01of 41Lift Off in a Hot Air BalloonWake up early to watch nearly 750 colorful balloons launch en masse at theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta(Oct. 2-10), one the largest balloon festivals in the world. You don’t have to be just a spectator: Reserve asunrise or sunset ridewith a celebratory champagne toast at the end.
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Lift Off in a Hot Air Balloon
Wake up early to watch nearly 750 colorful balloons launch en masse at theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta(Oct. 2-10), one the largest balloon festivals in the world. You don’t have to be just a spectator: Reserve asunrise or sunset ridewith a celebratory champagne toast at the end.
02of 41Eat the Best Fried Chicken of Your LifeWillie Mae’s Scotch HouseOne bite and you’ll understand why people begin lining up outsideWillie Mae’s Scotch Housein New Orleans hours before the restaurant opens for lunch. Their perfectly-seasoned chicken is dipped in a wet batter and deep-fried, creating a crunchy, golden crust that encases the moist meat within.
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Eat the Best Fried Chicken of Your Life
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
One bite and you’ll understand why people begin lining up outsideWillie Mae’s Scotch Housein New Orleans hours before the restaurant opens for lunch. Their perfectly-seasoned chicken is dipped in a wet batter and deep-fried, creating a crunchy, golden crust that encases the moist meat within.
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Hit the Links Like a Golf Pro
Tom Pennington/Getty
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Step Up to the Mural Challenge
VisitLEX
05of 41Get a Taste of the Magnolia LifeMagnolia Discovery Ventures, LLCWhenChip and Joanna GainesopenedSilos Baking Co.in their hometown of Waco, Texas, in 2016, they hoped visitors would find a relaxing spot for baked treats and views of the bustling Magnolia grounds—a pilgrimage site for fans of theFixer Upperstars, who recentlylaunched their Magnolia Network. The offerings include many of Joanna’s own recipes, including herSilo Cookie—the first item to make it on the menu.
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Get a Taste of the Magnolia Life
Magnolia Discovery Ventures, LLC
WhenChip and Joanna GainesopenedSilos Baking Co.in their hometown of Waco, Texas, in 2016, they hoped visitors would find a relaxing spot for baked treats and views of the bustling Magnolia grounds—a pilgrimage site for fans of theFixer Upperstars, who recentlylaunched their Magnolia Network. The offerings include many of Joanna’s own recipes, including herSilo Cookie—the first item to make it on the menu.
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Go Glamping in a Real Tree House
Courtesy The Mohicans Treehouse Resort
07of 41Find Your Favorite Lobster RollDaryl GetmanLocals may disagree about the single best lobster roll in Maine, but the sandwich served atThe Clam Shack in Kennebunkportis likely high on everyone’s list. It’s simplicity at its finest: sweet, locally-caught lobster, melted butter and/or mayonnaise piled on a freshly baked, round white roll.
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Find Your Favorite Lobster Roll
Daryl Getman
Locals may disagree about the single best lobster roll in Maine, but the sandwich served atThe Clam Shack in Kennebunkportis likely high on everyone’s list. It’s simplicity at its finest: sweet, locally-caught lobster, melted butter and/or mayonnaise piled on a freshly baked, round white roll.
08of 41Stare at the Stars from a Dark Sky ReserveNils Ribi PhotographyThe Milky Way, constellations and shooting stars turn into the ultimate light show over theCentral Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, a 1,400-square-mile territory near Sun Valley with some of the clearest night skies in the United States. Or venture to the north end ofVoyagers National Parkin International Falls, Minnesota, a 218,000-acre maze of lakes, forests, and islands. From this area, which got the International dark-sky certification in December 2020—you can see the dazzling aurora borealis displays, commonly known as the northern lights.
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Stare at the Stars from a Dark Sky Reserve
Nils Ribi Photography
The Milky Way, constellations and shooting stars turn into the ultimate light show over theCentral Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, a 1,400-square-mile territory near Sun Valley with some of the clearest night skies in the United States. Or venture to the north end ofVoyagers National Parkin International Falls, Minnesota, a 218,000-acre maze of lakes, forests, and islands. From this area, which got the International dark-sky certification in December 2020—you can see the dazzling aurora borealis displays, commonly known as the northern lights.
