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Connecticut’s longest covered bridge is also its most photographed. The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is a wooden covered lattice truss that runs 172 feet over the Housatonic River in the town of Cornwall. Here are a few facts about this covered bridge. Bridges have been built at this location since 1762. It’s believed one bridge was washed away during a flood in 1837. Historical records indicate a replacement bridge– Hart Bridge– was built in 1841....

Few things in this world are as widely (and historically) loved as chocolate. As early as 450 BC, people were drinking fermented chocolate-based beverages, and back in those days, it was a bitter concoction thought to give the drinker strength. The Aztec people used cacao as a currency during their time in the 1400s. In 1875, milk chocolate was invented and, in 1847, British chocolatiers invented the chocolate bar. In 1991, Mark Tarner established the South Bend Chocolate Company, and it’s our little slice of chocolate history that we’re pretty proud of up here in the Midwest....

For creative southern cuisine in one of the most historic buildings in northern Louisiana, a visit to Restaurant Cotton is in order. Beautiful views paired with delicious food and a historic charm are all it takes for us to fall in love with this local restaurant, and you will too! Let’s check it out. Welcome to Restaurant Cotton. Restaurant Cotton/Facebook Located in downtown Monroe, the restaurant may have opened its doors in 2008, but the building goes back much further....

Do you like a bit of history or art with your hike and beach trip? If so, you can reach the petroglyphs all over this beautiful beach by trail at low tide, and the historic art is breathtaking. After finding and deciphering the images, the scenery is a definite bonus. Mark Ozette Beach down for a future bucket-list-worthy trip in Washington when nature sounds like the best destination for the day....

If you’re feeling adventurous or brave, you will be happy to know there are a lot of ghost towns in Indiana. Some of these towns are believed to be haunted, and others are just referred to as the extinct or forgotten towns of Indiana. For one reason or another, these are towns in Indiana people do not really live in anymore; and some people don’t even know they exist! Brisco Huw Williams/Wikimedia There was a time where Brisco (also known as Briscoe) was the name of a small town located in Warren County, Indiana....

Tucked away, almost hidden in southeastern Montana, the town of Ekalaka requires some work to find. It is unlikely that anyone would just stumble upon it, yet the effort is worthwhile to anyone who’s looking for a slice of mostly undiscovered territory in a municipality that barely covers a square mile. A museum, a nearby state park, and a traditional prairie town setting define Ekalaka. The town is named after Ijkalaka, a Native American woman who married rancher David Harrison Russell, the first white settler in the area....

On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 storm, one of the most destructive hurricanes to date. Louisiana is no stranger to Mother Nature’s forces, and it’s during these times that our true colors shine. Thank you to the countless volunteers that laced up their boots to lend a helping hand to their neighbors. Thank you to the restaurants that fired up their grills and passed out free food to those in need....

There’s something truly magical about seeing a hot air balloon in person. The giant size of the balloons, the bright colors, the idea of floating away from your troubles…it all combines into a carefree feeling of sheer joy. You can see hot air balloons in New York at the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival. The 30th edition of this beloved festival will take place on September 3-5, 2021 at Tymor Park in Langrangeville....

If you ask me, northeast Colorado is one of the most criminally overlooked parts of the state, as it is just about as far away from the mountains as you can get. Despite this, the rolling plains and golden farmland are a beautiful sight to see, as are amazing, one-of-a-kind attractions like the little-known Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures: Welcome to Sterling, Colorado: the “City of Living Trees” that is home to not only cottonwoods galore but the one-of-a-kind Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures....

Are you on the hunt for a few fresh goods made right here in the Great Lakes State? There’s nothing more wonderful than taking home a locally produced item that’s crafted with care, and Michigan is home to all sorts of unique shops to choose from. When you’re ready for a truly charming experience, be sure to explore this wonderful country store in Michigan. Brownwood Acres is located at 2493 NE Torch Lake Dr in the community of Central Lake....

