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The Prairie State has some incredibly diverse landscapes from prairie and lakes to rivers, hills, and rock formations. It’s not hard to find a scenic hike in any corner of the state. But scenic overlooks aren’t as easy to find, and some are even hidden away along pathways that don’t see as much foot traffic. If you would like to visit a scenic overlook that is tucked away along the banks of the Ohio River, head to Elizabethtown and hike the short and sweet Tower Rock Trail....

The spirit of community and neighborly kindness that you get in American small towns just can’t be rivaled. As the years go by, it’s getting harder and harder to find truly close-knit communities that embody that feeling of togetherness and old-fashioned hospitality. These teeny tiny towns may have populations near or below 1,000 people, but they have plenty of heart to go around. Here are some of the smallest towns in the U....

BBQ is nearly always a good idea, no matter what time of year it is. The thought of slow-smoked brisket, beef ribs, chicken, and pulled pork is enough to get anyone’s taste buds watering. And don’t forget about the sides. Macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad are always the perfect complements to all that BBQ meat. Caddo Street BBQ Company located in Ardmore needs to be on your list of places to eat if it is not already....

Mesa Verde National Park. Red Rocks Park. Pikes Peak. What do these three iconic Colorado locations have in common? They are all historic gems that represent an important part of Colorado’s history. You learned all about these locations during your high school history class, but did you know about these 13 equally important hidden historic gems located in Colorado? They include: Please note, The Shenandoah-Dives Mill and Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel No....

Camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s definitely something to be said for starry skies, cool nights by the campfire, and lots of ooey-gooey smores. In this list, we’ve included a mix of full-featured camping spots (i.e. places with showers and toilets) and rustic sites (i.e. you’re going in the woods). Check out these awesome, beautiful camping spots in Massachusetts. Horseneck Beach State Reservation, West Point Flickr/Phillip Capper Flickr/Christina McCarty With over 100 campsites and lots of amenities like running water, picnic areas, showers, toilets, fire pit areas and a playground, Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a great place to pitch your tent....

When it comes to East Coast versus West Coast, we’re obviously strong believers that West Coast is the best coast. However, we have to admit the East Coast has a leg up on some things, like bagels. After all, New York-style bagels are iconic for a reason. Lucky for us in the Golden State, we don’t have to travel across the country to get our hands on bagels like these. Boichik Bagels is a bagel shop in NorCal that does it right – they’ve even been named the best bagels by the New York Times!...

If you’re like many of us, you are probably in need of a getaway, a place that’s perfect to rest and recharge. Located on a 60-acre property in Warren, Massachusetts, Laurel Ridge B&B offers a serene location to really get away from it all. Laurel Ridge B&B is a 4,500-square-foot log cabin that was constructed using mostly lumber procured from fallen trees on the property. Its acreage allows plenty of privacy with trails and grounds you can explore and connect with nature....

Detroit-style pizza is having a moment in the culinary world, expanding way beyond the Michigan metropolis. Similar to Sicilian-style pies, Detroit-style pizza is known for its square shape, thick crust, and crispy bottom. You’ll find the world’s best version at Buddy’s Pizza. It’s not a hard claim to make that Buddy’s Pizza has the world’s best Detroit-style pizza; they invented it! In 1946, Gus Guerra and Concetta “Connie” Piccinato opened Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria at the corner of Conant and Six-Mile....

Nestled in Noble County, Indiana, there rests a little state park that seems to go sadly underappreciated season after season. It’s beautiful, full of lush greenery, and it’s also home to several bodies of water, as the name would imply. Chain O’ Lakes State Park is literally full of lakes, and you’ve got to see them all. It’s a boaters’ paradise for sure, and hikers will love it, too. crtaylor243/Flickr...

There are certain places in Kentucky that we just can’t help but feature over and over, but it’s always when you can experience something new. When summer arrives, swimming holes and water parks are ideal for cooling off and FRP LaGrange Quarry in Kentucky is definitely one of the most popular. This adults-only swimming quarry has crystal clear water, plenty of space to spread out, and this year will have a few new features we think you’ll love if you want to spend your summer under the sun....

