Trip Advisor recommends the following sites in Colorado if you’re traveling there!

Garden of the Gods

Jam-packed with dramatic rock formations, the Garden of the Gods is a prime spot for hiking amid beautiful scenery. Stop for a photo by the Steamboat Rock, then set out to trek the 21 miles of trails within the park. The 1.5-mile-long Perkins Central Garden Trail is wheelchair accessible and runs between all the major sights like the Kissing Camels. On your way back, grab a snack and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop. Located on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods can be visited for free—parking included.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Naturally formed, open air Amphitheatre consists of two, three-hundred-foot monoliths serving as a “stage” for musical performances.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Spanning more than 24 acres, Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate our Western identity and a unique high altitude climate and geography. We are passionate about connecting people to plants through botanical beauty, education, art, events, conservation and sustainable living.

Pikes Peak

Welcome to Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain! The Pikes Peak Highway entrance is conveniently located 15 minutes west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. The beauty of being so close to the city is that you can spend your time enjoying the mountain instead of getting to the mountains. Plan for your round trip journey to the summit to take 2-3 hours. The safe, scenic highway provides you the opportunity to enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure. From the gateway at an elevation of 7,400 feet, you’ll encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland of scenic beauty, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds…All along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America’s most famous mountain. Along the way, you’ll discover the North Slope Recreation Area, Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop, Historic Glen Cove Inn, and the Summit House. There are three lakes for fishing, picnic areas, hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Stop and watch one of our “Meet the Ranger” Interpretive Programs and learn about the history, myths, flora and fauna on the mountain. All offer visitor services and basic necessities to make your day both enjoyable and memorable.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

This month’s weird house is Randyland, the happiest place in PA (Pittsburgh, specifically).

From: Uncoveringpa.com:

Stand outside of Randyland and you might think that it’s a quirky art project and a great way to fix up a once-dilapidated house. However, when I asked owner and creator Randy Gilson what Randyland was, he responded with a very simple answer: “Randyland is a giant heart of love.”

I pulled up to Randyland on a sunny September day. Even without my GPS telling me, I was able to instantly see Randyland from several blocks away.

Sitting on a street corner in a once-dilapidated area of Pittsburgh’s Northshore, Randyland looks like a cross between Sesame Street and the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour.”

Gilson purchased the home now known as Randyland in 1995.

Dipping into his savings as a waiter, he purchased the home and began to clean it up. He had been working on cleaning up the neighborhood for almost 10 years at that point. Removing trash, setting up community gardens, and putting flowers in front of abandoned buildings got him in trouble with the police more than once, but his goal was always to make the neighborhood a better place to live.

Using his knack for recycling goods in unusual ways, Randy set to work creating the colorful Randyland.

Much of the decoration at Randyland is visible from the streets. The large three-story home at the corner of Arch and Jacksonia Streets is painted a bright yellow, with a variety of scenes painted around the home. 

Behind the home, another home is painted a pastel green with several window scenes painted on the outside.

The two entrances are covered with a variety of recycled items that have been repurposed to create a beautiful art piece. When the gates are opened, a slightly-less-than-lifesize cutout of Gilson greets visitors to Randyland.

Walking into the back gardens of Randyland feels like walking into someone’s home. Chairs and tables sit around the yard, and Gilson himself can often be found tending to his kingdom.

When I visited, Randy was high on a ladder painting the pergola in the center of Randyland.

Joining him was another painter who had the appearance of a serious French artist. I would only later find out that this assistant was a homeless man that Randy had hired even though he had never painted before. Despite this, Randy trained him and on several occasions called him, “The best painter I’ve ever had.”

Introducing myself, I made the pleasant mistake of asking Randy a simple question, “So, when did you start Randyland?” Forty-five minutes later, Randy finished answering my question, after telling me about Randyland, his life story, and his philosophy.

It took me just a few seconds, however, to realize that Randy was the embodiment of Randyland. Gilson had a tough life growing up but has turned his life into an expression of happiness and joy, just like the recycled items that he has made colorful.

