We all know that dining can be so much more than just the food put on the plate in front of us. An amazing atmosphere will help boost that food to a whole new level because it can evoke a sense of nostalgia or take us back to a time that we wished we could have experienced. Perhaps you are longing for a meal like Grandma used to prepare or dream of sampling food from the heydays of the Wild West....
If you grew up in Montana and have traveled or talked to people from different parts of the country, you’re probably aware that the people of the Treasure State are sometimes stereotyped. And while some of those stereotypes are completely ridiculous and should really be put to rest, you must admit that there are a few assumptions about us that have some truth to them. Do any of these ring a bell?...
This winter has been an unusual one for us Texans, that’s for sure. Snow and/or ice on three separate occasions within a few weeks of each other would be a sigh of relief for Northerners, but we’re not used to this kind of weather down here – and neither is our environment. An interesting plant called “frostweed” has been spotted throughout the state recently, and it looks stranger than anything you’ve ever seen....
There’s no shortage of restaurants serving up delicious food in South Dakota, but if you’re looking for a truly remarkable dining experience, you want some ambiance, too. Crawford’s Bar & Grill in Sioux Falls is stunning inside. Check it out! Crawford’s Bar & Grill is located at 214 S. Phillips Avenue, in a historic building that was once home to Bauch’s Meats. Crawford’s Bar & Grill/Facebook From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll see that this is going to be a remarkable dining experience....
Sometimes we come across buildings or restaurants in our beautiful state of Georgia that we can’t believe still exist. The history and spirit that are still part of the business are what makes it that much more special. This 7-room bookstore in Georgia is no different. Seemingly timeless and a true dream to explore, take a look for yourself and get inspired. E. Shaver, Bookseller in historic Savannah, Georgia is something like a dream for book lovers....
There’s truly no sight in the world like that of wild horses running free. The Bureau of Land Management manages 22 herds of wild horses in Utah, but the most accessible to the public is the Onaqui herd in the West Desert. You can take a drive to see these majestic animals. The Onaqui Mountains Herd Management Area is located far from Utah’s populated areas, near the Pony Express Trail in the Simpson Springs area....
Here in Texas, winter can be a fun and magical time – if you know how to embrace the season. From epic winter festivals to North Pole inspired villages, there’s likely a holiday adventure waiting just minutes away from you. Here are 10 awesome places in Texas we think you should visit this Christmastime. See how many you’ve been to before: Holiday Village (Brownsville) Facebook/holidayvillagebrownsville Teleport directly to the North Pole and see how Santa and his elves and reindeer live on a daily basis....
Whether you’re a displaced Bostonian or are fortunate enough to still live in this fair city, certain sights always spark nostalgia and smiles. These 15 images depict the iconic Boston landmarks that make us think of home: Boston Common Flickr/Vignesh Ananth The sight of Boston Common conjures images of strolling on summer days, admiring the foliage in fall, and the sparkling holiday decorations in winter. The Public Garden Flickr/Bill Ilott The garden that all Bostonians - and visitors - share makes us think of swan boat rides, vibrant flowers, and the sight of willows dipping their fronds towards the lagoon....
When you think of milkshakes, your mind wanders to ice cream parlors with chrome edged seats and tall glasses of vanilla or chocolate frothy goodness. But now there is a new over-the-top kind of milkshake that has come to Connecticut and it is in absolutely no way traditional. These treats are commonly nicknamed freakshakes and they are large, colorful, full of sweetness, and oh — did I say large? These shakes are humongous and you have to check them out....
East Portland is getting a wonderful new park, and it is opening this weekend to the public for the first time. Luuwit View Park, drawing its name from the Upper Cowlitz word for Mt. St. Helens, “Luuwit,” features awe-inspiring views of its namesake mountain, as well as an accessible playground, a new community garden, walking trails and a fenced in dog park. The 16-acre site, which was once a large field (pictured below), is now home to a state-of-the-art park....
The legacy of painting teacher Bob Ross is vast indeed. On his PBS show “The Joy of Painting,” he kept it cool and talked the viewer through the process of painting a scenic landscape using layers of oil paints. His soothing tones and peaceful demeanor, along with his trademark afro, made him a popular figure. His paintings were consistently skillful, his style easy-to-follow and the scenes gorgeous. Few know he started his painting career in Alaska!...
Devens is a tiny spot in central Massachusetts that is home to just 1,840 people. However, its small size and sleepy atmosphere belies some major creepiness. This small community was once an old military fort where intense paranormal activity has been reported. Fort Devens was a military base established in 1939. It’s home to the bodies of soldiers and civilians from six American wars. Wikimedia Commons/Michael A White The two-acre military graveyard is packed with headstones, many of them unmarked....
With as much coastline as Maine has, it should seem perfectly reasonable that some of our most incredible hotels are located along the water. But, we are still somehow awestruck when faced with the possibility of waking up with that perfect coastal view. If you’ve lived in Maine long enough to be a bit jaded when it comes to water views, you might want to check out this overnight option. When staying on land feels a little too boring, consider staying ON the water at one of these floating houseboats!...
The Knox Trail Inn is a hidden dining gem tucked away in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. With a gorgeous rural setting and plenty of tasty comfort food, it’s the perfect place to share a yummy meal with friends and family. Here’s why you should visit. The Knox Trail Inn is located in the picturesque town of Otis, nestled the beautiful hills of the Berkshires. Facebook/Knox Trail Inn They serve locally sourced food in a historic building that dates back to 1776....
One of the benefits of living in a quiet, small Iowa town is the fact that you get to know everybody. A close-knit community makes us feel safe, and it’s easy to continue to live a peaceful life. Every once in a while, though, something happens that shatters that notion of safety and comfort. One small Iowa town was forever changed when a violent murderer took the lives of eight of its own residents in the middle of the night....
Southern California is home to the finest restaurants around with some true hidden gems located in the most unexpected locations like this chic and elegant restaurant tucked along a desolate desert highway. If you love discovering new places to dine then you’ll want to take a look at this upscale find in the most unlikely place. La Copine is a delightful and charming restaurant tucked along a dusty desert highway in the Yucca Valley....
Sometimes you need a little change of pace to your routine. If you’re up for an adventure and up for trying new things, then take a look at this unusual overnighter in SoCal that is anything but ordinary. There’s a place in the middle of the Southern California desert named Hicksville Trailer Palace, and it’s one overnight stay you won’t soon forget. flickr/alex del solar Located in Joshua Tree, Hicksville Trailer Palace and Artist Retreat will show you a completely different side of this SoCal desert town that you never even knew existed....
Located just 12 miles west of the living ghost town of Austin off Highway 50—the Loneliest Road in America—is the Paradise Ranch Castle Bed & Breakfast. Opened in 2004, this castle-themed bed & breakfast sits on 160 acres and is the fulfilled promise of Bob Sossa who vowed to his wife Donna that if they moved to Nevada from Ohio, he would build her a castle. And, indeed, he did just that....
You probably cross at least one bridge on a regular basis, without giving it much thought. But some bridges in Michigan are really special. They complement a city skyline. They embody incredible feats of engineering. They connect us to new places and history. Here are a few such bridges that will make you stop and notice their specialness. Ada Covered Bridge C Hanchey/Flickr This brown truss covered bridge was built in 1867....
If you live in Idaho, then you’re probably already aware of why our state is so awesome. Idahoans may be humble, but we’re full of pride for our beautiful home! There are an endless amount of reasons that the Gem State is coolest in the country, but these 10 aspects of Idaho living are a pretty good start. First of all, the immense amount of natural beauty here is undeniable. We’ve got views like this… Nan Palmero/Flickr...
