Accidentally Wes Anderson

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Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Italy

Pasticceria Gran Bar Follis Dario

A medieval Germanic dialect survives in an Italian valley, eight centuries after the migration over the Alps.

From the Community
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Miami, Florida, United States

The Carlyle

This Ocean Drive hotel has appeared in more films than some actors.

From the Community
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Kingston SE, South Australia, Australia

The Big Lobster

Modeled on a real stuffed lobster, Larry was voted Australia's #1 Big Thing in 2021 beating over 1,000 competitors.

From the Community
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Djúpvegur, Iceland

Óshólar Lighthouse

This 1937 lighthouse guided boats to a town with no road access until 1950, where the sea was safer than land for decades.

From the Community

The Most Refined Dynasty

At its peak, the Domino Sugar Refinery employed 4,500 workers and supplied nearly all of America's sugar from a single Brooklyn waterfront factory…

History Lesson

Big Worm’s Second Life

Originally built as an authoritarian symbol, this reclaimed pedestrian park became an emblem of democracy.

Down the Rabbit Hole

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Monteroni di Lecce, Italy

Chiesa dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano

A church honoring twin doctors so committed to free healthcare that a talking camel had to intervene in their burial dispute.

From the Community
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Tallinn, Estonia

Restoran Olde Hansa

This Tallinn restaurant bans potatoes, tomatoes, and chocolate—only ingredients available before 1492 make the cut.

From the Community
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Budapest, Hungary

Buda Castle Funicular

Europe's second funicular: 1.5 million riders a year, then gone for 42 years.

From the Community
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Kalabaka, Greece

Meteora

For centuries, monks said if a woman tried to climb, the rope would break. In 1921, a queen proved them wrong from a sack.

From the Community
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Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Queen’s Arcade

Before the arcade, the site belonged to Belfast's harp-playing doctor who taught blind children music and founded a hospital.

From the Community
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Florence, Italy

Piazzale Michelangelo

Nine pairs of oxen hauled a bronze David up Florence's hills in the 1800s, and the museum it was meant for never opened.

From the Community
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Uayma, Mexico

Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church

Built from stones of dismantled Maya temples, this church took priests over 100 years to convince locals to enter.

From the Community
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Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Hoover Dam

A dam so important it needed its own city.

AWA visted here
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Savannah, Georgia, United States

Lucas Theatre for the Arts

Savannah's Lucas Theatre reunited with its Wurlitzer organ after a 50-year separation.

From the Community
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Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park

British ranchers shipped prefab buildings to Patagonia's edge, where puma hunters were once paid per kill until 1980.

From the Community
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Ioannina, Greece

Stoa Liampei

A covered arcade rebuilt in stone and iron after fire leveled half the city's shops in the 1800s now hosts modern day shops.

From the Community
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West Coast Region, New Zealand

Brewster Hut

At 1,460 metres in New Zealand's Southern Alps, this hut has no heating and a water tank that runs dry when you need it most.

From the Community
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Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Cabo Pulmo EcoAdventures

This fishing village gave up fishing in 1995. Now it has the largest fish biomass recovery ever recorded in a marine reserve.

From the Community
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Superior, Arizona, United States

Superior Climbing Shack

A former copper mining town reinvents itself one climbing route at a time, with 1,000 sport climbs replacing underground shafts.

From the Community
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London, United Kingdom

Royal College of Music

The future King Edward VII opened a music college in 1883 where talent mattered more than birthright.

From the Community
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

The Yale Theater

From livestock auctions to Art Deco revival: this Oklahoma City theater that refused to stay dark.

From the Community
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Weymouth, Massachusetts, United States

Jefferson School

After designing 140 churches, architect Shepard S. Woodcock finally built something you could skip on Sundays.

From the Community
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Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm Palace

Stockholm's Royal Guards rotate in from across Sweden for week-long shifts, and once doubled as the city's firefighters.

