Nevada | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Nevada is a state filled with fun and funky attractions. There are all sorts of places for visitors to find something interesting. Here are a few of the fun, funky and always interesting attractions that Nevada offers its visitors.

Lion Habitat, Las Vegas

Most people expect to see lions at the zoo, but in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand visitors can see the lions up close, right inside the hotel. The Lion Habitat is located on the main floor of the casino, and is accessible to all visitors.The habitat even has a tunnel that visitors can even look up at the lions through the tunnel ceiling.

The Atomic Testing Museum, Las Vegas

This Museum is a great place to learn about the history of atomic testing in Nevada. There are a wide variety of exhibits about the different types of testing that were done in Nevada. The Atomic Testing Museum is a very interesting destination for those that want to learn more about nuclear testing in the country.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is an iconic attraction in Nevada. The tours of the dam give visitors amazing views of the internal workings of the dam. Visitors can take a variety of different tours that can take visitors on a few stops inside the dam, or tours that lead all the way down into the inspection tunnels. The view from the top of the dam is pretty spectacular as well.

Imperial Palace Auto Collection, Las Vegas

Car enthusiasts visiting Nevada won't want to miss the amazing collection of cars at the Imperial Palace. This collection is the largest and best collection of classic cars in the world. The Imperial Palace collection has more than 250 vehicles, including antique cars and much more.

Hand of Faith, Las Vegas

Las Vegas is also the home to the biggest golden nugget in existence. This golden nugget, known as the Hand of Faith is located at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. The Hand of Faith was found by in Australia by a man using a metal detector. Visitors to the Golden Nugget can see the 61 pound nugget of gold and learn the story behind its discovery.

Tuscacora

Nevada has many different ghost and mining towns, one great town to visit that is both a living ghost town and an old mining community is Tuscacora. It was once a thriving silver mining community, now it is classified as a ghost town. It does have a small population, including some artists. The cemetery and remnants of the town are a very interesting look into the history of the region.

Angel Lake

Located in the northeastern region of Nevada, Angel Lake is a uniquely beautiful destination in Nevada. Travelers in Nevada can enjoy stunning scenery during the trip up State Route 231 to the eastern shore of the lake. From the shores of the lake there are spectacular views of cliffs, mountains, pinnacles and valleys. Angel Lake is also a great destination for recreation and camping.

Rachel

The town of Rachel is a great spot for extraterrestrial enthusiasts. It is located on Highway 375, the Extraterrestrial Highway, and is the closest town to Nellis Air Force Range and Area 51. Visitors to Rachel can enjoy the proximity to Area 51, and maybe have a chance for some UFO sightings also.

Highway 50, The Loneliest Road in America

This "Loneliest Road in America" is a great way to see Nevada. The highway crosses Nevada, stretching from Silver Springs to Fallon. All along the highway there are plenty of sights to enjoy. Destinations to stop and explore include remnants of the Pony Express Trail, which runs parallel to the highway, mountains, ghost towns, state parks and much more. Visitors should keep an eye out for the Iliapah Reservoir and Hickison Summit Petroglyphs.

Burning Man

Every year thousands of people gather together in the Black Rock Desert for a week. During this week they create Black Rock City, and they dedicate their time creating community, art. Burning Man is the ultimate opportunity for these people to experience self-expression and self-reliance. To truly understand Burning Man, people must experience it for themselves.

New Hampshire Quick Facts

Uniquely New Hampshire: Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, which preserves the
Must See: A New Hampshire Covered Bridge
Most Unusual: America's Stonehenge
Highest Point: Mount Washington at 6,288 feet
Food to Try: Locally grown apples and Corn Chowder

What to Do in New Hampshire:

1 Explore one of New Hampshire's amazing covered bridges

2 Ascend Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeast United States

3 Learn all about the making of yogurt at Stonyfield Farm

4 See one of the waterfalls in the beautiful White Mountains

5 Check out all of the fun at the Hillsborough Balloon Fest and Fair

6 Go ziplining to see New Hampshire sights in a new and thrilling way

Off The Beaten Path | New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a state with all sorts of fun attractions. Visitors to this state can enjoy a wide variety of recreation, history and much more. During the winter season  and holiday season there are many seasonal activities to enjoy. New Hampshire isn't just a great winter destination, there are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the year.

