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If you’ve lived or traveled in California for any significant length of time, you know that the landscape is peppered with historic lighthouses along the coast, all the way from the southern border with Mexico, to the northern border with Oregon. And each one possesses its own unique aspects and history. What you might not know is that there is one popular Northern California lighthouse holding a dark secret. The Point Sur Lighthouse is located along Highway 1 in Big Sur, CA, approximately a 45-minute drive from the city of Monterey proper (the official address is in Monterey)....

At Bauder’s in Des Moines, you can turn back the clock and enjoy an old-fashioned meal at a soda fountain. In operation since 1917, this pharmacy, deli, and dessert counter hasn’t changed much in over a century. The sandwiches are still low-cost and delicious, the sodas and ice cream are still sweet and creamy, and the service is still fast and accurate. Of course, some things have changed, so step into the oldest deli in Iowa and belly up to the counter....

You don’t have to book an expensive plane ticket to enjoy a waterfront getaway. Thanks to these luxurious cabins in Arizona, such an escape is possible right here in the Grand Canyon State! At Creekside Lodge & Cabins in Arizona, relaxation will be your natural state of being, with a crystal-clear creek gently ambling along outside of your front door. The lodge even has its very own restaurant serving up delicious, farm-fresh food that makes you feel good inside and out....

While there are plenty of swimming holes in Arizona where you can make a splash on a hot day, sometimes, a bit of luxury is just what the doctor ordered. If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale summer adventure, nothing quite compares to the Lylo Swim Club at Rise Uptown Hotel in Phoenix. By and large one of the best hotel pools in Arizona, this exclusive swimming spot is a must-visit....

An immersive, outdoor Alice in Wonderland escape room-style experience is coming soon to Oklahoma. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enjoy an experience unlike any other. The event is coming to Tulsa and Oklahoma City in the Fall and two of the event dates are already sold out. Don’t be late to the party, purchase your tickets now before it’s too late! The Alice in Wonderland Experience is put on by Clued Upp Games and will be in Oklahoma in November....

One of the most unique themed train rides in Georgia is here and boy, is it a doozy. Not only do you get to enjoy the finer things in life aboard this historic train, but you also get to ride with some first-class guests. Are you ready for a wine and dinner train ride in Georgia that will blow any other out of the water? All aboard, Georgians! The SAM Shortline train ride experience outshines all other train rides near me....

Sometimes there’s nothing better than heading out into the wilderness and connecting with nature. Whether you like to hike or camp, surrounding yourself in nature is so good for the soul. But if you consider yourself more of an adventure seeker, have you thought about an off-roading adventure on a UTV through endless acreage? Originally based in Kentucky, Street Offroad Rentals has moved to the Land of Lincoln. And if you’re looking for an off-road adventure in Illinois, look no further than Street Offroad Rentals at Williams Hill Pass....

Idaho is home to some cool wildlife such as bears, moose, and wolves. However, when you want to see animals up close and in person, you don’t have to travel far. At Idaho’s best-kept secret, the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, you can spend a gorgeous day outdoors, enjoying and learning more about all types of creatures. In fact, the Idaho Falls Zoo is known as the best little zoo in the West, and we completely agree....

La Jolla Beach Trail is one of the most storybook-worthy places to go in San Diego. If you’re looking for a fairy tale trail in Southern California, this trail is the spot for you. At just 2.3 miles, it’s considered an easy walk, so you can take your family along with you and give the kids a magical trip through nature. Look up the times for high and low tide ahead of time and try to time it so you reach the tide pools when they’re most visible at low tide....

General stores aren’t usually known for their food, but that’s exactly what launched the Leona General Store in Texas into the spotlight. This middle-of-nowhere hideaway offers a weekly fish fry on Thursday nights, plus mouthwatering steak dinners every Friday and Saturday. Come get yourself some good old-fashioned Texas grub – your taste buds won’t regret it. If you want more Texas restaurants, make sure to click here and sign up for our weekly dining newsletter....

