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Solitary confinement is a controversial practice in American prisons today, but before Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary was built in the mid-1800s, solitary confinement did not even exist as a concept. With the completion of the prison, the American prison system adopted a new precedent of incarceration that involved tiny cells and prolonged isolation. Yet, the extent of what happened there is even worse than just that. Eastern State Penitentiary, with its wagon-wheel floorpan and small, individual cells, was the first true penitentiary ever built....

We all know the highlight of Turner Falls is the stunning 77-ft. waterfall that beautifully falls from the rocks of the Arbuckle Mountains into a natural pool below. But there is something else in the park that explorers will want to check out – the hidden caves. Some of these caves are marked and easily accessible, however, there are a few “secret” caves that exist that are waiting to be explored in some of the oldest mountains on earth....

Some of Arkansas’s most beautiful places are the more remote spots where you can find peace and quiet, and bask in the splendor of nature. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is just such a place. It’s a 65,000-acre refuge full of wetland and forest. Visitors will truly feel as though they’ve stepped into a timeless place here. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge - the hardwood foliage is spectacular....

Plenty of Delawareans have hiked through Brandywine Creek State Park during the day, in all weather. It’s one of the most popular Delaware state parks for a good reason! The meadows are beautiful, the hills provide a break from the typical sea-level Delaware experience, and the critters you’ll find on the trail are entertaining and unique. Well, now there’s a new reason to get excited about Brandywine Creek State Park! This spring, Delaware State Parks have started a program for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers alike – their Starry Night Hike program....

Although ski resorts and chair lifts are probably some of the last things that come to mind when you think of Ohio, you should know that Ohio is home to a pretty epic winter resort. Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio features all the wintertime fun you could possibly want—and then some. It’s the largest ski and tubing resort in Ohio, featuring 144 acres. Check it out: With a total of four parks, each differing in size and activities, there’s truly something for everyone at Mad River Mountain....

Camping is one of the best parts of summer in Nebraska, and we have plenty of places to enjoy sleeping under the stars. There are many, many campgrounds to choose from in every part of the state. Everyone has their own preferences and criteria for what makes a terrific campground, but Ponca State Park in northeastern Nebraska is often called the most beautiful in the state. Ponca is one of Nebraska’s most popular state parks, and with good reason....

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to rough it. This adventure park allows you to stay in a treehouse nestled in a Florida forest, but it’s a little different from the treehouses you might remember. Read on to find out more and start planning your next getaway: Welcome to the Lorax Loft at Adventures Unlimited, located near Milton in Northwest Florida. adventuresunlimited.com Though its exterior may have you feeling nostalgic for the treehouses of your childhood, the interior is pure luxury....

It’s camping season and that means it’s time to drag out the tent, dust it off and head for the mountains. West Virginia has tons of great camping spots (here are 12 amazing spots to visit), but there’s one in particular that offers secluded beauty unlike any other. Check this out! Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia, standing proud at 4,863 feet. This mountain has tons of recreation opportunities, and a beautiful, secluded campground....

Amazing parks can be found scattered all over Rhode Island! While some are filled with hundreds of acres of deep forested hiking trails, others offer lovely cliffside walking paths with scenic overlooks. Others still are well manicured urban parks found hiding right in plain sight. This one modestly sized park offers arguably one of the most stunning views in the entire state. Prospect Terrace is a park found in the College Hill area of the East Side of Providence....

When you live in the city, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on the stunning fall foliage. Sure, you can go up to the Poconos and see the mountains bathed in red, orange, and yellow – but if you don’t have a chance to get away for a whole weekend, we’ve got a solution! The Wilmington and Western Railroad offers the closest fall foliage train ride near Philadelphia, and it is breathtaking....

Ohio is a gold mine when it comes to antique shopping. (In fact, the Buckeye State is actually home to the largest antique mall in the world. Click here to read more about it.) Tucked away in the heart of Ohio Amish County in Wayne County, you’ll find one of the state’s most unique stores. It’s massive and packed full of treasures from yesteryear. The nostalgia and charm of Lehman’s Hardware Store keep locals and visitors returning year after year....

There are certain places in Southern California that we return to again and again because they are just so perfectly SoCal. This retro milkshake shack along the SoCal coast is the perfect example. It may have changed a bit over the years, but it just keeps getting better and better as time goes by. It’s a wonderful spot that reminds us of long days at the beach sipping on a milkshake while eating a burger with fries....

In Bethesda, you can find Maryland’s weirdest house. YouTube/GrigStamate Edward and Frances Garfinkle purchased the home in 1967, when it looked like every other house on the block. But they had a quirky vision and were determined to bring their whimsical fantasy to life. Using polyurethane foam, they covered their home until it became one of the oddest, yet magical looking structures in our state. YouTube/GrigStamate The following video by Grig Stamate gives us an up close and personal view of this wacky abode....

The iconic Christ of the Abyss located in the Key Largo Dry Rocks near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is an underwater landmark that many divers have on their bucket lists. There are many companies in Key Largo offering excursions to see the statue, including glass-bottom boat tours, so you can see the Christ of the Abyss even if you can’t dive or snorkel. There’s just something captivating about the atmospheric light and colors of the ocean and the way marine life has made the statue its home as an artificial reef....

If you’re looking for an epic resort in Minnesota, it’s time to try heading farther north than ever before. Skip the usuals, and head straight up to the border, where you can find one-of-a-kind lodging on the shores of Rainy Lake. The views are amazing in every season and the recreation opportunities are endless, making this area one of the most phenomenal places to visit. Rainy Lake is so immense that you’ll always feel like you’re truly experiencing MN nature....

Minnesota’s rivers and lakes offer a wide variety of gorgeous, clear water, but none as pristine as can be found off Shovel Point in Lake Superior. Known as Crystal Bay, this section of the North Shore is in beautiful Tettegouche State Park, and it is truly magical. If you’ve ever walked out to Shovel Point at Tettegouche you’ll know the views are incredible. Jo Magliocco You may have to take a lot of stairs, but head all the way out to the furthest point, and you will gaze down upon MN’s bluest water....

Wisconsin is home to some pretty great zoos, with tons of animals. But if your favorite animal is the big cat, then you need to check out Wisconsin’s Big Cat Rescue. This facility is dedicated to helping needy large cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. It is incredible to see them in one place just dedicated to their survival. What’s more is that you will learn a lot about these magnificent creatures....

Do you believe in magic? This spring, this historic garden will transform into a magical land of fairies that will delight your kids and the kid in you. The beautiful tropical plants and historic structures of Vero Beach’s McKee Botanical Garden makes a perfect setting for this fairytale world. This festival isn’t just for fairies, though. All of you swashbuckling pirates out there are welcome, too. Facebook/McKee Botanical Garden Get ready for a day of fun games and crafts, balloon twisting, and entertaining magic tricks....

As the weather turns chilly this fall, nothing sounds better on a windy, rainy day than some good old fashioned comfort food. And if there’s one thing Minnesota diners know, it’s how to make people comfortable. Old favorites like Mickey’s keep us coming back for the endless coffee, massive plates of affordable, delicious food, and cheerful, friendly patrons. Here are some of the other favorite MN diners that will definitely make you feel at home....

You don’t need to convince me about why Illinois is an amazing state. Or give me a reason to be proud of Illinois. But here are ten reasons why Illinoisians should be proud to be from Illinois: We were the first state to abolish slavery. Gage Skidmore/Flickr We have some classic sports franchises. Paula Bleinicka/Flickr We have one of the best major cities in the world. Roman Boed/Flickr We have first-rate museums....