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Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from North Carolina’s famous Christmas Town U.S.A. is another less famous, yet just as inspiring, attraction: a monastery established in the town of Belmont (just across the river from McAdenville) in 1876. This American-Cassinese monastery in North Carolina is worthy of visit, even if you can only tour the campus – and not the buildings. Upon arrival onto the campus of Belmont College, the first striking thing you’ll see of the Belmont Abbey is the Basilica, the Abbey Church Of Mary Help of Christians – sometimes referred to simply as “Belmont Abbey....

If you think you’ve heard it all, be sure to check out these 15 towns in Minnesota with some of the most unusual names. You won’t believe that some of them are real. Keep in mind, these are just a few of the weird places in Minnesota. Assumption. We all learned what happens when you assume though. Flickr/CircaSassy Ball Club. Maybe not a popular ladies’ choice. wikimedia commons/Samuel John Hood...

No matter how you might feel about Halloween and all things haunted, we can all agree that autumn is a beautiful season in Montana. And October just happens to be the perfect time to take a road trip through some of the Treasure State’s spookiest spots. You can easily hit all four of these places in a day — and while there are no guarantees, you just might come home with a ghost story of your own....

During the Gold Rush, hundreds of rough and rowdy men flocked to Northern California’s most remote and rugged edges to strike it rich. They made their homes in places like Bodie, one of the most infamous but also eerie ghost towns throughout the Wild West. Bodie was originally what was known as a boom town, a place that seemingly sprang up overnight in the late 1800s. Along with the gold miners came prostitutes, gamblers, and saloons....

Did you know that Crawford State Park in Farlington, Kansas covers 500 acres and allows camping throughout the year? Along with being a massive park to camp, hike, and explore, the campground sits along a 150-acre man-made lake that was created by the Civilian Conservative Corps, (a community service organization) in the 1930s. Since you have the option to camp in this part of Kansas any time of year, you’ll get to enjoy swimming in the summer, boating in the spring, hiking in the fall, and cozying by the campfire in the winter....

It’s that time of year! The spring peepers are coming out of the woodwork, and you may already be able to hear some singing long into the night. If there’s anything that makes the world seem normal right now, it’s the changing of the seasons, and this certainly signifies the coming of a good one. Scroll on for more details. The first sign of Spring for many people in the Hoosier State is the sound of spring peepers, which usually begin their chorus in April or early May....

If you’re in New Jersey and looking for an outdoor spot that both you and your pup can enjoy together, head to Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area. Located in Manasquan, this cove is perfect for a walk along the water while playing with your dog. And since this area spans over 55 miles, you can easily spend the day exploring the grounds and taking in the fresh air with your furry friend....

It’s no secret that Montanans absolutely love a good burger. And while we’re always happy to see new restaurants opening in our beautiful state, most Montanans would agree that sometimes, nothing tops a good old-fashioned cheeseburger cooked on a greasy griddle. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at Ford’s Drive In in Great Falls, an old-school drive-in burger joint with some serious staying power. Ford’s Drive In first opened in 1954, at a time when burger joints like this were a dime a dozen....

The itty bitty city of Galena is known for many things, among them is its history, scenery, and shopping district. It’s one of the most walkable towns in the country and has been called one of the “coolest towns in America to visit.” But did you also know that Galena is also one of the best places for antiquing in Illinois and in the country? It’s true! Let’s have a look at some of the antique shops in the Galena Antique District that call this small city home....

Given Minnesota’s mine history, it should come as no surprise that there are several mines that you can visit in the state. All of them are up north, on Minnesota’s Iron Range. The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine is an interesting place to visit. Its large, open pit makes it look like a huge canyon in the middle of the woods. The mine we’d like to introduce today is equally impressive, though in a different way....

One of the crown jewels of the French Quarter, the Hotel Monteleone has been a Royal Street landmark since it opened back in 1886. The family-owned and operated hotel boasts nearly 600 guest rooms, a heated rooftop swimming pool, multiple meeting rooms, and so much more. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, the Hotel Monteleone is the personification of luxury, but it also has a paranormal past that’s undeniable....

