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You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world on Black Mesa, the highest point in Oklahoma. This spot stands at an elevation of 4,973 feet above sea level, and it also boasts some interesting geography. Did you know that three to five million years ago, a volcanic eruption created this mesa? You can take a hike to see some incredible views, and see the lava flow close-up. Black Mesa is a plateau that stretches for 28 miles from Colorado, into New Mexico and across the border into Oklahoma....

If you’ve spent much time in the outdoors, you’re probably aware of ticks. In Oregon, we have 20 different species of ticks, but only four like to feast on humans. One of those species carries Lyme disease, which has some nasty symptoms that can get serious if the disease is undetected for more than a month. Many states are gearing up for an increased number of ticks this summer, and unfortunately, Oregon is on the list....

This week, several New Jersey swimming lakes have been shut down due to Cyanobacteria blooms. The bacteria is dangerous to ingest or even touch and can cause rashes, flu-like symptoms, gastric distress, and liver and kidney issues. These blooms put a damper on our July 4th plans but there may be something worse in the water… Meningitis-causing fecal bacteria. NJ DEP Jim, The Photographer/Flickr The bacteria, known as Enterococci, can cause serious infections including urinary tract infections, bacteremia, bacterial endocarditis, diverticulitis and meningitis....

Craft beer may be having a moment, but Americans still love a glass or two of wine. In fact, some states have a penchant for consuming a whole lot of the stuff. According to the recent report by VinePair, the amount of wine a state produces doesn’t necessarily correlate with the amount they drink. The report looked at information from the National Institutes of Health and compared it to the production of wine in each state....

I’m a Jersey girl, so I always jump on the chance to write about pizza. We’re home to some of the best in the U.S. and you really can’t go wrong with a slice, wherever you go. Of course, some places stand out. Today, I was tasked with finding a fantastic pizzeria in the middle of nowhere. That doesn’t exist in the Garden State, the most densely packed per square mile in the country, but we do have our more rural areas....

Wait, a secret cafe in Nashville?! Some folks might not believe it, since the city has become such a coffee haven and hipster-saturated space. There are so many cafes and coffee shops in Nashville that it’s hard to just choose one. You could try a new latte from a different coffee shop every day for a month and still not be through them all! The Loading Dock, however, is the quirky and unique jolt of energy that the city has been missing amidst its minimalistic coffee landscape, and we’re here for it....

Wyoming is full of stunning natural wonders, but we’ve got some manmade gems, too! One of the most interesting marvels of engineering in the state is the suspended bridge at Hot Springs State Park. Read below to see what makes this Wyoming bridge so special. Hot Springs State Park was the very first State Park in Wyoming, and it’s still one of our most popular. Flickr / Don Barrett Though it was first known as Big Horn Hot Spring State Reserve, it was formed in 1897, and holds the title of oldest state park in WY....

Raise your hand if the only reason you exercise is so you can eat a ton of food without as much guilt! raises both hands Whether you are like me, enjoy exploring South Dakota nature, or just want a good meal, today’s post is for you, as it contains both a beautiful hike and mouthwatering restaurant all in one spot: Arguably one of the most beautiful spots in all of South Dakota is Spearfish Falls, which is made up of a tall cascade, and surrounded by lush trees and other foliage....

It’s no secret that Northern California is a wine connoisseur’s paradise. Our region of the state is famous for its abundance of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms to choose from. You can’t go wrong with any of our wine-themed destinations, but there’s one place that’s bound to leave an impression. This underground wine tasting room is pretty much the definition of a hidden gem. Tucked beneath the surface of Old Sacramento, this place is as charming as can be and you’ll definitely want to visit....

The past decade has seen an incredible expansion of the dining scene here in Virginia. Seemingly small towns are now critically acclaimed foodie destinations, and it’s a trend we don’t expect will stop anytime soon. In fact, a historically rural and oftentimes overlooked region of the state is now making headlines for its cuisine. While it’s always been on the map for hikers, outdoor lovers, and history buffs, the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia is now calling the name of food lovers, too....

