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Atlas Obscura is a unique online portal that explores the world's hidden wonders, offbeat travel destinations, and unusual cultural phenomena. It is an amalgamation of a travel guide, an international magazine, a compendium of esoteric knowledge, and a community of like-minded explorers. The website is a treasure trove of intriguing articles, stunning photographs, and riveting videos that inspire curiosity and spark wanderlust. It delves into the depths of human history, delving into ancient myths, forgotten historical events, enigmatic cultures, eccentric hobbies, and curious traditions from every corner of the globe. In addition to its online content, Atlas Obscura also partners with tour operators to organize extraordinary travel experiences for its readers. These trips, known as Obscura Excursions, offer the opportunity to delve deeply into remote locations and special interests, from the magnificent caves of Croatia to the tranquil monasteries of Bhutan. Moreover, Atlas Obscura fosters a thriving community of individuals who find joy in the unconventional, the obscure, and the unexpected. Users can share their own discoveries, connect with fellow travelers, and participate in discussions about various intriguing topics. The site, therefore, transcends its function as a single-source knowledge portal, becoming a platform for intellectual exchange and camaraderie between those who dare to explore beyond the beaten path.

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RSS Hunter • Aug 19, 2024

Thread Of Notes

The Mack Truck Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania

The Mack Museum was created in 1984 and commemorates Mack history through preserving truck build records, service and parts information, engineering drawings, photos, memorabilia and a collection of vintage Mack truck models.After being founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1900, the Mack Brothers Motor Company registered in Lehigh County, in Allentown PA. They kept the headquarters in Allentown for over 100 years until they moved it to North Carolina in 2009.Some of the highlights of the museum include the original and iconic bulldog, Mack, who is the mascot, the 1909 Mack Brothers Bus, the Megatron prop used in the Transformers: Dark of the Moon film, the experimental and specialized rigs, and the archives.You do need to book a guided tour, and tours are given on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-mack-truck-museum atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 18

Old Sagiada in Greece

The town of Old Sagiada was burned and looted in the Second World War by the German occupiers and local Muslims after the inhabitants fled. The abandoned houses are fascinating since many of the walls are still standing, showing a glimpse of the original architecture. Nature has completely overtaken most of the town, with trees growing inside many of the ruins. The church is still mostly intact. Inside, you can still see some frescoes. Outside the church hangs a cool bell, which can probably be heard from quite far, which is great if you want to wake some lazy tourists sleeping on the beach😉. The town is located in the mountains (though not very far) and the drive up there is quite scenic. From the town itself you also have a view of the Mediterenean sea. Be aware that the last part of the road leading up is unpaved and not suitable for every car.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/old-sagiada atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 18

Holy Trinity Oak Tree Chapel in Čibukovac, Serbia

The Holy Trinity oak chapel in Čibukovac, a small village near Kraljevo, is built inside a pedunculate oak believed to be over 500 years old. It is thought to be the oldest oak in Serbia. The tree stands more than 30 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of about 8 metres and a diameter of roughly two and a half metres, wide enough that villager Mihailo Erotijević, with the help of Father Radojko and others, was able to hollow out its trunk and turn it into a small working chapel.Since the feast of the Holy Trinity is the village's main Slava (a custom in the Serbian Orthodox tradition), the chapel took that dedication naturally. The interior was coated with wax to help preserve it, and small niches hold icons of the Holy Trinity, the Theotokos (Mother of God), the Great Martyr George the Victorious, St. Basil of Ostrog, the Crucifixion, and St. Paraskeva (Petka), a saint especially beloved across the Balkans.Villagers still gather there for major feast days in the Serbian Orthodox Calendar, and some visit alone simply to pray. There is also a local detail that adds to its mystery and why it is special. Before the tree became a chapel, it was frequently struck by lightning, something residents see as part of its passage from an ordinary ancient oak into a site of devotion. The Holy Trinity Oak Tree Chapel a striking, living echo of zapis meaning "inscription", an old Slavic traditions of venerating sacred trees across Serbian villages.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/holy-trinity-oak-tree-chapel atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 18

The Grand Mesa in Cedaredge, Colorado

Rising high above the vibrant browns and reds of the westerner Colorado landscape, stand the Grand Mesa. Touted as the highest flat topped mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa spans roughly 500 acres and stretches 40 miles in Garfield, Grand and Delta counties. While much of the terrain does appear flat, the topography can be rugged in many places. Plateau and Kannah creeks run off the Mesa into the Grand Valley and there are over 300 lakes. Most of the Mesa sits at 6,000 feet but the highest points reach just over 11,000 feet in elevation, mostly in the Grand Mesa National Forest.The easiest and simplest way to see the Mesa is to drive Colorado Highway 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, running from Interstate 70 in the west to the town of Cedaredge in the South. The Scenic Byway though switchbacks and overlooks, and gives one a sufficient overview of the landscape. But to really enjoy it, one should get out and hike.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-grand-mesa atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 17

The Warner Theatre in Erie, Pennsylvania

The Warner Theatre, a grand cinematic venue in downtown Erie, opened in 1931, commissioned by Warner Bros. Studios and designed in a French Renaissance style. It was built for $1.5 million, featuring opulent details like Persian marble archways, gold-backed mirrors, and intricate silver leaf gilding. The theater boasted ruby red curtains and a 10-ton electric marquee with 8,000 lights, reflecting the glamour of 1930s showbiz. The Warner is one of the few original Warner Bros. theaters still in operation. Although it ceased showing films in 1976, it endured as Erie's cultural heart. It now functions as a performing arts center integral to Erie's downtown revival. Over decades, the theater underwent restoration and expansion, preserving its historical charm while incorporating modern amenities. Updates included new sound and lighting, an extended stage, repainted reliefs, and a reconstructed marquee. A new orchestra shell and rehearsal space enhance its artistic capabilities. Today, the Warner hosts the Erie Philharmonic and Lake Erie Ballet, alongside touring Broadway shows, concerts, and other events. Award-winning productions like "Hairspray" and "Chicago" have drawn large audiences. Its regal bronze staircase, chandeliers, and towering ceilings exemplify Warner Bros.'s extravagant design philosophy for its movie palaces.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-warner-theatre atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 17

