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In the 19th and 2oth century, the rugged and beautiful land where Bear Rocks Preserve now stands was the site of unchecked logging and cattle grazing. Over time, a mighty red spruce and hemlock forest diminished until only a few scrawny red spruce trees remained. Thankfully, conservationists in West Virginia recognized the splendor of Bear…
Ever since Frankenstein author Mary Shelley and her husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, wrote about their dreamy excursion to an idyllic alpine farming community in the early 1800s, the Swiss village of Wengen has been a sought-after mountain getaway. Car-free yet located on a railway line, Wengen is the ideal place to enjoy the quiet…
Many travelers assume Turkey has no good wineβbut they couldnβt be more mistaken. Chances are, theyβve never tried the award-winning wines of the Aegean region. In fact, many bottles from here regularly take home medals at international competitions. Around Izmir, the sheer concentration of wineries is remarkable: more than half of Turkeyβs wine is produced…
Flume Gorge may be perpetually popular, but a few hours spent surrounded by cascading water, moss-covered cliffs, and mysterious caves will make you glad that you braved the crowds. Located in Franconia Notch State Park near Lincoln, New Hampshire, Flume Gorge offers easily accessible panoramic views. Flume Gorge charges a moderate entry fee. It is…
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular natural wonders in the Finger Lakes region of New York State for good reason. Towering cliffs and a mossy gorge with 19 thundering waterfalls, a winding Art Deco-inspired staircase, and a mesmerizing spiral tunnel never fail to enchant visitors. Located on the southern end of…
Most visitors arrive in Sicily with plans to see Taormina, Palermo, and the beaches around CefalΓΉ. Those places deserve the attention, though some of the islandβs most memorable experiences happen far from the usual tourist circuits. Sicily has abandoned villages swallowed by earthquakes, prehistoric cave tombs hidden inside limestone valleys, and volcanic trails covered in…
In the 1930s, a hunter named Douglas Herrick developed a keen interest in taxidermy. A jackrabbit pelt positioned next to a rack of antlers inspired Herrick to craft a mythical creature that would become a Wyoming legend. Herrick christened his creation a jackalope (one part jackrabbit, and one part antelope). Ever since Doug Herrick sold…
With the intent of stimulating childrenβs imagination, playgrounds are designed to entice kids of all ages. What better way to do so than with a creative theme, unique structure, or unbelievable design? Check out these creative community playgrounds from across the country. 1. Splish, Splash at Waterfront Park in San Diego Located in downtown San…