Monday, August 11, 2008

Hang on to summer by retreating to an easygoing, affordable lake town, where you can embrace simple pleasures—fishing, huckleberry picking, go-karting, and old-fashioned sweets. We've picked seven to jog your memory; chances are, there's a similar one near you. read more

More Summer Fun Close to Home:

• The Fun File: 14 Crowd-pleasing Attractions
• Zoo Babies 2008: New Kids on the Block
• America's Most Scenic Train Rides
• National Parks: A Month-by-Month Guide

A $32 billion rail system for London has received funding and has been approved by the British government. The routes will bisect London from west to east, becoming the largest addition to the city's public transport system in more than 50 years. Get the details—and share tips for getting around London. read post

• Vacationers Renting More Cars Despite Pain at the Pump
• It's Payback Time If You Flew to London Between 2004 and 2006
• Ever Toss a Boulder With a Bulldozer? Now's Your Chance

Find the Italian tour that's right for you: a DIY road trip based out of Rome, a chic hotel stay in Taormina with guided tours of Sicily, or a whirlwind tour that hits Florence, Venice, and Rome. Rates start at $889. why they're a deal

• Affordable Europe: Rome by City Card, Italian Public Transport, Italian Parks
• Rome: Live Like a Local
• What $100 Buys in… Florence
• Sextantio: The Town That Became a Hotel

Slide Show: Supermarket Souvenirs Photos of Colombian powdered soy milk and other quirky products brought home by our staff and readers… Girlfriend Getaways: Ultimate Guide to Cruising Carolyn Spencer Brown—editor in chief of cruisecritic.com—shares everything you need to know… China Menu Decoder Before you go, print out this handy decoder with translations of food terms and dishes like zhájiàng miàn, yellow bean paste with noodles.

There's more to Norfolk, Va., than the country's biggest naval base. Thomas Berger just needed a few years to realize it. read more

More from our My Hometown series:

Aruba Chattanooga Miami

Milwaukee Niagara Falls San Jose

If travel (or life) is about to make you insane, it's time you asked: What would the Buddha do? In response, we offer five mini meditations. read more

• Yoga Retreats With Something Extra
• Spa Junkies Spill Their Secrets

It wouldn't be summer without a little fun in the sun. These nine hotel packages factor in time for biking, volunteering, and chilling out at the beach, from $99. why they're a deal

• 25 Reasons We Love San Diego
• Secret Hotels of Big Sur
• Road Trip: Pacific Coast Highway

Road-food experts Jane and Michael Stern answer your questions on Tuesday, August 12, at noon (ET). Submit a question now

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