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The Ravne tunnels.
Ravne Tunnels
Colors and volumes in the patio.
Monterrey’s Contemporary Art Museum (MARCO)
Inside Wonderwerk Caves, underground caves and excavation, Kuruman, Northern Cape
Wonderwerk Cave
The ‘Old Secretariat’ government building in New Delhi.
The 'Old Secretariat'
Latest Places to Eat & Drink
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The pavlova comes crowned with jewel-like fruit.
Central Park Boathouse
The Village Tavern of Long Grove - exterior.
The Village Tavern
Hunter House Hamburgers
L’Escamoteur
Names on the bartop.
The Dive
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Price Tower
What Happened to Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Only Skyscraper?
about 23 hours ago
Jeremy Bentham’s Auto-Icon in its new location in 2020
The Jeremy Bentham Auto-Icon: Why This Legendary Philosopher Put His Own Body on Display
2 days ago
The truth is out there—somewhere.
The Truth Is Out There at the Dreamland Resort (or Should We Say ‘Area 51?’)
4 days ago
Edward Payson Weston
How the 6-Day Race Became an American Spectator Obsession
5 days ago

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Guides for the Curious Traveler

Battery Point Lighthouse

Sea of Wonders: An Itinerary Through California’s Stunning Shoreline

Sponsored by Visit California

With shoreline from end to end, it’s no wonder California has some of the wildest marine excursions, architecture, and animal life in the country. Grab your surfboard, pack your binoculars, and bring a towel—there’s a world of wonder packed in this itinerary along California’s curious coastline.

Explore

10 Places to Taste Catalonia’s Gastronomic Treasures

Sponsored by Catalunya

When it comes to food, Catalans do it better. Despite having a population of just over eight million—smaller than the state of Virginia—the region is home to 54 Michelin-starred restaurants, 12 designated wine regions, and nine official wine routes. Catalonia also has more than four million acres of farmland, with many of its 54,000 farms adhering to organic practices. But to understand Catalan food culture, you must look beyond the statistics: to the secret herb formulas for making vermouth and the family recipes passed down through generations; the ancient rice paddies, olive mills, and an entire tradition built around a humble vegetable, the calçot. You’ll need to look, too, to the people of Catalonia, whose deep-rooted love of all things gastronòmica means that every moment of the day, week, or year is a potential culinary celebration. Here’s where and how to experience 10 of the best Catalan food traditions on your next visit to the region.

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The Oasis Trail at the Agua Caliente Cultural Center.

Atlas Obscura’s Guide to Palm Springs

Sponsored by Visit Palm Springs

A paradise in the desert, Palm Springs is a city of contrasts. Kitsch sidles up to luxury, natural beauty serves as the backdrop to architectural marvels, and when you soak in an ancient hot spring, you might catch the latest TV star doing the same. One of the biggest contrasts is this: while Palm Springs is a beloved vacation spot, it still holds lesser-known wonders waiting to be discovered. Looking for something you’ll find nowhere else? Head down a nondescript residential street and find an army of enormous pink robots. If you’ve got a case of the shoppies, there’s an antique mall to explore and an artist community full of galleries and studios. If you want to learn about the area’s human history, look no further than the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza (and take a soak in the spring-fed waters while you’re at it). Natural areas allow you to explore canyons and waterfalls; restaurants and bars let you feel like you’re flying on a midcentury airline or in the audience of a vintage game show; heck, you can even get up close and personal with a windmill farm. And if you’d rather just see all of it from above, you can ride the world’s largest rotating tram car from the desert floor up to the San Jacinto Mountains. The question isn’t “Does Palm Springs have something for me?” but “How am I going to fit it all in?” Start with this list.

Explore
The fate of the ancient native inhabitants of Cahokia in southwest Illinois remains a mystery.

Atlas Obscura’s Guide to the 10 Most Mystifying Places in Illinois

Sponsored by The Illinois Office of Tourism

A presidential tomb that carries endless drama. A thriving prehistoric society that vanished without a trace. A haunted fun house with a wine cellar apparition.When you think of Illinois, you probably don't think of mysterious mounds, creepy clowns, and a park filled with dragons and wizards. We figure it’s time we changed that. Jump in and join us for a whirling tour through some of Illinois’s most inexplicable, unexpected, and unsuspecting sites.

