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There are many gifts out there that serve as educational toys, such as puzzles and challenging games. Yet research suggests that the experience of a trip can actually promote brain development. As conventional wisdom will point out, toddlers are often less interested in the toy than the box it comes in. This same principle applies to gifts: it’s the experience of the unknown that can often mean the most. Here’s more on this recent finding....

There’s truly something for everyone in Washington. Some of us prefer city living, while many other enjoy a more rural experience. And for those among us who REALLY want to go off the grid, there’s Stehekin. Not only is it the most remote spot in our state, it’s one of America’s most isolated communities. Reaching Stehekin is not easy. JB Colorado / Flickr The best way is to take a boat or a floatplane up Lake Chelan from the nearest town, which is 55 miles away....

We’ve all joked once or twice about how horrible winters were back in the day. This is true, of course, with winters that bring infamous blizzards, as was the case with 1913 and 1978. Typically, Cleveland gets around 65 inches of snow during the winter season. Some years see so much more snowfall… and some years see hardly any in comparison, which many consider a blessing. In memory of our mildest winters ever, we’re going to take a visual tour through Cleveland’s least snowy years on record in chronological order....

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Phoenix, you’ve likely seen a rather eclectic building looming in the distance. That would be Tovrea Castle, a historic structure that’s been around for nearly 100 years – and it’s open to the public for tours. Constructed in 1929, this three-tiered historic landmark has been dubbed “The Wedding Cake” due to its strong resemblance to a towering dessert. Flickr/gageskidmore Upon arrival, visitors traverse a winding interpretive trail that features over 5,000 cacti of 100 differet varieties....

There are plenty of stuffy antique shops where you feel like you have to tiptoe down aisles filled with overpriced breakables barely balancing on impossibly difficult to navigate shelves. These are the kinds of shops that make most folks decide that antiquing is not for them. Thankfully, this is not one of those shops. In fact, a visit here might be the most fun you ever have shopping for antiques....

While we’re certainly reveling in the warm weather of summer, we’re also working on our must-do list for autumn. As any New Hampshirite knows, the season could change any day and when it does we want to be ready. Sure, ready means warm clothes, but mostly it means knowing where to go for the best fall treats around…cider and donuts! This spot has some of the best and you can bet we’ll be there at the first sign of a leaf falling to the ground....

You don’t have to make your way to New York City to indulge in an incredible bagel. After all, these carb-filled marvels can be found in delightful shops throughout the country. In fact, there’s one wonderful bagel shop here in the United States that might seem out of place – but you’ll soon wonder why it took you so long to discover this fantastic spot. With a population of just over 10,000 residents, the small town of Edwards, Colorado might not strike you as a must-visit bagel destination - but good things come in unexpected packages....

Tennessee isn’t home to the craggy, sky-sweeping mountains of the west, but our Great Smoky Mountains still tend to be some of the most beautiful in the nation. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is actually the most popular and visited national park in the United States, and folks flock to the cabins and lakes that speckle the eastern edge of the state all year long. Douglas Lake may not be stuck quite in the middle of all the mountainous ballyhoo, but it makes for a gorgeous visit just the same....

America’s grasslands are some of the most striking regions in the country. They spread across states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as popping up in areas of states such as California, Colorado, New Mexico and others. Here are some striking photos from America’s prairies and grasslands. The native prairie of North Dakota undulates like an ocean. Flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie Catching the last rays of the sun as it sets across Oklahoma....

When you think of a lodge, images of dark wood, rustic decor, and soaring ceilings often come to mind. The idea of a lodge seems to be fleeting in a modern world of chic hotels and minimalist homes, but there are still plenty of places in Kentucky where you can snuggle up by the fire in a cozy, beautiful lodge. If that sounds like your ideal getaway, these six magnificent lodges in the Bluegrass State will surely become your favorite destinations....

