Illinois has its share of haunted places, but there may be none more creepy than Ashmore Estates. It was originally a poorhouse, but it was then bought and turned into an insane asylum. The asylum closed in 1987, and it sat dormant for years. Now, it has been renovated. But no amount of cleaning can remove the spirits that haunt the property. Ashmore Estates was an asylum that operated from 1959 to 1986....
With hot temperatures in West Virginia showing no signs of letting up, it’s time to grab your swimsuit and a beach towel and head to a beautiful swimming hole. Here’s one we think you definitely shouldn’t miss this year. Audra State Park is a spectacular, 355-acre park in Barbour County. The Middle Fork River runs right through the park. Catherine W./Tripadvisor There’s a large swimming area that offers lots of cold water that’s deep enough to provide plenty of soaking-wet fun....
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, often abbreviated to the CBBT, is an impressive 23-mile link between Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore. Since its construction in 1964, the bridge has seen over 100 million vehicles. While the bridge has a hefty toll, there’s no denying the architectural feat of traveling through an underwater tunnel. In fact, it’s one of only ten bridge-tunnels in the entire world. Even if you routinely use the CBBT, you’ve probably never seen it from an aerial perspective....
Tucked away in Jefferson County, sits one of the most unique churches in the state, Christ Church. No longer in use, the historic church is located in the small community of Church Hill, left hiding in plain sight. Take a closer look at the beyond charming chapel: The unincorporated community of Church Hill is located just north of Natchez on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr The small community received its name because it is home to Christ Church – a quaint little chapel that sits atop a small hill....
If there is one thing that those of us from Denver LOVE, it is a sloppy, yet oh-so delicious smothered burrito topped with a creamy green chile. While you are sure to hear conflicting opinions on just where to get the best burrito in the city, we happen to think it comes from this little-known Lincoln Park restaurant: Yelp/Brigitte O. Yelp/Ray Z. Yelp/Connor G. Yelp/Maia H. Housed inside the most unassuming of storefronts lies the surprising El Taco De Mexico; an authentic, family-owned restaurant that has been serving up its delicious fare since 1985....
The Energy Loop actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you’ll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington. To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper and down to Huntington....
Are you looking to get away (if only for just one day)? Lucky for us Kansans, there are plenty of fun and charming towns perfect for a summer day trip by yourself, with your family, or with a group of friends! However, the town of Hays may be our favorite for these reasons: Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons Located in the heart of Kansas, Hays is a small community of just over 20,000 that may be home to a large university, but is far from your stereotypical college town....
If you are a history buff, why not check out an Illinois town with a lot of history? You’ll be entertained AND learn something. Sound cool? Well, then head to 8 of these historic Illinois towns. Bishop Hill Roger W/Flickr Founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants partial to the Pietist movement, Bishop Hill still retains its history. You can learn a ton by visiting the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, which includes four buildings on the National Register of Historic Places....
Kansas is the #1 state in the country, so it makes sense that we are also number one at: Feeding the world by producing large amounts of… Flickr/Windell Oskay …wheat… Flickr/Rich Minear …sunflowers… Flickr/Gina Collecchia …and livestock. Flickr/David DeHetre College sports… Flickr/Newman University Wichita, KU, K-State… they’re all good! …and secondary education in general. Flickr/Patrick Emerson Dealing with obnoxious pop culture references. Flickr/Mraz Center for the Performing Arts Making BBQ. Flickr/Adam Kuban...
Flathead Lake and Seeley Lake are two of the most popular – and beautiful – bodies of water in Montana. But they’re far from the only places for boating, swimming and lakeside lounging. We’ve got quite a few underrated lakes in the Treasure State, and Mystic Lake is definitely one of them. While it does require some effort to reach, once you’re there, you’ll be glad you made the effort....
