Places Added by Meg Neal

The lesser-known lost colony of Roanoke was a safe haven for formerly enslaved people during the Civil War.

Buffalo's abandoned concrete grain elevators are getting a second life.

The scant remains of this flooded historic village can be explored in one of the most remote areas of the Great Smokies.

One of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest—and favorite—architectural masterpieces was almost lost.

This peaceful gem in upstate New York was chosen as the future home of the 14th Dalai Lama's Library and Museum.

This little slice of the Netherlands in the Pacific Northwest blooms in a rainbow of color each spring.

This historic estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe was home to an eccentric millionaire (and his pet elephant, Mingo).

This rare archive of original recordings and photos uncovers the early days of hip hop culture.

The eerie remnants of an ancient forest were hidden under the sand for centuries.

The words of the neighborhood's most famous poets adorn four concrete walls.

This peaceful garden is hidden on the grounds of a spiritual organization founded by a pioneer yogi.

A fashion designer's dazzling world of Japanese collectibles is hidden in a warehouse downtown.

L.A.'s oldest operating bowling alley is a beautifully restored homage to its speakeasy days.

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.

This peaceful sanctuary is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.

A historic blockhouse and trading post give a glimpse into the early colonial history of South Carolina.

Legend has it the mill owner's daughter, Mary Musgrove, helped a Patriot soldier hide behind these falls.

According to local lore, this narrow passageway through two large rocks was accidentally created by the devil himself.

This natural wonderland is a unique chance to explore a Carolina bay, a mysterious geological formation of unknown origin.

The enormous 250-room Vanderbilt mansion conceals hidden doors and secret passageways.

This 5-by-6-foot wooden hut is the smallest historic post office in the U.S.

Every week, a festive public jam session breaks out in downtown Asheville.

A wonderful display of arts and crafts handmade by local artisans in the Southern Appalachians.

Gnarled canopies of pink and purple wildflowers arch over the trail to the summit.