There’s no better place than the Minnesota State Fair to get a feel for what Minnesota is all about. The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” draws over 1.5 million attendees every year and is the largest 12-day fair in North America. The annual celebration features endless games and rides, animal exhibits, and over 400 free concerts. The fair celebrates everything that is special about Minnesota. If you’re looking for an experience you won’t find anywhere else, visit the North Woods area to see lumberjack and stunt dogs performances, and make sure to catch the State Fair Parade at 2pm every day. Popular musical artists visit the Grandstand each year to play to sold-out crowds. Food is also a highlight of the State Fair; past culinary innovations included SPAM sushi, deep fried grilled cheese bites, and a Reuben pickle dog!

Pearl collecting has long been a central tradition in Bahrain, and the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center brings this heritage to life. Located in the former capital, Muharraq, the site tells the story of the village’s roads, houses, and daily life during the pearling era. The restored historic homes provide a glimpse into how people once lived, while the trail itself reflects the cultural and economic importance of pearling, which once dominated the Gulf. Today, the Pearling Path offers a walking route through some of Muharraq’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Sitting high up on Mesa Vouno, Ancient Thera has the kind of views that make the hike worth it. The ruins stretch along a ridge above Kamari and Perissa, with bits of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine history still visible—temples, bathhouses, homes, even an old theatre. You can drive most of the way from Kamari (steep road), or hike up from Perissa if you’re up for a long, hot climb (around 2 hours). Bring water, wear shoes with grip, and go early if you want to avoid the heat.

Seattle's 92-acre, award-winning zoo exhibits nearly 1,100 animals representing almost 300 different animal species – from tiny insects to the largest land mammal on the planet, the African elephant. Beside hosting beautiful animals, the Woodland Park Zoo provides shops and some dining options.