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Juniper is one of the trees most characteristic of the western United States. Typically they are a major component of the driest and hottest forest climatic zone, which occurs at the lowest elevations. (To be sure, “forest” can be a bit of an exaggeration, because the trees commonly occur as scattered groves and isolated individuals […]
As strange as it might be to see Lady Liberty lifting her lamp not on Ellis Island, but in Aomori, this large-scale replica is not even the only one in Japan. Arguably the most famous copy in the land is the Odaiba Statue of Liberty, which overlooks Tokyo Bay. There’s also the Statue of Liberty […]
At a bridge where Bloor Street crosses the Humber river, a memorial plaque and a marker in the shape of a wave outline the history of Canada’s deadliest hurricane. Hurricane Hazel hit the city of Toronto on October 15, 1954. According to historians, winds reached 77 miles per hour (124 kilometers per hour) as a […]
Floating on the serene (and cold!) waters of Lake Derby, the Lake Derby Floating Sauna is the ultimate way to steam away your worries. Picture this: you’re in a cozy, wood-fired sauna, sweating it out while surrounded by nothing but the tranquil Tasmanian wilderness. Just when you think you might melt, you dive into the […]
Traversing from Old Quebec to the trendy Saint-Roch neighborhood of Québec City, there is a building that appears to be a large, beautiful church. If you walk up the steps and peek in the door, you’ll find that this is not actually a church but a library, the Maison de la littérature! Formerly the Wesley Temple built […]
The Wolford Chapel holds a significant place in the history and culture of Canada, as the burial place of John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario). Though the church stands in the very English countryside of Devon, it is owned by Ontario, and, as such, proudly flies the flag of […]
Having reliable mobile data when you travel is a must these days. It’s helpful not only for finding things to do or the right bus route, but communicating in an emergency and locating your accommodation if you get lost. While I think a lot of travelers spend too much time on their phone, the fact […]
As we prepare for the election of the next president of the United States, here at Atlas Obscura, we’re reflecting on the shocking stories of presidents and their partners. From sea slugs to first lady escapades, these are odd, interesting, and out-of-pocket details you probably didn’t learn in any high school history class. Explore the […]
All food is political–but some foods are more political than others. Not only can a dish serve as a symbol of identity or status, it can be tied to politics in a more literal sense. Some foods serve as a uniting factor by helping to raise money for a cause. Others establish a time-honored tradition […]
Winning tip: make tracks for northern Sweden Waking up to a pink Arctic sunrise over endless fir trees from my bunk on the overnight train from Stockholm to Abisko was the perfect start to a winter adventure. The STF Abisko Turiststation served as our base for every snow-related activity that you can imagine: I tried […]