Globetrotting

AUTUMN DRIVES IN IDAHO. Our neighbor to the north has 27 scenic byways. Among those that are particularly beautiful in the fall: International Selkirk Loop, which includes the towns of Priest River, Dover, Sandpoint, Colburn, Elmira, Naples, Bonners Ferry and Copeland; the Payette River Scenic Byway, which takes you along the roaring Payette River and the beautiful mountain valleys it travels through; and Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in the southeastern part of the state, which passes through rolling farmfields, Henry's Fork of the Snake River and has views of the backside of the Tetons. Information on the Web at itd.idaho.gov/byways/index.htm.

• HOLIDAY LIGHTS. We know, the holidays aren't around the corner. But if you're planning a trip to the Big Apple during that busy time of year, it's none too soon to start mapping out your itinerary. Things you might want to consider: Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo: www.bronxzoo.com; Holiday Laser Light Show on the beautiful sky ceiling at Grand Central Terminal: www.grandcentralterminal.com; the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes at Radio City Hall; and, after it's all said and done, budget-minded tourists can look to savings at hotels and restaurants during the city's Paint the Town Red promotion Jan. 2-Feb. 28; and Winter Restaurant Week, Jan. 22-26 and Jan. 9-Feb., with more than 200 restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe meals. Information at 212-484-1222; www.nycvisit.com.

• OUTRAGEOUS ENTERTAINMENT. Leave it to the folks in Virginia City, Nev., who brought you the annual Camel Races, to sponsor the Championship Outhouse Races, Oct. 7 and 8. An Outhouse Parade starts things off. To get an idea of what you'll be getting yourself into, visit www.otsnv.com.

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E-mail: kclayton@desnews.com