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Olalla, Washington is a quiet community located in Kitsap County near Gig Harbor. It’s such a peaceful place, you’d never guess it was the site of something very sinister… something so evil that it warranted a book called Starvation Heights being written. Have you ever heard the story? This is Olalla. Scott Smithson / Flickr It looks like a serene and beautiful place, and it is… now. In the early 1900s, the woman shown below, Linda Burfield Hazzard, created a “health sanitarium” called Wilderness Heights in Olalla....

For centuries, Kansas has been closely associated with agriculture. While we have developed greatly over the years and now boast several larger cities, like Kansas City and Topeka, there’s still a lot of rural land here, especially in the western part of the state. This region is the flat land that people often think of when they think of Kansas, with mostly small, rural towns dotting the prairies, and a few slightly larger cities here and there....

Dreaming of a safari adventure? You don’t need to travel to the African Serengeti or even Ohio’s very own Wilds. There’s a safari-themed VRBO in Ohio that’s located just outside of Columbus and decked to the nines with decor and bespoke touches that will make you swear you’re in the jungle! Let’s take a walk on the wild side, shall we? Imagine going on safari in Serengeti, the African sun melting in the horizon after a day spent admiring elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and lions....

Nestled on the curve of a Lake Minnetonka bay, the village of Excelsior (population 2,300) is, perhaps, the best town for having yourself a merry little, old-fashioned Christmas in Minnesota. Excelsior embraces the holiday spirit like few other towns do, with a calendar of events and activities out of proportion to the community’s size. Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce/Facebook Of course, the Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce promotes local businesses with its annual “Christmas in Excelsior” event....

Old Westbury Gardens in Old Westbury in Nassau County is beautiful at any time of year. This former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps has been a museum since 1959. The home and gardens are open to the pubic and tours of the home are available. The formal gardens are truly breathtaking. However, Old Westbury Gardens comes alive in another way during the holiday season. Shimmering Solstice, which debuted in 2021, is a walk through holiday light show that will really get you into the spirit of the season with light and sound....

If you grew up in Louisiana, you’ve likely heard the legends of the Rougarou, a swamp monster that lurks in the swamps and lures unsuspecting souls to their death. If heading to the swamps in the middle of the night and investigating the validity of this creature isn’t on your bucket list, then we’ve got an excellent runner-up in the form of this awesome Rougarou-themed restaurant in Louisiana. Don’t worry, you probably won’t run into the mythical beast here, but you will run into some amazing food!...

The weather may be frigid right now, but that will not always be the case and you will want to get out and about at some point! Kentucky is filled with outdoor adventure and offers everything from epic hiking trails to magnificent waterfalls. If one of your goals in 2018 is to get outside a little more, or maybe get more exercise, or maybe even see more of Kentucky, then you will love this list of 11 outdoor adventures in the Bluegrass State you absolutely must experience in 2018....

Utah’s Antelope Island is a great destination year-round, but most people choose to visit during the spring and fall months. For a unique experience, plan to make an Antelope Island winter trip to the island! The following list highlights 12 reasons why you should head to this stunning spot during winter in Utah. Antelope Island has an ethereal beauty in the wintertime that can’t be beaten. Mia Stevens/Alltrails The frigid landscape and winter skies give you an entirely new perspective on the island....

Gone, but not forgotten. Here are some pictures of abandoned places in Wyoming that once were full of life but now have been left to lie in abandonment and disarray. Even though these creepy places in Wyoming are no longer cared for, remnants still remain as a reminder of distant memories. Oh, if these abandoned Wyoming structures could talk. What tales they would tell. Abandoned cabin in the Gros Ventre section of Grand Teton National Park....

If you know even a little about San Francisco, there is no doubt that you’ve heard some pretty surreal and unbelievable urban legends about living in this city. Here are some of the eeriest and unexplainable San Francisco urban legends that we know you won’t forget anytime soon. Let’s see what these legends are about now: The Lady of Stow Lake Patrick G/Flickr One of the biggest legends involves Golden Gate Park, specifically Stow Lake....

