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Gastro Obscura
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baking

A Visit to the World's Only Sourdough Library

Step inside Karl De Smedt's singular collection of starters.
October 11, 2018
Gastro Obscura
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grapes

The ‘Wine Archive’ That Quietly Improves the World’s Wine

A collection of more than 7,000 grapevine varieties is a boon to vintners and scientists.
October 11, 2018
Gastro Obscura
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india

Temple Wall Recipes Reveal a Wealth of Unexplored Culinary History

Medieval epigraphs carved in stone offer a unique glance at South Indian cuisine.
October 10, 2018
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collection

Unboxing the World's Largest Lizard

The Field Museum preserves its Komodo dragon specimens in Everclear, which they buy in 55 gallon drums.
October 10, 2018
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memory

Medellín's Bright Future Is Tangled Up With Its Dark Past

Decades after the end of the narco era, a Colombian city wonders if it is better to forget.
October 10, 2018
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recursive places

What Do You Call a Moon's Moon?

The inexplicable delight of moon-moons, sub-islands, and other recursive places.
October 10, 2018
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arctic

Dead Whales Once Saved Polar Bears From Climate Change, But Not This Time

Less sea ice and fewer whales mean a grim outlook.
October 10, 2018
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map monday

The Fantasy Maps That Put the World's Tallest Mountains Side by Side

In the 19th century, the romance of mountains met the desire to quantify the natural world.
October 10, 2018
Gastro Obscura
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almonds

California’s Almond Harvest Has Created a Golden Opportunity for Bee Thieves

Hives have never been more valuable.
October 10, 2018
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map monday

In Spanish America, Cartographers Hand-Drew Maps Inspired by Printed Ones

These hybrid productions are unique in mapmaking.
October 9, 2018
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show & tell

Help Us Reveal the World's Best Magic Shops

This is no trick, we're collecting recommendations and need your help!
October 9, 2018
Gastro Obscura
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puzzles

Help Atlas Obscura Solve a Curious 18th-Century Riddle Menu

No one was really eating "quintessence of Toes" back then.
October 9, 2018
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endangered animals

Why North America’s Gangliest Bird Is Hitching a Ride With the Coast Guard

Whooping cranes are on the move, because of budget cuts.
October 9, 2018
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physics

Watch Astronauts From the 1970s Geek Out With Gyroscopes

Why are these devices so important to spacecraft?
October 9, 2018
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show & tell

The Most Memorable Strangers You’ve Met While Traveling

Atlas Obscura readers share their best tales of chance encounters.
October 8, 2018
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memorials

In the Streets of Argentina Lie Hidden Memorials to Disappeared People

They pay tribute to those lost during a period of state terrorism.
October 8, 2018
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story

On the Trail of Chicago's Famous Movie Locations

A scavenger hunt shined a spotlight on Chicago's role in film history.
Sponsored by Chase Sapphire
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flowers

In Washington State, Volunteer Scientists Study Flowers to Battle Climate Dread

The data they're collecting is helping researchers evaluate how ecosystems change.
October 8, 2018