There’s a pub in Santa Fe, New Mexico, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and it has a name unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. Venture into the Hotel Chimayó at 125 Washington Ave in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and you’ll stumble upon a little spot called “Low ‘N Slow Featuring Hawt Pizza.” That’s right. Open seven days a week, Low ‘N Slow serves cocktails, beer, tequila, and a wide variety of other spirits alongside their incredible pizza menu....

Entrepreneurs all have something – a dream or a vision, perhaps – that drives them to take the leap into the unknown. Starting a business, after all, comes with a lot of unknowns. Will the business be a hit or a miss? Will it beat the odds in a crowded playing field? The what if’s and uncertainly can often drive some to set their entrepreneurial dreams aside for another time — or altogether....

You don’t have to be a dedicated outdoors enthusiast to appreciate Michigan’s natural splendor. Our sprawling state is home to some of the most magical natural attractions imaginable, whether you’re partial to hiking, cross-country skiing, beachcombing, swimming, or simply relaxing and embracing fresh breezes. One heavenly park in Michigan is home to a little something for everyone, so add it to your bucket list. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is located 138th Street in Allegan County, tucked away between the quaint waterfront town of Saugatuck and the larger, more bustling northward shoreline city of Holland....

For those who love nature, New Hampshire is the place to be! From coastal walks to scaling the tallest summits, there’s an activity to enjoy outside for all skill levels. Getting outside to appreciate the world around us doesn’t have to mean strapping on a pair of boots. While not all 25 in the area, head to these waterfalls in New Hampshire to maximize your time exploring the state. Alpine Falls, Gorham Joshua Filke / Google Alpine Falls can be reached by hiking, but we love that there’s also an ATV trail leading directly to the falls....

Throughout the year many of us have long, three-day weekends. While we can always choose to stay home and catch up on things around the house or apartment, maybe exploring part of the Bay State is a better idea instead. Here are a few ideas for long weekend getaways in Massachusetts: Plymouth and Plimouth Plantation Mark Gibson/ Corbis Documentary via Getty Images Located south of Boston, the historic town of Plymouth is known best for Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation....

Lodi, California is best known for its wine country and world-class grape production, but that’s far from everything the charming community has to offer. Did you know it’s also an amazing kayaking destination? Lodi Lake is a kayaker’s dream and is completely surrounded by serene natural beauty. A company called Headwaters makes it easy to get out on this lesser-known lake and have an adventure! When visiting Lodi Wine Country, be sure to make time for a few adventures…like kayaking across beautiful Lodi Lake!...

The holiday season gives way to joy and excitement for every member of the family. There’s nothing better than bundling up, grabbing a cup of hot cocoa, and heading out for an enchanted night on the town with loved ones. There’s one town here in the Great Lakes State that truly comes to life with Christmas cheer each year, and you’ll never want to leave. Get ready to experience the best Main Street at Christmas in Michigan located within the small town of Rochester....

Let’s face it: folks looking for Irish pubs aren’t exactly among throngs of choices. Sure, there are some pubs here and there scattered across North Dakota, but did you know that only one of them (which now has three locations!) is an authentic Irish pub? Hailing as the only authentic Irish pub in North Dakota, Blarney Stone Pub is an experience through and through, from the beautiful interior that feels like something out of Cork County, Ireland, to the delicious drinks and amazing dinners you can only find here....

South Jersey is located within a couple of hours of Pennsylvania’s famous Amish Country, and that means that there are Amish markets scattered about our southern counties. If you want to try some truly delicious homemade comfort food, come to the Dutch Wagon Amish Farmers Market in Medford and treat yourself. The Dutch Wagon Amish Market is a hidden gem, sitting far back from the road. If you weren’t looking for it on busy Route 70 in Medford, you might drive right by....