It's not hard to see why the historic Peabody Conservatory of Music's library has been described as a "cathedral of books."

This small red school was where Germany signed their surrender during WWII.

This German "living museum" is maybe a bit too immersive.

One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the United States air-dries its trademark beef in a dangling outdoor cage.

The home, museum, and death site of Kodak's influential founder.

The floor-to-ceiling collection in an old factory is a unique alternative to stuffy galleries.

The little-known final resting place of one of America's greatest writers.

This lovely little pond is named after the hundreds of soldiers' corpses that were rolled into the waters during the French-Indian War.

From working out of his garage to the James Beard semifinals, one Tucson baker has kept his fan base—and his grains—local.

This diner's a kitschy dreamland for anyone whose heart is stuck in the 1980s.

In DeWitt, New York, a blanket-wrapped gas station makes a creative statement on global dependence on oil.

The world's largest fire hydrant is supposedly tornado-proof.

This titanic steel chain linking two buildings was installed without permission but instantly beloved.

This psychedelic tromp l'oeil seems to be beckoning drivers to crash into a wall.

This landmark jazz venue is the oldest continuously running African-American club in the United States.

One of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest—and favorite—architectural masterpieces was almost lost.

A forsaken wonder in the middle of the East Side neighborhood.

As can be expected from a centuries old church built in a canal city, the undercroft of this house of worship is beautifully flooded.

This curious building hides eclectic details like medieval gargoyles alongside naked angels and Art Nouveau mosaics.

This enchanting 600-year-old tree is so magical it inspired the beloved tale of Pinocchio.