Jacqueline Hope Raynor

California is a state of great contrasts. Its highest point, Mount Whitney, is nearly 15,000 feet above sea level, and its lowest, Death Valley, is 282 feet below sea level. Its population of almost 40 million is greater than any other state in the country. Nearly 10 million people live in Los Angeles County alone, yet there are enormous stretches of desert and forest that are barely populated. California''s wealth of attractions include: The pristine beauty and grandeur of Yosemite National Park and Joshua Tree National Park The unique and ancient sequoias, which draw visitors from around the world The golden sand dunes of Death Valley and the Mojave Desert San Francisco, one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in the world Los Angeles, the commercial center of the state with the glamour and mystique of Hollywood San Diego and its pristine beaches and popular zoo The Golden Gate Bridge, an internationally recognized symbol of California World-famous wineries and lush vineyards.

Chicago is one of the most important cities in the United States. A major metropolis and key transportation center of the American heartland, Chicago boasts a population of nearly 3 million people, making it the third most populous city in the country. It is a city of architectural gems, vibrant neighborhoods, beloved sports teams, prestigious cultural institutions, major industries and outstanding attractions. Chicago''s most famous attractions include: The renowned Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and has a permanent collection of nearly 300,000 artworks. Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long pier in Streeterville, covers 50 acres and offers outstanding shops, restaurants, theaters, parks and gardens, that attracts over 9 million visitors each year. Millennium Park offers music and the famous Cloud Gate sculpture -- nicknamed the Bean because of its shape -- which lets visitors see their own reflection mirrored against the city''s breathtaking skyline. Magnificent Mile, a section of Michigan Avenue that is home to many of the city''s tallest buildings including John Hancock, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower and the Drake Hotel. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, is the oldest National League ballpark in the country.

Boston is one of the most historic and important cities in the United States. Famous for the Boston Tea Party, it is known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. The city was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists and was already 150 years old by the time the 13 colonies formed a new nation. Packed with photographs that capture the history and the modern character of the city, Boston: The Cradle of Liberty provides a splendid sampling of all the city has to offer, including: Historic Beacon Hill, home to the Massachusetts State House and Suffolk University and known for its Federal-style townhouses, gas street lanterns and brick sidewalks. Faneuil Hall, a marketplace and meeting hall opened in 1742, the site of speeches by Samuel Adams and James Otis calling for independence from Great Britain. Harvard University, whose graduates include six American presidents, is the oldest and one of the most famous universities in the country. Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in Major League Baseball and home to the Boston Red Sox.