Explore

10 Fascinating Sites That Bring Idaho History to Life

Sponsored by Visit Idaho

From its remote log cabins and carbonated natural springs to the tale of how the Nez Perce people came to be, Idaho is a land brimming with curious wonder. There’s so much to see and do in this northwestern state, whether it’s taking a drive along a 135-mile-long scenic byway dedicated to Sacajawea—the only woman to accompany Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition—or discovering the history of the Basque people at a museum that sits smack dab in the middle of the largest Basque community in the US. We’ve rounded up 10 captivating sites that help bring the incredible story of Idaho to life—get ready for the ultimate road trip.

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At Biltmore, corridors both hidden and not are home to supposed spooks.

North Carolina's Paranormal Places, Scary Stories, & Local Haunts

Sponsored by Visit North Carolina

With its wooded mountains, industrial history, and wide, sweeping bluffs, North Carolina is a surprisingly haunted state, an ideal site for lingering ghosts and bumps in the night. While many visitors flock to the esse Quam Videri State for pulled pork barbecue, pristine beaches, and towering mountains, it’s also rich in hauntings, and perfect for a ghost tour. In the Appalachian mountains, you’ll find a Vanderbilt mansion with spooky hidden passageways; in Cape Lookout, you can take a ferry to a long-forgotten island village, home only to ruins and specters. And beneath the waters of the state’s largest man-made lake, you may just find a monster to rival that of Loch Ness. Below, we’ve collected the state’s best, spookiest, most haunted sites home to hidden histories.

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A plaque dedicated to Andrew Still, teacher of osteopathy, at the museum dedicated to his work.

Exploring Missouri’s Legends: Unveiling the Stories Behind the State’s Iconic Figures

Sponsored by Visit Missouri

A world-famous animator. A Wild West outlaw. The patron saint of prairie literature. And an iconic, mustachioed novelist. These are just a few famous residents of Missouri’s history. Across the state, homes and museums and gardens have been preserved and dedicated to these beloved Missourians. You can tour the childhood homes of Walt Disney and Mark Twain, visit the homestead where Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the Little House books, and visit a penitentiary where world heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston learned the sport. The “Show-Me” state is full of history everywhere you look, much of it tied to the lives of the people who lived, worked, and made art here.

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Buttery, pillowy rolls from Automatic Seafood in Birmingham.

These Restaurants Are Dishing Out Alabama’s Most Distinctive Food

Sponsored by Sweet Home Alabama

You could easily spend a month eating through Alabama’s restaurants, from fish shacks to fine dining havens, and barely scratch the surface. Thanks to its position on the gulf coast and its long growing season, the state is brimming with delicious cuisines, both traditional and forward-thinking. One day you may be digging into perfectly-fried fish in a refurbished camp along the coast, and the next you might be drinking a glass of local beer paired with a locavore salad set atop a white tablecloth. From its signature barbecue sauce to its gulf shrimp to the unique creation that is West Indies Salad, Alabama is an eater’s paradise. Here are some of the restaurants dishing up the state’s signature meals.

Explore
100% farm to table fresh brunch – burrata, pesto and heirloom tomatoes on toast.

A Gastro Obscura Guide to Los Cabos

Sponsored by Los Cabos Tourism

The innovative mix of Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired flavors and cooking techniques has created a delectable fusion, “Baja-Med.” Food is the conduit to creating community here, among local farmers, fishermen and restaurant entrepreneurs; and with visitors who are open to experiencing the richness of the land and culture via exquisite tastes, sensory immersion, and creative presentation.

Explore

9 Watery Wonders on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA

With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Florida’s Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Throw into the mix almost a thousand natural springs, and Florida truly is a place with as much to explore both above water as below. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. The mermaid shows, cave-diving, underwater museums, mangrove-kayaking, and wildlife-watching opportunities presented here still only scratch the surface – and the depths - of the myriad activities possible along this wondrous coastline.

Explore

Discover the Surprising and Hidden History of Monterey County

Sponsored by See Monterey

Monterey County, nestled on California’s stunning Pacific Coast, is a treasure trove of lush landscapes and breathtaking ocean views. But beyond its natural beauty lies a rich tapestry of human history waiting to be explored. Hike a National Historic Trail while learning about the area's Indigenous communities; watch a thrilling race at the storied Laguna Seca Raceway; and get lunch at a restaurant that epitomizes the Oaxacan presence in Monterey. This itinerary will take you to museums and reserves across the county and its thousands of years of human history.

