1

Block Island, Rhode Island

Image: John Angel

One of the "Last Great Places" in the Western Hemisphere, as declared by the Nature Conservancy, Block Island has done a great job at preserving its natural beauty, with 40% of its territory being devoted to wildlife refuges.

32 miles of coastline and inland trails, along with beaches, biking, and trekking provide ample opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. And, when the sun goes down, a healthy scene of bars and restaurants with an easy-going atmosphere and great food welcomes visitors.

2

Alamosa, Colorado

Image: Shelby Cohron

Colorado is not just about ski resorts and mountains, as Alamosa proudly demonstrates. If you head down south in the Centennial State you will find this high-altitude agricultural community mainly known to UFO sightings chasers and birdwatchers.

The town, packed with antique shops and craft breweries, is near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a surreal place that makes visitors feel as if they were in the Sahara desert. The San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo mountains, also near, provide ideal spots for hiking and exploring during the summer months.

3

Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin

Image: Dave Hoefler

Hiking trails might not look like the most crowded places but they can be—the popular ones, at least. Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail offers 1,200 miles of scenic hiking paths without the heavy foot traffic of places of most known trails.

The trail can be thoroughly enjoyed without the need to traverse it in full, as it has many segments that can be discovered individually. Wooded hills, gorgeous glacial lakes, and plenty of trailside camps and small communities to rest make this trail a great spot for a holiday in nature.

4

Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

Image: Larry Ferreira

There is much more to Massachusetts than Boston, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires—for example, the Pioneer Valley . Carved by the Connecticut River, this peaceful area is home to several vintage mill cities turned into modern towns full of restaurants and one-off shops.

Hikers can walk the north woods on the New England Trail and Springfield visitors can discover the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where the sport was born in 1891, as well as the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum & Sculpture Garden.

5

John Day Region, Oregon

Image: Anna Vineyard

While it has managed to avoid massive crowds for all of its existence, it's hard to believe that a natural wonder as picturesque as John Day Region will remain a calm place for much longer in this day and age. Take a moment to Google-search John Day Region’ s Painted Hills and you will get the idea.

And if that is not enough reason to make you plan a visit, the region is packed with old-growth rainforests, canyons, high desert plains, and undammed rivers complete with sandy beaches and gorgeous meadows, all in an easy-to-move-around area.

6

Pennsylvania Wilds

Image: Lera Kogan

When considering the abundance of wildlife and untamed mountain creeks, ancient trees of the Forest Cathedral, and Pine Creek’s own version of the Grand Canyon, it becomes clear that the Pennsylvania Wilds is a region that lives up to its name.

Sprawling across a vast expanse of the rugged Allegheny Plateau, the region boasts 29 state parks, two national wild and scenic rivers, a world-class stargazing center at Cherry Springs, and human relics like the Kinzua Bridge.

7

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Image: Drew Harbour

A city that has a ton of amazing things to offer but never appears on those glamorous Top-Cities-To-Visit lists, Tulsa is a hidden jewel of the Midwest. Its beautiful Art Deco architecture, impressive museums and cultural institutions with collections rivaling those of major cities, lively music scene, and craft breweries make it a great long weekend destination.

The best time window to visit would be from September to November when the temperate weather is ideal for walking tours and bike rides in the historic neighborhoods. The Tulsa International Airport has nonstop flights from all over the country, all year long.

8

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Image: Parker Hilton

Combining beach fun and outdoor adventure with copious wildlife, Cumberland Island National Seashore receives visits that usually stay for the day. But staying overnight at beachside campgrounds or the Greyfield Inn is a fun adventure as well.

Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island is full of wild horses, sea turtles, wild turkeys, and infinite birds everywhere to be seen along the island’s 18-mile-long beach.

9

Western Tennessee

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

An enticing blend of nature, history, music, and food tells us that there is so much more to Tennessee than the tourist magnet that is Nashville. From the cradle of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll that is Memphis to the historical sites of Shiloh National Military Park and Fort Donelson National Battlefield to the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park that conserves nearly 13,000 acres of rare hardwood bottomland along the Mississippi River, including eerie bald cypress swamp. Western Tennessee is a place to explore.

10

Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas

Image: Oliver Graham

The few visitors who venture past Hot Springs National Park, and into the highlands of west-central Arkansas are rewarded with a haven of solitude and natural wonder in the form of the Ouachita range.

These mountains are ideal for those who like their hiking, camping, and fishing in a peaceful environment. And, if that proves to be too calm, Magazine Mountain is a regional hang-gliding mecca that also boasts amazing mountain biking routes.

1

Garage

Image: Danielle-Claude Bélanger

If you’re like most of us, when you hear the word garage , you think of a place to store cars—on land. But if you belong to the super-rich, you might think otherwise. Octopus is a superyacht owned by an extremely wealthy individual (as with every other massive boat on this list, we’ll avoid naming names) that features a two-story wet dock functioning as the explorer yacht's very own mini-marina.

Two primary tenders are stored and launched through a giant transom door, while the floodable dock is complemented by rows of smaller toy garages.

