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Fairy tales aren’t just for kids, and there’s a magical hiking trail near Houston that takes you straight into one. The Spring Creek Nature Trail is one of the best hikes in Texas, complete with footbridges, stream crossings, and even miniature fairy houses. It’s one of the most enchanting hikes you’ll ever take! Located near Burroughs Park in Spring, the Spring Creek Nature Trail is a little-known hike that will make you think you’ve entered a fairytale....

Here in Alabama, there are many outdoor recreational activities offered, including kayaking. From lakes to rivers to creeks, there are several places in the Yellowhammer State that are perfect for kayaking. One of these places is Big Canoe Creek, which you can learn all about below. Alabama’s Big Canoe Creek is part of the 422-acre Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville. The creek’s main stem is 50 miles long, and Gulf Creek, Muckleroy Creek, and two “Little Canoe” creeks are Big Canoe Creek’s four major tributaries....

There is a secret spot only an hour and a half from downtown Phoenix where you can fish and camp year-round. Riverside Campground in Tonto National Forest is beautiful, serene, and the perfect spot to cast a line and catch your dinner. Riverside Campground has an amazing view of Bartlett Dam. Baba Booey/Google Bartlett Dam was built on the Verde River in the 1930s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places....

Sometimes you just want to indulge in a nice hot meal. What better than the North Dakotan favorite, a hot beef sandwich? One humble little cafe has been around for years, and their signature hot beef sandwich has been ranked the best of the best. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and the freshly made, warm food – you’ll be glad you stopped in. Charlie’s Main St. Cafe is one of Minot, North Dakota’s most timeless eateries....

Have you had the chance to experience a Cajun seafood boil? This fiery style of cooking, where fresh seafood is steamed and tossed in a spicy sauce consisting of herbs, aromatics, and butter, is quickly becoming a sensation. Now it’s made its way to Cedar Rapids, where Crab Attack Cajun Seafood Shack is serving up heaping portions of fresh seafood. How would you like it prepared? Here, it’s totally up to you....

Head to Swami’s Beach in the Encinitas neighborhood of San Diego, California for an eye-opening tide pool experience you won’t soon forget. Check out the delicate ecosystem unfolding right before your eyes in this protected paradise for tiny sea creatures. When you get to Swami’s Beach, the first thing that might catch your eye is the beautiful bluff, topped with classic California palm trees. Marcel Fuentes/iStock via Getty Images The bluff leads down to the ocean, which can vary from peaceful and calm lapping at the shore to large waves favored by experienced San Diego surfers....

Medicine Bow is a charming town in Wyoming with a very small population. Based in the southern part of the state, Medicine Bow is actually only about an hour north of Boulder, Colorado. And while the town itself might be tiny, there are plenty of opportunities to get into nature and explore the areas surrounding Medicine Bow since the national forest of the same name is nearby. Let’s take a look at three nearby trails that are perfect for getting outdoors near Medicine Bow....

Marshall is a tiny Virginia town with big culinary ambitions. Not only is it home to one of the state’s most famous bakeries, but it’s also home to the impressive Field & Main Restaurant. Using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant offers one of the most creative and delicious menus in the state. In fact, the food is so delicious, you’ll easily be tempted to order one of everything — and then seconds!...

Once the season to be jolly approaches, Clevelanders prepare for the winter. We double-check the cars for snow scrapers, prep the scarves and gloves for easy access, and then we unpack our holiday decor. For many, this includes hand-selecting a real tree to fill the home with fresh scents and holiday cheer. For nearly 200 years, one farm in the Cuyahoga Valley has continually delighted visitors. It’s the best destination for a live Christmas tree near Cleveland!...

You know Glenwood Springs for its famous attractions (a la Hanging Lake, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, and Glenwood Caverns), but did you know that this gorgeous mountain town is also home to some must-see hot springs in Colorado? For one little-known gem that is not only a must-see but also incredibly relaxing, we recommend visiting the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, one of the best hot springs in the US. “Relax, restore, rejuvenate,” invites Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which is located alongside the Colorado River and surrounded by a picture-perfect Rocky Mountain landscape....

