Greenville, South Carolina sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has grown from a former textile center into one of the Southeast’s most appealing small cities.

Kolsai Lakes National Park is a protected mountain area in southeastern Kazakhstan, located in the northern Tian Shan east of Almaty. The park is centered on a chain of alpine lakes surrounded by steep forested slopes, rocky peaks, and mountain valleys. The three Kolsai Lakes occupy different elevations along the Kolsai River, with the landscape changing from coniferous forest at lower levels to alpine terrain higher in the mountains.

Eden Islet is a small volcanic tuff cone rising from the clear waters off the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island. Though visitors cannot set foot on the rocks, the islet’s dramatic shapes and steep cliffs offer striking views as boats circle its perimeter. Guides often point out coastal mangroves and lava formations that hint at the volcanic forces that shaped this part of the archipelago.

Akosombo is a town in southeastern Ghana, situated along the Volta River near the southern end of Lake Volta. The surrounding landscape combines forested hills, rocky outcrops, river valleys, and the broad waters of the reservoir created by the Akosombo Dam. The town developed closely around the hydroelectric project and remains an important center for electricity generation and industry.

Long Beach is a major coastal city in Southern California, located south of Los Angeles where the Los Angeles River meets the Pacific Ocean. Its waterfront combines sandy beaches, marinas, parks, and a busy harbor with a dense urban center. The city is known for its broad waterfront, diverse neighborhoods, and strong connections to shipping, aviation, and maritime industries.