This issue of Byways invites readers on a coast-to-coast journey through Great American Cities shaped by rivers, railroads, mountains, and the roads that connect them—places where geography and history create unforgettable, drive-to travel experiences. From the border-blending culture and desert landscapes of El Paso to the frontier roots and wide-open energy of Oklahoma City; from Indianapolis’s carefully planned elegance. to Kansas City, Heart of America, to Cincinnati’s riverfront grandeur and Louisville’s lively Falls-of-the-Ohio character; and on to Richmond, where Revolutionary history meets a vibrant modern scene along the James River, these cities reveal the enduring appeal of urban destinations built by movement and place. Together, they show that some of America’s most compelling city experiences are found not on the coasts, but along the highways, waterways, and crossroads that continue to shape the nation. Plus, in What’s Happening, we look ahead to World Cup Fever, as the world’s biggest sportin