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

These gardens preserve the home and gardens of one of America's great sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Visitors can stop and enjoy the parks grounds and Visitor Center year-round, but the other buildings are closed from November to late May. This park offers a wide variety of guided tours, including the tour of Saint-Gauden's home, Aspet, which is only open to visitors through guided tours. Visitors to the park can also enjoy self-guided tours and films. Saint-Gauden's National Historic Site also has some delightful nature trails throughout the park.

Bretton Woods

Winter visitors to New Hampshire that are looking to enjoy some skiing should spend some time at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, the largest of the state's ski areas. Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, also known as Mount Washington Resort is located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Bretton Woods has 434 skiable acres. The ski area has 101 trails, 10 lifts and four terrain parks. The resort also has night skiing.

Franconia Notch State Park

This beautiful New Hampshire State Park is located within the White Mountain National Forest. Visitors to Franconia Notch can stop and explore the Flume Gorge, which is an 800 foot natural gorge, with sheer walls, pools, walkways, waterfalls and covered bridges. The Park also has an aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. Visitors can also enjoy Echo Lake, the New England Ski Museum and a wide variety of recreation.

Conway Scenic Railroad

The Conway Scenic Railroad is a historic railroad, and is a fantastic way to see some of the scenery of New Hampshire. Visitors can ride the Valley Train, which travels between North Conway and Conway or Bartlett. The Conway Scenic Railroad also has the Notch Train, which travels from North Conway to Crawford Depot or Fabyan Station. During the winter months the train service is reduced, but travelers can enjoy the "Santa's Holiday Express" runs.

Anheuser-Busch Merrimack Brewery Tour

New Hampshire visitors can stop to learn all about beer making at the Anheuser-Busch Merrimack Brewery. The tours include all sorts of fun activities. Visitors can see the Budweiser Clydesdales at the Clydesdale Hamlet. The tour also includes a visit to the Brew Hall, where they can learn about how Anheuser-Busch beers are made. Those visitors that are of legal drinking age can also stop at the Hospitality Room, where the product sampling takes place.

Cornish-Windsor Bridge

New Hampshire is known for its covered bridges. One excellent example of a covered bridge is the Cornish-Windsor Bridge. This bridge spans the Connecticut River, connecting Cornish, New Hampshire and Windsor, Vermont. The bridge is over 449 feet long and was constructed in 1866. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the northeast part of the United States, and is an excellent destination in New Hampshire. Mount Washington is also known for its extreme weather conditions, which can be dangerous during the summer. Visitors should be aware that the best conditions generally occur between May and October, however, decent weather is not guaranteed during these months. Those visitors that want to ascend the mountain can take the Mount Washington Auto Road, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which are open seasonally depending on the weather conditions. Visitors can also hike Mount Washington, but should be prepared, whether they are hiking during the summer or winter.

New Hampshire | Fun and Funky Things to Do

New Hampshire is a beautiful New England destination. The sate is filled with amazing destinations fora any traveler. For those visitors looking for something a little different, perhaps a bit funky, but always fun, here are a few attractions of interest in New Hampshire.

American Classic Arcade Museum

More of a working arcade than a traditional museum, visitors will have a great time exploring all of the arcade memorabilia and games. Filled with new and classic arcade games, the museum is a great destination for all arcade and arcade game fans.

America's Stonehenge

New Hampshire's Stonehenge, America's Stonehenge, is a great destination for travelers looking for fun and funky attractions. Unlike other destinations bearing the name of Stonehenge this destination refers to an attraction that was not created as a Stonehenge replica. This destination boasts its own unique and interesting formation of rocks.