Maryland is home to hiking trails galore. While some are more well-known, others are hiding under the radar, yet are no less impressive. Check out the following loop trail in Maryland that’s full of beauty. It will lead you to serene water views, beautiful bridges, and so many more photo-worthy spots. First, you’ll want to set your GPS for Gunpowder Falls State Park Central Area. You’ll find it in Kingsville, Maryland....

The Mount Rushmore State is home to some of the country’s largest and most iconic landmarks, but did you know that we also boast the largest reptile zoo in the U.S.? Whether or not you like creepy crawlies, we invite you to check out this magical place that you will only find in South Dakota: Welcome to Reptile Gardens! Reptile Gardens Facebook Located in Rapid City, Reptile Gardens is the Guinness Book of World Records winner for the world’s largest reptile zoo, which you will experience from the moment you enter....

Based in the wondrous Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Parsons Point Trail in Delaware is a short and easy in-and-out hike that is perfect for hikers of all levels who like spending time outdoors. The trail is also conducive for runners eager to enjoy some fresh air and be in nature. Since there’s so much to see and check out, this trail is also an ideal destination for a family outing....

Dubuque, Iowa is a one-of-a-kind city – located on the banks of the Mississippi, it provides unparalleled views and a tourism scene rich in culture and history. It can be hard to know where to start if you’re there for the first time. But, the good news is, in one case you don’t have to choose. That’s because two of the best attractions in Dubuque are only a few minutes away from each other....

Tucked away in the adorable Indiana small town of Fishers is Conner Prairie, a fascinating park with all the nature and history you could ever hope for. At Conner Prairie, you and the family will catch a glimpse of what life in Indiana used to be like in centuries past. But Conner Prairie has another attraction that’s worth a visit all on its own: the nothing-short-of-epic Treetop Outpost is an epic playground in Indiana that neither you – nor the kids – will forget....

Is there a more iconic fast food chain in the midwest than Dairy Queen? Known for its delicious ice cream and filling hamburgers and baskets of chicken, the casual chain has evolved a lot over the years. But at one location in Cedar Rapids, it feels like time has stood still. The 1st Avenue Dairy Queen is the oldest Dairy Queen in Iowa, opening only seven years after the chain launched in 1940....

One of the best ways to bask in the beauty of Connecticut is by taking one of its wilderness trails. If you’re new to hiking, you’ll want to start with some easy trails, and this one near Hamden is just perfect for beginners. Sleeping Giant State Park is a true gem in Connecticut’s state park system. After a microburst caused considerable damage to the park in 2018, the park reopened in April of 2019, and it’s just as beautiful as ever....

New Jersey is a great foodie state, but sometimes our favorite spots get overcrowded or too popular, and it becomes time to find something off the beaten path. That’s where these New Jersey hole-in-the-wall restaurants come in. While they aren’t exactly secrets, they’re tiny dining rooms that are known for serving up delicious, memorable dishes. Graziano’s, Chesilhurst Google Street View Google Local / Bob Howe Graziano’s is located on the White Horse Pike, and the small parking lot fills up fast!...

When thinking of the best places to swim in Wisconsin, Wazee Lake likely comes to mind. One of several Wisconsin quarry lakes, the 146-acre lake formed after an abandoned quarry began filling with water. These days, it boasts a beach and water that’s crystal clear, making it one of the most popular of all the abandoned quarries in Wisconsin. And while there’s no denying that Wazee Lake is incredible, it’s just one of many Wisconsin swimming quarries....

Visiting antique stores in Connecticut is such a delight. Even if you aren’t looking for anything specific, just browsing through these places is like a trip back in time. It almost feels like a visit to a museum. Seeing all the items on display makes you think about the history of the items. It’s easy to look at a piece of furniture and wonder who had it in the past and how many hands it has been through in its lengthy history....