Category Archives: National Treasures

Famous U.S. Homes Worthy of a Visit

It’s never too early to dream up your next vacation. Whether you’re interested in a fun, educational destination or you’re on the hunt for home inspiration, visiting these famous estates may pique your imagination.

Architectural Icon
A tour through the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio just outside of Chicago is like peering into the creative mind of one of America’s most iconic architects. Constructed in 1889 for $5,000, this Oak Park house served as the family home for Wright, his wife and their six kids. Bold, geometric shapes on the exterior and the interior’s high, barrel-vaulted ceiling make this visit a must for architecture enthusiasts.

Literary Cats
One home of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway is tucked away in the heart of Old Town in Key West, Florida. The estate boasts Spanish colonial architecture and lush grounds; however, the Hemingway home is also well-known for its current occupants. No less than 40 polydactyl (six-toed) cats, descendants of those owned by Hemingway himself, still live on-site.

Presidential Family Estate
Get a historical perspective with a visit to Hildene, a 1905 Georgian Revival mansion in Manchester, Vermont, that belonged to Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Guests can take year-round tours of the home’s 24-room interior, stroll down approximately 12 miles of walking trails and visit the working farm.

As Seen on TV
Popularized by more than 70 feature films and television shows, including “Full House,” San Francisco’s Painted Ladies are a staple of the city’s skyline. This row of quintessential Victorian homes, also known as the Seven Sisters, ascends one of the city’s hilly neighborhoods. Snap a gorgeous photo from the famous Alamo Square Park across the street.

Top Corn Mazes in the Country, From Family Friendly to Super Scary

Fall is upon us, which means pumpkin spice and flannel is bound to be everywhere soon. But while those two trends may not be for everyone, there is an autumnal activity that all can enjoy: corn mazes! With hundreds of mazes available across the country, there’s something to please families, brainiacs, and thrill-seekers alike. Read on for our list of America’s most a-maize-ing corn mazes!

Family Fun

1. Sever’s Corn Maze (Shakopee, MN; Sept. 9th-Oct. 30th)

Part of Sever’s beloved Fall Festival – now in its 20th year – the corn maze is fun for all ages. Navigate through the winding stalks as a family, and read fun facts about the 19 previous mazes along the way. Those who participate in this year’s Maze Challenge will be entered into a grand prize drawing, and the winner will be chosen at the end of the season. Past maze designs include the state of Minnesota, the Vikings logo, and a world map.

2. Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Corn Maze (Brooklyn Park, MN; Sept. 24th-Oct. 30th)

Of course we couldn’t forget to mention Minnesota’s largest corn maze. This year, locals will love tackling the Vikings-themed maze, which celebrates the team’s inaugural season at U.S. Bank Stadium. The maze has a sporty history, having previously been designed to honor the Wild and the Twins. Other activities at the festival include a straw bale maze (perfect for kids!), petting zoo, and hayride (of the non-haunted variety).

3. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (Ronks, PA; July 2nd-Oct. 30th)

You can tell by the farm’s website alone that this corn maze will be an adventure the whole family can enjoy (just check out that smiling corn cob!). You never have to worry about getting lost in this five-acre field, as there are friendly “Maze Masters” positioned throughout to help you on your way. The color-coordinated challenges along the way help encourage teamwork, making this a perfect activity for families and school field trips alike.

Challenging, Not Creepy

1. Great Vermont Corn Maze (Danville, VT; Aug. 1st-mid Oct.)

The largest maze in New England, the Great Vermont Corn Maze has been called one of the top 10 of its kind in America (and you can vote now to make sure it keeps that title). In fact, it’s so challenging, that organizers encourage participants to arrive as early as possible and bring lunch since most maze-goers spend between two to five hours in the maze and checking out the adjoining attractions. They even discourage most teenagers from entering the maze without adult supervision, since they feel they won’t be able to complete it on their own without giving up!