Family Camping Museum and Hall of Fame

Families that like to spend their free time camping, will be delighted with a visit to the Family Camping Museum and Hall of Fame. This museum was created by a man who had years of collected family camping gear and more from his own experiences. Visitors to this museum will see all sorts of different camping gear and memories, probably not unlike their own memorabilia saved from family trips.

Ruggles Mine

Located near Grafton, this is a great destination if you are looking for a more hands-on type of experience. Visitors to the mine have the opportunity to search for their own semi-precious gems. At Ruggles Mine, visitors are welcome to hammer away at the rocks in the mine looking for something special.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Visitors to New Hampshire looking for a fun camping destination can stop for a time at the campsites and cabins at juggles Mine. Built on the story of Yogi Bear, this thinned camping destination will be filled with fun activities for the whole family.

New Jersey Quick Facts

Uniquely New Jersey: Atlantic City where the street names come from the Monopoly game, and home to the longest boardwalk in the world
Must See: Cape May, the oldest seashore resort in the U.S.
Most Unusual: The World's Largest Spoon Collection at Lambert Castle
Highest Point: High Point, 1,803 feet
Food to Try: Cobblestones - spice cookies and Apple Cider

What to Do in New Jersey :

1 Enjoy the nightlife in Atlantic City

2 Spend some time enjoying the water on the Middle Delaware River

3 Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in New London

4 Visit Barnegat Light and explore the second tallest lighthouse in the US

5 Hike to the highest point in New Jersey at High Point State Park

6 Learn about Thomas Edison at Menlo Park

Off The Beaten Path | New Jersey

New Jersey is a beautiful state. Visitors can enjoy pine forests and mountains, as well as rivers and ocean. Travelers in New Jersey can enjoy all types of recreation, while also exploring the cities, monuments and much more.

Ellis Island National Monument

Ellis Island was at one point the premiere federal immigration station in the nation. In operation from 1892 through 1954, over 12 million people passed through Ellis Island as the came to the United States. In fact, many citizens can trace at least one ancestor through Ellis Island. Opened in 1990, Ellis Island is a destination where visitors can learn about their own history as well as the history of our country. Visitors can take both guided and self-guided tours, as well as hear some stories from those who passed through Ellis Island.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The beautiful Middle Delaware River flows between low mountains, when it passes between the Mt. Tammany in New Jersey and Mt. Minsi in Pennsylvania, the river forms the Delaware Water Gap. This is an amazing natural wonder, and visitors have many opportunities to enjoy its beauty. There are overlooks that can be enjoyed when driving on Interstate 80 and while recreating in the area. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of water recreation, including kayaking, fishing, swimming and more. Those that wish to enjoy recreation on land can hike, bike, horseback ride, rock climbing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Batsto Village

Batsto Village is a historic destination located in New Jersey's Pine Barrens. The history of the village can be traced all the way back to 1766, and today it is recognized throughout the nation for its historical significance. Visitors to Batsto Village can explore the history of the village by stopping at the museum, or taking a guided or self-guided village tour. Batsto also provides visitors with the opportunity to see a Saw Mill Demonstration, explore the variety of industries that residents of Batsto practiced throughout history, including the Iron Works, the Glass Works and more. In addition to the fascinating history, travelers can enjoy recreating in the surrounding Wharton State Forest.

Cape May

Cape May is a beautiful resort community, that welcomes thousands of visitors looking to enjoy the beaches and small town feel during the summer. However, it is a great destination year round, with plenty to do and see. Cape May is actually a cape stretching into Delaware Bay, but a canal was dug from Cape May's Harbor to Delaware Bay making it an island. Visitors to Cape May can of course enjoy the water and beaches, as well as resorts, but there are many other things to do during a visit. There are many options for delicious dining, and opportunities to enjoy antiquing and small shops. The whole town has a very historic feel, with Victorian architecture and even ghost tours. Cape May also has nature trails, dolphin watching tours, fishing and much more.

