By LINDA LANGE, Scripps Howard News Service

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Mother Nature is redecorating "Tennessee's Grand Canyon" this time of year. The Tennessee River Gorge ignites with color and life. Cool weather orchestrates autumn's pageantry to a crescendo. The Tennessee River is one of the prettiest rivers anywhere in the world, claims Capt. Mike Hosemann. He and his brother, Capt.

PHILADELPHIA -- A first-time visit to Philadelphia revolves around key attractions such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center and the National Constitution Center. When people pay a second visit or have more time to stay, a different spectrum of attractions moves into focus.

PHILADELPHIA -- Children in tricorn hats run willy-nilly while parents secure timed tickets and snap pictures. It's a busy morning at the Independence Visitor Center, starting point for tourists bound for Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- More than 25 years ago when community leaders proposed a linear park to reconnect Chattanoogans to the river, they didn't realize all the benefits their project would have. The river that divides the city also brings together the city.

HAMILTON, N.J. -- Dare I join this lively group for lunch? They are having a good time at their lakeside table. Wine and conversation seem to flow smoothly. I slip past the waiter and take a spot next to the man wearing a straw hat and sleeveless T-shirt. A young woman coos over a cute puppy. Everyone looks familiar, but no, I can't recall any names.

THE WILDWOODS, N.J. -- A pleasant time-warp feeling floods over us as we drive down Atlantic and Pacific avenues. The motel-packed strip is a jumble of flashing neon light, cars with chrome and tail fins, kidney-shaped swimming pools and palm trees growing in concrete.

HELEN, Ga. -- A few turns off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway and suddenly you're no longer in Georgia. It's Bavaria, right here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Old-world clock towers, half-timbered houses, red roofs, cobblestone alleys and murals on stucco walls may baffle, leading up to the question: Why is oompah music playing here?

CAPE MAY, N.J. -- We find diamonds on Sunset Beach. They are Cape May Diamonds, the smooth quartz crystals that land on the sandy shore along Delaware Bay. The pebbles originate in Pennsylvania and wash down the Delaware River into the bay.

AUSTIN, Texas -- As the Colorado River stair-steps through the splendid green hills of Central Texas, it makes wide bends through downtown, catching the sparkling reflection of the vibrant city. Lady Bird Lake, as the river is called by locals, gives this place its definitive aura of openness and freedom.

BILOXI, Miss. -- Three simple words: sun, sand and sea.

The way to bliss is to wiggle your toes in the sand of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Watch pelicans patrol the shoreline, nap in the sun, read a book from a beach chair planted in the surf.

Try another three words: Be there soon.