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Interested in the most haunted places in Illinois? You may not want to live in the good ol’ Land of Lincoln anymore once you’ve learned about these nine real haunted places in Illinois. The state is full of terrifying spots to avoid and these are just a few of the scariest! Greenwood Cemetery Facebook/Greenwood Cemetery, Decatur, Illinois This cemetery is so old that there are grave makers here that date back to before it was dedicated as a graveyard....

1811 was not perhaps the most significant year history has ever known. But it did have some memorable moments, mostly as a birth year. 1811 saw the birth of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Franz Liszt. Napoleon II. …And the USA’s very first government funded highway, the oldest highway in America, the National Road. The National Road connected the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and served as the main transport path west for many 19th century pioneers....

You know the saying “be a flamingo in a flock of penguins?” Well, there’s one place in Bardstown, Kentucky, that’s taken this to heart. Scout & Scholar is a beautiful craft brewery located in the impossibly charming town of Bardstown — which doesn’t seem so odd, does it? But you see, Scout & Scholar is the first brewery in Kentucky Bourbon Country; a bold iconoclast that’s shaking things up in the Bluegrass State....

Attention, military history buffs. Situated on Chinook Point at the mouth of the Columbia River, a hidden gem of a state park is harboring one of the most intact historic coastal defense sites in the U.S. Fort Columbia State Park is a delightful place to visit, especially for those who love to explore pieces of our past. This day-use park will take you back to the early 20th-century, and that’s not all....

If you’re like us, then hot dogs are hard to resist – and it’s hard to eat just one. Right? Ask anyone who has ever visited Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs in North Carolina how many of Shorty’s famous dogs they’ve eaten in a lifetime and then good luck waiting while they try to add up all of Shorty’s hot dogs they’ve eaten over the years. That’s 106 years, to be exact!...

Tucked away in southwestern Virginia, Blacksburg is famous for being the home of Virginia Tech. The school has a population of nearly 30,000 students and is one of the state’s most impressive institutions. Yet what many don’t realize is that the campus is also home to some of the state’s oldest oak trees. The area where you’ll find these beautiful giants is referred to as Stadium Woods, and it’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets....

The “M” that adorns Mount Sentinel in Missoula is not the only such letter attached to a hill in a college town in Montana, but it is one of the most iconic symbols in the state. That’s due to the location immediately east of the University of Montana campus, and the coincidence that both Montana and Missoula start with “M.” The 3/4-mile hike to the letter is often described as a good workout because the 620-foot elevation gain is fairly steep....

Ready to get out, explore, and appreciate one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Michigan? There are plenty of charming towns to experience throughout the Great Lakes State, but one stretch of roadway here in our beloved Mitten offers a unique concentration of delightful communities. Whether you opt to enjoy this 110-mile drive in a day or two or to expand it into a weeklong journey with overnight stays at each location, you’ll be glad you made the trip....

Calling all stargazers of Arkansas. Perhaps by now, you know that the Buffalo National River is one of the most remote dark skies in the world. And this designation was issued in 2019 by the non-profit group the International Dark-Sky Association. So, not only is this river Arkansas’ treasure, but it is also known as an international phenomenon. And if you haven’t yet looked to the dark skies while at the river, let’s explore a few ways that you can experience the best stargazing in Arkansas....

Have you ever been traveling through the middle of nowhere when suddenly, an irresistible craving for comfort food strikes? If that does ever happen to you, I hope you’re in West Virginia, because here in the Mountain State, remote all-purpose general stores are common occurrences on our backroads and many of them hide some of the most delicious homestyle meals you can imagine. Such is the case with Beckner’s General Store in Gandeeville, a middle-of-nowhere restaurant with some of the best takeout in West Virginia....

Oregon’s picturesque waterfalls make for a great payoff after a long hike, but you don’t always need to slog along for miles. Some trails are quick and easy, making them perfect for kids who are less likely to whine, “Are we there yet?” when they can get to the good stuff fast. Check out this waterfall hike that’s just two miles out and back: The Siuslaw National Forest covers 991 square miles, and is home to many of Oregon’s most beautiful natural treasures....

Pack up the car and embark on an adventure. Balmorhea State Park sits in the heart of gorgeous West Texas, and it’s definitely worth the trek. In addition to the never-ending views, wonderful campsites, and fascinating wildlife, Balmorhea State Park is home to a magnificent natural pool. That’s right — the world’s largest spring-fed swimming hole is near Austin, and it’s perfect for a weekend trip. West Texas is calling your name....

Searching for a fantastic family adventure that will keep visitors of all ages smiling? It’s rare to find an attraction that delights both kids and adults alike, but one indoor amusement park in Michigan fits the bill. Whether you’re ready to burn off some energy or simply looking for a spot to sit back and observe while your little ones play, this place has it all. Get ready for the ultimate family day trip in Michigan....

These gruesome acts took place in the Natural State, and for the most part justice was served. Some would argue, however, that not all of these cases were properly handled or the criminals involved truly got what they truly deserved. Either way, the murders that took place in Arkansas left a mark on the state and made headlines in the news. Lavinia Burnett: The first woman to be executed by the state of Arkansas, she was arrested along with her husband Crawford for the murder of Jonathan Selby, a wealthy man from Fayetteville who kept large amounts of money in his house....

(Editor’s Note: Littleton’s Gathering of the Jack O’Lanterns did not take place in 2021. Visit the town’s website for information regarding future events.) One of the most wonderful things about this season is the excitement that comes with Halloween. Whether you prefer to keep things kid-friendly or love the spooky tales that are told in the dark, it’s a fun holiday that marks the beginning if cozier months. There are lots of ways to enjoy it, including the best pumpkin glow in New Hampshire....

No matter how much we’re told that exercise is important (it is) and no matter how much you love hiking (hopefully a lot) there are always days where we feel like we might need to bribe ourselves to get our daily steps in. And if you live in Washington, there’s no better reward for finishing a beautiful hiking trail than a glass or two of local wine. Luckily, Central Washington has an easily accessible- beginner-friendly canyon hike that will take you straight to a winery....

There are a lot of unique Airbnbs in Arizona, but the factors that set this vintage airstream apart from all the others are twofold. Not only does it offer a glimpse back into simpler times, but it also boasts some of the most incredible mountain views you’ve ever seen. Come stay for a while and enjoy a break from reality. You’ll be thankful you did! When it comes to unique Airbnbs in Arizona, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one more charming than this restored 1965 Airstream....

Washington has 124 state parks. And each year, a whopping 40 million people visit them. Many of those people call the Evergreen State home, while some visit from other parts of the country. But they can all appreciate the diverse landscapes and endless natural beauty our state parks offer. If you’re very familiar with Pacific Northwest history, you may already have heard of Ranald MacDonald. Ranald’s gravesite sits up near the Canadian border within our state’s smallest state park—and it’s definitely worth a visit....

If you’re a fan of milkshakes, you’re in luck because there are several restaurants in Alabama that currently sell them. While some of the milkshakes are quite simple, many others are piled high with a variety of sweets and other toppings. An Alabama restaurant that’s well known for its outrageous milkshakes is The Mason Jar. For information about this restaurant and its famous milkshakes, read on. The Mason Jar is a family-style restaurant that’s located in Auburn, Alabama....

Cleveland is full of history but, every so often, it is well worth venturing outside of the metropolitan area to get a taste of Ohio as it appeared in yesteryear. Dunham Tavern is Cleveland’s oldest building, but few buildings in the area can even rival its age… there is, however, one historic mill near Cleveland that has been restored to working condition. Are you ready to step back in time? Gas up the car, because we’re heading on a road trip to the 1830s....