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When folks first started coming to Wisconsin in the 1800s, they came from parts of Europe well-known for their sweets. Those folks that settled here brought with them an incredible knowledge of chocolates and candies, and they used that knowledge to open up candy shops here. You know they brought a wealth of talent because many of those original places are actually still open today. There are 11 different chocolate and candy shops in a less than 300 mile loop that date back as far as 1899 and the “youngest” is still 60 years old, and we’ve included them on a delicious Wisconsin chocolate shop road trip....

Even if you’re not an avid stargazer, there’s something undeniably magical about spotting a shooting star. That streak of light across the sky reminds us of just how vast and wonderful the universe is… and soon, you’ll be able to spot these wonders of nature near Cleveland. The annual Geminid meteor shower runs from mid-November to late December each year, and it is known to feature bold, bright meteors. Plus, since it is visible in the Northern Hemisphere and this year’s moon won’t be full, you might even be able to check out this meteor shower in Cleveland....

Do you want to get away from it all and relax near the ocean? This one-bedroom, one-bath zen-inspired cottage is a short walk from the ocean and is set apart from other houses so you can have total peace. Relax and unwind in this 640-square-foot space. Vrbo This jewel of a Vrbo comes with a comfortable queen bed and a large deck with a fire pit. The deck overlooks a small pond....

During the holiday season, you will certainly want to deck the halls, be jolly, don gay apparel, and troll the ancient Yuletide carol! However, in addition to these holiday-time traditions, it is also time to grab a cup of cocoa and head out on the road to check out the best Christmas light displays in Kansas. The Sunflower State is home to some incredible light displays that are nothing short of magic....

Hiking in Virginia is always a good idea. No matter the time of year, there’s a trail that will undoubtedly renew your appreciation for our state’s breathtaking natural beauty. From short-and-sweet trails to stunning meandering pathways, there’s simply nothing like spending time on a gorgeous Virginia trail. With that in mind, we’ve compiled an entire year’s worth of hiking trails: one unforgettable trek for each month of the year. How many of these scenic Virginia trails are you looking forward to hiking?...

Here in Virginia, we cherish our small towns. From tiny mountain communities to idyllic towns on the beach, Virginia’s small towns are where you’ll find the charm, hospitality, and delightful local businesses that define our state. Plus, these areas make for perfect day trip destinations, as the drive there is often just as memorable. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 12 small towns to visit in Virginia — one for each month of the year!...

For those who have lived in Georgia for quite some time, it can be difficult to come up with new ideas for travel. Chances are, you may not have really stretched your wings too far in your home state, just because you haven’t realized all there is to do. Well, if you’re like us, and you’ve made a resolution to travel more this upcoming year, then we have 12 unforgettable one-day getaways in Georgia to take, broken down by month....

If you are into bugs then you may be familiar with InsectIdentification.org which is a site that lists species of insects, arachnids, and other creepy crawlies by state. After doing the research, we have found that there are more than 300 well-documented species of “bugs” (a term we will use to include anything that crawls around and isn’t obviously a mammal) in Virginia. However, entomologists and researchers estimate more than 20,000 species of bugs and bug-like creatures that call Virginia home....

As any outdoor lover knows, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the temperatures dip. From hikes through the Whites to simple trail walks in your own backyard, some might argue that things just start getting good once winter hits in the Granite State. One of the most common misconceptions is that camping needs to end after the summer. But, those who prefer sleeping under the stars will love that there are some places in New Hampshire that allow camping year round....

If you’re in desperate need of some R&R, this adults-only resort in Arizona is the place to go. Tucked away in the heart of Red Rock Country, Sedona’s Ambiente is the first “Landscape Hotel” in the nation, emphasizing sustainability and low-impact architecture to create an experience that is just as healing for guests as it is for the planet. With five-star amenities, amazing food, on-site activities, and beautiful surroundings, Ambiente will transform your mind, body, and soul....

Winter magic doesn’t fade with the holidays in the Land of Lincoln. An upcoming festival that will take place in Argenta, Illinois will feature a wealth of glowing ice sculptures that will blow your mind. This one-day event is truly a sight to see. Beautiful art, fun games, and great food abound. Check it out: Taking place February 9, 2018, the Argenta IceFest is a central Illinois winter celebration that is all about ice sculptures....

Here in Minnesota, we eat, live, and breathe the water — and sleep, too, as there are some spectacular lakefront cabins in Minnesota! Lake life is basically in our blood… it is our state nickname, after all. So we never need an excuse or reason for a quick lakeside getaway. It’s always good to change up the scenery, and nothing is more fun than exploring a new small town and lake, not to mention staying at a new cabin!...

If you’re a fan of Louisiana’s forests, state parks, and nature preserves, then you should know about Caroline Dormon. The list of her accomplishments is long: she was an author, a teacher, an archaeologist, an environmentalist, and a conservationist just to name a few. She was the first woman to work in environmental education and the first woman to work for the Division of Forestry in Louisiana, and without her, we would not have the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest....

Headed to Hendersonville this year? No visit to the City of Four Seasons would quite be complete without a magical stroll on the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens. Designed to positively enchant the little ones in the family, the Fairy Trail casts a wide net around grown-ups, too. It’s one of the many wonderful free attractions in North Carolina. Now, let’s explore this fairy garden in North Carolina. It’s found within Bullington Gardens, a 12-acre botanical garden that’s open to the public....

Throughout the holiday season, the city of Buffalo is one of the most magical cities that you can visit. All around town, you’ll find twinkling lights strewn about, and how about the fact that the Queen City is the host of one of the largest New Year’s Eve ball drops in the entire country? If you’re ready to experience everything enchanting that exists within Erie County during the holidays, then see why East Aurora is the best place in New York to spend Christmas!...

The meanings of some weird town names in New Jersey are quite obvious. Ocean City, for example, is so named for its location along the Atlantic Ocean. Other town names have more complex origins. Some were named for local heroes or businesses, while others reflect unique landmarks. The following are some of our favorite local neighborhood name stories, if you are visiting or living in New Jersey and spot any names that intrigue you, be sure to add them in the comments!...

The Land of Enchantment may now have something in common with France. Corrales, New Mexico is home to not one, but four excellent wineries! Four excellent wineries in one tiny town. The fertile southwest lands are just right for cultivating vineyards. Come stomp some grapes (metaphorically that is) as you accompany us on this wine-sipping spree. Corrales Winery, Acequia Vineyards & Winery, Milagro Vineyards, and Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyard are all located in Corrales, just outside of Albuquerque....

The “lake view” peninsula town of Lago Vista, Texas is a charming active community fewer than 20 miles from all that Austin has to offer. The scenic Colorado River winds around and adjacent to the city. Even better it’s home to some of the best hiking in the Hill Country. With canyon trails, creek trails, small waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and even (ahem..) a clothing-optional scenic beach. Welcome to Lago Vista, Texas....

Northern California is so much more than San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. The northern part of the state has many small cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. Many of these areas are unknown and unexplored, even for many big-city locals. The varying terrain of NorCal means some of these tiny towns are in the mountains while others are near the ocean, but all are rural. Whether you are well-aware of these small towns and cities or not, they are always worth a visit....

Do you consider yourself the ultimate pie lover? If so, you’ll want to visit Pies By Mike. This Alabama bakery offers some of the best homemade pies you’ll ever eat, especially their famous pecan pie. For information about this old-fashioned pie, which many people claim is the best pecan pie in Alabama, take a look below. Pies By Mike is located in Clanton, Alabama. google/Pies By Mike This family-owned and operated bakery offers a variety of baked treats....