If you’re in the mood for a drive in the Ouachita mountains, you’ll appreciate Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena, Arkansas. The 54-mile scenic byway stretches all the way into Talihina, Oklahoma, where the Winding Stair mountains exist. Scenic overlooks exist along the route, making it possible to take in the scenery while stretching your legs and snapping a few photographs. The family-friendly drive provides outstanding opportunities to be among nature and strengthen your existing bond....

Let’s be real here: our state is no stranger to winter storms. Each year, on average, the state gets anywhere from 35 to 50 inches of snowfall. Along with the typical snowstorms, on occasion, a history-making blizzard will come through. Here are six terrifying winter storms in North Dakota that have made a mark in the history books and will never be forgotten. The Schoolhouse Blizzard - 1888 NDSU/Digital Horizons This terrifying storm seemingly came out of nowhere on a warm day in January of 1888....

Maine is home to many beautiful and stunning outdoor locations and attractions, but when the weather is right, nothing sounds better than spending the day at a natural pool! Near Fryeburg, Maine, Blueberry Mountain is located in Evans Notch, and with a short 2.5-mile round-trip hike, Rattlesnake Pool is an amazing pool with crystal clear water. The pool also features a waterfall and is surrounded by beautiful green forest. With its clear sapphire-blue waters, Rattlesnake Pool could be the best end-of-hike reward in all of Maine!...

Farms are a dime a dozen out in South Dakota, but there is one that passerby will always remember. Moschell Farms, near Fedora, is home to Highland cattle, which is an ancient breed of cow from Scotland. Like most things deemed “ancient,” Highland cows look pretty cool. Gemma Louise / Flickr They have long, wavy fur that is usually one color━but this color can change three times in their lifetimes....

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, but that’s not the case with the small town of Round Top. This charming hamlet in the countryside only has a population of 90 residents. Although it’s small, the destination is full of art, dining, museums, shops, and more. It makes for a great day trip, that’s both memorable and full of plenty of things to do. There are several stores and unique boutiques to explore in Round Top....

There aren’t many adventures in North Carolina that lead to striking it rich in sand dollars, but any visit to Sand Dollar Island is sure to deliver loads of the beloved sea urchins that tend to burrow into the sand. If you’re superstitious and believe finding a sand dollar is good luck, then prepare yourself. A visit to Sand Dollar Island in North Carolina should be on your agenda for your next weekend getaway....

They say “everything old is new again” and there’s one shop in Idaho that most definitely takes that to heart. Serendipity Boutique has been the go-to spot for vintage clothing in the Treasure Valley for decades. Stuffed to the gills with clothing pieces from all decades, perusing this locally-owned boutique shop is bound to result in some unique finds! Stop by and check them out the next time you feel like invigorating your closet with fashion trends from the past....

There are times when we look around and just feel thankful to be in a place like Maine. Most of the time this happens on a normal day when we’re going about our regular activities. So imagine what it would feel like if we actually went out of our way to do something extra-special here! We love the idea of staying overnight in this farmhouse with an actual railroad caboose It’s surrounded by nature in the Maine midcoast and it looks like a great way to enjoy some time away....

See Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon the way it should be experienced…on horseback! Nothing beats viewing the vibrant sandstone formations and breathtaking desert flora while riding atop a horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking to try something new, Cowboy Trail Rides has your back. Visit their horseback riding ranch and take off on one of their guided tours. You won’t regret this one-of-a-kind Nevada adventure! Located just a few minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, Cowboy Trail Rides offers visitors a unique experience in a brilliant natural setting....

Voted as one of the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America, Tahlequah is a town located in northeastern Oklahoma that is full of charm, character, and Native American history, too. From shopping and dining to outdoor activities, this delightful town is impossible to drive through without stopping to check it out. You’ll be charmed by the small streets, interesting history, architecture, and so much more! We’re sure you’ll agree: this is one of the most charming small towns in Oklahoma....