Wedding season is still going strong in Idaho, and boy, do we have some awesome venues for you to choose from! Whether you are looking for rural, country charm, a romantic beach venue, modern and lavish, or majestic mountain views, Idaho has them all. Planning a wedding can be mentally and physically taxing and hunting for the perfect backdrop is a huge decision, so I have compiled 9 beautiful wedding venues from across the state that are absolutely picture perfect for that perfect day....

One of the perks of living in Louisiana is that we have access to some of the freshest seafood in the country, and an added bonus of having truly talented chefs to prepare it. Seafood boils run in our blood, and these nine restaurants are serving some scrumptious options. Each one is worthy of a visit, so make plans to taste test them all – or gas up the car and set off on a boiled seafood road trip that will make your taste buds explode!...

Deep in the Ozark National Forest, near Lost Corner, resides two positively magical waterfalls. Hiking to Blue Hole and Green Grotto Falls will be one of your favorite hikes you take in Arkansas. Let’s get pleasantly lost in the woods and head to these colorful gems. Hurricane Creek is a stunning area any day of the week, but we especially love a hike along the creek during early spring. Google/Patrick Caple The best time to take this trail is from March to early April before the undergrowth has completely taken over....

We Arkansans take our history seriously. After all we have historic towns that preserve everything from the state’s first bar to a famous musician’s boyhood home. Aside from these specific attractions, there’s entire towns that dedicate community efforts to preserve just about everything. One of the most historic towns in Arkansas is Cane Hill. Much of this early settlement’s history is well preserved or at least restored to its near original form....

When you think of Connecticut’s iconic dishes, things like lobster rolls and steamed cheeseburgers come to mind. While those are delicious choices, the more adventurous eater may want to tackle some of the insane food the Nutmeg State has to offer. From odd flavor combinations to massive portions, if these crazy dishes don’t appeal to your taste buds, they will at least get lots of love from your Instagram followers....

There’s no better way to treat yourself than to track down the best burritos in Iowa. Luckily, most of us won’t have to drive too far! Head to Iowa City to try Estela’s, a family-owned restaurant focused on making the freshest Mexican food you’ll find in the Hawkeye State. Estela’s Fresh Mex in Iowa City is one of the best places in the state for tasty Mexican cuisine, thanks to their dedication to using the freshest, tastiest ingredients possible....

There are countless restaurants in Louisiana that are worthy of a pilgrimage. The Bayou State has some of the most authentic cuisine in the country and is home to incredibly talented chefs that are constantly whipping up new creations to dazzle us with. This particular restaurant certainly fits the bill, and it’s worth a road trip from just about anywhere in the state. Located in downtown Thibodaux, Fremin’s Restaurant opened its doors in 2000 and quickly grew in popularity....

As Buffalonians, we’re spoiled by our easy access to some of the finest foods in Western New York. So many of our favorite restaurants are destinations that we’ve been dining at for ages – sometimes even generations! If you’re hungry for classic eats with a heaping helping of nostalgia on top, head to this timeless hot dog stand and chow down on a delicious dog while basking in the summer sun....

When considering historic places in the Holy City, most people probably think of the charming homes and cobblestone streets of Charleston’s downtown Historic District. A stroll around downtown Charleston leaves most in awe of its charm and allure. However, there’s a historic South Carolina park that’s a mere 3.8 miles north of Charleston’s White Point Garden (which is famously known as The Battery) and it holds a wealth of intriguing history....

Now that winter is settling in and Halloween has passed, Christmas displays are starting to pop up along the roads and in stores throughout Wyoming. One display in Cheyenne won’t be ready for a few more weeks, but when it opens, it’s the most breathtaking sight in the state. The Hemi Lighted Forest of Hope began in the fall of 2010, when Nancy and Gary Kelley decided to do something special for their granddaughter’s Christmas Visit....