Places sch Wants to Go

Famous for its bio-luminescent inhabitants, known as "dismalites."

148 feet long and in the middle of a verdant forest.

Joe Minter is only doing the work of God in his yard, he says.

The highest point in Louisiana, Driskill Mountain at 535 feet above sea level.

A collection of huge Pre-Colombian structures in Alabama.

Tucked away on a hilltop in the backwoods of Mississippi lies the remains of a blues legend.

This historic general store still operates much as it did in the late 1800s.

A four-hour holy-rolling, Hallelujah-shouting, Southern gospel service, rendered as a country market where "All Is Welcome, Jews, and Gentiles."

Built by prisoners of war, the largest small-scale model ever built includes eight miles of tiny streams that now sit abandoned.

A Rodeo for Prisoners.

A swamp and garden tour featuring local wildlife and exotic botanical specimens from around the world.

The crumbling ruins of this southern American fort have survived storms, war, and cults.

Pirates had to be ousted from the land where this now ruined Louisiana fortress was built.

Religion and personal struggle gave birth to this collection of concrete angels.

A museum of unusual collections, mini-towns, and a half-dog, half-alligator.

Once defending the city of New Orleans from invasion by sea, this fort faces an uncertain future.

This abandoned Civil War fortress is slowly being swallowed by the waters of Lake Borgne.

An impressive collection of dollhouses and an homage to the frog-leg canning industry.

The curiosities and wonders of pharmacy in a delightful historic building.

The restaurant keeps a hidden séance room on the second floor and reserves a table for the spirit of the former owner each night.

A private museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Mardi Gras' most beloved underdog parades, open by appointment.

A 19th-century shrine covered with prosthetic body parts as votive offerings.