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If you’re from North Carolina, then you know, here in the Tar Heel State, there is more than one way to cook a pig to perfection. Some folks prefer to go whole-hog and slow cook it all at once, while others break it down to ribs, and other specialties. And to get started on seasoning preferences… well… let’s just say we all may have our favorite, but as long as it’s a North Carolina signature recipe, you just can’t wrong no matter what you choose....

Did you know that the second largest commercial cave on the East Coast is right here in West Virginia? It’s called Organ Cave, located near Ronceverte, and it boasts a remarkable history, from magnificent ancient fossils to modern-day adventure opportunities! This amazing limestone cave formation includes 45 miles of mapped passages and 200 unmapped leads. DonStaten/Tripadvisor It has been named a National Natural Landmark and a National Landmark of Historic Places and is on the West Virginia Civil War Trails list....

Madison County, Iowa is world-famous for its covered bridges and charming small towns. While most people stop by to visit the man-made wonders in Winterset and the surrounding area, Iowa historians and nature lovers flock to Pammel Park. This was one of the first state parks around, and it’s home to the oldest trees in Iowa. Pammel Park was dedicated in 1928 as one of the very first state parks in Iowa....

North Dakota has many small towns, all with their own histories and characteristics. Some are well-loved for their quaintness and slow-paced living, but others might stand out a bit more. One local artist in the town of Regent was determined to make that particular quirky town in North Dakota stand out, and he definitely succeeded. This spot is now one of the quirkiest places in the Peace Garden State, and here’s why:...

There’s no doubt the Buffalo National River is a float-favorite among Arkansans, but it’s certainly not your only option! Spring River’s cool rapids will keep you propelled for miles and miles with minimal effort. Pick up a paddle or grab a tube for this year-round adventure on the Spring. No matter if you’re needing a solo trip to get away from it all or an adventure with friends, the Spring River can provide....

Murder hornets might have invaded the country, but they’re not going to mess with Texas. The governor, along with Texas A&M AgriLife, has launched a task force to prepare for the potential arrival of the pests. Here’s everything you need to know: Asian giant hornets, also known as “murder hornets,” have recently been spotted in the U.S. for the first time ever. These two-inch long insects have been known to kill up to 50 people per year in Japan....

For many of us, a summer getaway has never been more needed. Luckily, we found the perfect place for your upcoming in-state vacay — Terrace Beach Retreat. Situated on the shores of Green Lake, the retreat’s cottages boast all the comforts of home, but that’s just the beginning of its allure. Its lakeside locale is definitely another and affords guests lots of opportunities for fun in the sun. Take a look:...

Picture this: beautiful farmland, peace and quiet, plenty of wine, and a beautiful porch to enjoy it on. On a long weekend in Minnesota, what could be better? If this sounds like your idea of paradise, you’re in luck. There’s a Minnesota vineyard where you can sip great wine with a beautiful view – and you can spend the night there. It’s called Flower Valley Vineyard and Winery, and it’s a wonderful place for a long weekend away from it all....

If there was a contest between all the bizarre street names in Idaho, Chicken Dinner Road may just be the one that comes out on top (Lost Cow Lane is a close second.) This street name is certainly memorable, and it’s even been in the news lately due to a strange controversy involving PETA. But how exactly did Chicken Dinner Road come to be? It turns out this weird street name has an equally unique story behind it, and it makes for a fascinating tidbit of Idaho history....

No one can characterize the state of West Virginia as a desert. We have so much water to enjoy throughout the state: creeks, rivers, reservoirs, waterfalls. But did you know that for all that water, there’s only one natural lake in the whole state? And it’s slowly disappearing from sight. Believe it or not, there’s only one natural lake in all of West Virginia. Mark Domanski/Google Maps That lake is located in Hardy County, and you may have heard of it; it’s called Trout Pond (formerly, it was known as Old Pond)....

There’s never a wrong time to visit the drive-in movie theater, in our opinion. But right now, the world needs a little bit more of them. That’s why Starlight Six Drive-In in Georgia has been such a gem during these uncertain times. Not only can you still catch new, hit movies, but you can also stay in your car, and enjoy all the perks without the risk. Take a look at why Starlight Six is still thriving in Georgia....

Ohio is overflowing with breathtaking places to explore, but there’s nowhere quite like a Cleveland-area park. The loveliest ones are located along Northeast Ohio’s waterways, and locals especially adore those on Lake Erie’s shore. Each lakefront park is beautiful in its own way, but the beauty of one, in particular, is criminally overlooked. Welcome to Wendy Park! Whiskey Island & Wendy Park/Facebook Wendy Park, which is located on the Whiskey Island Peninsula at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, can be found at 2800 Whiskey Island Drive in Cleveland....

Summertime is right around the corner. As parts of Southern California begin to reopen, it’s a great time to start putting some fun summertime plans in place. Whether you’re daydreaming about the summer season or you’re planning some adventures to add to your future bucket list, this SoCal lake provides lots of fun activities that will please everyone in the family. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you visit....

If you’re willing to drive the extra mile to get a slice of the best pizza in the state (and possibly the nation), head south of Norman to the middle of nowhere where you’ll find Baker’s Pizza joint in the town of Maysville. The pizza is seriously amazing and fans drive from all over the state to get their hands on it. Check out their custom-made pizzas that will put your tastebuds in a frenzy....

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma’s western side, sits an unassuming (but completely amazing) restaurant. Jigg’s Smokehouse has been smokin’ barbecue for Oklahomans for over 38 years and has gained a stellar worldwide reputation for their tasty bbq. Jiggs is located in the town of Clinton along Route 66, and although it’s located in the middle of nowhere – it’s so worth the journey. Jiggs-Smokehouse/Facebook Jigg’s Smokehouse knows what it does well, so you’ll only find 7 main items on the menu, along with a few side items....

General stores are no longer the staple of town life that they once were. However, if you know where to look, you can still find these quaint shops – and some of them are within easy traveling distance of the city. One such spot is the Harvard General Store, located 35 miles northwest of Boston in the town of Harvard. Address: 1 Still River Road, Harvard, MA 01451 Google Maps...

The days of enjoying the great outdoors without worrying about donning heavy layers and winter boots are almost here! In fact, some of us have already had a few of those. With each passing day that seems the temperatures get warmer, we get closer and closer to those day trips that lead us to swimming holes and trails throughout New Hampshire. When that time comes for you, consider this simple trail leading to one of the state’s most refreshing dips....

Are you feeling a bit restless? Winter is almost over, but you don’t have to wait until the weather warms up to enjoy a weekend getaway. In fact, some of Rhode Island’s top destinations are best visited in the offseason. And if you need a relaxing stay at a property you won’t have to leave all weekend, look no further than the Weekapaug Inn. The Weekapaug Inn is located in Westerly, which has been called a perfect winter destination by several travel publications....

In Wisconsin, Friday means a fish fry. We all have our favorites and there are places big and small, super-famous and hidden gems, all across the state that serve up this delicious and iconic meal every week, like clockwork. Most folks know what they like and stick to what they know. They love their cod or haddock or white fish and most fish frys don’t deviate too far from a pretty standard menu....

There are many options around Cincinnati for a quick day trip to try something new and one of the most popular spots is Amish Country. In just about an hour and a half, you can be driving through the countryside, and you’ll want to be sure to stop by an Amish bakery near Cincinnati. Miller’s is definitely a must-see as a delicious bakery and furniture store that many have visited for years....