Stelvio Pass
It's been called the best driving road in the world — and while we're not ready to give it the crown, it's definitely in the conversation. The Stelvio Pass is the Eastern Alps' highest paved road at an elevation of over 9,000 feet, and also its most enjoyable. Originally constructed in the 1820's, this 15-mile stretch of pavement runs between Stilfs in South Tyrol and Bormio in the province of Sondrio, and features plenty of hairpin turns — 48 on the northern side alone — as well as amazing mountain views. Our recommendation? Make sure to rent something fun and Italian — a Ferrari, perhaps? — before hitting the road.
Desolation Peak
Going by the name alone, Desolation Peak doesn't really sound like the type of place you'd be jazzed to visit. But those who know their literary history know otherwise. Set 6,102 feet above sea level, this remote spot in North Cascades National Park played host to Jack Kerouac for 63 days in 1956, as the noted author served as a U.S. Forest Service fire lookout and otherwise used his time to work on The Dharma Bums. Unfortunately for you, Kerouac's post/cabin/shanty isn't open to the public, but that doesn't mean you can't make the 23-or-so mile hike up yourself to take in the inspirational views of the surrounding peaks.
White Rim Road
Canyonlands might not be as famous as its more grand sibling, but this National Park offers a trip every bit as amazing in the White Rim Road. This 100-mile trail takes between two and four days to traverse, depending on your method of transportation — either a four-wheel drive vehicle or mountain bike. One on the road, you'll have the opportunity to explore Shafer Trail, White Crack, Holeman Canyon, and other stunning natural vistas. Just remember to bring plenty of water, leave your pets at home, and be careful out there — if you break down, you're not going to like the bill you get from the towing service.
The Ruins of Troy
For a city as famous as Troy, it's amazing that it took so long for us to figure out exactly where it was. Finally "confirmed" as such around the turn of the century, The Ruins of Troy now welcome visitors who wish to explore this historic site. Located in current-day Turkey, the site actually contains ruins of several different cities, settled on the site between 3,000 BC and 500 AD — including Homeric Troy (the one from the Trojan War), which was occupied around 1,200 BC. Obviously the last 3200 years or so has taken its toll on the ancient structures, but for history buffs, it's a visit well worth making. [via]
Gothenburg Pony Express Station
Planning a trip along the old Oregon Trail? Even if you're not, you shouldn't pass by without stopping in at the Gothenburg Pony Express Station. Situated in Ehmen Park, this station was one of over a hundred that sat along the route, but seeing as how it's still open to the public — and lies in the self-proclaimed Pony Express Capital of the state, it's more interesting than most. Inside, you'll find artifacts from riders who traveled along with treacherous trail, including a replica saddle, but sadly no gravestones marking the end of weary travelers who succumbed to dysentery.
Cementerio de Trenes
Okay, so you're unlikely to travel there just for this — more likely, you're in the area to check out the world's largest salt flat — but if you're already there, don't leave without seeing the Cementerio de Trenes (Train Cemetery). Located just a few kilometers outside town, this collection of vintage locomotives and rail cars were originally meant to move minerals out of the area, and thus bolster the economy. Instead, the rail line construction never fully got off the ground, the trains were used primarily by mining companies, and when that industry collapsed, they were abandoned here, becoming a unique monument to an unfulfilled dream. [via]
R. W. Lindholm Service Station
Frank Lloyd Wright designed hundreds of buildings, but the R. W. Lindholm Service Station is certainly one of the most unique. Located in a small town outside of Duluth, this still-working station was designed in the 1930s as part of the Broadacre City project, built in 1956, and features the clean lines and geometric shapes Wright was famous for. It remains open to the public; of particular note is the signature signage above the working areas in the garage and on the spire, and the second-floor service waiting area that we guarantee is nicer than any gas station waiting room you've ever seen.
Haiku Stairs
Adventuring up a hillside to see a spectacular sunrise is fun enough on its own, but when it's technically illegal? Even better. While you do have to get past a guard to experience them — or simply arrive when the guard's not there — the Haiku Stairs are well worth the effort. Located on the north side of Oahu, this steel staircase of 3,922 steps was originally built to provide access to a military radio station, but now provide access to some of the best views on the island. If you're thinking of giving it a go, be sure to check the Facebook group for more info, and remember: if you have a fear of heights, you might want to think twice — it's a long way down off the sides. [via]
Beer Can House
We can think of a lot worse ways to spend our afternoons than drinking beer in the company of our significant others, and apparently that's an opinion shared by the late John Milkovisch. A retired upholsterer, Milkovisch started transforming his humble abode into the Beer Can House in the late '60s. First came the marbles, rocks, and shrapnel he embedded into the concrete and redwood that eventually replaced his yard. Then John moved on to covering the entire house in flattened beer cans — taken from the stockpile he'd saved up by drinking at least a six-pack with his wife every day — adding flourishes like beer can lid garlands hanging from the roof edges that serve as poor man wind chimes and even a mailbox wrapped in beer. And don't worry that the house will be an ode to a single brand — when asked what his favorite was, Milkovisch often answered "Whatever's on special." Happily, the house is now in the loving care of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, and is open to the public.
Hobo Pool
Saratoga is famous for its hot springs, but that's mainly due to the Saratoga Resort & Spa — at which you have to stay to experience them. Unless, of course, you head to the Hobo Pool. This modestly named natural hot springs was once believed to possess healing powers, and still possesses the ability to amaze as you sit comfortably in water that averages between 106 and 119 degrees Fahrenheit — or perhaps uncomfortably, if you find yourself in the warmer area of the pool known as the Lobster Pot — at the snow falling around you in winter months. For younger visitors or the heat-adverse, there's also a not-so-hot-pool, as well as recently renovated changing house and a few picnic tables out back, just in case you arrive in weather warm enough to use them.
Xanadu Gallery
Okay, so technically the Xanadu Gallery could (should?) fall into the Shop category, but despite its standing as a place of business, it's the building itself that's the bigger draw. Located just steps from Union Square, this historic structure was originally known as the V. C. Morris Gift Shop and was designed by the great Frank Lloyd Wright in 1948. And while that fact alone would be enough to draw visitors in — along with the striking arch entranceway — it's the interior design and its spiral ramp theme that's most interesting, as it links this design with the far more famous Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC. And who knows — you might enjoy exploring the space so much you end up buying something.
Hole N" The Rock
Yes, it's touristy. But it's also fairly amazing. Located in Utah's Canyonlands Country, the Hole N" The Rock is actually a combination of things that together make up one of America's more interesting roadside attractions. On the grounds, you'll find a 5,000 square foot home carved out of the rock, a rock sculpture of FDR, an exotic zoo, a large collection of metal/art sculptures, antique tools, vintage signs, a trading post, a general store, and a souvenir shop (of course), and, just for good measure, an actual hole in a rock. Imagine that.