2. Richardson Farm (Spring Grove, IL; Sept. 3rd-Oct. 30th)

Calling all maze (and maize) aficionados – here’s one you don’t want to miss since it happens to be the self-proclaimed largest and most intricate corn maze in the world. This year, the 33-acre maze pays tribute to Star Trek for its 50th anniversary. If you think you can “live long and prosper” in this tough but fun course, then make the trek (see what we did there?) to Illinois and beam on over to Richardson Farm asap!

3. Cool Patch Pumpkins (Dixon, CA; Sept. 17th-Oct. 31st)

Founded in 2001, this maze has been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest (at 40 acres in 2007 and, again, at 60 acres in 2014). Bigger isn’t always better, though, as many challengers have discovered by getting lost among the tall stalks…and then proceeding to call 911 for help (a practice local sheriffs discourage, by the way). To avoid the commotion and potential panic, heed the map given to you at the maze’s entrance and plan to be in there for at least a couple hours.

This year’s design was inspired by the farm’s logo, and last year’s pattern was the emblem of nearby Sacramento Kings. The grounds also feature a world-renowned pumpkin patch (of course!), where the youngsters can partake in picking their own pumpkin from a field of thousands. More fun activities include the pumpkin cannon, a corn bath, and hay rides.

Terrifically Terrifying

1. Ludicrous Labyrinth at Scream Town (Chaska, MN; Sept. 30th-Oct. 30th)

Ready for some crazy thrills around every corner? Then enter the Twin Cities’ scariest labyrinth, and get ready to run for your life. Not only will you have to navigate the twists and turns of a typical corn maze, but you’ll also be combating fog, flashing lights, and creepy characters chasing you through the corn. Enter only if you’ve got nerves of steel (and a good pair of running shoes).

2. Haunted Carter Farms (Princeton, IA; Sept. 30th-Oct. 31st)

Touted as America’s original haunted corn maze, the only clue given by the creators here is where to begin – getting out of “the place where corn and nightmares grow” is entirely up to you. While they are all about unabashedly scaring the bejeezus out of you, there is a bit of good in their wicked hearts – if you bring two non-perishable food items, you’ll get $2 off admission and the items will be donated to The Hunger Drive. That, however, is where the kindness ends. Also, be sure to arrive on time – as they say, the last “victims” enter the gates at 10:30pm.

3. Dark Harvest Corn Maze (Ulster Park, NY; Sept. 17th-Nov. 5th)

Just one of many terror-inducing attractions at the Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses in Ulster Park, New York, the corn maze will surely fulfill your need to scream this Halloween season. Based on a chilling story, the maze is a dark, daunting labyrinth…with no emergency exits. This is definitely an enter-at-your-own-risk situation. Each attraction (including a hayride, several haunted houses, and the corn maze) leads to the next, so be prepared to be scared straight silly for at least three hours. If you can’t handle chainsaws, crazy clowns, or crowds, then we’d advise skipping this one altogether. May we suggest a visit to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm instead?

Have you ever ventured into a corn maze? Where? Do you prefer family friendly or freakishly frightening? Let us know in the comments!

The Best State Fairs Across the United States

As we eagerly await the start of the Great Minnesota Get-Together (now only 10 days away!), we decided to take a look at some of the other state fairs put on across the country each summer. While we don’t think any of them can quite live up to our beloved fair, we’re certainly willing to learn a bit more about their histories and traditions. So whether you’re planning a road trip to hit up the best of the best this year, or if you’re just curious about your fellow Americans’ fave foods-on-a-stick, take a look at our list of the best state fairs in the U.S.:

1. Minnesota State Fair (St. Paul, Aug. 25-Sept. 5, 2016)

Most Daily Visitors

Okay, so we might be a bit biased here, but we do have the facts and awards to back us up! As the most attended state fair on a daily basis (the fairgrounds see an average of 150,000 people per day), we definitely have a claim to greatness. Not to mention the record-setting 1.8 million+ total visitors we had in 2014 – that’s pretty impressive, don’t’cha think? With all-you-can drink milk, cheese curds as far as the eye can see, and big name Grandstand acts (Aretha Franklin and the Backstreet Boys have performed recently), it’s pretty easy to see why USA Today readers named the Minnesota State Fair best in the country!