From the Community
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Istanbul, Turkey

Egyptian Bazaar

Turkish wordplay turned this 1664 spice market into the 'Corn Bazaar'.

From the Community
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London, United Kingdom

Chelsea Embankment

How a river too putrid for Queen Victoria became one of London's most pristine waterfronts.

From the Community
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Oamaru, New Zealand

Oamaru Opera House

The architect designed it in 1907, then sailed to Australia in 1911 and never returned to see it age.

From the Community
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Alnwick, United Kingdom

Alnwick Gardens

Behind skull-marked gates, gardeners in hazmat suits tend belladonna and hemlock. Oh, and 20 to 30 visitors faint from the fumes every year.

From the Community
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Rapallo, Italy

Excelsior Palace Hotel

Italy's first casino hotel secretly hosted three world-altering treaties between champagne service and celebrity sightings.

From the Community
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Chicago, Illinois, United States

The Bean

Critics called it "The Electric Kidney Bean." Chicago said no, just "Bean," and a $23 million nickname was born.

AWA visted here
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Freeport, Maine, United States

Desert of Maine

A dinner-plate-sized patch of sand grew to swallow forty acres, buildings, and all.

From the Community

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Playa Grande

When Argentine aristocrats tired of crowds, they founded their own beach in 1912. With better waves.

From the Community

Milluni, Bolivia

Chacaltaya

Once the highest ski resort in the world.

Paris, France

Eiffel Tower

The con man who sold the Eiffel Tower twice... because the first buyer was too embarrassed to call the cops.

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Rio Grande Depot

The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad spent $750,000 in 1910 to outshine a competitor, then sold the depot for a dollar in 1977.

From the Community
Presented with
Presented with

King of the Cosmos

These ancient stair-filled structures pose the question, “Why use a telescope when you can simply walk into the sky?”

Let's Discover

From Farm to Village

In 1918, the son of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana—a champion plowman and wheat stacker—fell terribly ill. The healing process of his son led to the birth of a new town: Rātana Pā.

Impactful Patrons

Press for Champagne

Raise a glass (or a flute) at Seehof Herrsching that hosts a tasty gimmick inspired by an iconic London restaurant.

Not your typical b&b

A Post Office of Pigeons Past

Tasmania’s North Hobart Post office has been a landmark and point of pride for over a century. That’s not to say that a few feathery friends joined the cause…

Sneaky Peeky

Mount Vernon, Washington, United States

Roozengaarde

Though the festival is seasonal, RoozenGaarde is open year-round—offering a perennial tribute to Bernadette, whose legacy blooms anew each year, in every possible shade.

From the Community

Under the Umbrella

London's ultimate vintage vault of umbrellas has the regal stamp of approval.

Sneaky Peeky

Robe, South Australia, Australia

Robe Obelisk

Reminiscent of Waldo’s attire, this lighthouse can't be saved from Mother Nature.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Southern Aurora

The “darling of Australian travel.”

From the Community

Faringdon, United Kingdom

Buscot Park

A place so nice a British lord decided to stay... forever.

Brighton, United Kingdom

Photomatic

Photoboothing is cause for a whole new level of excitement.

Margate, United Kingdom

Margate Lido

This stoic Art Deco tower is all that remains of a former seaside bathing facility in Kent, England.

Presented with

An Apple A Day

Today, the fifth generation-owned Beak & Skiff orchard is one of the largest apple operations in New York.

Humble Humans

A Slice of Heaven

There’s a certain magical aura surrounding the town of Mystic, Connecticut–and it’s not just the pizza.

Let's Discover

Joshua Tree, California, United States

Area 55 Futuro House

Conceived in the late 196os as a portable ski chalet, this retro pod stand proudly in the desert of Joshua Tree.

Oceanside, Iceland

Öndverðarnes Lighthouse

Situated on the westernmost point on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this quaint lighthouse is surrounded by rocky ruins and grassy hills

Presented with

Fortunate Misfortunes of Frugality

Despite being one of the most wealthy people to ever exist, J. Paul Getty was famously reluctant to spend money, and always avoided paying full price.

