Places Shiv Wants to Go

A giant ant model welcomes visitors to an exhibit about symbiotic organisms that live with army ant colonies.

Surrounded by traditional homes, this Tolkien-esque dwelling stands out on a quiet street in suburban Maryland.

Located in the remote Monitor Valley, this travertine bowl contains a scalding pool of water.

This rare, carefully curated collection showcases the history of neon inside a grandiose Elks lodge.

Along the Stuart Highway, two giant sculptures tower over the roadway.

A small museum dedicated to taking the taboo out of all things related to poo.

In Lago Superiore, the largest expanse of lotus flowers outside of Asia is hard to miss.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

A unique outdoor timepiece at a "clothing-optional" resort.

An abandoned observatory in the middle of the Illinois prairie.

A series of idealized caves carved to entertain guests.

Largest outdoor staircase in the United States.

This enormous abandoned factory is now a makeshift graffiti gallery.

One man handcrafts "the best sake made outside of Japan" in a tiny desert town on Route 66.

This section of the Kennet and Avon Canal has been designated the same level of heritage protection as Stonehenge.

Known locally as "the giant head," this 14-foot LED sculpture has a photo booth in the neck where you can have a 3D picture taken and displayed.

The largest civilian satellite control center in the world is located in the middle of a drained lake.

This 13th-century monastery chiseled into the side of a mountain is equipped with a bridge that can be lifted to protect against raids.

Hidden on the seventh floor of a historic building, this Cajun spot features wall-to-wall bottles of hot sauce.

The oldest remaining authentic Putt-Putt course that Donald Clayton created in Ohio.

For more than two centuries, the canopy of this venerable tree has been a haven for songbirds and lovers.

Kawaii meets poisonous at this unique art gallery.

Seemingly straight out of a fairy tale, a steel chair sits on a tiny island only accessible by stepping stones.

Victoria's largest salt lake is a favorite haunt for photographers and stargazers.