New Hampshire is a lovely place to call home. And it’s a great place to grow up. Good schools, friendly neighbors and strong values all make the Granite State a great place. But, we certainly have our fair share of not-so-great history. Here are just a few of the things you definitely didn’t learn about in school! The spookiness of Point of Grave Burial Ground in Portsmouth baxterboy / Flickr Folks visiting the oldest cemetery in the state have reported hearing footsteps behind them when nobody is around....

If you haven’t caught on yet, we’re slightly fall obsessed over here (join the club, right?). That being said, it should come as absolutely no surprise that apple picking is on our Buffalo autumn bucket list! With so many great places to choose from, it’s time to share the wealth with you! Here are our “picks” for the very best apple orchards near Buffalo. An added bonus? All these picture perfect places offer a U-pick option for even more fall fun!...

Bread pudding is a classic southern dessert. Not surprisingly, restaurants all over the state serve up the traditional treat. However, there’s one version that stands out above the rest – and it can be found at Blue Canoe in Tupelo. Putting a tasty twist on the classic dessert, Blue Canoe uses blueberry donuts to make its award-winning bread pudding. Take a look: Though most associated with music, Tupelo is quickly garnering a reputation for its burgeoning food scene – and Blue Canoe is part of that scene....

When relaxing in the Berkshires, you’ll want to find the perfect breakfast. Bob’s Country Kitchen in Lanesborough will bring you back to the good ole’ days while offering the best classic breakfast around. Not only that, but this unassuming Berkshire restaurant serves up old-time Polish food as well. Don’t forget to complete your meal with a home-baked pie with flavors like coconut cream or strawberry rhubarb for dessert! Whether you’re craving a traditional pancake breakfast, or a Polish platter complete with kielbasa, kapusta, and more, Bob’s Country Kitchen in Lanesborough, Massachusetts is always a good choice....

The Dickson Street Bookshop has a knack for charming everyone from dedicated lit majors to casual readers. This cozy shop with its endless selection will keep you coming back anytime you’re in the area. Let’s take a tour of this treasured bookshop that’s unbelievably bigger on the inside. The Dickson Street Bookshop is utterly bursting with books. The paperback table set up outside is the perfect trap to snag unsuspecting bibliophiles off the street....

Minnesota’s small towns are filled with places to explore! They may be home to antique stores, nature oases, and – more often than not – fantastic restaurants. That’s certainly the case for Sauk Centre, Minnesota, where a little neighborhood restaurant provides the perfect setting for a good conversation and and great meal. Ding Dong Cafe is a charming spot that will make the perfect stop next time you’re craving the taste of home in a cozy setting....

One of the most spectacular holiday light shows in the state is at Yukon’s Christmas in the Park event. This magical wonderland showcases more than 4.5 million twinkling lights and is set-up for visitors to drive through the park or you walk through it for a more up close and personal experience. Take a look, then mark your calendars to attend opening night this weekend. Yukon’s Christmas in the Park opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving then runs from 6 to 11 p....

It doesn’t get any cooler than hanging out and enjoying a delicious brunch with Santa, especially in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. Spend some time with the man of the season during this breakfast buffet with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania. However, that’s just the beginning of your Christmastime adventure. Santa’s coming to Elmwood Park Zoo, in Norristown, to meet and greet families during a scrumptious brunch....

Vacation with the kids can be fun, but when you’re looking for a place where you can truly relax and unwind, the waterpark resorts just don’t cut it. For a peaceful getaway without the kids, head to The Inn at Weathersfield in Perkinsville, Vermont. The Inn at Weathersfield is tucked away within the trees, making it truly serene. The Inn at Weathersfiled/Facebook All of the rooms have a homey charm with windows that look out to the trees....

We all love our fall colors, no matter what shade of yellow, orange, or red they are. Last year, Smoky Mountains, our foliage predicting friend, showed fall colors sweeping across the continent with relative accuracy. However, we’ve had a bit of a wet and wild summer, at least during flood season. This year, expect your favorite fall colors to be a little late. Fall foliage timing this year is thanks to our wet summer, but how late is it really?...