Explore

Gastro Obscura’s Guide to Eating Your Way Through Charlotte

Sponsored by Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

In a city like Charlotte, it’s easy to stick to the new and the known. But dig deeper and you’ll find that the Queen City isn’t just a spot for barbeque and southern fare, but a melting pot with immigrants who dreamed of displaying the best of their culture on dinner plates and front porches. You’ll find that a taste of Italy is just as close as the corner store; you can experience the magic of dining inside an historic craftsman bungalow in one of Charlotte’s iconic neighborhoods. Hear from owners who have spent their lives here, cultivating menus that keep patrons coming back week after week for decades. Though driven by new growth, the charm of old Charlotte still exists in the corners of the city, and the flavors of global cuisine are sprinkled throughout, just waiting to be discovered. Let this guide be your culinary inspiration to go and try it for yourself.

Explore
Epic views of the “Grand Canyon of the Ozarks” along the Scenic 7 Byway in Jasper, Arkansas.

9 Amazing Arkansas Adventures Along the Scenic 7 Byway

Sponsored by Arkansas Tourism

Spanning roughly 300 miles through the state of Arkansas, the Scenic 7 Byway is a road-tripper’s mecca. Dense pine woodlands in the south give way to the verdant Arkansas River valley, reaching the lush Ozark and Ouachita mountains. Dig for crystals, sample the state pie, explore natural formations, and soak in The Natural State’s rich culture and history as you stretch your legs at these worthwhile stops.

Explore
Surrounded by the natural wonders of the Ouachita National Forest, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in western Arkansas is packed with quick stop-offs and daylong adventures.

Talimena Scenic Byway: 6 Essential Stops for Your Arkansas Road Trip

Sponsored by Arkansas Tourism

The Talimena National Byway travels roughly 15 miles through western Arkansas to the Oklahoma line, meandering through the stunning Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas’ second-highest peak at Rich Mountain, and into historic Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Dig into small-town history, savor a juicy burger at a remote country store, and marvel at scenic overlooks and waterfalls along the way.

Explore

The Explorer's Guide to Highway 36: The Way of American Genius

Sponsored by Visit Missouri

Spanning the state of Missouri, from St. Joseph to Hannibal, Highway 36 is full of intriguing stops packed with incredible stories of innovation. Known as “The Way of American Genius,” the route highlights inventions and individuals who left a lasting mark. From the starting point of the Pony Express and the bakery that introduced sliced bread to magical towns that sparked inspiration for creative geniuses Walt Disney and Mark Twain, these spots along Missouri’s Highway 36 will leave any traveler dreaming of the next big thing.

Explore
Discover D.C. with neighborhood events like Petworth’s annual musical celebration, Porchfest.

A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to DC’s Art and Music

Sponsored by Washington.org

For Washingtonians, there’s “Washington”—the well-known stretch of historic sites and cultural institutions that draws visitors from around the country to the nation’s capital—and then there’s the city they call home. That’s D.C., a patchwork of vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, each with their own rich history and distinct culture—alive with go-go music, locally made spirits, community conversations, and indie art. These are just a few of the landmarks locals know in Northwest D.C.—from the cycling path that leads to an artists’ community to a risqué mural that signals some of the best blues in the District.

Explore

9 Places Near Las Vegas For a Different Kind of Tailgate

Sponsored by Travel Nevada

While Las Vegas is known for its glitzy neon signs, buzzing clubs and nightlife, and over-the-top casinos, the region itself is also home to some wondrous bars and eateries that lie well beyond the crowded Strip. This Super Bowl season, it’s time to engage in a new type of tailgate. From a stripmall world of tiki to a downhome diner where daily specials are part of the allure, here are 9 places that offer a culinary escape from the bright lights of Nevada’s most iconic city.

Explore

10 Places to See Amazing Art on Florida's Gulf Coast

Sponsored by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

From whimsical private home tours to funky creative hubs, hands-on glass-blowing galleries, and lots more, there’s no shortage of alluring art attractions in St. Pete/Clearwater.

Explore
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