More families than ever are camping for vacation at state and national parks. Last-minute camper? We show you where there are still spaces to be found.

The 54th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be Thursday through next Sunday at the famed peak in Avery County.

Do you recognize this map segment? Tell us what state it's in and you could win a free copy of “Sydney” ($10.95, Knopf Mapguides).

The quail rose out of the cornfields and briars of northeast Arkansas, giving the young writer just enough time to swing his shotgun up like a pitchfork toward their flight. Ernest Hemingway still remained years away from depression and turning another shotgun on himself as he picked off the birds along Sugar Creek in Piggott.

The Gaston County Museum of Art and History will host bluesman Big Ron Hunter, 6:30-8 p.m. July 10 on the lawn behind its building.

With water on three sides and five distinct habitats, Goose Creek State Park on the Pamlico River is a nature lover's dream. Add trails, camping, swimming and year-round interpretive programs, the park has a little bit of something for just about everyone.

We hope you'll be back from your vacation before Sept. 12. That's the day we need a photo from your trip. Give us your best shot for our annual “How I Shot My Summer Vacation” contest.

Send us a photo with someone holding the Observer's Travel section, and we'll try to include it in our weekly slideshow.

The Beach Report: Two concert series at Broadway at the Beach continue through the summer.

Drive time in the Carolinas
Fun and affordable destinations within easy drive.

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