Humble Humans

The Renowned Royal Romance

Queen Victoria's memorial to her husband, Albert, who orchestrated what is considered the first "World's Fair" in 1851 at London's Hyde Park.

History Lesson

Presented with

Candy Colored Community

Vibrant district home to Peranakan shophouses -- a taste of history & culture on the edge of Singapore's futuristic city-center.

Architectural Wonders

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Hemingway’s Haunts

Mesmerized by the area’s natural beauty, it was in Sun Valley that the author felt like he could finally live the life of his many idealistic characters—hiking, hunting, and enjoying time with locals that knew the rugged landscape.

Impactful Patrons

Presented with

Bows Versus Bogeys

The Old Course is enshrined in golf lore not only for being the oldest golf course in the world, but a site that also had a major impact on the modern game.

Adventure Curiously

A Case of the Nosy Neighbor

This beloved gateway to the South Korean palace, has endured several rounds of damage and restorations over its first 600 years of existence.

Architectural Wonders

Presented with

Wacky Quacky Traditions

This college is virtually unchanged since its opening in 1438, whispering centuries of stories to its visitors. The most famous tale of all? A Duck on Parade.

Quality Quirks

Location Scouts

A lot of our itineraries start from your suggestions!

Community Creators

LIGHTHOUSE SEEKERS

As you may know, our hearts have a soft spot for lighthouses, but looks like we aren't the only ones attempting to visit as many as we can.

In the Wild

Costumed Community

Inspired by their favorite characters, see who brought the personas of Wes Anderson to life to celebrate spooky season.

Community Creators

King of the Con Men

A story of Old Western claims, nefarious activity, railroads, and lots of deception. Bring your pickaxe.

History Lesson

A Museum for the Mundane

Offering the unique experience of diving into the history of the industrialized northern counties of England, this museum is anything but standard.

Off the beaten path

Presented with

New Perspectives For A Piazza

The imperfect history of how the Leaning Tower of Pisa--and the attempts (failures) to fix its tilt.

Architectural Wonders

Antwerp’s Alternative Walkway

Upon entry to the subterranean tunnel, commuters travel through a 572 meter tiled passage under the river Scheldt and emerge via the world's first wooden escalator.

Architectural Wonders

Cryptic Coastal Communication

The KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station still stands, saved by its historic legacy, a few highly dedicated volunteers… and a whole lotta luck.

History Lesson

A Wandering Wayfarer

A person who travels on foot is known as a wayfarer, and architectural photographer Wäyfarer taken to the streets to discover architectural wonders all around us.

Community Creators

Presented with

Pitstops to Playbills

The small, rugged town of Grand Junction was once no more than a pit stop along the train route between Denver and Salt Lake City. Then came the Avalon.

In The Details

Presented with

Par For The Course

Over the years, The Masters rules and traditions have developed alongside a tailored piece of clothing.

History Lesson

Presented with

A Daredevil’s Dream

For the non-thrill seeker, it’s hard to imagine looking down on a steep-slope and thinking, “If I go fast enough, and put a ramp at the right spot, I bet I could achieve something close to flying!” The first ski jumpers simply must have been adrenaline junkies. 

Down the Rabbit Hole

Saigon’s Last Public Writer

Post offices are great at making sure nothing stays in place too long. But in Saigon, one man has stayed put for nearly 75 years — and he’s the last of his kind.

Humble Humans

Custodial Keeper of Seaside Beacons

From a custom-built lighthouse apartment to an airplane-hangar-sized workshop, the story of Ingvar Hreinsson, the man who repaired every single lighthouse in Iceland, isn’t one you’ll want to miss.

Impactful Patrons

On Location: The French Dispatch

Wes creates fictional stories that take place in real places. Here, we visit the real places of The French Dispatch.

