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Thanksgiving was just yesterday, and it has everyone thinking about what they’re most thankful for: family, friends, turkey, gravity, etc. Before we get too far out of the spirit of graciousness, let’s take a few minutes to think about the best parts of living in Pennsylvania. Here is what I’m most thankful for as a PA resident. Pennsylvanians are ahead of the thankfulness curve; Ben Franklin, a Pennsylvania visionary, at one time vouched for turkeys as America’s mascot, instead of the eagle....

There’s so much about Des Moines to be learned and explored. Here are eight facts about Des Moines that you’d never believe are true. Between the years of 1942 and 2009, a city ordinance made dancing illegal between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo became home to a third red panda, Razz, in 2012. It is estimated that there are only about 2,500 to 20,000 red pandas left in the wild....

Okay, so maybe not unthinkable, but it’s still pretty neat. Texas has played a big role in the oil industry for a long time, the most notable example being Spindletop. But I bet you didn’t know that every time you pump your gas at an Exxon station, you’re buying from a company that has its roots in our state. Without the Magnolia Petroleum Company, who knows where our entire nation would be today?...

Mount Zion is the largest island in the Quabbin Reservoir. It’s currently uninhabited, but that’s about to change in a big, slithery way. So what does the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife have planned for this idyllic island? Rattlesnakes. Flickr/Yayad That’s right, venomous timber rattlesnakes are moving into the Quabbin Reservoir neighborhood. And not just a handful of them…oh no. These snakes will be placed on the island specifically to breed and multiply....

Welcome to Mogollon. I’m saying that upfront, because when you arrive at this remote spot in the Gila National Forest, there may not to be anyone to greet you! See, Mogollon is a ghost town. Mogollon was founded at the end of the 19th century. It was even more isolated then than it is now. The stagecoach took a full day to make the journey from Silver City to Mogollon, which was never connected to a railway line....

There are many wonderful places to live in Alabama. However, there’s one city that’s not only the most livable in Alabama, but also one of the most livable in America. According to 24/7 Wall St., this city is Hoover—a suburb of Birmingham with a population of around 84,000. Listed below are 10 reasons why Hoover is one of “America’s 50 Best Cities to Live.” Hoover offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham....

The Good Friday Earthquake and Tsunami in 1964 caused 139 deaths across the state of Alaska. The magnitude of the earthquake that caused the tsunami was 9.2, the most powerful in the history of North America and the second most powerful in the world. The tsunami was so powerful it affected communities all over the globe, even Japan and Hawaii. Areas of just south of Anchorage sunk almost 8 feet while areas around Kodiak raised almost 30 feet!...

Many Minnesotans remember the horrendous Halloween of 1991. It all started with the snow, and before we knew it the wind hit and the entire state was shut down. By midnight on the 31st, 8.2 inches of snow had fallen in the Twin Cities – a record for the date and the entire month of October! The snow continued until November 3, and by the time it ended it had become one of the largest and longest in MN history, dropping a whopping 36....

Everyone needs comfort food from time to time. It helps us relax, and reminisce about previous delicious food experiences. Lucky for us Rhode Islanders, there is comfort food all around! This old school burger joint might just be the very best option. Stanley’s is a long standing neighborhood restaurant found in the city of Central Falls near Providence. Yelp/Beth H. This locally owned establishment has been around 1932! Facebook/Stanlye’s Featuring a menu designed straight from your comfort food dreams, Stanley’s is locally famous for their amazing burgers....

When you explore Florida, you expect certain natural wonders, like beautiful beaches and impressive natural springs. One thing you don’t expect is a river with whitewater rapids. This short hike in White Springs, however, will take you to a sight you probably didn’t even know you could see in Florida. Big Shoals State Park is the only place you can experience Class III whitewater rapids in the state of Florida....

We’ve done a lot of articles on hidden gems, but this one just might take the cake. Texas isn’t exactly known for the prettiest bodies of water – exactly why this little oasis seems even more like paradise. The Devil’s River in Del Rio is nestled in a valley beneath towering canyons and plateaus, so very few people know it even exists. But those who do know just how beautiful it is with its crystal clear water that’s perfect for swimming and kayaking....

Sometimes I think Florida should be called the Adventure State, because there are so many exciting and jaw-dropping things to see and places to explore. Some of our state’s greatest features are its gorgeous natural springs, and you’ve probably visited a few of them in our state parks and forests. There are a few lesser-known spots that you might not have heard of, though, like this scenic spring in North Florida, just waiting to be explored:...

Farm-to-table is a big craze in Washington DC these days. However there is no experience quite like the one you will enjoy at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, VA. This charming farm restaurant near Washington DC will give you a unique dining experience. You will be able to enjoy gorgeous views, local ingredients, and innovative dishes. Patowmack Farm was established in 1986 and the restaurant was one of the first farm restaurants in the country....

For many people, one of the most fun and unique parts of the holiday season is driving or walking around the neighborhood and admiring your neighbors’ lights and other decorations. Sometimes, someone will go ABOVE and BEYOND in decking the halls and earn attention from the community, the newspaper, and websites much like this one. Check out these unbelievable Christmas displays in Nebraska, and try not to think about the electric bills these folks receive in January....

Do you ever wonder what happened to the days when kids would actually go out and play? It can be a struggle nowadays to pull them away from the magnetic glow of the television, tablets and video games. This park in Sarasota will awaken their imaginations and remind them how fun it is to play outdoors. The Children’s Garden is located at 1670 10th Way in Sarasota. This enchating garden will keep little ones entertained for hours....

Salt therapy (halotherapy) has been around for years, dating back as far as the 18th century. So, while the trend is somewhat new in the states, it has been well-known and practiced throughout the world for centuries. This natural form of therapy involves inhaling dry salt, which cleanses both the airways and the skin to relieve congestion, inflammation and skin irritations. The Kansas City Salt Mine is located in Lees Summit, but serves clients throughout Raytown, Blue Springs and Independence....

There’s no shortage of unique restaurants in Maryland and the following eatery just may be the quirkiest one in the state. If you’re fond of old-fashioned cuisine, eclectic decor and hairspray, then you’ll LOVE Cafe Hon. Hon culture is alive and well in Baltimore. Facebook / Cafe Hon And there’s no better place to experience this throwback lifestyle than at Cafe Hon. Flickr / Ali Eminov Ready to enter? Yelp / John Paul W....

With the magical season of fall quickly approaching, it’s important to make the most of this gorgeous, but much too short, season. You can do that by checking out these 12 amazing places in Iowa this fall! Visit all of the beautiful, historic Bridges of Madison County. Jeff Lawson/Flickr Take a scenic drive through Eagle Point Park in Dubuque. SD Dirk/Flickr Enjoy the view at Pikes Peak State Park in Clayton County....

If you are looking for something amazing to do next weekend, check out the Red Dress Run in New Orleans. It’s a completely unique event that will absolutely make your weekend spectacular. It’s hosted by the Hash House Harriers, as they like to say, a “drinking club with a running problem”. Did you realize that the Red Dress Run in New Orleans is happening this Saturday? http://www.noh3.com/ It takes place every 2nd Saturday in August, and is truly a whirlwind each and every year....

Life in Arizona is both amazing and unique. This state has some of the hottest summers in the country and still manages to get ample snowfall in the winter months. Our spring season starts a couple months sooner than other areas of the country, we get wild storms in the summer, and the yellowing leaves of fall look absolutely incredible against red rock buttes. With all of that comes unique—and possibly weird—things Arizonans do that can seem a bit weird to others....