Let’s face it: Anyone who calls Colorado “home” has to be somewhat smart…I mean, you have the mountains, plains, beautiful cities and all four seasons in the same place–what more could you possibly need?! If you think I’m being a biased Coloradoan, (which I’m not, of course) you’re wrong, as CNN recently named Colorado the THIRD smartest state in the country based on the percentage of residents with a college and/or advanced degree....
Ever wanted to spend the night on a beautiful riverboat? The Newport Belle is a floating bed & breakfast located on a gorgeous sternwheeler docked in the seaside town of Newport. This one of a kind inn is a downright magical getaway destination that’ll blow you away with its nostalgic charm and breathtaking scenery. Check it out: The Newport Belle is an enchanting riverboat bed & breakfast where you can spend the night floating atop the lovely waters of Yaquina Bay....
Have you been exploring gorgeous Iowa this summer? We hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and bask in the natural beauty that surrounds us! One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery is to go on a little camping trip. Visit Backbone State Park, which has two campgrounds where you can pitch your tent. Iowa’s first state park, Backbone State Park includes 2,002 acres of forest, a lake, beach, amphitheater, trails and bridges....
Rhode Island is truly a state that relies on its tourism. It makes sense when you consider all the lovely and unique attractions found throughout our small, but mighty state. This has ensured wonderful resorts and hotels scattered about. Whether you’re looking for beachside inns, sprawling resorts, or quirky boutique hotels, the Ocean State has you covered. This one hotel found in the state’s capital might just be the most one-of-a-kind place to stay of all....
Terry Nichols. The Unibomber. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (the surviving Boston Marathon bomber). What do these notorious criminals have in common (aside from committing heinous crimes)? They all live right here in Colorado, in what has been referred to as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies.” Wikimedia Commons Welcome to the Administrative Maximum Facility Florence, population 927. Since it opened in 1994, the supermax prison has seen male prisoners from every walk of life, from car jackers all the way up to the most notorious of killers....
Idaho’s state parks are absolute wonderlands of natural beauty, remote tranquility, and family-oriented recreation in every season. But few people realize that the Gem State paved the way for the state park system in the West by establishing what would become the oldest state park in the entire Pacific Northwest — which is quite a feat! Fortunately, like all of Idaho’s most tantalizing historical locations, Heyburn State Park is as gorgeous as they come… and with more than a few natural wonders hidden amongst its wealth of scenery....
An Illinois getaway saves you time and travel expense, and thankfully our great state has many unique hotels, cabins, and campgrounds to enjoy. One of the most unique ones is tucked away in a Chicago suburb, but it will make you feel far away from it all. Keep reading to find out how you can get a whole treehouse to yourself – and you don’t even have to saw any real wood....
Utah doesn’t have a lot of pretentious, celebrity chef restaurants, but it does offer some amazing, romantic spots that will make your special day just perfect. La Caille is a special place to enjoy a truly special meal. This absolutely stunning restaurant is a one-of-a-kind place in Utah. Yes – La Caille is more expensive than many other Utah restaurants, but it’s worth it if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Read to the end of this article for a little tip that will save you some money....
If you plan to go to the Half Moon Pond State Park for the first time, it most likely won’t be your last! The campground here is located in the 3,500-acre wooded park and has all the amenities you’d want to make your camping experience the most enjoyable ever. The park is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day Weekend and you’ll want to make a reservation at this popular campground....
You anticipate breathtaking vistas when you visit national parks and even some state parks. However, unless you live in New Mexico, you don’t expect panoramic views from a humble urban green space. Tripadvisor/kanbaatar At first glance Overlook Park, which is hidden in a residential area in White Rock, seems pleasant but unremarkable. There are baseball, softball, soccer fields… Tripadvisor/Svetluna1983 …A playground, a dog park – desirable amenities for sure, but nothing earthshattering....
