Via Magazine

September/October 2022

Amtrak train hugs the coast in Southern California.

A dad and his son walk through a corn maze on a fall day.

The Best Haunted Houses and Corn Mazes in the West

If you’re not afraid of things that go bump in the night—or if you are and love to be scared—get ready for some adventures in corn mazes, haunted houses, and theme parks with fear factors ranging from creepy to full-blown frightful.

An eastbound Amtrak Empire Builder train passes through the Cascade Mountains near Skykomish, Washington as the trees turn fall colors.

8 Stunning Places to Visit by Train

There’s something magical about long-distance train travel. Across the West, railways offer plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. Here are eight of our favorites.

A glass of the The Dirt Stack milkshake, which is a vanilla shake in a chocolate syurp lined glass, topped with oreo crumble, gummy worms and a hostess cupcake, from Danzeisen Dairy Creamery Store.

A Weekend in Payson, Arizona

No matter where you kick off your exploration, you’ll find spectacular views of the 200-mile-long cliff that rises to elevations of 7,000 feet and drops down 2,000 feet to the valley below—and enjoy clean, crisp forest air.

Pumpkins sit outside the green barn at Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay, California.

Members' Favorite Pumpkin Patches in the West

Find the perfect pumpkin—classic orange, fairytale pink, or even made of glass—at these patches.

Georgetown Lake along the Highway 1 Pintler Route in Montana on a cloudy day.

Cruise Montana’s Highway 1 Scenic Byway

As it winds past towering mountains and through sprawling valleys nourished by trout-stuffed streams, Montana’s Highway 1 fills the road-tripper’s windshield with all the Big Sky wonders that every traveler envisions.

Artifacts from the Pony Express Trail and California Trail inside the Mormon Station State Park Museum.

Explore in and Around Mormon Station State Historic Park

A tiny state park nestled in the Carson Valley near Lake Tahoe’s southeast edge, Mormon Station State Historic Park is a great stop for history, hikes, and outdoor recreation all year-round.

A smart robot vacuum cleans under a gray couch.

10 Smart Home Devices for Renters

Wireless-enabled gear is booming in the rental market. These smart devices can make life easier without risking your security deposit.

A man stands outside his car and pets his dog in the backseat.

When to Replace Tires and How to Buy New Ones

Tires are integral to your vehicle’s safety. Confidently buy new tires with expert advice about when to your tires should be replaced and what to look for while shopping.

Trees with orange and yellow leaves line railroad tracks.

President's Letter: As Summer Turns to Fall

The passing of summer and the approaching fall always causes me to pause, to think about the activities I did and what I might still be able to accomplish before winter sets in.

Fall color reflects on water in California's Eastern Sierra.

Fleeting Fall

Just when the nights turn crisp, that the slopes and valleys along Highway 395 burst into shades of orange, yellow, and crimson. One of the best places to see this vibrant foliage is just west of Bishop, California, along Bishop Creek.