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Tucked away in the rolling hills of St. Francisville, Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem for nature lovers. It was established in 2000, making it one of the more recent additions to the National Wildlife Refuge network, but even though it’s “new,” it’s home to some of the oldest trees in the United States. There’s one particular tree that you just have to see to believe and that’s the National Champion, the largest bald cypress tree in the entire country....

On a remote mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, sits the community of Snowshoe. As the name suggests, it’s a wintery town. The high elevation leads to the winter season lasting approximately 130 days each year. Snowshoe is a ski resort community, but there is so much to do besides skiing. Unlike most ski mountain villages, The Village at Snowshoe is at the top of the mountain, rather than the bottom....

General stores and country stores are part of the fabric of New Hampshire. Almost every town in the state had them at one point, and many still survive today to serve the needs of locals and visitors alike. In sleepy Chichester, New Hampshire, there is one store that you must visit if you’re looking for traditional baked goods and locally-made items. It may be easy to miss if you’re cruising down Route 28, but keep your eyes open at the highway’s junction with Main Street and you’ll come to Chichester Country Store....

New Jersey is such a busy place that it’s easy to forget that the most densely-populated state in the United States actually has some quiet hidden gems! To find them, you’ll want to take a leisurely drive along County Road 542, which takes you from New Gretna to Hammonton. While this scenic drive in New Jersey is only just over twenty miles, you’ll want to stop along the way plenty of times – because this country road may just have some of the best seafood restaurants in New Jersey....

On three different occasions this year – in January, May, and September – you’ll be able to see the planet Mercury with the naked eye in Minnesota. So, star… er, planet-gazers, mark your calendars! Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system. It’s only about the size of our own (Earth’s) moon. Steve Allen/Getty Images It’s also the fastest - hence its namesake, the Roman god of speed. It makes its annual revolution around the sun in only 88 days....

Did you know that Maine has the largest model of the solar system in the western hemisphere, which also happens to be the second largest scaled model in the world? It is pretty crazy to think of but way up in northern Maine, you can travel through space and find them all. The Maine Solar System Model is a fun scavenger hunt that takes you nearly 100 miles to complete. So hop in the car and get ready to travel through our little neighborhood of the universe to get an idea of just how big it really is....

From zoo animals everywhere to an exterior shaped like a giant Happy Meal, the Lone Star State is no stranger to unique McDonald’s restaurants. One location in particular, however, is taking things up a notch and looking far ahead into the future. The first automated McDonald’s in Texas (and the world!) can be found just outside of Fort Worth, allowing guests to get in and out in record time thanks to the use of conveyor belts and other technological advances....

In far northern Wisconsin, Lake Superior offers sweeping, dramatic views and a sea of recreational possibilities. A collection of special cabins are perched in the pines, providing the perfect basecamp for relaxation and a place to recharge in a fresh lake breeze. Wild Rice Retreat is a getaway spot like no other – here’s why you should plan a getaway to these cozy Wisconsin cabins. Wild Rice Retreat is located near Bayfield, a town of just 500 that’s Wisconsin’s smallest city....

Mississippi is home to several popular attractions, such as the Vicksburg National Military Park and Natchez Trace Parkway. There are also some pretty amazing secret places in Mississippi. From a hidden cave to a secret swimming spot, these 10 hidden gems in Mississippi are some of the state’s best kept secrets – and they’re secrets you will definitely want to be in on. Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson) Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi Quickly and easily escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city with a trip to Mynelle Gardens....

Southern California may not be known for its winter wonderlands, but there are some places to find snow and some wintery surroundings in the region. You can experience plenty of options where you can escape from the beach and the sun to find a perfect winter wonderland this season in one of these beautiful places in Southern California. Big Bear – Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain (800 Wild Rose Lane in Big Bear Lake....

If you’re looking for a sublime Minnesota winter hike, complete with frozen waterfalls and snow-frosted rock formations, make your way to Kadunce River State Wayside. The wayside is located along State Highway 61, east of Grand Marais. Park at the wayside, where the Kadunce River flows under Highway 61 and commingles with the waters of Lake Superior. Sarah Mulford/AllTrails Before you head up the gorge, cross the highway and check out the mouth of the river....

Many events are scheduled this holiday season in Alabama that’ll certainly put you in the Christmas spirit. One in particular is Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland is an enchanting Christmas lights display in Alabama, and you can learn all about this year’s event below. Winter Wonderland is an animated drive-thru Christmas lights display At Cullman’s Sportsman Lake Park. It’ll be celebrating its 20th year this holiday season. google/Tammy Hill This enchanting lights display includes a trail that’ll take you around Sportsman Lake....

Festivities are abundant here in Northern California as the holiday season makes a warm arrival. One celebration that continues to leave us charmed is Victorian Christmas in the lovely town of Nevada City. Lighting up the streets and spreading good old-fashioned holiday cheer, this holiday festival looks like something straight out of a Christmas movie! Hey, did you know that Nevada City is, in fact, the star of a Hallmark Christmas movie?...

We know good – really good – seafood here in Rhode Island. In fact, our beautiful state serves some of the best in the entire country. Choosing where to go for our fried seafood fix can be downright difficult. However, next time a craving sweeps over you, make your way to this Rhode Island seafood shack. It’ll likely be the first of many visits. When you’re craving some of the freshest seafood in Rhode Island, you won’t find better than Tommy’s Clam Shack in Warwick....

There’s nothing more enchanting than the magic of the Christmas season. One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the holiday is to head to some of the best Christmas towns in Southern California. These nine towns in Southern California will surround you with twinkling light displays, Christmas caroling, towering trees decorated in holiday splendor, and festive eats and drinks that will remind you why this is your favorite time of year....

If you are looking for an outdoor winter event this season, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa invites you to attend its annual Winter Carnival. The resort’s Nordic Center will be hosting this fun-filled, family-friendly event from February 12-15, 2021, which happens to be the weekend of both Valentine’s and Presidents’ Days. Let’s take a look at what fun you can get into at this seasonal celebration. Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa sits on 6,800 acres filled with gorgeous scenery in Galena, the perfect spot for an outdoor winter festival....

We’re always on the hunt for magical Maryland hikes. The following local trail is full of beauty, especially when it comes to its natural tunnel of trees. Read on to learn more, to marvel at the beautiful photos, and then add this tree tunnel hike in Maryland to your to-do list this year. Rackliffe House Trail Loop is located in Berlin, right next door to the Assateague Island Visitor Center....

There’s nothing quite like walking into a historic manor and imagining what the walls have seen. In Allegan, Michigan there’s the beautiful Robinson Manor that is loaded with local history. The manor has had many roles over the years and even sat vacant for a time, but now it is a thriving spot for the West Michigan community. Robinson Manor is located in West Michigan, a 45-minute drive from Grand Rapids....

There’s nothing like a walk in the great outdoors to clear the mind and refresh the spirit. Washington state is full of family-friendly trails and scenic paths for you to explore and admire the natural beauty of the Evergreen State. But what if we told you there is a place where you can enjoy both the beauty of nature and interact with a herd of gentle llamas and sweet alpacas? Topstall Farm in the small town of Roy offers a unique immersive farm experience and llama trail walk you won’t soon forget....

Single and ready to mingle? We’ve got you covered! This list is based on several factors, but primarily the percentage of unmarried residents in a city. The crime rate, number of rentals, and nightlife options were factored in as well. These are all important, as singles often prefer a safe neighborhood with a variety of rental properties and entertainment venues. The following cities are the best places to live in New Jersey for singles, and they’re a big part of why New Jersey is the best state....