Where to Find the World’s Best Soup

Soup's origins trace back to 20,000 BC with the first pot crafted in ancient China. Since then, this versatile dish has evolved into countless delicious variations enjoyed worldwide. The article highlights exceptional soup destinations across the globe, showcasing soup's universal appeal and soul-soothing qualities. Wattana Panich in Bangkok perpetuates a 50-year-old beef stew tradition by continuously using leftover broth. Mrs. Mai Thi Lien in Ho Chi Minh City offers a beloved crab noodle soup that has been a local legend for forty years. In New York, Matryoshka at Wall Street Bath & Spa serves hearty Eastern European soups within a unique bathhouse setting. San Francisco's Fio D’Italia, America's oldest Italian restaurant, features classic minestrone among its historical dishes. Paris's Au Pied de Cochon is renowned for its rich French onion soup, a staple for workers and night owls. Tokyo's Chankonabe Shinzan serves a hearty stew favored by sumo wrestlers, founded by a retired wrestler. Appu's Cafe in Long Beach offers nutrient-dense Indian-Mexican fusion soups, inspired by its owner's medical background. A Touch of European Cafe in Glendale, Arizona, provides a wide array of comforting Polish soups and even offers cooking classes. Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans is a historic Creole institution known for its flavorful gumbos and its role in supporting Black artists. Farren's Bar in Ireland's northernmost pub offers delicious seafood chowder, drawing locals and visitors alike. Caldo de Piedra in Mexico prepares a traditional fish and shrimp soup using fire-heated rocks, recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Finally, Rung Rueang in Bangkok is celebrated for its customizable tom yum soup, a Michelin-recognized favorite.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/worlds-best-soup atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 17

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural history museum in the country (and the Americas). It has everything the curious could hope for -- dinosaurs, ancient fish and birds, an emphasis on conservation, and a deep-seated appreciation for the natural world. Although many of the subjects have been in the museum for well over a century (the academy first opened its doors in 1812), they are well preserved, and their exhibits carefully crafted with hand painted scenes in the background. In a time where screens are everywhere, the academy keeps them to select few. Instead, guests can reflect on the history of taxidermy, the art of curation, and the accuracy of the displays. The top floor is home to several living creatures -- a miniature zoo where visitors can reflect on the place of some of the smallest creatures in our ecosystem--snakes, turtles, and cockroaches are carefully taken care of. Children can dig for replica bones in a mock archeological dig site. The staff are happy to answer questions and are helpfully placed throughout the three-story building. For the bird lovers among us, there are a delightful assortment on display. The Academy of Natural Sciences was once the workplace to ornithologist James Bond (yes, like the spy), the man whose friend, author Ian Flemming, named his iconic character after.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-academy-of-natural-sciences atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 17

Cafe Tito in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Josef Broz Tito holds a complex place in the memory of former Yugoslavia, viewed as both an authoritarian and a figure who maintained peace. Cafe Tito in Sarajevo celebrates this complex legacy, with memorabilia dedicated to the former leader adorning its communist-red interior. The cafe’s exterior patio features military vehicles and decommissioned weaponry, juxtaposed with a children’s playground. Established in the early 2000s, the cafe's owners have spent two decades collecting items related to Tito's life and era. Patrons can explore a fragmented history of Tito, who some Bosnians still associate with prosperity and peace. Outside, red paint splatters, known as "Sarajevo roses," mark sites of murders during the 1992-1996 Siege. The cafe's location near Sniper's Alley highlights its proximity to a street where civilians faced sniper fire. These Sarajevo roses serve as solemn reminders of the city's violent past, contrasting with the relative peace of the Tito era. The cafe embodies the coexistence of multiple historical eras in Sarajevo, reflecting a society marked by war. It stands as a testament to the ongoing presence of unresolved historical traumas.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cafe-tito atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 15

The Adam and Eve House in Nice, France

Located at 8 rue Poissonnerie, this ancient house is famous for its impressive façade dating back to 1584. This makes it one of the last remaining examples of such a painted house from that period left in the city. The facade was decorated using "sgraffito" a technique popular in Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries. Sgraffito is done by applying different layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colours to a moistened surface.It is said by some that the scene depicts Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in a bas-relief form. Though local suggestions are that it actually shows the fiery couple who lived there at the time the house was decorated. Whichever is true, it is still one of the best remaining examples of this type of architecture in Nice.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-adam-and-eve-house atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 15

The Mountain House in Woodside, California

The Mountain House isn't just a restaurant; it's a dining experience tucked among the redwoods of Kings Mountain in Woodside California. A winding mountain road must be traveled to reach the destination nestled beneath some of California's tallest trees. The rustic cabin feels storybook-like, as if it were built for a family of gnomes rather than hungry diners. Inside, the windowed ceiling dining room shows towering redwoods offering a humbling reminder of just how small we are in the presence of nature.Getting there is part of the adventure. No matter which direction visitors arrive from, the drive gradually transports them from the pace of everyday life to something slower, quieter, and more timeless. Between the forest, the atmosphere, and the setting, every meal comes with a reminder of just how beautiful Northern California can be.The food is as special as the surroundings. The region's farm-to-table style is evident, and the ever-changing menu celebrates hyper-seasonal ingredients and inspired dishes. The proteins are thoughtfully sourced, and it's exciting to see menus featuring quail, venison, and trout, to name a few. Attentive service with immaculate attention to detail elevates the experience, creating a meal that lingers in your memory long after the drive back down the mountain.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-mountain-house atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 15

Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts

Larz Anderson Park, located near Harvard's Arnold Arboretum, houses the oldest automotive collection in the United States. This collection is situated within a Victorian-era carriage house, a significant feature of the relatively small park. The park and its museum are named after Larz Anderson, a French-born American diplomat with a distinguished career. Anderson married Isabel Weld Perkins, who inherited considerable wealth, and together they developed a passion for collecting vehicles.From 1899 until Larz's death in 1937, the couple amassed an impressive collection of cars, carriages, and sleighs. While many were sold after Larz's passing, fourteen cars remain in their original, unrestored state. These surviving vehicles, mostly from before World War I, provide a unique glimpse into early automotive history. Some are even the last known examples of their kind globally.The untouched condition of these automobiles makes them akin to time capsules, preserving their historical integrity. The Andersons began publicly displaying their collection in 1927, and the museum was formally established after Isabel's death in 1948. The museum continues to expand its collection with new acquisitions, which are regularly rotated on display. Although not the largest, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum is distinguished by its continuously maintained collection originating from 1899, making it the nation's oldest. The grand interior of the carriage house further enhances the viewing experience for enthusiasts of vintage and antique cars.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/larz-anderson-auto-museum atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 15

'Pyramide de Verlée' in Havelange, Belgium

Verlée is a small Belgian hamlet near Brussels. Leaving the hamlet, an unexpected stone obelisk appears in the open countryside. This obelisk stands on a ridge, lacking any explanatory signs or inscriptions. Carved garlands suggest it dates to the early 19th century, during the Empire period. Despite its prominence, its origin remains a mystery online, leading to its nickname "Belgium's only pyramid." A popular theory posits it was a topographical landmark for Colonel Jean-Joseph Tranchot's survey, but this is disproven by preserved maps. The monument's enigma is heightened by a crucial overlooked detail. Historical maps reveal a lost castle, the Château de Bouillon, situated northeast of the obelisk. The road to the obelisk aligns with the axis between the castle and the monument, with one side of the obelisk precisely aligned. This indicates the monument marked the end of the castle's axis, a feature found in grand European estates. Such monument placements, originating from Versailles, were used when a full monumental axis was impractical. Therefore, the so-called "Belgium's only pyramid" was simply a garden feature of a demolished castle.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pyramide-de-verlee atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 14