Randy told me on several occasions that he isn’t a smart man, but the wisdom that he exudes makes it worth visiting. To separate Randyland from Randy really is quite impossible, and that’s what makes Randyland Pennsylvania’s happiest destination. There’s no doubt that after spending a few minutes talking to Randy and walking through his elaborately created domain, you too will experience the beauty and happiness that is Randyland.

SOURCE: UNCOVERINGPA.COM

Hopefully Filly can weigh in on these must-see Nebraska sites!

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

This world-class zoo is famous for its involvement with breeding endangered species from around the world.

Museum of American Speed

Great museum with an amazing collection of automotive history!

Old Market

Omaha preserves its historic place in time in this historic section of town where visitors can stroll along the cobbled streets and explore the many preserved buildings.

The Durham Museum

Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

We parked at Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and accessed the bridge from the visitor center.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Here are some top MUST-SEE sites if you visit Nevada!

Fountains of Bellagio

Lots of sights in Vegas use bright lights and neon to get your attention, but the Fountains of Bellagio uses 1,000 jets of surging water, music, and—OK, yes—some dramatic lighting, too. (This is Vegas, after all.) And that combo has made this a thrilling must-see in a town overloaded with almost too many thrilling must-sees. You can catch a show every half hour during the day or, better yet, every 15 minutes after dark, when the water is at its most stunning. The music and choreography rotates, so the show never gets old no matter how many times you’ve seen it. In a city known for VIP ropes and high table stakes, there’s something wholesome about the all-ages, every-walk-of-life crowd that comes out for this free fountain.

Red Rock Canyon Conservational Area

A whole world apart but just 17 miles away, Red Rock Canyon feels like a break from the 24/7 big-city bling of Las Vegas. Head 30 minutes west and you’ll see for yourself: Towering mountains and red rocks rise up from the desert to create a spectacle all their own. With almost 200,000 acres of desert, pine forests, waterfall-covered canyons, and sandstone cliffs, Red Rock takes at least a day to explore. Since the Nevada heat is no joke, it’s a good idea to take in the sights by car with a 13-mile driving loop.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for having distinct seasons—there’s basically just one: hot. But the Conservatory & Botanical Garden at the Bellagio is trying to change that. Just steps from the lobby of the casino-resort, this garden has brought winter, spring, summer, and fall to the desert in exhibition form, showcasing them with typical Vegas theatrics. Constructed from tens of thousands of plants and flowers, with animatronics and larger-than-life props, the space transforms as the calendar rolls on. Splashy experiential displays layer in seasonal scents, sounds, and colors. That means playful plant-made “pandas” for Lunar New Year and moss-covered cottages for fall. Even if you’re just passing through the hotel, it’s worth a stroll to stop and (literally) smell the roses.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays. The park is open all year.

Mob Museum

Rat Pack crooners, feathered showgirls, and yes, organized crime: These are the things that come to mind when you think of Vegas. The city’s got a long, complicated history with not-quite-legal activity—and now there’s a whole museum dedicated to telling those stories. And no, this place isn’t a glorification of the mafia. Instead, it’s an exploration of its fascinating decades-long tug-of-war with the law that played out in these streets. The museum’s location—a building downtown—is part of mob history, too: In the ’50s, it was home to the explosive televised hearings that shed major light on organized crime in America. In 2012, the neoclassical structure became the Mob Museum, revealing tons of cool exhibitions and artifacts about the mob throughout history. In addition to the open galleries, there are three add-ons: an underground cocktail bar, a ticketed tour of an onsite moonshine distillery, and an interactive forensics experience.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Falcon Nest, Prescott, Arizona

Constructed at the the slope of Prescott, Arizona’s Thumb Butte, the house that Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal built for his own family soars to 124 feet and views stretching over 120 miles to mountain ranges in every direction; boasting 10 stories and a comfortable 6,200 square footage, including a 2,000-square foot solarium at its middle, it has set the record for being the World’s tallest single-family home, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

“The Falcon’s Nest uses passive solar technologies and other alternative power, heating and cooling solutions to minimize its environmental impact,” the KTAR News reports. “Numerous Arizona mountains, such as Humphrey’s Peak and Four Peaks, are visible out of the home’s many windows. A hydraulic elevator takes occupants and visitors from floor to floor. “The three-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built on Thumb Butte in 1994 and sits on slightly more than an acre of land. It boasts 6,200 square feet of living space in its 10 stories.”

