17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

To enter this cluttered-yet-cozy sanctum of Belgian brews, ring the bell and tell the gatekeepers you've come “to taste beer.”

Atop this media building, two hives containing more than 30,000 bees keep the surrounding area vibrant.

For 60 years, the academy had no permanent location until members voted Washington D.C. as its forever home.

A fantastic array of trays and cables once whisked books over to the Capitol at 600 feet per minute.

The oldest building in the District of Columbia was preserved because of a mistaken connection to George Washington.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

The walls of the iconic dome are hollow and have a secret stairway.

A nostalgic bibliographic gem.

The Byzantine, pre-Columbian, and medieval art at this stately mansion are some of the most under-appreciated collections in D.C.

A wondrous old library overlooking the nation's capital.

One of the dwarven trees dates back to 1625 and survived the Hiroshima bombing.

With over 100 jam-packed rooms to explore plus elaborate tea services and events, the Mansion on O Street is a hidden treasure.

Over a century old, this restored Victorian building is surrounded by a lush garden filled with rare palms.

This antique shop specializes in the history of print and design.

California's most comprehensive horticultural library.

Once the largest windmill outside of Holland, with enormous 114 foot sails.

An art supply shop holds the secrets of this quiet neighborhood's raucous Barbary Coast past.

This surreptitious shop is only open five hours per week.

The key to turning shifting dunes into the green oasis of Golden Gate Park.

A garden oasis filled with flowers mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare.

A library built during San Francisco's pioneer times is a student's retreat, bibliophile's sanctuary, and chess player's delight.

A library and museum dedicated to typography.

The stones that traveled from Spain to eventually become a holy place for San Francisco's nature worshippers.