Just a few years ago, Smithsonian Magazine surveyed thousands of towns, all with populations lower than 20,000, to find the best in the country. Their natural beauty, history, and local culture were all considered, and 20 towns made the cut. Each town was recognized as a destination worth visiting, no matter where you’re from, and you may be surprised to find out which Iowa community earned a spot on the list....
If you love hiking and history, then Kentucky is a great state for adventures. The Bluegrass State offers many scenic hiking trails, plenty of historical sites, and even some destinations that offer both natural beauty and history. Located in the corner of Kentucky within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, you’ll find many trails that take you through our state, as well as neighboring Tennessee and Virginia. These trails are filled with history and in fact, one has a very special feature....
The Sylamore Scenic Byway offers a gorgeous drive and fascinating attractions along the way. This short and sweet drive can easily become a weekend getaway. Let’s turn up the road trip playlist and cruise along this scenic route through the Ozarks. It may not be the longest of the scenic byways in Arkansas but the Sylamore more than makes up for its length. Google Maps The drive begins on AR-5 and heads south to AR-14 and FR-1110....
If there’s one thing we Michiganders adore, it’s a day spent among natural surroundings. Scratch that: it’s a day spent exploring natural surroundings and indulging in delicious fare. There’s one incredible spot here in the Great Lakes State that offers stunning scenery, outdoor exploration, and delectable eats – all in one breathtaking location. Prepare to be delighted. Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub sits at 24019 Upper Falls Dr Falls Drive in Paradise....
You don’t have to be the outdoorsy type to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty. There are plenty of scenic drives with views of the Sunshine State’s wild forests, breathtaking beaches, and awesome attractions. So jump in the car and get ready for an unforgettable trip on one of these scenic roads. You’re going to love exploring the best backroads in Florida. Florida Keys Scenic Highway Wikimedia Commons This is probably Florida’s most famous scenic drive, often recognized as one of the most beautiful drives in the country....
Did you know you can experience a little bit of Poland right here in Maine? It’s true. All it takes is a visit to Portland, where you’ll find Bogusha’s Polish Restaurant and Deli. The authentic Polish cuisine isn’t the only thing there is to love about the restaurant, though. There’s also the fact that it includes a small grocery section, so you can take a bit of Poland home with you....
Everyone loves a good seafood restaurant, right? Especially the ones that are right on the water, serving up deliciously fresh seafood, in a no-frills atmosphere. That’s how we feel about The Freezer in Florida. Prepare yourself for a cold beer as you watch the sunset in Homosassa, with a plate of perfectly cooked shrimp and crab legs. It doesn’t get much better than this laid-back seafood restaurant in Florida. The Freezer Tiki Bar in Florida is one of the coolest, most laid-back places in Homosassa to grab a cold beer and some peel-and-eat shrimp....
Castlewood State Park has a trail system that includes 13 miles of trails. By combining the Inner Canyon and Lake Gulch Trail, you can make an easy loop that will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the park to an abandoned dam, which some people think may be haunted. The Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Trail Loop starts at the Canyon Point Parking Lot. Lisa Blackwell/Alltrails The loop trail is about 1....
We’ve got some great state parks here in Mississippi, but one of the most unique is definitely Grand Gulf Military State Park. In addition to typical park amenities, like campgrounds and hiking trails, it’s brimming with incredible historic sites, including a charming chapel that dates back to the 1800s. Take a look: One of the many small town gems that fill Mississippi, Grand Gulf Military State Park is hiding in Port Gibson in Claiborne County....
Everyone knows the classic line from John Mellencamp’s famous song, “Jack and Diane.” It goes, “Suckin’ on a chili dog outside the Tasty Freeze.” He paints an iconic image that may or may not have actually existed at the time this rock musician lived in the Hoosier State. Regardless, you can now enjoy this seemingly timeless tradition right here in Indiana the way the Cougar intended. Scroll on for more details....
If you travel throughout Wyoming, you’ll find yourself running into various Mercantiles in the towns you visit. These general stores were the first grocery stores in the West, and they helped sustain those settling out on the frontier. One of the oldest in the state, the Aladdin General Store (a.k.a. Wyoming Mercantile) has been continually operating for well over 100 years! The tiny town of Aladdin is home to just 15 Wyomingites, but hundreds of people visit every year to take in a bit of history....
Are you the type of person that can easily demolish a bowl of olives in just a matter of minutes? If so, there’s one Northern California shop that should for sure be on your bucket list of places to visit in the near future. The Olive Pit is a roadside shop and cafe that is dedicated to all-things-olive. Boasting a wide variety of different olives along with tasty cafe dishes you can enjoy on-site, this olive shop is simply heaven for olive lovers....
Every season in West Virginia promises its own unique beauty — from the blossoming of flowers in the spring to the colorful palette of colors in the fall. Winter, too, brings with it its own breathtaking beauty, especially after a fresh snowfall. We have an abundance of places in the state to admire the winter landscape, but one stands out above the rest: New River Gorge, West Virginia’s Grand Canyon....
Rhode Island’s iconic Roger Williams Park is a beloved gathering place for families, especially during spring break and the summer months. But while walking paths and other open spaces at the park are currently open, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is closed temporarily to help keep everyone healthy. But we have good news for your young Rhode Islanders waiting patiently at home. The team at the zoo has found away to bring the animals to you through Zoo School....
There are some things that New Orleanians will always be stubborn about. Usually, it revolves around food, because let’s be honest, New Orleans is a food city. From family recipes to what makes the best crawfish boil, there are just some things New Orleans will always get into a debate about. Who makes the best po’boy Michelle C./Trip Advisor Are you team Parkway? Team Bear’s? There’s a lot to consider. Your favorite shrimp po’boy might be at one spot and your favorite roast beef at another....
A bank robbery that took place in Winnemucca on September 19, 1900 would go down in history as one of the town’s most well-known historic incidents. Legend has it that the infamous Butch Cassidy along with his right-hand man the Sundance Kid were behind the robbery. The town would even go on to celebrate Butch Cassidy Days every year to commemorate this gun-toting outlaw. However, there may be more to the story than how the legend tells it....
They say good things come to those who are willing to drive out into middle-of-nowhere Idaho—or something like that—and it couldn’t be truer when it comes to visiting the remote town of Almo. This small town is tucked away in a super isolated section of southern Idaho, but we think you’ll find that it’s definitely worth seeking out. After all, some BIG adventure awaits in this remote area of the state....
Nothing goes together quite like potatoes and hotdogs, right? There is something about the delicious, carby goodness of this pairing that just makes you feel like all is right in the world. Spud Dogs in Georgia is the perfect pairing of loaded potatoes and loaded hot dogs, creating the ultimate feast. Located in the burgeoning downtown Macon scene, check out Spud Dogs, even if it’s just for curbside carry out!...
Calling all wine lovers! Maryland is filled with beautiful wineries and vineyards and the following one is worth seeking out. Head to this rural spot where you can sip on wine and enjoy the scenic sights all around. Keep this place in mind, especially during warmer months! You’ll find Old Westminster Winery in Westminster, Maryland. Google Maps This Carroll County winery and vineyard is nestled on a stunning piece of land that you’ll want to see for yourself....
Whether you have lived in Hawaii your entire life, or are vacationing in the islands for the first time, there is little more entertaining than attending an authentic Hawaiian luau. And while we all enjoy a luau for its food and entertainment, we wanted to take the opportunity to dive into the history of these incredible celebrations. History buffs, this one is for you. The modern luau dates back to 1819 when King Kamehameha II removed many religious laws that were once practiced....
