MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY

Standing at an elevation of 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest point in the northeastern United States. Since the first ascent of the mountain in the 17th century, it's been a place of exploration, science, mystery, tragedy, and triumph. It's also well-known for its erratic weather. Located in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, many make the strenuous hike to the summit on foot, but the Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a unique route to the top that is accessible to everyone. "The Cog," as it is more commonly called, is the first-ever cog railway in the world — and also the second steepest. It was built by New Hampshire resident and engineer Sylvester Marsh and opened in 1868. Over its three-mile distance, the railway climbs approximately 3,600 vertical feet up the west side of the mountain. The ride affords ever-changing views of the spectacular scenery of the Presidential Range. At the top, visitors can explore the summit of Mount Washington and its panoramic vistas.

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GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

Tucked away at a 42-acre park in Hamilton, New Jersey, Grounds for Sculpture is the largest sculpture park in the northeast, featuring dozens of paths that lead to unique art installations. It was founded in 1992 and opened to the public in 2000, and it’s never quite the same experience twice. New sculptures are frequently brought in, and not all exhibits are permanent. One of the most famous exhibits is Forever Marilyn, a massive 26-foot-tall tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Some of the world’s most famous contemporary sculptors, like Clement Meadmore and George Segal, have exhibited at Grounds for Sculpture, and the sprawling park is filled with peaceful retreats where visitors can contemplate the works. Admission to Grounds for Sculpture is handled by timed tickets, so the crowds will never become overwhelming. You can also find a cozy restaurant, Rat’s, featuring modern French cuisine. The restaurant is themed after "The Wind in the Willows" and is located next to a small waterfall. The park has become a popular destination for weddings, and Rat’s can be rented out for private events.

THE ROXBURY MOTEL

Located in the Catskills Mountains of New York, along the East Branch Delaware River, The Roxbury Motel is a one-of-a-kind lodge catering to visitors with a taste for unique decor. Each of the motel’s rooms has a unique theme — ranging from abstract modern art to a gothic cave lair to a room themed after a giant coconut cream pie! If you upgrade to one of their luxury suites, you can even stay in a spaceship soaring through the stars or a 1970s disco. The ultimate experience at The Roxbury Motel is The Digs — an archaeological dig-themed cottage that sleeps six and features a full kitchen. This adventurous suite is packed with themed decor and surprises like secret passages. No matter which theme you choose, you’ll enjoy the full Roxbury experience — including access to The Shimmer Spa, which features a sauna, two private massage rooms, and a small library that’s the perfect place to kick back and relax. A grab-and-go breakfast is included in your stay as you head out to explore local attractions like nearby ski resorts.

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CAPE CHARLES BEACH

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Cape Charles Beach is a pristine slice of coastline that looks like it should be featured in movies and magazines. Home to picturesque sweeping sand dunes and shallow water, this is the place to be if you want to cool off on a particularly hot day. Depending on the tide, you will be lucky to discover a bevy of shallow, oversized wading pools perfect for small children to make a splash. Cape Charles is not only a free public beach, but it offers smooth waters thanks to its bayfront location. The water is also supremely clean — continuously refreshed thanks to its proximity to the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, and is so much more than a calm space to relax. Make a splash, sink your toes in the sand, or take a walk along this beautiful Virginia beach. Forget the popular tourist spots — this is one family vacation destination you'll want to add to your bucket list immediately!

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BARATARIA PRESERVE

Found in southeastern Louisiana, Barataria Preserve’s 26,000 acres include bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests. Its labyrinth of boardwalk trails allows visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the swamps, giving you access to parts of Louisiana’s natural landscape that you wouldn’t be able to reach any other way. All of the trails are less than three miles long, allowing visitors to mix and match to fit their schedule. Barataria Preserve is home to countless alligators, turtles, egrets, and other swamp critters, making it an ideal destination to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. While alligators and swamp rabbits are the most common sighting, you may get lucky and catch a glimpse of a mink, coyote, or even a bobcat! Depending on the time of year you visit, your stroll through the swamps could be scored by the symphony of sounds from more than 200 species of birds, including warblers and painted buntings. Of course, wading birds like egrets and herons, and anhingas are often sighted searching the swamps for a tasty snack.