“The tallest residential house in North America isn’t in some big, metropolitan center. Rather, it is found at the base of Thumb Butte in Prescott, Arizona. If the looming, 6,000-foot tall volcanic plug isn’t weird enough for you, then maybe the Falcon Nest will be,” the Arizona Oddities reports.

“Towering above the Prescott National Forest at 124 feet, the Falcon Nest is a postmodern conglomeration of rectangular geometry, floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of northern Arizona. Boasting 10 stories and a comfortable 6,200 square footage, this is far from average — especially in Prescott. Its name pays homage to the Peregrine falcons that nest on the slopes of Thumb Butte.

“Some of its notable features include a 2,000-square foot solarium at its middle, extending out above the tops of juniper and Ponderosa pine trees below. The solarium, completely enclosed in glass panels, contains two bedrooms, two baths, the kitchen, a living room and, of course, breathtaking views. From its windows on a clear day one could easily point out the San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams mountain, and the surrounding Sierra Prieta mountain range. Furthermore, the Falcon Nest boasts some green features like passive heating and cooling capabilities, solar technology and a hydraulic elevator that provides transport from the ground level to the sixth. What it lacks in carbon footprint, it makes up for in innovation.

“Constructed at the the slope of Prescott, Arizona’s Thumb Butte, the house that Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal built for his own family soars to 124 feet and views stretching over 120 miles to mountain ranges in every direction. Also one of the most futuristic homes in the world, Pal built Falcon Crest in 1994 to be energy efficient while still maximizing views with glass walls and ceilings.

“Encompassing 10 floors at different levels and angles above a small 24’ by 24’ footprint, most of the living space is found in the home’s four wings that flare out near the upper level creating a residence of 6,200 square feet with three bedrooms, four full baths, 2,000-square-foot solarium, open kitchen and great room,” the Daily Advertiser reports.

“Having won multiple awards for his specialization in designing energy-efficient homes, the Pal residence has won four residential architecture world records including top honors for its unconventional heating and cooling systems that utilize passive solar for winter heat and micro climate and convective cooling in the summer.”

SOURCE: WORLDRECORDACADEMY.ORG

Trip Advisor recommends these following site when you visit West Virginia!

Gravity New River Zip Lines

West Virginia is famous for its outdoor activities and this zipline adventure in Fayetteville is no exception. Join a small group and gear up for an adrenaline-pumping experience across the ridgeline of a mountain bowl. Soar above the New River Gorge on a series of ziplines at heights of up to 200 feet.

Harpers Ferry

Winding through trails, town, and time, this self-guided audio tour explores the powerful stories and landscapes of Harpers Ferry. Over the course of 3 miles, you’ll journey from quiet riverbanks to dramatic ridgelines, past weathered ruins and historic landmarks that shaped the course of American history. This is no ordinary walk—it’s a deep dive into a place where freedom was fought for, ideas were tested, and the nation’s future often hung in the balance. From John Brown’s bold raid to the legacy of Storer College, each stop brings to life a new chapter of ambition, conflict, and change.

New River Gorge National Park

Discover the heart of Appalachia with this self-guided tour of the stunning New River Gorge National Park! Check out the world-famous, record-smashing New River Gorge Bridge. Learn about the West Virginia mine wars. And get to know a few of the park’s most iconic critters, from the hellbender to the black bear! Each stop provides gorgeous views, unforgettable experiences, and narratives that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

More European castle than American hospital, this former insane asylum offers historic and paranormal tours six days a week from April through October. Full Museum & Patient Art Gallery entry is included with your tour purchase. This Gothic National Historic Landmark holds 130 years of American history’s dark side.

