To know a place well, you have to walk the ground, talk to the locals, soak up the history and lore that give a destination its distinction. Over the past year, James Conaway—best-selling author and former editor of Preservation Magazine—has taken nine classic walks all across America, mostly in natural areas but with an urban hike to spice the mix. The result is a three-part series of articles, starting with the April 2008 issue and continuing in July/August and October. On each of his walks, Conaway was joined by a knowledgeable local who spoke for the region. The author’s companions had varied backgrounds—conservationists, writers, historians, wilderness guides—but two things these men and women all shared were a deep love of their environs and the ability to tell a good story. These authentic American voices provide a fresh look at our country. In our April issue we feature walks in Maine, Florida, and Tennessee; July/August features walks in Kansas, Wyoming, and New Mexico; and October features walks in Montana, California, and Washington.