Footwork was on the road over the winter break, on a personalized senior trip for two promising young women I know. During our adventure, we took note of the pedestrian/cyclist value of the places encountered.

First stop, Gettysburg: A bicycle and a fine day is the best way to appreciate the palpable history teeming on the site on the three day battle (July 1-3, 1863) near this small Pennsylvania town. The town itself is fine for walking, with plenty of the elements that make a superior pedestrian venue.

Safe, pretty streets with calm traffic, restaurants, shops and historical points of interest abounding, as expected in the place that was the turning point of the Civil War. The battlefield itself is expansive and better suited to bikes, which are welcomed everywhere except the cemetery. It bears noting that New York accounted for the most casualties of any state. The most monuments, many of them grand, are from New York. When there, look for the one that remembers soldiers from Cherry Valley.

Washington, DC:

Like many cities, a car in Washington is more headache than convenience. The capital still holds my own personal best of 32,000 steps in a single day, as evidence of its walkability. There is so much to see, so many things to do and a terrific metro system to complement your wanderings. Make sure you have appropriate shoes and socks- New Balance or SAS and Thorlos. All that concrete and granite is unyielding and this is not the place to choose fashion over comfort.

Asheville, N.C., and Biltmore Estates:

WOW. These two places are fabulous. This beautiful mountain town in the Blue Ridge range offers arts, dance, genuine hippies, terrific food, Thomas Wolfe, O.Henry and an urban walking trail (icons cemented into the pavement) that helps you see it all without knowing where you're going.

The largest privately owned home in the country is Biltmore. Once on 125,000 acres, it has scaled down to a mere 8,000 glorious flora and fauna acres, much of it available on foot, bike or horseback, including its renowned winery. If the weather happens to be contrary, you can exert yourself in the conservatory and the 172,000 square feet of the house. Get a book, a guide and a clear view of indescribable Victorian wealth. Biltmore boasts 99 bedrooms. Six were for George Vanderbilt and his family, 31 for guests, and the rest for the servants who tended their needs.

My grandfather played fiddle with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. On my father's side, we are distant cousins to Earl Scruggs. My exposure to "opry" came long before my introduction to "opera" so, not surprisingly, old town Nashville is comfortable, and certainly walkable. The downside is that with music pouring out of lounge doorways and tantalizing barbecue (don't miss Jack's) and brews between them, staying on the path is nearly impossible. When in Music City, it's best to travel with a dance partner, yield to temptation and make up the difference of indulgence to a country beat.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the Walking Example Group (WE-GO) a non-profit organization encouraging walking and walkable communities. Visit their website at www.we-go.org.