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Christmas is nearly upon us here in the Great Lakes State, but don’t let the busy schedule of holiday parties and family gatherings keep you from getting out and enjoying the many delightful towns Michigan has to offer. There’s nothing more magical than exploring a festive community with loved ones in tow, whether you’re finishing up your Christmas shopping or simply admiring a wonderfully decorated downtown area. If you’re craving one last dose of holiday cheer before December 25th, make your way to this lovely spot....

Filled with colorful flowers and vibrant greenery, Rotary Botanical Gardens is a stunning sight year-round. However, there’s no denying it’s especially stunning during its annual Holiday Light Show when the gardens are set aglow by thousands of lights. It has some of the best Christmas lights in Wisconsin. Take a look: Combining beautiful gardens and thousands of lights, the Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville is a true feast for the eyes....

What’s better than a good old-fashioned handmade chocolate shop? How about half a dozen shops with the best chocolate in Montana? If you need a sweet idea for an overnight getaway, look no further. This road trip takes you to six highly-rated shops with the best Montana chocolates in a day (or two, if you like to savor your sweets). Google Maps Start your delicious adventure at Old West Candy Store on Main Street in Darby....

This winter, don’t let the possibility of snow get you down; instead, let it be inspiration for an epic day trip destination. Winter in Ohio can be fun. As long as you know where to go, you’ll be grateful for the possibility of snow. (For instance, this epic toboggan park is a must-visit after snowfall.) If you’re wondering where the best places in Ohio to go sledding are, you should know about one of our all-time favorite sledding hills....

Iowa’s Amish country isn’t as well-known as the communities in neighboring states, but it has its own charming surprises. One of those can be found in the tiny town of Lamoni, where the Amish Country Store is the anchor of the community. This unique Amish flea market in Iowa celebrates local crafts and foods, combining a general store with a bakery and grocery store. It even has a surprising restaurant located on the grounds – one that will likely be familiar to any Iowa resident!...

Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, Tiki Tango Oasis has permanently closed. Everyone needs a break from the day-to-day grind for a little bit of tropical fun, right? The next time the weather has got you down, or if you just need a pick-me-up, head on over to the Tiki Tango Hideaway Oasis in Georgia. This midtown Atlanta hideaway offers tiki-inspired food and drinks, plus a tropical theme that will surely cure any of your blues....

When you think of the must-visit destinations in Utah, typically the national parks are at the top of the list. And while these parks are certainly bucket list worthy, there are so many other destinations that many Utahns tend to overlook. Here are just 11 destinations in Utah that always deserve a visit. Calf Creek Falls, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Via Getty Images Calf Creek Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah and definitely worthy of a visit....

Indiana is a gorgeous place to visit or live, and we just can’t get enough of its spectacular natural beauty. What some might call a “flyover” state is actually a hidden gem filled with wonder and intrigue, and what better way to appreciate this than by visiting its state parks? We went ahead and compiled a list of one dozen of the best state parks in Indiana – one for each month of the year – for you to add to your bucket list for 2023....

Think you’ve seen and done it all in Northern California? We bet there are still some hidden gems in Northern California you haven’t explored! Even when you’ve driven by a place or visited it without researching it first, there might be sights you miss out on. That’s where we come in! We did all the research and visited many places to report back and tell you what you should put on your must-see list for this year....

In search of the best restaurants in Arizona to try in 2023? Look no further! This is your ultimate dining bucket list, with one dozen mouthwatering restaurants to visit this year – one for each month! From the birthplace of the chimichangas (yes, you read that right) to a haunted hamburger joint that’s scary good, there’s a little bit of everything here. So, without further ado, let’s dig in! Here are our picks for the 12 best restaurants in Arizona to try this year:...

Architecture in Virginia — where does one even begin? When it comes to beautiful buildings and design, the Old Dominion has an almost endless supply. As a state, we have some of the greatest minds in design, starting with greats like Thomas Jefferson, and carrying on through today. Two of our state universities are ranked in the top 10 architecture schools in the nation – Virginia Tech is #4 for undergrads and the University of Virginia is #9 for graduate programs....

No matter where we go in Missouri, we can find the Christmas spirit – from neighborhoods glittering in colorful lights to festive activities scheduled in all corners of the state. We will also have no difficulty finding charming Christmas towns in Missouri that make a perfect holiday destination, whether we’re looking for a day trip or to get away for a longer time. Here are just six of those enchanting Christmas towns....

A bed and breakfast really can provide the best of everything. From home-cooked meals to cozy central spaces, it’s like a home away from home. Best of all, you don’t have to do the dishes. If you’re looking for the best bed and breakfasts in Virginia to escape for a long weekend, then we have some great options for you. From quaint waterfront getaways to historic manor homes, these bed and breakfasts in Virginia offer award-winning accommodations and amazing foods, wines, and more....

Ohio is filled with intriguing attractions: secret waterfalls, abandoned railroad tunnels, and hidden gems galore. Many of them are hiding in plain sight while others are tucked away in secret places. Today’s feature destination is one such place that will capture your imagination. Hiding in Hillandale Park is the Bridge to Nowhere — an abandoned 100-year-old attraction that is equal parts mesmerizing and haunting. Learn more about how you can discover this secret bridge and its complicated history....

Every North Carolinian or visitor to the Tar Heel State should experience the quintessential Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure of visiting the highest peak in the Smokies at Clingman’s Dome. Found along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, the Clingman’s Dome Hike is an unparalleled experience that really must be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. Let’s take a look! From the 45-foot round tower built in 1959, to the hike itself and the 360-degree views that sometimes stretch as far as 100 miles, Clingman’s Dome is a must-see....

West Virginia is nicknamed the Mountain State for a good reason. Since the state is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, there’s far from a shortage of adventurous hiking in West Virginia for you to experience. This includes hikes that take you through diverse terrain and trails that involve rock climbing too! To help you decide where to plan your next outdoor adventure, check out the following exciting and challenging hikes in West Virginia....

Ugh, what’s good about Maryland during wintertime?! Actually, more than you may think. Although winter is thought of by many as a dark, drab time of year, there’s surprisingly much to see and do in the Old Line State — you just have to know where to go. Here are 10 reasons why no one in their right mind visits Maryland during winter 😉 Maryland during winter is literally like walking in a winter wonderland, and I despise Christmas music....

There’s a hauntingly beautiful quality to ruins as if you can feel the presence of what once was. Like this drone footage captured of the historic Hilltop House Hotel in West Virginia. This beautiful abandoned building was once a sought-after luxury tourist destination, overlooking scenic Harpers Ferry. Now, it lies abandoned, and today we’re going to explore this forgotten treasure. Have you ever heard of the Harpers Ferry haunted hotel?...

While we all have those winter days where we just want to curl up on the couch under a blanket, most of us also enjoy getting outside, breathing in the crisp air, and having fun. (Until our toe-sies get too cold) Winter certainly boasts an abundance of unique activities, from sledding to snowshoeing, or even outdoor ice skating in Missouri. That’s why you should carve out an evening (or an afternoon) for ice skating at Summit Ice Rink in Missouri....

Looking for something fun to bring the whole family together? Is there a Scrooge in your family who needs an extra push to get in the Christmas spirit? We have just the thing for you: a most magical road trip to check out the best Christmas lights in Florida. All of these places just happen to be fun to visit year-round, too, so you could even take this road trip after the holidays are over and still have a great time....