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Texas has seen some frighteningly powerful and extreme storms in its history, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes. Being on the Gulf Coast, we’re very vulnerable to hurricanes, and also the merging jet streams and wind patterns create the perfect breeding ground for tornado outbreaks. We have encountered our fair share of severe weather, and these videos showcase some of the most terrifying weather disasters in Texas in recorded history: Hurricane Ike storm surge bashing the Galveston seawall in 2008....

The Hawaiian Islands are often considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but sometimes, you visit a place within Hawaii that is completely out of this world. These 12 places in Hawaii will have you wondering when you left earth for an alien planet. Waves crash against Maui’s Wailea Shore creating a fog-like ethereal effect reminiscent of a sci-fi space film. Andy Simonds/Flickr Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Mauna Ulu Lava Flow, a place that will instantly transport you to another world....

Is it just me or does Kansas seem like somewhat of a winter wonderland this time of year (when it’s covered in a blanket of soft snow)? Not only is it winter wonderland-esque, it i—sdare I say—what I picture the North Pole to look like! Here are 16 examples of majestic spots in Kansas that will make you feel like you’re visiting the North Pole: “A beautiful world” Flickr/Patrick Emerson Captured at Clinton Lake....

Even though many of us complain about living in Alabama, deep down we’re proud of where we come from. And we should be! There are several reasons why Alabama makes us proud, and I’ve listed 16 of them below. Everyone applauds our great Southern hospitality! We thank people for visiting and always invite them to come back. flickr/Joe Shlabotnik Alabama is home to many prestigious colleges and universities. wikipedia Our award-winning hospitals are some of the best in the nation!...

There’s nothing like a rainbow that will get a whole crowd of people to turn around and look at it. There is just something about them that seems magical. These photographers took notice, and the result is some stunning rainbow shots. Check out this great shot of a rainbow that appears to be going into the Chicago River. Monika Thorpe/Flickr This rainbow appeared over soybeans and cornfields in rural Lexington, Illinois....

Just 20 minutes outside of Asheville, you can literally walk through the tops of the trees, with nature and mountain views right below your feet. Adrenaline pumping, adventure to the extreme, and even end your daring walk with a zip line adventure. Yelp / LaDonna N. Navitat Canopy Adventures allows you to walk and fly through some of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Facebook / Navitat Canopy Adventures The 100% tree based adventure allows you to walk on two breathtaking canopy bridges....

If you’re looking for a unique place to enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning brunch or casual dinner, there’s a perfect restaurant in Texas. Located near North Houston/Conroe Regional Airport, you’ll find Black Walnut Cafe. It’s a laid-back restaurant akin to Jason’s Deli or Panera Bread, but this location is different because no matter where you sit, you’ll have a perfect view of planes taking off and landing. It’s a hidden gem that children and plane enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate....

Like most states do, Iowa has some pretty weird, pretty crazy stories to tell. For example, there was that one time that we went to war with Missouri, and that other time we built a 380-mile road in one hour. Didn’t know about those things? Well, you’re in for a treat, because here are 11 of the strangest things that have ever happened in Iowa… You won’t find these in a history book!...

Every year, Iowa’s charming towns get decked out for winter to celebrate the season. While many Iowa towns go all out to make the season as fun and festive as it can possibly be, there is one town in particular that really stands out in terms of decorations, activities, and just all-around winter beauty. Dubuque is the one town in Iowa that turns into a winter wonderland each year. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest town, and it sits on the banks of the Mississippi River....

There’s a memorable restaurant in Southern California that wasn’t always a destination eatery. Long before it served up scrumptious plates of comfort food like meatloaf, towering hamburgers, and lip-smacking-good pecan pie, it was a fire station from the early 1900s that served the city of Los Angeles. Engine Co. No. 28, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles at 644 S Figueroa Street, looks a bit different today than it did over 100 years ago when it was originally a fire station....

On a hot summer day, or really any time of year for that matter, there’s nothing better than a scoop of creamy ice cream. If you’re a fan of this favorite dessert (and who isn’t?), head to the source and the ultimate spot in Kentucky for a sweet treat. Chaney’s Ice Cream has a buffet of flavors, made right there on their farm and it’s everything you ever wanted. Since 1888, the Chaney family has been in the farming business....

There’s a secret garden in Chicago you’ve probably passed a million times and never noticed. It’s in one of the city’s most popular parks, but you may have missed it on your way to see a show or ogle at the Bean. One of Chicago’s best hidden gems is hiding in plain sight. Keep scrolling to uncover this lovely garden. Chicago is known as the “city in a garden,” and the hidden Lurie Garden is a symbolic representation that celebrates Chicago as a green, sustainable city, though it was once all marshland....

Pratt Place has a gorgeous barn that’s pretty popular for weddings, but that’s not the whole story. Pratt Place is also home to a stunning boutique hotel where you can stay among international antiques in a renovated farmhouse in the middle of 140 acres of gorgeous greenery. That’s a mouth full, but it’s absolutely true. Pratt Place Inn and Barn is the perfect place for an event or a relaxing getaway....

You might be surprised to learn that we have an amazing canopy walk in Kentucky. There are even those that might be unaware of exactly what a canopy walk is. Fortunately, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest at 2499 Clermont Road in Clermont offers the perfect place to become acquainted with one. It takes us on a beautiful above ground stroll you can experience and appreciate at your own pace. This is somewhere you will definitely want to take your camera, as the scenery is breathtaking....

Located at the Oswald West State Park, the Cape Falcon Hike is an easy 4.8-mile hike that leads through gorgeous scenery to the most stunning coastal overlook. Tucked into the forest of the Oswald West State Park you’ll find the Cape Falcon Trailhead. This beautiful out-and-back trail is 4.8 miles round trip and relatively easy. flickr/ Eli Duke The hike begins in a forest and weaves through lush meadows, along dramatic cliffs, and beside a babbling creek....

Pennsylvania has plenty of famous caves, from the underground river of Penn’s Cave, to Lost River Caverns, Crystal Cave, and more. The most unique cavern in the state, though, is one-of-a-kind across the globe: Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, which is the only known cave in the world that contains a fossilized coral reef. heather_inthemtns/ Instagram When you approach Coral Caverns, you will be greeted by a somewhat nondescript sign. Be prepared for the amazing sights that wait for you within…...

Ohio Amish Country is beautifully charming no matter the season. Taking the Amish Country Scenic Byway during the winter is a special experience though. It warms your heart in ways you can’t describe, making you long for home, family and simpler times. That’s why we think it’s the most scenic and enjoyable drive you can take in Ohio during the winter months—and why we think you should take this particular drive this winter....

Guthrie, Oklahoma’s territorial capital and first state capital, is a town surrounded by history and plenty of mystery. This Wild West town got its start in 1887 and was immediately filled with activity – some good, some bad and some underground – or so the story goes… Freaktology/Flickr Many people attest to the fact that a whole system of tunnels runs below the town of Guthrie. But yet many still deny their existence....

If you haven’t stopped by this incredible Iowa Welcome Center, you’ll want to put it on your list of places to visit. This rest area is a great place to take a break from driving. It’s open 24 hours a day and staffed continuously. The cute café and gift shop makes it truly special. They are open between 9am and 5pm. janet lackey/Flickr This giant red barn is actually an Iowa Welcome Center....

Barbecue is just as much a part of Mississippi cuisine as catfish and soul food, which means the state is full of amazing barbecue joints, so just what makes the Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint in Ocean Springs so special? Well, aside from the fact that it’s constructed from actual junk, the family-owned restaurant is known for serving brisket so good that people have actually parachuted into the restaurant just to get a taste....