Cryptid Tourism: The Best Museums, Destinations & Festivals Across America

A cryptid is a creature whose existence is suggested but not scientifically proven, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster. The term originates from cryptozoology, the study of hidden animals. These creatures are not merely undiscovered species but ones that capture the human imagination and inspire awe. Stories of cryptids have deep roots in folklore and local legends across various communities. Today, people actively explore and celebrate these mysteries through dedicated museums and tourism. The International Cryptozoology Museum in Bangor, Maine, is a prime example, housing extensive collections. The North American Cryptid Museum in Plano, Texas, offers immersive recreations of various cryptids. In Boring, Oregon, the North American Bigfoot Center focuses on evidence-based research. Expedition Bigfoot in Cherry Log, Georgia, boasts the largest collection of Bigfoot artifacts. West Virginia is a significant locale, home to the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant. The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida, investigates a creature similar to Bigfoot found in the Everglades. The Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton, West Virginia, documents an unusual alien-like encounter. These destinations attract visitors drawn to the allure of the unknown and the unique cultural narratives surrounding these legendary beings.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/cryptid-tourism-across-america atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 14

Gods of Olympus of La Ribota Park in Alcorcón, Spain

You don’t normally expect to encounter the gods of Olympus while strolling through a suburban park outside Madrid. But Alcorcón, a city better known for apartment blocks and shopping centers than classical mythology, has quietly created its own version of Mount Olympus—and it comes complete with a solar system. La Ribota Park, on the southern edge of the city, is an unassuming place: a pleasant patch of greenery where locals come to walk, relax, and escape the surrounding urban landscape. Yet scattered among its fountains is an entire celestial pantheon, the work of painter, sculptor, and landscape artist Ángel Aragonés. At the center is Apollo, representing the Sun. From his enormous fountain, paths radiate outward like planetary orbits, leading visitors toward the smaller fountains and their divine inhabitants.There is Mercury, swift-footed messenger of the gods; Venus, goddess of love; Gea, embodying Earth; and Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The sculptures are deliberately simplified and frontal, but their familiar attributes make each deity surprisingly easy to recognize. It is rather like discovering that your local park has been moonlighting as a classical mythology textbook.Pluto, naturally, deserves special mention. The International Astronomical Union demoted the distant world to “dwarf planet” in 2006, but La Ribota has chosen not to recognize the cosmic bureaucracy. Here, Pluto remains firmly among the planets. And frankly, after traveling all the way to the edge of the solar system, the poor fellow deserves a place at the table.The park is perhaps at its most atmospheric toward evening, when the changing sunlight transforms the sculptures and fountains with every passing minute.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gods-of-olympus-of-la-ribota-park atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 14

Linh Phong Pagoda in Cat Tien, Vietnam

Linh Phong Pagoda, widely known locally as Ong Nui Pagoda, stands as one of the most sacred and culturally significant spiritual landmarks in the region, dramatically positioned against the slopes of the rugged Ba Mountain range.Rooted in centuries of local heritage, the temple complex offers a deeply serene atmosphere where visitors embark on both a physical and spiritual journey by conquering a magnificent path of 600 stone steps leading up the mountainside.At the summit, the temple is renowned for housing a colossal white Buddha statue in deep meditation, gazing out toward the vast expanse of the open sea.Adjacent to the massive monument, the main hall and surrounding sanctuary spaces shelter rich traditional architecture and intricate displays, creating an awe-inspiring vantage point where cloud-wrapped peaks meet the coastal horizon.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/linh-phong-pagoda atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 14

Intschi-Reuss Bridge in Gurtnellen, Switzerland

A bridge not for the ones who are afraid of heights...The Intschi-Reuss bridge is mainly used as a railway bridge. In the end, there isn't much to connect on both sides of the bridge. But to let the few inhabitants on one side of the bridge access the bus station on the other side, they decided to build a path underneath the bridge. So you can walk between the two massive concrete boxes which carry the load of the trains. But don't be afraid of heights — the only thing supporting you will be some wooden boards on some metal gratings. But if you dare, you get a special view straight down into the canyon where the wild river Reuss is flowing.There is a light switch on both entrances so you can see where you're walking. Access is easy via the walkway behind the bus stop.You can park your car before or after the bus stop in two lay-bys. Be careful, though, with traffic. View is limited, and cars can be fast approaching. Also, please don't stop at the bus stop.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/intschi-reuss-bridge atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 14

America’s Response Monument in New York, New York

This is a statue memorializing the U.S. Army’s Green Berets and other Special Forces soldiers who gallantly brought the fight to the Taliban in Afghanistan in the early days after September 11th.During their action they spent time riding into combat on horseback along side their Afghan allies. The statue, by artist Douwe Blumberg, is 1 1/2 times life size and is a detailed version of a combat ready soldier on horseback.Incorporated in the base of the statue is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.Liberty Park is elevated above the street level just to the south of the September 11th Memorial and Museum.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/america-responds-monument atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 11

Ebenezer Scrooge’s Gravestone in Shropshire, England

“A Christmas Carol” starring George C Scott as Scrooge was filmed on location in Shrewsbury and broadcast on CBS in the United States and released in theaters in the UK in December 1984. An original gravestone, the details long weathered away, was used for the fictional memorial to Ebenezer Scrooge. It still lies just beyond the towering Yew Tree, in the graveyard beside St Chad's Church.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ebenezer-scrooges-gravestone atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 11

The Quilters Hall of Fame in Marion, Indiana

Marion, Indiana, famous for basketball and James Dean, is also home to the Quilters Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was inspired by Marie Webster, a prominent quilter who lived in the Marie Webster House. Webster's quilt patterns were published in Ladies' Home Journal from 1911 to 1921, and she ran a successful mail-order business. She also designed new patterns, wrote a book on quilting, lectured, and judged competitions. The Marie Webster House, built in 1902, showcases a blend of Victorian and Arts and Crafts styles. After Webster moved away, the house was converted into apartments and later fell into disrepair. Following refurbishment, the house was listed on national and state historic registers. The Quilters Hall of Fame now resides in this beautifully maintained historic home. The museum hosts four different collections annually and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, excluding winter months. Admission fees apply, with free entry for children under twelve accompanied by an adult, and ample parking is available.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-quilters-hall-of-fame atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 11