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RUBY FALLS

Ruby Falls is one of those happy accidents that may have never been discovered had it not been for cave enthusiast Leo Lambert. He found the waterfall in the 1920s by accident while he was drilling an elevator shaft for the Lookout Mountain Cave nearby. Named after Lambert’s wife, Ruby, this waterfall is completely underground and a truly magical work of Mother Nature that needs to be seen to be believed. Located in Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls cascades down a staggering 145 feet, making it the tallest underground waterfall in the United States. The one-mile cave walk will take you through geological formations that make you think you’re on another planet. The cave surrounding the waterfall was formed over 200 million years ago as water slowly eroded the limestone, producing one of the most incredible natural wonders in Tennessee. Tours are given daily, and it’s easily one of the most unique adventures you can have while exploring Chattanooga!

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THE WONDER HOUSE

Tucked away in the small town of Bartow, between Tampa and Orlando, the Wonder House is a historic marvel. To witness its fascinating features, guests drive from all over to catch a glimpse of the mansion's 18 unique rooms. Given only a year to live by his doctors in the 1920s, Conrad Schuck decided to build the home of his dreams for his wife and nine children, filling it with countless unique features — including pillars that trap rainwater to cool the exterior and a fireplace with mirrors inside and at the top to reflect sunlight into the home. There's even a third-floor porch that features an eight-by-ten-foot fishpond. Construction was completed after the DuCharme family purchased the house in 1964 and was sold at auction in 2015. It has since been wonderfully restored and remodeled, allowing visitors to reserve a tour and see all the mystery and magic within. With so many incredible features and a mind-blowing history, the Wonder House is one hidden gem in Florida that you have to see to believe.

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BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER

Flowing freely through northern Arkansas, the Buffalo National River is one of the few undammed rivers left in the country and is an outdoor lover’s playground. From rushing rapids to serene pools, you’ll experience it all along this 153-mile river as it flows through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River. Managed by the National Park Service, you can rest assured you’ll never run out of things to do here. The Buffalo National River is a popular camping, hiking, fishing, and canoeing destination, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life. It was even designated a dark sky park, one of only 100 in the world and the first in the southern United States. Some of Arkansas’ most majestic natural wonders can be found along the river, including Lost Valley, Balanced Rock, and even the famed 209-foot waterfall, Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians. From wildlife viewing to the endless labyrinth of hiking trails within the park, you’ll experience the raw, natural beauty that Arkansas is known for. Welcome to the Natural State!

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BEACHWALKER COUNTY PARK, KIAWAH ISLAND

Located at the west end of Kiawah Island off the coast of South Carolina, Beachwalker County Park is a must-visit locale with plenty to see, do, and enjoy. As the only public beach on the serene Kiawah Island, the amenities here are abundant, and you could spend all day here — grilling and picnicking using the on-site grills, renting a beach chair and umbrella and digging into a good book, grabbing snacks from the nearby snack bar, and, of course, making a splash in the beach's crystalline waters. What truly sets this beach apart from the rest, however, is the giant swath of sand considered to be some of the whitest flecks in South Carolina. Thanks to less sediment being churned up by the waves, the sand here is more pristine than in other coastal spots. Sparkling blue water and clean beaches? Sign us up! When you visit, take heed of the seasonal hours: the beach closes early in winter and stays open longer in the summer. There's nothing better than enjoying a long summer evening by the water, wouldn't you agree?

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PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK

Way up in the dusty plains of the Texas Panhandle — a place where you can drive for hours and only encounter the occasional tumbleweed blowing across the road — lies a Lone Star State treasure almost too vast and unbounded to comprehend. This natural wonder is Palo Duro Canyon State Park: home to the second-largest canyon in America, eclipsed only by the Grand Canyon itself. More than 30 miles of trails meander through the park, offering parkgoers ample opportunity to explore the rugged landscape. An outdoorsperson's paradise, Palo Duro Canyon State Park allows hiking, biking, and horseback riding on its trails. The most popular trail is the Lighthouse Trail, a roughly six-mile round-trip hike that leads to the iconic rock formation of the same name. There are plenty of other trails to check out, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, so nature lovers of all skill levels are sure to find a worthwhile adventure. Overnight accommodations include tent and RV campgrounds as well as cabins, ensuring a memorable stay for all.

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PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE

Tucked away in Michigan’s upper peninsula, you’ll find 200-foot-tall sandstone cliffs glowing with a rainbow of colors. It's as if you tracked a leprechaun to his pot of gold and discovered the source of the rainbow. Home to uniquely colored sandstone cliffs along fifteen miles of striking Lake Superior Shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a treasure to behold. Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, these sandstone layers feature colorful striations due to a unique blend of minerals. This isn’t the only secret this area of Lake Superior contains, though. Because sandstone is so easily worn by flowing water, the shoreline is home to jaw-dropping caves, arches, waterfalls, and rock formations. The area is a popular destination for kayaking, hiking, and climbing, and you’ll even find scuba divers searching for pirate treasure in Pictured Rocks — you see, the rough-breaking waters of Lake Superior have claimed many shipwrecks over the centuries. No matter where you live, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one natural wonder you’ll want to experience this year.

