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Considering our state is nearly 900 miles across, an incredible amount of ecological diversity is to be expected. That being said, most people don’t know we have a park that resembles a lush, tropical jungle. Palmetto State Park in Gonzales lets you escape into paradise without leaving Texas. Just an hour away from Austin and San Antonio lies a lush tropical oasis. Multiple water sources make the park a haven for all sorts of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, armadillos, squirrels, raccoons, and more than 240 bird species....

Pittsburgh’s winters can be brutal, especially with frigid temperatures. Venturing outdoors is often the last thing we want to do on a bitter winter morning or afternoon. However, if we have to go outdoors, we should probably also sit down to a delicious meal, of our favorite comfort food, that will warm us up and leave us ready to face the cold again. This cozy restaurant in Pittsburgh provides the perfect backdrop for a scrumptious winter meal....

Wyomingites love a good hearty meal, but what’s a day of dining out without a tasty dessert at the end? From cakes to pies and everything in between, it sure feels good to order dessert! Even if you’re not huge on sweets, you’ll fall in love with the Wyoming Cafe that makes the best desserts you’ve ever had. Sherrie’s Place in Casper is a charming cafe that’s captured the hearts of one of Wyoming’s favorite cities....

On the hunt for a fun way to spend a few hours or maybe even an entire day? Whether you want to escape the summer heat or to wile away a snowy winter day, slip onto the ice at Coral Ridge Ice Arena in Iowa for a little relaxation and fun. Or, grab a seat on the sidelines and watch the kiddos or friends as they play hockey or figure skate....

If a taco craving hits you hard, Connecticut has a surprising number of Mexican restaurants serving up authentic fare. But there is one humble little eatery that serves the best taco variety in the state. With almost 20 different choices on the menu, you’ll have plenty of options for satisfying those cravings. Taqueria Mexicana in West Haven might not look like much on the outside but appearances are deceiving. Behind this brick storefront is a tiny restaurant serving some of the best tacos in the state....

Sometimes, you stumble across a delightful little restaurant that’s so perfect, you want to tell the world. That’s certainly the case with this hidden gem over on in St. Tammany Parish. When you’re looking for a casual spot to grab some breakfast or lunch, Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen is just the ticket. Let’s take a closer look. Located off of Highway 22 in Mandeville, Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen hasn’t even been open a year, yet they’re on the road to becoming one of the best restaurants on the Northshore....

When it comes to decking the halls, some places go all out – and the Beau Rivage Casino and Resort is one of those places. The most wonderful time of year truly is the best time of year to visit the Beau Rivage, and that’s because it’s drenched in Yuletide décor. But that’s not all. It also hosts a variety of festive events that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit....

Traveling across the pond might be easier than you think, thanks to the Bubble Decker in Marshall, Virginia. While you won’t technically be in Great Britain, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to London as you set foot inside a double-decker bus. And the best part of all? This delightful attraction serves up local wine so delicious that you’ll want to stay awhile. The bus doesn’t move, so you’re free to roam about and enjoy this one-of-a-kind atmosphere....

If you’re struggling with picking those just-right holiday gifts this season, check out this market and German festival in Kansas – Christkindlmarkt. They’ve got lots of crafters and people who love the spirit of a German festival coming together to make this season great and give you great gift options. Every year after Thanksgiving, the Christkindlmarkt comes to Leavenworth, Kansas for a time full of holiday cheer and shopping. German Christmas Market Facebook...

Simply stepping foot in Maine can feel like an otherworldly experience, but if you’re looking to truly feel the presence of a higher being, you’ll want to visit one of the most beautiful churches in the state. Even those who don’t subscribe to any organized religion will appreciate the beauty and intricacy in the details of this small, but special place! This beautiful church in Maine is beloved by many, but for some it will be brand new....

There’s no doubt that Lake Champlain is one of Vermont’s crown jewels. One of the best ways to see it is by taking the Island Line Rail Trail. As you take this journey the lake literally washes against the shore right at your feet. For a day full of picture-perfect scenery, travel this easy path full of natural delights. The Island Line Rail Trail is well-known for its cross causeway path, but there is more than just that stretch to this stunningly scenic route....

Tennessee is known for a whole lot of wonderful things, like whiskey and barbecue and heaps of fried chicken and catfish, but most folks don’t know that the state boasts the longest suspension bridge in the nation. It’s true. You can walk high above the mountains on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge in east Tennessee. It’s a neat experience in itself, but the holiday season just ups the ante on this neat local experience....

As the days get shorter and we spend more hours in the dark, it’s nice to know that (at the very least) we’re also heading into the time of year when sparkly lights adorn homes, businesses, and local streets. Little by little, holiday cheer is springing up which means all we need to do is take a tour through our neighborhoods to remember that the holidays are on their way. Once you’ve done that, you might want to plan for something larger....

The best restaurants are the spots that have history to them. You walk through the doors and you can tell that there are an endless amount of stories just waiting to be uncovered about the place. The Depot Grill in Twin Falls is the perfect example. This timeless restaurant has been serving up delicious food to the local community for over a century and they show no signs of slowing down....

When it’s time for a getaway, there’s something uniquely wonderful about checking into a charming inn. While larger hotels have their perks, nothing beats the peaceful, personal atmosphere of a bed and breakfast or small lodging house. When you’re ready for the most rejuvenating vacation experience imaginable, check in at this one-of-a-kind American inn. The Hob Knob Hotel is located at 128 Main St. in Edgartown, Massachusetts. Google Maps It’s no secret that Martha’s Vineyard is overflowing with lovely places to stay, but there’s a special atmosphere at Hob Knob that sets it apart from competitors....

Arkansas has some pretty cool places to stay, from a real museum to Harry Potter-themed cottages. No traveler in the state should ever have to settle for a chain motel when we have unique places like these. Another creative option for lodging is at the Livingston Junction Cabooses and Cabin in Eureka Springs. Let’s hop aboard and check out these ridiculously cute cabooses. The Livingston Junction Cabooses and Cabin does indeed have a cabin, but that’s not the best part of this experience....

While Vermont isn’t especially known for its extravagant Christmas light displays, there are still a few places throughout the state that go all out when it comes to decking the halls with Christmas lights and decor. One of those places is the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in South Royalton, Vermont. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth the small detour to drive through and marvel at the beautiful Christmas lights....

Every town in Nevada—no matter how big or small—is unique in its own way. However, there’s one town in our state that is one of the most unique in the country for the fact that it shares two states at once. McDermitt, Nevada is a super tiny town located right on the Nevada-Oregon border. Many people don’t even know this little community exists, nevermind the fact that it’s located not just in one but two states....

Are you ready for the holidays? Soon, towns all over Utah will be lit up with twinkling lights for the season, and while some prefer to take a drive to see holiday lights, a walk through millions of lights is somehow a little more personal and intimate. The Christmas Village in Ogden is a winter walk you don’t want to miss; it’s the best winter hike in Utah during the holidays....

Neighborhood hangouts make for some of the best restaurants in Cincinnati, and they are typically perfectly laid back and welcoming. You may have your own favorite spot in your area of town, but don’t forget to try out other eateries around the Queen City that have a similar vibe and a menu filled with delicious options. Tavern on the Bend in Cincinnati is such a place that is ideal for stopping in for a meal....