Essex is a town in Connecticut known for its beauty and Groundhog Day parade. What many people don’t realize is that this old town has quite a fascinating history. It’s in a small club of American cities that were invaded by a foreign power. Like much of Connecticut, the area that is now Essex was originally home to Native Americans. The Nehantic tribe lived here until the English settled in the region in 1664....
When it comes to king cakes, everyone has an opinion on who makes the best. You may be team Randazzo’s, team Gambino’s, or even team Rouses, but there’s a huge population of New Orleanians that will wait in line forever to get a king cake from Dong Phuong, and they’re worth the wait. Let’s check it out. Located on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans, Dong Phuong has been a favorite restaurant and bakery for over 30 years....
The trip through Spenceberry Antiques feels like you are upstairs in your grandmother’s attic in this two-story antique and thrift store. For shoppers seeking high-end antiques to those seeking one-of-a-kind vintage or more contemporary thrift items, you’ll walk away with a prize at this unique shop in Waynesville, North Carolina. Spenceberry Antiques offers an eclectic selection of upscale mid-century antiques and other vintage and more contemporary treasures. cheryl h/TripAdvisor If you can’t find it here, you probably can’t find it anywhere....
Looking for a memorable stay on your next trip to Seward? This historic house vacation rental in Alaska is the perfect place to go if you want to step back in time. Built in 1905, it’s a National Register Property and has tons of little touches to make you feel like it’s over 100 years ago inside! If you love Alaskan history, you need to head to Seward for this gorgeous renovated house....
Sometimes, there is nothing better than getting in the car and hitting some of the best food spots you can find in one go. If you’re a fan of Amish bakeries (who isn’t, really), then we have the ultimate road trip for you. This scenic Amish bakery road trip in Florida takes you to not just one but five different old-fashioned bakeries. The total road trip clocks in at under two hours of driving time, but you’ll likely want to plan more time for stopping at each bakery....
When people move on and industry crumbles, the remains are often abandoned amid the landscape — and the Hawaiian Islands are no exception. Even on the highly populated island of Oahu, abandoned places are common — if you know where to look, that is. From abandoned highways and royal residences to sugar mills and telegraph stations, there is something strangely beautiful about man-made structures being taken back by the land. That’s why we created this Oahu road trip to eight of the most famous abandoned places in Oahu — clocking in at just under three hours and 84 miles from the picturesque north shore to Ewa....
Winter Storm Elliot brought incredibly cold temperatures that caused brutal conditions and closures throughout the Great Lake State. While we Michiganders are used to below-freezing temperatures and a winter storm or two, we haven’t broken the record for the coldest day in nearly a century. The coldest year since records were kept was in 1934 in Michigan and it was a winter to remember. Picture this: it’s the year 1934 and Michigan is in the throes of the Great Depression....
Iowa’s Driftless Area gets a lot of attention from nature lovers, but the Loess Hills are just as magnificent and often overlooked. If you’re looking for a beautiful getaway with family, friends, or your partner, book a stay at the Loess Hills Cabins and Hideaway near Preparation Canyon State Park. Any Iowa adventurer would love to discover the Loess Hills Hideaway tucked into one of the Hawkeye State’s most underrated regions....
Who doesn’t love a chocolate fix!? If you get excited about the idea of visiting unique chocolate shops, then you’re really going to love this road trip, where we lead you to seven of our favorite old-school chocolate shops that will drive your taste buds wild. It might just be the sweetest road trip to find some of the best chocolate in SoCal. Ready for some fun?! Just follow along on this interactive map to head out on this epic, mouthwatering adventure....
The Buckeye State might not be particularly known for sushi, but that doesn’t mean great sushi restaurants don’t exist in Ohio — it just means you have to search a little harder to discover them. And in Parma, Ohio, we’ve made quite a discovery: Watami Revolving Sushi Bar. The first revolving sushi bar in Ohio, this restaurant offers delicious food and an (ahem) all-around awesome dining experience. What’s your go-to sushi order?...
