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Lions and tigers and… a whole lot of other animals reside at Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Mississippi. Most people don’t know about the sanctuary or its menagerie of exotic and domestic animals, and that probably has something to do with the fact that it’s in a small town and closed to the public. However, just because you can’t visit that doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to help (and even bond with) the residents of the exotic animal rescue and pet sanctuary....

For anyone wondering about the best natural springs in Florida, you’ve come to the right place. We have one incredible spring in Florida that rivals them all. Fanning Springs State Park in Florida is a magical place along the Suwannee River banks. This natural attraction is a gem because it contains one of Florida’s incredible natural springs, pumping out 65 million gallons of water daily. But beyond the beauty of this spot and its refreshment during those warm Florida months, there is also a unique history behind it worth diving into....

A unique blend of otherworldly southwest beauty and vibrant history, New Mexico’s dramatic landscapes are also home to a surprising number of scenic lakes, waterfalls, and bodies of water. From the powerful, iconic course of the Rio Grande to the scenic banks of the Jemez, there’s no shortage of idyllic spots to kick back and enjoy the abundant sunshine. After all, we’re called the Land of Enchantment for a reason! One of those reasons is New Mexico’s magnificent ability to keep surprising us over and over with its hidden gems and dazzling, under-the-radar scenery....

Visit the city of Palatka for one of the best weekend trips in Florida. Located in Putnam County, Palatka is a beautiful city with lots of charm. The pleasant year-round temperatures and high precipitation make Palatka’s parks and outdoor spaces vibrant and green. The St. Johns River flows through the city, separating Palatka from East Palatka. The Memorial Bridge goes over St. Johns River, connecting Palatka and East Palatka. Allen Allnoch/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Park at the west end of St....

Few things in life are better than a meal that becomes a favorite memory. It doesn’t take exotic cuisine or fine dining to leave a lasting impression. Oftentimes, the best meal is one that warms the heart and feeds the soul — created with care and prepared from scratch. Add plenty of local history and quirky charm to the mix, and you’ve truly got magic. These ingredients are exactly what has kept loyal customers coming back to the small-town Pizza Villa in Illinois for over 60 years....

Are you the type of person who could spend all day feasting? Don’t worry, you’re in good company. At this massive food bazaar in Florida, you’ll practically need all day to enjoy all of the fare and libations offered here. But, more than just a local spot to feast, Shoma Bazaar in Doral also is a community hub for events, live music, mixology labs, culinary classes, and so much more....

Sleepy Hollow in Blairsville, Georgia is one of the most stunning, enchanting gardens in the entire state. As a lesser-known attraction within Georgia, there aren’t too many visitors that will seek out this whimsical garden on their vacation. But for those who know it exists, it truly is a magical experience. The next time you have an afternoon to spend, where you can disappear into an alternate world, we recommend visiting Sleepy Hollow in Georgia....

Lots of places claim to have the best BBQ in Nebraska, but one place in Norfolk may have an actual claim to that title. Smokin’ Stan’s BBQ was voted by Yelp readers as having the very best in the state, and we can’t say we disagree. Check out this locally-owned mom-and-pop BBQ shack that serves the most mouthwatering meats. Smokin’ Stans is known as the place to go for delicious BBQ in northeastern Nebraska....

Editor’s note: As of September 2018, The Christmas Factory permanently closed its doors. If you’re looking for another great Christmas-themed store, though, try Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in Pennsylvania, also in the eastern area of the state in Levittown. Thanksgiving leftovers might still sit in the fridge but, for most of us, it’s time to officially kick off the Christmas season. That celebration usually starts with putting up the Christmas tree and decorating our home, creating a warm Christmas scene....

You’ve heard of the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. Of course you have. You know it’s a luxurious place to stay. You know it has fine dining options that are a paradise for foodies and will keep you trying new dishes for days and days. You know it has a golf course that’s world-famous. You know celebrity upon celebrity has stayed here. You know that there’s a secret bunker hiding underneath the grounds....

A “Soggy, shivery spring ahead” is what the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting for the 2023 season of new beginnings. And with spring around the corner, chances are, you’re looking forward to spending time enjoying the delightful weather. But don’t put away your winter coats just yet, because the 2023 spring season in Arkansas might be a cold and wet one. Whether you listen to Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog weather specialist, or consult the Farmers’ Almanac, you’ll be getting a prediction of the incoming spring season....

Dining out with the entire family can be a cumbersome event, especially if you have little ones. Sure, many restaurants in Michigan are kid-friendly, but this particular restaurant takes it to the next level. The Rainforest Cafe in Michigan gives you an entertaining atmosphere that both kids and adults will absolutely love while enjoying a delicious meal. This place is truly one of a kind! The Rainforest Cafe is a jungle-themed restaurant chain with about 20 or so locations across the country....

Alaska is pretty much a giant frozen wonderland in the winter, and that means opportunities for ice skating are abundant. Here in our state, we wouldn’t dare spend the day in an indoor ice skating rink. After all, there are SO many outdoor ice rinks in Alaska that are worth checking out. The ice skating lagoon featured below is a treasured winter destination for many Alaskan families. Boasting tons of room for you to speed around the ice and heavenly views, this lagoon is about to become your favorite place to spend a winter day ice skating in Alaska....

The Peach State’s big cities certainly have plenty of incredible restaurants, but don’t neglect our wonderful small-town restaurants in Georgia! Whether you’re up in the North Georgia mountains or down towards the Florida border, you’ll find plenty of wonderful little restaurants. These places may not make the headlines, but they are just as tasty as anything you’d get in a big metropolitan area. One of the tastiest small-town restaurants in Georgia is The Grill in Hawkinsville....

Abandoned towns always have a spooky feel to them. If you’re unsure of its history, you may jump to conclusions yourself, or ask plenty of questions. What happened here? Why did the people leave? Times Beach at one point was a booming beach resort, and then, within the span of two years, it became completely vacant of any residents. So, what happened here? There’s a reason why people call this place the creepiest abandoned town in Missouri!...

Acadia National Park is arguably the prettiest place in all of Maine. Not every state can boast of having a national park within its borders and yet we have made the practice of enjoying this wonderful land. There are several stone bridges in Acadia, Maine, that date back to the early 1900s. These bridges are beautiful pieces of history preserved for us to enjoy. How many of these bridges have you seen while traveling to our national park?...

When you’re looking for a unique place to spend the night that the whole family can enjoy, plan a stay at Testa Vineyards in Calpella, California. Along with being a winery, you might be surprised to learn that this unexpected overnight lodging in NorCal is also a ranch. Therefore, you can spend your time tasting wine, canoeing on the pond, saying hello to the animals on the ranch, and enjoying a picnic with your family....

Everyone loves having a meal with a view, especially a water view. There’s something so peaceful about being close to the water, watching boats and birds go by while you eat. In the Prairie State, there are some fantastic eateries sitting right along the river, giving guests unparalleled water views. Here is a list we have compiled of some of the best riverfront restaurants in Illinois. Rivers Restaurant, Chicago Rivers Restaurant/Facebook The location is phenomenal, as you are in the lobby of the Mercantile Building....

Did you know the darkest town in America is right here in Nevada? Part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area, the tiny town of Gerlach, Nevada is located approximately 100 miles north of Reno. With a total area of 3.1 square miles and a population of just over 200, Gerlach seems like little more than a stop along the way to somewhere more exciting. However, Gerlach has its own claim to fame....

There are many ways to spot a native Utahn, but one of the easiest? Just listen to how they pronounciate many of the unique towns and cities that are scattered around the Beehive State. If you can correctly say (and even spell!) many of the following hard-to-say Utah words, it’s one sign you’ve lived in the Beehive State for far too long. Let’s see how well you can do. Tooele Blake Silva/Google Alright, let’s start with one of the most commonly mispronounced towns in Utah — Tooele....