Places Zesra Wants to Go

An antiquated German apothecary on Chicago's North Side.

A century-old hotspot for jazz, frequented by everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Al Capone.

A monument to the art of slicing people open.

A lush green oasis in the middle of Chicago.

This morbid, delightful curiosity shop offers everything from animal bones to human teeth.

The first and only museum dedicated to stained glass and horology opened outside of Chicago in 2017.

Shop of curiosities with a dinosaur museum tucked in its basement.

A famous—but endangered—plant is on view at an unassuming nature preserve a quick drive from Myrtle Beach.

One of few remaining marionette theatres in the United States that still conducts regular shows.

If it wasn’t for a real estate agent with a penchant for old-school arcades, this hands-on collection of nostalgic flipper machines might never exist.

A charming monument to a very special dog.

This chicken coop pays homage to a classic architectural style made famous throughout the southern United States.

The uniquely-designed winter home and sculpture studio of Anna and Archer Huntington.

North America's oldest authentic African Village.

A rapidly disappearing authentic bit of the old south.

On Hilton Head Island this bronze King of the Sea rules all things briny—and lets you know if you’re late for lunch.

A hobby born from insomnia has turned into a hangar full of objects that have been be-buttoned by the Button King.

This recently rediscovered Civil War-era submarine was the first to ever sink an enemy ship.

One man's extraordinary topiary garden in a small South Carolina town.

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

This set of rickety spaceships are prepared to give alien travelers a place to relax and go to the bathroom.

A huge musical instrument played by the ocean.

A tribute to the twin ideals of religion and patriotism, built by a Catholic priest from rocks, glass, and innumerable found items.

A wonderland of caves in eastern Iowa.