Some people live in a state, others interact with and actually “become” at one with their state. A person can spend their entire lifetime just living somewhere without actually feeling a part of it. There are key things that truly capture the Bluegrass spirit in our state, and once you have done at least a few of them, you become an official Kentuckian. Here are 11 things that help mold a resident into an official Kentuckian:...
With the rise of social media, the quest for amazing, attention-grabbing photographs has become almost universal. Whether you hope to create lasting works of art for your portfolio or you just want to impress your friends and family with your photo-taking skills, these locations will not disappoint. You’ll have a blast when you’re not behind the camera, too. Miami and Miami Beach Flickr/Jasperdo Flickr/Liliana Flickr/Thomas Hawk Flickr/Hector Parayuelos Miami is a photographer’s dream, from downtown to the beach....
We’ve all watched a science fiction movie, we’ve seen the way the other planets were depicted: foreign, untouchable, but still somewhat familiar. North Carolina has immense beauty and sometimes that beauty can be otherworldly. From miles of endless, sandy beaches, giant frozen waterfalls, and even a few strange creatures…North Carolina can look straight from another planet, especially in these twelve places. Jockey’s Ridge Flickr / M. Fox You can’t help but feel otherworldly standing next to the largest active sand dune on the East coast....
Fishing. It’s that thing you always think of doing in the summertime. Well, that time is just about here which means it’s time to take down your rod and reel and dust off your tackle box. There’s nothing like casting a line on the water and melting into nature. Relaxation is only a fishing trip away…and Northern California has a plethora of great places to go. Add some of our favorites to your bucket list this year!...
Most people consider Iowa to be a boring flyover state with nothing exciting to offer, where we drive on dirt roads and watch the corn grow for entertainment. And you know what? We should continue to let them believe that. Because true Iowans know that what we have here is a hidden gem and it’s best not to let the secret out, so the hordes don’t move here and ruin it....
Minnesota is well-known for its 10,000 lakes, but for just one day, let’s forget the lakes. If you want a fun and unique experience in Minnesota, look to the trees. From exhilarating zip line courses to relaxing treehouses you’ll want to move into for good, these treetop adventures are must-do experiences that you can only find in Minnesota. Check ’em out. Cannon Valley Trail - Cannon Falls Cannon Valley Trail/Facebook The Cannon Valley Trail is a 20-mile paved path that runs through some of Minnesota’s most scenic areas....
Louisiana is no stranger to those who may see themselves above the law. Not all of these criminals pursued crimes in Louisiana, but they all became famous for their illegal acts. Here are 9 of the most infamous criminals in Louisiana history. Derrick Todd Lee Britte / wikicommons Known as the Baton Rouge Serial Killer, Mr. Lee was convicted through DNA evidence in 2004 for the deaths of seven women in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette area....
Travel the world without leaving the state. The intense flavors at these New Mexico restaurants will briefly transport you to India… without the jet lag. Sample cuisines from both the north and south of the country at these 9 delicious eateries. Raaga (Santa Fe) Facebook/Raaga Yelp/Michael A. Raaga serves Northern Indian fare, with influences from the American Southwest. Chef Paddy Rawal has worked all over the world and this experience has resulted in dishes that are as inventive as they are scrumptious....
Did you know that New Jersey was home to dozens of incredible wineries, all throughout the state? If not, you’re welcome! If you did know, but aren’t sure where to go, consider starting with one of these gems. South Jersey actually has its own “wine trail” to explore, though the following wineries are located across New Jersey. Some are on the wine trail, some aren’t – all are worth a visit....
Are you in the mood for a juicy, tender steak but maybe looking for a new place to try? Oklahoma is home to several award-winning steakhouses that offer upscale and casual dining options. Here are 10 steakhouses in Oklahoma that will have your mouth watering. Ranch Steakhouse (Oklahoma City) ranchsteakhouse.com Facebook/RanchSteakhouseOKC Ranch Steakhouse is Oklahoma City’s original Prime Steakhouse. Enjoy the “old world” atmosphere while cutting into a perfectly flavored steak....
