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Long, strenuous hikes can be a fun and rewarding experience but sometimes a less strenuous hike is in order. If you’re on the lookout for a relatively easy hike that doesn’t skimp on beautiful views, you will definitely want to try out this one: the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail. Alan English CPA/Flickr The maintained and most popular section of West Fork measures just over three miles long. It is a level trail that follows Oak Creek through a narrow canyon, lush forest, and other dramatically beautiful natural features....

You always knew that Massachusetts is the absolute best place ever, but now we’re giving you the facts to prove it. Check out all of the ways Massachusetts ranks number one in the nation and in our hearts. We’re the number one state to live in! Wikimedia Commons/PapaDunes As of 2015, Massachusetts was ranked best overall state to live in by 24/7 Wall St. The group reviewed statewide social and economic measures to rank each state’s living conditions....

The fall season in Alaska starts around the end of August and is generally in full foliage swing by the ‘official’ end of summer. This fascinating journey on the Hurricane Turn Train with the Alaska Railroad is raved about by locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. Not only do you get to experience a little slice of life off the grid as the train stops to pick up locals living and adventurers in the raw, rugged backcountry – but the scenery will literally make your jaw drop from start to finish....

When it comes to Oregon, larger cities like Portland get most of the media’s attention. However, the Beaver State is full of unique towns that are a little more “off the beaten path”, and make for perfect getaway destinations. From charming seaside villages to remote small towns, here are 11 wonderful (and often overlooked) towns in Oregon that are absolutely worth a visit: Joseph flickr/ Sam Beebe This secluded town in Northeastern Oregon is downright breathtaking....

From haunted B&Bs to eerie, rural, wooded backroads, Maine has no shortage of frightening stories. But, without a doubt, some of the scariest involve our maritime history. Our craggy coast has felled more than one ship and our lighthouses have watched over many stormy disasters. One of the most bone-chilling is the story of Boon Island. Wayne Boardman / Flickr Standing in the distance off the shores of York, Boon Island represents a fate that more than one ship was met with off the coast of Maine....

The Jersey Shore has been a popular summer resort destination for hundreds of years. Every town along our coast has a unique history, and that rings especially true for Long Branch. The town has served as a shore resort since the late 1700s, and was a major center of arts and culture in the mid 1800s. An East Coast version of Hollywood, the town attracted some of the nation’s most popular performers....

Devil’s Tower is one of the most iconic visions of Wyoming’s frontier. The butte can be found in the Black Hills, more specifically the Bear Lodge Mountains, and is made from igneous rock. The formation is considered a National Monument and has held cultural and historical significance for centuries. Native American folklore tells fascinating and mysterious stories about the rock, some of which have truly haunting undertones. These cultures regard Devil’s Tower as a sacred space, and perhaps that is why its surrounding legends are especially eerie....

If you want the most unique, most unusual, and most talked about restaurant experience in Washington DC, you have to go to minibar by José Andrés. Last year in their review, The Washington Post said “Simply put, there’s still nothing else like it.” This innovative and exclusive dining experience in Penn Quarter is meant to engage all of the senses. In an intimate evening, diners are wowed by a culinary experience that is one part entertainment, one part artistry, and one part science experiment with many delicious delights!...

Do you love chicken wings as much as I do? The delicious flavors and amazing sauces make hot wings one of my favorite things to order when I go out to eat. Here are the best places you can go to ensure you have a great experience grabbing some wings. They are simply delicious. Wing Snack, Baton Rouge, LA yelp.com/biz_photos/ A low-key wing shack that gets straight to the point and focuses on what they do best: southern favorites and delectable wings....

Whether you love them or hate them, we have to put up with them sometimes! Insects (depending on your perspective) can be exquisitely beautiful or infinitely icky, and Arkansas has its share of interesting insects. Throughout the years Arkansas has seen a host of insects considered as either pests or protected species, and you’ll be the judge on which categories these creatures fit! Termites Flickr/Aleksey Gnilenkov Subterranean termites infest wooden structures and now probably cause more economic injury than any other pest insect in Arkansas from attacking homes and other structures, leaving frustrated owners with costly pest-related damage....