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SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST

With a name like Garden of the Gods, you just know there are amazing views in store. But that isn’t the only natural wonder to discover in the Shawnee National Forest. Tucked between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in Southern Illinois, this sprawling, 289,000-acre paradise is home to lush oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, captivating canyons, razorback ridges, and unique geological features. Hidden along a short, quarter-mile trail is the Pomona Natural Bridge, an astounding stone arch bridge that stands 30 feet off the ground and 90-feet-long and was carved out of the earth after millions of years of glacial activity. And yet the Garden of the Gods is still calling your name. This stunning 3,318-acre wilderness area within the Shawnee National Forest will take your breath away with its scenic overlooks, daring cliff faces, interesting rock formations, and mesmerizing sunsets over a lush forest. Although a trip to this natural wonder is a must-visit at any time of year, an autumn trip to see the Garden of the Gods explode with light and color is truly awe-inspiring.

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LANDOLL'S MOHICAN CASTLE

North of Columbus in Loudonville, Ohio, is a picturesque destination that will make you feel as though you've stepped into the pages of a fairytale. Pack your suit of armor or a fairy princess dress and alight to the enchanted grounds of Landoll’s Mohican Castle. With more than a dozen charming castle suites to choose from as well as two private cottages, experience the royal treatment during a weekend getaway or stay for an entire week to make the most of the spa treatments and fine dining. The castle’s on-site restaurant, The Copper Mug Bar & Grille, is a tranquil haven of culinary excellence, with much of its fare sourced from local farms and suppliers. Landoll's Mohican Castle is also a popular wedding venue sure to make any special day even more magical. Surrounded by an enchanted forest that is beautiful in all seasons, this castle oasis will undoubtedly provide a vacation you'll never forget, but be warned: you might never want to leave.

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FLINT HILLS

Rolling hills as far as the eye can see; the Flint Hills will change your perspective of Kansas in an instant. A critical tallgrass prairie ecosystem hidden in the notoriously flat landscape that comes to mind when one thinks of Kansas, the Flint Hills are sure to surprise anyone traveling through the area for the first time. Like many geological marvels, the Flint Hills were formed by nature, thanks to the different layers of rock found in the area. Limestone is harder than shale, making hills appear when water erodes away every soft spot it can reach, leaving beautiful hills that seem to flow downward instead of pushing up through the ground. During the spring months, prescribed burns renew the prairie for important upkeep and make for stunning photo opportunities. And luckily for you, there are endless ways to enjoy this unique paradise — lace up your hiking shoes, explore a nature preserve, set up camp for the weekend, or simply admire the windshield views on a scenic drive. Seasons may change, but the Flint Hills never run out of natural beauty to dazzle you

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SCHOOLHOUSE BEACH

Discover pristine crystal clear blue-green water so tranquil and deep you’ll think you’ve taken the wrong flight and ended up in the Caribbean. Instead, you’ve simply found yourself at the unique Wisconsin paradise that is Schoolhouse Beach. At the tip of Door County on the shores of Lake Michigan, Schoolhouse Beach was so named because of its location as the first school on Washington Island. There's something even more unique about this amazing beach, though — there is no sand. Comprised entirely of limestone rocks worn smooth by glacial and lake-tide activity, this beach is a true marvel. If you close your eyes and listen closely, you’ll hear the whisper of tumbling rocks dancing against the beach. The melodic sound and the feel of the sun-warmed stones beneath your feet, in contrast to the cool crisp water playing with your toes, make this tranquil beach a pleasurable experience like none other. If you collect unique beach experiences each summer, a trip to Wisconsin’s Schoolhouse Beach State Park should absolutely be on your 2023 bucket list.

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FANTASY CANYON

Fantasy Canyon is an otherworldly destination that will unleash your imagination. Located in the middle of nowhere in eastern Utah, this 10-acre canyon is going to leave you impressed. Home to magnificent rock formations in the most peculiar shapes, this canyon is often overshadowed by the national and state parks in the state. However, you will truly feel like you are on another planet as you explore this underrated Utah canyon. To get an up-close view of the rock formations, lace up your hiking boots and tackle the easy 0.5-mile loop trail. You’ll walk right through the heart of the canyon, with strange and unusual formations on all sides of you. See what unique creatures and shapes you can make out in the naturally weathered sandstone, and make sure you visit during a sunset — some of the best are captured in this bizarre yet breathtaking landscape. Always come fully prepared to Fantasy Canyon, as there are no services in the area, but the destination is well worth a little extra planning.

