johnblaylock1's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Loading map...
Big Bend National Park, Texas

Mariscal Mine

An abandoned mine where dreams of quicksilver trickled away over 75 years ago.
Kyoto, Japan

Rokuon-ji Temple

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.
Sunset, South Carolina

Sassafras Mountain

The highest point in South Carolina was once owned by an energy company that neglected it but now the state is taking it back.
Austin, Texas

Barton Springs

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

The Great Pyramid of Cholula

An Aztec temple, the largest man-made pyramid in the world, sits buried in earth with a Spanish church set on top.
Chichen Itza, Mexico

El Caracol

No telescopes, no power, no gift shop: The Observatory of Chichen Itza, one of the world's oldest observatories, takes astronomy back to basics.
East Sussex, England

Seven Sisters Cliffs

These stark white cliffs were spat up by the sea and are slowly being retaken by it.
Riverton, West Virginia

Spruce Knob

Near-constant high winds deform the trees on Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia.
Des Moines, New Mexico

Capulin Volcano

This volcano rises like a giant anthill from the plains below, with a road spiraling up to the rim.
Jackson, New Hampshire

Mount Washington

The highest point in the state of New Hampshire, and while unlikely "the worst weather in the world," it sure seems that way to hikers.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The world-record holder for the longest bridge stretching continuously over water.
London, England

Trafalgar Square Imperial Measurements

These official units of measurement—including chains and perches—lie hidden beneath tourists' feet in a popular London hub.
Pensacola Beach, Florida

Fort Pickens

One of the only Florida forts to remain in the hands of the Union all through the Civil War still stands as a historic stronghold.
Sintra, Portugal

Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors)

An ancient and majestic fortress that played an integral role in Portugal's road to independence.
Government Camp, Oregon

Mount Hood

Despite a legend that says this highest peak in Oregon was climbed in high heels, scores of people have died on its slopes.
Burnsville, North Carolina

Mount Mitchell

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

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Rent out a glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights like you live in the future.
Lisbon, Portugal

Rhinoceros of Belém Tower

A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.
Millinocket, Maine

Mount Katahdin

The highest point in Maine is a grand gift to the state citizens that also happens to be one end of the Appalachian Trail.
Bryson City, North Carolina

Kuwohi

The highest point in Tennessee is said to be home to the chief of all bears.
London, England

London's Lilliputian Police Station

London's smallest police station is barely the size of a phone booth.
London, England

Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral

Hear the quietest sound from across the dome.
Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The 10,000 Torii shrine.
Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns

The second-largest cave chamber in the world was discovered in 1898 by a 16-year-old and a friend known as "Pothead."