2

Spa

Image: Jared Rice

Many cruise ships offer spas as part of their onboard amenities, but sharing those accommodations with other passengers is usually to be expected. Unless, of course, you happen to own Kismet , a superyacht that boasts a " 7-star wellness suite ." This luxurious space includes a hammam, sauna, cryotherapy chamber, private treatment room with a massage table, and a chromotherapy bathtub. Not bad, right?"

3

Air-conditioned helicopter hangar

Image: Andrew Palmer

If you own a superyacht, chances are you probably own a helicopter too. So, it only makes sense to have a proper deck on your yacht to land your helicopter. However, the owner of Moonrise took things a step further by adding an air-conditioned helicopter hangar to the mix.

4

Bespoke chandelier

Image: William Krause

Probably due to the fact that these things always seem to hang rather precariously from the ceiling, chandeliers tend to be installed on dry land and not on moving vehicles. However, if your yacht is large enough, anything is possible.

Such is the case with the Aquila superyacht, which boasts a bespoke chandelier crafted by the Czech company Preciosa. This masterpiece made up of more than 850 pieces of hand-blown glass , stretches an astonishing 36.7 feet , cascading elegantly through four of Aquila’s five decks.

5

Nature-inspired spa

Image: Roberto Nickson

The Ahpo superyacht features a massive spa designed with curves, leaves, waves, and bamboo for a serene, nature-inspired aesthetic. Located on the lower deck, this luxurious facility includes a plunge pool , a Himalayan salt sauna , a hammam , and a massage room . Each space is decorated with intricate nature-themed mosaics and ceilings embedded with twinkling fiber optic lights, creating a tranquil and immersive experience.

6

A snow room

Image: Nathan Wolfe

If an onboard spa isn’t luxurious enough, how about a walk-in snow room ? The Faith superyacht takes indulgence to another level with its spa, which includes this unique feature. Aside from the fun of building a snowman while navigating across the Caribbean, spending time in the snow room offers several health benefits , such as stimulating metabolism , improving sleep , and relieving pain .

7

Underwater lounge

Image: Jeremy Bishop

Imagine relaxing in your superyacht’s private lounge, gazing through a huge window in front of you, half of it over the water line and half of it, underwater . This is the kind of extraordinary experience awaiting owners and guests aboard the Savannah . Spot marine life with a drink in your hand, anytime.

8

Private library

Image: Iñaki del Olmo

Arguably the most understated feature on this extravagant list, the massive L-shaped library aboard the M5 superyacht exudes a cozy, residential charm. With hundreds of volumes neatly arranged in rows and a plush L-shaped sofa to match, this library offers the perfect space to unwind in style.

9

Outdoor cinema

Image: Andre Ouellet

Imagine a drive-in theater—but at sea, and without the cars. That’s the kind of experience you can enjoy aboard Grey , another big boat with a glass-sided swimming pool complete with a high-luminosity cinema setup . Flanked by plush sofa seating, the area boasts integrated speakers and a state-of-the-art surround sound system.

And yes, in case you were wondering, the screen can completely retract and fold away when not in use.

10

Basketball court

Image: JC Dela Cuesta

Imagine playing basketball while the entire court is rocked by the waves —quite an experience! The lucky owner of Joy , another luxurious ship, can do just that. The court can also be converted into a badminton court. And after the workout, the dedicated onboard spa is ready to soothe those sore muscles.

11

A jaguar

Image: Jeff Heaton

Figureheads on the bow of ships are an ancient tradition, but placing a car-style hood ornament on a ship is something else altogether. And doing it on a massive scale creates quite the spectacle. The Whisper superyacht boasts a 12-foot silver jaguar statue on its bow , a tribute to its previous owner, who also happened to own the Jacksonville Jaguars football team.

12

Greek pool

Image: Alex Harmuth

Picture a massive pool, set underneath dramatic lighting to give the appearance of a night-lit sky, and surrounded by grand Greek statues , all aboard a luxury private yacht . That’s Leona , a 240-foot superyacht. The lavish atmosphere is completed by water outlets and fresco walls that make its visitors feel like they are in a Greek villa .

1

Eureka

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

The unmistakable Californian Eureka isn't English; it's Greek and translates to "I have found it!" This accurate expression is deeply connected to something that became a symbol of the state in the 19th century: gold.

It is said that the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes was doing experiments to define the density of pure gold when he decided to take a bath. Suddenly, a revelation came to his mind. According to legend, Archimedes forgot to get dressed and started to run through the streets to the joyous yell of "Eureka!"

The Gold Rush that occurred in California in the 19th century gave rise to the motto of this state. The story goes that, in 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in Coloma, and his scream of "Eureka!" was soon heard. While adopted informally much earlier, this expression became California's official motto in 1963.

2

Crescit Eundo

Image: Joseph Corl

Greek is not the only ancient language that shapes U.S. states' mottos. Latin also appears, seen in expressions like New Mexico's Crescit Eundo.

