For the first time in nearly 300 years, an elk was recently spotted in South Carolina. That’s right. An elk. Flickr/Jenn A young bull elk, much like the one shown here in North Carolina, was spotted in Pickens County near the North Carolina border. Flickr/Tim Lumley Why is that such a big deal? For starters, all of the elk herds in South Carolina were killed off around 275 years ago by early settlers to the area....
While there are dozens of state parks in Maryland, sometimes it’s the little known ones that have the most unique attributes. The following park is a must-visit for its history and scenic views. Check it out: Located in Grantsville, Casselman River Bridge State Park is a picturesque spot located along Casselman River. Flickr / Jon Dawson While it offers basic park amenities, it’s most known for being home to the historic Casselman River Bridge....
One of South Dakota’s newest state parks is an absolutely beautiful place that is still thriving with nature. Not only that, but it is also one of the most historically significant areas in the state. We’re talking about the Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, Blood Run being one of the longest human-inhabited areas in the entire country. But it isn’t a place that was inhabited and destroyed; it is a place that was abundant with resources and hunting opportunities and turned into an important gathering ground for ceremonies and trading among the indigenous tribes from as far back as 1300 AD....
Kentucky has a fascinating history and there is evidence of it all over the state. Some spots are more popular than others, but there is one hidden gem right in Kentucky’s largest city that you may never have heard of. Farmington Plantation is a historic property that is lovingly maintained and shared with the community and you’ll want to visit. Right in the heart of Jefferson County, Farmington Plantation is now a historic site, situated on 18 acres of what was once a 550-acre thriving hemp plantation....
Looking for a quiet place with a wealth of natural beauty? How about wide open spaces and marked trails? If that sounds like fun to you, then this is the place you’ve been looking for. Hidden Valley Preserve is an often forgotten park, part of a much larger collection of preserved woodland. But it’s about to be your new favorite place… Hidden Valley Preserve is 650 acres of rolling hillsides, covered in trees....
What do sand dunes, wildflowers, and evergreen trees have in common? Oak Openings Metro Park. Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony—and it will truly make you feel like you’re not in Ohio anymore. The park has a tendency to make visitors feel as if they’ve temporarily traveled to another state or different part of the world....
It’s certainly no secret that Montana has amazing food. Some of our restaurants receive national attention, while others have been locally known gems for decades. Of course, that leaves dozens and dozens of Montana restaurants that are underrated “hidden treasures.” And Missoula’s River City Grill, which was named Montana’s Most Underrated Restaurant by MSM.com last year, is definitely one of them. River City Grill is located at 7985 MT Highway 200....
We all know that Spearfish Canyon is stunning in the fall, but have you experienced all 4 seasons of this glorious area? This South Dakota gorge will leave you absolutely breathless even during the winter months. From icy blue waters, to stunning frozen waterfalls, this natural wonder will drop your jaw this winter. This canyon stretches for nearly 20 miles in in the northern Black Hills. As one of the oldest canyons in the country, Spearfish Canyon is an astonishingly beautiful South Dakota treasure....
One of the best parts about living in Pennsylvania is the opportunity to enjoy countless natural attractions. One such example is Cherry Springs State Park, an incredibly rare natural area that’s been designated as an International Dark Sky Park. In other words, it offers some of the best star gazing in the world. Here’s more on this lovely state park that can offer a world of celestial enchantment: The scenic Cherry Springs State Park is located at 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915....
If you are obsessed with Christmas, you want partake in as many holiday festivities as possible. A Christmas lights road trip? Check. A trip to this simply magical Christmas store? Double check. A ride on the Polar Express to the North Pole? You betcha. You’ve done it all, so now what? It’s time for another memorable road trip, of course! Hop in the car and follow along as we visit Colorado’s most charming Christmas towns!...
When you need a break from the city, just head to this delightful natural oasis in Southern California for a dose of peace and quiet. From picturesque hikes with incredibly scenic views to an abundance of nature at every turn, you’ll be surrounded by pure natural beauty at this peaceful farm preserve. Tucked inside a beautiful stretch of farm land in San Diego County you’ll find the picturesque Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve....
Are you and your family looking for a unique outdoor weekend this summer? Why not take a trip through the many crystal clear lakes of northern Minnesota! Take three days exploring the best of what MN’s Lake Country has to offer. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit! Google Maps Our wonderful weekend trip begins on Duluth’s scenic Park Point as we explore the tip of Lake Superior. The wonderful beaches and beautiful, cool, crisp water provide a perfect starting point for the journey....
If you enjoy a unique dining experience, you’ll certainly find it in Washington. From the trapeze artists and burlesque dancers at The Pink Door in Seattle to the zombie-themed burger joint on Vashon Island, you’ll find it all here. But if you’ve ever seen Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle in Spokane, you know that it’s definitely one of the most unique restaurants in America, at least in shape. The milk bottle is actually one of two of its kind located in Spokane....
That’s right, y’all. It may not be as grandiose as the original, but it’s one all our own. It might be mistaken for the real thing if not for the Texas twist we put on it! See for yourself: Paris is a sleepy little Northeast Texas town, but one harboring an extremely unique secret. Flickr/Cyril Fluck This Eiffel Tower replica was erected in 1993 to pay homage to the town’s French namesake, much like other US cities named “Paris” have done....
South Carolina is known for its rural scenery and farmland. In fact, there are more than 24,000 farms here that encompass almost 5 million acres! It can be very relaxing to drive through the country and see the rolling green of the land, the standing hay bales, and watch as a sun sets behind a barn or meadow. You breathe deep and smell the clean air and feel the energy of the land seep deep in your bones....
When it comes to scenery, Iowa has a little bit of everything to offer. From towering bluffs, to thick forests, to bright blue lakes – you’ll soon find out that Iowa is anything but flat and boring. To show you what we mean, here are 13 breathtaking sceneries that define the beauty of Iowa: The jaw-dropping view from the top of Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor. Kathy Tilander-Doyle/Facebook The stunning lakeside scenery at Spirit Lake....
My 3-year-old has his first day of preschool today… instead of sitting around crying (which I will probably still do the three hours he’s gone, but you get the idea), I am going to try to focus on happy things, like the fact that fall is just around the corner! If you are like me and cannot get enough of all the goodness this time of year has to offer, make plans to take this dreamy road trip through some of the best fall foliage in Colorado (link to the original map can be found here):...
There are so many great dining options in Maryland, they can start to blend together after a while. For a truly unique place to eat paired with gorgeous views, you’ll want to check out the following hidden restaurant in Maryland. The food here is so good, you won’t mind planning your very own restaurant road trip. Located in the tiny town of Fishing Creek, you’ll find the hidden and delicious Old Salty’s Restaurant....
Colorado is home to countless small towns that can only be described as charming. However, on the flip side, our beloved state is also home to a few dark and disturbing areas, including this spooky small town that could be straight out of a horror movie: Located in south central Colorado lies the iconic town of Cañon City; a popular state destination that is home to nearly 17,000 residents and some of Colorado’s most famous attractions....
Cassadaga is a tiny community in Volusia County that has become a somewhat famously quirky Florida destination. It’s off I-4, but you’d still have to really be looking for it to find it. The town is very small, but its roots go back over 120 years. That’s when George P. Colby, a traveling medium from New York, was guided by spirits to found the community in 1895. Though it’s not far from the large tourist destinations in Orlando and Daytona, the town that’s nicknamed the “Psychic Capital of the World” is actually quite small and unassuming....
