If you’re an Outlander fan, you’ve heard of New Bern, NC. If you’re a Nicholas Sparks fan, you know that he lives and works here. If you’re a fan of Pepsi, you may know it was invented here. If you’re not a fan of any of it, then simply come to be in awe of this historic little town we love.

Keswick is one of those little towns that comes as a complete surprise to someone visiting for the first time. While small in size, it is teeming with great restaurants and shops, happy people walking everywhere with their dogs, and Victorian-era buildings in every direction.

It says that York is one of the most haunted towns in the world and while that may be true, we found it to also be one of the most charming places with things to discover at every turn. The centuries-old timber houses with uneven floors, the cobblestone streets, and the history all make it worth the visit for a few days.

Ballater and Braemar are known for frequent royal visits, great shops and restaurants, and a bit more of a sophisticated, yet outdoorsy kind of feel. One minute, you could be walking down the streets of Ballater, only to run smack into an outdoor adventure fair; and the next minute, you could be in Braemar, dining in the Fife Arms just two days after the Queen. Yes, this happened to us.

The home of cashmere, whisky, and a hauntingly beautiful cathedral in ruins. Elgin and Aberlour are filled with so much charm and things to do that our 24 hours there was not nearly enough.

The Applecross/Shieldaig area of Scotland is peaceful. The mountains plunge into the crystal clear lochs, the wildlife is everywhere you look, the incredibly fresh air makes you want to bottle it, and the stillness that brings your mind to a much-needed ease are all what makes this part of Scotland so spectacular.

The Isles of Harris and Lewis will leave you in complete awe the entire time you're there. From foggy mountain passes, to cliffs plunging into crystal blue waters, to an old Victorian town, these Isles have every landscape imaginable and it's merely a 4-hour roundtrip to see it all!

As you drive through Skye, you want to compare it to other places you've been, but you just can’t, because it's unlike any place you've ever been. Whether it's the endless amount of waterfalls, perfectly rocky mountains, plunging into the green valleys; or all of the wildlife around you, it's just heaven.

Oban is a small, very busy, well-preserved Victorian town that was founded on whisky but thrives on tourism. At first glance, it may feel run down and not worth a look. However, once you walk along the bay and really see the architecture, you will find yourself intrigued by what stories these buildings hold.

The Isle of Islay is known for its many whisky distilleries, its windy days, its sheep and cattle farms (including its woolen mill), as well as its long history. But, when you experience it for yourself, it's so much more than that. Take a peek inside and plan your own trip!

Who wouldn’t want to move here for this view alone? Key West is still one of my most favorite tropical places on earth.

What do Cecille B. DeMille, Roy Rogers, Joseph Bonner, and a famous ghost all have in common? They’ve all been a part of Washington, NC’s history. Stuck in the 1770s-1950s, this town is (and continues to be) impeccably restored as though you’re time traveling while walking down the street.

Since 1728, Middleburg has (mostly) been a place of peaceful respite for the well-to-do, as well as the most renowned hunt and steeplechase area in the country. Every time we go, we never want to leave.

Mount Vernon is a wonderful way to spend a day, especially if it’s Christmas time! Learn all about how the Washington family acquired the property, what George Washington did to make the home grand, Aladdin the camel, and so much more!

Frederick is one of those colonial and Civil War-era towns that looks like it was nearly untouched. With beautiful red brick buildings, cobblestone roads, and hidden signs of bygone eras, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day!

Estes Park is best known for its “role” in The Shining however, it’s real history is far less spooky. It’s a great way to spend a weekend, steeped in turn-of-the-century times.

Durango is one of those movie-quality western towns that everyone needs to see at least once. Nestled in the mountains, within a reasonable driving distance from many states, it offers a great weekend experience!

If there’s one word that can describe this mile-high city, it’s “growth”. Like any city, it faced its ups and downs, but it’s one of few that continues its comeback story even better than before. If you love history, food, and the excitement of what’s around you, then this city is for you!

Cortez’s and Mesa Verde’s histories span over 11,000 years when Native Americans owned the land. And, somehow, much of this history is still preserved in the beautiful national parks these towns still have. It’s worth the stop - especially to see the ancient pueblos!

Boulder is a beautiful, artsy town, nestled in the Colorado mountains. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, leisurely taking in the sights of Pearl Street, or exploring abandoned areas.