Posts

Illinois is famous for a lot of things. Deep dish pizza. Michael Jordan. But there are some awesome things we use every day that most of us have no idea originated in Illinois. Read on: Cell phones Jeramey Jannene/Flickr The first handheld mobile phone - as opposed to the giant car phones that came before - was developed in the early 1970s by Motorola, which was based in Schaumburg. Zipper Clare Bell/Flickr Universal Fastener Company (now Talon Zipper), based in Chicago, debuted a simple zipper at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair....

In today’s increasingly complex and busy world, it’s nice to know that there are still small towns that are charming, welcoming and hearken back to a simpler time. Iowa is chock full of charming small towns where everyone still knows each other, everyone waves and smiles, and slower-paced living is embraced. This is a long road trip, winding around much of the width and length of the state. Whether you have time for the whole trip or just want to explore a segment of the state at a time, we think you’ll enjoy exploring these 10 picturesque small towns....

Ah, retirement…A time for people who have worked hard their entire lives to kick back and enjoy their golden years! And what better place to spend your retirement than in gorgeous and affordable Kansas?! We have done our research and have picked the 10 best places in the Sunflower State to retire in–all you have to do is choose which community is best for you! Newton – Population: 19,117 (16.9% of which are retirees) Wikimedia Commons Located just 25 miles north of Wichita, Newton and its many amenities, mild temperatures and affordability (with average monthly home costs of only $776), is the perfect place to kick back!...

Choosing where to retire is an important life decision. The right decision can lead to many years of happiness, whereas the wrong decision could end up being very costly. Nevada is one of the fastest growing U.S. states, meaning there are many great cities to retire in. It’s also home to numerous 55+ communities. With breathtaking landscapes, a variety of recreational activities, affordable housing and low tax rates, it’s not surprising so many people are choosing to retire in the Silver State....

Watching or reading the news can be a drag, but sometimes a bizarre story piques your interest and makes you wonder at how such crazy things can really happen. Other times you read a nutso story and think “sounds like something that’d happen at my family reunion.” Anyway, here are some of the wackiest and weirdest things that happened in PA this week. Penn State student sets fire to dorm in order to annoy his girlfriend....

Sometimes, you just need a break from the real world for some heavy duty peace, quiet and relaxation. Fortunately, Iowa is full of such places. Here are the 11 most peaceful destinations in Iowa that will completely relax and refresh you. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dubuque Flickr/SD Dirk The Dubuque Arboretum is an award-winning arboretum and garden that offers a breathtakingly beautiful variety of all types of flora. For an extra dose of serenity, visit the arboretum’s Japanese Garden and listen to the rush of the waterfall....

Horror movies are terrifying in their own right, as it probably goes without saying. But sometimes, the making of these movies proves just as unsettling. The American horror movie series known as Poltergeist was filmed during the 80s, and many people don’t realize the dark and tragic behind-the-scenes events that took place. Wikipedia Poltergeist was a film series in the 1980s that told the story of the Freeling family, a group living out in California who was terrorized by ghosts....

If you live in Illinois then you don’t have to emerse yourself in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy to experience “Middle Earth.” Tolkien’s fantasy world is right here in the Prairie State at a well-known state park you really should visit, if you haven’t already. TripAdvisor/inacrunch Starved Rock State Park is a national treasure and among the most popular state parks in all of Illinois. Yelp/Ron W The neatly carved St....

OK, so summer doesn’t “officially” begin for another few weeks, but do you know what? Memorial Day weekend has come and gone which to me means it’s summertime in the Centennial State. If you are ready to partake in a little summer camping, be sure to check out these 11 extraordinary rustic Colorado locations: Echo Lake (Evergreen) Flickr/Alan Stark Technically, you’re not too far from the city (a little over 30 miles from Denver, to be exact), but the campground at the base of Mount Evans will make you feel like you’re millions of miles away from the ordinary....

Move over Virginia, Vermont is for lovers! There are loads of romantic places in VT to keep the spark alive, and we’ve gathered a few places and ideas to get started. So grab your loved one and get ready to spend some quality time in the Green Mountain State, the most romantic place in the world! Carriage or sleigh ride Tripadvisor/Paul S No matter what season, it’s hard to beat the romance of a horse drawn carriage or sleigh....

