Places Mike Walker Recommends

This giant meditative chakra sits peacefully in the Flathead Valley of western Montana.

An absolutely beautiful 200-foot stained glass installation traces the evolution of knowledge.

The highest point in South Dakota contains the ashes of Valentine McGillycuudy, the "Holy White Man."

One of the American Southwest's most extensive collections of Navajo rock art.

Despite being burnt down multiple times, the ruins of this South Carolina church are still standing.

A quirky Poe-themed joint on an island keen to celebrate its overlooked connection to the famous writer.

This southwestern historic site was designed and built by an artist who wanted his work to "feel at home."

One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the United States air-dries its trademark beef in a dangling outdoor cage.

The longest living non-clonal organisms on Earth.

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

Open-air museum with an elaborate sculpture garden, stretching for over 70,000 square-meters.

This tiny museum hidden above a restaurant houses thousands of modern and traditional kites.

This retro café is a remnant of Japan’s post-war Argentine tango craze.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

In 806, Kobo Daishi began meditating on Mount Misen. The Buddhist monk lit this holy fire, which has been kept burning for 1,200 years.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

Secluded springs in the Rio Grande Gorge offer hot bathing beside the haunted ruins of a stagecoach stop.

A museum cafe showcases Native American dishes and indigenous ingredients from across the Western Hemisphere.

This restaurant has been a haven for D.C.'s LGBTQ community since the 1950s.

This small museum is dedicated to telling the 4,000-year story of Palestinian history, culture, and resistance.

The first purpose-built art gallery in the United States is once again open as a center of craft arts.

This replica of a Sarajevo fountain stands at the heart of the world’s largest Bosnian diaspora community.

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