acres of gardens and nature trails on site, guests can tour the nearby Ozark Mountain region, complete with three rivers and two lakes for ample water sports and fishing. The hotel also offers ghost tours explaining the rich history of the building from its days as an all-girl finishing school to its time as a cancer research hospital.

Photo: 1886 Crescent Hotel

6. Tubac Golf Resort – Tubac, Arizona

Perfect for the golf fanatic, Tubac Golf Resort boasts a 27-hole championship course set against the beautiful Arizona skyline. Geared towards all levels, experienced golfers can hone their professional skills on one of the three courses, and novices can take lessons or work on their game on the resort’s practice facility. For the non-golfers, the nearby mountains and parks provide ample horseback riding, hiking, and bird watching opportunities, while Tumacacori State Park offers history buffs a chance to view the ruins of three Spanish colonial missions.

Photo: Tubac Golf Resort

7. Jekyll Island Club Hotel - Jekyll Island, Georgia

Built in 1888, the Jekyll Island Hotel offers Victorian charm alongside the modern-day amenities of a beach resort. Situated next to the ocean, guests can enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, take a dolphin cruise, or even try their hand at "shrimping". Perfect for families, the island offers miniature golf courses and a water park for all ages. Guests can also take a ferry to nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore to view the area’s endangered wildlife and undeveloped beaches.

Photo: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

8. The Sagamore – Bolton Landing, New York

Situated on Lake George in New York, The Sagamore provides the best of both worlds with many lake activities and easy access to the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations including one of the 100 guest rooms in the main building, adjacent walk-in lodge rooms, or space in the Wapanak Castle, a six-bedroom suite next to the hotel. In summer, guests can take a scenic boat tour, book a fishing charter, or take a lesson on one of the six tennis courts. The winter season provides guests with great cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding. Also available is a hillside golf course overlooking the lake and a European-style spa.

Photo: OPLHotels

9. Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, Louisiana

Family-owned since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone is located in the heart of the renowned French Quarter of New Orleans. Opened by Sicilian immigrant Antonio Monteleone, the hotel is one of the only family-owned establishments in the country to weather the storm of the Great Depression. Starting at just 64 rooms, the hotel has expanded over the years to 600 rooms, including 55 suites. Deemed a literary landmark by the Friends of Libraries USA, the hotel housed famous authors such as Truman Capote and William Faulkner.

Photo: Hotel Monteleone

10. The Worte Hotel – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Located just steps from Jackson Hole’s historic district, the Worte Hotel offers guests a look at Wyoming’s rich pioneer history. Built in 1941 by homesteader Charles J. Wort, the hotel immediately became a social and cultural gathering for locals and visitors. Just 12 miles from Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park, the establishment provides easy access to some of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions.


Photo: The Worte Hotel

Elegant in style, incredibly functional, cost-effective and relatively easy to repair, the bicycle is one of those simple yet great inventions, having been around since the 19th century. Pedal-powered and human-driven, much of the bicycle’s potential lies in the rider, which is what makes the Cycloclean bike so ingenious. Cycloclean uses the simple act of pedalling to purify water, making it suitable for drinking.

Poor water quality still poses a threat to human health, and according to the World Health Organization, 884 million people still do not use improved sources of drinking water, almost all of them in developing regions. Japanese company Nippon Basic created a durable bicycle equipped with a water purifier. The bicycle allows users to filter water
through pedaling, enabling access to clean water for those in remote villages and disaster zones.

Equipped with non-puncture tires, a pump and hoses, riders can commute to water sources, lower the hose into the source (the hose can siphon water as deep as five meters), raise the bicycle up on its stand thus lifting the rear wheel off the ground, and start pedaling. As the user rides, water is pumped into the system and passes through a series of micro-filtration membranes before it’s stored in a container. Cycloclean is capable of producing 1.3 gallons of clean water in only a minute, so with a team of riders, a large amount of clean water can be produced in a relatively short period of time.

Because Cycloclean purifies water using only pedal power, the bicycle is ideal for remote areas. But Cycloclean comes with a hefty price tag. On Nippon Basic’s website, Cycloclean costs about 555,000 yen, approximately US$6,700. Despite the cost, the company has produced about 200 bikes in the last five years and is gearing up for large-scale production in Bangladesh.

