A Journey Through A Real Life Fairytale
Once upon a time, a land called North America was full of enchanted forests, historic villages, and magnificent estates. Over centuries the land developed and cities grew but the charm was gratefully left behind. If you're looking for an escape to a magical land, you might not have to travel as far as you think. Check out these places across North America that look like they've jumped off the page of a fairytale.
1. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Step off the boat onto the white sand beaches of Cumberland Island. Wild horses roam this remote island paradise off the shores of mainland Georgia. You'll step back in time with a visit to the Dungeness Ruins that were once a mansion built in 1884 that went ablaze in a tragic fire in 1959.
2. Philbrook Museum Of Art, Oklahoma
The Philbrook Museum of Art building and grounds is a work of art itself. You'll feel like you're inside a Renaissance painting as you stroll around the property, admiring the elegant building that houses masterpieces. The charming gardens put on a display fit for fairies and princesses to roam.
Dustin M. Ramsey, aka Kralizec! at English Wikipedia. Cropped by CPacker. on Wikimedia
3. Ringling Museum Of Art, Florida
Ringling Museum of Art is another museum with architecture and landscaping that lure you in like an enchanted palace. Feel like royalty as you walk through the garden paths with statue adorned fountains. You'll be in awe of the romantic building and the artwork displayed inside.
4. Castello Di Amorosa, California
If Napa Valley isn't already dreamy enough, they house the most quintessential storybook castle as well. Sip wine in their picturesque vineyard as you gaze upon a medieval-like castle from the 13th century. You can take a tour inside as well and feel the history up close.
5. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri
Situated in the gorgeous Lake of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka is a splendor of trails, tranquil blue springs, and castle ruins. It's a nature wonderland that takes you on scenic trip through magical woods. The castle ruins add to the fairytale aesthetic and make you feel as though you're truly lost in an enchanted forest.
6. Anthony Chapel, Arkansas
This stunning chapel could be written into a storybook as the wedding venue for a prince and princess. Anthony Chapel is made of wood and soaring glass ceilings, offering you bewildering views of the forest and lake. Nestled inside the Garvan Woodland Gardens, the chapel is a dream destination.
7. Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs, Texas
Dive into the emerald waters of this magical watering hole. Shower under the picturesque waterfall like you're a goddess from Dreamland. The Hamilton pool is a natural oasis that looks like a scene from a mythological tale.
8. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
When you visit Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge you'll be in awe of it's beauty. The bridge with the cascading waterfall as a backdrop could be a location in a fantasy movie. The recreation site offers accommodation in cabins by the falls so you can experience the magic day and night.
9. Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
Bask in the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate as you walk on its vast green lawn. The building reflects a French chateau that was constructed in 1889. With 250 rooms including 43 bathrooms and 8000 acres of land, a tour of this estate will give you a taste of the riches.
Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
10. Bonaventure Cemetery, Georgia
The Bonaventure Cemetery is a site of mysterious elegance rooted in history. You'll feel like a character in a ghost story as you wander around the graveyard and its elaborate crumbling tombstones. The famous cemetery was featured in the 1994 novel and film "Midnight in the Garden of Good" which is proof it looks Hollywood-worthy.
11. Ice Castles, Utah
The Ice Castles will transport you to a frozen kingdom of an outer world. The chilly paradise is worth the journey through a visual splendor of sculptural ice and glaciers. Bundle up and explore a natural palace that could be used in Disney's movie "Frozen".
12. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park is an archeological wonderland. Its 700+ year old ruins of an ancient Pueblo community will take you back in time. The cliffside ruins could be described as a village in an old fairytale offering spectacular views of surrounding woods.
13. Mont-tremblant, Quebec
The cute and colorful buildings make this French-Canadian village a scene from European folklore. It's a spectacle all year round but it's a winter wonderland draped in white snow in the winter. The storybook town is surrounded by breathtaking mountains that attract skiers and snowboarders to the magical slopes.
14. Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
The quaint seaside town of Mahone Bay is a picturesque destination. Charming buildings line the streets and its laid-back atmosphere makes you feel like you've entered Pleasantville. As part of Nova Scotia's lighthouse route, there's no wonder Mahone Bay makes you believe in magic.
15. Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta
Fairmont's Chateau Lake Louise is a hotel fit for a king on a wilderness expedition. Perched on the shore of the world-renown lake, the chateau is in one of the most scenic places in Canada. The surrounding mountains and dense forest of evergreens provide an enchanting backdrop.
GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia
16. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City will transport you to Europe in the blink of an eye. It's detailed architecture and cobblestone streets will make you feel like you're on set of an old French film. In the winter, snow blankets this charming city like it's been powdered with fairy dust.
Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez on Wikimedia
17. Trinity, Newfoundland
Newfoundland is on the most Eastern tip of Canada and rooted in Celtic heritage which explains it's fairytale charm. Trinity paints a scene of a quaint fishing village with colorful buildings and lush green landscape. You can picture fishermen from an Irish ballad living here.
rse75 from Schomberg, Ontario - Centre of the Universe, Canada on Wikimedia
18. Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park is one of the only temperate rainforests in the world which makes it home to unique flora and fauna. A walk through this park will take you on a magical journey through a green oasis. You can't help but imagine mystical creatures sleeping on tree branches or hiding in caves.
19. Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
The Atchafalaya Basin is America's largest river swamp. Spanning across a million acres, it's a nature haven fit for ogres, tree elves, and toad princes. The fairytale creatures from "Shrek" could call this place home.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown on Wikimedia
20. Mackinac Island, Michigan
The highlight of Mackinac Island is that it's a car-free city. Without automobiles, you can listen to the therapeutic sounds of nature uninterrupted. A taste of their world-class fudge will make you believe in magic before you even see the captivating sites across the island.
