An abandoned quicksilver mining town surrounded by the Big Bend parks.

With print dying, this local paper keeps the lights on by doubling as a stunning cafe and cocktail bar.

A recreated Stonehenge stands in a country field, complete with Easter Island moai heads standing as sentries.

A free, canine-friendly alternative watering hole near the more famous Barton Springs.

A fruit-loving town welcomes visitors with a giant melon set against the sky.

A popular swimming hole that hides one of America's most deadly diving spots.

Home to an endangered salamander, a full moon celebration, and a large spring-fed outdoor swimming pool.

Roadside Americana, fairy tale characters, and Austin quirkiness come together at this magical course in the heart of Texas' capital city.

This small stone building, the final work of a renowned artist, offers a peaceful environment with radiant, colorful glass windows .

This simple frog painting created by musician Daniel Johnston embodies the spirit of Austin.

An exquisite grouping of structures made from 10 tons of invasive saplings.

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

Continuing the tradition of the dime museum in style.

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

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

Locals dubbed it the "Owl Building" because of its bird-like appearance.

Austin’s local mountain isn’t really a mountain at all.

Divinely-inspired village houses 6,000 dolls, plus strange and lovely outsider art.

This abandoned lighthouse looks like a rusting oil rig, but has managed to survive a number of storms.

This Transylvania County city is home to a rare white squirrel population that is descended from an escaped carnival animal.

The U.S. Supreme Court's secret Cold War relocation facility in the mountains of North Carolina.

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

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

A delightful park featuring homemade scale replicas of dinosaurs, tucked away in the Tennessee mountains.