FUTURE ROADTRIP NE: Witches, beaches, history and ice cream

Next, head to New Jersey to test your luck in Atlantic City! This town is known for its casinos and wild nightlife, but while you're waiting for the sun to set here, take a stroll along the Atlantic City Boardwalk. One of the country's first boardwalks, it's lined with old-school attractions, museums, rides, and, of course, resorts and casinos. Grab some saltwater taffy, explore the boardwalk, dip your toes in the ocean, and enjoy the people-watching!

After that, head into Philadelphia for a major dose of awesome history. Independence Hall is the exact spot where America was born. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were laid out and signed here in this old building. It's free to visit, and the docents are incredibly informative, so there's no excuse to not stop by and brush up on your U.S. History, and gain a new appreciation for just how awesome this country is!

Another cool thing about America is that it really is a melting pot of cultures... including some really small, unique ones. The Amish are a distinctly American religious order that live a very strict life without many modern-day conveniences, such as electricity. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is home to a large community of Amish, and the Amish Farm & House is a great place to start a tour of Amish Country. The historic home is a visitor center for the city of Lancaster, and features tons of info and guided tours.

Upstate New York is a place of incredible natural beauty, with lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and forests. Taughannock Falls State Park is a great place to immerse yourself in the surroundings. Miles of trails, lakeshore beaches for swimming, fishing, and cabins make this a perfect retreat... but the highlight of the park is Taughannock Falls itself. One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, it's only made more beautiful by the cliffs and forests that surround it.

Watkins Glen State Park is another gem in upstate New York. The rugged gorge hides stone bridges, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Come fall, the changing leaves add to the magical feeling here. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife along the trails, and get ready to take on a bunch of stairs that go into the gorge.

Niagara Falls was one of the first really popular tourist attractions in the country, and it remains a bucket-list item for many to this day. The falls truly are magnificent, and the sheer size and power must be seen to be understood. Get as close to the action as you can with a ride on the Maid of the Mist, a boat that takes you right inside the dense mist spray of Horseshoe Falls. You'll definitely get wet... but you'll also get as close to the roaring wall of water as possible!

Not surprisingly, the wealthy of the nineteenth century were attracted to the peaceful beauty of upstate New York. Many opulent, historic homes, such as the luxurious Boldt Castle, can be found here. The story behind Boldt is incredibly sad and touching, and the mansion itself is utterly gorgeous.

Stretch your legs and treat yourself to something sweet on a tour at the Ben & Jerry's Factory! The legendary ice-cream makers are known for their quirky flavors, so a tour of their operation is guaranteed to be entertaining. See how they make their delicious ice cream taste so good, tour the flavor graveyard, and enjoy a scoop of something wacky and tasty!

The natural beauty doesn't stop in upstate New York: New Hampshire is pretty breathtaking as well. Franconia Notch State Park is home to an epic hike known as Flume Gorge, which winds its way through a secluded gorge filled with waterfalls and mossy plants. When you're done exploring the gorge, you can get a view of New Hampshire from the park's Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway!