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West Virginians have always been creative, and that means that lots of things started here. In addition to our beautiful landscapes and scenery, unique heritage, and fascinating scientific exploration, a lot of inventions have come out of this state. In fact, you’ll never guess the breadth of what was invented in West Virginia. We already brought you a list of West Virginia inventions, but there are more than that. Here are eight more things that you may not know began in West Virginia....

When the weather gets colder and snow is on the horizon, we can’t help thinking of our favorite holiday destinations in the Mountain State. Make your holiday celebrations extra magical this year by visiting the best Christmas towns in West Virginia. These towns have some of the best lights and festivities in the state! Harpers Ferry Experience Harpers Ferry/Facebook Harpers Ferry celebrates Christmas and history at the same time. The town hosts its annual Harpers Ferry & Bolivar Olde Tyme Christmas event on the first and second weekends of December....

If there is one thing locals and visitors alike love about the Lowcountry of South Carolina, it’s the tree-lined streets framed by lovely old live oak trees. Whether you’re admiring one of the many tree tunnels in the Palmetto State or driving a short distance out of your way to see the oldest live oak tree in the state (below), you can’t help being awestruck by their majesty. Even better? This awe-inspiring natural wonder is one of the best things you can do in South Carolina for free!...

We know West Virginia is a great place to live. This list isn’t to take away from that, but to point out that there are dangers in any state. There is some incredibly dangerous wildlife in West Virginia, not to mention many other things to worry about. Luckily with our list, you’ll be thoroughly prepared for the dangers. Here are some things in West Virginia that could kill you if you’re not careful....

Have you ever wondered what Christmas would be like in an Old West town? Here in Ohio, Christmas at Dogwood Pass is a magical month-long event that takes place in a life-size replica of an Old West town in the small town of Beaver. It’s the perfect holiday-themed outing to take with the whole family. Welcome to Dogwood Pass, an impressive replica of an Old West town tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio....

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is heaven on Earth. Not only is it full of waterfalls, nature trails, sweeping views, award-winning breweries, restaurants, and activities for all, it’s split by a massive, beautiful river. This area is Pacific Northwest perfection. But are there any waterfront cabins in Washington? If you’ve explored the Columbia River Gorge, you probably already know that accommodations with water views aren’t easy to find. Not only are the Wilder and Pine riverside cabins right on the river, but they’re also exceptionally cozy and comfortable....

It may be hard to believe, but one of the best waterfalls in northern California is just a short detour off Highway 49. Finding a waterfall can typically entail traversing rugged backroads and hiking trails, not to mention lots of internet searches. That’s why it’s always nice to come across an easy-access waterfall such as this one. Loves Falls is located right off the highway and can be seen after a quick jaunt on the Pacific Crest Trail....

Ohio is a magical place to be a kid, full of places that inspire the imagination and stoke the wanderlust of even the littlest explorers. Just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, Highfield Discovery Garden is a fairytale-themed playground that’s pure wonder and whimsy and a delightful day trip for Ohioans young and old! Highfield Discovery Garden is quite possibly the most magical place in Ohio. This straight-from-a-fairytale playground is full of whimsy and wonder, sure to get your kids excited about the great outdoors....

The Parker Hill district of southeast Vermont is a place where visitors are immersed in history. It’s a picturesque region with homes and farms that date to the 1700s. A unique campground offers an experience in the heart of this beauty but guests don’t have to rough it; a luxury campground makes getaways as comfortable as they are unforgettable. Here’s what you need to know about the Parker Hill Farm Boutique Campground....

Ohio waterfall chasers often flock to places like Cuyahoga Valley National Park or Hocking Hills State Park, as these natural areas are celebrated for their glorious cascades. But in the southwest corner of the state, there is an Ohio State Nature Preserve that’s also a waterfall wonderland; and not only that, but you can literally hike to a waterfall restaurant on one of its trails. Come along with us on an epic waterfall-themed day trip in Ohio!...

For a smaller state, there are an impressive amount of ruins and abandoned places in Maryland. Some are more well-known, while others are hidden away, only known to those to who accidentally find them while exploring. The following abandoned mansion in Maryland is one of those little known spots, but it’s worth seeking out. This area is filled with history, and today, it sits long forgotten. Read on to learn more…...

Idaho boasts a stunning number of natural wonders, but our glittering lakes often rise to the top of the list. Incredibly, the Gem State has over 2,000 official lakes, with thousands more tucked away in the backcountry that are unnamed or can’t be found on a map – and every single one is worth a visit. With majestic, snow-capped mountains and towering trees reflected in these mirror-like pools of the most incredible jewel-colored water in the country, no matter which slice of Idaho you’re exploring, you can’t ask for dreamier views!...

Small-town restaurants are often where you’ll find some of the best meals you’ve ever eaten. They’re places where you’ll be treated like one of the family from the moment you walk in, and leave you with more than just a wonderful meal, but also a memory you won’t soon forget. This one small-town restaurant has some of the best steaks in Mississippi, and you’ll want to make your way over to this Madison County eatery as soon as you can....

Nestled within a 763-acre park located on the banks of the Northwest River in Southeastern Chesapeake, you’ll find a lovely, easy, loop trail with amazing scenery in Virginia. The Molly Mitchell Trail in Northwest River Park is recommended for all ages. It is an organic combination of forests, wetlands, and woodlands providing a habitat for many interesting creatures. Let’s take a look at the prettiest scenery in Virginia awaiting you on the Molly Mitchell Trail....

Winter is here and with it comes plenty of exciting activities to keep us busy all season long. From snow tubing to skiing, winter hiking, and ice skating, we have so many opportunities to spend some time in the great outdoors this winter. And if you want to go ice skating in Illinois, why not try one of the largest, if not the largest, ice skating rink in the state? The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon offers plenty of square footage for an enjoyable time and plenty of room out on the ice....

Oh, give me a home where the dinosaurs once roamed…yes, I know what you’re thinking: dinosaurs?! That’s right! Once upon a time, the Centennial State was a mecca for dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and we have footprints and fossils to prove it! One such mystical site where dinosaurs once roamed is that of the Garden Park Fossil Area in Colorado: Located in Canon City, the Garden Park Fossil Area is an extraordinary site with an equally remarkable history, both prehistoric and semi-modern....

From the famous Y-bridge in Zanesville to the Bic Mac bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio is known for some pretty unique bridges. What really sets Ohio’s bridges apart from most states, however, are our countryside-covered bridges. There are some 135 covered bridges in Ohio, with half of the Buckeye State’s counties having at least one covered bridge. Cool, right? The following list of covered bridges in Ohio shows you just how unique Ohio is, especially when you are cruising through the countryside:...

Even the outside of Warren General Store looks like a step back in time. It’s easy to imagine people traveling to a store like this back before Connecticut was even a state. Warren General/Google Local Inside, you’ll find a small selection of groceries, home goods, and gifts. Ben Crowther/Google Local You can even grab some candy to enjoy on the ride home. R Technologies/Google Local Don’t fill up on sweets, though....

The Golden State is one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S.- the “California Double” (where you surf and snowboard on the same calendar day) is a real possibility here! With a coastline of incredible beaches, diverse desert regions, mountain ranges, and stunning forests, it’s no wonder California is one of the most visited places in the country. Exploring California’s beauty during the winter can be a totally magical experience, whether you’ve never been here or you’ve lived in California all your life!...

Northern California has no shortage of charming small towns. Some are more well-known than others, and even in those towns, there is always something new to explore. Many Northern California towns offer shopping and dining, plus nearby outdoor activities. And, of course, many small towns have a fascinating Gold Rush history to uncover. Here’s a New Years’ Resolution you’ll actually enjoy– our list of towns to visit, one for each month of 2023....