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Illinois is home to many state parks, and chances are you’re just a day trip away. Whether you’re aiming to hike all day, or just want an excuse to pack a picnic, here are ten of the best state parks to visit in Illinois: Kankakee River State Park (Bourbonnais) CamPixie/Flickr This 4,000-acre state park is located on both sides of the Kankakee River for an impressive 11 miles. Throughout the year, Kankakee River State Park offers plenty of things to do outside in Illinois including camping, boating, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more....

Spring has sprung in the Sooner State and we’re all looking for restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal outside on the patio. From riverfront towns to bustling cities, there are lots of great options for dining outdoors. Check out these 9 outdoor dining spaces in Oklahoma that have the most amazing outdoor patios…we think you’ll love them all. Dilly Diner (Tulsa) dillydinertulsa/Facebook dillydinertulsa/Facebook The relaxing patio isn’t the only thing you’ll love at Dilly Diner in Tulsa....

Barbecue is an integral part of the Southern food pyramid, and The Salt Lick is arguably the most iconic joint in the Lone Star State. Most people don’t know this, but the legendary Texas eatery has an all-you-can-eat barbecue option that lets you stuff your face ’til your heart (and stomach) are content. Who’s hungry? With locations in both Driftwood and Round Rock, The Salt Lick is arguably the most iconic BBQ joint in Texas....

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to dine in New Castle County, you’ve got to try Buckley’s Tavern! This gorgeous restaurant can be found in Delaware’s Red Clay Valley region, and the drive to get there is just as impressive as the delicious food. Buckley’s Tavern is a very “Delaware” place to dine. It’s historic, charming, rustic, and located in the most beautiful setting you can imagine! Facebook / Buckley’s Tavern...

If you’ve ever secretly wanted to unleash your inner wolf and howl at the moon, Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary in Texas is giving you an opportunity to do so this Halloween. On the night of Saturday, Oct. 30, you can camp out at the sanctuary, enjoying festivities such as ghost stories around the campfire, a tour of the grounds, and costume contests. It’s just what your “Howl-O-Ween” needs to be the most memorable one yet!...

If you’ve been feeling the need for a getaway, you’re in luck because Alabama offers many wonderful vacation destinations. One in particular is Dauphin Island. For information about Dauphin Island, including why it’s such a popular town to book a getaway, take a look below. Dauphin Island, the southernmost point of Alabama, is a small coastal town in Mobile County that’s situated on a 14-mile-long barrier island with the same name....

Treasure hunting is a fun way to spend a few hours or an entire day, whether we’re on the hunt for something in particular or we just enjoy the search. While quaint antique shops certainly ooze charm, the larger antique malls offer more space and sometimes an even better chance of scoring great finds. Next time you’re up for a bit of treasure hunting, make your way to Wiscasset Antiques Mall in Maine....

Just when we thought all of the perks of living in North Carolina were already perfectly laid out in front of us, the magical northerly springtime migration of millions and millions of Monarch butterflies is about to turn that tide. Each autumn, the Monarchs migrate south to winter in Mexico. Conversely, each spring they migrate northward again. That means that you can get a front-row seat to the monarch butterflies in North Carolina this spring when they head back north!...

Are you the type of person who loves to go for a drive? The Bay State is home to numerous scenic drives that will take you to some of the most beautiful parts of the state. If you’re in need of a road trip, head out on one of these scenic backroads in Massachusetts. Mt. Greylock Scenic Byway Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Not only does this scenic byway take you through the Mt....

With hundreds of tiny towns dotted all over the state, it should come as no surprise that ghost towns are a relatively common occurrence in Minnesota. Not all towns were destined for huge populations, and some of the towns that were once bustling still dwindled away over time to nothing but memories (memories that likely died with long-gone residents). It can be fun to go exploring through Minnesota’s past if you can handle the quiet solitude of these empty, overgrown areas....

Ask just about anyone to name a prominent Pittsburgher, and you’re likely to hear Fred Rogers’ name at least a few times. Never mind that the beloved children’s entertainer, educator, and minister is actually from Latrobe, about 45 minutes from downtown. Pittsburghers have made Mister Rogers our own (and rightly so since Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed at WQED’s studios in Pittsburgh). The Mister Rogers statue in Pittsburgh, in fact, is a must-visit for anyone who grew up visiting the Land of Make Believe....

Hilltop Station is an Idaho gem that serves travelers on Highway 21. Not only is this a delicious restaurant, but it’s also a convenience store and liquor store. They have a ton of different offerings, with burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. While everything is delicious, we’re primarily going to focus on the pizzas today. This place has been around since 1957. It’s a little off the beaten path, but so worth the drive....

There are many trails that meander through Alabama, some of which will lead you to things that just might surprise you. One place in particular where you’ll experience one of these trails is Red Mountain Park. For information about this park, including one of its most popular trails, take a look below. Red Mountain Park, which covers approximately 1,500 acres, is an urban park in Birmingham, Alabama. It offers some of the best trails in the area....

Alabama is home to many unique places that are perfect for a day trip. One, in particular, is the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Take a look below to learn all about this special place including why it’s such a wonderful destination for a day trip. The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is a nature preserve that’s located in Auburn, Alabama. It was donated to Auburn University’s School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences in 1993 by Dr....

The Route 13 Outlet Market in Laurel has some great bargains. Shoppers can find over 100 merchants selling gifts, collectibles, toys, and even electronics. But what many people don’t know is that hidden inside are also some amazing food markets. La Perla is one of those amazing eateries hidden inside. It serves delicious seafood that looks like works of art. So head over there this weekend and treat yourself to some amazing food....

Many people still consider Marfa a ghost town because, for the most part, it’s desolate and uninhabited. There are a few businesses, a courthouse, and a small town square, but seldom will you see residents out and about or pass another car on the street. You might be asking yourself what led to the town’s decline and why it’s known as the creepiest abandoned town in Texas…and there’s a pretty simple answer: the Marfa Lights....

There’s nothing like packing up your suitcase and heading out for a weekend getaway in Virginia. Here in the Old Dominion, we have so many fantastic lodging options: campgrounds, historic hotels, and just about everything in between. Today’s feature destination is a cozy timber-frame cottage that will make you feel worlds away from it all. Fortunately, however, you won’t even need to travel across state lines! Here’s more on why you should consider booking a stay at the Maury River Treehouse....

Believe it or not, Delaware is one of the most brewery-friendly states in the Nation! If you love craft beer, you’ll want to make a list of all the cool breweries to visit here in the First State. One that absolutely belongs on your list is this eccentric riverside brewing company that’s known for colorful cans, a playful attitude, and beers that pack a punch. Stop by Mispillion River Brewing in Milford, Delaware, for a taste of craft brews that are among the best you’ll ever try here in the First State....

Always looking to dine someplace new? The following restaurant in Maryland is little known but is so worth seeking out. This spot is located in a rural area and serves up some of the tastiest homemade food around. Head here for old-fashioned sloppy joes, burgers, and more. This eatery may transport you back to your childhood, serving up dishes like grandma used to make. Prepare your appetite, and read on to learn more!...

Charleston, West Virginia is both the Mountain State’s capital and biggest city. But, in this case, biggest city doesn’t equal worst commute! Rather, that honor belongs to an outlier of Charleston: specifically, Teays Valley, West Virginia. Here are the five worst commutes you can find in West Virginia, starting with the worst. But don’t worry – our worst commute time comes in under the national average! Teays Valley Visit Putnam WV The average commuter spends just over 26 minutes on the road to work....