09of 41Watch all the Disney World Fireworks from One Spotcourtesy Four SeasonsReserve a table at one of the best spots to view the Disney fireworks,which returnedto the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on July 1st. AtCapa Steakhouse, the award-winning rooftop restaurant and bar at theFour Seasons Resort Orlando, guests can relax on one of two outdoor terraces and watch as the fireworks light up the sky in the distance—all without having to leave their seats. While the panoramic view is swoon-worthy, it doesn’t overshadow the eatery’s stellar Spanish-inspired menu. Start the meal with Capa’s signature gin and tonic cocktail and a platter ofdatiles (bacon-wrapped Medjool dates stuffed with almonds), and end the night with warm, cinnamon-and-sugar-dusted churros with chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces—quite possibly the best version on Disney World grounds.
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Watch all the Disney World Fireworks from One Spot
courtesy Four Seasons
Reserve a table at one of the best spots to view the Disney fireworks,which returnedto the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on July 1st. AtCapa Steakhouse, the award-winning rooftop restaurant and bar at theFour Seasons Resort Orlando, guests can relax on one of two outdoor terraces and watch as the fireworks light up the sky in the distance—all without having to leave their seats. While the panoramic view is swoon-worthy, it doesn’t overshadow the eatery’s stellar Spanish-inspired menu. Start the meal with Capa’s signature gin and tonic cocktail and a platter ofdatiles (bacon-wrapped Medjool dates stuffed with almonds), and end the night with warm, cinnamon-and-sugar-dusted churros with chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces—quite possibly the best version on Disney World grounds.
10of 41Bury Your Feet in the Sand on Hawaii’s Newest BeachGettyAlso known as Isaac Hale Beach Park, theBig Island’s Pohoikiblack sand beach was formed after the Kilauea volcano erupted in 2018, and hot lava poured into the ocean. Enjoy this lush, pristine setting while you still can: The tides may wash away the dark sand in a few years.
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Bury Your Feet in the Sand on Hawaii’s Newest Beach
Getty
Also known as Isaac Hale Beach Park, theBig Island’s Pohoikiblack sand beach was formed after the Kilauea volcano erupted in 2018, and hot lava poured into the ocean. Enjoy this lush, pristine setting while you still can: The tides may wash away the dark sand in a few years.
11of 41Brave the Tallest Roller Coaster in the WorldSix Flags Great Adventure(2)Get ready toscream! AtSix Flags Great Adventurein New Jersey, the ferocious Kingda Ka coaster climbs 45 stories into the air, rockets down a 90-degree spiral drop and hits speeds up to 128 mph—all in a ride that lasts less than one minute. If you visit the park after June 13th, test your courage on the brand-newJersey Devil Coaster. It’s now the world’s tallest, fastestandlongest single-rail coaster— towering 13 stories, flying at speeds up to 58 miles-per-hour, and propelling riders over 3,000 feet of track.
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Brave the Tallest Roller Coaster in the World
Six Flags Great Adventure(2)
Get ready toscream! AtSix Flags Great Adventurein New Jersey, the ferocious Kingda Ka coaster climbs 45 stories into the air, rockets down a 90-degree spiral drop and hits speeds up to 128 mph—all in a ride that lasts less than one minute. If you visit the park after June 13th, test your courage on the brand-newJersey Devil Coaster. It’s now the world’s tallest, fastestandlongest single-rail coaster— towering 13 stories, flying at speeds up to 58 miles-per-hour, and propelling riders over 3,000 feet of track.
12of 41Picnic in a Purple Hazeistockphoto/gettyTheSequim-Dungeness Valleyof Washington State grows more lavender than any region in the country.Visit in Julywhen the flowers are in full bloom and the heavenly scent perfumes the air for miles around.
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Picnic in a Purple Haze
istockphoto/getty
TheSequim-Dungeness Valleyof Washington State grows more lavender than any region in the country.Visit in Julywhen the flowers are in full bloom and the heavenly scent perfumes the air for miles around.