The saying may go, “You can lead a horse to water.” But why not consider using a bicycle, especially if its innovative design gives you clean water?

More on water:
How to never drink bottled water again
Water pitcher filters don’t remove lead particles
A world of reasons why to ditch bottled water

You wake up with the headache from hell. You're dehydrated, exhausted, and hungry. Some of our worst hangovers can happen when we're traveling. Life is even more of a celebration when you're on vacay. But even still, you're desperate to soften the edge of this hangover.

From time-honored to unexpected and downright strange, every culture has one.
From hair-of-the-dog formulas to deep fried goodness, and seriously gross concoctions, we've got the best and the brightest in global hangover grub. So grab some Advil, guzzle some aqua, and try your hand at one of these crazy/wonderful hangover bites.

1. Buffalo Milk

Photo: Thinkstock

Don't worry we're not actually talking the milk of a buffalo here. Buffalo milk is a concoction drank in Namibia the day after a long night out and it's basically a booze float made with ice cream, dark rum, cream liqueur, spiced rum, and whole cream, all mixed up into a totally delicious albeit numbing hangover cure, as seen on the show Three Sheets with Zane Lamprey.

2. Tripe Soup

Photo: Thinkstock

This is a Turkish favorite. It's a thick soup made with tripe or the eatable stomach of livestock and then cooked with garlic and cream. The tripe is boiled and the steaming offal soup is known for both preventing and curing a massive hangover.

3. Bloody Mary

Photo: John Foxx/Thinkstock

Sometimes the best way to get rid of a hangover is to party on into the next day. Taking the edge off with a next day beverage is nothing new and in the United States the Bloody Mary is the hair-of-the-dog choice. The sometimes spicy tomato cocktail was invented in the 1920's. The drink was supposedly invented at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, France, though it's somewhat disputed.

4. Deep Fried Canaries

Photo: Thinkstock

According to Urban Legends, deep fried canaries were the hangover cure of choice for the Ancient Romans. The Ancient Romans loved their cheese and of course the wine that went along with it. And on those days when they sipped on a bit too much vino they devoured deep fried canaries. The small bird was deep fried simply with oil, salt, and pepper and served to an ailing upper class that had partied into the wee hours.

5. Banana Milkshakes

Photo: Thinkstock

If you actually want to make a real difference in your hangover, then a banana milkshake may do the trick. According to Sara Snow, banana milkshakes refuel an aching body after a long night out. Just combine a banana with 1/2 cup milk and a few ice cubes. The potent combination is high in Vitamin B, which is severely depleted from overindulgence. It also replaces electrolytes and potassium and it's soothing to the stomach.

6. Poutine

Photo: Thinkstock

According to Zane Lamprey from the show Three Sheets, in Whistler Canada after a big night out everyone heads to Zog's Dogs for poutine or fries with cheese curds and gravy. You can get poutine with chili sauce or even spaghetti meat sauce. Coupled with Dude Beer, a pale lager made in British Columbia, you'll be back on the slopes in no time.

7. Egg Benedict

Photo: Thinkstock

This is an old school favorite that originated in New York City, according to the Guardian. In 1894, New York socialite Samuel Benedict invented the quintessential morning after meal while recovering from a big night out. He asked the Waldorf Astoria hotel staff to whip him up his own creation, now known as Eggs Benedict: half an English muffin, topped with bacon or ham, poached eggs, and rich Hollandaise sauce.

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More Travel Weirdness:
7 Destinations For the World's Most Magnificent Animal Viewing
New Airline Fees in 2011 and How to Avoid Them
The Most Expensive Yacht in the World: It's a City on Water

This company merger is good for polar bears and people. At least that's how it's being framed. A company called Cruise North Expeditions is hooking up with Adventure Canada to enhance its line of Arctic polar cruises that offer "cultural content and Inuit staffing."

According to company reps, the partnership means Cruise North's departures will be merged this year with Adventure Canada's Clipper Adventurer schedule.

Next year, Cruise North and Adventure Canada will continue to offer dedicated Arctic sails with Inuit staff and programs designed to benefit the local culture, through jobs and commerce.

