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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve most likely seen the head-turning pictures from along the coasts of Florida showing large numbers of wildlife carcasses recently washed up on shore. Just last month, handfuls of counties were issued state of emergencies due to the fact that toxic blue-green algae blooms were taking over Florida’s beaches. Sadly, the issue has only grown worse as now toxic red tides and algae blooms have proceeded to spread along the southern coasts of Florida....

With more than 10,000 Lakes within our borders, Minnesota has plenty of beaches to go around. There are thousands of secluded lakeside spots in every corner of the state, each with its own charm. The best spot for visiting the beach, of course, is Lake Superior. This greatest of Great Lakes has many beautiful beaches. One of the best? Iona’s Beach, a gorgeous pink-pebbled beach at the end of a short but beautiful hike....

When you think of all-you-can-eat buffets, you probably picture bowls of limp lettuce and gluey macaroni salad. Here’s a restaurant that serves diners buffet-style, and it’s a far cry from those chain places. For a buffet dining experience that offers gourmet food with a killer city view, visit The Roof. It’s located in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in downtown Salt Lake City. The Roof/Google Head up to the 10th floor for the entrance to the restaurant....

Rhode Island is full of trails, natural areas, and beaches. It’s pretty easy to become a nature lover when you live in the Ocean State. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors by visiting one small town in particular. You’ll find so much to do that it will keep you busy from sunup to sundown and even longer if you want! Read on to discover why Charlestown is a nature lover’s dream....

Days at the beach in the summer can be long and lazy but they don’t have to be. Grab a bucket and a shovel and enter this sand castle building contest to test your seaside talents. Rather just watch? That’s fine too. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at one of Connecticut’s great beaches and spectate the sand as it turns into art before your eyes. The Milford Arts Council is hosting the 41st annual sand sculpture contest at Walnut Beach on July 21st....

No matter who you are, we all get overwhelmed sometimes. Whether we’re stressed about school, trying to pave your path in our careers, or dealing with some family tensions, sometimes we all just need to get away. When you need a break from it all, head to one of these quiet, peaceful places in Iowa and take some time for yourself. Pappajohn Sculpture Garden Flickr / Phil Roeder The Pappajohn Sculpture Garden is one of the most peaceful urban parks in the country....

When you’re in Tennessee, it can be easy to be distracted by the bright lights and loud music of Lower Broadway in Nashville or Beale Street in Memphis, but there’s a quieter side of the state that most Tennesseans experience every day. And if you’re wondering where those every day Tennesseans go out to eat, look no further. We’ve found these 15 small Tennessee restaurants that you simply must visit if you consider yourself a true Tennessean....

It feels great when you discover a restaurant hidden gem. That place that no one seems to know about, hidden in some nondescript building, that has the best food you’ve ever tasted. It almost becomes your special spot to grab a bite to eat, and tends to be the first thing you recommend to out-of-towners. We’ve searched for those kind of secret, hard to find restaurants and have compiled them into a list – and you’ll want to try them all....

Sometimes we wish the walls really COULD talk. There’s just something about exploring historic homes that connects us with the past. Each of these 7 houses holds a piece of our local history, and all of them allow visitors. The Daly Mansion, Hamilton Spend a Day Touring, LLC / Flickr The Daly Mansion symbolizes a true “rags to riches” story. Marcus Daly was a poor immigrant in the 1800s, eventually working his way up to copper magnate....

Natural foods and animals both hold a special place in every Arizonian’s heart, so why not combine the two? Visit Shamrock Farms just outside of Phoenix to pet adorable cows and indulge in a heaping scoop of homemade ice cream. Is there a better way to spend a day out in the country? Schools, families, and anyone else who loves milk will have a blast at Shamrock Farms. Education, fun, and deliciousness all combine to make this tour one you won’t soon forget....

Alabama is filled with many natural wonders. While some of these are well known and visited by many, others aren’t and are considered underrated. One of Alabama’s most underrated natural wonders is the White Cliffs of Epes, which you can read all about below. Take a look: The White Cliffs of Epes is located on the Tombigbee River in Epes, Alabama - a tiny town in Sumter County. Google/Cindy Woodhead...

Just when you thought dining out couldn’t get any better, someone comes along and dreams up an entire restaurant dedicated to delicious pies – pot pies! North Carolina has its fair share of unique restaurants, but no other eatery celebrates the art of pie making quite like Fayetteville Pie Company in the Westwood Shopping Center in Fayetteville. If the term pot pie brings to mind savory chicken and turkey pot pies fresh from the oven, then you’re on the right track....

When everyone’s planning their getaways to Jackson, there are so many spots in Wyoming that get overlooked. Next time you’re looking for a getaway in gorgeous mountain country along a stunning, winding river, check out the Spirit West River Lodge. This beautiful Bed and Breakfast will blow you away with their service and the serenity of their location on a bend of the Encampment River. Spirit West River Lodge is located right next to Riverside, Wyoming....

When most people think about the Georgia Gold Rush, they picture the beautiful town of Dahlonega. Thriving and still a place for visitors to enjoy a special slice of history, Dahlonega is known as the Gold Rush capital of our great state. However, there is another town that many Georgians don’t know about—a town that was once a mecca for gold rush enthusiasts looking to strike it rich. Now considered a lost town, take a look at this one-of-a-kind place known as Auraria, Georgia....

When you think about a snack bar, it tends to be more about filling your stomach than pleasing your palate. Fortunately not all snack bars are created equal and in Rhode Island, we have one of the best. If you are looking for a scrumptious lobster roll search no further, just hit the shoreline and this little beachside snack bar. You’ll find crave-worthy shoreline eats at Easton’s Beach Snack Bar in Newport....

As the temperatures drop and the snow and ice fall, it’s tempting to stay inside rather than venture out in the cold Kentucky winter. But we live in a beautiful state that’s just as lovely when it’s cold, and there are many places throughout the Bluegrass that are great for getting some fresh air all year long. Located in Lexington, Jacobson Park is a popular spot in the warmer months for paddle boating, fishing, and playing in the sun, but this one Kentucky park truly shows off in the winter and is perfect for curing a little cabin fever....

Lake Leatherwood is the one getaway spot in Arkansas that everyone will enjoy. From causal hiking to mountain biking, there’s something the whole family will love. Let’s take a drive to Eureka Springs and explore this beautiful area. Lake Leatherwood is a gorgeous mountain lake at Eureka Springs. AllTrails/Lucy Mathes The 85 acre spring-fed lake is the featured attraction of the 1,600-acre Lake Leatherwood City Park. The park is located at 1303 Co Rd....

What’s better than a water park? Well, how about a water park right smack dab in the middle of a magical summer camping resort? While your days away slipping down slides, standing under cool mists of water, and lounging in the pool, or sunbathe on the soft sand of a golden beach. But that’s just the beginning of all that your journey to this waterpark campground in Pennsylvania promises. Lake Raystown Resort promises a little bit for everyone - whether you’re seeking the ultimate luxury or you prefer a traditional camping experience....

There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than hiking one of Rhode Island’s beautiful trails. A little fresh air, some pretty scenery, and a bit of a workout can make any day brighter, but not all hikes are suitable for all hikers. Here’s a trail that leads to a pretty pond, but many will never see it because it’s so difficult. You’ll find Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge on North Road, in Hopkinton....

One of the many benefits of living in Southern California is having access to stunning hikes all year long. If you love being outdoors and enjoy exploring SoCal’s natural settings, then you’ll love this easy hike that will take you through a picturesque canyon that leads to a refreshing waterfall. Let’s take a look. Looking for a quick break out in nature without having to travel for hours and hours in the car?...