Posts

Have you ever had the desire to pet, cuddle, and/or wrestle with a gigantic reptile that could easily eat you? No? Me neither… however, there are more to these fascinating animals that we know as alligators than just what we see in movies, which you can experience firsthand at this one-of-a-kind ranch located a few hours south of Denver: Located in Mosca, the Colorado Gators Reptile Park is one of the most unique animal sanctuaries in the state that boasts an equally unique history....

There are plenty of hidden, natural spots worth uncovering in Indiana. Some of the prettiest sights are often gardens. While we’re sure you’ve viewed some of the more noteworthy gardens in the state, there’s one secret garden in Indiana that you’ve likely never heard of…and it’s sure to put a smile on your face. Sareen L./Yelp DeFries Gardens in New Paris, Indiana is an incredible hidden gem. This stunning natural oasis is also known to many as the Calendar Garden....

It’s hard to imagine a truly hidden water park that even the locals don’t know about. Fond du Lac Fairgrounds Aquatic Center certainly isn’t a secret from the folks that live there, but few people in the surrounding areas know such an awesome, inexpensive water park is hiding right in plain sight. Tucked in among the county fairground property, this awesome aquatic center has super-reasonable rates, a great day of a family season pass and the most fun you and your kids can have for less than around $20 a day....

Idaho is no stranger to extreme weather, and the tiny town of West Magic has seen its effects in full force. After severe flooding over the weekend, the only paved road that connects this small town to anywhere else has been closed. Officials are working diligently to fix this problem, yet for the most part the only solution is time. Learn more about how this village came to be completely water-bound:...

Some days you just need a donut. Not just any donut — you need a warm, fluffy, perfectly fried ring of dough that melts in your mouth and explodes with flavor and sweetness. While quirky spots like Voodoo Doughnuts and Blue Star are usually in the spotlight, Annie’s Donuts is a hidden gem donut shop that has undeniably perfected the art of the donut. Located in Portland, this old school donut shop serves some of the most magically delicious donuts in the state....

Located in a small town off the “Loneliest Road in America,” few Nevadans are aware of the existence of the historic Stokes Castle. Stokes Castle is located just outside of Austin, NV in Lander County. The three-story stone tower was built by Anson Phelps Stokes. u-roy/Trip Advisor Stokes was a wealthy railroad magnate, banker, philanthropist and a mines developer. Anson Phelps Stokes Wikipedia page His inspiration for the castle was a tower in Roman Campagna in Italy....

Lush and colorful gardens are positively enchanting… wouldn’t you agree? However, even more magical than just a standard garden is that of a fairy garden, which can be found hiding right in the heart of this beloved Denver store: Yelp/Vivian A. Yelp/Denise R. Yelp/Denise R. Located in Centennial, Tagawa Gardens is one of the Denver-area’s largest garden centers that offers a variety of different plants, flowers, and accessories that every gardening novice and expert needs!...

General stores are wonderful remnants of California’s rich history. While shopping at any one of the general stores in Southern California is enjoyable, there’s one store that provides a unique, historic experience. You’ll find RUST General Store at the Old Town San Diego State Park. Step inside this little store and you’ll step right back in time. RUST/Facebook The entire store reflects the time period between 1846-1872, when San Diego was a bustling place with European travelers, traders and early residents....

The Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury gives you a log cabin experience like you’ve never had before. To top it off, there is a magical treehouse for luxurious glamping, as well as a sky loft – a glass enclosed gazebo at the highest point of the property which provides unparalleled views. Let’s check it out! The Moose Meadow Lodge. Facebook/Moose Meadow Lodge This Adirondack-style log cabin is both rustic and luxurious....

There’s a lot to love about life in Oklahoma: big open skies, gorgeous natural attractions, and plenty of small town charm. In fact, one of our very own small towns is considered to be among the happiest places in the whole country. Here’s more on Stillwater and why you just might consider moving there: The historic town of Stillwater is located in Northeastern Oklahoma at the intersection of Highway 51 and US-177....