13of 41Eat Your Way from Miami to Key WestJeffrey Greenberg/GettyDon’t miss these food finds along the Overseas Highway—the southernmost leg of U.S. Route 1—one of the most scenic drives in the country.AtPilot House, a local hangout in Key Largo, guests can enjoy jerk fish tacos while watching fish swim at the glass bottom bar.Robbie’s of Islamorada, a Florida Keys rite of passage where tourists flock to feed tarpon off the dock, boasts the Hungry Tarpon restaurant where you can get a massive (and delicious!) breakfast burrito for less than $10.AtBurdines Waterfrontin Marathon, chilled key lime wrapped in a flour tortilla, then deep-fried and dusted in cinnamon sugar is the star of the show.Finally, make sure to stop on Stock Island atRoosticafor the best pizza in the Keys. If you like heat, try the Hell’s Kitchen Diavola pie with spicy salami and lots of garlic.
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Eat Your Way from Miami to Key West
Jeffrey Greenberg/Getty
Don’t miss these food finds along the Overseas Highway—the southernmost leg of U.S. Route 1—one of the most scenic drives in the country.
AtPilot House, a local hangout in Key Largo, guests can enjoy jerk fish tacos while watching fish swim at the glass bottom bar.
Robbie’s of Islamorada, a Florida Keys rite of passage where tourists flock to feed tarpon off the dock, boasts the Hungry Tarpon restaurant where you can get a massive (and delicious!) breakfast burrito for less than $10.
AtBurdines Waterfrontin Marathon, chilled key lime wrapped in a flour tortilla, then deep-fried and dusted in cinnamon sugar is the star of the show.
Finally, make sure to stop on Stock Island atRoosticafor the best pizza in the Keys. If you like heat, try the Hell’s Kitchen Diavola pie with spicy salami and lots of garlic.
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With more than 100 stops through 15 states and Washington, D.C., theCivil Rights Trailmarks locations where pivotal battles for racial justice and freedom took place—like the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., where Black college students staged sit-ins, and the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, whereDr. Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot outside room 306.
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Tour Virginia’s Wine Country
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Stand on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona
Shutterstock
17of 41See Dinosaurs Bust Out of the MuseumRaymond Boyd/GettyAt theChildren’s Museum of Indianapolis— a massive facility sitting on 29 acres — life-size dinosaurs crash through the building’s exterior walls. Now imagine how fun it is once you step inside!
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See Dinosaurs Bust Out of the Museum
Raymond Boyd/Getty
At theChildren’s Museum of Indianapolis— a massive facility sitting on 29 acres — life-size dinosaurs crash through the building’s exterior walls. Now imagine how fun it is once you step inside!
18of 41Sail on a Micro-Cruise Around AlaskaCourtesy Alaskan Dream CruisesThe smaller vessels, which often carry fewer than 200 passengers, can access dazzling fjords, bays, caves and waterside towns that large ships simply can’t reach. Offering different expeditions ranging from five to eight nights,Alaskan Dream Cruisesspecializes in sails through the state’s most scenic routes.
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Sail on a Micro-Cruise Around Alaska
Courtesy Alaskan Dream Cruises
The smaller vessels, which often carry fewer than 200 passengers, can access dazzling fjords, bays, caves and waterside towns that large ships simply can’t reach. Offering different expeditions ranging from five to eight nights,Alaskan Dream Cruisesspecializes in sails through the state’s most scenic routes.
19of 41Sample Street Food from SingaporeCelano Design Inc.Famous Foods Street Eats—a food hall at the enormous newResorts World Las Vegas complex—features a 16-stall market of dumplings, lechon and barbecue designed to celebrate the hawker centers of Southeast Asia.
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Sample Street Food from Singapore
Celano Design Inc.
Famous Foods Street Eats—a food hall at the enormous newResorts World Las Vegas complex—features a 16-stall market of dumplings, lechon and barbecue designed to celebrate the hawker centers of Southeast Asia.
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Roam with Wild Horses
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Stay in a Real-Life Movie-Location House
Airbnb
Avengers: Endgame:Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) retreated to this lakeside cabin (see image) in the finalAvengersmovie—and now you can too. Located about 30 minutes outside Atlanta, the secluded three-bedroom house islisted on Airbnb.