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CRYSTAL MILL

Precariously perched above the Crystal River in western Colorado is the Crystal Mill, one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. Majestic mountains and flourishing aspen groves frame the 130-year-old mill, creating a setting that is undeniably lovely, especially when changing leaves bathe the surrounding landscape in vibrant hues of gold during the fall season. There is no scenery comparable to this anywhere else in the country. The Crystal Mill has a fascinating history as well. It was built in 1893 to utilize the Crystal River below to power its air compressor inside, which in turn powered the machinery within two nearby silver mines. Once those mines were closed, the mill was abandoned. Later, the Crystal Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and has since become a bucket list destination for photographers and tourists alike due to its pristine surroundings. A note of caution: a four-wheel drive vehicle or ATV is necessary to navigate the narrow, rocky road to and from the Crystal Mill, but the trek is more than worth the destination.

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CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK

One of Nevada’s first state parks, Cathedral Gorge State Park is a dramatic geologic preserve nestled along a narrow valley in the southeastern reaches of the state. Beginning tens of millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions from the nearby Caliente Caldera Complex deposited hundreds of feet of ash into layers that weathered over time into the Bentonite clay formations seen in the park today. Since it was established in 1935, Cathedral Gorge State Park remains one of Nevada’s most fascinating and lesser-known geologic gems. Photographers will find that the vibrant buff-colored formations make for impressive compositions filled with compelling visual elements, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Cathedral Gorge State Park also offers camping, picnicking, nature studies, hiking, and more to its visitors. Miles of hiking and walking trails within the park will lead you through awe-inspiring columns, caves, and spires on a journey akin to being transported to another planet. This mesmerizing natural wonder is worth at least a full day of exploration and appreciation — but we think a weekend trip is best.

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REDWOOD SKYWALK

Located at the Sequoia Zoo in Northern California, the Redwood Skywalk takes adventurers on an unparalleled journey through California’s beautiful redwood forest. A series of bridges connected by raised platforms will bring you closer than ever to these giant old-growth trees. From 100 feet off the ground, you'll discover a new and unexpected perspective as you gaze up into the treetops and down toward the forest floor below — just don't look down too long if you're afraid of heights! This self-guided interpretive walk allows you to wander at your own pace over a one-quarter-mile elevated path. Breathe in the cool forest air, watch the beams of light that play among the trees as the sun moves over the forest canopy, and learn about the delicate ecosystem around you. For an even more immersive experience, venture onto the suspension bridges on the optional Adventure segment where mesh decking allows you to blend in even more with your surroundings. The Redwood Skywalk is one adventure you will not soon forget.

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OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE

Oregon is adorned with a great deal of natural beauty, though the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is a particularly awe-inspiring destination. Extending some 15,000 feet underground in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon, this subterranean world has been nicknamed “the Marble Halls of Oregon,” only hinting at the strange and colorful space waiting to be explored. Be prepared for an almost otherworldly experience as you enter this natural wonder. A cave tour takes you through a dark maze of narrow passageways as you go deeper and deeper into the heart of the mountain. As you descend stairs, climb ladders, and duck under low ceilings, you will be fascinated by the strange and intricate marble formations that make up areas of the cave called “Paradise Lost,” “Ghost Room,” and “Belly of the Whale.” Learn the history of this ancient underground world where spectacular shapes of the so-called Marble Halls were formed by acidic water dripping slowly over the rock for millennia.

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BLUE HEART SPRINGS

In southwestern Idaho, Blue Heart Springs is the true definition of a hidden gem. Hidden away in a little-known cove beside the Snake River, this swimming hole is far from the public eye. In fact, the best way to reach it is on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or another small vessel. It is the perfect place to find some quiet, immerse yourself in nature, and simply enjoy Idaho’s natural beauty. While its location is truly unique, it’s not the only thing that makes this swimming hole stand out — it’s the vibrant blue water. The crystalline water looks like a swimming hole found in a tropical paradise, but definitely not in Idaho. Float around on your kayak, sit on the rocky shore and admire the beauty of the area, or even hop in the brisk water for a refreshing swim. Blue Heart Springs is a little slice of heaven that may take some extra effort to enjoy, but once you are there, you will not want to leave.

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