One of the best winter towns in Arizona is a bonafide cold weather playground complete with snowy horseback rides, enchanted forest trails, and relaxing spa treatments. If you’ve never visited Pinetop-Lakeside in the winter, consider this your sign to plan a trip this season. While Pinetop-Lakeside is a popular summer vacation spot, the small northern Arizona town also makes an excellent winter getaway. Facebook/White Mountain Nature Center Nestled in the heart of the majestic White Mountains, the town receives around 40 inches of snow per year, transforming it into a postcard-worthy winter wonderland....

Edelweiss German Restaurant is a hidden gem found just a stone’s throw away from I-81 near Staunton. Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this time-tested restaurant serves authentic German cuisine. Though the restaurant has only been around since 1981, the recipes and traditions haven’t changed for nearly 100 years. Here’s more on what you can look forward to when you visit Edelweiss German Restaurant in Virginia....

The Shawnee National Forest is impressively huge, and boasts some of the prettiest views in the American Midwest. The sprawling land can be intimidating, but luckily Rustic Hideaway Cabins makes the decision on where to stay, easy. Located on 10 acres of land adjoining the forest, these cabins in Shawnee National Forest are great for anyone visiting the popular hiking area. There are two cabins available year-round. Each of the cabins can hold up to four guests, and offer great amenities, such as hot tubs and fireplaces....

Have you ever been on a hike and float trip in New Mexico? If you are interested in such a fun day trip, you’re in luck as this article offers recommendations for both. The hike is in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, in Questa, New Mexico, which has been set aside just for people like you to enjoy two national Wild and Scenic Rivers protected by U.S. Congress. The two rivers preserved here are the Red River and the Rio Grande River, and the float trip goes down the Rio Grande....

Mother Nature’s absolutely spectacular, giving us such breathtaking natural beauty as vast mountain ranges, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls. We’re quite fortunate to have dozens upon dozens of waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Chances are we’re always within easy reach of a waterfall in Pennsylvania. This beautiful Pennsylvania waterfall sits along a gorgeous trail that also boasts stunning views. If you’ve got a bucket list, add this picturesque path. Chasing waterfalls is the perfect way to spend an hour or two or even an entire day, and you definitely want to make it a point to visit Hackers Falls in Delaware Gap National Recreation Area in Bushkill....

Considered one of the best parks in the state, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a must-visit. Featuring 13 miles of trails that lead to fascinating rock formations, bluffs, canyons, and spectacular scenic overlooks, hiking here is like entering another world. Perhaps the biggest draw to the park, however, is the sheer number of waterfalls found in the many canyons. Why not spend the day exploring most, if not all?...

North Dakota is abundant with lakes and ponds all across the state, but none are quite like this one. Chase Lake is special for one interesting reason, and you can see it yourself for free. This won’t be a usual lake visit, but it’ll certainly be one you remember for a lifetime. Check it out! Of all the lakes in North Dakota, Chase Lake is easily one of the most beautiful and unique – come see why....

There is a city in the Volunteer State that is unlike any other place in our country. Filled with roadside attractions, weird buildings, and fascinating architecture, Pigeon Forge is truly one of a kind. You could easily spend a whole week in this city and only scratch the surface of what kind of fun you could have. Pigeon Forge in Tennessee was designed as a destination for pure enjoyment. We suggest you take a drive down the Parkway to see this city for yourself....

Playing outside is not always possible with kids: the weather just sometimes doesn’t want to cooperate, or maybe you live somewhere where there isn’t a safe area outside. If you’re in a situation where you can’t let the kids get their energy out outdoors, an indoor playground in Georgia is a great option. One that is a fantastic choice is Ready Set FUN! in Sandy Springs, Georgia! This place has plenty of indoor activities and a fun-filled playground geared for kids under 8....

There are dozens upon dozens of places to hike, camp, and stay during the gloriously sunny summers in New Mexico. However, it might be a little tougher to find a getaway when the temperatures start to drop. So if you’re looking for some of the best hot springs in the US, this magnificent resort in Truth or Consequences is the ultimate relaxation getaway with views that are second to none! Take a dip at this mineral hot spring in New Mexico for a true retreat, whether you want to spend a few hours or a few days....