People & Places

The crowds may be long gone, but nostalgia remains for these forgotten fairgrounds across the globe.

Much of what our country has achieved and experienced has gone down in history. But not even dedicated historians have managed to document all the secrets the United States has amassed in almost 250 years. Click through for a list of surprising American historical events, cultural traditions, and trends that you may never have read in a book or heard in a classroom.

The term “tourist attraction” usually evokes visions of long lines, inflated prices, and man-made marvels. But for those who prefer to walk on the wild side, some of the best vacation destinations come courtesy of Mother Nature. America’s vast and varied ecosystems are home to countless natural wonders that you can encounter along hikes, drives, or in a stroll through a botanic garden. Check out these incredible destinations that every plant lover should put on their bucket list.

A number of cities in the United States have made a commitment to environmental consciousness. Explore a few of these American locales that have thriving eco-friendly communities.

Got the itch to travel but can’t leave home? Take a virtual vacation to some of the most beautiful mountain towns in the country.

Some call them mousers. Some call them managers. One thing is for sure: home improvement store cats are a-meowzing!

Remember what happened the first time these two teamed up?

The late 1800s witnessed a boom in American company towns, fueled by corporations eager to extract and process natural resources like lumber, coal, and precious metals. The towns were typically short-lived, abandoned in the wake of technological advances, market fluctuations, or exhausted local resources. Today, these ghost towns that dot the American landscape serve as portals into the past—if you know where to look.

For history lovers, nothing beats the old-time charm and architectural wonder of America’s oldest towns. These settlements are hundreds of years old, dating back before the founding of the United States in 1776. Whether you’re looking for a quaint place to relocate to, planning a weekend getaway, or studying up on U.S. history, you’ll enjoy this glimpse into our nation’s past through 10 of the oldest towns in America.

Long before the advent of the internet and Google Maps, vast reaches of the world were cloaked in mystery. Though today there’s little uncharted territory left to discover, there are still secret locales scattered throughout the United States—places that mistakes, hubris, miscalculations, and the sweep of time have transformed into ghost towns that are now too dangerous or difficult to visit. Read on to learn about 15 abandoned places you can explore only through photographs—unless, that is, you’re willing to risk a trespassing charge (something we strongly discourage). Though abandoned, many of these locations are still private property, and while some aren’t technically off-limits, concerns about toxins, deteriorating structures, and other dangers should offer a strong deterrent.