In 1810, free people of color made up more of New Orleans's population than any other Southern city.

Ruins of a once-opulent grand Victorian resort.

Two small markers remember the Alamo's feline protectors.

An enormous pink granite batholith, long attributed with spiritual powers by the Tonkawa Indians.

This underwater old Texas hill town only resurfaces during harsh drought.

The summer home of the largest colony of bats in the world.

An immense cave that has served as an outlaw's treasure trove, an underground dance hall, a nuclear fallout shelter, and much more.

Civil War dumping ground for the bodies of terrorized Union sympathizers.

Human remains in varying states of decay are strewn about this Texas State facility for scientific study.

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

This beautiful grotto is one of those places where you can't believe you're just outside Austin.

An emerald-green grotto just a short trip from Austin.

One part antique store, one part curiosities hodge-podge.

Free public park and gardens filled with peacocks and peahens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A view-altering observatory at the University of Texas.

A medieval castle in the middle of rural Texas.

A shrine to the royal lord of all cacti.

A 90-year-old underground water reservoir offers a more industrial kind of tranquility.