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Man-made lakes throughout North Carolina hold mysteries in the depths of their waters, but Badin Lake has mysteries galore. The lake was created in 1917 when Alcoa dammed two rivers in the valley. There are said to be numerous towns, railroad tracks, and graves still beneath Badin Lake, along with a plane that crashed in 1944, killing the two servicemen aboard. But none of those are as easily visible as the hilltop site where three graveyards were relocated prior to flooding the valley to create the lake....

Iowa’s landscape is dotted with lakes and reservoirs, most of them created by man to help control flooding rivers and creeks throughout the state. As a result of these flood control projects, locals get to enjoy beaches, parks, trails, and places to drop in their boats! Take a hike around a pretty park and relax on an underrated beach in Iowa when you visit Lake Ahquabi State Park. One of the most underrated places in the Hawkeye State is Lake Ahquabi State Park, where you’ll find beautiful trails and a swimming beach in Iowa....

Petit Jean, Devil’s Den, or Mount Magazine may be the some of the first state parks that come to mind when thinking about Arkansas but by no means is this the end of the list! Some of the more underrated state parks, like today’s feature, are worth an entry to your Natural State bucket list. The spillway dubbed Arkansas’ Little Grand Canyon is probably the most noteworthy feature of White Oak Lake State Park....

It’s no secret that Alabama is a great place for hiking year-round, especially during the winter season. From scenic nature preserves to beautiful state parks, there are many types of places to hike in our great state. Listed below are seven of Alabama’s best places for a winter hike. Don’t forget to add them to your bucket list! Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve - Tuscumbia flickr/Michael Hicks Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, which is one of North Alabama’s best nature spots, offers more than 15 miles of scenic trails....

Hiking brings with it adventure, no matter what trail you follow. If you’ve always wanted to hike or if you’re a newbie at hiking, you’ll definitely find quite a few trails in Missouri that you can easily traverse while building your skills. This beginner waterfall trail in Missouri, for example, is perfect for the whole family and boasts an abundance of gorgeous scenery. Alley Spring Overlook Trail, in Eminence, spans just under 1....

If you’ve lived in Montana for awhile, you’ve surely heard of Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings — and perhaps you’ve even visited. But believe it or not, there’s one place in Montana that has even more pictographs, and it’s a true hidden gem. We’re talking about Bear Gulch in Central Montana, a scenic ravine with plenty of prehistoric art. You’ll find Bear Gulch in Forest Grove, a small community near Lewistown....

As a family-owned and operated business of over 75 years, Blair Candy Company has one of the biggest selections of candy around. Located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the store carries all of the delicious treats for both retail customers and wholsale buyers at great prices. Browsing the aisles of Blair Candy Company is sure to bring back childhood memories of your favorite sweet treats. Blair Candy Company - Retail Outlet/Facebook The shop is full of every type of candy you can imagine....

Burger aficionados, get ready for this. Burgerhaus is an Indiana state legend serving up burgers and more with a twist: a little flash of flavor from all over the world is blended into each of their dishes. The brainchild of a Valparaiso father and son team, Burgerhaus has honestly earned its title of “Best Burger in Indiana.” Burgerhaus - Valparaiso/Facebook Their unique twist on traditionally American food has brought crowds in from all over the state....

One of the very best things about living in Virginia is the abundance of state parks. From the rugged mountains of western Virginia to the coastal shoreline of the Eastern Shore, so much of Virginia’s natural beauty is preserved for all to enjoy. Today’s destination is one such place that can be found in King George, Virginia. Whether you’re hoping to spot native Virginia wildlife, such as the majestic bald eagle, or simply love meandering through hardwood forests and glimpsing views of the water, you’ll cherish your time at Caledon State Park....

There’s no getting around the fact that 2020 has been a bleak year, and a rare celestial event taking place in a few weeks will add some much-needed brightness and hope. On December 21, the Star of Bethlehem – which is actually Jupiter and Saturn passing so close by one another that they appear to move as one – will rise over the Texas night sky. This “Christmas Star” hasn’t been visible from Earth in nearly 800 years!...