Poste Thiers in Nice, France

Poste Thiers is the most famous red brick building in Nice. This iconic Post Office is located at 21 Avenue Thiers.Poste Thiers was built in 1931 by government architect Guillaume Tronchet. The construction used about 300,000 red bricks which were imported from Sarzana, Italy.The distinctive red brick masonry stands out in Nice because it is a sharp contrast to all the surrounding white Mediterranean stucco and stone facades.The building is designed in the Art Deco style with cubist stained-glass accents by glassmaker Jacques Gruber.The majestic clock tower is an example of Nice’s exceptional Art Deco heritage.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/poste-thiers atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 11

Moaning Caverns in Vallecito, California

Hidden beneath the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, Moaning Caverns is an enormous limestone cave with a history as unusual as its name. The cavern’s main chamber is so vast that the Statue of Liberty could reportedly fit inside it.One of its most striking features is a 165-foot steel spiral staircase that winds dramatically down into the cavern. Built in 1922 using steel salvaged from a World War I battleship, the staircase provides access to depths that early visitors could only reach by rope.The cave’s name comes from a mysterious moaning sound once heard inside, created by air moving through the cavern’s passages. Today, visitors can descend the staircase or, for a much more adventurous experience, rappel deep into the cave. Moaning Caverns combines geology, history, and a distinctly eerie atmosphere that makes it one of California’s more unusual underground destinations.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/moaning-caverns atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 10

Argyle Street Ash Tree in Finnieston, Scotland

In Glasgow's Finnieston district on Argyle Street stands a remarkable European Ash tree, notable for being the sole tree in its vicinity. This impressive specimen, measuring over 82 feet, was selected for the Woodland Trust’s "UK’s Tree of the Year" for 2025. The Woodland Trust, a conservation charity founded in the 1970s, organizes this annual public vote to engage people with nature. The Argyle Ash not only won the UK honor but will also represent Britain in Europe's "Tree of the Year" contest for 2026. Its origin story is quite unusual, dating back to the mid-1800s. A family brought home what they believed were primrose roots, but a hidden ash sapling was also transported. The tree's location next to tenement flats provided ideal warmth and shelter, allowing it to thrive. This unique positioning protected it from harsh weather and allowed it to survive an ash dieback infestation. Furthermore, the tree endured German bombings during World War II and subsequent urban developments. In 1980, it became the first tree to receive a protective order from the city government. An unrelated local anecdote involves the fire brigade rescuing a cat over two days.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/argyle-street-ash-tree atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 10

The Most Unique Camping Spots Across the U.S.

America's diverse geography offers unparalleled camping experiences beyond the ordinary. These unique sites blend nature with learning opportunities, from indigenous practices to dark sky preservation. Polipoli Spring in Hawaii provides stunning ocean views and hiking through redwood forests, while Rhode Island's 'Moonrise Kingdom' Beach offers coastal exploration near historic ruins. Wyoming's Hole-in-the-Wall Outlaw Hideout evokes the Wild West with ranch lodging and panoramic vistas. Maine's Desert of Maine presents a surprising dune landscape with quirky attractions and glamping options.Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho showcases dramatic lava fields and volcanic cones, with both tent and RV camping available. Assateague Island in Maryland allows close encounters with wild horses from its seashore campgrounds. Nevada's Sand Mountain features a singing dune and primitive camping for off-roading adventures. New Hampshire's Sunken Forests offer glimpses of ancient petrified trees, with nearby private campgrounds. Cosmic Campground in New Mexico is a premier dark sky sanctuary ideal for stargazing away from light pollution.Virginia's Sharp's Island provides a unique island getaway with cabin and tent platforms booked via Airbnb. Utah's Mystic Hot Springs invites relaxation in mineral waters with diverse lodging, including pioneer cabins and converted buses. South Dakota's Palisades State Park boasts striking rock formations with camping options from tent sites to group lodges. New York's Great Camp Santanoni allows tent camping near a historic Japanese-style log mansion. Ape Canyon in Washington offers dispersed backcountry tent camping in a national forest. Finally, Louisiana's Honey Island Swamp provides primitive camping within a wildlife management area.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/unique-us-camping-spots atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 10

The Schnoor in Bremen, Germany

The Schnoor is Bremen at its most storybook-like: a tangle of narrow Harry Potter-like lanes where tiny, slightly crooked houses seem to lean in for a chat. As the city’s oldest quarter, it turns an ordinary walk into a slow-motion treasure hunt for colorful façades, hidden courtyards, handmade finds, and excellent excuses to stop for cake.Named for the Low German word for “string,” the neighborhood’s small homes sit close together like beads threaded along its winding streets. Many date from the 15th and 16th centuries, giving the area an enchanting, human-scale character that feels wonderfully removed from the city bustle just a few minutes away.Today, the Schnoor is far more than a pretty backdrop. Its former fishermen’s and craftspeople’s quarter is filled with independent craft shops, galleries, cafés, patisseries, and little cultural surprises, including a theatre and the Bremer Geschichtenhaus museum.The best plan is not to make one. Wander without rushing, peek down every alley that looks too narrow to be useful, and accept that getting pleasantly sidetracked is the whole point. The Schnoor proves that sometimes the most memorable route through a city is the one with barely enough room for two umbrellas.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-schnoor atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 10

‘The Rumour of Discord’ in Madrid, Spain

A new sculpture, commissioned by a luxury hotel, adorns the heart of Madrid and has not gone unnoticed. It is a stylized bronze horse that, defying gravity, seems to hang in mid-air, supported by only one hoof from a very high pedestal that never appears to be supporting the equine. This monument reaches a total height of 6 meters (19.68 feet)."The Rumor of Discord" is an appropriate name for this artwork, as it is already generating debate among Madrid residents. Some question its artistic value, while others think that, being located in a busy area with vehicles and pedestrians, this installation could "pose some danger."Given the sculpture's name, it is clear that this controversy was intentional. Its creator, the Mexican artist Gonzalo Lebrija, who often works with balance and weightlessness, has stated that, with this impossible equilibrium, he sought to generate debate and "represent fragility and uncertainty simultaneously. There is no doubt that this new sculpture, "the floating horse," as it has quickly been dubbed by Madrid residents, will be embraced as a new icon of the Madrid landscape. All of this, of course, provided that it doesn't fall...

