North of Zagreb, in central Croatia, you will find Medvednica Mountain, a hiking area perfect for a day trip out of town. You can wander around the Medvenica nature park or climb to the highest peak, the Sljeme hilltop, which takes about two hours. You can go there by public transportation.

Officially declared a Dark Sky Park in 2016, Dark Sky Park Lauwersoog National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Groningen and is mostly renowned for its rich birdlife and the popular night walks, offering a celestial escape in a country with an otherwise heavy light pollution. As one of just above 40 Dark Sky Parks worldwide, and the second in the country after Boschplaat, it promises sightings of the nocturnal wildlife, constellations and, on rare occasions, even the northern lights.

Belle Meade is a mansion and surrounding grounds dating to the 1840s, with a winery, museum, event spaces, an onsite restaurant and some of the most beautiful grounds in Nashville. It is located just 7 miles west of downtown. The estate became famous for raising the nation's finest thoroughbred race horses. Through its history, Belle Meade hosted celebrities, presidents, generals, and a wealth of revered turfmen. These days, you can take a mansion tour, explore the arboretum and the grounds on a Segway, and end your visit with a wine tasting The Journey to Jubilee Tour invites discussion and explores the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were brought to, and born at, Belle Meade from 1807 through the years following Emancipation.

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, located just minutes from Dollywood and Gatlinburg, offers an interactive experience for treasure seekers. Mine for your own gems, then have them cut, polished, and transformed into beautiful jewelry. Afterward, explore the free museum of rocks and fossils, where you can learn about the fascinating world of geology and discover specimens from around the globe.