2. State Fair of Texas (Dallas, Sept. 30-Oct. 23, 2016)

Most Annual Visitors

Now in its 130th year, the Lone Star State’s annual celebration is the most attended state fair countrywide. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest draws is the endless selection of deep-fried food on a stick (this is the original home of fried butter, after all). But Texas standbys such as corny dogs and Frito pies are top sellers too. Contenders for this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards even include bacon-wrapped Churros and deep-fried Jello. Another sure-to-be fan favorite? The 75 main stage shows, which are all free (with fair admission). That’s right, F-R-E-E. This year’s headliners include Kacey Musgraves and Nelly. If that’s not a big enough attraction for you, then take a gander at Big Tex. The fair’s familiar mascot is 55 feet tall and wears size 96 cowboy boots! The only way you’d be taller than him is by taking a ride on the Texas State Ferris Wheel, which soars 212 feet into the sky (and is the tallest in North America). We guess everything really is bigger in Texas!

3. Alaska State Fair (Palmer, Aug. 25-Sept. 5, 2016)

Most Impressive Produce

Like Minnesotans, Alaskans experience cold much of the year, so they have made warm-weather fun a priority – and a specialty! Locals love the state fair (almost as much as Minnesotans love ours), which is held in Palmer, a city about an hour north of Anchorage. Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the fair is famous for the massive produce seen in competition each year. Past highlights include a 138-lb. cabbage, a 168-lb. watermelon, and an (almost unbelievable) 1,287-lb. pumpkin. Besides producing award-winners, the fair knows how to receive some recognition itself. In 2012, it was named one of the country’s best state fairs by Country Living magazine and, in 2014, it was named one of the nation’s top 20 events and festivals by Top Events USA.

4. Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, Aug. 11-21, 2016)

Most Epic Butter Sculpture

The Minnesota State Fair may be known for its Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculptures, but Iowa could just have us beat with their (nearly) life-size butter cow. Each year, a local sculptor creates a 600-lb. cow out of pure Iowan butter that’s then displayed in the fairground’s Agriculture Building. This tradition dates back 105 years, all the way to 1911. Over the years, the cow has been accompanied by other famous faces including Elvis, Superman, and Harry Potter! Another claim to fame for the fair is that it served as the inspiration for the many retellings of the now-classic State Fair, including the original novel, three motion pictures, and a Broadway musical. Speaking of literature, the fair is featured in the highly trusted travel book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die, as well as its follow-up, 1000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before You Die. It’s easy to see why the Iowa State Fair has received so much notoriety. With over 70 foods available on-a-stick, including animal-themed Monkey Tails (chocolate-dipped bananas) and Unicorn Lollipops, the fair has more than earned its motto of “Nothing compares!”

5. Great New York State Fair (Syracuse, Aug. 25-Sept.5, 2016)

Most Years in Existence

Not to be confused with any New York fairs of lesser quality, The Great New York State Fair, is the country’s oldest, having been around since 1841. In 2001, an unprecedented 1,011,248 fairgoers ventured up to the Empire State for the fair (and it still holds the overall attendance record)! The single-day record was set on Labor Day in 2014, with a whopping 122,870 visitors. In 2015, the state thought it was high time to revitalize the fair, which led to a $50 million redevelopment project initiated by Governor Andrew Cuomo. New features include an improved Midway, a restored park in the Historic Quad, and an RV parking area. With only 10 days to the beginning of this year’s fair, guests are surely eager to see all the improvements! Fairgoers are also looking forward to Taste NY, an event held in the Horticulture building, that links consumers to the best products grown and made right in New York state through free samples of food and beverage, and face-to-face meetings with the artisans behind the fair’s homemade fare.

