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North Carolina may not be the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but the Tarheel State is filled with hidden and not-so-hidden freshwater retreats perfect for a day of relaxation. One of them, Fontana Lake on the Little Tennessee River, isn’t just a peaceful getaway – it may be the clearest lake in North Carolina, flanked by the Great Smoky Mountains and with a whole world to discover nearby. So get your swimsuit, make the drive down to the state’s western border, and get ready for an unforgettable summer day....

Are you ready to start planning activities for the summer? If you enjoy swimming, there are plenty of places to enjoy swimming around the Land of Lincoln. From beaches to swimming holes, you can cool off in a variety of places. However, if you want a swimming experience like no other, take a dip in the cool, crisp waters at Centennial Beach, a former quarry in Illinois. Part of the Naperville Park District, Centennial Beach is a seasonal swimming hole with clean, crisp water that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot summer’s day....

We happen to think that Oregon is the very best place to live. It’s the most beautiful state in the nation, with the best people. We also feel pretty safe here in The Beaver State, and according to the FBI’s Report of Crime Statistics for 2019 (the latest available data), our state ranks 32nd in the nation for violent crime. It comes as no surprise that Oregon’s larger cities are considered to be more dangerous than their small town brethren, but there are some odd anomalies that defy the stats (often in a good way, as with Beaverton — it’s one of Oregon’s larger towns, but its crime rates are quite low!...

Tennessee is all sorts of stunning and wonderful, but, unfortunately, no place is absolutely perfect. Even this gorgeous place has a couple of rough spots that may twinge a bit more than others late at night. Based on stats from our friends at RoadSnacks, we’ve found seven dangerous towns that will have you locking your doors. Which is a safe practice anyway….? So we’re going to say that you aren’t at a loss....

Ready to step back in time by visiting a one-of-a-kind restaurant near Detroit? Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just an adventurous Detroit seeking a fun day trip, we have a suggestion that will add some excitement to your next outing. You don’t have to track down a time machine to head back to the 1940s and dig into a classic meal. In fact, you can take a virtual journey to the past by making your way to a museum that sits just a stone’s throw from the marvelous Motor City....

When the weather warms up in Montana, do you head to one of our lakeside communities or famous resort towns? If so, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s really nothing like spending a summer weekend in a small mountain town, especially one that happens to be close to an abundance of outdoor attractions. If you’ve never visited Livingston in the summer, you’re missing out. This charming little city shines even brighter under the light of the sun....

Minnesota is a state for people who love the outdoors. The state has dozens of state parks – 66 in all – and even the smallest (Franz Jevne State Park) is wild and beautiful. However, one massive state park offers a bigger experience for people who love to explore. St. Croix State Park covers a vast area of eastern Minnesota, and while it makes a great day trip, to truly experience the park, you’ll want to take a little more time....

Stuck at home or in the office? If you’re itching to explore the Land of Enchantment but are unable to leave for an extended period of time, we have you covered. One New Mexico National Park has been made available to tour without even leaving your couch (or desk)! Check out the amazingness that is Carlsbad Caverns National Park – for free – on this amazing virtual adventure. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico is a place unlike any other....

New Jersey is the pizza capital of the world, so it’s no wonder we’re home to the oldest pizzeria in the country! Not only has Papa’s Tomato Pies in New Jersey been around seemingly forever, but it also serves up some of the best food you’ll ever get to try. What began as a small shop in 1912 has since exploded to become one of the most coveted hidden gem pizza spots in the state....

If you’re a fan of hiking in Ohio, you’ve likely learned that there’s no shortage of beautiful trails to enjoy. Today, we’ll feature a fan favorite that happens to be both family-friendly and incredibly scenic. Head to Sugarcreek MetoPark and prepare to enjoy one of the best loop trails in Ohio: the Sugarcreek Green Outer Loop. Here’s more on this lovely trail that’s bound to become a new favorite. If you’ve ever visited Sugarcreek MetroPark in Ohio, you can attest to the fact that it’s downright magical....

School might be out, but the learning can continue at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe. Take the ultimate day trip in New Mexico that combines amazing art and a multidimensional learning environment. The Museum of International Folk Art is part of Museum Hill in Santa Fe. Museum of International Folk Art/Facebook Arranged in four wings, the museum is home to the world’s most extensive international folk art collection....

Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is an undying symbol of Americana. This massive sculpture is truly impressive to see. Nicknamed the “Shrine of Democracy,” over two million people a year visit this amazing work of art that’s sculpted into the Black Hills. Here in Georgia, we have our own massive mountain-carved sculpture that’s actually even larger than Mount Rushmore. Stone Mountain Park is located just outside of Atlanta and boasts an impressive larger-than-life work of art that draws over four million visitors a year....

Autumn is undeniably the best time of year in the Buckeye State, especially if you’re a fan of fall foliage in Ohio. The colors are vibrant; the temperatures are perfect, and the air has a comforting, crisp smell often infused with campfires and bonfires as folks gather outdoors. You’ll want to get out and embrace this season before it’s gone and winter makes its arrival. The following are 12 regions and forests that are known for being especially lovely in the fall....

Those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s know that Friday and Saturday nights meant one thing – going to the mall to hang out with friends, splitting pizza or fries, and weaving in and out of stores as we dreamed of the things we’d buy one day. The coolest place to shop in Rhode Island, Warwick Mall is a throwback to yesteryear. While it boasts all of the modern amenities you’d expect from a shopping mall, it also has that old-school vibe....

Are you looking for a unique, underrated dining experience in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? A meal at the Cultured Pearl is sure to be a memorable one — it’s the only place you can dine next to an enormous rooftop koi pond! The Cultured Pearl is a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Google Street View Though it looks like any other restaurant in the charming district, it’s hiding quite a beautiful rooftop secret!...

Do you love hunting for treasures? If you do, you likely know that Minnesota is chock-full of awesome places to treasure hunt. From thrift stores to antique malls, our state is packed with places where packrats can find vintage goodies, antiques, and more. Thrift stores and antique malls are great, but some of our favorite spots are flea markets. Many are only around in the summertime, making them rare treats for treasure seekers....

For an unforgettable getaway in Mississippi, book a stay at Ranch Hand Cottage. Quite possibly the most unique Airbnb in Mississippi, it’s charmingly rustic and nestled on dozens of acres of wooded property, giving visitors the chance to experience country living firsthand. A picturesque country escape, Ranch Hand Cottage is in the small town of Poplarville. airbnb.com Fun fact: Harry Connick Jr., Delta Burke, and Gerald McRaney own properties in Poplarville....

Quite a few restaurants are known for a single menu item. If you want the best toasted ravioli anywhere, for example, you only need to go to this restaurant in Missouri. While it dishes up absolutely delicious authentic Italian fare it may even be better known as the birthplace of the toasted ravioli. If you haven’t had this St. Louis favorite at Charlie Gitto’s On The Hill, add it to the top of your dining bucket list....

An ice cream craving can hit at any time and in any season. Fortunately, we have an abundance of ice cream parlors that scoop up ice cream in a variety of tasty flavors. However, hard ice cream seems to be a bit more popular than soft serve these days. That can make it a bit more challenging to find a spot to indulge our soft serve craving. Here are five ice cream parlors where you can get some of the best soft serve ice cream in Missouri....

We love a lengthy trek through miles and miles of woods, but there’s also something so appealing about shorter trails. Maybe you are out with a young kid, or someone with mobility issues, or you’re working to get into better shape. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of great kid-friendly trails in Georgia that are perfect for those looking for something a little easier and shorter. And if you’re looking to go out on a hot, sunny day (we certainly get plenty of those in the Peach State!...