Destinations

7 Ways to Discover Gauteng: South Africa’s Place of Gold

As a proud Gautenger myself, it often feels like I’ve seen it all in my home province.

10 Best Places to Visit in Indiana

Although it is often disparaged and overlooked for being ‘The Crossroads of America,’ Indiana has a lot going for it once you get off its busy interstates.

Some of America’s Most Surprising States Are Found in the Mid-Atlantic

Nestled away in the northeast of the United States, between the Great Lakes to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Mid-Atlantic states usually include Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia – as well as the nation’s capital of Washington DC, which.

9 Magical Day Trips from Salzburg You’ll Never Forget

The city of Salzburg, Austria, is located close to the border with Southern Germany.

These Hungary Cities Might Be Europe’s Best Travel Surprise

A country with a fascinating history, Hungary has more to offer than just its glittering capital; outside of Budapest, you’ll come across beautiful architectural wonders, steaming thermal baths and interesting historical sites.

17 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Europe

When planning a vacation to Europe, some of the first destinations that come to mind will be the teeming cities of Paris in France, London in England or Berlin in Germany.

17 Best Places to Visit in Northern Europe

Northern Europe may be known as a place of Vikings and snow – and to some extent, that’s not incorrect.

The Italian Towns That Turn First-Time Visitors Into Lifelong Fans

Small isn’t necessarily bad.

George Peabody Library Baltimore Visitor Guide Most visitors don't expect to find one of the most striking interiors in America tucked behind a row of white columns in a quiet Baltimore neighborhood. You walk through the doors of the Peabody Institute in Mount Vernon, turn a corner, and suddenly you're standing beneath a skylit atrium that climbs six stories above a polished marble floor. It stops you cold. The George Peabody Library Baltimore is that kind of place. It doesn't announce itself from the street. There's no flashy signage, no grand plaza. But step inside the stack room and you'll see why people call it a "cathedral of books." Over 300,000 volumes line the walls, and the space itself feels like something pulled from a 19th-century novel you half-remember reading. Johns Hopkins University runs the place as part of its Sheridan Libraries system. This isn’t a museum replica—it’s a working research collection. You can visit for free during public hours, which makes it one of the easiest cultural stops in Baltimore. Whether you’re chasing that perfect symmetrical shot up through the iron balconies or just want a quiet ten minutes surrounded by something genuinely beautiful, the library delivers without asking much of your time or your wallet. Cast-Iron Balconies And The Soaring Atrium The first thing that hits you is the scale. Five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies rise from the ground floor and climb 61 feet to a massive skylight that floods the room with natural light. The effect is vertical and dramatic, like standing inside a very elegant cage made of books and ironwork. Each balcony tier is lined with gold-and-black volumes shelved behind low railings, and the repeating geometric patterns of the iron railings create a visual rhythm that photographers obsess over. Point your camera straight up from the center of the floor and you'll get that iconic symmetrical shot that's all over travel feeds. The image almost looks digitally generated, but it's real, and it's been here since 1878. The marble floor adds to the atmosphere. Sound carries differently in here. Footsteps echo softly, and conversations drop to whispers without anyone being told. The reading room on the ground level sits just off the main atrium, offering a quieter space with wooden tables and the kind of warm, worn-in feeling that modern libraries rarely manage. The light keeps the space from feeling like a museum. On a clear afternoon, sunlight pours through the skylight and shifts across the iron railings and book spines, changing the room's character every hour. You could visit twice in the same day and walk away with completely different impressions. A Quick History Of The Landmark George Peabody, a financier who got his start in Baltimore before heading off to London, founded the Peabody Institute in 1857. He wanted to give something meaningful back to the city that launched his career—a free public library, a lecture series, a music conservatory, and an art gallery. The library building itself took its sweet time, finally opening up in 1878. Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind teamed up with Nathaniel H. Morison, the institute's first provost, to design the interior. Lind focused on that dramatic stack room—he wanted it to feel grand enough to match Peabody's vision but still practical for researchers. Local craftsmen made the decorative cast-iron balconies, and people immediately noticed the design. It stood out as one of the most distinctive library interiors on the East Coast. The collection changed hands a few times. In 1966, the City of Baltimore took over and ran things through the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Then, in 1982, Johns Hopkins University stepped in, and the library became part of the Sheridan Libraries system. These days, the focus is on 18th- and 19th-century works—architecture, religion, science, geography, literature—with gems from folks like Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman. George Peabody Library Baltimore

One of America’s Most Beautiful Interiors Is Hidden in Baltimore

Most visitors don’t expect to find one of the most striking interiors in America tucked behind a row of white columns in a quiet Baltimore neighborhood.

18 Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss in Las Vegas

Renowned around the world for its glitzy casinos, luxury themed resorts, and endless entertainment options, Las Vegas really is like no other place on Earth.

Hidden Between Lakes and Forests Lies One of America’s Most Charming Small Towns

Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine wilderness, this charming resort town has long been a favorite destination for outdoor adventure.

Best Things to do in Cairns, Australia

Located on Australia’s northeast coastline in the state of Queensland, Cairns is surrounded by pristine forest reserves and national parks, with the Great Barrier Reef lying just offshore.

From River Trails to Revived Warehouse Districts — Discover the Capital City Growing Into Its Own Identity

Serving as a political hub while also playing an important role in regional commerce, education, and culture, this compact capital has more depth than first impressions suggest.

Best Cities to Live in South Carolina

Home to renowned tourist destinations like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Charleston, you may have a decent idea about what life in South Carolina is like.

15 Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss in Oxford

Renowned for its ancient colleges, grand monuments, and graceful spires, this historic university town feels like a living museum of scholarship and tradition.