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What was once a Ford motor company cargo ship is now one of the coolest cliffside homes in America. The interior of what is now the Benson Ford Houseship, which originally transported iron and coal for Ford motor company, was designed by Henry Ford for his own personal use. (It is also rumored that Thomas Edison once boarded this ship.) The ship was decommissioned in 1981. Four years later, the front part of the ship was removed and perched over Lake Erie on the island of South Bass Island to create a truly unique holiday home....

If you’ve ever ridden on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo dinner train, you already know what an amazing experience it is. And every December, the train route transforms into a festive journey to the North Pole. The North Pole Adventure Train is quite popular—in fact, the 2016 dates are already sold out. But since we think it should be on every Montanan’s must-do list, we hope this heads up will allow you to plan for next year....

When we think about flowers in the state of Texas, bluebonnets come to mind immediately. And rightfully so – their vibrant color lights up the hill country highways like nothing else in the world. But there’s another beautiful plant that deserves some recognition as well, and that plant is lavender. The lavender fields of Blanco are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s almost as if someone laid a blanket of purple on an entire patch of grass – take a look for yourself....

For a luxurious weekend retreat that offers relaxation and spectacular scenic views, consider staying at The Treehouse on beautiful Lake Martin. This luxury lake home is located on a two-acre lot, tucked away among numerous trees. A few things you’ll experience if you choose to stay at The Treehouse is natural beauty, seclusion and comfort. Its contemporary style paired with a small amount of Asian influence will bring great elegance to your vacation stay....

Instead of taking the kids to the same old playground down the street, try taking them to Blackberry Farm Adventure Playground in Aurora this year. The playground takes kids back in time to experience the lives of pioneers, making it both fun and educational! The playground provides enough fun to keep children busy all day long. Aurora Area CVB/Facebook Admission includes unlimited train and hay wagon rides. thkful1/TripAdvisor Kids can climb to the many different viewing decks through a network of tunnels....

Ready for something that will truly make your skin crawl? The Boston Athenaeum library has a very special book in its collection. It isn’t what the text contains that makes this book unlike any other…it’s what contains the text. In 1837, the notorious highwayman James Allen was sentenced to death. After his execution, his autobiography was bound in Allen’s own human flesh. If you pick up the tome, you’ll notice that the binding has a curious feel, sometimes described as “a slightly bumpy texture, like soft sandpaper....

As the summer rolls on, the parks, beaches, and trails get crowded. However, if you’re willing to step out in the summer fog for something memorable then keep reading. There is a labyrinth just a stone’s throw from the bustle of the city on a beach. The Lands End Labyrinth was established in 2004. The Labyrinth was constructed by local artist Eduardo Aguilera. Amy T/Yelp The path to the Land’s End Labyrinth starts here....

For some reason or other, Wisconsinites allegedly see a lot of spirits. There are supposed hauntings all over the state, in towns big or small. But one small town has had its share of spirits roaming about. This town is Brodhead, Wisconsin, a town near the center and bottom of the state. Many of you have probably never heard of it, and most of you will misspell it. But for the people who know the town, they claim to have seen some spirits....

Cimarron Canyon State Park lies between Eagle Nest and the town of Cimarron, in Northeastern New Mexico. Here you’ll find the Cimarron River, tumbling through a canyon flanked by dramatic rock walls. In this tranquil park, with its soundtrack of rushing water, it’s easy to leave the real world behind. Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM One way to experience this New Mexican oasis is with a scenic drive through the canyon. Stop at the Palisades Picnic Area for alfresco dining in a spectacular setting....

Have you ever looked up at the sky to see clouds that look like bubble wrap, or maybe like water balloons about to burst? They’re known as mammatus clouds, and this is the time of year you’re most likely to see them. imgur/Camille Seaman These impressive bulbous clouds usually show up just before a severe thunderstorm or even a tornado. The rounded shapes you see are actually pouches hanging beneath clouds; the pouches themselves are called mammatus....

