Author: Michael C. Upton

Some hotels, inns, and B&Bs survive on a niche market. Instagram worthy settings at uncommon accommodations appeal to artists, curiosity seekers, and travelers looking for something new. Ghost hunters seek out buildings with storied pasts. For those who do not believe in ghosts, the stay may be more about the ambiance, historical appeal, or the novelty of the experience. Pennsylvania, one of the oldest states, has an abundance of unique places to stay, ranging from hotels visited by paranormal investigators to creative rental homes for family getaways. Here are 7 spooky places to stay in the Keystone State.

Branson may be the live entertainment capital of the Midwest. And other visitors may come here for shopping, outdoor recreation, or to visit a theme park. However, what many travel guides may be overlooking is the first meal of the day, long before the stomach gets ready for afternoon barbeque or a down-home, dinner theatre meal. Here are seven of the best breakfast places in Branson, from stellar coffee to unique, local favorites.

Festivals are very popular. There are fests for music, beer, and even technology.

Simply, skyr is most often and easily compared to yogurt. Although skyr resembles yogurt in both ingredients and product placement in grocery store coolers, this Icelandic staple is quite different, and its chemical composition makes it a closer relative to a soft cheese. The craft of skyr-making has been passed from mother to daughter for 40 generations starting with a recipe arriving in Iceland during settlement of the island in the 9th century. Each new batch used a sample from the previous batch to pass along the active cultures, which compare in modern terms to yeast and hops in beer.