Islands

Texas' capital is widely visited for its barbecue scene, flagship stores, and so-called "Dirty 6th Street." Despite its man-made entertainment, there's a more natural side to the city that draws in visitors and locals who have known about it for years. Mount Bonnell has been an Austin staple since the mid-1800s, making it one of the city's oldest attractions. The limestone overlook sits more than 780 feet above sea level, with more than 100 steps leading to the top.

When it comes to getting the most out of your vacation, dietary restrictions need consideration, and that includes those committed to a plant-based diet. Modern vegetarianism, and its let's-take-things-to-the-next-level brethren veganism, is unambiguously mainstream, thanks to a society-wide environmentalist upswing and the proselytization of health kick gurus and mindfulness-focused philosophies. There are hundreds of millions of vegetarians in the world.

From bayous to swamps to wetlands, Louisiana's southern shore is one of the Pelican State's most alluring features. Along its nearly 7,800 miles of coastline, land and water blend together into unique habitats and ecosystems that capture the imagination. Some, like the bayous of the Mississippi Delta, are world-renowned for their moss-laden trees and ethereal backwaters steeped in folklore legends and eerie histories.

With all of Chicago's world-class offerings — from museums and shopping to cuisine and architecture — it's easy to think it's the only city in Illinois worth visiting. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Plenty of underrated places in Illinois might not bustle Chicago-style, but their distinctive charms absolutely beckon for an excursion.

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, in an Iranian-American family, where one of our signature dishes is kabob koobideh, or seasoned ground beef grilled on skewers and served with rice. At this point, you might be wondering: "Hold on; aren't I supposed to be reading an article about burgers?" Stay with me here. The word koobideh refers to ground, pounded meat, and when putting it between two pieces of bread, you essentially have a version of a burger.

In central North Carolina, in the shadows of Raleigh's downtown skyline, free museums, and burgeoning lineup of eateries, lies one of the state's treasured wooded escapes to put on your radar. The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve spans 150 pristine acres and combines greenery with outdoor recreation, just a 20-minute drive from the capital city.

Despite being one of the biggest cities in Missouri, Springfield has somewhat stood in the shadows of better-known tourist hotspots like Kansas City and St. Louis. Those who come here, however, might find that the city not only boasts an impressive variety of museums, restaurants, and shops, but also an outdoorsy scene that some wouldn't expect. One particular attraction nature lovers can't miss out on is Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse.

With 125 state parks and more than 2,300 lakes, Pennsylvania is a great state for exploring the outdoors. You can enjoy both wooded parkland and fun on the water in the south-central Pennsylvania borough of Lewisberry, a small town that's home to Gifford Pinchot State Park. Named for the former Pennsylvania governor and forester who served as Theodore Roosevelt's chief advisor on conservation, Gifford Pinchot State Park covers 2,338 acres of reclaimed farmland anchored by 340-acre Pinchot Lake.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is consistently the most visited national park in America, receiving more than 11 million visitors annually. Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the park is undeniably scenic, with its steep valleys, tumbling falls, and an iconic bluish haze that suffuses this part of the Southern Appalachian mountain chain.

In many ways, Wisconsin embodies the essence of the Midwest. The people are friendly, the cost of living is reasonable, and it's often overlooked as a travel destination. While many people may view the Badger State as a place known for its dairy products, there's much more for visitors to discover, from the numerous waterparks of Wisconsin Dells to its underrated cities. But where the state truly shines is in its green spaces, which are perfect for weekend escapes.