Travel Features - AP

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Attention, traveling foodies: Something yummy is happening in the Traverse City area, and it's even grabbed the attention of luminaries such as celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has a summer home on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula just northwest of town.

MIAMI - Where else but Florida could a place like Jimbo's exist?

SARASOTA, Fla. - Sarasota and the circus became forever linked more than 70 years ago when John Ringling decided to move the headquarters of his "Greatest Show on Earth" to the lovely Gulf Coast city where he spent his winters.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - In colonial times, Charleston was America's wealthiest city. Three centuries later it still has an upscale cachet with houses on its historic Battery fetching eight figures and shopping and restaurants rivaling much larger cities.

HOPKINS TOWNSHIP, Mich. - There's a lot about Clay's Park Resort that appeals to Janet Durtschi, including its ongoing effort to get "greener."

LONDON - There are few better places to celebrate the United States and its Independence Day than London.

PORTLAND, Maine - Maine is well-known for its lobsters, but it won't cost you a claw and a tail to visit Portland and the state's southern coast.

CINCINNATI - To draw visitors, zoos count on gentle giraffes rolling out their long tongues to grasp treats, stingrays gliding through a pool to be petted and the playful tussling of tiger cubs. This year they're also getting help from the recession.

NEW YORK - The recession has forced the cancellation of fireworks displays in a number of places around the country like Blue Springs, Mo., and Mesa, Ariz. But many of the biggest and best-known displays will be nearly as spectacular as ever.

RENO, Nev. - With more than 300 free events throughout the month of July, organizers of Reno's 14th annual Artown festival are promoting this year's celebration as the perfect vacation destination for families on a budget.