This shifting North Carolina sand dune is an odd little desert surrounded by oceanic forest life.

The highest point in North Carolina and the United States east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell is named after argumentative explorer Elisha Mitchell.

A spring-fed pool so deep it's used for scuba diving as well as swimming.

For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show.

This is one really big nut.

Explore the largest pure gypsum deposit in the world, and go dune sledding while you're at it.

Mysterious glowing orbs float through the desert night.

Minimalist modern art on a repurposed military base in rural Texas.

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

A grove of colossal man-made flowers built to collect the sun's rays.

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

Free public park and gardens filled with peacocks and peahens.

Continuing the tradition of the dime museum in style.

This failed condo development was reborn as a street art hub.

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

Established in 1925, Kiddie Park claims to be the oldest amusement park in the U.S. - a cozy little time warp nestled in a shady corner of the modern world.

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, estimated at 1.5 million bats.

One part antique store, one part curiosities hodge-podge.