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-rumour-of-discord atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 10

Saint John Anglican Cathedral in Belize City, Belize

In 1812 the British Crown felt the need to establish more control over what had been a community of pirates in then British Honduras, now known as Belize. So they constructed the first church in the territory using slave labour, local mahogany, and red bricks carried as ballast from England. Throughout its history the church would host the coronations of four indigenous Miskito kings from 1815 to 1845 and the funerals and burials of many of Belize’s most influential persons in the nearby Yarborough cemetery, the oldest in the country. The church sits across from the historic governor’s mansion, now an art museum, and itself contains a wooden dove sculpture by Belizean artist George Gab, as well as plaques commissioned by the families of some of the churches earliest parishioners.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/saint-john-anglican-cathedral atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 9

Ten Thousand Buddhas ‘Monastery’ in Hong Kong

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a misleading name that significantly downplays the number of Buddha effigies, as there are actually well over 12,000 statues present. Another misnomer lies in the fact that it is technically not a monastery, as no monks live on site to maintain the property. Instead, a team of laypeople handle the day-to-day operations of this Buddhist temple complex.Groundbreaking and construction began in 1948, at a bamboo forest hillside location overlooking the small village of Pai Tau and its agricultural fields. Its completion in 1957 coincided with the establishment of a market township known as Sha Tin Hui, built on the unused fields at the base of the hill. The township stood until the late 1970s, demolished to make way for the Sha Tin New Town development.The entire complex comprises five temples, four pavilions, one verandah and a 9-storey pagoda, spread over 8 hectares. There are numerous statues of deities on display, as well as the gold covered embalmed body of the monastery's founder, Yuet Kai, exhumed 8 years after his burial.With the agricultural fields long since built over, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery now overlooks the urban expanse of Sha Tin town, and provides a peaceful sanctuary on its fringes.The walk up is lined by 500 life-size gilded Arhat statues on both sides of the concrete path, each in a unique pose. Made from fiberglass then painted bright gold, the Arhats are the work of artists in Yunnan and Guangdong, and exude an air of calm and spirituality as visitors make the steep ascent up the path to the temples.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ten-thousand-buddhas-monastery atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 9

Museo del Árbol in Nueva Alborada, Paraguay

Tucked away in the small community of Puerto Itá Cajón in Nueva Alborada, the Museo del Árbol is an unusual open-air museum where the forest itself becomes part of the exhibition. Rather than walking through conventional galleries, visitors follow trails through a wooded landscape filled with sculptures, installations, symbolic trees, oversized structures, and unexpected viewpoints overlooking the Paraná River. The complex was created as a tribute to trees and the forests of Paraguay, turning the landscape into a place where environmental awareness and imagination come together.Among its most distinctive features is the “Tronco de los Lamentos,” a striking installation that serves as a symbolic reminder of the trees and forests lost to deforestation. Elsewhere, visitors encounter an “Árbol de los Deseos,” a giant chair, unusual sculptures, and the famous “Columpio del Fin del Mundo,” which offers a dramatic view of the surrounding landscape. There are also trails and areas for outdoor activities, making the experience feel less like visiting a museum and more like wandering through a strange and playful forest filled with stories and hidden surprises.The result is an eccentric blend of ecological sanctuary, outdoor art gallery, and recreational park that feels distinctly different from a traditional museum. The Museo del Árbol is a place where trees are not simply the scenery; they are the subject, the inspiration, and in many ways the main characters of the entire experience.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/museo-del-arbol atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 9

The Peeping Tom of Tallinn in Tallinn, Estonia

Hidden in plain sight near the top of an Art Nouveau house in Tallinn's Old Town, a bespectacled stone figure watches from the facade. His gaze is fixed across the street, toward the building opposite.Local legend has it that the figure was created as revenge. An old man across the street had a habit of training his opera glasses on a young merchant's wife, especially when she was undressing for bed.Her husband eventually caught on. Rather than confront the man directly, he supposedly had a sculptor carve the voyeur's likeness in stone, spectacles included, and mounted it on the couple's house, facing the old man's window. The next time he looked over, he would find himself staring back.A more sober theory holds that the figure is simply one of the facade's many carved reliefs, part of an Art Nouveau taste for playful, expressive faces, a purely decorative detail that later collected a story to match its leering expression.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-peeping-tom-of-tallinn atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 9

AO’s Favorite Unusual Sites to Spend a Night

Choosing unique accommodations can transform a trip, influencing experiences and cultural engagement. These extraordinary places blend design, entertainment, and nature, offering diverse stays from serene escapes to vibrant hubs. Tubakuba in Norway is a free, rabbit-hole-like cabin on a forest cliff with city views. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland offers glass igloos for viewing the Northern Lights and cozy log cabins. Villa Cheminée in France is a tiny hotel atop a 50-foot tower resembling industrial chimneys. Estonia's Brown Bear Watching Hide provides rustic cabins for up-close observation of wildlife in Alutaguse National Park. The Atlanta Glass Treehouse is a two-floor recycled glass home nestled in trees, with a rented lower level. Rabbit Tree Hostel in Indonesia is a fantastical maze-like hostel on Gili Meno, emphasizing community and unique themed rooms. Libušín a Maměnka in the Czech Republic are charming timber buildings inspired by folklore, serving local cuisine. Grand Circus Hotel in Sweden features refurbished trailer wagons designed like circus acts, fostering a lively community. The Big Idaho Potato Hotel in Boise, Idaho, is a novelty stay inside a giant potato structure. Finally, Attrap'Rêves Bubble Hotel in France offers transparent pods for a 360-degree nature immersion and stargazing experience.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/unusual-sites-to-spend-a-night atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 8

Who Knew Illinois Had This Many Spooky Places?

Illinois offers a variety of spooky destinations beyond typical Halloween attractions, featuring locations steeped in historical and paranormal lore. The George Stickney House, built with no sharp corners to welcome spirits, is rumored to be haunted by its original owner. Mount Carmel cemetery in Hillside is home to the legend of "The Italian Bride," Julia Buccola Petta, whose remarkably preserved body was exhumed years after her burial. The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago, a historic settlement house, is said to be haunted by a "devil baby" and a "Lady in White." Bachelor's Grove Cemetery in Midlothian is considered one of the state's most unsettling resting places, known for sightings of various spectral figures. St. Omer Cemetery in the cornfields features the Barnes gravestone, associated with legends of a witch and a mystical crystal ball. McPike Mansion in Alton, a grand estate with a history of various uses, is reportedly inhabited by numerous friendly spirits. These locations offer unique road trip opportunities for families interested in the eerie and unexplained. Visitors can explore haunted headstones, witchcraft lore, and cursed estates. The crisp autumn air and the time just after sundown are considered the ideal moments for experiencing these sites.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/illinois-spooky-places atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 4

Durham Town Hall in Durham, England

The Town Hall has been central to Durham's history since 1350 and has opened its doors to the public following refurbishment work. Now everyone can discover its rich history and hidden stories. Audio guides, interactive information points and short films help you to explore this extraordinary building and the remarkable individuals who helped shape the city. Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and the Mayor's Bodyguard. Since the 14th century the Trade Guilds and Freemen of Durham have met in the Guildhall, a tradition they continue to this day. Other displays showcase colourful local characters such as Joseph Boruwlaski (1739-1837), the three foot tall 'Little Count' who retired to Durham in 1790 after performing at the grandest royal courts of Europe.Visit the Hall, galleries and mayors chambers.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/durham-town-hall atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 3

