Colorful, cheeky signs spill out of legendary New Orleans folk artist Dr. Bob's Bywater studio warning you to "Be Nice—Or Leave."

This New Orleans statue of a portly figure in a goofy hat pays homage to a classic of satirical literature.

The first patented shaved-ice machine heralded a snowy wonderland of iced treats at a favorite New Orleans summer shack.

An abandoned warehouse turned art sanctuary in New Orleans.

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

A prime example of New Orleans' unique architecture these early 20th century homes were built to look like steamboats.

A little piece of Paris in the sultry south of the U.S.

An impressive collection of dollhouses and an homage to the frog-leg canning industry.

The stone labyrinth in this New Orleans city park was laid to symbolize healing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Parts of the civil rights movement unfolded in this historic eatery, helmed by the "Queen of Creole Cuisine."

This float factory takes the mask off of Mardi Gras and lets visitors see where the magic happens.

An otherworldly musical haven in The Big Easy.

Imagine playing a version of Legends of the Hidden Temple, but with a distinctly Southern Gothic flare.

Legend says a primate-like cryptid prowls this otherworldy sliver of the Louisiana bayou.

This knobby, drooping New Orleans oak is a favorite place both for climbing and for meeting giraffes.

The only rotating bar in New Orleans has been slowly spinning since 1949.

A theme park that suffered massive flooding during Katrina was abandoned, and now proves irresistible to trespassing explorers.

This 19th century Sioux City candy company is the home of the Twin Bing, a historic, chocolate-covered treat.

This tiny site in Iowa, part of a patchwork national wildlife refuge, is home to ancient flora and fauna.

Chilly air billows out from the entrance of an abandoned mine on a steep hillside, providing a refuge for Ice Age fauna and flora.

Millions of dollars worth of sculpture decorate this Iowa city center.

An eclectic assortment of medieval architecture in a small Iowa town.

A single artist is behind these large-scale models made of hundreds of thousands of two-inch wooden matchsticks.

The world’s largest truck stop includes a barber shop, chiropractor, and a huge museum with antique trucks.