Which state fair are you looking forward to most this year? What’s your favorite state fair tradition? Let us know in the comments!

Beat the Heat at America’s Best Waterparks

This week is going to be a scorcher for much of the United States. With 90+º temperatures forecasted for most major cities across the country by the end of the week, we all will be looking for some relief from the heat. While everyone has their own preferred method of cooling down, whether that means hightailing it to the nearest body of water, blasting the A/C, or heading to the nearest ice cream shop, we don’t think anyone can resist the siren call of an amazing waterpark. When the heat and humidity is so oppressive that just the thought of even putting on real clothes is unbearable, there’s nothing better than pulling on your swimsuit and jumping, sliding, and tubing into a great big pool with your friends and family. So here are our top five waterpark picks in the U.S.:

1.Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

For a city that has almost 40 inches of snow fall annually, our neighbors to the southeast really know what they’re doing when it comes to creating a warm weather haven. Wisconsin Dells features not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR popular waterparks, each with a different theme. We think this park, whose moniker comes from Greek mythology, might just be the best of them all. With aptly-named attractions like The Great Pool of Delphi (new this year), Hades 360, and Poseidon’s Rage that will be sure to keep you cool all day, you’ll be singing Zeus’s praises by the time you leave.

2. Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Kansas City, KS)

Part of America’s “First Family of Waterparks” with additional locations in Texas, the Kansas City locale happens to be home to the world’s tallest waterslide, Verrückt. With the slide’s top drop maxing out at over 168 feet (taller than Niagara Falls), this waterpark knows how to bring the chills and the thrills. For those who are looking for less extreme methods to stay cool, there are also tubing rides, boogie boarding, and multiple beaches. We’ll take a Cabana for two, please.

3. Water Country USA (Williamsburg, VA)

Next, we’re giving this Williamsburg waterpark a shoutout, well, mainly because it will definitely elicit some screaming & shouting from its visitors! Fittingly, Virginia’s largest waterpark features a waterslide called Jet Scream, on which riders reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. That’s certainly fast enough to get us to shriek like schoolgirls. If you’re interested in a more zen approach to keeping your cool, then take a dip in Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool, the largest one in Virginia. Once you’ve dried off a bit, you can head on over to the famed Busch Gardens theme park, which is right next door.

4. Water World (Federal Heights, CO)

You know a waterpark has to be pretty awesome to live up to an ambitious name like that, especially when it calls itself America’s biggest and best waterpark. Luckily, Water World more than delivers on its name’s promise with nearly 50 attractions (the largest variety in the U.S.). With everything from kid-friendly Wally World to Skyline Speed Slides, a favorite for thrill-seekers, the whole family will find something to love amongst the 64 acres of attractions.

5. Dollywood’s Splash Country (Pigeon Forge, TN)

“Bigger is better” is the name of the game at this Dollywood-adjacent waterpark. Featuring an impressive 35 acres of attractions, Splash Country serves as a relaxing refuge during the hot Tennessee summers. It’s even been named one of the “Top 25 Waterparks in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor and the #10 “Best Outdoor Waterpark” by USA Today, which means it has to be good. The park’s tallest attraction, Fire Tower Falls, reaches a whopping height of 70 feet in the air. Because as Dolly herself says, “The higher the waterslide, the closer to God.” Or, you know, something like that.

Have you visited any of these waterparks? What are some of your other favorite ways to stay cool when the temps rise? Tell us in the comments!

Summer Solstice Celebrations Around the U.S.

It’s the day many of us have anxiously been awaiting since September of last year: the first day of summer 2016! Here in the Twin Cities, we can officially declare the new season has arrived at 5:34 PM CDT. Of course, the longest day of the year calls for some longstanding unique celebrations, many of which focus on local art and music, environmental awareness, and family festivities. Check out our list to see how people across the nation mark summer’s arrival.

