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Anyone that’s stopped into their local Ocean State Job Lot has noticed that the holiday explosion is suddenly in full force. Whether you’re ready or not, the radio is also joining and blasting beloved holiday classics. Though the snow maybe hasn’t fallen yet (which most of us Rhode Islanders are thankful for) there are many ways to celebrate the onset of the season. Quite possibly the most unique way is this fantastic train ride offered in Blackstone Valley....

Spend any time at all in the mountains of Western North Carolina and it will soon become obvious there are places that cater specifically to visitors… but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them too! Case in point: a roadside observation tower with a view that is self-proclaimed to be the most photographed in the whole of the Smoky Mountains. That view is pretty spectacular… Ask anyone who’s stopped at Soco Craft and also climbed the equivalent of nine stories to the top of the tower, and you’ll get pretty much the same answer....

From the Holiday Trail of Lights to Celebration in the Oaks, Louisiana has countless seasonal celebrations that have become annual traditions for families in Louisiana. This particular Christmas celebration is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation, and you absolutely need to see it. Louisiana’s premier holiday event, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, returns for its 92nd year and is a can’t miss winter attraction. Natchitoches Christmas Festival Website There’s a reason thousands of people from all over the country gather at this popular event....

When you are trying to escape the hustle and bustle, a trip to a quaint coastal town will definitely do the trick. Shoreline breezes along with charming streets are the perfect combination to ease the stress away. Tiverton is the best combination of coastal and country rolled right into one spectacular small town. You’ll love the main road with its local shops, the beach, and more. Let’s check it out:...

It’s not just everyday that you can dine with impeccable views of Georgia’s capital city. Sure, we’ve highlighted iconic restaurants like Sun Dial Restaurant before which has truly spectacular views, but what if you don’t want to go all the way up to the 72nd floor? Have no fear, your new favorite food loft is here. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft in Atlanta has been taking the capital city by storm....

Let’s hear it for summer! Hip…hip…HOORAY! Longer, sunnier days are the norm now that the unofficial start of summer has arrived. Of course, we’ll still get those sweltering, humid days when we feel as though we’re going to melt. Good news, though. PA promises plenty of fun ways to stay cool all summer long. So, beat the heat and have a blast doing so with a visit to this fun, wacky, and action-packed water park in Pennsylvania....

August 10th is Missouri’s 197th birthday! On this day in 1821, Missouri became the 24th state in the Union. To celebrate our great state, here are 12 reasons why Missouri is the BEST state in the nation! Our state capital is stunning. Jim Bowen/Flickr Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River, our gorgeous state capitol is made from Missouri limestone. Atop the awe-inspiring capitol dome, 260 feet above the ground, is a bronze figure of Ceres, goddess of grain, who represents our state’s agricultural heritage....

Napa Valley, who? Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of awesome wine destinations, but you’d actually be surprised to know that there is a lot more to the Gem State’s wine scene than meets the eye. For example, hiding in the foothills of southeastern Idaho is a one-of-a-kind winery that boasts the most impressive views. Oh, and the wine is pretty dang good as well!...

Here in New Orleans, you don’t have to travel far to get up close and personal with wildlife. From the swamps and bayous to the zoo and aquarium, there are multiple attractions around the city where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime animal encounter. In no particular order, here are some of our favorites. Aquarium Theexplorefamily/Trip Advisor Located right on the Mississippi River, the aquarium will take you through an underwater world where you’ll have the chance to see sharks, sea otters, sea turtles, hundreds of fish, and so much more....

There’s something about traditions that makes them irresistible. Why do we carve pumpkins at Halloween… or paint eggs at Easter? For many, such activities are a heaping dose of nostalgia that takes them straight back to their childhood. Growing up in Cleveland makes it particularly easy to relate to traditions. Cleveland is a diverse city that draws influence from a multitude of cultures, and such a unique makeup has made us a melting pot....

Arizona is rife with ghost towns, but not all of them are well-preserved. The 19th-century mining community of Castle Dome is so authentic, its residents could’ve up and disappeared just yesterday. With original artifacts, more than 50 buildings that have stood the test of time, and even a multicolored underground cavern, this amazing city might be lost, but it’s certainly not forgotten. Established in 1864, Castle Dome City was once larger than Yuma itself....

Good things tend to happen when passionate people get together to share in a hobby, and such is the case with the Cinder Sniffers. This non-profit began as a small club made up of only a few people who had a deep love and interest in steam engines. This group builds and maintains different scale trains and even has a track system on which to test them out. Several times a year, Cinder Sniffers welcomes interested visitors to come to check it all out and this miniature train ride attraction near Cincinnati is something your whole family will enjoy....

Have you ever thought of a weekend (or a week) of camping fun? There’s a lot of places around the state that offer campsites, but this park is truly worth it. Grab your tent, your gear, and let’s find the perfect camping spot at this Kansas park. Does this scene make you want to camp out and enjoy nature? The beauty you see here is called Kanopolis State Park. J C/Google It’s full of rolling hills, bluffs, and wooded areas that are great for exploring all day....

Now that spring is here, we’re ready to get outside. And what could be better than a unique outdoor adventure that makes its way towards a local winery? That’s the exact set-up with Southeast Expeditions, a paddle adventure that leads to Chatham Vineyards. Here’s more on this one-of-a-kind outing in Virginia that pairs the best of both worlds: Southeast Expeditions is a guided tour company in Cape Charles that offers all sorts of unique excursions in Northampton County....

The Centennial State is famed for its colorful Old West history, which occurred several generations ago and can only be experienced via legends and old John Wayne movies… right? Come to find out, there are still several ways to experience this iconic time, including visiting this Old West-inspired Colorado pharmacy: Tucked away in beautiful Ouray lies the Ouray Alchemist; a gem of a museum that will make you think you stepped back into a time of gunslingers and covered wagons!...

When you think Detroit, “outdoor discovery” might not be the first phrase that comes to mind. After all, the Motor City is a lively locale, complete with all the sights and sounds of metropolitan life. If you and your family are in the mood to reconnect with nature, though, there’s one spot here in Detroit that simply must be seen to be believed. This might just be your new favorite day trip destination....

Wisconsin is home to hundreds of thousands of lakes and has miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, but there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover. Everyone has their favorite spots and Pike Lake, smack dab in the middle of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is one of mine. The various Kettle Moraine units are popular for hiking, but few know this gorgeous beach is located a short drive north of Milwaukee....

No matter how you’re feeling, there’s nothing better than heading outside and basking in a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. As warm weather arrives here in Michigan, many of us find ourselves searching for new outdoor wonders to discover. There’s one spot here in the Great Lakes State that might be overlooked in favor of our more famous attractions – but it’s well worth exploring. Reeds Lake is tucked away in the quaint community of East Grand Rapids....

The Tar Heel State is no stranger to nightmarish disasters that claim the lives of residents. From floods to hurricanes and fires, history holds many such events that have left indelible dents in the souls of communities throughout the state. The year 2018 marks the 93rd year since North Carolina’s worst coal mining disaster on May 27, 1925. Although there may be a generation or two between then and now, the horrific accident still haunts many families to this day....

Fall foliage is starting to emerge in Utah, covering the landscape in red, orange and yellow. It’s the perfect season for hiking – trails are brightened by vibrant colors, and the weather is nice and mild. If you love fall hiking, this trail will take you to some of the most spectacular foliage in the state. Logan Canyon is always a go-to spot for gorgeous fall foliage, and this year is no exception....