Twilight:Spend the night in the same room Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) shared in the firstTwilightmovie. The owners of theTwilightSwan Housein St. Helens, Ore., now on Airbnb, redecorated the interiors to resemble the look of the film—even down tothe clothes in Bella’s closet.
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Dine at the Newest Celeb Hot Spot
Melanie Dunea; Dominique Charriau/Getty
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Catch a Show at an Open-Air Venue
Red Rocks Amphitheater: In Morrison, Colo., the bright-red sandstone monoliths that jut out from either side of the stage create one of the few acoustically perfect natural amphitheaters in the world (see image).
Hollywood Bowl:The stunning performance space built under the Hollywood Hills has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Aretha Franklin. This year stars like Christina Aguilera and H.E.R. will perform under the iconic band shell.
Tanglewood:Lawn seats are the way to go at this Lenox, Mass., gem tucked inside the Berkshire Hills. Pack blankets and a picnic to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra or Boston Pops perform here in the summer.
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Rocky Mountaineer
Launching in August, the luxeRocky Mountaineer—with panoramic over-sized windows—will take travelers from Denver to Moab, Utah, to see breathtaking desert landscapes, rock canyons and natural archways.
25of 41Gaze Up at the Art at a Sculpture ParkAndrew Costantini/Calder Foundation, New York/Artists Rights SocietyThree hours from Yellowstone National Park,Montana’s Tippet Rise Art Centeris a 12,000-acre working sheep and cattle ranch dotted with large-scale sculptures placed in the middle of spectacular wide-open vistas.
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Gaze Up at the Art at a Sculpture Park
Andrew Costantini/Calder Foundation, New York/Artists Rights Society
Three hours from Yellowstone National Park,Montana’s Tippet Rise Art Centeris a 12,000-acre working sheep and cattle ranch dotted with large-scale sculptures placed in the middle of spectacular wide-open vistas.
26of 41Play on the Field of Dreams DiamondField of Dreams Movie Site Content CreatorIn Dyersville, Iowa, fans can run the bases at theField of Dreamsdiamond, next to the same cornfieldsKevin Costnerdid in the 1990 Oscar-nominated movie. On Aug. 12, you can also watch the Yankees and White Sox battle in thefirst MLB gameever played on the famous diamond.
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Play on the Field of Dreams Diamond
Field of Dreams Movie Site Content Creator
In Dyersville, Iowa, fans can run the bases at theField of Dreamsdiamond, next to the same cornfieldsKevin Costnerdid in the 1990 Oscar-nominated movie. On Aug. 12, you can also watch the Yankees and White Sox battle in thefirst MLB gameever played on the famous diamond.
27of 41Bliss Out During a Boozy MassageTreat yourself to a lavender and vanilla-bourbon “body drench” treatment (which includes a whiskey-spiked body-butter rub) atBlackberry Farmin Walland, Tenn.
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Bliss Out During a Boozy Massage
Treat yourself to a lavender and vanilla-bourbon “body drench” treatment (which includes a whiskey-spiked body-butter rub) atBlackberry Farmin Walland, Tenn.
28of 41Spot Humpback Whales in the WildGettyFrom April to October, Provincetown, Mass. — known for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene and lovely Cape Cod setting—is a prime whale-watching destination.
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Spot Humpback Whales in the Wild
From April to October, Provincetown, Mass. — known for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene and lovely Cape Cod setting—is a prime whale-watching destination.
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Take a Moment Under Angel Oak
30of 41Soak in a Natural Hot SpringShutterstockIn Thermopolis, Wyoming,Hot Springs State Parkallows visitors to wash away the day in relaxing and therapeutic 104° waters—for free!
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Soak in a Natural Hot Spring
In Thermopolis, Wyoming,Hot Springs State Parkallows visitors to wash away the day in relaxing and therapeutic 104° waters—for free!
31of 41Dive Into the Original Detroit-Style PizzaBuddysStop atBuddy’sfor a famous square pie, which they introduced in Detroit in 1946. The dough is first topped with pepperoni, then covered edge to edge with cheese, drizzled with red sauce (yes, ontopof the cheese!) and baked until the edges are crisped and browned just right.
