This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and this always-enthralling attraction in Huntsville is going to have a great time celebrating the giant leap for mankind. This year, the center will be hosting a fascinating exhibit that details the historic mission in addition to a series of special events-including a world record model rocket launch attempt.

Wildlife is a major part of Alaska's allure and at the AWCC, visitors can get up-close to and learn about many of the animals that make the state so special. This year will see an impressive influx of new arrivals and each tourist visit helps the conservation center keep up the good work for animals of the state.

Things are going to be monumental at the Grand Canyon in 2019. This iconic national park will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and it will host a handful of special happenings that will both gaze back into archaeologic past and look ahead to the future of the canyon.

With its buzzing cultural sights and fun festivals (mmm, the World Cheese Dip Championships), the Arkansas state capital is always captivating. In 2019, the city is making it more fun to explore as visitors and locals alike will be able to ride on the city's storied METRO streetcars for free all year.

Highway 1 is fully reopened, which means that the 2019 California road trip of your dreams is back on the cards. And it's a safe bet the unbridled natural beauty of Big Sur-full of moody, misty landscapes and the graceful Bixby Creek Bridge-will be the highlight of your adventure.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde offers a fascinating look into the lives of the Pueblo people who once called the area home. People have a tendency to forget the park when considering Colorado attractions, but those who make 2019 the year to visit and learn about the ancient dwellings located here will be richly rewarded.

There's always something fascinating to learn about the American maritime experience at Mystic Seaport, but through April of 2019, you can also experience an engrossing exhibit called Death in the Ice. It tells the tale of an ill-fated expedition that mysteriously disappeared in the Arctic in 1854 and will leave you with a new level of respect for seafaring explorers.

The "Monster Mile" is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 and the track is pulling out all of the stops to make it a memorable year. In addition to the two thrill-filled race weekends, there will be a specially brewed anniversary beer called Splash & Go being poured. And yes, as you would expect, the beer can features beloved speedway mascot Miles the Monster.

There are certainly exciting new things happening at all Walt Disney World theme parks in 2019, but Hollywood Studios takes the cake with its spectacular 30th birthday celebration. Much of the fun will be centered around the newly-opened Toy Story Land, but from January 18th to September 30th, Pixar Place will be the place to be to hang out with everybody's favorite family of supers: The Incredibles.

Atlanta may be hosting the Super Bowl, but Georgia's oldest city is also game for plenty of good times in 2019, too. After learning all about the city's past on a trolley tour, take to the rooftop of the newly-opened Perry Lane Hotel to enjoy a cocktail with a view. And if you visit the city around St. Patrick's Day, this year's version of the world-famous party promises to be bigger and better than ever.

There's no denying that the volcanic eruptions of 2018 got a ton of press and-rightly or wrongly-may have made some travelers reconsider visiting this island. Well, reconsider no longer as the Big Island is definitely back. Explore everything from snow-capped peaks to lush expanses of greenery and black sand beaches here before making a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn everything about lava.

While he may be more associated with tropical locales, Ernest Hemingway loved Sun Valley dearly, too. This year is the 80th anniversary of his first visit here, so that means it's also the perfect time to visit the Sun Valley Museum of History and learn all about his connection to the region. Only after you've hit the slopes or explored the countryside, of course.

Chicago's front yard is once again set to be one of the Windy City's hotspots in 2019. The Grant Park Music Festival will be celebrating its 85th anniversary with an especially impressive lineup of classical performances while Lollapalooza will rock the park once again the park in August.

While we all wait to see just how cool the country's first West Elm hotel will look like when it opens in Indy later this year, spend your time canvassing Circle City to see why it continues to pick up prizes as one of America's hidden gems. Part of the acclaim is due to the food scene and since the city is set to more than double its bike share footprint this year, bouncing between hotspots just got a whole lot easier.

Iowa's biggest city will once again lead the way in 2019. In addition to the openings of several striking new buildings and boutique hotels, the city will say hello to a brand new amphitheater and christen a riverside skate park.