By now you’re probably familiar with Nebraska’s most famous roadside attraction, Carhenge. But did you know that just up the road, there’s another roadside attraction that’s smaller but way more bizarre? On Hwy 87, just two miles north of Carhenge, you’ll find a uniquely Nebraskan sight. Google Maps There’s no fanfare, no big sign or even a fence separating it from the highway. If you’re not looking for it, you might even roll right past it....

Have you ever wished that the holiday season could last all year long? This unique New Hampshire inn feels the same way and allows guests to experience Christmas every day of the year. The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson offers first-class accommodation in a setting that brings the holidays to life no matter what the calendar says. Christmas Farm Inn Facebook/Christmas Farm Inn & Spa The inn actually started out as a combination jail, church and farmhouse....

Bridges, while they may seem less than extraordinary in concept, are actually some of the most unique architecture wonders of Virginia. First of all, there’s Natural Bridge, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. And then, of course, there are the historic covered bridges. But perhaps one of the most picturesque bridges of all is the Van Gogh Bridge in Reston. The scenic Van Gogh Bridge can be found in Reston, Virginia along Lake Anne’s Washington Plaza....

If you know Oklahoma, then you know we have lots of treasures and hidden gems hiding in our state. But there’s one such treasure that is literally hiding in our ground…selenite crystals. Great Salt Plains State Park in Jet, Oklahoma, is the only place in the world where you can dig for these hourglass-shaped crystals. Not only can you find these one-of-a-kind treasures, but you can also enjoy the only lake in Oklahoma that is half saltwater....

One of the stereotypes about Illinois is that we have some bad drivers. But sometimes, stereotypes are true. We get in a lot of accidents. Based on data from the Illinois Department of Transportation Crash Statistics, we’re counting down the top 10 counties in Illinois with the worst drivers. Cook County Dimitry B/Flickr There were 137,000 crashes in Cook County, resulting in 27,000 injuries and 200 fatalities. DuPage County Loco Steve/Flickr In DuPage County, there were almost 20,000 accidents, including 4,500 injuries and 25 fatalities....

No matter your whereabouts in Kansas, you are pretty much guaranteed to find yourself amidst some beautiful changing colors. However, if we had to choose one place in particular to visit this fall, it would have to be this charming northeast town that is perfect for an autumn day trip: It may have the reputation for being the most haunted town in Kansas, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting colorful Atchison; a community of just under 11,000 that is a must see for everyone!...

When one hears “wine country,” Nevada isn’t generally a state that comes to mind. However, this is precisely where you will find one of the most celebrated and amazing wineries in the southwest United States. Surrounded by lush green beauty and fragrant vineyards, Symphony’s Restaurant is on the grounds of the Pahrump Valley Winery in southern Nevada where delicious food, a truly amazing wine selection, exquisite and friendly service, and beautiful scenery abound....

The sun is shining and it’s time to get outside and enjoy summer! Even if you have lived in South Dakota a long time, it’s sometimes difficult to think of new and exciting things to do. To get you started, we came up with 10 outdoorsy things in South Dakota. Visit Wind Cave National Park. David Fulmer / Flickr Explore the Badlands. Len Saltiel / Flickr Julianne / Flickr Get oustide in the Black Hills....

Chances are if you grew up in a small town in Delaware, you couldn’t WAIT to escape to something bigger and better. But looking back now, those small town experiences made you who you are today. Some of the things you hated then are some of your favorite reasons why you now know that growing up in small town Delaware was the best. Whenever it snowed, you probably had a full day off of school, because the kids who lived way outside of town didn’t get their roads plowed by the Department of Transportation for hours (even though someone probably already plowed the road with a tractor)....

People might have a lot to say about Washington DC (or more specifically the government here) but the truth is that for those of us who live here, we know DC is an amazing town. One of the reasons it’s so spectacular? We have some of the best people who live here. Fun loving, smart and hardworking, Washington DC is home to fantastic citizens. Here are 11 reasons why people from Washington DC are the best....