In the September Print Edition

World Legacy Awards: Last January, at National Geographic's Washington, D.C., headquarters, Queen Noor of Jordan presented the first World Legacy Awards in sustainable tourism—a joint program of Traveler and Conservation International. In this issue we reveal the winners, who were selected because of their extraordinary efforts in protecting the natural and cultural quality of the places we visit.

Insider's Seattle: With help from in-the-know locals, contributing editor Andrew Nelson reveals the best attractions, restaurants, hotels, and shops in the land of Starbucks and Microsoft. Plus, a not-to-miss list of 25 things to see and do.

Classic Virgin Islands: The former editor of Caribbean Travel & Life, Bob Morris, sets off on a hiking-snorkeling expedition to explore the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, the Caribbean's only national park. The park stretches from coast to coast, consuming more than half of the nine-mile-long island, and much of its surrounding waters.

Sienna—Italy's Very Own Magic Kingdom: Novelist Lorenzo Carcaterra visits Siena, a city where locals live according to the ways of times past, and reveals its many gems—from historic buildings to memorable, off-the-tourist track restaurants. Online: A Web-exclusive photo gallery.