The tallest monument in a historic New Orleans cemetery was prompted by romance and dash of pettiness.

New Orleans' famous cemetery, located on the site of a former race track.

The world-record holder for the longest bridge stretching continuously over water.

The LSU mascot lived on the college campus in one of the most impressive tiger habitats in the country.

The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium.

Anne Rice, one of the most influential writers in gothic literature, is buried alongside her husband in a New Orleans cemetery.

A museum and shop on Bourbon Street located in the French Quarter.

The Boston square dedicated to the dark poet who was born nearby.

Home to an endangered salamander, a full moon celebration, and a large spring-fed outdoor swimming pool.

This simple frog painting created by musician Daniel Johnston embodies the spirit of Austin.

This eclectic Austin curiosity shop is home to all things strange and unusual.

The pit stop from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" now serves beef and pork barbecue, not people.

The world's largest squirrel statue clutches a pecan bigger than your head.

A gorgeous garden oasis with winding paths, stone bridges, and a troubling history.

A 24-hour vending machine restocked daily with homemade full-sized pecan pies.

A collection of full-size movie monsters opened to the public.

Locals dubbed it the "Owl Building" because of its bird-like appearance.

A small island hides in plain sight on Austin's Lady Bird Lake.

This titanic oil company sign is a reminder of the Americana boom of the 1970s and also its commoditization.

Less a museum than a bizarre fantasy world created by artists and engineers.

The only structure left with direct ties to the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692.

Experience the hysteria of a 17th century witch hunt through goofy reenactments and wax dummies that should probably be burned at the stake.

Austin’s nonprofit-run graffiti park where street art is meant to be painted over.

An emerald-green grotto just a short trip from Austin.