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We’ve all had moments like these. They’re uncomfortable, and you wish you could avoid them, but unfortunately, there are some awkward moments Illinoisans have to endure. Keep reading to see how many of these unpleasant situations apply to you. When people pronounce the silent letter at the end of our state’s name. Wikimedia Commons/Absecon 49 Stop pronouncing the “s.” Illinois is derived from a Native America term meaning “best people,” so we know what we’re talking about....

Going for a slow stroll through the garden, surrounded by beautiful flowers, with the faint floral fragrance drifting through the air is just about as close as it comes to paradise on Earth. But, for those black-thumbed gardeners like me, it can be frustrating when your own garden doesn’t really…grow. No worries there; luckily for us there are plenty of beautiful public gardens in Iowa that we can tour whenever we want....

In 1920, a 225-foot, five-mastered schooner by the name of Carroll A. Deering left Boston to pick up coal in Norfolk then head to South America. While a commonly traveled route, the crew and ship had a smooth drop off, but their return is still debated to this day. Wikimedia Commons / Wilhelm Hester Photographs Collection (Example of a five-masted schooner.) On Jan 28 1921, the Deering was spotted under sail from the lightship of Cape Fear south of Wilmington....

Are you planning your summer vacation yet? You’ll need a place to stay, of course. And what better place to stay than in one of Arkansas’s unique and beautiful cabins. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation spot or a romantic getaway for two, on this list you’ll find truly unforgettable cabins to suit your needs. Buffalo Outdoor Center (near Ponca) Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center The cabin pictured here is the Mountain Sunset cabin....

Tackling all of Wyoming’s incredible natural wonders is quite a challenge, and could easily take a lifetime to complete. But with a little willpower, planning, and some miles on the road, you can witness some of the most exquisite features in the country – because so many of them are right in this glorious state. Here’s a list of Wyoming’s must-see sites to add to your bucket list. Tower Falls at Yellowstone NaturesFan/flickr...

OK, you’ve been hitting the farmers markets, but where are the best places to enjoy these fresh goodies? Well, grab your pack and head off for an unforgettable picnic, of course! Vermont has some of the best picnic spots, so while the summer is young, let’s start planning, shall we? Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester Facebook/Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home The flowers are blooming in the stunning gardens at Hildene....

Montana is a picnicking paradise. And now that spring is finally here, everyone is anxious to enjoy a meal under the big sky. There are thousands of beautiful places to spread out a blanket and open your picnic basket in our beautiful state, but these spots rank among the best. Fort Fizzle Historic Site Picnic Area, Lolo National Forest PJ Johnson/Flickr This picnic area has grassy open areas surrounded by trees....

Halloween in Ohio can be extra spooky because of all the incredibly spooky places throughout the state. If you’re the type that doesn’t scare easy and you’re looking for an extra spooky place to (bravely) visit this year, consider the following destinations and attractions. (And proceed with caution. And courage.) The Ohio State Reformatory and the Haunted Prison Experience (Mansfield) Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr Formerly known as the Mansfield Reformatory, this historic prison is home to the state’s most violent ghosts....

South Dakota is home to many unique places and buildings, and that certainly also includes impressive castles. Though you can only walk inside a few of the majestic buildings listed, you can certainly stand in awe at all of them and appreciate their grandeur from the outside. If you’ve been waiting for a new road trip to take, you’re in luck. We went ahead and created a road trip that will take you to our state’s most majestic castles....

New Jersey has miles of incredible coastline and some of the best beaches in America. While it’s wonderful spending a summer day on the ocean, we also offer amazing lakes. While you’ll find hidden gems dotted throughout the Garden State, these are a few favorites. I’ve included a mix of our most popular spots and several local favorites; perhaps you’ll include them in your Memorial Day Weekend plans? Lake Marcia, Montague Flickr/Stephen Harris There are several lakes on the grounds of High Point State Park but Lake Marcia is a favorite....