It’s no secret that Detroit is one of the most unique and fascinating cities in the world. Our hometown boasts an incredible history, plenty of wonderful attractions, and a spirit that simply can’t be matched anywhere else. When you’ve grown up in or around the Motor City, it can be easy to forget just how one-of-a-kind Detroit is — but sometimes all it takes is a step back and a new viewpoint to truly appreciate where we come from....

There’s no denying it; ghost towns are a bit on the spooky side. Just the thought of an entire town filled with nothing but deserted buildings and an eerie silence is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. However, once you get past the creepy factor, these towns of yesteryear are actually quite interesting. Practically frozen in time, they’re like keys to the past, offering a one-of-a-kind view at days long gone....

A visit to Maine reveals gorgeous coastline and wonderful forest. It’s relaxing, rejuvenating and special to the people that live here and visit. But, being an idyllic vacation destination doesn’t mean we’re perfect. Our history includes parts we’re not proud of, just like any other place. Those looking to understand some of the most mysterious and awful parts of Maine history will find them at Malaga Island. This is the sad story of an island community forced to leave their homes and resettle elsewhere with little to no help from anyone....

I don’t care how old you are, the minute you step foot in a candy store it makes you feel like a kid again because certain types of candy evoke memories from childhood. While candy stores in Wyoming may not be as large as in other states, there’s one candy store that’s earned the title of being the largest candy store in northwest Wyoming. Facebook/Cowtown Candy Company Cowtown Candy Company is located at 1323 Sheridan Avenue in historic downtown Cody....

There are many great neighborhoods in St. Louis but these eight neighborhoods are the most beautiful and charming of them all. They are rich in history and St. Louis culture and each is unique in its own way: Holly Hills By Jon Roanhaus (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons The Holly Hills neighborhood is named after Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Holly Hills offers broad tree-lined streets with big beautiful mansions and unique bungalows....

Some of the most beautiful lakes in the country are located right here in Alabama. Water skiing, jet skiing, boating and fishing are just a few of the many recreational activities on our incredible lakes. With summer right around the corner, here are 10 lakes in Alabama you should definitely check out: Lake Guntersville flickr/Marshall County CVB Lake Guntersville, located between the cities of Bridgeport and Guntersville, covers 69,000 acres - making it Alabama’s largest lake....

Seattle’s natural beauty, rich and eclectic culture and booming tech industry have turned the city into one of the most highly in-demand places to live in the country. Crazy housing market aside, here are 10 of the best places to live in Seattle. Capitol Hill Flickr/Eric Fredericks While you’re more likely to have a condo here than a house with a yard, the neighborhood flavor makes it an interesting and fun place to live....

Farms are a staple of American life, but these farms in Connecticut are about more than raising animals and harvesting crops. With autumn in full swing, a farm visit offers an outing full of scenic views. But depending on the place you choose, it could also mean a homemade sweet treat or an overnight stay you’ll never forget. Check them out for yourself! Avery Hill Farm (Ledyard) Avery Hill Farm/Facebook This is one of the coolest antiquing opportunities out there!...

It’s no secret: produce fresh from the farm tastes better. At farm-to-table restaurants, it’s not uncommon to find food that was harvested just hours ago on the table. As an added bonus, the farm-to-table movement is great for the local economy. Get your “localvore” on at these Connecticut restaurants. Quercibella Wood Grilled Food + Flatbreads, New Hartford Facebook/Quercibella Wood-grilled Food, Flatbreads & Artisan Burgers Facebook/Quercibella Wood-grilled Food, Flatbreads, and Artisan Burgers Choose from a menu of made-to-share small plates, flatbreads, and burgers at this carefully-cultivated spot....

Are you searching for the perfect Denver neighborhood to call home? Fortunately, this isn’t hard to do in a wonderful city like ours, and your friends at Only in Denver are here to help you find the most ideal neighborhood for your lifestyle. Here are the most charming neighborhoods in Denver. 1.) Washington Park Flickr/heidi medina Wash Park (AKA my dream neighborhood) is about as perfect as it gets with its easy access to a gorgeous park, downtown, and 1930’s bungalows....