There are all sorts of ways to celebrate Christmas in Kentucky, from glittering light displays to dazzling town festivals. One of our favorite holiday activities, however, is an old-fashioned Christmas market. We’re talking about the holiday markets that take over the cobblestone streets of Paris and London; seasonal events offering everything from homemade wares and decor to gingerbread cookies and mulled wines. But guess what? If you’re looking for a heaping dose of Christmas cheer and not able to hop across the pond, there is a European-style Christmas market in Kentucky that will satisfy this wish list item....
We’re lucky to live in such a festive state. Many Main Streets are lined with millions of glittering bulbs, ice-skating rinks fill downtown squares, and trains whiz through the countryside en route to Santa’s Workshop. Big cities and small towns alike in Arizona go all-out for the holiday season, and these nine might just be the downright best Christmas towns in AZ! What do you think? Which Arizona Christmas towns would you add to the list?...
Opportunities to hike throughout the year abound in the Prairie State. Whether you wish to see a waterfall, wildflowers, or a vista from an overlook, here are the 12 best scenic hikes in Illinois, one for each month of the year. January - French Canyon Trail, Starved Rock State Park Tim Gattone/AllTrails When temperatures dip below freezing, the chances to see a frozen waterfall increase. Your best bet is to head to Starved Rock State Park with its numerous canyons and waterfalls....
There’s a special magic to exploring nature with your family. The fresh, crisp air, the sound of the ground under your hiking boots, the new and exciting natural discoveries at every turn. Whether your family is a crew of outdoor lovers, or you’re new to hiking, these three family-friendly trails in South Carolina are an ideal group outing. The Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary offers a 1.75-mile boardwalk trail through the sanctuary....
Missouri offers something for everyone – including ghost hunters. If you believe in the paranormal, you already know that Missouri teems with haunted places. Even if you’re a bit skeptical, you might just have a change of heart after you learn more about these haunted places in Missouri. Oak Ridge Cemetery – Kennett Flickr/Raquel Simones Cemeteries are notoriously haunted places in Missouri. Oak Ridge Cemetery is perhaps Missouri’s most haunted cemetery....
Visit one (or all!) of these fabulous lakeside restaurants in Northern California. There’s something so peaceful about sitting by a lake in the winter. Northern California’s lakes are typically less crowded during the winter months, meaning there’s also a good chance of nabbing a table with a view. Gar Woods Grill & Pier– Carnelian Bay Gar Woods Lake Tahoe Facebook Page Dine on the deck or the pier. If it’s too chilly to be outside, there is a spacious dining room inside with views of Lake Tahoe....
All over North Carolina each holiday season, towns and cities come alive with festive occasions to gather with family and friends to celebrate the season. From Christmas lights on Main Streets to holiday walks, drive-through light displays, and more, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities brimming with holiday cheer awaiting in the Tar Heel State. One of our favorite little towns to visit during Christmastime is Blowing Rock. If you’ve never headed to this tiny mountain town during the holidays, it’s one of the best Christmas towns in the US, and here are nine great reasons to go:...
Las Cruces is one of the best hidden gems for a weekend getaway. Nestled at the foothills of the Organ Mountains, Las Cruces has the best of both worlds: you’ve got all the amenities of a large city while still being only moments away from a secluded mountain hike. Whether you’ve come to explore, shop, or just kick back and relax for a few days, there’s one unassuming restaurant that’s home to home to some of the best burgers in New Mexico, and you’ll want to fit it into your schedule....
Feel as though you’ve journeyed to the heart of Germany when you visit Mifflinburg this holiday season. Stroll from hut to hut, each occupied by a different vendor. Indulge in authentic German food. Or buy unique, handmade holiday gifts. Join in a full menu of activities when you visit the charming town that hosts Christkindl Market, a magical German Christmas village in Pennsylvania, each December. The Christkindl Market, which spans two and a half blocks, has been a treasured tradition in Mifflinburg for 32 years....
Once upon a time, the Inn at Buck Hills Falls drew visitors from all over the country to indulge in its splendor and luxury. Perhaps the masterpiece of the Poconos when it opened in the early 1900s, the resort would eventually feature everything a traveler could want: a lush golf course, a shimmering pool, trails for horseback riding, and tennis courts, all sprawled over 1,000 acres that eventually sat abandoned. However, in 2016-17, the abandoned hotel in Pennsylvania was demolished, leaving behind countless stories and photos....