Strauss Mansion and Museum

Strauss Mansion is an excellent example of a Queen Anne style house. Built by a wealthy New York businessman, the mansion was originally used as a summer or vacation home. Throughout its history it has been used for many different purposes. Today, visitors can tour the home to enjoy the restored architecture. In addition, the mansion is used as a museum, with  a variety of exhibits for visitors to explore. Exhibit rooms include a Victorian parlor, a tool room, a Native American and Lenape room and much more. The Strauss Mansion grounds also feature a beautiful Victorian style garden.

Howell Living History Farm

The Howell Living History Farm provides visitors the unique opportunity to experience farm life in 1900. There are demonstrations of 25 different horse-drawn field operations; all different types of farm animals such as horses, oxen, cows, pigs, chickens, sheep and more; various styles of barns, and much more. After starting at the visitor center, and exploring farming during the early 1900s, visitors can purchase some of the crops produced at the farm to take home, including flour, honey, maple syrup, and more.

New Jersey Botanical Garden

These botanical gardens are New Jersey's official state botanical gardens and it is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The gardens are located on 96 acres surrounding the Skylands Manor. Visitors can take a variety of tours, including a tour of the Manor. The New Jersey Botanical Garden also have a variety of specialty gardens, including wildflower gardens, rhododendron and hosta garden, lilac garden, peony garden, the Magnolia Walk, an Octagonal Garden and much more.

New Jersey | Fun and Funky Things to Do

In addition to the pine forests, natural beauty, history and other types of interesting destination in New Jersey, the state filled with fun and funky types of destinations. Visitors that like to explore some of the odder types of destination might like to explore a few of these fun and funky destinations in New Jersey

Museum of American Glass

Visitors to New Jersey should make sure to explore the Museum of American Glass. This museum has the most comprehensive collection of American Glass in the world, and it is all displayed in the region where most of the glass was made. Exhibits include pieces from the earliest American glass factories, paperweights, art nouveau pieces, contemporary glass and more.

Northlandz

Within this 16 acre attraction, visitors will find the World's Largest Model Train. There are more than 8 miles of train track, amazing features including bridges, canyons, cities and more. In addition to the amazing model trains there is also a great doll collection and more.

Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Travelers interested in mining and minerals should explore the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. This museum is located in what was at one time a zinc mine. Today, visitors can take mine tours, see outdoor mine structures, explore the displays of fluorescent minerals and much more.

The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park

Those visitors that are interested in science and inventing should stop and explore Edison State Park. Within the park visitors will find the Edison Memorial Tower, a museum and much more. Menlo Park and Edison State Park are located on the site of one of Thomas Edison's laboratories, and are a great place to learn about the history of Thomas Edison and his important inventions. Currently the museum is being restored, but it is expected to reopen in the summer of 2011.

U.S.S. Atlantus at Sunset Beach

At Sunset Beach on Cape May visitors can see much more than the beautiful beach. Just off shore is the wreck of the U.S.S. Atlantus, one of the concrete ships built during World War I. During this period there was a shortage of steel, so engineers designed and built ships from concrete. This design was not longer used after steel became available after the end of the war. The U.S.S. Atlantus was towed to Cape May, and in 1926 the ship broke loose from its moorings and was grounded during a storm. None of the attempts made to move the ship failed and today visitors can see what is left of the concrete ship at Sunset Beach.

New Mexico Quick Facts

Uniquely New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the tens of thousands of bats that call the caves home
Must-See: Santa Fe Indian Market every August
Most Unusual: Bandera Center and Ice Cave where the temperature never rises about 31 degrees
Highest Point: Wheeler Peak, 13,161 feet
Food to Try: Biscochito

What to Do in New Mexico:

1 Marvel at the amazing white sands of white gypsum at White Sands National Monument

2 Learn about the Mogollón culture at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

3 Enjoy the amazing night skies in locations throughout the state

4 Go for a hot air balloon ride at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

5 Drive across New Mexico on the Route 66 National Scenic Byway

6 Visit The Palace of Governors in Santa Fe, the oldest government building in the country

Off The Beaten Path | New Mexico

New Mexico is a state with an amazing array of historical sights and features. From the caves at Carlsbad Caverns to the streets of Tucumcari. In this state there is history, natural beauty, cultural and much more. Here are a few of the amazing places that visitors to New Mexico should try to see.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Located in southeastern New Mexico this park is one of many amazing locations in New Mexico. Throughout the summer visitors can enjoy the night sky events hosted at the park. Carlsbad Caverns are a great place to explore an amazing cave. The cavern has guided tours as well as areas open for self-guided tours. Carlsbad Caverns also has Ranger led programs emphasizing astronomy and nocturnal creatures.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park
On the opposite side of New Mexico from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is another great spot to experience New Mexico. Chaco Culture provides access to a wide variety of Chacoan sites. In fact, Chaco Culture National HIstorical Park has the largest concentration of Chaco ruins outside of Mexico. The park also has a great night sky program. The Chaco Night Sky Program includes presentations, astronomy which links modern astronomy with the astronomical knowledge of the Chacoan people.

Los Alamos, New Mexico
Los Alamos is a little off the road between Arches National Park and Santa Fe, but it is well worth the detour. Like many of the places in the state, Los Alamos has an amazing array of recreational activities. Los Alamos is also an important location for scientific research. Visitors can stop at the Otowi Station Bookstore and Science Museum Shop, or the Bradbury Science Museum. Los Alamos is also an important cultural center. Visitors can enjoy dance, theater, art and history. The art in public places is a great way to enjoy the work of local artists.

Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico
For those travelers who want to enjoy some of the beautiful arts of the Pueblo Indians, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo is an ideal spot to stop along your road-trip. The town once known as San Juan Pueblo, has a long and rich history. Now the town is the headquarters for the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council. As the location of the Oke-Oweenge Crafts Cooperative it is an amazing pueblo art center. You can also enjoy some fishing at the nearby San Juan Lakes, provided you get a permit in advance.

Santa Fe, New Mexico
The beautiful city of Santa Fe is a fabulous destination for any traveler. After all of the recreation along the way to Santa Fe, the city is a great spot to stop and enjoy some culture, art and fine dining. The city has a large number of historic sites, including  the San Miguel Mission, possibly the oldest church in the country. The Indian Market is another great event to enjoy in Santa Fe, held in August, visitors can enjoy the artwork of over 1,200 artists. The market features all different types of Native American artwork. Many people return to the market every year to collect unique pieces of art from their favorite artists.

Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari was once known as a rowdy town full of outlaws. Today visitors will have a variety of attractions to see. Old Route 66 passed through Tucumcari on Tucumcari Boulevard, which will really bring visitors back to the 1940's-50's. Travelers can also learn more about the history of Route 66 in Tucumcari at The Tucumcari Historical Museum. The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce also offers a Visitors Guide, which has information about many Route 66 attractions in and around Tucumcari; it even highlights the Neon signs that light up the night along Historic Route 66 in town.

White Sands National Monument
At White Sands National Monument visitors have the opportunity to experience the wonder of the white gypsum sand. The National Monument preserves a large part of the unique dune fields. This national wonder is a truly amazing sight. Located in the Tularosa Basin these beautiful white sand dunes cover 275 square miles. This is the largest gypsum dune field in the world and is a sight truly worth seeing.

Fun and Funky, New Mexico

New Mexico is a place filled with fascinating history, culture, geological wonders and much more. For those visitors looking for destinations that are a little fun and a little funky, here are  a few great attractions that all visitors will enjoy.

Bandelier National Monument
This National Monument is another great spot to enjoy recreation and archeology. If you only have a short amount of time, you can take a nice short walk on the Main Loop Trail, which leads you from the Visitor Center through some archeological sites into the Frijoles Canyon. On the Main Loop Trail you can see Pueblo dwellings, petroglyphs along with other interesting archeological sites. Another great destination in Bandelier National Monument is the Alcove House.

