Local Secrets, Big Finds>

By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large

They remind us more than anything that life is not just about the destination, but more importantly, the journey. These spots can't be found in any other guidebook, and they're largely places that tourists would otherwise overlook.

You might wonder how in the world we came up with these places. The answer is that we put our most knowledgeable field workers to work-YOU! Our frequent and fun-loving, information seeking travelers were an integral part of this project. Your suggestions resulted in thousands of hidden gems. You'll notice we described our Local Secrets in your own words (we did this to provide an authentic, local voice), so many of these colorful descriptions are just as you wrote them to us.

Preparing this content was a labor of love. The task was ambitious and the original submission list was enormous. Even after looking at them endlessly, I must admit, these places are all still extraordinary--even if they're ordinary. Ranging from ostrich racing to alligator eating, this comprehensive collection of local hot spots promises to pique the interest of every traveler. After two years in the making, I'm proud to present Travelocity's "Local Secrets, Big Finds."

Below are my "editor's picks," which contain a few of my very favorite selections from the US and Canada. But don't just consider mine--check them all out for yourself. I hope you will be equally awed, amused, and inspired by many of our Local Secrets, Big Finds.

Amy Ziff

As a company that sends millions of people to destinations near and far, we've accomplished our biggest project yet: Local Secrets, Big Finds. This was something of a marathon, our own personal quest to climb Mt. Everest--or perhaps a more befitting description would be a journey around all of North America taken on foot. At the end of this journey, our task was to deliver back information about the people we met and the authentic, local places we saw along the way--and that is precisely what we have done with our Local Secrets, Big Finds. Each and every Local Secret, Big Find embodies a step of our journey and hopefully yours. They celebrate North America in its rugged beauty and its quiet sunsets, in fabulous food and fun festivals. They are the fabric of these countries, and some may even be found in your own backyard.

Travelocity's Local Secrets, Big Finds are a cache of American and Canadian discoveries that will prove particularly handy if you're hitting the road sometime soon, or even if you're just looking for a way to spend a relaxing day within driving distance. As a travel pro, I understand the need to be pointed in the right direction. Our Local Secrets, Big Finds were compiled with exactly that intention. You're sure to find new sites to explore wherever you live or are headed. These places range from beautiful to downright wacky, but they all share the magic of what makes a place unique.

Editor's Top Picks for North America

Photo of Manatees: Matthias Maier and Christine Dulfer

Swimming with Manatees

Crystal River, Florida - The 20 islands in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are important habitat for about 25% of the endangered manatee population. The Refuge is made up of about 46 acres along the Crystal River, where you can swim with the manatees or admire them from shore. Swimming with manatees is "a truly unforgettable experience." These shy sea cows are "so big, yet so gentle." The refuge can only be reached by boat, but "it's an experience you'll never forget." Learn more about Florida.

  • Ostrich Festival

    Chandler, Arizona - The Ostrich Festival is one of the most unique in the entire country. "Hundreds of thousands of spectators" converge in Chandler to celebrate the city's "farming heritage." Learn more about Arizona.

  • Two Grannies Down Home Cookin' Restaurant

    Glen Rose, Texas - Just like the name implies, the Two Grannies Down Home Cookin' Restaurant is "owned and operated by two grannies, June Thomas and Gloria Whitley," and the food is indeed homemade. In true "Granny-style," everyone is "greeted at the door with a hug." Learn more about Texas.

  • Pierogi Fest

    Whiting, Indiana - Head "a mere half hour away from Chicago" to the "small charming town of Whiting" for "one of the nation's best food festivals." Taking place from July 29 through 31, 2005, this event celebrates the pierogi. If you're unfamiliar with the term, pierogis are Eastern European dumplings that are filled with potatoes. Learn more about Indiana.

  • Voodoo Doughnut

    Portland, Oregon - Feast on Jagermeister jelly-filled or caffeine-glazed doughnuts at this "late-night scare fest of a sugar shack." Located in a tiny shop within walking distance of over a dozen bars and clubs, Voodoo Doughnut's quirky menu fits right in the with the "anti-Dunkin" decor. Learn more about Oregon.

  • Adeptus Arts

    Washington Depot, Connecticut - Tim Hochstetter, artist and studio owner, strives to further the realm of cultural arts with his work. A visit to Adeptus Arts is "a double joy" because you can appreciate the "great pieces produced and for sale" there. Learn more about Connecticut.

  • Angel Oak

    Johns Island, South Carolina - The Angel Oak tree is more than 1,400 years old and "covers nearly an acre with its limbs." In fact, the longest limb is about 11 feet around and 89 feet long. "There is nothing like it." Learn more about South Carolina.

  • Snake Alley

    Burlington, Iowa - "Ripley's Believe It or Not" labeled Snake Alley the Crookedest Street in the World. It was built in 1894 by three German immigrants who wanted to create the allure of a winding hillside, similar to what you'd find in the vineyards in France and Italy. Learn more about Iowa.

  • Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles

    Nashville, Tennessee - If you're looking for "a great alternative to mainstream ice cream shops," then this Mexican-inspired popsicle shop offers a real treat. Flavors range from fruity to downright daring, with everything from honeydew and watermelon to hibiscus and prickly pear (without the prickles, of course). Learn more about Tennessee.
Photo of Blue Hole: Richard Gzybowski

The Blue Hole

Santa Rosa, New Mexico - Right in the heart of landlocked New Mexico is the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, known as "the scuba capital of the Southwest." The Blue Hole has been nicknamed "Nature's Jewel" because it is an 81-foot-deep well, full of "crystal clear" spring water. It "makes for wonderful summer diving" and for year-round diving because it maintains a steady temperature in the low 60s--even in the winter. Plus, it's an ideal dive training and recreational site for water lovers. Learn more about New Mexico.

