Controversially claiming the title of world's biggest bass drum, UT's Big Bertha was once made radioactive by the Manhattan Project.

An enormous pink granite batholith, long attributed with spiritual powers by the Tonkawa Indians.

An emerald-green grotto just a short trip from Austin.

Free public park and gardens filled with peacocks and peahens.

A store full of vintage and indie toys designed to bring out the kid in even the crustiest of adults.

Life's work of sculptor Elisabet Ney remains preserved in her last studio.

Turning night into day in Victorian-era Austin to thwart a serial killer.

These ancient sacred grounds granted amnesty to those who managed to reach them.

Earth's tallest volcano is sacred to Native Hawaiians, and home to a dozen world-class observatories.

A beach made of semi-precious green sand on the Big Island of Hawai'i.