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Sometimes, you need to get away and embrace nature for a little while. Even if you only have an hour, the Calcite Foot Trail is the perfect opportunity for a hike that not only takes you into the woods but also into Iowa’s rich history. Located in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, this 1.5-mile loop trail is a unique experience through all four seasons. The Mines of Spain Recreation Center is one of Iowa’s most underrated attractions, a look into the state’s role in trade during the 18th and 19th centuries....

Just like a Hallmark holiday movie, the town of Castleton in Vermont puts its best foot forward during the season of giving. Along with attracting visitors from near and far, the town’s annual Christmas market is a joyous occasion filled with holiday cheer, opportunities to support local artists, and the chance to hear carolers sing some of your favorite holiday classics. This year’s Christmas spectacular will be held on Saturday, December 11, from 3 pm – 6 pm....

Wisconsin is gorgeous in any season, a point well proven by this road trip that crosses the entire state. This epic journey starts with amazing views of the Mississippi River and passes important natural landmarks inland before ending at the shore of Lake Michigan. It’s gorgeous in any season, so this is a trip for spring, summer, fall, or winter. Fasten your seatbelt – it’s also a trip that’s going to wow any nature lover!...

Nestled in beautiful west Fargo is a furniture store filled with incredibly well-crafted, beautiful furniture, all of which is hand-made and hand-crafted by Amish folks. It’s (appropriately) called Everything Amish, and everything within its walls is well worth the drive to come to see it – and hopefully, take some home! This awesomely epic Amish store in North Dakota has everything for your home you could ever dream of, and all of it is handmade and stunning....

When it comes to making it through New York’s winter weather, you’ll most often hear our residents explaining how this season really isn’t so bad if you take up some outdoor sports or activities to keep your mind off of the cold. As helpful as this advice may be to some, there are still plenty of residents who aren’t quite ready to tackle things like skiing or snowboarding. If you’re ready to experience an alternative adventure, see what it’s like to go for a ride down the longest snow tubing run in the Empire State....

If you are a Vermonter who loves the outdoors, especially during the wintertime, it’s time to go on a camping adventure. Vermont state parks can be crowded during peak season, but during the colder months, they become peaceful retreats with little in the way of crowds. There are 30 state parks where you can camp year-round and the best part is that during the off-season camping is free! Let’s take a look at nine of these winter wonderlands where you can pitch a tent at any time of the year....

Living anywhere has its pros and cons. Living in one of the small towns in South Dakota means everyone knows your name and probably your life story – whether you want them to or not. Here are our picks of 15 of the most adorable, best small towns in South Dakota. Clark J. Stephen Conn / Flickr With a population just over 1,000 people you’re guaranteed to be known by everyone in town....

It’s always fun to see where your home state ranks in terms of comparison to other states when it comes to things like being haunted. For Floridians, you might not think that Florida is as haunted as some other states, but you’ll be surprised to see where The Sunshine State ranked. Thanks to the Travel Channel, all 50 states have been ranked in terms of how haunted they are, and you might not be expecting to see where Florida falls....

Paul Bunyan is an important character in American mythology. His birthplace is debated, but it’s generally thought to be a mid-western state, likely Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin. So if you’re driving through the Empire State, you may be surprised to see a giant hippie Paul Bunyan statue in New York. The history of this unique statue is as interesting as its appearance. Paul Bunyan was a massive lumberjack with superhuman strength....

If you’re the type of person where not much surprises you anymore, then boy do we have a meal for you! Jerry’s Gourmet Burgers in Villa Rica, Georgia is a roadside burger joint that might not look like much but will surprise you in the best possible way. Not only has this burger joint been around for years, but it also has developed somewhat of a cult-like following for anyone who’s stopped to try....

Like many of you, we here at Only In New York are animal lovers. Furry, scaly, feathered, flippered: we love them all. We adore cat cafes and farm animal rescues. But sometimes, you get the urge to interact with an animal that’s a little more uncommon. If you’re looking for fun and exotic animal encounters in New York, it doesn’t get much more adorable than playing with the seals at the Aquarium of Niagara....

Each year, we look forward to the celebration of the holidays in Ohio. The Buckeye State knows how to deliver when it comes to festive light displays, holiday cheer, and an abundance of merriment. For proof of this, look no further than the iconic Yuletide Village at the Renaissance Faire. Like something straight out of a holiday movie, this dazzling holiday display is an immersive world of fun, festivities, and a little 16th-century flair....

Solo’s Park & Pub in Oklahoma City is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for an outing where you can bring your fur baby along. Here, you can socialize in a dog-friendly setting while enjoying burgers, beer, friends, and Fido. They have a restaurant, bar, and dog park, so grab the leash and load up the pups for some delicious food, drinks, and playtime. Solo’s Park & Pub opened in 2021 in Chisholm Creek in Oklahoma City....

Tucked away along the water in Rockport is a no-fuss hideaway in Massachusetts that offers some of the freshest lobster around. Roy Moore Lobster Co. is a seasonal local spot where you can grab some delicious seafood for lunch or an early dinner and shop the market for some fresh seafood to take home. Open seasonally, this is a must-visit establishment for anyone who visits Rockport. Roy Moore Lobster Co. is a local seafood shack that can be found in the heart of Rockport in Bearskin Neck....

In the 1860s, Wyoming’s tiny town of South Pass became one of the territory’s busiest cities, thanks to mines that struck gold in the mountains. However, not every visitor had a pleasant time in the hospitable city, thanks to the deadly work of Wyoming’s first-ever serial killer: a young woman by the name of Polly Bartlett. Few folks know that Wyoming’s ever even had a serial killer of its own, let alone known that the killer was female....

It doesn’t get much more secluded than the West Texas desert. Terlingua Ranch Lodge is a middle-of-nowhere resort nestled at the base of the mountains, and it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. The cabins are so cozy – and just wait until you see the swimming pool! If you’re looking for a remote getaway in Texas, Terlingua Ranch Lodge is it. Just 30 miles from Big Bend National Park, this secluded resort is the perfect place to get away from it all....

Time to brush off the old bucket list! When’s the last time you added some really amazing destinations to your bucket list? Well, there’s no time like the present, right? These waterfall hikes, some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, each offer pure natural beauty and breathtaking waterfalls. Some are easy while a few should only be conquered by seasoned hikers. Which will you add to your bucket list? Falls Trail – Ricketts Glen State Park Flickr/Colin Gallagher Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park may be the ultimate waterfall hike....

There’s something so refreshing about spending a relaxing weekend sitting waterfront in a beautiful space. When you need a change of scenery and a little peace and quiet, there’s an awesome Airbnb that’ll be your new home away from home—up in the trees! If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a treehouse, be prepared for your childhood dreams to come to life at this hidden gem over in Bogalusa. Pack your bags and clear your schedule, because you’ve got a weekend of peace and quiet with stunning scenery to look forward to!...

New Hampshire might be known as an outdoor lover’s paradise, but with that can come some misconceptions. Some people think you need to be an avid hiker to explore the best of the state. But the truth is far from that. There are so many wonderful places to explore that don’t require any special experience. If you’re comfortable on your feet and have a love of fresh air and waterfalls, this trail is one of the best hikes in New Hampshire....

Does it get any better than a waterfront restaurant in New York? Sure, while you’re eating out, the focus is mostly on the food. But if you can eat in beautiful surroundings, it’s even better. One place that scores top marks for both food and surroundings is The Oar Steak and Seafood Grille in Patchogue. This joint in a little shore side village on Long Island has incredible steaks, incredible seafood, and an incredible view....