It would be a considerable understatement to say that the good citizens of "Little Sweden, USA" are proud of their Scandinavian heritage. In 2019, the town will celebrate its 150th birthday and it will be commemorating the occasion with a series of entertaining events all year. And yes, of course, there will be a concert from an ABBA tribute band.

It's hard to believe that the Bourbon Trail is turning 20 years-old in 2019. While this already-iconic Kentucky attraction has to wait until next year to legally buy a drink, hit the trail to sample the best from both big-name distilleries and newly-added craft outfits.

While we've all spent the last decade fawning over the live music scene on Frenchman Street in New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, the crew at Preservation Hall has kept on doing what they do best: play jazz. Stop by in 2019 to get re-acquainted with them and their mad skills.

Acadia is Maine's crown jewel and it is always among the top places to visit in the state. Hike the wilds of the interior or skirt the coast in a kayak, either way, you are sure to have an unforgettable visit. In 2019, the Artist-in-Residence program returns, so you might just bump into an artist using the park as inspiration.

From the buzzing inner harbor of Baltimore to the scores of alluring offshore islands, the entire Chesapeake Bay region is captivating. In 2019, visit the destinations on the Chesapeake Bay Loop to see the best of this special estuary.

Arguably the country's favorite historical walk, the Freedom Trail always offers a fascinating stroll down Revolutionary lane. This year, the Paul Revere Mall stop in the North End will receive a full facelift which will include new lighting and repairs to an atmospheric fountain.

Good Morning America declared the Dunes the most beautiful place in America back in 2011 and that began a new era of recognition for this natural wonder. Make 2019 the year you finally visit the sweeping mountains of sand and crystal clear streams to see what all the fuss is about.

Nearly half of this national park is comprised of waterways, which allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the rough-and-ready fur trappers that once roamed the region and get out on the water and explore.

People come from all over the world to experience America's musical heritage in person and Clarksville is quickly climbing the ranks of must-visit destinations. Here, you can see where the Delta Blues was born and take in rocking life performances of modern masters.

After a major facelift, the grounds around the Gateway Arch are looking better than ever. Previously, the stroll from downtown to the landmark took you over busy streets, but now the path takes you past greenspace and directly into a sparkling new entrance. There, a revamped museum walks you through America's western expansion and the architectural wonder that is the Gateway Arch.

You could spend the entire year exploring Glacier and still not get let in on all of its secrets. but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Sadly, since the stunning glaciers continue to retreat and dwindle in size, time is of the essence.

Chimney Rock was the most famous landmark on the Oregon Trail (both real-life and video game versions) and today it stands as a shining example of Nebraska's oft-overlooked natural splendor. Visit to learn all about the trail and see authentic artifacts from the age of pioneers.

Vegas is always re-inventing itself and 2019 will see some especially exciting happenings on the Strip, especially when it comes to music. Residencies for Aerosmith, Lady Antebellum and Lady Gaga have been announced and there's even word that Drake will be joining their ranks.

Mount Washington is the most majestic mountain in the Northeast and this park at the peak is the best place to appreciate the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can get a view of several states, the province of Quebec and the Atlantic Ocean and come summer, the Sherman Adams Visitor Center opens to enhance the entire experience.

This national recreation area on the border with Pennsylvania offers a plethora of outdoor activities and a few history lessons, too. Follow in the footsteps of Victorian-era vacationers by spotting waterfalls or fishing before taking to the Appalachian Trail to enjoy the views.

This iconic structure in Santa Fe dates back to the 17th century and in early 2019 it will be reopened following a substantial refurbishment. Walk along its historic corridors and visit exhibits in order to learn all about the heritage of one of America's most historic cities.

Lady Liberty is set to have a spectacular year. 2019 will see the opening of the brand new museum, which will enhance the visitor experience will several state-of-the-art exhibits.

America's grandest house seems to outdo itself each and every year and 2019 is no exception. In addition to a model railway made of botanicals that will traverse past replicas of Biltmore landmarks, a new exhibit called A Vanderbilt House Party: The Gilded Age will whisk visitors away to a glamorous era of yesteryear.