Cruise North was founded in 2005 by an Inuit organization called Makivik Corp. of Quebec, and has appeared on the Conde Nast Traveler’s "Green List.”

Cruise North and Adventure Canada also have been featured on National Geographic's top adventure travel companies.

On these cruises, you get a chance to see polar bears, icebergs and Inuit villages, while learning about the area's history and traditional customs.

Are diesel-powered cruise ships and more visitors what the Arctic needs? Or perhaps these cruises, which notably use smaller ships, will make more people understand the need to protect unique places in the Extreme North? It bears mention that climate change is making Arctic locations easier to reach.

According to a 2009 Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment posted by the U.S. Arctic Research Commission:

"The extent of the impacts on different Arctic species from cruise ships is difficult to assess due to the lack of Arctic-specific baseline information on wildlife and the relatively recent increase in cruise ship activity ...

"The Arctic’s one cruise organization, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, is limited in scope with its geographic range in the Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Greenland area. Cooperation among cruise ship operators, in partnership with academic and regulatory bodies, is necessary to ensure more sustainable eco-tourism in the Arctic."

If you take a trip like this, it pays to do your homework, and consider what you'll do after you get home.

More on the Arctic
Focus Earth: Opening of the Arctic
Meet Polar Guides Brother + Sister Team Eric and Sarah McNair-Landry
Cruise without Bruising the Planet
Reconciling Arctic Expectations with Modern Realities

Sea turtles, Tigers and Penguins Oh My!
Here's a new mode of travel that will please animal-lovers, kids, conservationists and armchair conservationists (like myself) alike: it's appropriately called conservation travel. And it's carving its deserved place in the tourism landscape, providing a refreshing alternative to beach-y, all-inclusive packages and other Plain Jane, been-there, done-that trips.

See the Wild with SEEtheWILD.org
With a new online travel purveyor like SEEtheWILD.org, travelers can truly escape their regular routine, and surround themselves with the wild animal species they love.

Grizzly Watching In The Great Bear Rainforest. Photo: © Greg Shea / Maple Leaf Adventures

In short, it sounds like a dream adventure vacation.

The perks? You get to take an escape from the grind, and just by booking your excursion, directly fund efforts to protect endangered species and volunteer, if you choose to.

Magellanic Penguin In Argentina. Photo: © Wildland Adventures

Planning is easy and takes only a few, fun steps:
1. Click over to SEEtheWILD.org
2. In the scroll bars, begin selecting the criteria you'd like to base your trip around like: selecting what animal you'd like to see and/or work with, what country you'd like to visit, your budget, the type of adventure you wish to take (adventure, volunteer, cruise, etc.) and if there's a particular tour operator/non-profit you'd like to travel through.
3. Click "Search" to see the results and pick the vacation that suits you!

Green Turtle Research In Baja. Photo: © Elizabeth Moreno

A quick search for a low-budget, volunteer Green Turtle vacation in Mexico yielded at least three results, and a particular Baja Camping and Turtle Research expedition spoke to every turtle-adoring, low-impact traveling, wanderlust bone in my body.

SEEtheWILD.org is officially now on my radar-- you'll want to put it on yours too!

More on Adventure Travel:
7 Exotic and Life Changing Volunteer Vacations
Making Travel Meaningful: My Grand, Green Southwest Adventure (Part 1)
Can Bikes Change the World? An Epic Adventure Points to Yes (Interview)
Glamping Makes Many Happy Campers

Many of us love to travel but don't love the negative impact our traveling has on the environment. All the cars, trains and planes we use require energy and are ever-increasing our carbon footprint. And while going on vacation may still require hopping on a plane or getting in the car, there are plenty of destinations to visit that can contribute to saving the environment.

We've picked out the top choices for eco-tourism destinations throughout the world. Not only are these spots home to some of the rarest species of plants and animals, but a visit to them could help preserve their beauty for years to come.

1. Botswana

Best known for its savannas teeming with wildlife, Botswana is a top destination for nature lovers looking to go on safari. From the lush vegetation in the Okavango Delta up north to the deserts down south, the country has a variety of habitats and wildlife ready to explore. With a growing number of eco-tourism groups, there is ample opportunity to explore the many national parks and nature reserves by boat, four-wheeling or backpacking.

