Posts

Being home to the world’s first modern shopping mall – Ridgedale Center – plus many other small stores – not to mention the Mall of America – Minnesotans really don’t have to search too hard to find great Christmas gifts for their loved ones. But sometimes, it’s nice to shop in a more festive environment. That’s where Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt comes in. This German Christmas market is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit, and maybe pick up a few gifts, too....

Norfolk, Virginia is an incredible day trip destination. From its unique naval history to its fascinating outdoor attractions, you could easily spend months exploring all that this region has to offer. Along the way, you’re sure to discover some hidden gems, too. The Ocean View Fishing Pier is one such place. It’s actually the longest pier of its kind in North America! Whether you’re fishing, walking along it, or simply admiring it from the nearby restaurant, you’re in for a real adventure....

Are you looking for a break from the daily hustle and bustle? Want to relax and unwind while taking in spectacular mountain views? Then pack up the kids and head to the Bearless Whisper Cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, home of the Great Smoky Mountains. Relaxation awaits inside the walls of this delightful country cabin. Management/Airbnb Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the most charming log cabin you’ve ever seen. Tucked away in the woods with its whimsical red roof and front door, you’ll feel like you’re in a storybook land far, far away from the stresses of everyday life....

In the mood for a unique adventure in Maryland? Then check out this cave that belongs on your bucket list. You can take a tour of the Crystal Grottoes Caverns, which has a very unique claim to fame: it’s home to more formations per square foot than any other cave in the world. Really! Read on for the details and bring the family — this easy and surreal attraction is great for any age....

There’s a lot to look forward to in December. Obviously, the holiday season is the main event, with many folks spending their evenings admiring Christmas lights, enjoying hot chocolate, and taking selfies with Santa. But there’s one unique event in December that’s the real star of the show, and that’s the Geminid meteor shower. The sky will put on its very own light show, and you won’t want to miss it!...

A day spent outdoors is so refreshing, especially when you follow it up with lakeside patio dining. While the name may sound scary, Alligator Hill is anything but. Don’t worry, there are no alligators here, just serene hiking trails and wonderful views! Follow that up with a delectable gourmet dinner on a patio overlooking Sleeping Bear Bay at Blu in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Alligator Hill has trails for every level of exertion: easy, intermediate, and advanced....

There’s nothing as satisfying as a good, old-fashioned hamburger. We’re talking about the original kind of burgers, with a well-seasoned patty, lettuce and tomato, a condiment or two, and a bun. Nothing more, nothing less. In Lima, Ohio, Kewpee Hamburgers has perfected the art of this American classic, with its eponymous Kewpee Burgers widely considered to be the best in the state! Near the end of WWI, the first Kewpee Hamburger shop appeared in Flint, Michigan....

Living in Massachusetts you may have noticed something; it might seem small at first, but there is a wide difference between the two halves of the state. The eastern and western halves of Massachusetts can feel like separate states sometimes. From wildly different landscapes to the way each side enjoys a summer day, there are plenty of ways Massachusetts can be split down the middle. How many of these can you relate to?...

Madisonville is a tiny town in St. Tammany Parish that’s home to fewer than 1,000 residents. While some may skip over this town in search of a more bustling scene, there’s one hidden gem restaurant that’s serving up some of the best seafood in Louisiana, and it’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Morton’s has been a neighborhood favorite ever since it opened in 1985....

It’s no secret that Indiana is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It’s filled top-to-bottom, end-to-end with amazing natural wonders, waterfalls, hikes, lakes, camping spots, swimming holes, and everything in between. Well, we went and put together a delightful little day trip that will take you to two of the most beautiful state parks in Indiana – one for sunrise, and the other for sunset. You can spend as much time as you like in between, but it’ll be a three-hour drive from one to the other, so plan accordingly....

Garden of the Gods. Mesa Verde. The Great Sand Dunes. The Centennial State is home to more incredible attractions than we can count. But if you have been there, done that, and are wanting to see and do something new, there are plenty more hidden gems in Colorado. Check out these unique places to visit in Colorado on a hidden gems road trip: Google A link to the interactive map can be found here....

Even many locals don’t know about the North Truro Air Force Station: an abandoned neighborhood in Massachusetts. Due to hazardous chemicals, parts of this abandoned neighborhood have been left untouched since the Cold War. But it’s not all dangerous. Here’s how you can explore this creepy place it for yourself. Few people know that there are abandoned places in Cape Cod, home to an untouched 1950s neighborhood. YouTube/Exploring with Josh...

Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes, and it’s the only one that’s located entirely within the territory of the United States. Of course, in Illinois, it’s known as one of the main focal points of Chicago. And while there’s never a bad time to gaze at this gorgeous body of water, if you’ve ever seen a sunrise here, you know it’s an especially magical time. Chicago has 26 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan....

Even among people that love animals, ticks are a pretty universally-hated creature. These little arachnids are near the top of most people’s lists of creepy-crawlies that they don’t want to be anywhere near. They’re among the most disliked of all animals in Georgia. These parasites live off the blood of mammals (including humans), birds, and even reptiles. Though undeniably disgusting, they’re also pretty fascinating. Surprisingly enough, we actually have the world’s largest collection of ticks in Georgia....

It’s that time of year again and holiday events are in full swing all across Oklahoma. From big city lights to rural sleigh rides, there are so many great events going on in our state. One of our favorites is a visit to Woolaroc Ranch in Bartlesville for the Wonderland of Lights celebration. Over 750,000 lights cover this historic ranch and transform it into a magical winter wonderland. Keep scrolling to learn more about this family-friendly holiday lights tour that’s absolutely delightful....

We’ve got several great observatories in Connecticut that are wonderful spots to admire the stars at any time of year. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer armed with telescope and special equipment or a budding stargazer just starting out with the hobby, celestial events like meteor showers are pretty spectacular. Each December, the northern hemisphere is treated to an amazing meteor shower that’s one of the biggest and brightest of the entire year....

There’s no doubt North Carolinians, and southerners in general, are a superstitious bunch of people. Sometimes it’s to keep North Carolina traditions alive, sometimes it’s based on a story our grandparents told us as children. Either way, North Carolinians usually avoid the last loaf of bread and would never let someone sweep under our feet! But if we believe them or not, the heart is that it’s really just for fun and honestly, in the South we do love a good tradition....

Arkansas might be the last place you’d expect to find a medieval fortress, but the Natural State is full of unexpected surprises, including, you guessed it, an Ozark medieval fortress! When work began on the unique site, it was slated to be a must-see attraction. Unfortunately, it was never completed. This Arkansas castle is now abandoned, serving as a reminder of what almost was. Ozark Medieval Fortress – more specifically, its ruins – is located just off the highway in the tiny town of Lead Hill....

One of the best things about the Beaver State is that we have so many diverse places to explore. From thick, lush forests, to sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, to vast stretches of desert landscape, Oregon pretty much has it all. When was the last time you took a peek inside one of the caves in the state? At Oregon Caves National Monument, you can explore the famous Marble Halls. It’s one of the most spectacular cave tours in Oregon....

Aside from being known for some of the best barbecue in the country, there are plenty of other types of restaurants in Kansas worth trying. To help you decide of where you’d like to dine when you’re in the Sunflower State, we made a bucket list of some of the best restaurants in Kansas and chose one for you to try each month. Take a look at the following list of 12 highly regarded restaurants in Kansas for you to enjoy throughout the year....