Take in the sight of a painted canyon and a swatch of bewitching badlands in this overlooked national park. Whether you explore on foot or take in the sights from the scenic loop drive, you are sure to leave with a new appreciation for the landscapes of North Dakota.

While the Queen City has been working its way on to more and more must-visit lists due to its burgeoning craft beer scene and cultural hotspots, this year is going to be about baseball. 2019 marks the 150th birthday of the Cincinnati Reds, the first professional baseball team in America and the city will commemorate with fun events all season long.

Route 66 is America's most revered road trip and no state has more of the original road intact than Oklahoma. Make 2019 the year you finally tick "getting your kicks" off your bucket list and in the process fall in love with one of America's most underrated states.

Oregon's most famous wine region isn't just for oenophiles anymore. While the wineries now number north of 150-and could entertain even the most casual wine connoisseur for days-the valley is set to grab headlines in 2019 for its evolving food scene and myriad of outdoor pursuits.

While it's technically true that you can find taller mountains and more dramatic landscapes in other regions of the country, there's still no place quite like the Poconos. What makes it so magical? The "just the right size" rolling terrain and the wealth of historical attractions.

Getting out on the water in Newport and the surrounding coastal towns (nicknamed the Classic Coast) is always a treat, but in 2019, dry land will be a great place to be, too. A myriad of festivals will be held in Newport and the International Tennis Hall of Fame will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rod Laver winning all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same year-the last person to do so.

This section of the Palmetto State is home to a unique mix of paradisal sea islands and "like-nowhere-else" local culture. With that being said, it's often the food that people go home raving about and 2019 will see more food festivals than ever take place in the Lowcountry. Everything from soft shell crab to watermelons will be worshipped by foodies.

While we wait for the Deadwood movie to be released and once again shine a spotlight on this special region, it's time to head to the rodeo. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Black Hills Roundup and those who lasso themselves a seat are in for a real treat as organizers are dead-set on making this year their best show yet.

If there's one thing this city knows how to do well, it's throwing a party. Join the locals as they celebrate the city's 200th birthday with several new openings (including a revamped Central Station) and the debut of two new sports teams: The Express of the new Alliance of American Football and 901 FC in the United Soccer League.

Accolades are always landing at Houston's feet these days and 2019 is a great year to see what all the hype is about. Explore the foodie scene-where both high-end chefs and street food stars are doing creative things-before getting your culture fix at the city's riveting museums.

You won't find many landscape features in the entire West as fine as graceful spans at Arches National Park. There are over 2,000 rock arches at this national park, including the famous Delicate Arch, which has come to symbolize the entire state.

Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other state and this beautiful one also happens to be the longest two-spanner in the world. The quaint bridge traverses the Connecticut River between Vermont and after a brief closedown last year after being scraped-up by a truck, it is open once again.

2019 is a big year for the Old Dominion. Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the iconic "Virginia is for Lovers" marketing campaign, but this year also marks the 400th anniversary of several momentous events in American history. The first recorded Thanksgiving and the first representative assembly in the New World are just two of the historical events that this living history museum will be exploring this year.

Fresh of a refurbishment, the Space Needle is sparkling once again. Take to the new inclined glass benches to see why Seattle has earned the nickname "The Emerald City" before looking down to admire the world's first rotating glass floor.

This bridge is almost as synonymous with West Virginia as the Golden Gate is to San Francisco. You can admire the breathtaking views of the bridge from the surrounding countryside any day of the year, but Bridge Day-held the third Saturday in October each year-is officially the best day to visit. On this day, the bridge is closed to car traffic but open to both admirers and adrenaline-loving BASE jumpers.

Full of jagged cliffs, secret caves and sweeping stretches of sand, the Apostle Islands are home to some of Wisconsin's most stunning natural scenery. The best way to explore the splendor in 2019? By sea kayak.

Back in 1959, a TV show debuted called Laramie and it introduced this town's brand of Western charm to the world. This year, residents and fans of the show alike will be commemorating the occasion with one big 60th-anniversary hoedown and you are more than welcome to join in on the fun. Come for the party, stay for one of the West's most underrated destinations.