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If you’re a true Illinoisan, then there are some holiday traditions you just can’t live without. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without these weird and wacky things taking place. You may not find them so odd if you’re from here, but these nine traditions aren’t familiar everywhere. Read on for what makes an Illinois holiday season unique. Cut down and bring in trees. Facebook/Grady Christmas Tree Farm Sure, many people put up a Christmas tree, but Illinoisans are obsessed with cutting one down themselves....

Oklahoma has one of the most diverse landscapes in the country with over 11 different eco-regions. One of those areas is in western Oklahoma – Black Mesa – the highest point in the state. Its dramatic landscape stands at 4,973 feet tall and features gorgeous rock formations, black lava, plateaus and hidden caves. In fact, the Black Mesa plateau has been called a geological wonder of North America. Take a look at the odd formations that have formed over the years, and plan a trip to the Panhandle to see this remarkable place firsthand....

The landscape of Northeast Ohio is breathtaking in every season. What happens, though, when you combine gorgeous Cleveland sunshine, exotic and rare plants, and a bit of landscaping? The result is a whimsical garden that will transport you to a whimsical world full of fairies and beauty. Spring has finally arrived in Greater Cleveland, and petite green shoots are starting to break through the ground. Gardenview Horticultural Park/Facebook But the most splendid time of year is April when Gardenview Horticultural Park opens to the public....

Hill City was founded in 1876 by miners hoping to strike it rich. With a population of fewer than 1,000 residents, it’s the oldest town in the Black Hills, and it’s full of history. Some people say that some of the more tragic figures never left…and they remain in Hill City, haunting it. Main Street Google You’ll notice that many of the following spots are located on Main Street. That’s probably no surprise to those who know the history of this town....

When it comes to Asian cuisine, New Jersey has got you covered. Fort Lee is the place to go for Korean fare, and you’ll also find incredible Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants across the Garden State. Chinese food is abundant, but only one spot can be the best. Hunan Taste is a beautifully designed eatery located in Denville, New Jersey. Image/Hunan Taste The exterior is truly a marvel with vibrant colors and ornate accents....

When there seems to be a different historic landmark on every corner, it’s no wonder that Massachusetts has its fair share of ghost stories and haunted houses. However, if you’re looking to explore a spot where the spooks seem to be particularly active, head to the Omni Park House Hotel in Boston. The Omni Park House Hotel in Boston is one of the most haunted spots in America. Facebook/Omni Parker House...

We’ve all heard of New York-style pizza with its thin, foldable crust. Or what about the deep-dish pies of Chicago? You can get close approximations to these classic styles at many places throughout Minnesota. But did you know that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has a pizza style all its own? Read on to learn about what makes up a Minnesota-style pizza – and where you can get it. Red’s Savoy, the popular Twin Cities pizza chain, has gone ahead and defined Minnesota-style pizza....

Walking into St. Ann’s in Woonsocket is like finding yourself in a fabulous European cathedral. It’s soaring ceilings and grand arches are home to the largest collection of frescos in North America. Did you know we had this treasure hiding in Rhode Island? St. Ann’s Church was built between 1913 and 1917 in Woonsocket to serve the needs of the French-Canadian population there. It was built in French Renaissance style, with incredible Romanesque details....

One of the most stunning churches in Nevada is hiding in the historic town of Virginia City. Not only is it absolutely a work of art, but it’s actually considered the oldest Catholic church in Nevada. This incredible gem is a sight to be seen. Continue reading to learn all about this beautiful church and its history. St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church is one of the many beautiful churches in the historic town of Virginia City....

Minnesotans are known for our love of comfort foods. That’s why our state dish is arguably the humble – yet delicious – tater tot hot dish. There are many more one-dish recipes that grace the tables at our potlucks: macaroni and cheese, wild rice soup, pot pies. It is the last of these that we’re here to talk about today. There is a restaurant in Minnesota that serves up amazing Minnesota-inspired comfort foods, including the best pot pies you’ll ever taste....

There are so many enchanting places in New Jersey and over the years I’ve covered many of my favorites but there’s one that hasn’t been in the spotlight…yet. Head to 9th Street between North Bay and North Delaware Avenues and you’re in for a delightful treat. This strip of street has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind shopping village. Bay Village is a shopping center spread across several blocks on Long Beach Island....

Florida has a ton of beautifully charming coastal towns peppering the state that we fall in love with every time we visit. While many visitors tend to stay to the tried-and-true beach towns in Florida, we have one place which may be off your radar but worth checking out. This small coastal town is full of charm and full of opportunity for sun and fun. Imagine living on a coastal town with access to sandbars surrounded by clear, turquoise water…...

Coloradans are some of the smartest and most innovative people on earth! From inventing and popularizing fast casual food (a la Chipotle, Q’doba, and Noodles & Co.) to the dreaded wheel clamp, to tampons and juvenile detention centers, Coloradans have thought of it all! If there is one Colorado invention, however, that stands out as the most important and iconic, it would have to be this snuggly childhood staple that not many people realize was invented here:...

It may be a tie between Iowa City and Decorah. Iowa City has been rocking the hippie vibe for longer, but Decorah is doing it better, these days. Thrillist named Decorah the hippiest town in Iowa, recently. They’ve got several locally-owned breweries, a beautiful food coop and they are home to the second largest seed bank in the world. Local artists like the Story People Gallery thrive, here. Jason Riedly/Flickr...

If you’re a fan of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, you’ve probably dreamed of tasting the delicious butterbeer that is so popular in the wizarding world. It may have seemed like just a fantasy, but you can actually try a few butterbeer flavored drinks right here in West Virginia! Take a visit to the Hot Cup cafe in Logan to give this drink a try. This little coffee shop in Logan is a must visit for all Harry Potter fans....

Mount Katahdin might be the highest point in Maine, but did you know that you can explore the actual highest town in Maine without strapping on hiking boots? If you long to explore great heights, you’ll want to head to Rangeley. It’s got shopping, restaurants and of course lots of space to explore outside! Rangeley, in Franklin County, is one of the most quintessential inland Maine towns. pasfam / Flickr...

Each year around the holidays, Boston is lit with sparkling lights from the illuminated trellis at Christopher Columbus Park to Blink! at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. However, one spot near the city is especially enchanting. Stone Zoo in Stoneham is an ideal winter destination. Facebook/Stone Zoo During the holidays, the zoo puts on ZooLights. This event runs between November 24 and December 31, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The addition of twinkling lights transforms the zoo into a magical place that the whole family can enjoy....

Pittsburgh’s the best, right? Plenty makes the Burgh such an amazing place to live. Pittsburghers’ friendliness. A jaw dropping city skyline. Winning sports teams. And, of course, the traditions that we hold dear to our hearts. Some may call them bizarre. But, for us, these 10 Pittsburgh traditions are just part of what make Pittsburgh so special. We celebrate weddings with cookies. Flickr/Sheila Scarborough Wedding cake? Sure, we might have one at our wedding in the Burgh....

Whether you have to fly out of Detroit for a few days or you’re moving out of the city for new opportunities, there are a number of things you’ll definitely find yourself missing when you leave. Having to say goodbye to a place you’ve grown up in all your life isn’t easy, and we’ve come up with a list of 11 things that we think you’ll agree with when it comes to certain aspects you’ll particularly miss about the Motor City....

Don’t buy into the myth that people from Boston and New York try to sell you – you don’t need to go to the big city to find amazing and downright cool restaurants. New Hampshire has plenty of them, and many play up the amazing things about New Hampshire – gorgeous views, local food – that big-city restaurants just can’t match. Check out our favorites, and tell us in the comments if we forgot any!...