Design

It’s easy to get lost in the aisles of a big box home improvement store. Although the big chains are often well-staffed, their sheer size means you can’t always find a knowledgable employee when you need help picking out a wood stain or choosing sheetrock. If you need an expert opinion when purchasing supplies for your next home improvement, consider heading to your local independent hardware store. Many of these shops have been a part of the community for generations, so you can bet they know their stuff, and that they’ll be ready to help when you need it most. There are still a number of great independent hardware stores all over the country that continue to serve customers in a very personal way. Here are 8 stand-outs that made our list.

The next time you’re traveling in search of American history, veer a bit off the beaten path to check out these hidden gems that are both architecturally and historically significant.

People have lived in caves since time began, but today’s rock dwellings are anything but a hole in the wall.

The historic mansion where John F. Kennedy once lived recently sold—and the listing photos are simply beautiful.