West Virginia Penitentiary

Built in 1866 and in operation until 1995, this prison offers 90-minute guided tours of the facility from April 1, through November 30. Day tours, Paranormal tours, October’s haunted house, Event Center, are just a few of the events that take place at the facility on an annual basis.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Here are Trip Advisor’s top picks of places to visit in Kansas!

Safari Zoological Park

We had the BEST day at the Safari Park in Caney! The owners and workers are all so knowledgeable, very engaging and supe friendly. The grounds were so nice, the animals so healthy and you can tell extremely well taken care of. This was not just a walk through, but a guided tour where so many aspects of each animal was explained and they answered all the questions we had about them.It was so neat to see them being fed up close and see all the different animal personalities. 🙂 Its evident that owners and workers are so passionate about the animals, giving them the very best care. This place was such a gem, we had so much fun, and plan to go back!! From Stephanie and family from Independence ks. (Bessie) ️

Boot Hill Museum

The exciting and unique story of early Dodge City is told daily along Front Street at Boot Hill Museum. The museum chronicles the establishment of a rough and rowdy cattle town known as Dodge City. The museum is located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery and highlights the glory days as Queen of the Cowtowns with creative, lively, interactive displays and activities the entire family will enjoy. Boot Hill Museum is open all year long where you can belly up to the bar for a cold sarsaparilla, enjoy some of grandma’s homemade fudge in the General Store or take home a lasting memento of your old west experience from the Boot Hill gift shop. During the summer months, children’s activities, gunfight reenactments, country-style dinners and the Long Branch Variety Show provides entertainment like none other!

Strataca

Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine! Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won’t want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don’t miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity — only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

I discovered Tanganyika Wildlife Park on social media. Seeing the pictures and videos of people having these once-in-a-lifetime encounters with animals blew me away! I was so excited to meet otters and penguins and sloths (and Mars, the pgymy hippo, of course). I signed up for the Ultimate Weekend and it was ultimate plus plus! I was traveling solo, and the staff took such good care of me. From the check-in counter to the VIP Room where you meet up for your animal encounters, everyone was friendly and personable and oh-so-knowledgeable about the animals. You could really tell that they loved them, too. A special shoutout to Lexie for introducing me BY NAME to pretty much every animal in the park. The animal reserve itself is beautiful and very well maintained, but the people make it come alive. Plus, I got to swim with penguins and hang out with sloths and feed a baby kangaroo — it was a bucket list trip.

The Keeper of the Plains

The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita on May 18, 1974.Since the sculpture’s installation to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the local American Indian tribes. in 1974. A complete renovation of the sculpture and installation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza now brings people out each evening to see the Keeper and the “Ring of Fire.” The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains statue is now 30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal, surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Trip Advisor recommends these sites to visit if you’re planning on going to Oregon.

Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

Less than a 2-hour drive from Portland, the Oregon Coast is celebrated for its natural beauty. This tour gives you the chance to experience some of the best of what the coast has to offer, without having to do any driving. You’ll visit the coastal town of Cannon Beach, spend time among the trees of Ecola State Park, and learn about local wildlife from your naturalist guide.

Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour

Head out to the Columbia River Gorge for half a day of visiting cascading waterfalls and scenic overlooks with this tour from Portland. You’ll visit Multnomah Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, as well as lesser-known falls throughout the region. You’ll also have the chance to take mini-hikes in the area to get better views of waterfalls and the surrounding scenery.

Hopscotch Portland Immersive Art Experience

According to PBS, Hopscotch is a “must-do bucket list item in Portland.” Admission to this award-winning art gallery provides you with a unique experience to connect with local, national, and international artists and their work. Hopscotch allows artists to showcase their works in sustainable and creative ways, encourages them to be inspired by new mediums, and empowers them to reach new audiences. A delicious food and bar program and curated artist-driven gift shop round out your visit for an experience you don’t want to miss!

Portland Japanese Garden

Considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty in all four seasons. In Spring of 2017, the Garden opened its new Cultural Village, complete with new garden spaces, classrooms, exhibition and gallery space, and the Umami Cafe.

