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Every state has its own official symbols and designations…birds, bugs, fruits, mottos…but there are also some unofficial state items just waiting for a status upgrade. In order to become official, the state Legislature has to adopt the item and sign documentation to acknowledge that recognition. These promotions to official status often occur for tourism or history-related reasons, though there are certain official items I can’t explain (New Jersey’s state dance? The Square Dance....

There’s a lot we like celebrating about New Hampshire. From the food to the landscape to all the things to do, when we leave the state we spend a lot of time talking about how great things are here. But what we really love is when other people figure it out. Especially when those other people are national magazines read by millions of people! People Magazine just named a local sandwich one of the best and we couldn’t agree more....

If you’ve never heard of the St. Anna Chapel in Columbus, North Carolina, then it comes as no surprise. But what will definitely come as a (delightful) surprise is where the tiny little chapel is located. The small Russian chapel, part of the Eastern Diocese of the Russian Church Outside of Russia was consecrated in 2014 upon its completion near the small town of Columbus (population, 1,000). TripAdvisor/Dan M In keeping with tradition, the chapel is not ornate....

When you’re in the mood for a new taco spot, Tacos El Sol in Topeka is something that should be on your list. Who doesn’t love good tacos? Grab a plate of them at this family-owned Kansas restaurant where delicious tacos are the highlight of the night. Welcome to Tacos El Sol, one of Topeka’s one-stop-shops for tacos and more. Tacos El Sol Facebook Who doesn’t love a good taco? Especially if you’re looking for a filling meal that’s oh so tasty....

We all know that Chuck E. Cheese is where a kid can be a kid. But have you ever wondered where an adult can be a kid? If so, wonder no more. We found a place where you can do just that – and it’s Shelter Arcade Bar. An adult haven, the 21+ eatery serves up a tasty pub-style fare, arcade-themed cocktails, and lots of retro fun thanks to its huge collection of vintage arcade games and pinball machines....

Good thing for us, there’s definitely not a shortage of great Mexican food in Nevada. It seems like no matter where you find yourself in the state, a delicious taco, burrito, or enchilada is never that hard to find. However, there’s one Mexican restaurant in our state that’s especially well-known for serving up the best tamales in the state. Doña Maria’s is a must-try for any Nevadan who loves south-of-the-border cuisine, so be sure to stop by and add some authentic Mexican flavor to your next meal....

There’s nothing like a good plate of barbecue in the heart of the American south. It’s the calling card of Tennessee, the golden child of Memphis. If you’re looking for something tender and savory to sink your teeth into, then a visit to A&R Bar-B-Que is bound to leave you sated and happy. It’s the kind of place that locals return to again and again, and it’s somehow managed to remain thoroughly entrenched in the Memphis community, so no need to worry about heaps of tourists come the sunny season....

If you live in Kentucky, you are likely very familiar with the shape of our state. You may not have the state line memorized, but you have a general idea of how Kentucky is formed. But did you know that there is a piece of the Bluegrass State that is actually not connected to Kentucky at all? This peninsula of land is definitely a part of our state, but it’s broken off from the rest of Kentucky and its story is fascinating....

It’s the perfect time of year to lace up those hiking boots and get outside and do some exploring. One of the most underrated areas in Louisiana to hike is the Kisatchie National Forest, which has endless primitive trails that are perfect for both an afternoon hike or a weekend warrior. If you’re looking for a medium-length trail that will add a bit of a challenge while offering extraordinary views, well we’ve got the perfect trail for you....

We all know that Minneapolis and St. Paul are go-to spots for a great dining experience in Minnesota. But what about parts of the state far outside of the Twin Cities? It turns out, they’re full of great dining too. From BBQ to tacos to small-town diners, Greater Minnesota is a treasure trove of good eats. That goes double for steakhouses, with one of the very best steakhouses in Minnesota being located far north of the Twin Cities, in Park Rapids, Minnesota....