Photo: Thinkstock

2. Belize

Snorkelers and scuba divers will love the numerous underwater adventures waiting for them in Belize. Visitors have the opportunity to view the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, complete with chances to view the elusive whale shark and other rare fish species. To help protect the reef and support sustainable fishing, local fishermen have formed a preservation group called the Friends of Nature which has already helped sustain grouper and snapper populations. For those looking to get on land, the area is also home to a tropical forest and several Mayan ruins.

Photo: Thinkstock

3. Galapagos Islands

Located off the coast of South America, this UNESCO Biosphere is home to many rare species of birds, reptiles and sea life. With over 95 percent of the islands protected, eco-tours to this region insist on minimal impact to the sensitive eco-systems. Visitors can swim alongside penguins and sea lions or go on a hike to a volcano, many of which are still active.

Photo: John Foxx/Thinkstock

4. Coral Bay, AU

Nestled on the coast of Western Australia, Coral Bay is a marine paradise home to Ningaloo Reef, the nation’s largest and most accessible fringing reef. Just off shore, the reef is easily reached by swimming. Numerous boat tours are also available to view dugongs and humpback whales in the area. A breeding ground to manta rays and whale sharks, the reef provides snorkelers and divers with the opportunity to swim with some of the sea’s most majestic creatures.

Photo: Thinkstock

5. Kaikoura, NZ

Originally a whaling town, Kaikoura has put its days of unsustainable fishing practices behind with a number of green initiatives as a part of its Green Globe 21 tourism certification. With a strong emphasis on conservation and community involvement, the town offers many green activities run by the locals, including wilderness walks to the surrounding mountains and a one hour tree planting activity. There are also a number of eco-tours that provide guests with a chance to view the region’s sperm whales and endangered dusky dolphins.

Photo: Kim Westerskov/Getty Images

6. Dubai

Usually associated with luxury and wealth, Dubai is not your typical eco-hotspot. However, guests can still enjoy the simplicities of the outdoors by staying at the Al Maha Desert Resort, located on the grounds of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Initiated in the 1960’s, the reserve protects over 33 species of mammals and reptiles, including the endangered Arabian oryx. Almost near extinction 50 years ago, the oryx is on its way to recovery with the reserve’s wildlife re-introduction efforts.

Photo: Stan Osolinski/Getty Images

7. Laos

Adventure and travel company, Green Discovery Laos, has been offering travelers over 100 unique activities and tours since 2000. With tours in seven different regions and 20 national parks, visitors can explore many different types of terrain by bike, boat or even elephant. Day tours are available but many of the packages include overnight camping.

Photo: Anup Shah/Thinkstock

More on Eco-Tourism

That $200,000 ticket aboard the Virgin Galactic, which will soon be taking off from a runway in New Mexico, may seem out of range for most of us. But for scientists it's a deal, considering NASA is used to paying millions per space mission. It's a cheaper way to go weightless, even if only for a few minutes.

According to a story in the New York Times, the voyages, which will be offered by Virgin Galactic, XCOR Aerospace, Blue Origin, and Armadillo Aerospace will be providing scientists easy access to space to conduct a variety of experiments:

"Scientists currently have a few options for investigating weightlessness. They can drop the experiment from a tall tower, which provides a couple of seconds of zero gravity before it goes splat on the ground. They can send the experiment up in an airplane that flies an arcing trajectory known as a parabola, which provides up to half a minute of apparent weightlessness. Or they can get something to the International Space Station, where the pull of gravity is continuously absent."

This is somewhere in between. The new flights won't actually get you into orbit because you need to be going 17,500 miles per hour for that. Rather, they essentially project you up into Earth's middle atmosphere where you hangout weightless for about four minutes and then float back down.

The Southwest Research Institute is the first customer to buy seats aboard both the Virgin Galactic and the XCOR Aerospace for a variety of experiments including how loose soil and rocks like those that cover asteroids behave. Scientists are jumping at the chance to employ this new technology. But there is certainly a potential downside.

