From north to south of the United States and from east to west, there are little-known places that are worth the detour. We have selected eight of them to see absolutely during your next stay in our neighbors to the South.
McDonald–Texas Observatory
Alamo, you know, but don’t miss… the McDonald Observatory.
Close to Fort Davis, more than 240 kilometers from any central town, this observatory is perched at an altitude of 2,300 meters. It offers daytime tours, live sightings of the sun, and, three times a week, nighttime parties where visitors can use its largest telescopes to get closer to the stars. The calendar also includes a few exceptional evenings with dinner under the moon and an observation session at the observatory’s most powerful telescope in the company of a professional astronomer.
Vollis Simpson Windmills – North Carolina
Biltmore Mansion, you know, but don’t miss… Vollis Simpson Windmills
Admire the giant mobiles of Windmill Farm, a collection of 30 spinning works of art created by ex-machinist Vollis Simpson.
The Cupid’s Span – California
The Golden Gate, you know, but do not miss… the Cupid’s Span in San Francisco.
Admire contemporary masterpieces and rediscover San Francisco with this infrastructure on the edge of the water, in the heart of the city. 21 meters high, this sculpture represents love, made by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a married couple. The impressive piece of art is undeniably worth a visit if you’re in a California town! And why not take the opportunity to walk on Lombard Street, one of the ten most famous streets in the world?
Bishop’s Castle – Colorado
The Rockies You Know, But Don’t Miss… Bishop’s Castle
Exploring this nearly 50-meter-tall neo-Gothic mansion nestled at the foot of the mountains of the San Isabel National Forest is like stepping onto the film set from Lord of the Rings. This spectacular reproduction of a medieval castle has wrought iron gateways, brightly colored stained glass windows, and a metal dragon’s head that spews flames from its mouth and smoke from its nostrils. Climb the maze of stairs and venture to the top of the tall towers. For nearly 60 years, Jim Bishop has accumulated and arranged thousands of stones to achieve this fantastic construction, unfinished to date.
The Paynes Prairies – Florida
Disney World, you know, but don’t miss… the Paynes Prairie Preserve
This 23,000-hectare estate is teeming with alligators, bison, horses, and birds (270 species counted). Its eight paths can be traveled on foot, on horseback, or by bicycle. Climb to the top of the 15-meter tower for a breathtaking view of the meadow.
The barns-markets – Maine
The Freeport Mall, you know, but do not miss… the barn market of the Red Barn Market & Design.
Away from the road between Bar Harbor and Portland, flea markets camouflaged as farmhouses offer beautiful antiques at bargain prices. While the one at Red Barn Market & Design is popular, there are several others around the state of Maine. You can find their contact information on the Maine Antique Dealers website.
The Heidelberg–Michigan Project
The Penobscot Building, you know, but don’t miss…the Heidelberg project
Learn about street art in this Detroit neighborhood whose abandoned houses have walls with polka dots or numbers – when they are not dressed in fluff.
L’Intrepid – New York
The Empire State Building, you know, but don’t miss… the banks of the Hudson River.
Bite into the Big Apple as you explore the quays and parks that line the river. Board the Intrepid, a WWII aircraft carrier, for a sunset cinematic screening steps from the water.