An AWA Original

Making Of The Michelin Man

An art nouveau structure that tells the story of world famous company and it's mascot built en-tire-ly of tires!

Groundbreakers

A Knightly Polish Parable

A holy site in Poland that not only built on the foundation of Christianity in the country but a rock with mystical powers.

History Lesson

The Birth of the Burger

Who invented the Hamburger? A simple question that is actually a bit of a pickle to answer.

Off the beaten path

The Southernmost Library

Thanks to atmospheric scientist Dr. Russell Schnell, the world can now claim to have Little Free Libraries on all seven continents.

Off the beaten path

A Long Strange Trip

Vermont may have the second smallest population in the United States, but that hasn’t hindered them from letting their freak flag fly—so high, in fact, it earned them an honorary nickname.

An AWA Original

Ireland’s Perfect Pint

An Irish cultural phenomenon, Mulligan’s pub has welcomed the likes of Judy Garland, James Joyce, and John F. Kennedy.

History Lesson

A Mansion That Measures Time

One of the few ‘calendar houses’ in the world with 365 windows, 52 chimneys, 12 doors, and 4 towers representing the days, weeks, months, and seasons in a year.

Architectural Wonders

AWA Interviews Wes

Pinch us: AWA sits down with our inspiration, Wes Anderson, for a lovely chat.

An AWA Original

Presented with
Presented with

Hidden Wonders

Follow along on our journey as we dive into the history of Sotheby’s and the stories behind some of their magnificent jewels and timepieces. 

Sotheby's

A Pocket-Sized Post Office

The post office, located along the U.S. Route 41, is in fact, the smallest full-service post office in the United States.

On the Road

Creative Cartelismo Of Queens

Brothers & artists who have been hand-painting signs for businesses in New York City for more than 40 years

Skilled Artisans

The Petite Parish

The self-proclaimed Guinness World Record holder for "Smallest Chapel in the World" is contested only by the Guinness World Record Organization itself.

Architectural Wonders

Presented with
Presented with
Presented with

Devonport, Tasmania, Australia

MS Spirit of Tasmania I

The Spirit of Tasmania I made waves in the media when she endured rough waters along the Bass Strait and returned safely.

From the Community
Presented with

Take It To The Bridge

“In bridge designing, the aesthetics are quite as important as engineering details. It is a crime to build an ugly bridge.”

Architectural Wonders

Unlikely Essential Workers

After the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, Women answered the call to serve their country - promptly joining the workforces at one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the United States.

Groundbreakers

Presented with
Presented with
Presented with

Lake Como, Italy

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

This hotel is so steeped in romance, there are love letters literally embedded into its walls.

From the Community
Presented with

From Siberia With Love

Antarctica is home to seven houses of worship - one made a long journey to serve parishioners at the at the bottom of the world.

Off the beaten path

East of Eastman

Exploring the home of Kodak and the origins behind the famous phrase “You push the button, we do the rest.”

An AWA Original

Celebrating A Chic Shetland Shelter

Cold and unforgiving Shetland weather inspired a young schoolboy to write the local paper to build a new bus shelter for him and his classmates, but it ended up becoming more than a bus stop.

Quality Quirks

A One-of-a-Kind View

The only drive-in + motor-lodge that lets you enjoy the feature presentation from the comfort of your motel room.

Not your typical b&b

An Inn For Alien Aficionados

Located in the closest town to Area 51, this roadside inn invites travelers to enjoy food, lodging, and all things UFO.

Not your typical b&b

Presented with
Presented with

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Hoan Bridge

Multiple delays in its opening earned this bridge the nickname, "The Bridge to Nowhere".

From the Community
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Presented with
Presented with

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Bel Harbour Pool

Take in a dip in the former celery capital of the USA.

Presented with

Berlin, Germany

Babylon

The famous organ of the Babylon cinema in Berlin was single-handedly saved by a 75-year-old engineer.

From the Community
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Presented with
Presented with
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Presented with
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Presented with
Presented with
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Presented with
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