A colorful architectural gem in Seattle’s uniquely modern Central Library.

Iceland's "Smoky Valley" is a beautiful river that is shrouded in a constant cover of steam clouds.

A museum dedicated to the history and exploration of both popular music and science fiction.

A giant Troll lurks under one of Seattle's oldest bridges.

A pocket of jungle amidst urban expansion in Panama.

For almost a century, this East Village newsstand has served egg creams to beats, hippies, punks, and everything in between.

One of the city’s oldest watering holes was originally the home of a famous James Brown (not that one).

Those belting out show tunes in this West Village piano bar might not realize it marks the site where Thomas Paine died in 1809.

Jimi Hendrix's legendary recording studio in Greenwich Village.

Stunningly detailed mosaics in a New York subway station bring life to the Weimaraners of artist William Wegman's work—and to thousands of commutes.

Sparkling, calcite-covered skeletons of children who may have been sacrificed to appease an angry god.

On an island south of Iceland, a large volcanic rock formation resembles an elephant.

Blighted Irish field and the ruins of a 19th-century cottage on the edge of urban Manhattan.

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

A free, canine-friendly alternative watering hole near the more famous Barton Springs.

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

Free public park and gardens filled with peacocks and peahens.

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, estimated at 1.5 million bats.

One part antique store, one part curiosities hodge-podge.

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 downtown Dallas art installation is always on the lookout.

This head-spinningly bizarre Depression-era art cave is wall-to-wall quartz and Jesus.

Every day a troupe of pampered water fowl walk the red carpet to their favorite fountain.