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This time of year, everyone’s looking for ways to brighten their holiday season. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy is a drive-through display designed just for that. In your cozy car, you can cruise through miles transfixing twinkles while singing along to your favorite seasonal songs. This much mirth with so little work is sure to put the Kris in your Kringle. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy is located at 345 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565....

Few people think to visit the beach in the fall and winter months, and it’s understandable why. However, there are some secluded beach towns in the U.S. that are even better during the offseason. With smaller crowds and more room to explore, these hidden places seem all the more inviting this time of year. One such case is Duck Key, Florida. Even in the winter, this town enjoys tropical weather and plenty of sunshine....

When you think you’ve done everything there is to do in western Wyoming, think again! There’s a hidden hike near Jackson that shows off stunning views of the Tetons and a gorgeous alpine lake. Take the Goodwin Lake Trail for an afternoon of peace and quiet in the wilderness. This out-and-back trail outside of Jackson takes you to one of the best hidden-gem lakes in Wyoming - Goodwin Lake! AllTrails...

Is there anything more fascinating than old photographs? Modern photography was developed by Louis Daguerre in 1839, and there are a few surviving photographs from the U.S. from this time. (If you’re interested, you can check them out here). While there are some surviving photographs from the first years of photography in Florida, the ones that we found were either family portraits or cityscapes with no people in them. The more telling shots that actually begin to show daily life eventually show up around the 1860s and 1870s (at least from what we could find in the state archives)....

Looking for more restaurants to add to your travel list? Homemade meals should be at the top. Meet Laws Feed Store, and mark it down for later. Even if you rarely find yourself this far out, you’ll need somewhere on your bucket list for that one trip that takes you all the way. Welcome to Laws Feed Store, a spot out in Leoti, Kansas, way out west. Laws Feed Store | Facebook...

Pack your bags and escape the hustle and bustle, and stay in this charming small town in Utah. Huntsville is a quiet spot, but close to so many fun outdoor recreational areas. Take a moment to spend some time in this relaxing place that often goes overlooked. If you want to get away from it all, you need to head on out to Huntsville, Utah. The Town Of Huntsville Utah / Facebook With a population of only 600 people, this underrated town is off the radar, but close to all the action....

It’s no secret that Alabama is a popular hiking destination. Several trails located throughout the Yellowhammer State are easy enough for beginner hikers and challenging enough for hikers with lots of experience. One of Alabama’s most challenging trails is the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail, which you can read all about below. The James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail is a popular hiking trail that’s located in Tallapoosa County, Alabama near Dadeville....

Pittsburgh’s certainly not lacking when it comes to fascinating trails we can explore. If you’re on the hunt for an easy, unique, and maybe even a bit of a spooky hike near Pittsburgh, slip on your hiking boots and head out on the Meeks Run and Oil Well Trail. It features an abundance of natural beauty and some really unique artifacts that time has forgotten (or so it seems). Running through Montour Woods Conservation Area in Coraopolis, Meeks Run and Oil Well Trail clocks in at just under two miles....

Good news, North Carolina: After years of winter weather predictions that called for harsh, frigid conditions in the Tar Heel State, the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s prediction for the upcoming 2020-2021 winter is quite the opposite. It fact, at times it may be downright gorgeous. Prepare for a winter filled with warmer than usual temps, bluer skies, less precipitation, and more opportunities to spend time out of doors without shivering. Flickr/steviep187...

It’s no secret that we Texans love spending time on the water, and VIP Marina is the perfect place to do just that. Rent a double-decker party barge, complete with furniture, coolers, a grill, your own personal water slide, and so much more. Located on the beautiful Lake Travis, VIP Marina offers a variety of boats for rent. Whether you’re looking to fish, jet ski, tube, or just cruise around and enjoy the pristine waters, there’s something for any occasion....