Austin is full of odd things – where do you think the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” comes from? There’s never a “routine” day in our capital city because you never know what you might happen upon as you walk through the streets. One store rises above the rest and is sure to catch your eye on a stroll down Congress Ave: Uncommon Objects. A single glance at the cowboy riding a bunny on top of the sign is enough to draw passersby in for a look around....
It’s hard not to brag about West Virginia to friends and family that live elsewhere. We have plenty of stunning natural wonders and friendly folks that make the whole state feel like home. When you’re looking for a little piece of West Virginia to share that homey feeling with your loved ones in other states, this gift shop is the perfect spot for all your needs. West Virginia’s largest gift shop is located in the small town of Cabins, at the Smoke Hole Resort....
Some places can make you feel like you’ve stepped through the looking glass and straight into “Alice in Wonderland.” One such place in Ohio is the Cleveland Botanical Garden, which features 10 acres of outdoor gardens and an 18,000 square foot glasshouse garden. It’s an ever-changing urban escape of beauty, whimsy and wonder year-round. A stroll through this garden amid the bustling city gives you a truly dream-like experience. Gloria/Flickr...
In the earlier 20th century, some of MN’s small towns were booming. The logging industry was big and small towns were beginning to have all the businesses and characteristics that make us love them to this day. Here are a few things that you were guaranteed to find no matter what small town you drove into in MN. A main street. Photogrammar/John Vachon No small town is without an adorable main street....
Not many people know that there is a magical trolley ride in Maryland. Really! This place is both educational and will give you a hands-on experience to remember. You’ll definitely want to add this Maryland gem to your must-do list. Located in Colesville, you’ll find the unique National Capital Trolley Museum. Flickr / Ryan Crierie And this place is SO MUCH MORE than just a museum. Flickr / Ryan Crierie...
We recently did an article on the healthiest counties in Oklahoma, so today we wanted to flip it around and take a look at the unhealthiest counties in the state. Again, we gathered our data from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps to find out how Oklahoma counties ranked among each other. The factors they used to determine the rankings were overall rank, length of life and quality of life. Here are the 10 lowest ranked counties in Oklahoma for overall health…along with the number of premature deaths and percentage of adults considered in poor or fair health....
Illinois is such an awesome place, and we’re flooded with tourists because of it. But out-of-staters sometimes say words or phrases that make us go “uhhhhhhh.” Here are ten of our favorites: Soda James Pockele/Flickr Okay, really, it’s pop when you’re in Illinois. Bubbler Karyn Christner/Flickr If you visit from Wisconsin, it’s called a drinking fountain or water fountain. Y’all Kevin Dooley/Flickr It’s “you guys” or “yous guys.” Up Nort’ (Up North) Beverly/Flickr What are you referring to?...
If you’re heart has been stolen from someone native to Louisiana–you’re in luck. Here are 13 things to keep in mind to keep your relationship healthy. Go ahead and be upfront if you have a crush—people from Louisiana don’t like to beat around the bush. flickr.com Get ready for some late nights—for someone from Louisiana, there’s always a good reason to keep the party going. flickr.com/photos/lobstar Don’t bother taking them to a Cajun restaurant unless you are IN CAJUN COUNTRY....
In today’s world, we are inundated with pictures and everyone has a camera on their phone. It wasn’t always that way. Taking pictures was a much bigger deal, and keeping them from being damaged or decomposing with age has been a challenge for historians for many years. Here are a few Missouri photos that have survived to show us a glimpse of what once was. Aunt Dort and Sputnick, 1958 Flickr/ ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER...
These are the sweetest towns in Tennessee, a handful that are sure to have your camera working overtime and your sweet littles interested. They each offer something sweet and southern to Middle Tennessee and you’re bound to find them most fascinating. Take the road trip with THIS map! Leipers Fork TerriLynneUnderwood - Flickr Leipers Fork is a historic town that’s way back in the countryside. Beyond the ever-popular Franklin, you’ll enjoy a beautiful drive through the backroads and to their tiny, historic downtown....