Liverpool’s First Enclosed Dock in Liverpool, England

In a subterranean chamber under the massive Liverpool ONE shopping centre is the infrastructure that turned Liverpool from a lacklustre port city into a global powerhouse of shipping.While the city got it's charter back in 1207 with the intention of it being a port city, it struggled to gain much success. It was overshadowed by nearby Chester and lacked decent infrastructure; Loading and unloading ships was very slow, sometimes taking weeks to unload, as ships would anchor in the deep water of the estuary while small boats would shuttle cargo between them and the city.In 1710 an ambitious plan was unveiled to completely dam up the tidal estuary running alongside Liverpool and build within it an (at the time) huge enclosed port. By 1715 the new brick-lined dock, approximately 100 by 200 metres, opened to traffic allowing ships to dock, unload and reload in day.The old dock was superceded by larger docks in the mid to late 18th century and in 1825 the structure was filled in and preserved under a grand new customs house. This was, in turn, destroyed by German bombing in the Second World War and the walls of this original dock was found during the site's redevelopment.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/liverpools-first-enclosed-dock atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 3

Palm Temple in Bristol, England

Bristol has no shortage of churches, but one of its strangest temples is devoted to nature. Outside the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry, artist Luke Jerram’s Palm Temple resembles a futuristic chapel made of wood and stained glass. Created in 2020 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Brunelleschi’s famous dome in Florence, it eventually found a permanent home in Jerram’s native Bristol, where he donated it to the university.The structure is an ingenious architectural illusion. Two halves of a spiralling wooden dome are positioned opposite one another, creating the impression of two giant palms pressed together in prayer. Colourful dichroic panels act like ever-changing stained glass, while a mirrored floor reflects the structure, sky, and surrounding weather.Suspended inside is Jerram’s Extinction Bell, which rings randomly between 150 and 200 times a day. Each toll represents an estimated species becoming extinct somewhere in the world within 24 hours. The bell transforms the pavilion from a beautiful place of contemplation into a quiet warning about the planet’s disappearing biodiversity.The Palm Temple is part chapel, part kaleidoscope, and part environmental alarm. Open to visitors, it changes constantly with the light and weather, and after dark it glows from within. In a city celebrated for its street art and architecture, it offers an especially unusual place to pause—and listen for the next bell.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/palm-temple atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 3

The Prince of the Lilies Fresco in Heraklion, Greece

The Prince of the Lilies is one of the signature images of Minoan Crete, reproduced on postcards, book covers, and museum posters worldwide: a slender, muscular figure wearing a crown of lilies and peacock feathers, striding forward through a garden, one hand on his chest. It's usually presented as a king, sometimes a priest-king, ruling from Knossos around 1500 BCE.The problem is that almost none of that figure actually survived. Excavated in fragments by Arthur Evans' team in the early 1900s, the fresco was heavily reconstructed, and controversially so: the original pieces show a torso, a crown, and separate body fragments that may not even belong to the same figure. Evans' restorer, Émile Gilliéron, combined them into a single striding male figure, filling enormous gaps with guesswork and plaster. Later scholars have proposed the crown and torso might belong to two, even three, different people, possibly including a female boxer or a sphinx-like composite creature, rather than one princely man at all.The debate cuts to the heart of a broader criticism of Evans' work at Knossos: his reconstructions, done in concrete and paint, are often described less as restoration than as invention, projecting a coherent, palace-and-king narrative onto a civilization whose actual social structure remains poorly understood.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-prince-of-the-lilies-fresco atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 3

David Sassoon Clock Tower in Mumbai, India

In Mumbai’s Byculla area is located Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, the city’s oldest public garden and zoo. It was formerly known as Victoria Gardens. At the garden’s entrance is a beautiful old clock tower.Known as David Sassoon Clock Tower, it was built in 1864 in the Palladian style of architecture. It is said that the tower is the only structure in the city with this architectural style. Out of the total cost of building the tower, a majority of the cost was funded by David Sassoon hence the tower has been dedicated to him. David Sassoon was a prominent merchant and philanthropist from that era.It is said that the main body of the tower has been built from locally sourced Porbandar stone. Some parts of the tower have been decorated with beautiful, ornamental tiles. There is also an artistic, wrought iron staircase on one side.The clock tower rises through the trees at the garden’s entrance. During the day, one can find people peacefully resting in the shade of the trees and the tower, while children play in the garden. It is a beautiful piece of history and is reminiscent of a bygone era.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/david-sassoon-clock-tower atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

The Rabbit Hole, Rue Jankowski in Le Mans, France

Rue Jankowski is a dead end in Le Mans' Saint-Nicolas district, the kind of narrow passage you'd normally walk past without a second look. Then you turn the corner and the wall seems to fall away into a glowing, striped tunnel, arcing across the buildings around it as though the street itself had been punched open.The piece is called Rabbit Hole, painted in May and June 2022 by the Parisian street artist Seth as guest of honor at Le Mans' urban art festival, Plein Champ. It spans three buildings and six storeys of facade, using anamorphic perspective (the technique that makes a flat painted surface snap into 3D illusion, but only from the correct viewing angle) to turn dead-end walls into what looks like a real passage. Inside the illusion, a small child chases a white rabbit into the light, an image built from the same childhood wonder and escape that runs through most of Seth's work around the world.The fresco didn't stay a local secret for long. Later that year, Street Art Cities, an app and community that catalogues murals worldwide, ran its public vote for the best fresco of 2022 out of a hundred selected works. Rabbit Hole made the top ten, then finished in the top five, at one point cited as the second-best mural of the year and, in the final tally, fifth, the only French entry in the global top ten.It's since become one of the most photographed stops in the city's growing open-air street art collection, alongside dozens of other commissioned murals scattered through Le Mans, but it's the one visitors specifically detour for.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-rabbit-hole-rue-jankowski atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Art Exhibits at OAX Airport in San Juan Bautista la Raya, Mexico