What would you do for a good slice of pizza? And we’re not talking just any ordinary pizza, but a pie that’s so mouthwatering you’ll drive out of your way to get one. Well, there’s one off-the-beaten-path eatery in Iowa with some of the best pizzas you’ll ever have. Hungry? Then hit the road and head to Elk Horn where you’ll find Grace on Main. Welcome to Grace on Main! This restaurant may be off the beaten path for many of you out there, but it’s well worth the drive given its delectable menu offerings....

You may be asking yourself “Where did summer go?” We know the feeling, but never fear! With the incoming fall season, there are some brightly colored days ahead in the Palmetto State. Each year at this time everyone is always asking the 64 million dollar question about the peak leaf-peeping dates, so if you’re thinking ahead and wondering when to see fall colors in South Carolina, then here are some insights about the best dates for each part of the state – as determined by the experts at the Smoky Mountains....

If you love history and nature, you’ll enjoy this short and easy hike to the Fort Lancaster Ruins out in Sheffield, Texas. Out here, all you’ve got is the natural beautiful landscape we love and the history in the very ground we walk. Bookmark this short-and- sweet trail for a future day trek adventure in Texas. Welcome to a scenic hiking trail with a side of history. Here you’ll learn about Fort Lancaster, the ruins that dot this scenic hike....

There is a reason cities all over the U.S. hold regular events where kids can touch (and in some cases, even climb into!) real firetrucks and police cars. Little ones are fascinated by the lights, sirens, and overall look of the vehicles, which is why they’ll have a blast at Green Park in Allen. This first responders-themed playground in Texas features play structures resembling a firetruck, police station, and ambulance, and all ages are guaranteed to enjoy a trip....

If you’re looking for a secret swimming hole in New Hampshire, you’re in luck. Lonesome Lake is an idyllic place to relax and take a refreshing dip in the water. While plenty of locals have found this beautiful spot, you might find that it’s less crowded than more well-known lakes and swimming spots. This lake is so picturesque, you’ll want to stay all day. From the deep blue water to the lush green surroundings, there’s nothing but tranquility for miles around you when you’re here....

Breathtaking natural scenes are a given in Missouri. We might not even fully appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. After all, we’re so used to seeing it all of the time. When you visit the oldest living tree in Missouri, however, you’ll probably be struck by its sheer size, beauty, and how much it has seen and endured over the centuries. A visit is more than worthy of a spot on your bucket list....

For those passionate about sleeping under the stars, nothing beats a camping trip. Here in Virginia, we’re lucky to enjoy some of the most scenic campgrounds around, from those perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains to those nestled along the Atlantic Coast. Today’s feature site is one to bookmark, not only because it’s beautiful, but also because it’s a year-round campground in Virginia. Montebello Fishing & Camping Resort is perfect for a camping adventure, no matter the season....

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in America, with some of the highest concentrations of wealth existing in its small towns. But some of its cities fall among the poorest in the country. Some have been declared “distressed,” and all of these suffer from lower incomes, higher rates of poverty, and higher unemployment rates. Scroll to see the poorest cities in Connecticut for yourself. Bridgeport Iracaz/Wikimedia More than 16% of people in this area are unemployed, and more students receive free or reduced lunch here than the state average....

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? The classic creamy treat is a favorite of kids – and kids at heart. Many restaurants in Iowa serve great versions of this dish, but to find the best mac and cheese in Iowa, you want to go to a place that specializes in the stuff! The Cheesy Cow Mac & Cheesery in Bettendorf is a casual cafe that dishes out one over-the-top version of mac and cheese after another, serving up regular specials and fusion delights – as well as a classic mac and cheese that’s exactly as rich and indulgent as you might hope....

Author and environmental activist Edward Abbey said, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” Getting out into nature offers so many benefits, physically, mentally, and spiritually. When you’re looking for somewhere that perhaps you haven’t been before, a hidden gem of sorts, one area in our state that is perfect for South Carolina nature lovers is Poe Creek State Forest. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Oconee and Pickens Counties, Poe Creek State Forest is a beautiful spot for individuals, couples, families, and even work groups to enjoy nature....