  • Giovanni's Aloha Shrimp

    Oahu, Hawaii - Look for the " broken-down, graffiti covered, old," white shrimp truck and "hand-painted sign" set up along the roadside on Kamehameha Highway, and eventually you'll find Giovanni's, the oldest and most famous North Shore shrimp truck. Learn more about Hawaii.

  • Black Hills Race for the Gold: Annual Dog Sled Races

    Hill City, South Dakota - The Black Hills Race for the Gold Dog Sled races are a good substitute for the Iditarod in Alaska, which (if you live in the lower 48) is "too far to drive." There are six dogs to a team that race for 20 miles. Learn more about South Dakota.

  • Big Juds

    Ashton, Idaho - Big Juds is a "big-time diner in a small town." It is the home of the one-pound burger, the Big Jud, and if you finish one, you get your picture on the wall. The hamburgers are "as big as the plate they come on." Learn more about Idaho.

  • Badlands Brew

    Dickinson, North Dakota - Coffee aficionados "worship the holy brew" at Badlands Brew - a coffee bar and roasterie that used to be St. John's Episcopal Church where the 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt used to worship. Learn more about North Dakota.

  • K High Five Bed & Breakfast

    Gardnerville, Nevada - Bring your cowboy hat and "get ready to ride" at the K High Five Bed & Breakfast in Gardnerville. A working cattle ranch on over 225 acres of hayfields, this bed & breakfast "has amazing views" of nature through the many panoramic windows, and you will "feel right at home too" amidst the wildlife. Learn more about Nevada.

  • Lark and Sons BBQ and Carwash

    Benton Harbor, Michigan - Experience a taste of southern hospitality in the north. This quite possibly could be "the only combination BBQ and carwash in the world." Learn more about Michigan.

  • Balloon Stampede and Winery Open Houses

    Walla Walla, Washington - During the second full weekend of May, "balloons go up every morning and evening for three days." The Balloon Stampede and Winery Open Houses "is outstanding and the nightglow event is beautiful." Learn more about Washington.

  • Raptor Trust Bird Rehab

    Millington, New Jersey - The Raptor Trust Bird Rehab site is reached via "a nice beautiful drive" through western New Jersey. It's a great place to take kids. But really, who wouldn't like the chance to see "eagles, all kinds of hawks, and owls up close?" Learn more about New Jersey.
Cheyenne Frontier Days

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Cheyenne, Wyoming - Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world's largest outdoor rodeo. Held every July, "it is unique and great fun!" The event includes a full "week of rodeos, night concerts, a carnival, parades, free pancake breakfasts, carriage rides, gunfighter 'shoot-outs', an Airforce Thunderbird show, chuckwagon cookoff, and much more."
Learn more about Wyoming.

  • Mystery Lake

    Jasper, Alberta - Located just outside of Jasper Park, this "very interesting sight to see" is a great place for fishing and winter sports--but only if you time it right. Named "appropriately by Indians," the mystery of the lake is that it "disappears in the fall and returns in the spring." The disappearing act takes place over a "period of three weeks." Learn more about Alberta.

  • Flying Trapeze Lessons

    Toronto, Ontario - Luckily the ceilings at the Toronto School of Circus Arts are 40-feet high, so you'll have plenty of space to fly. Since 1985, people from the general public have been participating in this "unique sporting adventure." Sign up for flying trapeze lessons, and you'll learn to "fly safely through the air and do acrobatic tricks." Learn more about Ontario.

  • Digby Scallop Days

    Digby, Nova Scotia - Every August the quaint town of Digby gathers for a "week of activities" to celebrate one of the world's largest scallop fleets. Known to be the "capital of scallops," Digby is "a beautiful, relaxing town with good food and friendly people." During Scallop Days, you'll find succulent scallops prepared in many different ways, scallop shucking competitions, parades, the crowning of a "scallop Queen," and a fireworks finale. Learn more about Nova Scotia.

  • Toonik Tyme Spring Festival

    Iqluit, Nunavut - Spring in the Arctic is something to celebrate, and the Iqalungmiut get bundled up for the much-anticipated Toonik Tyme Spring Festival. In honor of the sun's return, the Iqualuit's festival celebrates the end of short winter days with events such as: "igloo-building contests, crafts sales, seal skinning, ice sculpting, Inuit games, and more." Learn more about Nunavut.

  • Cosmos Snack Bar

    Montreal, Quebec - Cosmos Snack Bar serves breakfast all day long. "Don't bother counting your calories" here, Cosmos is known "throughout Montreal for its mish-mash omelet--four eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, salami, tomato, onion, and cheese." Some think it is "one of Montreal's finest breakfast and burger restaurants." Learn more about Quebec.

  • Yukon Artists @ Work Cooperative

    Whitehorse, Yukon - The Yukon Artists @ Work Cooperative is an artist-run gallery that exhibits original works from more than 35 local Yukon artists. It's open daily, but the best time to visit is during the weekends, from June to September, when it's warm and there are musical performances. Only 10 minutes from Whitehorse, the gallery overlooks the Yukon River Valley. Learn more about Yukon.
Photo of Eagle: Garry Broeckling

Brackendale Eagle Run

Brackendale, British Columbia - In "December or January" you should flock here for "the most concentrated gathering" of bald eagles in North America, although you can see them as early as November and as late as February. Brackendale is a residential community with a thriving arts scene, and "has the world record for a bald eagle count in a single valley." Each year in January, the art center sponsors the count "along a 10-mile stretch of the Squamish River" when "the eagles are there in the largest numbers." Learn more about British Columbia.