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There’s nothing like wandering through perfectly landscaped gardens and fields of flowers to make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairytale. This spectacular botanical garden in Nebraska delivers plenty of whimsical charm close to home. Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha is a magical spot that every local and visitor should explore. Here’s what you need to know about visiting. Lauritzen Gardens is truly like something from a storybook. This stunning Nebraska botanical garden is a four-season living museum of some of the state’s most beautiful plants....

Sometimes a leisurely drive, with no destination in particular in mind, can result in some pretty amazing finds. After all, Missouri’s home to a ton of unique roadside attractions – from the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba to the JCPenney Museum in Hamilton. For one of the most unique roadside attractions, plan a visit to Leila’s Hair Museum in Missouri. Carve out at least a few hours for your visit to Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, a one-of-a-kind destination that you really have to experience at least once....

Start counting down the days! Sure, we’ve all probably been ticking off the days until the year’s end on our calendar for months now. Before we ring in the New Year, however, we have one major celestial event to look forward to. A Christmas Star in Missouri (and around the world) will light up the night sky this December, and you don’t want to miss it. December 21 is so much more than the first day of winter in 2020....

With so many state parks, natural areas, and wildlife refuges, it’s easy to overlook some of the hidden gems of the Natural State. You can’t possibly explore every inch of each natural area, because Arkansas is so full of gorgeous land in park-like settings. But, we can try to explore all those places, right? Well, here’s one for your list of must-see Natural State gems. Lost Valley in Arkansas is an incredible wonder hiding in plain sight right in the heart of the in the Ozarks....

A website recently ranked the friendliest states in America and New Jersey came in at…number 46. That puts us in the bottom 5! Big 7 Travel asked its readers to rate states by friendliness and, apparently, 1.5 million people or so did not think very highly of New Jersey. We’re rude and have an in-your-face attitude. I know the Garden State isn’t perfect, but you try packing 1,210 people into one square mile....

When you think about visiting a great, sandy desert here in the United States, it’s likely that California or Nevada come to mind. Yet, tucked away in southern Maine is a large sandy swath of land that has been attracting visitors for nearly a century. The Desert of Maine isn’t actually a real desert but its history and formation are still extremely unique and well worth learning about. So pack up the car and head to this inexpensive one-of-a-kind roadside attraction in Maine that will leave your whole family with lifelong memories....

There’s nothing that says “Tennessee” more than a hike to a gushing, wild, stony waterfall. The state has a ream of limestone that runs beneath the surface – hence the “Ol’ Rocky Top” moniker – and its drastic cutaways and crevices have created stunning waterways throughout the state. One such beautiful natural feature is found at Cummins Falls, a locally lauded waterfall that requires a small hiking investment and promises a whole lot of beauty and fun....

Utahns definitely appreciate juicy, delicious burgers, and we can find ’em all over the Beehive State. For some of the best burgers, head north to Logan, where you’ll find Beehive Pub & Grill. The Beehive Pub & Grill is owned and operated by a local Logan resident, Dustin McKay. After graduating from Utah State University, he interned at a few Salt Lake City restaurants before buying The Beehive in 2016....

Hikes and scenic drives are both great ways to soak in the changing seasons in Illinois. At most scenic destinations, however, it’s very important that the fall foliage remains where you found it. If want your fall color experience to be more hands on, sunflower picking is the right autumn activity for you. In Illinois, there’s no better place to cut your own sunflowers than Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm. A family farm operating in Minooka since 1856, Heap’s is open seasonally to sell you as many sunflowers as you can carry....

Way out in West Bend, Iowa, an incredible work of art draws thousands of visitors each year. The Grotto of the Redemption is a remarkable work of art that’s 50 years in the making, and it’s the most amazing free attraction in Iowa. Plan a visit, because you’ve got to see it for yourself. As soon as it comes into view, it’s easy to see why the Grotto of the Redemption has been called the Eighth Wonder of the World....

Searching for a getaway that you can enjoy without actually venturing too far from home? Michigan is home to its fair share of lovely destinations, whether you’re partial to beachfront lounging or historical sites. There’s one gorgeous locale here in the Great Lakes State, though, where you can enjoy a healthy dose of both history and natural beauty – and you might never want to leave. Cranbrook House and Gardens can be found at 380 Lone Pine Rd in Bloomfield Hills....

West Virginia is full of so many unique, fun, fascinating places just waiting to be discovered. And one we especially love is tucked away in a magnificent old building in Wheeling: the Kruger Toy and Train Museum. Have you stumbled across it yet? If not, it’s about time you did! Old-fashioned fun is waiting for you in Wheeling, West Virginia at the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum on… you guessed it… Kruger Street!...

The only thing more important than the ambience and menu of a restaurant is the setting, right? And what if you could get a million dollar view for the price of your entree? We invite you to take a look – it’s pretty amazing. Friendly Falls - Gatlinburg Facebook (Note: as of September 8th, 2020, Friendly Falls is temporarily closed). Creek views, anyone? Then you can take a dip, afterwards!...

You never know what kind of hidden wonders you’ll stumble across during your explorations of Idaho. This 80-foot-tall natural arch, known King Mountain Natural Arch, is the perfect example of the awe-inspiring sights that await you here in the Gem State. Hiding way out in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this is the type of sight that requires a little bit of work to see, but it’s definitely worth it. Once you get to the trailhead, it’s just a short half-mile trek to this unique natural wonder....

Meals come in lots of shapes and sizes. Some are served on white tablecloths and the reviews from experts give five-stars. Others can be found in unlikely places at the side of the road, down a dirt road or another tucked-away corner. But, our favorites are almost always the surprises. And some people might find shocking is that this little truck stop offers some of the best meals you can find!...

Road trips don’t always have to be so expensive. A trip to La Jolla from San Diego is an easy, affordable getaway to some of the most scenic views in Southern California. Here is your guide to taking an inexpensive road trip to La Jolla. La Jolla Shores Beach ‘Surfers carrying surf board, walking along beach - stock photo’ Corey Jenkins/Image Source Collection via Getty Images La Jolla is about a 20-minute drive north from San Diego and home to some of the best beaches in the world....

There is a car museum in Auburn, Indiana that is full of local history and some of the oldest cars in the world. Few people know about this place, so you’ll likely have a visit to yourself. You never know what you might find at this one-of-a-kind attraction. It is a town treasure that celebrates vintage cars unlike any place else in the country. Check it out: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in northeast Indiana is a little-known attraction that brings in car lovers from all around the world....

Does your favorite getaway consist of getting lost in a book? Is the mere smell of books your favorite way to get high? Have you ever watched Beauty and the Beast and wished you’d get kidnapped by a monster just so you too could have your own private library? If you answered yes to any (or all) of the above, you are going to want to run to this enormous Colorado used book warehouse....

Nothing beats a fresh seafood meal right on the water, and Barge 295 in Seabrook offers just that. Located directly on the pristine Clear Lake, this floating bar and grill serves up some of the best shrimp, fish, and other from-the-sea favorites around. If you want more Texas restaurants, make sure to click here and sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Lone Star State will be delivered straight to your email....

There’s something about Christmastime that brings us back to wonderful childhood memories of twinkling lights, Santa Claus, and endless Christmas cookies. For an extra dose of childlike wonder, you’ll want to plan a trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Each year, the theme park totally transforms into a winter wonderland. In fact, it’s a little bit like stepping inside your very own snow globe. It’s a wonderful experience for all ages and bound to become a part of your annual holiday tradition....