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From the Yeti to the Loch Ness monster to the chupacabra, the whole world is full of mysterious monsters hiding away in swamps, beneath lakes, and on remote mountains. The Natural State has its own legendary creature, and ours is mysterious enough to have movies made about it and books written on its lore. The Fouke Monster, or the Boggy Creek Monster, is famous. If you’re wondering where to go to learn about the monster, click this link....

If you didn’t live through the ’50s and ’60s, you probably don’t understand what it was like to live in constant fear of nuclear weapons. Schools had drills, families made emergency plans, and some businesses and communities built fallout shelters to help people survive a nuclear attack and its aftereffects. The Roberts Dairy plant at 29th and Cuming streets in Omaha was one such business. These photographs from 1968 show the facility as it was then....

What’s better than a night of wine tasting with friends? How about a scenic ride aboard a wine train? Indiana has a lot of fun local wineries so taste tasting is an absolute must if you’d like to explore the many local flavors the state has to offer. For a relaxing evening, check out this incredible wine-themed train that you thought only existed in your imagination. Lorin G./TripAdvisor The Spirit of Jasper is a stunning excursion train that offers Hoosiers scenic rides and provides many special events and activities year round....

This small town in Oregon has faded from memory just as it has been eroded from the landscape by misfortune and the elements. Shaniko was once one of the most prosperous communities in the West. Now, the town is a withered husk of its former self. Read on to learn more about what happened to this forgotten ghost town, and be sure to watch the video from YouTube channel “Urbex US....

Have you ever visiting a dueling piano bar…? Because here in Music City, The Big Bang is where to go for fun and all sorts of exciting, late night music. Every night the show is new, which means that you’ll have the opportunity to explore the breadth of musical genres at this exciting late night spot. It’s high energy with a loud crowd and lots of fun, so make sure you take a peek and add The Big Band to your Broadway itinerary....

The Christmas season is truly the most magical time of the year, especially when many people transform their houses into whimsical light shows. These stunning displays are not only a source of pride for the town, but they are part of what makes the holidays in Iowa so special! The following videos show some of the most stunning and unique Christmas light displays in Iowa. I can’t decide whether number 1, 2,or 10 is my favorite…...

Do you have a sweet tooth that needs satiating? There is a cupcake shop in the state of Georgia that can absolutely help. CamiCakes Cupcakes has been changing the game lately–the cupcake game, that is. If you’re looking for a way to reward your kids for a great report card, or simply need to indulge in a little bit of chocolate on chocolate action ASAP, then this cupcake shop is the place to do it....

Who would want to stay in a haunted hotel? That was my first thought when I stumbled upon the Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Centre. But it turns out, a lot of people want the chance to check in to this spooky spot in central Minnesota. And there’s a reason: unlike the haunted houses you’re used to visiting during Halloween, the ghosts in this house may actually be real. It’s unclear where they come from, but paranormal professionals have suggested that dozens of spirits are constantly passing through....

If you’re looking for adventure in Minnesota, head up north to the wilderness sanctuary that is MN’s largest state forest. Escape into the 878,040 acres of wild terrain surrounding the Big Fork State Water Trail, and experience the beauty of orchids, pines, and peatlands. Pine Island State Forest is the largest of all 58 state forests in MN, and the land is mostly undeveloped. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources There are 168 miles of hiking trails in this massive recreation area, and day use areas near Red Lake, Big Falls, and all along the Big Fork River....

How well do you know Washington? Even if you consider yourself an Evergreen State expert, you might not be aware of some peaceful hidden hot springs you’ll find less than 30 miles from the freeway in Western Washington. They’re one of the Pacific Northwest’s most hidden gems. Goldmyer Hot Springs is a small piece of wilderness nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains about 25 miles east of North Bend....

