Sometimes West Virginia doesn’t get the credit it deserves for being so awesome. Here are just some of the reasons West Virginia is the most underrated state in the entire country. There’s some of the best whitewater in the East here. Gene/Flickr Can you handle these rapids? West Virginia has at least three rivers that are perfect for rafting — the New, Gauley and Cheat. Even our small towns are great....
It’s so much fun to explore new corners of this great state. One spot that you should definitely check out is the lively and colorful town of Northampton. There’s a little bit of everything in this Hampshire County community, and it’s not hard to see why residents think everyone should move here. Whether you like amazing shows, delicious chocolate (who doesn’t?), great outdoor opportunities or just love that small town New England charm, Northampton delivers....
Let your feet sink into the sandy beach. Watch as the golden sunlight dances off of the water. Or, hit the water to swim or to sail. Pack up your bags and gas up your car for a leisurely day trip or a quick weekend getaway to this sapphire lake near Pittsburgh. Journey just over two hours to northern Pennsylvania, home to perhaps the most perfectly blue lake in the state, and one of America’s Great Lakes....
When it comes to lounging on the beach, you might think that you have to travel far away. But it turns out that the slice of beach paradise you’ve been looking for is right here in Wisconsin: Racine’s North Beach. What makes this beach so great? This beach is comprised of 50 acres of beautiful sand along 2500 feet of shoreline. Beachside Oasis/Facebook This beach is incredibly clean. Beachside Oasis/Facebook...
Palaces and royalty typically go hand in hand, which is why you may not think that Massachusetts has much to offer in the way of hidden fairytale castles. Enter Wheatleigh, the breathtaking Gilded Age palace that’s hiding in a secluded corner of the Berkshires. Every inch of this place is dripping with finery and romance. If you’re looking for a dreamy day trip, this is it. This dazzling palace is tucked away in the hills of the Berkshires....
Spring weather can be a bit wet, but the colorful flowers that bloom all over the state make up for it. While there are several gardens in Maryland worth seeing this spring, there’s one in particular with a wildly extravagant tulip display. Check it out but beware, you may never want to leave this enchanting place. Sherwood Gardens is a hidden gem nestled in Baltimore. guilfordassociation.org A look at the below map reveals the layout of the grounds....
Escape the rush of every day life, even if only for a night, when you check into this elegant castle-like hotel nestled in the charming neighborhood of Shadyside. Spend the day strolling through the quaint shops of Walnut Street before retiring to your luxurious room at the Mansions on Fifth, where an unforgettable experience in Pittsburgh awaits. Embrace a rich part of Pittsburgh’s history when you stay at the Mansions on Fifth, a regal mansion of 20,000 square feet built for the Willis McCook family in the early 1900s....
Listen to the rhythm of the train’s wheels traveling along the tracks but don’t get lost in your thoughts. Otherwise, you might miss a skilled storyteller weaving tales or become the “victim” of an old-fashioned train heist. Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the past when you climb aboard this old-fashioned steam train in Pennsylvania. Watch history unfold when you join one of Steam Into History’s historical train rides on the Northern Central Railway....
With all its tiny towns and back roads, Connecticut is home to plenty of little known restaurants. Folks tend to forget about the small family owned businesses when searching for a dinner spot, or even worse, they just don’t know where to find them! So here are some great hole in the wall restaurants to make your next dining experience truly unique. Pasta Fresca & Piadina (Mystic) Romulo R./Yelp Neil T....
Because Auburn, Alabama has such a rich history, it’s not surprising that several ghost stories have become local legends. The following is a ghost story you may or may not be familiar with. flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM During the Civil War, Auburn University Chapel served as a hospital. Many soldiers traveled to Auburn to seek medical treatment for their wounds. One of these soldiers, known as Sydney Grimlett, never left after receiving treatment....
How do you define a state as rich, complex and historic as Louisiana? It’s a huge task but on this beautiful November day—I’ll give it a shot. The amazing scenery that Louisiana’s natural assets have to offer is the beginning of the following scenes, which show all of the sides Louisiana has to offer. Lake Bistineau The perfectly clear waters and habitats that create our dynamic Louisiana environment are simply divine....
This forgotten Masonic temple is being slowly overtaken by the forces of nature. Plant life has crept into the grand building and added touches of surprising color to the stark, crumbling stone architecture. From hidden tunnels to a massive safe, this old temple is full of secrets.Take a look at these stunning photographs by photographer Johnny Joo. The way this abandoned temple has decayed is truly breathtaking. Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife...
If you have yet to visit Tent Rocks, you are missing out. This challenging, but rewarding hike is a popular spot – you will not be lacking in human company – but this can come in handy, as there are certain sections that require a boost up (and there are many helpful young people happy to provide just that). David Cooper Photography The initial climb does not prepare you for the 360-degree view from the summit of these amazing volcanic ash structures, which were created by the nearby eruptions at Valles Caldera six to seven million years ago....
Every once in awhile, I stumble up on a true hidden gem in the Beehive State. Here’s a lake that’s in the middle of nowhere…but it’s popular for scuba, swimming and fishing. Take a look. Blue Lake is about 15 miles south of Wendover - a little gem in the middle of the desert. Google To get there, take I-80 West to Wendover, Nevada. Then travel on Highway 93 for about 14 miles (you’ll cross the border back into Utah along the way)....
Merry Christmas! Hopefully you are spending this day with friends and family. It’s such a blessed holiday and a favorite of many. The lights twinkle, magic is in the air, and we remember the reason for the season. North Carolina is such a beautiful place to spend the holiday season and these pictures prove it. Christmas by candlelight at Tryon Palace. Flickr / Zach Frailey : The Uprooted Photographer Downtown Raleigh all aglow in Christmas lights and Christmas cheer....
You might think that all the beautiful, naturally-occurring sites were in other countries. But many of them are right here in America. And many of those are right here in Illinois! Here are 10 stunning spots you definitely need to check out. Heron Pond Michael/Flickr Garden of the Gods Michael/Flickr Starved Rock State Park Meredith Bell/Flickr Burden Falls Curtis Abert/Flickr Mississippi Palisades State Park Martin Konopacki/Flickr Buffalo Rock State Park Richie Diesterheft/Flickr...
Door County is bustling for three seasons–when everything starts to bloom during spring, definitely when summer hits, and for fall to enjoy the foliage. But don’t forget about winter! Door County is just perfect for your winter getaway. And there’s a lot less people as well as lower prices. So why not take a trip to Door County next weekend? Those beautiful rural views are enhanced by the snow, like this one in Egg Harbor....
One of the very best benefits of living in Rhode Island is the food, of course! Sure the beaches are beautiful and all, but most would agree the local cuisine is simply out of this world! Here are 11 oh so very Rhode Island dishes that you should definitely try as soon as possible, if you haven’t yet! Clam Cakes Flickr/Greg Lloyd Fried dough filled with clams is as amazing as it is unique!...
One of the things I absolutely love about Arizona is that our residents are not only incredibly diverse, but there’s a lot we share in common. One of those traits I like to point out is that we have the tenacity and patience to live in a place that can otherwise seem inhospitable. Even some of our towns are “too tough to die.” Check out some of the reasons Arizonans can be considered a tough bunch:...
West Virginia has a long history with coal. We often hear references to coal camps and company stores, but have you ever wondered what life was actually like back in coal camps during the 1930s? Check out these photos to get a glimpse of what it was like. These miners are waiting on their mail at the post office in Kempton in 1939. John Vachon/Library of Congress LC-USF34-008972 This was a miners’ bath house in Welch 1938....