2020 has proven to be one of the most difficult years for citizens of Virginia and the rest of the globe. In addition to some positive news by way of migrating hummingbirds, singing frogs, and beautiful butterflies, there’s another natural phenomenon that Virginians should be keenly aware of this season: tornadoes. While it’s true that Virginia doesn’t experience tornadoes nearly as often as other regions, recent weather trends indicate the likelihood of more twisters than normal....

Throughout the difficult times we have all been enduring, sometimes it’s easier to go through the hard stuff with a furry friend by your side. If you don’t have a pet, and maybe you’re tossing around the idea of getting one to make the dark days seem a bit brighter, then you’re in luck. Florida has rolled out a one-of-a-kind pet adoption program where you don’t even need to get out of your vehicle....

Everyone knows that ghost towns are scattered throughout the Cowboy State, remnants of a mining industry that boomed and busted. What might come as a surprise, though, are that several of these ghost towns in Wyoming are known to be haunted, too. When you think about, many of these towns were the site of tragic deaths because pioneer life was not easy and mining is a dangerous occupation even with modern precautions, so it makes sense that spirits may be lingering....

Vermont has no shortage of vibrant blue bodies of water. From Lake Champlain and Lake Bomoseen to Lye Brook Falls and Bingham Falls, there are countless locations scattered throughout our state that boast fabulously blue and crystal clear water. If you are looking to discover another stunningly blue reservoir in Vermont, then plan a trip this summer to Crystal Lake, a refreshing and brilliant blue lake in Vermont right off Route 5 in the Northeast Kingdom....

The world is always changing, and the way of life with it. It can be crazy to think that in just 100 years we went from rolling the first, clunky consumer cars onto roads to today where people communicate from all over the world in an instant through the internet. Back in the day, living in North Dakota was different than it is now. These fascinating historic photographs of North Dakota showcase different parts of the day-to-day life and society from as early as the 1870s and up to the 1950s....

Other than our impressive crop production providing food and resources for millions, North Dakota has brought the world a few other things that reach lives far beyond the state borders. Here are 6 things that come from North Dakota that you might not have known about: Cream of Wheat Wikimedia This breakfast staple was first made by wheat millers in Grand Forks, North Dakota back in 1893. It is certainly not unique to North Dakota anymore, as it is sold pretty much everywhere in the United States - and beyond - today....

Southern California is brimming with so many splendid places to see and experience that it’s almost impossible to decide where to start. To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together this list of eight natural wonders located right here in SoCal that should go straight to the top of your list of spots to visit in 2020. From the largest mud cave system in the world to a hike through a forest with 4,000-year-old trees, you’ll have plenty of destinations to keep you busy all year long....

If you’re looking for something beyond your average chocolate bar, Wildland Chocolate takes premium ingredients and a love of the process of crafting delicious chocolate, bringing you flavors you have only dreamed of. Based out of Anchorage, Alaska, they are a handcrafted, bean-to-bar chocolate company. Wildland Chocolate is a new, small, artisan chocolate company based out of Anchorage, Alaska. Wildland Chocolate website This company makes it their mission to bring you delicious, single origin chocolate that’s ethically sourced....

When contemplating the best adventure park in Colorado, most people think of Elitch Gardens, Santa’s Workshop, and Lakeside Amusement Park. However, fewer people have had the opportunity to visit one of the state’s best-kept secrets in the way of adrenaline-pumping adventure: Brown’s Canyon Adventure Park. Tucked away inside a beautiful forest near Buena Vista, this lovable park is sure to entertain just about everyone in your family. So if you’ve been wondering where to find canopy walks, aerial obstacle courses, or even a zip line in Colorado, this park promises to deliver....

The 1920s were best known for being the Prohibition era — but as we all know, that doesn’t mean Americans weren’t drinking. While those days are fortunately long gone, speakeasies are still very much a thing, and Southern California has plenty of them. We’re particularly fond of San Diego’s Prohibition Lounge, which features all the fun of sneaking around without the fear of legal ramifications. Located behind a nondescript door in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Prohibition Lounge is a sultry speakeasy that opened in 2009....