Here’s the thing: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It replenishes us and gives us the energy to face a new day and new challenge. Plus, let’s admit it, breakfast food is pretty damn tasty, too. So where does one go for an amazing breakfast in Michigan? We’ve identified some spots that should really be part of everyone’s complete breakfast. Roxy Café, Jackson Facebook/Roxy Cafe Here, you’ll find a plethora of omelets to choose from that range from the racy (in name, at least) to the veggie-friendly....

Nebraska City is home to Arbor Lodge, a grand 52-room mansion modeled after the White House. It was built by J. Sterling Morton, former Secretary of Agriculture and founder of Arbor Day. Although it’s magnificent enough on its own, Arbor Lodge is even more interesting when you know its history. TripAdvisor/Regina W. In 1855, Morton and his wife moved to Nebraska City from Bellevue and built a modest, four-room frame house....

I don’t know about you, but the thought of a gorgeous afternoon tea spread makes me weak in the knees. With a tower of pastries, a lovely setting and the delicate scent of the hot tea, there’s so much to love about this elegant experience. Here are seven tea rooms in Massachusetts that will absolutely delight you. Dunbar House Restaurant & Tea Room, Sandwich Tripadvisor/nhytanks Tripadvisor/twillmill They also host an annual Charles Dickens Dinner in December, which is a perfect way to celebrate the holidays....

Bundle up the family and escape the city life this holiday season with just a short drive! All throughout the DMV area, main streets and downtowns glitter with Christmas magic. Whether you are looking for historic areas, great shopping or a view of the water, you can find the perfect main street near Washington DC to enjoy the holiday season. Take a drive around and visit the 10 best Christmas main streets around Washington DC this year!...

New Orleans has a lot of amazing food, but in the past few years, there has definitely been a lot more Mexican and Central American food places that will simply blow your mind. There are a lot of awesome places to explore. Here are some of the best Mexican restaurants in New Orleans. Casa Borrega, 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Yelp.com / Cali T. Yelp.com / Cali T. This Central City spot hits the mark with traditional favorites like posole as well as their amazing cocktails....

Wyoming has hundreds of trails that snake throughout the state. However, if you’re looking for trails to hike during the summer months, then you really should check out some of our waterfront trails. Some of them may even provide a way to cool off along the way. Greenbelt Trail System Flickr/swong95765 The Greenbelt Trail System was established in Green River to encourage citizens to be physically active. The Greenbelt Pathways and Trail System leads to Evers Park....

Previously, we featured 10 lakes in Maryland that are positively gorgeous, and today, we’re doing a part two! If you haven’t had your fill of scenic lakes in the Old Line State, feast your eyes. Add these spots to your must-visit list. Lake Habeeb (Flintstone) Flickr / Ron Cogswell Located at Rocky Gap State Park, Lake Habeeb is a beautiful blue water spot with surrounding mountain views. Enjoy the scenery from the hiking trails, along the beach, for from Rocky Gap Resort....

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of macaroni and cheese? Nothing takes me back faster than a bite of extra-cheesy mac and cheese, baked to perfection with a golden crust. Because of the whole nostalgia factor, there aren’t many places out there that can top your mom or grandma’s recipe. But the delicious macs you’ll find at these restaurants are almost as good: Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, Miami Beach TripAdvisor/Олеся Я...

Washington DC is an amazing place to live. It is full of life, history, arts, parks and entertainment and it is one of the best cities in the country. But it does come with its own unique quirks and surprises. If you want to move to Washington DC, there are some things you should know before you do. Here are 10 things you may not expect when moving to Washington DC....

It doesn’t have to be Valentines Day to take that special someone out for a romantic evening. If you’re looking for that perfect spot to dine in a quiet, romantic setting, you’re going to love these 11 restaurants in Oklahoma. So go ahead guys (or gals) and book that romantic dinner for two at one of these incredible restaurants in the Sooner State. Red PrimeSteak, Oklahoma City RedPrimeSteak/Facebook RedPrimeSteak/Facebook Not only will you dine in an incredibly romantic setting, but you’ll enjoy delicious food that is top-notch....