The state of Oaxaca in Mexico's south is often considered one of the country's main artistic hubs. Its diversity in nature and indigenous cultures has created an atmosphere of inspiration for creative endavors. In the capital city of the same name, known fully as Oaxaca de Juárez, perhaps the clearest examples are its booming gastronomic and graphic arts scenes. While it seems that the first airplane to land near Oaxaca City did so in 1922, it wouldn't be until 1940 that an airport would be built to service it. With its official name being Aeropuerto Internacional de Xoxocotlán, its latest renovation started in 2019 and wouldn't be finished until several years later, given closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Rufino Tamayo and Rodolfo Morales, known for their murals and paintings; along with Francisco Toledo, who worked several mediums but is perhaps best-known for his prints, are probably the most relevant artists from Oaxaca to gave developed their careers in the 20th century. Their legacy in the city includes a great affinity for murals and its reputation as the country's printmakers' capital, creating a major field of expression for Oaxacans in the 21st century. However, when the time came for Xoxocotlán Airport to start reflecting this, sculpture would be favored over graphic arts given its monumentality.It is likely that the art displays started in 2018 with works by the collective La Barda de Adobe and artist Manuel Miguel. Since then, there have been exhibits by other Oaxaca-based creatives, from Alberto Aragón Reyes's sculptures made out of recycled materials, to Fernando Andriacci's psychedelic, multicolored animals. From 2024, Patricio Santiago was the featured sculptor, his works mostly made out of cantera stone, including the green-hued type that defines Oaxaca City.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/art-exhibits-at-oax-airport atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Papier-Mâché Altarpiece at Plaza Capuchinas in Mexico City, Mexico

Cartonería is one of the main forms of artes populares (folk art), also known as artesanías (handcrafts), to come out of Mexico City and its metropolitan area. The terms refers to cartón, what cardboard is called in Mexican Spanish, and cartonería works use a type of papier-mâché technique for their building. Cartonería is the original medium for judas (figures intended to be burned at celebrations) and alebrijes , and a yearly event called La Noche de los Alebrijes takes place in Mexico City, in which monumental figures are paraded and displayed.As such, the city has several cartonería workshops and noted artists. These groups will often create works with the express purpose of practice, and it seems likely that this impressive reproduction of a Baroque church altarpiece is one of those works. Martín Rentería, who passed in 2023, and his students' workshop, are one of the likeliest candidates for the authorship of this altarpiece. Rentería was known for realistic works that dealt with Christian themes, which would make this altar fit his oeuvre.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/papier-mache-altarpiece-at-plaza-capuchinas atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Antimonumentas and Antimonumentos in Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico has faced significant challenges, including high homicide rates, massacres by organized crime, and human rights abuses by authorities. In response, the civilian population has often taken self-defense measures and demanded government accountability. This context has led to the proliferation of antimonuments, primarily in Mexico City. These installations challenge state power and societal failures, addressing issues like corruption and negligence. They commemorate over fifty years of struggle, from the Tlatelolco Massacre in 1968 to protests against gender-based violence. The Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan, formerly the Columbus Roundabout, exemplifies this, featuring a feminist antimonumenta after a statue was removed during a femicide protest. The feminization of nouns in Spanish, like "monumenta," reflects ongoing debates about gender identity and activism. Many antimonuments display a plus sign followed by a number, representing the victims of specific incidents. These include the +43 for disappeared students, +72 for massacred migrants, and +65 for mining disaster victims. These symbols serve as powerful reminders of human lives lost and demand recognition beyond mere casualty counts.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/antimonumentas-and-antimonumentos atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Ahuehuete del Centenario in Monterrey, Mexico

On 20 September 1596, Spanish colonist Don Diego de Montemayor founded the city of Nuestra Señora (Our Lady) of Monterrey, in honor of Gaspar de Zúñiga y Acevedo, Viceroy of Mexico at the time and who was also the Count of Monterrey. The settlement was intended to become the capital of the "New Kingdom of León" after the Spanish region. To date, the city has come to be known simply as Monterrey and it remains the capital of what is now the Mexican state of Nuevo León, it also anchors what in the early 2020s became the country's second most-populated metropolitan area (with Metro Mexico City at a very distant first place).The 400th anniversary of this foundation in 1996 was celebrated with plenty of events, many of which were headed by the then Governor of Nuevo León Benjamín Clariond and Monterrey Mayor Jesús Hinojosa Tijerina, and which left a legacy well beyond that period. An example is a time capsule intended to be opened in 2046 (the 450th anniversary), as well as the living legacy represented by the Centennial Ahuehuete.The dedication plaque near this specimen of Taxodium mucronatum (which has many other common names including Montezuma cypress in English and sabino in Spanish) states that it was gifted to the city in January of 1996 by Carlos Alanís Von Der Meden and family. Alanís was at one point the CEO of Grupo Vivero Imperial, considered as Mexico's largest grower of urban trees, as of 2022 he was president of the Mexican Arboriculture Society, which makes sense of his gifting of a specimen of "Mexico's national tree" on such an important occasion.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ahuehuete-del-centenario atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Parque Ciudad de las Canteras (Quarry City Park) in Oaxaca, Mexico

The nickname "Green Antequera" for the Mexican city of Oaxaca de Juárez might seem strange at first: is it related to the vegetation of the valley it sits in and the mountains that surround it during the wet season? Walking in its historical center, though, the "green" part becomes clearer as this is the color of the rock that forms many of the buildings here, and even the sidewalks. This rock is known as "cantera", which is also the Spanish word for "quarry".The Antequera part comes from a city in Spain that was named Antikaria by the Romans and with time became the modern name. What is less clear, however, is where its connection to Oaxaca comes from, although some believe that one of the first rulers of the city during colonial times was from Antequera and thus named this new city in honor of his homeland.The green cantera stone that defines most of the city's colonial architecture came from nearby quarries, with this having been one of the main ones. In 1988, the long-abandoned quarry was opened up to the public as a park. The pits that had been dug out to mine the stone are now ponds that reflect the impressive green rock walls, some with holds for climbing. Since then, the park has continued to grow and become more accessible, with other features like a stage and seats set into the rock.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/parque-ciudad-de-las-canteras-quarry-city-park atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Giant Puppet Parade in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Childhood in Cambodia is often challenging due to poverty and the lasting impacts of conflict. These issues contribute to high rates of child abandonment and orphaning. The country also faces significant dangers from landmines, resulting in frequent amputation and explosion-related incidents among children. In response to these difficulties, various institutions provide care and support for vulnerable children, including facilities often labeled as orphanages, even if children have living parents. Boarding schools, nurseries, and activity centers also exist to assist working guardians.The Giant Puppet Project, established in 2007, emerged from an art therapy program for children in vulnerable situations. Participants create and parade large, illuminated puppets through Siem Reap's streets. This initiative equips children with artisanal skills beneficial for future employment and fosters cultural and global awareness. The parades offer a welcome distraction from their difficult routines and engage a large audience. The project experienced a pause only during the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020-2022.Following its return, the annual event sees an estimated 400-500 children participating each spring. Like the Phare Circus, the Giant Puppet Project operates in both Siem Reap and Battambang, with puppet designs often originating in Battambang. The workshops where these elaborate puppets are brought to life are open for public visits throughout the year.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/giant-puppet-parade atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Remnants of the Rattanakosin Walls in Bangkok, Thailand

