Taking up over half a block along the bohemian South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is immediately recognizable at a glance. The entire structure is covered in colorful mosaic tiles, appearing straight out of a dream. And for a fee of $10, visitors have the chance to step inside and explore. Started by local artist Isaiah …
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Considering Philly’s rank as the fifth-largest city in the United States, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s got plenty of street art. But the Philadelphia street art scene has something going for it that other cities don’t: Mural Arts Philadelphia, the largest public art program in the United States. Started in 1984 by …
Philadelphia is home to some of the USA’s most stunning – not to mention oldest – architecture. Of course, many of the buildings would still be considered ‘new’ by European standards. But what’s fascinating about Philadelphia’s oldest buildings is that they also reveal the story of the nation’s earliest years. The city’s 19th-century architecture, meanwhile, …
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It’s not often that one pays money to enter a prison. But even if walking down spooky, crumbling cellblocks isn’ normally your thing, consider making an exception for Eastern State Penitentiary. Not only was the massive prison – which ceased operations in 1971 – home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, but it was …
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Long before the first European settlers arrived, the Ohio region was home to some of North America’s most advanced civilizations. As they left behind no writing, we know relatively little about them. But we do know that the Adena, Hopewell and Fort Ancient peoples, as they’re called today, loved to build mounds. And masterpieces like …
In 1849, a cholera epidemic struck St. Louis, killing thousands. According to common belief at the time, urban cemeteries were a public health risk. And so, a number of prominent citizens decided to build a new large cemetery well outside the city limits. It would become known as Bellefontaine Cemetery. And in time, it would …
As ‘street art tourism’ gains in popularity around the world, St. Louis is fast becoming recognized as one of North America’s premier street art destinations. The ‘Gateway to the West’ has been hosting regular street art festivals since the ’90s, while the city is also home to the world’s longest Graffiti Wall. While most visitors …
Most Americans are shocked to learn that their country is home to an ancient pyramid as high as 100 feet. For whatever reason, the history of Cahokia and its Monks Mound pyramid are not taught in schools. But that doesn’t change the fact that, Cahokia was the largest pre-Colombian urban settlement north of the Rio …
Dehang translates to “beautiful valley” in the Hmong language, and it’s easy to see why. Located about 20km west of the city of Jishou, the village has been open for tourism since the 1980s. And most visitors make the trip over for two reasons: to experience local Miao culture and to hike through one of …
The Fenghuang Ancient Town area has plenty to do and see. Accordingly, many visitors like to spend several days in the area, exploring the town’s hidden spots and cobblestone backstreets. And if you purchase the ¥168 ‘through ticket’ for the attractions around Fenghuang, you’ll notice that the ticket includes a few places well outside the …