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In a state that has “vacation” in its nickname, it’s no surprise that we’ve got some pretty epic hotels. For a quintessential Maine vacation, you can enjoy a week by the sea, smelling the salty air. But, for those who have had plenty of beach vacations here and are looking for something more unique, we’ve got just the thing! This treehouse resort in Maine will keep you high above the trees, while also offering a family-friendly activity you won’t find anywhere else....

North Dakota’s culture is heavily influenced by Scandinavian countries, so it’s no surprise to hear there is fun Scandinavian festivals here. Every year on the first Sunday of October one of the state’s lovely small towns puts on an Uffda Day. Whether you are of Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish descent or not, you can find plenty to enjoy here. It’s an all day extravaganza of Scandinavia that you don’t want to miss!...

Most of us have been to the state parks in Georgia that are pretty humungous in size. I mean, even at 233-acres, Vogel State Park is a giant compared to this one. Many Georgians don’t even know that this small state park even exists, however, this autumn will open up the perfect opportunity to explore away from all the crowds and leaf peepers. One of the coziest, family-friendly state parks in Georgia in also the smallest—Moccasin Creek State Park in Clarkesville....

Who says you have to visit a big city to experience great art? Though the Twin Cities are home to some famous works of art by both world-renowned and up-and-coming artists, there are plenty of small towns throughout the state that offer artsy events and attractions created by locals. These 11 artsy towns in Minnesota are perfect for a whimsical day trip. Ely Visit Ely, MN/Facebook You may think of Ely as the gateway to the Boundary Waters, but this little town of 3,400 people has a sizeable art community....

While driving through Alabama, you’ll discover many types of places you never knew existed, including Dutch Oven Bakery. Dutch Oven Bakery is one of those special places you won’t find anywhere else, which makes it a true hidden gem. To learn all about this unique bakery, including why you should visit, take a look below. Dutch Oven Bakery is a Mennonite bakery that’s located in Falkville, Alabama. Anyone who’s ever visited this small town bakery, which has been in business for more than 20 years, will be the first to tell you that it’s one of North Alabama’s best-kept secrets....

From magnificent cascades hiding in plain sight to those found deep within the jungle, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless magnificent waterfalls. All of the islands’ awe-inspiring waterfalls are gorgeous, but some are less accessible than others. While Likeke Falls does require some effort to reach, the trail is only 1.5 miles, and it is the perfect destination for a family hike. Ready to embark on a magical adventure through the jungle to a picturesque cascade?...

Our beloved Wisconsin celebrates 170 years of statehood this year. That’s a lot of history that has come and gone, but there are still some places across the state where you can go to learn about life in Wisconsin during a different time. These places preserve the past and do a great job of making sure we can learn and experience our history as much as possible. While some are straight museums, others are much more than that....

There’s just something about visiting a small town that feels like going home, and that feeling is hiding in small towns all over Tennessee. There are so many wonderful and surprising towns all across the state that are just waiting to be discovered by the casual passerby. One of the best ways to discover new towns is through their festivals, and we’ve picked out some of the best. This fall, be sure to get out there, explore Tennessee, and reconnect with your roots at these small town festivals....

Many beautiful places are located throughout Alabama. While you might be familiar with some of these places, there are several you’ve probably never heard of. Listed below are nine of Alabama’s most beautiful places. Unless you’re a local, you probably didn’t know they existed. Take a look: Keel Mountain Preserve — Gurley google/Jeffrey Schreier Keel Mountain Preserve is home to the scenic hiking trail known as Lost Sink Trail, which is one of Alabama’s true hidden gems....

Take a walk down memory lane and reminisce on days gone by. Even though Austin keeps pushing forward, there’s still plenty of places that celebrate the past. Dine at a ’50s diner and watch a classic movie at a drive-in theater. These nine retro places in Austin will take you back in time. Sawyer & Co. Sawyer and Co./Facebook This retro New Orleans-style eatery is a local favorite. Dine at the sleek, pastel-colored bar and sink your teeth into a scrumptious seafood po-boy....

There are plenty of natural pools and swimming holes in West Virginia, but natural hot springs are a bit more rare. That is why Berkeley Springs State Park is a destination you don’t want to miss. Before European settlers ever set foot on this land, before America was even an idea, not to mention an actual place, the natives of this country were well acquainted with the natural hot springs in West Virginia....

Iowa is full of ghost towns, and one of them in particular is worth a visit. The town of Buckhorn is located west of Maquoketa, less than a hour from the Quad Cities, and the remnants of this once bustling town will take your breath away. Buckhorn was once a farmer’s co-op, and it was home to a tavern and hotel, stagecoach shop and more. Flickr / Phil Roeder In the 1960s, the entire co-op and town was bought out by a larger commercial dairy, and the population left in droves....

Nothing hits the spot like a good, hearty sandwich! Sandwich shops are a dime a dozen but few compare to this iconic restaurant located in a small town in the Sacramento Valley. This place has been rocking people’s taste-buds for decades and has become a beloved part of the community over the years. Not only are their sandwiches made with top-notch ingredients, but the restaurant itself is a quirky gem that you’re bound to remember for years to come....

Are you aware of what Idaho’s state fossil is? If not, don’t worry. You’ll definitely know the answer and much more after you pay a visit to this incredible national park. Hagerman Fossil Beds is home to some of Idaho’s most unique prehistoric treasures and it’s definitely worthy of a visit. Not only does this park contain the largest concentration of Hagerman fossils in North America, but it also contains the world’s richest fossil deposits from 3....

Nestled along the rim of Waimea Canyon between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level, Koke’e State Park is home to some of the prettiest scenery in the Aloha State — including both Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the jaw-dropping Kalalau Valley. Koke’e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres and contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along canyon rims, and through native Hawaiian forests....

Nothing says summer like the tastes of molasses, brown sugar, and hot spices, and the Hoosier state is no stranger to amazing barbecue restaurants. Next time you’ve got a hankerin’ for a hearty meal, though, you should stop by this tiny BBQ shack to see why locals just can’t get enough. You may not find a place to sit, but what you will find is the best bite of your life....

Once the weather stays cool it’ll be nearly impossible to stay indoors, after all this is the Natural State. But, if you could only do one hike all season long, make sure it’s this particular trail. The gorgeous panoramic scenery, rich colors, and magnificent rock formations make Yellow Rock Trail a favorite for families. This beloved trail in Devil’s Den State Park has everything you could ever want for a fall hike....

Michigan is home to its fair share of quirky events and attractions. From the annual Baby Food Festival in Fremont to our beloved Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills, there’s something here in the Great Lakes State for everyone. There’s one unforgettable festival in small-town Michigan, though, that will delight visitors of all ages – and you’ll want to experience it for yourself. The Linwood National Pickle Festival takes place each August in Linwood, which sits near the shores of Saginaw Bay....

You can find tasty chocolate just about everywhere, but nothing is as artistic as these creative confections in Austin. The intricate designs and whimsical ideas will make you feel like a kid again, and the atmosphere will make you feel like royalty. Maggie Louise Confections does things a bit differently, and it’s time you checked it out. There’s no candy store in the world as charming as this one in Austin....

Summer is here and if you haven’t visited the beach already, you’re probably making plans to. If you’re not a fan of giant crowds and higher seasonal prices, then Ocean City may not be the best fit. However, there are a few other beach towns in Maryland worth exploring and the following spot is a breath of fresh air. If you’ve never visited the little town of North Beach, be sure to add it to your to-do list....