Historical eras are often defined differently across cultures. Some cultures, like those influenced by monarchies, name periods after their rulers. Taylor Swift even adopted this concept for her musical "Eras." Thai culture, however, employs its own system for timekeeping, using Buddhist benchmarks instead of the BC/AD system. Furthermore, Thai historical eras are named after their capital cities, showcasing a unique approach. The Ayutthaya Era was the longest, followed by the brief Thonburi Era. The Rattanakosin Era succeeded these, lasting until 1932. Rattanakosin Island, now part of Bangkok, became heavily fortified during the Thonburi period. By the Rattanakosin Era, the island was almost entirely surrounded by defensive walls. The obsolescence of these fortifications arose with Bangkok's expansion and subsequent peace, leading to their removal and leaving only a few remnants today.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/remnants-of-the-rattanakosin-walls atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

The Fire Captain's Stone in Helsinki, Finland

The oldest wooden house in Helsinki's courtyard contains a reddish granite stone, once the favorite seat of fire captain Alexander Wickholm. Wickholm often sat on this stone to smoke his pipe and observe the yard. After his death in 1896, his granddaughter moved the stone to his grave in 1923. Following the stone's relocation, the house began to experience paranormal activity, including banging noises and slamming shutters. These disturbances persisted until the stone was returned to its original position in the courtyard. The house now functions as a museum, and the alleged ghost of Wickholm continues to make his presence known. Activity reportedly increased after a museum history described Wickholm as "grumpy." Since then, small acts of mischief, like rearranged items, have occurred overnight. Museum staff and guides acknowledge the stories and express a reluctance to spend the night there. The granite stone remains in its original courtyard location, with legend claiming Wickholm still sits upon it.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-fire-captains-stone atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

Prehistoric Crocodile Footprint in Kildonan, Scotland

The Chirotherium, a 12-foot-long crocodile-like reptile, left trails of footprints in four different locations on the Isle of Arran, Scotland, where it lived around 270 million years ago. Some of these footprints measure up to 40 centimetres long and feature large talons, making them the largest Chirotherium prints ever discovered on Earth. At the time, Arran was part of the supercontinent Pangaea, and Chirotherium lived in a hot, arid climate near the sea.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/prehistoric-crocodile-footprint atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 2

‘Night of the Living Dead’ Grave Markers in Evans City, Pennsylvania

The filming location and featured grave markers from George A. Romero's 1968 horror masterpiece, “Night of the Living Dead.” Includes Nicholas Kramer's grave, a civil war veteran who's headstone is shown during the delivery of famous line "They're coming to get you, Barbra!"Also the Blair / Cole plot where Johnny and Barbra stop to honor their father.And finally, the grave of Clyde Lewis Meyers, where Johnny hits his head during his tussle with one of the zombies (ghouls).

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/night-of-the-living-dead-grave-marker atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 1

The Birdhouse Tree of Riga in Rīga, Latvia

In Riga’s elegant Esplanāde, one bare tree stands out from the surrounding greenery. Its trunk and branches are crowded with scores of small wooden birdhouses, painted in an assortment of greens, yellows, reds, pinks and natural tones.From below, the collection is so dense that the boxes can initially resemble an unusual lighting installation. Look more closely and the circular entrances reveal them as nesting boxes. Bird boxes have a practical role in Riga’s parks: the city’s park managers maintain, repair and install them to provide nesting places for cavity-nesting birds.This particular tree has been photographed and documented in Esplanāde since at least 2022. However, readily available official information does not establish who originally created it, exactly when it appeared, or how many of its boxes are occupied by birds.Whatever its origins, the extraordinary concentration of colourful nesting boxes has turned an otherwise bare tree into one of the more unexpected sights hiding in plain view in central Riga.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-birdhouse-tree-of-riga atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 1

John Ford Statue in Portland, Maine

John Ford is recognized for his significant contributions to cinema, particularly through his iconic western films. He is credited with transforming the art of filmmaking and establishing himself as one of Hollywood's earliest auteurs. Ford's work introduced John Wayne as the quintessential cowboy hero and provided insightful commentaries on the western genre. His films are considered among the greatest ever made, with eleven inducted into the National Film Registry for their cultural importance. Ford received numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards for Best Director and the first AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite his association with western landscapes, John Ford was born John Feeney in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and grew up in Portland. He moved to California after high school to pursue his filmmaking aspirations. Ford felt a complicated relationship with his Maine upbringing, noting a lack of recognition from his hometown. Decades after his death, his friend Linda Noe Laine commissioned a statue in Portland to honor him. This statue, located in Gorham's Corner, depicts Ford with his signature items and symbolizes his New England roots and his western filmmaking. An inscription on the statue reads, "John Ford - Director - 'I make westerns'," reflecting his humble self-perception.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/john-ford-statue atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 1

Must-Try Spots For Noodle Lovers

Noodles have been a global culinary staple for centuries, originating in China and spreading to influence European cuisines. The word "noodle" itself entered English from German in the 18th century. Across the world, noodle dishes offer unique cultural experiences and flavors. In Oslo, Norway, Hrimnir Ramen offers a Nordic twist on Japanese ramen using local, fermented ingredients. Hanoi, Vietnam, is home to Phở Hàng Trống, where home chef Ms. Minh serves traditional northern-style pho from her living room. Tokyo, Japan, boasts Inari Soba Mansei, a historic soba shop connected to a legend of a shapeshifting fox.Butte, Montana, is home to the Pekin Noodle Parlor, the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the U.S., serving American-Chinese classics. Indonesia's Mie Lethek Garuda uses traditional methods, including cows, to create unique, chewy "ugly noodles" from cassava and sweet potatoes. Taipei, Taiwan, celebrates its past with the 80s-themed Pure Love Diner Bar, serving Taiwanese classics and offering karaoke.In Spain, Binissalem's Festa des Vermar features a massive communal dish of fideus de vermar, a local noodle paella. Brooklyn, New York, has Bamonte's, an old-school Italian restaurant known for affordable classics and a history tied to the mafia and celebrities. Phuket Town, Thailand, offers Khanom Jeen Pa Mai, where thin rice noodles are customized with a wide array of toppings. Singapore's Hawker Chan serves a Michelin-starred, affordable chicken and noodle dish, expanding globally. Hong Kong features Lin Heung Tea House, an old-school dim sum spot where servers bring dishes via trolley. Japan's Matsuka Seimen Noodle Factory uses a unique foot-kneading technique for its udon and offers a green tea broth soba. Finally, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, presents Bún Riêu Gánh, serving a flavorful crab paste noodle soup with various garnishes.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/spots-for-noodle-lovers-around-the-world atlasobscura.com

RSS Hunter • Sep 1