Pittock Mansion

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

If you’re planning a trip to Minnesota, Land of a Thousand Lakes, Trip Advisor says these places are among the MUST SEE places in Minnesota!

Mall of America

Don’t miss out on the Mall of America, which welcomes more than 40 million travelers annually from around the world. Shop at over 500 stores before refueling at any of the 50 restaurants. That’s not all; the kids will love the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Wear good shoes as the mall is massive, with plenty of digital maps for ease of navigation.

North Shore Scenic Drive

Driving through Haleʻiwa, Waimea, and Sunset Beach on the North Shore is one of the most scenic and enjoyable experiences on Oʻahu. The contrast between the relaxed surf towns, massive winter waves, and stunning coastlines creates an unforgettable day. Perfect for photos, beach walks, and soaking in authentic island energy.

Minnehaha State Park

One of the city’s oldest and most popular parks.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

This North Shore park is home to a spectacular four-level waterfall, scenic overlooks and is ideal for trout fishing.

Minneapolis Sculpture Park

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is closed for renovation, and will reopen in June 2017. One of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. A partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is a top destination for tourists to enjoy art like the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry in an outdoor park setting.

Ariel Lift Bridge

Originally constructed in 1905 as an aerial lift, this unusual elevator bridge is 386 feet long and spans the canal entrance to Duluth Harbor.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Quisley’s Castle is an unusual home in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. 

From the Quisley’s Castle website:

My great grandmother’s maiden name was Elise Fioravanti (1910-1984). She was part Italian. She came to the Ozarks when she was nine. She loved the outdoors and began to collect rocks as she walked along a creek bed to school. When she was 18, during the depression, she married my great grandfather, Albert Quigley (1905-1972). He was the type of fellow who brought her rock collection with them to the site of his farm and lumber mill. They lived in a lumber shack and had five children. My great grandfather promised her a house with the lumber cut off their own property.

They argued about it for several months. As soon as Albert headed for work at the lumber mill one June morning in 1943, Elise Quigley gathered their children around her and ordered “we’re going to tear down the house.” And demolish the family’s three room house they did. “when Bud came home that night, “Mrs. Quigley related, “he was living in a chicken house, where we’d moved all of our stuff.”

Mrs. Quigley had already designed her dream home. She wanted two things: Plenty of room for the robust family and a “home where I felt I was living in the world instead of in a box. I designed it in my mind, but I couldn’t tell anybody what I wanted, so I sat down with scissors, paste, cardboard and match sticks and made a model.”

The biggest obstacle was that the design which called for 28 huge windows. Mr. Quigley wanted to wait to build the house because glass was unavailable during the war, but now construction began immediately. Built entirely of lumber off their land and with their own labor, only $2000 in cash was spent on supplies and glass, which didn’t become available for three years. The family survived the winters by tacking up material over the holes in layers.

To bring nature indoors, four feet of earth was left bare between the edges of the living space and the walls. Into the soil, which borders the rooms on the inside, Mrs. Quigley planted flowering, tropical plants that grow up to the second story ceiling. The two remaining original plants are over 70 years old now.

Stones that Mrs. Quigley began collecting as a girl assumed an important part of the house. Working tenderly for three years, Mrs. Quigley covered the outside walls with a collection of fossils, crystals, arrowheads and stones selected from the creek beds for their beauty. A perennial garden surrounds the house.

The inside of the house is a collection of family antiques and mementoes that express Mrs. Quigley’s love of nature. Especially spectacular is the “Butterfly Wall” that is beyond imagination.

This was her home and passion for another 50 years as she continued to collect and surround herself with the nature she loved. My great grandparents were very compatible; he took her everywhere she wanted to collect, as she couldn’t drive. He continued to make a living with the farm and lumber mill until he passed away in 1972, at the age of 66. Elise Quigley died at the age of 74 in 1984

The Quigley home, without intention, became a favorite stopping place for people traveling through the Ozarks. Now after seventy years, the Quigley’s great granddaughter still welcomes guests into the family home.