One glance at the rows of candy – penny candy, chocolate candy, every kind of candy imaginable – should just about do it. As soon as you walk into Daffin’s Candies in Pennsylvania, dubbed the world’s largest candy store, you’ll instantly feel that childhood magic rushing back. Let the stroll down memory lane begin as we take a virtual tour of this massive candy store in Pennsylvania. Yelp/Binion S. Daffin’s Candies has been a part of childhood for generations of children since it opened in Ohio more than 100 years ago....

Invasive species are never welcome, but Texas’ newest uninvited guest takes that sentiment to a whole new level. The black-and-white tegu lizard is the size of a dog, and it’s spreading like wildfire across the southeastern U.S. – including right here in the good ol’ Lone Star State. Here’s everything you need to know: The black-and-white tegu lizard, or Salvator merianae, is native to South America. Wikimedia Commons / Donar Reiskoffer Intelligent and relatively meek, the reptile makes a great pet for those with a propensity to seek out exotic species....

Are you a nature lover? If you live in Wyoming, the answer is almost certainly yes. The Cowboy State is surrounded by stunning nature, with plenty of state and national parks to explore. Fossil Butte National Monument is the state’s newest national monument, and it’s perfect not only for nature lovers but for those curious about our prehistoric past. Fossil Butte National Monument is located about 15 miles west of Kemmerer....

Snowy winter days are just meant for curling up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and watching the snow tumble down outside. However, for those who like outdoor adventure, a snowy day is also the perfect time to sit back and watch the landscape roll by on a classic sleigh ride. Northern Star Farm in Pennsylvania offers enchanting sleigh rides that are sure to add a touch of magic to your winter....

In the mood for a hike this week? Check out the best hiking trails in SoCal outlined below and perhaps even add them to your lust-list of great outdoor adventures. Some of these hikes may be no-brainers that you’ve experienced before, but there are many on this list that are off-the-beaten-path hidden gems that offer a unique twist. These scenic hiking spots in SoCal are unlike anywhere else in the nation, and we’d highly recommend that you bring a few bottles of water and a whole heart for adventure as you take them on, one by one....

Do you ever get a craving for a fresh salad with all of your favorite toppings, knowing it’s just the right meal to give you that extra boost of energy? While salads are often a starter, they also make a scrumptious meal, especially when you’re talking about the fresh-made salads from Iceburgh’s Bistro near Pittsburgh. Once you take a peek at the menu, your mouth is sure to start watering....

Maytag Dairy Farms’ Blue Cheese may be the most famous cheese in Iowa. You can visit the historic family-owned farm that’s been part of the Hawkeye State landscape for decades, and step into their store to pick some up for yourself. In 1919, Elmer Henry Maytag, son of the Maytag Corporation founder, began to raise a herd of dairy cows for his family. Soon, his small farm became famous for quality livestock and dairy....

Enjoy a pastoral landscape in Jo Daviess County all throughout the area. Rolling hills, farmland, winding roads, and so much more make this the most gorgeous part of the state. Scroll on for more details. Whether on a trip to Galena from another part of the state or driving around Jo Daviess County, visitors to the northeast corner of Illinois are often blown away at the picture-perfect landscape that awaits....

In need of a getaway but not sure you can afford it? Never fear – we found a cozy little cabin that oozes rustic charm, thanks in part to its location on a private lake. And at less than $100 a night, it’s as affordable as it is charming. Read on to learn all about this woodsy hideaway. Located in the small town of Thorp, surrounded by forested land, and situated on a private lake, this Airbnb rental is perfectly secluded and a great place to soak up some peace and quiet....

We’ve probably all heard the old saying that hard work pays off, right? Well, that certainly rings true when it comes to challenging ourselves, whether we’re at work or heading out on a hike. Hawk Rock Overlook in Pennsylvania boasts jaw-dropping views, but it’ll take some effort to enjoy them. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be well-rewarded. Although it’s only rated as moderate, Hawk Rock Loop Trail near Duncannon will require you to do quite a bit of climbing....