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises offers evening cruises on Prince William Sound. These thrilling cruises offer the opportunity to see glaciers, stunning views of the Sound and, with any luck, a wide variety of sea life. Stan Stephens long worked to protect Alaska’s coastline and this family run business continues his legacy. Visitors and residents alike will enjoy an evening trip across the waters to view life in Prince William Sound....

Have you ever wanted to go on a safari and see exotic animals up close, but have never traveled to Africa to actually see this dream come true? Luckily for us here in Northern California, your wildest dreams can come true just a short drive away in Monterey County. At Vision Quest Ranch in Monterey County, these majestic animals will walk right up to your front door and say good morning....

The state of Iowa is unlike anything else. We have such a range of natural beauty, from caves to cliffs, and lakes to forests, plus everything in between. Some of these places we would even call “otherworldly” beautiful, and with a little imagination, these 10 places in Iowa will make you swear you’re on another planet… Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa Michael Kappel/Flickr This subterranean paradise is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and it may even seem like you’re on a different planet....

Pittsburgh lays claim to a long, storied history. Founded in 1758, Pittsburgh continues to evolve into the 21st century while still embracing its rich history. Step back through the pages of time to Pittsburgh during 1935. The Cathedral of Learning as seen in a photo from The Owl, the student yearbook of the University of Pittsburgh. Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain The John M. Mitchell House, at 524 Third Avenue in Pittsburgh, as captured in February 1935....

Here in Illinois, we don’t have to fear some of the craziness that other states face–like hurricanes (seriously, how do you people even deal?!)–but we have plenty of our own drama to deal with. So if you want to survive in Illinois, you’ve got to have some essentials: A shovel oatsy40/Flickr You definitely need a shovel for those long winter months. Tolerance for traffic Ryan/Flickr Whether it’s city traffic or a country road backed up behind a tractor, there’s traffic everywhere....

When the leaves change and the air cools off, Minnesota is absolutely stunning. Fall is by far the most gorgeous season in MN, and also one of the most fun! Here are a few reasons why this season can’t be beat: Fall foliage in MN provides the most amazing colors you’ll see all year! Flickr/Micky** It’s apple picking time! These juicy apples are at Apple Jack Orchards. Flickr/Pete Markham It’s also pumpkin time!...

The 1930s was a difficult decade for America, and Virginia was no exception. The Great Depression meant extreme economic crises that affected nearly everyone. The market crashed in October of 1929 and 25% of the workforce lost their jobs. Factories shut down, production was halted, homes were foreclosed, and the banking system all but collapsed. Most counties in Virginia had to shorten their school terms to less than eight months. Virginia’s farms were hit particularly hard and the deterioration of buildings and equipment was evident....

Pittsburghers know what makes Pittsburgh so amazing. It’s why we live here, after all. But, those who have never been to Pittsburgh may not understand – yet. Here are 17 undeniable reasons why everyone should love Pittsburgh The Past: Whispers of Pittsburgh’s past, which dates back to 1758, is evident everywhere, from the Fort Pitt Blockhouse to the Old Allegheny County Jail. Flickr/Don Burkett The Present: While honoring the past and looking toward the future, Pittsburgh has a pretty amazing present as a technological and medical hub....

Looking for more vacation options in West Virginia? There are plenty more. Here’s the second part of a list of great vacation spots in the Mountain State. Here’s the first one. Canaan Valley Resort Canaan Valley Resort/Facebook The resort has plenty to offer – biking and hiking trails, a tube ride, a chairlift ride and an outdoor pool. Plus there’s plenty of things to see in the area, too: Blackwater Falls, Seneca Caverns, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Seneca Rocks and Smoke Hole Caverns....

These abandoned items, buildings and structures in Southern California provide a haunting look at what has been discarded from the past. From a failed water park to a deserted town that was once a waterfront resort, you will be shocked by the sad remains. Where retired airplanes go to die. More than 1,000 commercial airliners are housed at the Mojave airport. Wikimedia Commons Former LA Zoo located in Griffith Park. The structures and animal cages have been left behind and remain in their original location....