It can be fun to visit the newest restaurant in town, but often you want to visit your tried and true favorites. It’s great to know you can count on a restaurant that has stood the test of time. These restaurants have become such a part of their community that it’s hard to imagine the town without them. Cam’s Ham, Huntington Yelp/ Mitch S. Yelp/Shelley W. Cam’s Ham was founded in the 1950s and has been owned by the same family for over 30 years....

Detroit has long been known as the “Motor City,” because it is historically recognized as the city for mass production of automotives. All three big car manufacturers, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all call Detroit home. But us Detroiters already knew this, we were practically born learning about cars. However, did you know these other rather fascinating facts about the city? Forget about Central Park, Belle Isle is where it’s at....

Looking for a place to escape the crowds? Luckily, there are many hidden spots around Minnesota that most people don’t know about. These off-the-grid destinations are guaranteed to take you away from it all. Shadow Falls Park Cindy D./Yelp Have you ever heard of Shadow Falls Park? Most people haven’t. This St. Paul destination is a small park along the Mississippi River with walking and biking trails and a great view....

I think enchiladas are the underdog of Mexican cuisine. At its core, enchiladas are a simple mixture of three ingredients: tortilla, filling, and sauce. In the wrong hands, they can become a soggy, greasy, bland mess of a dish, which is probably why some people tend to gloss over this part of the combo platter for the tacos, tamales, or carne. But when done right? Oh my gatos, you have a dish that is sheer pleasure for the mouth—a delightful mixture of spicy, savory, and perhaps even a hint of sweetness....

Whether you’re playing tourist or you’ve called the city home for decades, there’s always something new to explore in Seattle—and there are always classic spots to revisit or discover for the first time. It’s impossible to narrow the places to see in Seattle down to a reasonable amount, but if you’re able to see these twelve, you’re off to a wonderful start. You’ll notice a few popular tourist spots like the Space Needle missing from this list....

We Michiganders live by outdoor dining during the summer months. In fact, we pretty much would rather do everything outside when the weather permits because we’re simply stuck inside the rest of the year. That’s why it’s so crucial to find an eatery with prime patio space. In Michigan, we’ve got lots of choices in this department – from charming lakeside bistros, to rooftop decks overlooking the big city, to quaint garden patios....

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or Palentine’s Day, Wisconsin has a wide array of options and activities for you that extend beyond the standard dinner plans. If you’re looking for something unique to celebrate your love, here are a few non-traditional ideas for ways to show your favorite person you care. Go for a sleigh ride Facebook/ParadiseRanchWI This picture just screams romance. Cozy up with your sweetie under a blanket and explore our winter wonderland at Thern Farm in New London and Paradise Ranch in Cedarburg....

The Hawaiian Islands are home to beautiful beaches, majestic mountain peaks, active volcanoes, and mouthwatering restaurants, many of which fly under the radar. From Mediterranean restaurants on Oahu and American eats on Kauai to Maui taco joints and Big Island patios, these 14 restaurants are positively scrumdiddlyumptious. Ireh Restaurant Ireh Restaurant/Yelp Cin T./Yelp Located in the McCully shopping center is this often overlooked Korean eatery serving up incredible noodle dishes and Kimchee fried rice that is positively mouthwatering....

If you’ve ever left Massachusetts for an extended period of time, you know that the memories of certain things can really tug at your heartstrings. Here are just a few things that ex-Bay Staters always miss when they stray from the motherstate. Fluffernutters Flickr/Spam They’re the perfect marriage of savory and sweet. Our beautiful parks and wilderness. Wikimedia Commons From the majestic peaks and valleys of Mt. Greylock State Park, to the shimmering beach grass of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and everything in between, this state is lousy with gorgeous natural landscapes....

Throughout this year, we’ve featured several amazing photos taken by some of Alabama’s most talented photographers. Listed below are the 17 most jaw dropping photos taken in Alabama this past year. This AMAZING photo, taken in Gulf Shores, is a reminder of how beautiful Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches truly are. facebook/Kim Loftis Photo by: Kim Loftis / Kim Loftis Photography This view of Lake Guntersville is PICTURE PERFECT!!! facebook/Theresa Watts LeCroy Photo by: Theresa Watts LeCroy...