“There are views at Sonoma Coast State Park in California that are so full of WOW I can’t quite find the words to describe it. Sometimes you feel like you’re on craggy cliffs in Ireland, some days it looks like a tropical Hawaiian landscape, and other days like Norwegian fjords. No matter where I visit in the world, I always look forward to coming back to this special part of the planet I call home.” —Guy Raz

“Between the architecture, food, and baseball, it doesn’t get much better than Chicago—and that includes museums too. The Field Museum is a world-class science museum and the perfect place to bring your curious kids on a hot summer day. When you visit, tell SUE the T. rex I say hi.” —Guy Raz

“Ocracoke Island, a beautiful little island at the tip-end of the Outer Banks, is difficult to get to, but so worth the adventure. Unless you fly a small plane in, the drive takes you all the way down the Outer Banks before you reach the final part—a short ferry hop to the island. But once there, you’re transported to a magical place with amazing restaurants and shops, wonderful warm-water beaches, and miles of paths to wander and ride bikes.” —Guy Raz

“Hold on to your tater tots! Did you know that you can vacation inside of a larger-than-life potato!? On the inside, it’s a charming, one-of-a-kind vacation home, but in this case, it’s what’s on the outside that counts! Nestled on a crisp bed of Idaho farmland, this 28-foot-long spud is one hot potato! It’s the perfect place to downsize from a gingerbread mansion….” —Mindy Thomas

“There was an old woman who lived in a shoe…and now you can too! This live-in ‘work boot’ located off Route 30 in Hellam, Pennsylvania, can sleep up to six people! But there’s also a Shoe House Gift Shop, if you’re planning to shoehorn your visit into a busy road trip. ‘So many children’ not included.” —Mindy Thomas

“It’s an official historical landmark and trunk-loads of fun! Lucy the Elephant is one colossal pachyderm that can’t be missed—especially if you’re on your way to Atlantic City. And if you have extra time, I recommend climbing the spiral staircase hidden in her leg to experience the panoramic views from the ‘greatest elephant on Earth!’” —Mindy Thomas

“The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, about an hour north of where I grew up in Tampa. This is the only wildlife refuge dedicated to the protection of the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. And as long as you’re willing to mind your manatee manners, you can experience these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat!” —Mindy Thomas

“Mystery! Maximalism! Mazes! And…secret doors?! The Mansion on O Street in Washington, DC, looks like four unassuming row houses on the outside, but on the inside it’s a winding wonderland of more than 100 different themed rooms connected via nearly 90 secret doors! Book a tour or stay overnight, and tell ’em Mindy sent ya!” —Mindy Thomas

“Whenever I visit the Rocky Mountains, I’m always sure to make a pit stop in Nederland, Colorado, to take a spin on the Carousel of Happiness. It’s a restored, wooden carousel originally built in the early 1900s by the Danish carousel maker and woodcarver Charles I.D. Looff. It features more than 50 hand-carved animals (35 can be ridden); each is more detailed and whimsical than the next, making sure that no two rides are the same.” —Mindy Thomas

“Once or twice a year, my family escapes to Capon Springs, a third-generation, family-owned resort in West Virginia. The grounds are gorgeous, the lodging is modest, the food is delicious, and the whole experience feels like a step back in time. Wi-Fi is hard to come by, which means that it’s easier to connect with family than it is during our busy lives at home. Did I mention the magical healing properties of Capon’s natural spring water? To feel it is to believe it!” —Mindy Thomas