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New Orleans is a place with so much beauty–natural and man-made. Here at Only in New Orleans, we’ve found the most beautiful natural places in the city that are sure to lift your spirits and make you feel connected to what’s really important to you. Here are some of the most beautiful natural wonders hiding around New Orleans. Breakwater Park, Lakefront Facebook.com / Breakwater Park Head out to the edge of Lake Pontchartrain, past the Southern Yacht Club to this beautiful lookout spot, also known as “the point”....

If you’re not a first generation Montanan, you’re well aware of how much the Treasure State has changed over time. Even the Last Best Place isn’t immune to shops and restaurants closing, houses being replaced with modern apartment buildings, and new people and businesses coming to town. These photos will remind your of the Montana your parents, grandparents or great grandparents once knew. These are the Buckley Sisters, Mabel, May and Myrtle, in their hometown of Terry in 1914....

It’s that time of year in Southern California when we can’t help but crave a winter getaway. If you’re daydreaming about snowcapped trees, the hush of fresh falling snow, and the crunch of fresh powder under foot, then you might want to pack up the car and seek out this unexpected winter wonderland right here in SoCal. Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is a picturesque winter wonderland this time of year....

For over 30 years, the Plainville Fire Company has hosted one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the Northeast. It’s a rare opportunity to see about two dozen hot air balloons take off at the same time. Each year, the event kicks off with a Friday night “balloon glow.” Flickr/Heartlover1717 What is a balloon glow? A group of balloons inflates around sunset, and the balloons look gorgeous in the setting sun....

There’s nothing like hiking in Utah’s canyons, and when you can complete a pretty easy hike, only to be rewarded with a waterfall, it’s hiking bliss! Donut Falls is a popular hike for people of all ages. While there’s no actual donuts involved, the donut-shaped waterfall is a nice, cool treat at the end. J. Stephen Conn/flickr Drive nine miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, to the Mill D Trailhead. When it’s busy, you’ll park near here and walk the ....

Because you want to get away. Because you need a little vacation from the stuffy house. Because pretending to live in the rustic surroundings of nature has always appealed to you, at least for a short time. That’s why we have a love affair with the Michigan cabin or cottage. Whether you’re looking to really rough it, or you’re looking to get pampered in a space with the stellar view, we’ve got you covered....

Alright, Austin. We know you like to keep it weird. Everyone has heard about Austin’s quirky festivals, vibrant street art, and adventurous restaurants, but those aren’t the only things livening up Texas’ capitol city. Austin’s outdoor excursions shake up the mundane, too, and this destination is unlike any other in the state. If you want to let loose and embrace your inner flower child, then head over to Hippie Hollow. This Austin beach will set your spirit free....

Colorado is a truly magical state, isn’t it? From its purple mountain majesties to the golden plains, there is more than enough splendor to go around! While these iconic locations are truly lovely, this little-known fairy forest that is hiding in the heart of the state may just be the most magical place of them all (for obvious reasons). Let’s take a look: Welcome to Breckenridge’s Fairy Forest; a free hiking trail located just off 4 O’Clock Road....

Combine a deep rooted love of Alaska with an extreme appreciation for stunning natural beauty, glorious glistening glaciers and massive amounts of wildlife in their inherent element. Add in a little need for speed and a desire to enjoy a good adrenaline rush and you have one of the most awesome activities that can be found in the 49th state. When you head to the tiny town of Whittier and go deep into Prince William Sound on a Glacier Jetski Adventure, you are guaranteed to fall head-over-heels in love with the last frontier on a whole new (and vastly elevated) level....

Summer just started and, sadly, one of our popular swimming destinations has already been shut down. Swartswood Lake is the crown jewel of Swartswood State Park (New Jersey’s first state park) and, until the other day, it offered opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. Now, the lake has been temporarily closed. The 520-acre glacial like is currently experiencing Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms. Flickr/Bogdan Migulski Because of this, the lake has been closed for public safety until further notice....

Libraries are magical places, and luckily Utah has hundreds of them – each with its own charm. However, my vote for the best library in Utah is for the Salt Lake City’s Main Branch, located at 210 East 400 South in downtown Salt Lake City. Here’s why: Salt Lake City Public Library/Facebook The Main Branch opened in 2003. It encompasses 240,000 square feet, and is five stories tall. It houses over 500,000 books and offers more than 150 computers for public use....