Have you ever wondered what happens to those old city jails just sitting around? The old Neodesha jail has been turned into a snuggly Airbnb, perfect for a night’s stay in a quiet little small town. Come check it out! In a small town in Southeast Kansas named Neodoesha, there’s an old city jail, but it holds people in a different way today than it used to decades ago. Neodesha Old City Jail/Google...

Nashville is a foodie city, a mecca for diners, the kind of place adventurous eaters put on their delicious bucket lists. Of course, for a small town that exploded into a city of epic eating proportions, there’s still bound to be an undercurrent of resident local favorites. Pastaria is a St. Louis-based Italian eatery that has taken west Nashville, Tennessee by storm, and quickly became a top spot for quiet weeknight dinners and celebratory weekend indulgences....

Summertime in Idaho means long summer days spent at the nearest lake. The Gem State boasts hundreds of fantastic lakes that are perfect for cooling off and you’ve probably already heard of the popular ones (Lake Coeur d’Alene, Redfish Lake, Bear Lake, etc.) However, you’d be remiss if you didn’t plan at least one summer afternoon at beautiful Stanley Lake. This idyllic body of water boasts plenty of opportunities for fun, plus the views surrounding it are simply out of this world....

You’ve probably heard the saying that the best things come in small packages, and we believe that the same is true for small towns. You don’t have to go to a big city to find the best food in Florida. Just check out one of our favorite little towns in the list below. These are the 8 best food towns in Florida you need to explore before they get too popular....

When your sweet tooth strikes, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a bite of chocolate … especially when it’s handcrafted in small batches with the finest ingredients. Although there are many places to enjoy fine chocolates in Southern California, we think this local gem is worth a visit as it’s a great little spot to discover. Looking for one of SoCal’s finest chocolate shops? This local gem that’s known for its handcrafted chocolates and sweets is a fun place to discover....

Is there anything more relaxing than enjoying an adult beverage after a long, stressful day? Whether you’re partial to craft beer, wine, or something a bit stronger, you’ll find plenty of options to select from here in the Great Lakes State. If you’re a whiskey fan, though, there’s one destination that belongs on your Michigan bucket list. Prepare to be happily overwhelmed. The Whiskey Six is located at 646 Saint Clair St in Grosse Pointe....

When you’re from a small town, like I am, it can sometimes feel like the big cities get all the glory. But we know there’s plenty to smile about right in our own backyards. That includes our amazing restaurants. Whether you like a tasty Maid-Rite, a killer tenderloin or a delicious slice of pizza, Iowa’s small towns have got you covered. Mount Vernon - Palisades Cafe Yelp/Scott S. Yelp/Scott S. Palisades Cafe sits in the heart of the lovely downtown Mount Vernon....

Despite having to adapt and change our normal holiday routines, Arkansans have still found plenty of ways to celebrate the Christmas spirit. From classic horse-drawn carriages to thrilling festive Ferris wheels, these towns across Arkansas bring magic to the holidays. We may need to skip any Santa lap-sitting this year but a trip or two to any of these towns will have your holidays feeling merry and bright. Van Buren Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism Van Buren’s Historic Main Street feels like the cozy classic Christmas you see in the postcards....

Sometimes simpler is better. Located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sleep’s Cabins is a historic cabin resort that likes to keep things simple. Boasting four quaint cabins situated just feet away from the water, this resort lets the stunning destination do the talking. Amazing views and unforgettable memories await, so check out this waterfront spot for your next vacation. Sleep’s Cabins is a historic cabin resort with an amazing location right on the lake....

Santa’s workshop may be a long way from Wisconsin, but we’ve got a close second here in the Badger State – and it’s the Wisconsin Wagon Company. However, unlike its North Pole counterpart, Wisconsin Wagon Company offers tours, which provide a sneak peek into its toy-making gallery. Take a look: Janesville boasts a ton of history – and the Wisconsin Wagon Company is part of that history. Wisconsin Wagon Company/TripAdvisor...