Get authentic Irish food at a pub in Quincy, Illinois that locals can’t resist. You won’t believe that this hidden gem has been here this whole time. If you like fish and chips, tenderloins, pot roast, and other comfort foods, this place will be right up your alley. Check it out: Kelly’s Tavern in west-central Illinois is a splendid restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating that will transport you to the streets of Dublin....
The Land of Lincoln is a gorgeous place. Illinois consists of nearly 58,000 square miles, and that landscape hides over 150 lakes. Some of them, believe it or not, are man-made. Tucked away in Lincoln Trail State Park is one such man-made lake, and on its shore is the best comfort food restaurant in Illinois. It operates during the warmer months, but there’s a way you can still grab a bite in the off season....
There’s an old ghost house in Indianapolis, Indiana and no one knows why it is haunted. The late discovery of its ghosts adds to the mystery of its paranormal activity. Check it out: Situated in the suburbs of Indianapolis, the Nicholson-Rand House is most certainly a mystery as no one knew it was haunted until more than 100 years after it was built. It was saved from demolition in 1997 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, but the mystery and paranormal circumstances began long before....
There are so many fascinating pieces of Connecticut history. At this stunning nature preserve, you can walk right up to them. Explore an incredible 19th-century iron-making complex at Mine Hill Preserve in Roxbury. This remote hike winds through magnificent granite quarries and amazing historic ruins. Check it out: This fascinating destination has been around for over 100 years! Wikimedia Commons The mine reached its peak between 1865 and 1872. Today, you can step back in time and learn all about it – all while immersing yourself in gorgeous nature....
If you’re at all familiar with going camping here in New York, then you already know that when it comes to reserving your favorite campsites, you can only book them out as far as 9-months in advance. Well, while many stressful results have come along with the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing you have to look forward to now is the fact that you can book all of your favorite camping spots for the year of 2021 – no need to wait for 9-months or less to book them!...
When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? If the answer is crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken with a bit of a kick, you’ll love the tasty goodness at Royal Fried Chicken in Pawtucket. This casual eatery doesn’t look like much, but when it comes to quality, it always delivers. Royal Fried Chicken sits in a small, simple building on Dexter Street in Pawtucket, where it has been feeding happy customers for a decade....
Candy stores, mom-and-pop shops, and decades-old businesses are all pretty rare finds. Discovering a place that’s all three is even rarer. However, such places do exist and Beerntsen’s Confectionary is one of them. Brimming with tasty treats and historic charm, a visit to the iconic shop is like taking a sweet step back in time! Take a look: Opened in Manitowoc back in 1932, Beerntsen’s Confectionary is like a treat-filled time capsule....
As winter drags on and we anticipate the arrival of spring, there is one thing that can help tide us over. The Lenten season in the Queen City means several area churches, restaurants, and other groups will offer delicious fish fry dinners around Cincinnati. Our city loves a good fish fry and there is likely one very close to you that is a go-to spot for Friday night dinner this time of year....
As we all have some time to reflect on what’s most important right now, it’s a great time to start thinking about all the spaces and places to visit in Southern California once summer arrives. There’s so much to love about this little slice of paradise! Here are 11 that come to mind. What else would you add to this list? Strolling along a crowded SoCal pier and soaking up the waterfront view....
Iowa’s parks and forests are more crowded than ever, and it can be hard to find solitude if you’re looking for a wilderness escape. Make a plan to visit some of the most remote hikes in Iowa – featured below – and head out on an adventure that will show you a brand new side of the Hawkeye State. Schildberg Recreation Area, Atlantic AllTrails / Kathy Somers The beautiful loop trail at Schildberg Recreation Area takes you on a 6-mile journey, and you’re unlikely to encounter anyone else!...
Virtual hands up if you still remember the famous Thursday night TV lineup of the 1980s? (If you can’t: The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, and Night Court.) Those were the days, huh? Teased hair just paired perfectly with shoulder-padded shirts and colorful leggings, on the days we weren’t wearing sweater dresses, of course. After school, we went to the arcade, watched ABC’s After School Special, or played outside until the streetlights came on....
Did you know that Spider Bugs featuring vintage Volkswagens are scattered throughout America’s rural landscapes? If you’ve ever found yourself on a road trip across Iowa, there’s a chance you’ve stumbled upon one of the strangest roadside attractions in the Hawkeye State after a quick detour from I-80. Visit the Volkswagen Beetle Spider In Iowa to see this oddity for yourself. Iowa’s very own “Spider Bug” can be found in the miniature town of Avoca....
Pittsburgh’s always so full of surprises, isn’t it? Even if we’ve lived here for a short time, a few years, or our whole lives, we can always discover something new that captures our imagination. If you need a bit of time away from the noise of life, you’ll find it — and more — at this hidden gem in Pittsburgh. Hidden just 20 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve promises tranquility among nature, making it an ideal destination....
Do you have a favorite natural swimming hole? Here in the Buckeye State, they can be hard to find. Hiding in southern Ohio, there’s a natural water park with a sandy beach, water slides and even a splash pad. A day on the lake is extra special at The Beach at Long’s Retreat Family Resort. Here’s why you’ll want to visit this natural swimming hole: Long’s Retreat Family Resort in Latham is a hidden gem that locals enjoy summer after summer for some unforgettable family fun in the sun....
Arkansas has no shortage of crystal mines but this one is rather unique. Board Camp Crystal Mine offers the opportunity to dig for crystals and hunt for aliens! Let’s learn more about the pleasant daytime activities as well as the spine-tingling night tour at this Arkansas mine. Board Camp Crystal Mine is one of the few public digging mines outside of Mount Ida. Google/Tracy Rickman You’ll find this one on the southeast outskirts of Mena, in the community of Board Camp....
Okay, all you food lovers! Are you up for a delightfully delicious burger challenge in Missouri? A mighty meaty challenge that will leave you — whether you finish or not — stuffed? Oh, but that overly stuffed feeling just might be worth it if you want to join an elite group of diners who have won the Route 66 King of the Road Challenge. Are you up for it? Tucked along the famous Route 66, Cookin’ From Scratch, in Doolittle, beckons diners with its home-cooked meals....
Who doesn’t love a piping hot slice of pizza? This classic comfort food is a staple at special events, birthday parties, and laid-back family gatherings, whether it’s loaded with toppings or kept simple with a healthy sprinkling of cheese. Chain pizza joints have their perks, but nothing beats the charm of ordering from a locally owned eatery that truly focuses on quality. There’s one such spot here in the Great Lakes State where you can take your pizza dreams to a whole new level....
Although many official hiking trails in and around Southern California are currently closed, there will be a time in the near future when we’ll be able to explore the great outdoors and absorb all the beauty that SoCal has to offer. And we can’t think of a more spectacular hike to look forward to than this adventurous trail that’s home to some of the most ancient trees on planet earth. Here’s a closer look....
Looking to get out into Georgia and do some adventuring? We have the perfect trail hike for you. Deep in the Brasstown Wilderness there is a hike that offers as much history as it does sensational views. The historic Wagon Train Trail in Georgia is a beautiful stretch of land that was once used by families in order to travel and transport through the lush forest. Now, you can hike it and see what all of the natural beauty is all about....
Editor’s Note: While abandoned, the Blue Heron Minind Community is actually a lovely place to visit and many of the information in this article is no longer accurate. For an up-to-date look at Blue Heron, check out this more recent article. There are a lot of abandoned towns in our state, most of which have been covered up by lakes, or washed away by flooding. A few have some remnants that can still be seen....