A palace is defined as “the official residence of a sovereign, archbishop, bishop, or other exalted person,” or a “a large, splendid house.” While Denver is known for having one palace in particular (which is — of course — the spectacular Brown Palace), you may not realize that Denver is home to a theatrical palace that you may have never noticed: Located at 110 Broadway in Denver, the Landmark Mayan Theatre is the picture-perfect example of a movie palace (“any of the large, elaborately decorated movie theaters built between the 1910s and the 1940s”) from Hollywood’s heyday....

Some people freak out at the idea of entering a cave, or dash across bridges like the supports are giving out. Well, now you can absorb the view without having to endure these experiences firsthand. And, if you crave adventure, consider these 10 terrifying pictures inspiration for future exploits. The ski lift, Taos Ski Valley Flickr/Cyborglibrarian When the ride up is much scarier than skiing back down. The ski lift, Angel Fire Flickr/Brandi The views from this ski lift are amazing but it’d be pretty frightening to ride it after dark....

The 1960s in America were exciting times. Our collective awareness of social issues began to take center stage, music (especially in Detroit) was changing, and we were headed for the tumultuous era of the civil rights fight. Still, much of Michigan was made up of small towns, charming lake shores, and the trappings of middle class life. Have a look. Detroit, Grisold at Michigan jodelli/Flickr To see downtown bustling like this is really something....

There are some things everyone in Minnesota has in common, specifically things they have all done. Because you can’t be a real Minnesotan without having done these at least once, can you? Swam in one of Minnesota’s wonderful lakes! Flickr/JoshBerglund19 Been on a boat! A classic Minnesota pastime. Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen Been ice skating! Probably on a lake. Flickr/Scott Costello Stayed in a cabin, on a lake obviously! Flickr/Bearskin Lodge Enjoyed the amazing fall foliage - probably on a drive up north....

An escape into the pines is the perfect way to spend any summer day. Here in Arizona, we’re blessed to have forests dotted around the state that offer cooler temperatures, fresh pine-scented air, and plenty of outdoorsy activities. One area that doesn’t usually get the recognition it deserves is Arizona’s White Mountains, located on the eastern side of the state. It’s less crowded here. Alan English CPA/Flickr Compared to other forested areas of the state, and depending on where you go, it is easier to find solitude here....

One of the (many) amazing things about living in Montana is getting to experience all four seasons. Now that fall is officially here, it’s a great time to visit one of our state parks known for its stunning fall foliage. The parks on this list are all open year-round or at least well into autumn, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them. Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls A_Wanderer / TripAdvisor This beautiful state park, where you can see the country’s largest freshwater spring and also its smallest river, is open all year....

If you love the idea of strolling through a quaint local bookshop while being surrounded by blue skies and fresh air, then you’re going to be charmed by this unique store in Southern California that is truly unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Get ready to be charmed as I take you on a tour of this unique outdoor bookstore that’s full of surprises. Located in the quaint town of Ojai, you’ll find a charming bookshop that will quickly become your favorite destination....

Montana is such a hiker’s paradise. With hundreds and hundreds of beautiful trails to choose from, it’s no wonder Montanans get so excited for the weather to warm up. If you’re an experienced hiker, add the Basin Lakes Trail (Number 61) to your summer bucket list. You’ll find it near Red Lodge in Custer National Forest. At 4.1 miles in length, this trail might not seem like it’s too much of a challenge....

Summer is sadly long gone but that doesn’t mean that you have to wait several more months for a fun getaway. In fact, there is one spot in Maryland that is arguably better during winter. We’ll let you decide for yourself. The area surrounding Deep Creek Lake is filled with tourists during warmer months. In the winter, however, it’s a bit more quiet and serene. Flickr / Chase Lewis Cabin rentals are also cheaper during this time of year....

Defiance Roadhouse is a restaurant and bar in Defiance, Missouri; you’ll find it at 2999 Highway 94 South. It offers delicious food and live music on weekends. It’s hard to beat tasty eats and live music, but this restaurant offers something else entertaining… Defiance Roadhouse/Facebook The building once housed Dave and Jacquie’s, but underwent a major renovation when new owners purchased the building in 2012. Patrons were excited to see the new restaurant and bar…but they had one question: “Are the squirrels still there?...