This motto in Latin translates to "It grows as it goes"and was chosen because it strongly represents the ideals and aspirations of this southwestern state. This meaningful expression was adopted as a hallmark of this region as early as the 19th century , reflected in early versions of the territorial seal long before New Mexico became one of the 50 states.

Thus, New Mexico demonstrates its belief that advancement and progress come with time and effort, a conviction held both historically and currently.

3

Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

Image: Pascal Bernardon

Latin is here again, this time giving life to the official state motto of Massachusetts.

The Bay State's lengthy motto, Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem , has a beautiful meaning: "By the sword, we seek peace, but peace only under liberty." This expression represents the commitment the state of Massachusetts has always had, as one of the sites where the feeling of freedom and the demand for independence arose and grew.

This great motto was chosen in the late 18th century, during the tumultuous colonial era. With independence as its banner, Massachusetts has always defended the nation with strength and determination, something reflected in its motto from the earliest days of the Revolution to the present day.

4

Animis Opibusque Parati/ Dum Spiro Spero

Image: Terry Granger

South Carolina is one of the states that has more than one motto. This state has two, both incorporated in its state seal, both adopted during the Revolutionary years, and both in Latin .

Animis Opibusque Parati carries a powerful meaning: "Prepared in Mind and Resources." This expression reflects the mental, physical, and spiritual strength colonial men had to fight in the Revolutionary War and the importance of possessing the necessary resources when doing so.

For its part, Dum Spiro Spero brings a beautiful and poetic definition: "While I Breathe, I Hope." This message of hope , which emerged in the context of the Revolution, highlights the fight was always fueled by a desire for freedom and the hope of victory.

5

Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono

Image: Pascal Debrunner

No one can deny the beauty and charm of Hawaii. Its lands, volcanoes, and beaches, everything there seems magical.

Their motto, Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono , was officially adopted in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state of our country. It reflects the lifestyle of its inhabitants and their commitment to preserving their home, as we see it.

This Hawaiian expression translates to "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." According to this powerful statement, the land is maintained by the right values and actions of the people who inhabit it. The people's goodness and morality are reflected in the land's health and virtue .

6

Ditat Deus

Image: Gautier Salles

Ditat Deus , Latin for "God enriches," has been with us for a long time: since Arizona became a territory in 1863. The expression was chosen during the period when the territorial seal was designed, reflecting the spiritual and religious values of the era.

In addition to that statement, the Arizona state seal also features a dam, irrigated fields, cattle grazing, a mill, and a miner. The idea of divine richness is associated with Arizona's plentiful natural resources, which have contributed to its growth and prosperity . Thus, when Arizona became one of the 50 states, this motto was chosen again, reaffirming its symbolic importance for the state.

7

Oro y Plata

Image: Steven Cordes

It's not all about Latin and Greek here; there is also room for Spanish . And that's the language the state of Montana chose for its official motto!

Montana is called "The Treasure State" for a good reason. As many know, Oro y Plata is Spanish for "Gold and Silver." Like Arizona, Montana chose to highlight the resources that made its development and growth possible, which is reflected in both its seal and its motto.

Thus, the state pays homage to its tradition of precious metal mining . Now you're probably wondering, "And why in Spanish?" Well, it turns out that Montana has a diverse cultural history, and the early Hispanic settlers played an essential role in Montana's mining industry during the 19th century. In fact, the state's name comes from the Spanish word montaña , which simply means "mountain."

8

Sic semper tyrannis

Image: Zachary Spears

Latin is back in this list, this time to embody the powerful motto of the state of Virginia.

Adopted in the 18th century along with its seal, the motto Sic Semper Tyrannis translates to "Thus Always to Tyrants." Some sources state that this phrase was used during the establishment of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BCE when the monarchs were overthrown and expelled.

The story goes that George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers of our country, was inspired by Roman history to coin this phrase and designate it to define Virginia's ideals. Yes, you guessed right, the defiant expression was adopted in the context of the Revolution , making it clear that America would never again accept oppressive rule over its shoulders.

9

Regnat populus

Image: Tommy Bond

Freedom and independence are fundamental values for our country and for each state in particular.

Thus, the state of Arkansas also plants its flag with its Latin official motto, Regnat Populus , meaning nothing less than "The People Rule." Arkansas affirms that the power belongs to the inhabitants of these lands, highlighting the importance of civil participation in the affairs of the state.

This motto, adopted in the 19th century,embodies the ideals of sovereign, democratic, consensual, and fair governance.

10

Labor omnia vincit

Image: Peter Kleinau

Oklahoma became the 46th state of our country in 1907 . It was in that same year that the state adopted its official motto, Labor omnia vincit , Latin for "Labor/Work Conquers All Things."

The phrase appears in the iconic '' Georgics'' by Roman poet Virgil , who expressed "Labor omnia vicit / improbus'' to support Augustus Caesar and advise Romans to work the land.

Oklahoma's motto honors the state's agricultural history and encourages perseverance in pursuing goals, reflecting the values of hard work and dedication.