Space Tourism and Climate Change

Lloyd Alter over at TreeHugger wrote about space tourism and climate change. And this isn't a small worry. According to his report, new research shows "that over a period of 10 years, private rocket launches could produce enough black carbon emissions to change global temperatures and accelerate climate change." Is projecting people into space by burning rubber and nitrous oxide really worth it? For many, it's yet to be determined.

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More on Space Tourism:
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Space Tourism Lifts Off: 2012 Space Resort Launch
Can Space Tourism Really Be Green?

Hotels seem to be trend-pushers when it comes to the green world. Makes sense though right? Going green is not only good for the environment, but it also can save you money- if you do it right. So next time you take a trip, instead of simply being impressed by your hotel’s eco consciousness, take note and try to infuse a few of their trade tricks into your life so that you can go green and save money while you’re at it.

So what hotels are going green and what can you learn from them eco(nomical) intelligence? When it comes to water, forget about wasteful non-biodegradable plastic bottles! Instead try these savvy hotel tricks:

Make “Homemade” Water
Post Ranch Inn not only produces 90% of the electricity consumed in its 40 cottage suites and award-winning restaurant in its very own solar farm, but they make “Homemade” bottled spring water that is placed in each guestroom minibar along with other organic treats included in the room rate.

Use Glass Pitchers
Cabot Cove Cottages, a waterfront bed and breakfast in Kennebunkport, Maine supplies cottages with glass pitchers of ice-water and lemons or limes. At the end of each day, the discarded fruit goes straight into the compost pile- nothing is wasted.

Choose Water Filters
The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, PA recently eliminated all plastic water bottles on the property, and instead has installed water filters in each guest room sink. Upon arrival, guests are provided with a PVC-free water receptacle which they can refill with filtered water throughout the property.

Canned Water
Hotel Preston in Nashville, TN supplies guests with canned water and organic snacks packed in a backpack perfect for trail blazing as part of their “It’s not easy being green” package.

But don’t just look to hotels to defend this natural resource and fend off plastic bottles. Use these hotel tactics to both save money and make less of an impact on the Earth.

They say it's designed to last forever, made to throw away. Plastic. It's everywhere, including our oceans. And as ugly as the situation is, wouldn't you love it see it up close, in person? It may not be your first choice for a get-away, but it's quite unique. The people at Chaco "Waves for Change" are looking for art that demonstrates the world's addiction to plastic. Capture it, and you could win a ride aboard one of the 5 Gyres discovery voyages.

Think about it. You leave from Tahiti, and spend 10 days sailing to the Cook Islands, in search of a mass of plastic debris in the upper water column. Talk about memories.

The Chaco ‘Waves for Change‘ art contest is accepting digital submissions of artwork through March 13. During March 14-28, the public (that's you) gets to vote for their favorite submissions (gather your friends). The submission with the most voters by March 28 wins the boat ride.

The contest is named for Chaco, which is what you might call an adventure sandal company.

The 5 Gyres is a research organization that sails to the ocean's 5 subtropical gyres to collect samples and show off what they find to the people who sell, buy and throw away plastic. Do you feel guilty, or inspired, enough to create some awareness-winning art? Try this video on for size.

Plastic Sushi Anyone? from 5 Gyres on Vimeo.

The Tahiti-to-Cook-Islands trip is due to set sail on May 10. Whether or not you win or even enter the contest, there are numerous ways to get involved in helping rid the ocean of petroleum-based junk. There's even an iPhone app (Angry Fish?).

"To stop the flow of plastic to the sea we advocate new materials, better designed products, fair legislation, and engage in consumer education," the 5 Gyres group says.

"Post-consumer cleanup efforts focus on coastal and island debris removal and mitigation."

More on the Plastic Problem
10 Most Surprising Places to Find Petroleum
The Pacific Garbage Patch Explained -- New Updates
Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Meet Great Lakes Garbage Patch

Think you live in a pretty green town? While smog levels, health food stores, and the number of treehuggers might seem like legit indicators of toxicity levels, have you ever broken it down and analyzed its Air quality, Water quality, TRI (the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory- tracking chemicals released in manufacturing), and Superfund sites (abandoned areas that have become overrun by hazardous waste)? No? Not to worry, Forbes Magazine did the dirty work for you and just released their annual Top 10 Most Toxic Cities list.