New Mexico Skies
New Mexico Skies is a program that provides a complete experience for aspiring astronomers. The lodgings are located within the Sacramento Mountains. New Mexico Skies has low light pollution and high elevations, and it borders the Lincoln National Forest, making it a fabulous spot for stargazing. Visitors can rent cabins, stargaze at night and sleep during the day, all of which is delightfully accommodated by New Mexico Skies. Of course, should you want to partake is some daytime activities the National Forest is a great location for recreation.

Capulin Volcano National Monument
The long extinct Capulin Volcano is an amazing destination for New Mexico visitors. This destination is an excellent example of some of the geologic forces that formed the landscape of New Mexico. The cone of Capulin Volcano rises over 1000 feet above the landscape, and is composed of debris from the most recent eruption. Visitors to the volcano can take the Volcano Road to the top, and enjoy miles of hiking trails that provide views of the entire surrounding landscape.

Scandia Peak Tramway
Visitors to New Mexico can experience amazing aerial views of part of the state on the Scandia Peak Tramway. Riders of the tram see deep canyons and beautiful vistas of 2.7 miles of New Mexico terrain from above. From the top of the Scandia Peak Observation Deck visitors get an amazing panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley, and the views of the sunset from the Scandia Peak Tram are absolutely spectacular.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
New Mexico is filled with a rich history, and visitors to New Mexico can visit many sites that preserve this history. One of these amazing sites are the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The homes found at this National Monument are the remnants of the lives and culture of the Mogollan people, who lived in the area over 700 years ago. Visitors to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument can take guided tours, go on hiking and backpacking trips as well as enjoy a variety of Ranger-Led activities.

New Mexico | Fun and Funky Things to Do

New Mexico is a place filled with fascinating history, culture, geological wonders and much more. For those visitors looking for destinations that are a little fun and a little funky, here are  a few great attractions that all visitors will enjoy.

Bandelier National Monument

This National Monument is another great spot to enjoy recreation and archeology. If you only have a short amount of time, you can take a nice short walk on the Main Loop Trail, which leads you from the Visitor Center through some archeological sites into the Frijoles Canyon. On the Main Loop Trail you can see Pueblo dwellings, petroglyphs along with other interesting archeological sites. Another great destination in Bandelier National Monument is the Alcove House.

New Mexico Skies

New Mexico Skies is a program that provides a complete experience for aspiring astronomers. The lodgings are located within the Sacramento Mountains. New Mexico Skies has low light pollution and high elevations, and it borders the Lincoln National Forest, making it a fabulous spot for stargazing. Visitors can rent cabins, stargaze at night and sleep during the day, all of which is delightfully accommodated by New Mexico Skies. Of course, should you want to partake is some daytime activities the National Forest is a great location for recreation.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

The long extinct Capulin Volcano is an amazing destination for New Mexico visitors. This destination is an excellent example of some of the geologic forces that formed the landscape of New Mexico. The cone of Capulin Volcano rises over 1000 feet above the landscape, and is composed of debris from the most recent eruption. Visitors to the volcano can take the Volcano Road to the top, and enjoy miles of hiking trails that provide views of the entire surrounding landscape.

Scandia Peak Tramway

Visitors to New Mexico can experience amazing aerial views of part of the state on the Scandia Peak Tramway. Riders of the tram see deep canyons and beautiful vistas of 2.7 miles of New Mexico terrain from above. From the top of the Scandia Peak Observation Deck visitors get an amazing panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley, and the views of the sunset from the Scandia Peak Tram are absolutely spectacular.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

New Mexico is filled with a rich history, and visitors to New Mexico can visit many sites that preserve this history. One of these amazing sites are the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The homes found at this National Monument are the remnants of the lives and culture of the Mogollan people, who lived in the area over 700 years ago. Visitors to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument can take guided tours, go on hiking and backpacking trips as well as enjoy a variety of Ranger-Led activities.