State

If you’ve ever wanted to sip wine while gliding through a canyon so deep it makes your stomach flutter—in a good way—hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado. This bucket-list-worthy train ride serves up jaw-dropping views, gourmet dining, and old-school railcar charm as it hugs the cliffs of one of Colorado’s most iconic natural wonders.

Ever dreamed of standing eye-to-eye with an elephant, feeling the breeze from its flapping ears, or watching it splash joyfully in a mud bath just feet away? At Myakka Elephant Ranch in Myakka City, Florida, those dreams come to life—and they’re even more heartwarming in person.

There are scenic train rides—and then there’s the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, where the journey climbs straight into the sky. Departing from the charming town of Manitou Springs, this iconic rail line takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime ride to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most legendary “fourteeners.”

Tucked high above the treetops in South Lake Tahoe, the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s a one-of-a-kind alpine adventure with front-row seats to some of the most jaw-dropping views in the Sierra Nevada. Imagine strapping into a sleek, solo coaster car and cruising down a track that twists and turns through towering pines, rugged ridgelines, and wide-open sky.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of easing back into an inner tube, toes in the air, and letting a crystal-clear river do the navigating. At Landa Falls in New Braunfels, Texas, that laid-back dream is a reality—and it kicks off with one of the most scenic, shady river starts in the state.

If your idea of a perfect day involves the rhythmic chug of a locomotive, the whistle echoing through the pines, and wide-eyed grins from everyone on board, then it’s time to head to Rusk. The Texas State Railroad isn’t just a ride—it’s a full-on step back in time, where vintage railcars, scenic forests, and Southern charm roll out like a storybook across the tracks.

Step inside a bar, toss on a helmet, grab a baseball bat… and take a swing at your stress. Welcome to Group Therapy Pub & Playground, a downtown Greenville hotspot that’s redefining what it means to “blow off steam.” Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the patio, demolishing old furniture in a Rage Room, or battling your friends in mini golf and karaoke, this place brings a whole new meaning to the term “happy hour.”

There’s a place in rural Ohio where antique hounds, bargain hunters, and homemade donut devotees all cross paths—and it’s not your typical flea market. Rogers Flea Market & Auctions in Rogers, Ohio is one of those rare gems that feels like a slice of Americana with a little something for everyone. Think of it as part open-air market, part cultural gathering spot, and part treasure hunt.

What if you could enjoy all the perks of a tropical island—turquoise water, white-sand beaches, fruity drinks in hand—without ever leaving the mainland? Welcome to MetroLagoon Southshore Bay, a splashy paradise tucked into Wimauma, Florida, where a massive manmade lagoon delivers serious vacation energy just 30 minutes from Tampa.

Looking for a place in Orlando that’ll get your heart racing before you’ve even stepped inside? Say hello to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, a sprawling, high-octane wonderland where the thrills are turbocharged and the fun is as electric as the karts themselves.