Here are the cities that sadly made the list and why:

10. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
MSA: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 16
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 1.3 million
EWG top water concerns: Total haloacetic acids; nitrates; perchlorate

9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 15
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported: 130.4 million
EWG top water concern: Total haloacetic acids

8. St. Louis, Mo.
MSA: St. Louis, Mo./Ill.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 1
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported: 22.3 million
EWG top water concern: Total haloacetic acids

7. Houston, Texas
MSA: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 1
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 54.8 million
EWG top water concern: Alpha particle activity

6. Los Angeles, Calif.
MSA: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 14
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 3.8 million
EWG top water concerns: Arsenic; total trihalomethanes; nitrate; total haloacetic acids

5. Baton Rouge, La.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): None
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 33.6 million
EWG top water concern: N/A

4. New York, N.Y.
MSA: New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, N.Y./N.J./Pa.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 5
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 4.1 million
EWG top water concerns: Total haloacetic acids; dieldrin; total trihalomethanes

3. Fresno, Calif.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 26
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 338,000
EWG top water concern: Nitrates

2. Bakersfield, Calif.
Number of unhealthy air quality days (2009): 43
Pounds of on-site toxic releases reported (2009): 2.2 million
EWG top water concern: N/A

1. Philadelphia, Pa.
The sprawling Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, including parts of four states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and one county in Maryland), is home to more than 50 Superfund sites, which is what pushed it to the number one toxic spot in the country

TOP 10 FITTEST Cities in the US

10. Austin, Texas
Score: 63.9
Obesity Rate: 22.5%
Exercise Rate: 78.4%
Why? Austin has a more parks and pools per capita, plus the lowest rates of asthma and heart disease.

9. Hartford, Conn.
Score: 64.4
Obesity Rate: 21.1%
Exercise Rate: 77.2%
Why? Hartford has a disproportionate amount of farmers' markets, baseball diamonds and golf courses, plus the locals tend to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

8. San Francisco, Calif.
Score: 64.7
Obesity Rate: 18.4%
Exercise Rate: 81.5%
Why? Seems that low poverty rate factors in when it comes to lower rates of diabetes, smoking and obesity.

7. Sacramento, Calif.
Score: 65.8
Obesity Rate: 21.4%
Exercise Rate: 82.3%
Why? More people walk and bike to work in Sacramento, in addition to getting more exercise in general, than in other cities.

6. Denver, Colo.
Score: 69.9
Obesity Rate: 19.3%
Exercise Rate: 83%
Why? Known as the “Mile High City,” Denver has a lower incidence of disability and heart disease.

5. Portland, Ore.
Score: 70.4
Obesity Rate: 23.9%
Exercise Rate: 82.3%
Why? More than being dotted with dog parks, doctors' offices and "no smoking" signs, Portland follows through and has seriously high health stats.

4. Seattle, Wash.
Score: 70.5
Obesity Rate: 22.8%
Exercise Rate: 81.9%
Why? Are people who move to Seattle healthier, or are people born in Seattle healthier? That’s apparently the questions… Considering the high quality of their physical education classes for kids, plus their ample number of available public tennis courts for adults, seems it might be a combination of the two.

3. Minneapolis, Minn.
Score: 71.7
Obesity Rate: 23.9%
Exercise Rate: 84.3%
Why? While the residents do rank slightly higher in terms of obesity rates, this big city sets the standard high when it comes to its penchant for exercise.

2. Boston, Mass.
Score: 72.6
Obesity Rate: 19.9%
Exercise Rate: 78.6%
Why? Health is a high priority for Bostonites who seem to stay clear of cigarette smoking, stay slim, and live a fit lifestyle. It also happens to be a state law that all resident have health insurance.

1. Washington, D.C.
Score: 73.5
Obesity Rate: 22.6%
Exercise Rate: 80.1%
Why? Ranked America's fittest city, Washington D.C seems to be all about fitness and healthy food. From making their daily commute by bike, to frequently the numerous farmers' markets and sweating in local recreation centers, it’s clear that this political city has its priorities straight.