Philadelphia boasts one of the best — and most often overlooked — traditional Japanese gardens in North America.

The origin of this mechanical boy was a mystery until he revealed his maker by writing it in perfect cursive.

A reliquary of pop culture marvels, including the world's largest (and most terrifying) Jack-in-the-Box.

While many places make the claim, the Library of Congress says this restaurant is the birthplace of the hamburger.

This forlorn park is the result of a failed investment turned tax dodge.

Protecting the future of some of the rarest and most misunderstood mammals of North America.

Astonishing collection of helmets, scientific instruments, and medical models.

The home of one of America's most wealthy industrialists is now a historic site that remembers a more decadent time in the country's history.

Come for the pastrami, stay for the million-dollar art.

Come for the sustainable organic chocolate, stay for the sustainable organic booze.

This micro-industry of Latino cuisine along Red Hook's Ball Fields represents a victory in a food fight with the city.

This otherwise innocuous bodega was once the headquarters of the most feared assassin's guild in American history.

Tucked in a nondescript downtown Brooklyn mall is a bar containing a remarkable turn of the century anatomical wax collection last seen in 1920s Berlin.

Walk over a 150 year old manhole.

A terrific purveyor of natural history objects and curios.

Make a tough dinner decision: Octopus wasabi roulette or bull penis?

Dodge prohibitionists and slide through the telephone booth in Crif Dogs.

The factory for the popular Dumbo location, the Greenpoint shop is a quiet gem.

A church that bred legends, and served as an inspiration for the Da Vinci Code.

New York City's smallest piece of private property.

A mysterious castle built as a monument to lost love.

The oldest cemetery in New Orleans, resting peacefully for over 200 years now.

Shop selling 500 flavors of soda has something for everyone.

A 200-year-old bar in the historic French Quarter refuses to give up its place in history, nor its role in securing ours.