As we pass over the Thanksgiving holiday and approach the new year, I can’t help but to stop and stare at all the glorious and beautiful places we have in this great state. It makes me incredibly grateful! Take a peek at these 10 enchanting spots in Georgia that you may have never known existed. Down in the Tallulah Gorge - 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573 Mike C via Flickr OK, you probably already knew about this one–because it is like the best canyon on this side of the country....
Maui’s famous 64.4-mile Hana Highway, that stretches from Kahului to Hana, is home to approximately 59 bridges, 620 curves through the lush jungle, and countless panoramic vistas – as well as countless incredible waterfalls and natural swimming holes. While there are countless spots to be seen along the famous highway, there is one spot so quintessentially Hawaiian that it’s where all the locals hang out. Also known as the Blue Sapphire Pools, Ching’s Pond is certainly a sight to behold....
Have you ever seen a street sign that left you mystified by its possible name origin? I know I certainly have on many Arizona streets and some of the origins behind their names are just as fascinating. Check out these 14 strange Arizona street names. Back Road, Wikieup Johnida Dockens/Flickr When driving down this road, you can tell others you were actually on a Back Road in Wikieup. Bloody Basin Road, Mayer (also in Pine and Cordes Lakes) Ms....
While Cleveland offers beaches that are simply stunning, they do tend to get crowded during the summer. Beachgoers can hardly resist the allure of the stellar natural formations along Lake Erie, especially those with views of the downtown skyline. However, just a short distance west of Cleveland is a charming city with a beach scene that will absolutely blow you away. Welcome to Vermilion… Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands/Facebook...
Some of these towns might be familiar to you; many probably won’t be. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, these are Utah’s tiniest towns. Scofield: Carbon County By Unknown newspaper photographer, Utah news service, 1900, via Wikimedia Commons Population 26. Scofield was a coal mining town. In 1900, an explosion killed 199 miners — one of the worst mining disasters in the country. Ophir: Tooele County Staplegunther, via Wikimedia Commons Population 36....
Grist mills once dotted the shores of water bodies throughout the state, using water power to grind grain into flour. Not many of them still exist, but the mill in Neligh (Antelope County) has been beautifully preserved. The mill was built on the banks of the Elkhorn River in 1873. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neligh_Mill_from_SE.JPG It used a horizontal waterwheel to harness the power of the dammed river and turn the gear in the mill’s basement....
This past year, we featured an assortment of Maryland restaurants worth eating at. The following 15 are the best of the best. Make 2017 the most delicious year yet by dining at these amazing eateries. Papermoon Diner, Baltimore Photo Credit Facebook / Papermoon Diner This whimsical restaurant just may be Maryland’s most unique eatery. Filled with mannequins, Pez dispensers, and oddities galore, you won’t soon forget a visit to this one-of-a-kind spot....
The Knoxville Botanical Gardens aren’t the most “hidden,” per se, but they are fairly overlooked by the whole of Tennessee. Memphis gets Shelby, Nashville holds Cheekwood high, and east Tennessee seems to be enveloped by the Great Smoky Mountains. Let’s wander through this Knoxville gem, for its hidden beauty. Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum - Facebook Located on the grounds of the former Howell Nurseries, the solidly expansive Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a local tourist attraction and native getaway....
When you think of middle earth, we would be willing to bet that the first place that comes to your mind is New Zealand. This stunning destination served as the main setting for the movie versions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. But Alaska is giving everywhere else on earth a run for their money with this one special spot that epitomizes the true essence of middle earth. With lush landscapes, towering trees, unique bridges, ample hiking opportunities, remote boardwalks and hidden caves – you’re sure to be transported directly into a middle earth paradise....
Sugar… as kids in Kentucky, and most everywhere else, we love it. Candy love can continue into adulthood. Some of us even learn the art of making sweets homemade, like our parents or our Grandparents. There’s such a variety of wonderful sweets we can choose from, including candies, chocolates, creams, and even sugar free sweets for diabetics. No matter the type of sweet you crave, Kentucky has a candy shop for you....
