West Virginia is riddled with ghost towns that will either give you the creeps or fill you with intrigue. Perhaps the tiny (almost) ghost town of Thurmond does a little of both for most people. First settled in 1844 by W.D. Thurmond, a surveyor who eventually served in the Confederate Army, the town of Thurmond was incorporated in 1901. Most people don’t realize that until 1921, Thurmond was only accessible by way of rail....
We write a lot about Maine’s history. It’s spread throughout the state and makes for a great backdrop to explore the state. One of the most interesting ways to appreciate all that has come before us in Maine is the religious history that can be found in all corners of Vacationland. The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul stands mighty in Lewiston and might even catch you off-guard if you’re not expecting to see it....
If you’ve lived in Washington longer than about five minutes, you already know Washington’s wine industry is fantastic. And if you enjoy vino, you’ve probably spent some time at your favorite local wineries. But if you’ve never been to Karma Vineyards in Chelan, you owe it to yourself to check it out — if nothing else, for the underground wine cave. Karma Vineyards is located at 1681 S Lakeshore Rd., right next to the beautiful Lake Chelan....
Idaho’s Snake River Canyon is brimming with gorgeous waterfalls, and the ever-popular Shoshone Falls is the most famous of them all. However, the smaller waterfalls are just as worthy of visiting, too! Pillar Falls is just one of the incredible waterfalls hiding in the canyon that you can hike to, and it’s one of those places you simply have to see for yourself. The cascades of this lesser-known waterfall are small, but the giant pillars surrounding them make it a must-visit spot for nature lovers....
Did you know that Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state? That’s an undeniable excuse to venture out and explore some of these special spots. Here’s the perfect lighthouse road trip in Michigan, which will showcase lighthouses rich with both history and charm. Driving time for this lighthouse road trip in Michigan is just over 18 hours, so if you want to stop and get out at each lighthouse you’ll probably want to plan on doing the trip over a long weekend....
There’s an absolute ton of amazing pizza to be had in Wisconsin. Heck, we’ve even made an extensive list about it. We’ve got Wisconsin-style pizza, square-cut pizza and even pizza served fresh on the farm. But one place in southeastern Wisconsin has some of the best pizza you’ve probably never heard of. In business for nearly a century and in their third generation of family ownership, Wells Brothers Pizza in Wisconsin is a total hidden gem....
Whether you’re redecorating your home, searching for the perfect gift, or simply looking for some new treasures to add to your collection, nothing beats the experience of perusing an antique mall. Michigan is home to plenty of charming antique and collectible shops, but there’s one gem in the state’s western portion that will have you returning to browse time and time again. Important note: as of June 2020, West Michigan Antique Mall is open by appointment only, though its store hours remain unchanged....
The beauty of nature is always calming, especially when you can enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds of a waterfall. But driving a long-distance or taking a lengthy hike to reach them isn’t always realistic. Luckily, a few of Rhode Island’s waterfalls are a lot more easily accessible than that, especially Pawtucket Falls. You can practically enjoy an up-close-and-personal look at this waterfall without getting out of your car. Pawtucket Falls is located on the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, about half a mile upstream of where the Pawtuxet River meets the Seekonk River....
As we work to flatten the curve as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state of New York and the rest of the country, you’ll find that now more than ever New Yorkers are searching for ways to keep themselves busy inside. While many of our residents have picked up hobbies and have made the effort to be as productive as humanly possible, some of us are simply seeking out a way to unwind during such uncertain times....
Temporarily stepping back in time can be fun. Nutcracker Family Restaurant is a ‘50s themed diner in Ohio that’s fun for everyone. Whether you just want to indulge in some nostalgia (and pie, of course) or you’re planning to stay for a hearty meal, this is an Ohio gem you need to check out. Take a trip to Pataskala and experience the retro charm. Tucked away in the small city of Pataskala is a nostalgic diner that’s fun for the whole family....
With its crystal-clear waters and peaceful views, Lake Lillinonah is one of the most enchanting places in Connecticut. This shimmering body of water is the second-largest lake in The Nutmeg State. And because of its massive size, you rarely see giant crowds along the shore. Whether you come here to swim, fish, or kayak, there’s no denying the appeal of Lake Lillinonah’s clean and clear waters. Lake Lillinonah has an impressive 14 miles of shoreline and sits in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties....
If you’ve lived in Cleveland for any amount of time, you’ve surely heard of the local battle for educational desegregation. Whether you lived it or heard about it from family members, Cleveland busing was at the center of debate and education reform initiatives. While the schools were eventually desegregated, the process was long, complicated, and controversial. The road to desegregation was a long and storied one, but the fight was really thrust into the spotlight when one man lost his life on the grounds of an elementary school....
Seafood restaurants abound in South Carolina – and with good reason. The state’s close proximity to fresh and saltwater means fresh seafood is right at our fingertips. And nowhere is that more obvious than at a restaurant situated right on the docks at a busy seafood port along the coast. If you haven’t discovered Fish Camp on 11th Street in Port Royal, then prepare to be wowed. Located just five miles south of Beaufort at the 11th Street port in Port Royal, Fishcamp on 11th Street is a delight in many ways....
Feeling a whim to plan a day trip or even a weekend getaway – even if it takes place a few months from now? Sometimes, having a little adventure to look forward to is the best medicine for feeling cooped up and stuck in a routine. Dreher Island State Park is so centrally located in South Carolina that you can do both: take a day trip to check it out – and then, once you’re sold on how amazing this little gem is, plan something a little longer....
While many explorers tend to venture out in their kayaks in Florida while the sun is high in the sky, there is another way to see the waterways of the state—at night! With A Day Away Kayak Tours in Florida, adventurers can take to the mangrove shores of the Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge during the daytime, but nighttime tours are also worth experience. The moonlight bioluminescence kayak tour is truly out-of-this-world and will show you what Florida nature is like after the sun goes down....
If you find yourself needing to grab some fresh air but don’t want to be surrounded by people, we have the perfect place in Florida. The Ocala National Forest has tons of different hiking opportunities for you to choose from, but this one offers up some unique history of the area, too. Enjoy the sunshine and seclusion of the area when you tackle the St. Francis Trail in Florida. The St....
Nestled inside a rustic old coat factory is one of the best breweries in Connecticut. When you’re craving a hot slice of wood-fired pizza and a refreshing craft beer, Five Churches Brewing is the place to go. You’ll love the cozy atmosphere and inventive flavors. Gather up your friends and spend an afternoon at this unique Connecticut hot spot! What was once an abandoned old coat factory is now one of the most vibrant destinations in downtown New Britain....
A state the size of Montana is bound to be full of hidden gems. So when MSN Lifestyle released a list of the best hidden gem in every state, we weren’t surprised to see the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas as their pick for Montana. If you’re a Montanan and you have yet to discover this gorgeous and peaceful place, make this the year you go. The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is located in Arlee, which is technically on the Flathead Indian Reservation....
How’s your bucket list looking? Have you checked anything off of it lately? Added anything to it? If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your bucket list, you might want to dust it off and decide what you’re going to do next. You’ll probably even want to add this Missouri cave tour, a fun activity for the whole family. Carve out at least half of a day for your visit to and tour of Bluff Dwellers Cave, and its other attractions, in Noel....
There’s nothing better than a walk down memory lane. For those of us who grew up in the Motor City, there’s something comforting about peering back at earlier years in Metro Detroit. Whether we’re drawing inspiration from challenges we’ve overcome or remembering fun times with loved ones, nothing beats the experience of perusing vintage photos from times long-gone. Greektown has long served as a popular hangout for fun-loving Detroiters, not to mention a hub for delicious fare....