Are you looking for a bakery that perfectly combines creativity, fantastic service, and culinary excellence? We’ve got the perfect option – one bakery in Michigan is beloved for its tasty eats, carefully thought-out designs, and top-of-the-line customer experience. When you’re in the mood for something fresh, make your way to this delightful spot – your taste buds are in for an awesome adventure. Crooked Tree Breadworks is located off M-119 in Petoskey....

There’s an event of prehistoric proportions happening right now in Kentucky. Louisville Mega Cavern, one of the state’s most unique attractions, currently has some very special, very not extinct, guests. The Dino Safari at Louisville Mega Cavern is an underground, drive-thru experience that’s sure to delight and inspire dinosaur devotees of all ages. This underground dino safari is an only-in-Kentucky kind of event that you definitely don’t want to miss....

Virginia is home to countless impressive waterfalls, from the iconic Falling Spring Falls to the mesmerizing Crabtree Falls and many others tucked away in the woods just waiting to be discovered. Today’s waterfall hike showcases a lesser-known cascade that’s no less majestic. Fallingwater Cascades is positively lovely, and you can admire it from multiple vantage points when you opt for the 1.5-mile loop of the same name. Here’s more on this not-to-be-missed waterfall hike in Virginia....

New Jersey is one of the absolute best food spots in America. After all, it’s sandwiched between two of the best cities in the country — New York City and Philadelphia — so you can expect a variety of cuisines to have made their way down to Jersey: everything from amazing Italian favorites to phenom Ethiopian food to mouthwatering Mexican dishes to Czech cuisine. Never had Czech cuisine? We can remedy that with a visit to Four Green Cats Cafe....

There are few hikes that are absolutely incredible year round, and the Winner Creek Trail in Alaska is definitely one of them! Filled with stunning views of turquoise waters, and hikes through towering trees, this beautiful hike will have you feeling like you walked straight into a fairy tale. Grab your gear and head on out to this spectacular spot in Girdwood, Alaska. By far one of our favorite hikes in Alaska is the Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood....

A good, old-fashioned meatball – whether topped on a bowl of spaghetti or sandwiched between two slices of bread – just hits the spot sometimes. Only one thing can really rival a meatball, and that is one that’s made from scratch, like you’ll find at this meatball joint in Pennsylvania. Emporio boasts a delicious meatball-centric menu that will satisfy the hunger of any carnivore or vegetarian. If you want more Pennsylvania restaurants, make sure to click here and sign up for our weekly dining newsletter....

If you’re a fan of fresh and wholesome cheese, plan to make a stop at Grafton Village Cheese Company the next time you’re in Brattleboro or Grafton, Vermont. Since 1892, Grafton Village Cheese Company has been dedicated to supporting rural communities by making award-winning cheese from milk provided by local farms in Vermont. Along with using organic ingredients, the company uses the same cheese making process that it did over 100 years ago....

If you live in Montana, it’s highly likely that you’re not a fan of crowds and prefer to be surrounded by peace and quiet. After all, even our largest cities would be considered mid-sized towns in most other states. But if you happen to live in Glasgow, it’s safe to say you truly have a commitment to living off the grid. Glasgow is nearly five hours from any city, making it the most isolated town in the U....

Louisiana’s wetlands make up about 40% of the wetlands in the continental United States. Not only do our wetlands provide us with ample recreational opportunities, but they also play a much more important role for our feathered friends, serving as essential habitat for both local and migratory birds (not to mention all the other critters like deer, alligators, bears, and more). The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is one of Louisiana’s most important wetlands, and it’s also one of the most beautiful....

There are some things that have stood the test of time. One of them is the delicious barbecue sauce served at Charlie Staples BBQ in Youngstown, Ohio. This local restaurant is nothing short of an institution when it comes to delicious Ohio barbecue, and the secret sauce is one of the main reasons. In fact, this sauce is so delicious that many folks opt to put it on their sides as well, including the french fries!...