Watch as a mama duck and her babies swim by. Stop to admire the turtles sunning themselves. Or, explore the outdoors along nearly five picturesque miles of trails at this tranquil natural oasis in Pennsylvania. Silver Lake Nature Center, a 235-acre natural oasis, offers something for the whole family – from geocaching to activities and classes. Nestled in the enchanting town of Bristol, the state’s oldest town, Silver Lake Nature Center promises the serenity of nature and plenty of activities, if you prefer being with a group....

Considering the multitude of farms here in Iowa, it’s no surprise that we’re big fans of meat, and, of course, BBQ. And we do it well. These six BBQ restaurants in Des Moines will give you a truly mouth-watering experience. Woody’s Smoke Shack Flickr/Carol VanHook Cheryl and Woody Wasson actually compete on the championship barbecue circuit, so you know they know what they’re doing. They’re best known for their baby back ribs, but their brisket, pulled pork and other offerings are also very tasty....

Good morning, dear Coloradoan; are you ready for an adventure? Yes? Good! While we love a great hike, today calls for something even more daring and exciting… something like flying along this epic Colorado zipline that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime: Denver Adventures - Zipline Tours Facebook Denver Adventures - Zipline Tours Facebook Denver Adventures - Zipline Tours Facebook Denver Adventures - Zipline Tours Facebook Billed as being “Colorado’s longest and fastest ziplines,” Denver Adventures Zipline Tours offers several different heart-pounding lines ranging from 850 to 1,900-feet-long....

Some of our favorite things about Vermont are the impeccably maintained state parks. They provide incredible hiking, camping and day activities, and while some are more popular than others, there are a few that are still some of the best-kept secrets in VT. With its stunning waters, the Emerald Lake State Park in East Dorset is one hidden gem that you’ll want to visit in 2017. Emerald Lake State Park is named after – you guessed it – Emerald Lake....

This small plot of land was once slated for development. Fortunately, the residents had a better idea. Built in 1973, this San Francisco park has the ability to bring out the kid in anyone. That’s because it’s main attraction is a pair of slides built right into the hill, a genius idea designed by a 14-year-old named Kim Clark. The Seward Mini Park and slides are a true hidden gem, tucked away in a residential part of the Castro neighborhood....

If you hail from Central Washington or you played on sports teams as a child, you’ve almost certainly heard of Miner’s Drive-In in Yakima. Known for their oversized burgers, big, thick shakes and fast-casual setting, they’ve been a staple in Union Gap for decades. And while opinions on the food Miner’s serves varies, the majority of people who try it tend to love it. Miner’s Drive-In opened in 1948. Deborah F / Yelp The founder, Ed Miner, wanted the burgers to be “a meal on a bun....

In Maine, it can feel like every country road leads to a beautiful farm. And, that might be true. And, they’re all special in their own way. But, we’re slightly partial to the farms that offer a beautiful place to explore as well as a tasty snack while you’re there. If you prefer your farms to come with not only a store, but an apothecary, a charcuterie, a fromagerie and a tea shop – you’re in luck!...

Texas is rich with history, from bloody battles that gave us independence, to the discovery of oil in Corsicana and Beaumont. With our fast-paced modern lives today we often forget about our roots, but these photos of simpler times will bring it all back for you. BX Service Station at the Bergstrom AFB, Texas Base Exchange in 1956. Oh, how gas prices have changed. army.arch/Flickr R.L. (Lee) Jones and Julia Wilkins Jones in their car in Poolville, Texas in 1917....

A day at the lake is a must during the summer. During the peak of boating season, you’ll see hundreds of speedboats, jet skis and fishing boats all cruising through the refreshing waters of Table Rock Lake. You might even see some houseboats out on the water, but you’ll never guess how extraordinary they are on the inside. Five Star Houseboats Vacations is headquartered in Kimberling City, Missouri. Five Star Houseboat Vacations LLC/Facebook Five Star Houseboats Vacations has been providing luxurious vacations on the water for over 7 years....