Remember the sheer joy you felt as a child – and maybe even as an adult – when you saw a butterfly fluttering around? And how amazing it was if the butterfly landed on you? Relive that excitement. Meander among a breathtaking assortment of butterflies at Phipp’s Butterfly Forest this summer. Saunter through the Japanese Courtyard Garden, the Sunken Garden, the Children’s Discovery Garden and… Flickr/Brook Ward Pass a footbridge, straight from a Monet painting, tropical fruit trees, and a waterfall when you visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a favorite Pittsburgh destination....
There are some truly eerie places in Louisiana, but perhaps none as ominous as the notorious Manchac swamp. Recently, they opened up some camping areas in the Maurepas Wildlife Management area that are only accessible by boat. Do you dare to set up camp there? You should hear these stories first… Manchac Swamp can be found right off I-10 as you are traveling West from New Orleans to Baton Rouge....
West Virginia has a variety of great caves to visit, but Smokehole Caverns is more than just a cave… it’s a whole destination resort. Smoke Hole Caverns Resort is located near the Potomac River in Grant County, West Virginia. Smoke Hole Resort/Facebook The resort is named after the beautiful cave on the property. Smoke Hole Resort The cave got its name from its use by the Seneca Indians as a place to smoke wild game....
It’s never a challenge to find an exciting outdoor adventure in South Dakota, but most people don’t know that you can hone your scuba diving skills right here in good ol’ Mount Rushmore State. Lake Oahe is the Missouri River’s massive reservoir, and it’s also the perfect destination for a fun-filled day spent learning a brand new skill! Read on to learn more! Get ready for a day trip to remember perfecting your scuba skills at Steamboat’s Inc....
Spring is here! Flowers are beginning to pop out, the sun is shining way more frequently, and its time to emerge anew after another long New England winter. With so many fantastic nature options to choose from, there is no reason that outdoor venturing Rhode Islanders need to leave the state. One well known garden in particular is celebrating the return of its annual super unique exhibit that makes for a perfect spring experience!...
If you’ve driven through Portland, or spent any time near the Eastern Prom, you’re probably familiar with the hulking structure of wood and metal that sits beside the B&M Bean Factory. The swing bridge sitting in the Back Cove, with its train tracks to nowhere raises lots of questions. What was it used for? And why was it left in its current (and permanent) open position? We thought maybe others had these same questions, so we did a bit of research and found the most incredible aerial video!...
There is a new craze sweeping the country, although it technically has been around for centuries. Salt Therapy or Halotherapy, is a widely used natural therapy that simulates the effects of a salt cave. Ancient Greeks once used salt caves to treat a variety of ailments including respiratory illness and skin conditions. Salt was documented as having a positive effect on the airways when a Polish doctor in 1836 found that salt mine workers were not affected by the same general respiratory issues as the rest of the population....
Vintage signs and memorabilia plaster the walls. The interior is a black and white checkerboard, accented with pops of teal. Servers wear retro uniforms. And an entire menu is devoted to milkshakes. This description only fits one place in New Mexico and possibly even in the nation: the Route 66 Diner in Albuquerque. Facebook/66Diner If you’re in the Land of Enchantment, you have to stop by this retro eatery - it’s too gloriously kitschy to pass up....
Alabama is filled with many great places that are perfect for exploring. Of all these great places, the one that truly stands out is the Sipsey Wilderness. This beautiful nature spot is a must visit for all outdoor enthusiasts. Check it out! The Sipsey Wilderness, which covers approximately 25,000 acres, is located within North Alabama’s William B. Bankhead National Forest. Google Maps It was established in 1975 and is situated around the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River....
Looking back at Minnesota history can be fascinating and provide hours of nostalgic memories. There is nothing quite like seeing the past to reflect on how much life has changed in the past 65 years. Enjoy this trip back to the 50s, and take some time to appreciate all the memories this state has made. Around 1950, there was a lot of suburban development happening on Washburn Avenue in Richfield. Wikimedia/Richfield Historical Society...
