Transylvania, Romania is best known for a menacing castle that was home to a fierce warrior and ruler named Vlad the Impaler. Vlad the Impaler ruled Transylvania in the mid-1400s. Locals view him as an avenging hero who drove away Saxon invaders. Descendants of the defeated Saxons have characterized Vlad the Impaler as a brutal…
The Dorset Marble Quarry—which holds the distinction of being the oldest marble quarry in America—was established in Vermont in 1785 to provide the burgeoning United States of America with stone for libraries, mansions, and other stately buildings. Marble from the quarry even found its way across the border to Montreal, Canada. The quarry thrived until…
Admirers of the Bluegrass State will happily tell you that Kentucky is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Red River Gorge Geological Area—located inside of the Daniel Boone National Forest— is home to lively blooming plants, sandstone arches, and the robust Red River which is ideal for canoeing. If…
Egyptian culture and architecture has long captivated people around the world, including the ancient Romans. After the Romans took control of Egypt in 30 BC, countless aristocratic Romans began to build structures that were similar to those that they viewed in Egypt. A few pyramids even popped up in Rome—only one of which has survived…
Most people associate the city of Los Angeles with rows of palm trees, endless sunshine, and plenty of posh places to eat, drink, and be seen. Lots of folks are unaware that Los Angeles is also home to an ancient crude oil reserve that trapped countless plants and animals in its sticky pools. The La…
For decades, travelers driving the rustic road between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska have been captivated by a large concrete igloo which locals lovingly refer to as the “Parks Highway Igloo.” The Parks Highway Igloo was supposed to be the centerpiece of a resort town called Igloo City, but building code infractions prevented the building from…
Sintra, Portugal is swiftly becoming one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Eccentric palaces, misty forests, and stunning beaches draw enthusiastic crowds year-round. Sintra is home to some of Europe’s most unforgettable architecture. The ruins of a Moorish castle are adjacent to the esoteric palace of an eccentric millionaire. Visitors often feel as though they…
No great American road trip is complete without driving along the winding roads of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is over 460 miles long, and spans North Carolina and Virginia. There is no better way to experience the enchanting beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains than to drive through some of…