Meg's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Manteo, North Carolina

Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island

The lesser-known lost colony of Roanoke was a safe haven for formerly enslaved people during the Civil War.
Buffalo, New York

Silo City

Buffalo's abandoned concrete grain elevators are getting a second life.
Bryson City, North Carolina

The Lost Town of Proctor

The scant remains of this flooded historic village can be explored in one of the most remote areas of the Great Smokies.
Buffalo, New York

The Darwin D. Martin House

One of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest—and favorite—architectural masterpieces was almost lost.
Ithaca, New York

Namgyal Monastery

This peaceful gem in upstate New York was chosen as the future home of the 14th Dalai Lama's Library and Museum.
Woodburn, Oregon

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

This little slice of the Netherlands in the Pacific Northwest blooms in a rainbow of color each spring.
Incline Village, Nevada

Thunderbird Lodge

This historic estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe was home to an eccentric millionaire (and his pet elephant, Mingo).
Ithaca, New York

Cornell Hip Hop Collection

This rare archive of original recordings and photos uncovers the early days of hip hop culture.
Neskowin, Oregon

Neskowin Ghost Forest

The eerie remnants of an ancient forest were hidden under the sand for centuries.
Los Angeles, California

Venice Beach Poet's Monument

The words of the neighborhood's most famous poets adorn four concrete walls.
Los Angeles, California

Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens

This peaceful garden is hidden on the grounds of a spiritual organization founded by a pioneer yogi.
Los Angeles, California

Japanese Cultural Village

A fashion designer's dazzling world of Japanese collectibles is hidden in a warehouse downtown.
Los Angeles, California

Highland Park Bowl

L.A.'s oldest operating bowling alley is a beautifully restored homage to its speakeasy days.
Pismo Beach, California

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Isipathanaramaya Temple

This peaceful sanctuary is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.
Walhalla, South Carolina

Oconee Station State Historic Site

A historic blockhouse and trading post give a glimpse into the early colonial history of South Carolina.
Clinton, South Carolina

Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

Legend has it the mill owner's daughter, Mary Musgrove, helped a Patriot soldier hide behind these falls.
Cleveland, South Carolina

Devils Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park

According to local lore, this narrow passageway through two large rocks was accidentally created by the devil himself.
Olanta, South Carolina

Woods Bay State Park

This natural wonderland is a unique chance to explore a Carolina bay, a mysterious geological formation of unknown origin.
Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate's Secret Passages

The enormous 250-room Vanderbilt mansion conceals hidden doors and secret passageways.
Cashiers, North Carolina

Grimshawes Post Office

This 5-by-6-foot wooden hut is the smallest historic post office in the U.S.
Asheville, North Carolina

Pritchard Park Drum Circle

Every week, a festive public jam session breaks out in downtown Asheville.
Asheville, North Carolina

Folk Art Center

A wonderful display of arts and crafts handmade by local artisans in the Southern Appalachians.
Black Mountain, North Carolina

Craggy Gardens Rhododendron Tunnels

Gnarled canopies of pink and purple wildflowers arch over the trail to the summit.