Downtown Days & More (Anchorage, AK)

With over 22 hours of daylight on this special day, you know Alaska has to have plenty of fun planned. Activities include a parade, half marathon, concerts, sports – basically, anything you can think to do outside to soak in the sun is happening in Anchorage.

Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Event (Santa Barbara, CA)

This solstice celebration represents the largest, three-day arts event in Santa Barbara County, and draws crowds of over 100,000 people annually. Each year, the festival has a different theme, and 2016 has been designated the year of “Legends.” We don’t think there’s a more unique way to ring in the new season!

Solstice in Times Square (New York City, NY)

Are you a burgeoning yogi? Make sure to join this Times Square event anytime between sunrise to sunset (in person or via webcast). And since today has been dubbed the International Day of Yoga by the UN General Assembly, expect to see many more public yoga gatherings throughout the country (like this one in Russellville, AR).

Night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (Cambridge, MA)

Countdown the minutes to the beginning of summer, while taking in some entertainment and education! Children of all ages can enjoy a fun evening with circus performers, music, dance, food trucks, and hands-on activities, with free evening admission to several local museums. Is there a better way to welcome summer? We think not.

Fremont Solstice Music Festival (Seattle, WA)

If your idea of greeting the summer sun involves a bit more free-spirited fun, then this is the event for you. Featuring more than 25 entertainers, along with shopping, art, and food, this fest will definitely get your summer off on the right foot.

How do you plan to say hello to summer? Let us know in the comments!

Most Popular Restaurant Chains in the US

There is a great variety of chain restaurants in the US from drive-thru’s to sit down restaurants. They are very popular in the areas where there are many tourists and travelers. Here is a top 5 list of most popular fast food restaurant chains.

1. Chick-fil-A is an Atlanta based, family owned restaurant. They have more than 1,950 restaurants and 41 US states. They specialize in chicken sandwiches and they are known to be the first restaurant hat is trans-fat free.

2. Dairy Queen is another US favorite restaurant and is know for their variety of delicious ice creams. They also have milkshakes, malts, and banana splits. Later on they added a variety of hamburgers.

3. Wendy’s was founded in 1969 in Ohio; they also expanded their operations globally and opened in New Zealand, Greece, Mexico, etc. They are the third largest hamburger chain after Burger King and McDonald’s.

4. Subway is one of the fastest growing franchises globally. Subway is known for it’s fresh sub sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Although, their menu varies from region to region. Some Subway franchises have introduced gluten-free bread option.

5. Ihop is known as a breakfast place focusing on pancakes, french toasts and omelettes. Even though the focus on breakfast, they offer lunch and dinner as well. The first restaurant was open in 1958 and they have 1,650 locations in the US and Canada.

Flickr Creative Commons: m01229 (CC BY 2.0)
All photos used under this license.

Best Cities to Raise a Family

Choosing where to raise your children is very important. There are many factors to consider such as median income, school districts, crime rates, and overall cost of living. So what are the best cities for families?

Grand Rapids, Michigan is number one on the list. One of the main reasons it is a great place to raise a family, is the cost of living and crime rates that are lower than national average. There are many museums and family oriented places. Commute is another reason people choose Grand Rapids; people here spend 3/4 less time in traffic.

Boise, Idaho has a family-oriented community. It has a nice mild climate and there are many beautiful parks and plenty places for outdoor activities such as biking, camping and fishing. They also have a good educational system, and schools are rated high nationwide.

Provo, Utah is one of the most affordable places to live. In addition to that, Provo has a reliable transportation system, which makes it easier to get around. According to Livability, less than 24% of income is spent on housing, groceries and utilities, which makes it one of the best cities to live in.

Youngstown, Ohio is also a very affordable place to live in and with above average schools. Another important thing many parents consider is commute, and commute in Youngstown is 20 minutes on average.

Raleigh, North Carolina is considered a very safe and diverse city. In addition, it has a lot of beautiful homes and a historic downtown. it is very inexpensive and there are plenty things to do from arts to sports.