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Dive Into the Original Detroit-Style Pizza
Buddys
Stop atBuddy’sfor a famous square pie, which they introduced in Detroit in 1946. The dough is first topped with pepperoni, then covered edge to edge with cheese, drizzled with red sauce (yes, ontopof the cheese!) and baked until the edges are crisped and browned just right.
32of 41Fly Down an Epic ZiplineWith more than 10 miles of cable,Atlanta’s Historic Banning Millscourse runs across 300 acres and flies over a gorge, treetops and a creek at 60 mph.
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Fly Down an Epic Zipline
With more than 10 miles of cable,Atlanta’s Historic Banning Millscourse runs across 300 acres and flies over a gorge, treetops and a creek at 60 mph.
33of 41Consumer Lots (and Lots) of Food on a StickWisconsin State Fair; Minnesota State Fair; State Fair of Texas(2)State fairsare making a triumphant return this year, and that means all the portable, deep-fried snacks you could ever imagine. Past years' menus have shown that creativity in this category knows no bounds—likeMinnesota’s Dilly Dog, a battered bratwurst stuffed into a hollowed-out dill pickle, andWisconsin’s brownie wrapped in a waffle shell and drizzled with chocolate.
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Consumer Lots (and Lots) of Food on a Stick
Wisconsin State Fair; Minnesota State Fair; State Fair of Texas(2)
State fairsare making a triumphant return this year, and that means all the portable, deep-fried snacks you could ever imagine. Past years' menus have shown that creativity in this category knows no bounds—likeMinnesota’s Dilly Dog, a battered bratwurst stuffed into a hollowed-out dill pickle, andWisconsin’s brownie wrapped in a waffle shell and drizzled with chocolate.
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Explore an Airplane Boneyard
Brendan Smialowski/Getty
35of 41Cure a Barbecue CravingJoe’s Kansas CityAt the original gas station location ofJoe’s Kansas Cityin Kansas, order theburnt ends(crunchy, caramelized chunks of smoked brisket) or the Z Man sandwich with brisket, provolone and onion rings.
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Cure a Barbecue Craving
Joe’s Kansas City
At the original gas station location ofJoe’s Kansas Cityin Kansas, order theburnt ends(crunchy, caramelized chunks of smoked brisket) or the Z Man sandwich with brisket, provolone and onion rings.
36of 41Cruise the Pacific Coast HighwayGettyFrom Monterey to Big Sur along California’s coast, this30-mile stretch of Highway 1is one of the country’s best road trips for sparkling views of the ocean and cliffs.
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Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway
From Monterey to Big Sur along California’s coast, this30-mile stretch of Highway 1is one of the country’s best road trips for sparkling views of the ocean and cliffs.
37of 41Pose Next to Quirky Roadside AttractionsShutterstockAt theSeven Magic Mountainsin Las Vegas, towers of colorful stacked boulders stand more than 30 ft. high for a can’t-miss roadside photo opportunity.
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Pose Next to Quirky Roadside Attractions
At theSeven Magic Mountainsin Las Vegas, towers of colorful stacked boulders stand more than 30 ft. high for a can’t-miss roadside photo opportunity.
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Visit the Fake Prada Store
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Alamy
Stop in Natural Bridge, Virginia., to see aFoamhenge: A full-size replica of Stonehenge made entirely out of Styrofoam.
40of 41Take a Picture Next to a Massive PistachioGettyTouted as theWorld’s Largest Pistachio, this giant concrete shell stands 30 feet tall and is located near a pistachio farm in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
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Take a Picture Next to a Massive Pistachio
Touted as theWorld’s Largest Pistachio, this giant concrete shell stands 30 feet tall and is located near a pistachio farm in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
41of 41Snap a Pic in Paul Bunyan’s HandShutterstockThe welcomingPaul Bunyan Statuein Akeley, Minnesota, invites visitors to crawl into the palm of Paul’s hand for a Instagram-ready photo.
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Snap a Pic in Paul Bunyan’s Hand
The welcomingPaul Bunyan Statuein Akeley, Minnesota, invites visitors to crawl into the palm of Paul’s hand for a Instagram-ready photo.
source: people.com