Flickr Creative Commons: La Citta Vitta (CC BY-SA 2.0)
All photos used under this license.

Is Buying Cheaper than Renting?

According to RealtyTrac buying will continue to be cheaper than renting in most of the US housing markets. They compared rent and wage growth in 504 counties. The analysis showed that the rent prices are rising faster than wages. The rents for 3 bedroom homes were examined and showed that, in the second quarter of 2015, average weekly wages went up 2.6% whereas rent increased 3.5%. This means that a family will have to spend around 37% of their household income on rent.

Here are some markets with the highest rents: South and North Carolina, Louisiana, Montana counties, as well as some counties in California and Texas. Some of the more affordable markets are some counties in Tennessee, Maryland, New York, and Oregon.

Due to the low interest rates and high rent prices, it is believed that now is the best time to buy. Also, there are additional benefits to being a homeowner such as equity and tax deductions. Despite that, some younger people are still very reserved when it comes to buying, mostly it’s because of the down payments, not all can afford or are willing to give it away at once.

Before you decide to buy, ask your agent and financial planner all the questions you have and evaluate your financial capabilities. Make sure you are ready to buy!

Flickr Creative Commons: Joel Telling (CC BY-SA 2.0)
All photos used under this license.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Celebrations

Every year on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. It began as a religious holiday in Ireland and is still celebrated like so in Ireland. In the U.S. it is more of a festival that celebrates Irish culture with parades and a variety of events.

Boston’s parade is the second largest in the country. Boston has one of the largest Irish populations in the U.S., which is why St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all week there. The parade goes through South Boston and features marching bands, live music and many more fun festivities.

New York’s parade is also one of the largest with 150,000 participants. The bands march down 5th Avenue in Manhattan and it usually takes about five hours to complete the route. Participants of the parade include military bands, firefighters and cultural groups and clubs.

Scranton’s parade is considered to be the oldest, and it is believed to be one of the most popular. Participants include Irish step dancers, local organizations, Irish groups and bagpipers. The parade always begins with a Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Chicago’s parade was first held in 1956 as the Irish population grew in the city. The way St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Chicago is pretty unique. Starting in 1962, they began to dye the river green for the celebrations, and it stays green for about five hours. It causes no harm to the water; in fact, the dye can detect pollution.

New Orleans’ parade also includes marching bands and float riders who throw not only beads, but also ingredients for the Irish stew! Festivities go on for 10 days and include three(!) parades. One of the most popular celebrations is the community block parties, which are free and open to public.

Flickr Creative Commons: Max Talbot-Minkin (CC BY 2.0)
All photos used under this license.

Oldest Houses in the US

Lower Swedish cabin is one of the oldest log houses in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. It was built by Swedish colonists in 1650’s and it served as a trading post with the locals. It was built from wooden timber and has a simple floor plan.

The Cutchogue, built in 1649 in New York State, is considered to be an example of first period architecture in the nation. It was owned by a famous loyalist politician of that time, Parker Wickham. It was restored in 1640 after it was damaged by a hurricane. Now it is a National Historic Landmark.

Flickr Creative Commons: Heather Williams

The Jamestown Church was built in 1617 in Jamestown, Virginia; the first Representative Legislative Assembly was held there in 1619. It was designed by Boston architects and nowadays it is owned by the Preservation Virginia organization.

Flickr Creative Commons: Julie Lyn

The Wyckoff House is the oldest example of a Dutch saltbox frame house. It was built in 1652, it is located in the area of Brooklyn. It has been restored and only small parts of it are original. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Flickr Creative Commons: H.L.I.T.

The Macy-Colby House was built in Amesbury, Massachusetts, in 1649 by the town’s mayor, Thomas Macy who sold it to Anthony Colby who modified it. It was donated to the Bartlett Cemetery Association, it is a historic house museum and is open to public.

Flickr Creative Commons: Doug Kerr

All photos used under this license.