Emilee Lindner

New Year’s Eve in the U.S. is more than watching balls drop. It’s also about seeing a 400-pound chick lower and other bizarre New Year’s Eve traditions. You see, America really lets its freak flag fly when it comes to ringing in the New Year. We lean into our superstitions and harness our oddball customs as part of our countdowns. If you’re loyal to the Times Square celebration, might we interest you in other special, kooky “drops” that feature absurdly large items lowered at midnight? As you’ll see below, these celebratory totems lean into the locale’s eccentric spirit and represent something about the town’s unique industry, traditions, or history. After all, it’s already strange enough to stay up past midnight just to watch time go by, so why not take it over the top? Dive into the weirdest New Year’s traditions in the USA and maybe you’ll have a few things to add to your bucket list. RECOMMENDED: 19 weird landmarks in the U.S. that are worth a visit

You’ve decided you want a winter getaway, but everyone’s kind of “meh” about driving. On these winter train rides across the USA, everyone in your group can relax, cozy up with a warm beverage, and watch the snowy landscape pass—nary a traffic care. Train travel not only takes away the responsibility of driving, but it allows riders to see more of the country, with all its snow-capped mountains, blanketed fields, and frosty trees glittering in the sunlight. In one trip, you can chug along from Seattle to Chicago, taking in the majesty of Glacier National Park, with many naps between. Or you can opt for a shorter trek, sitting back while you travel toward a weekend ski trip. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, a romantic voyage with your partner, or a solo day of escaping reality, build your bucket list below with these best winter train rides in the USA. RECOMMENDED: The best train rides for seriously gorgeous views  

What’s the best Christmas candy to enjoy during the holidays? Well, quite simply, it’s chocolatey, shaped like an icon, and perfect for stuffing in that stocking of yours. But before we reveal that top spot of our very definitive, very official candy list, let’s first appreciate all the treats that make Christmas so wonderful. Eating bonbons for breakfast is a holiday tradition invented by Santa himself (why else would he sneak so many of those individually wrapped peppermint Kisses into your sock?). So whether you’re an old-school ribbon candy and candy cane kind of guy, or a modern-day gummy gal, honor the time-tested tradition by sugaring up. Whether you prefer classic Christmas confections or coal—yes, there’s coal-themed candy—there’s so much to choose from. So what are you going to snap when you jingle-jangle down that red, green, holly jolly candy aisle? Take it from us: you need to stock up on the best Christmas candy in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets in the USAThe best Christmas stores in the U.S.The best Christmas towns in the USA

Strap on your skates and let’s go to the best ice skating rinks in the USA! There’s nothing better than a holiday date with family, friends, and kiddos to fill your cup with joy. Whether bundling up to skate loops around a glittering tree or hitting up an indoor mall rink, lacing up and hitting the ice is a long-standing tradition for a reason. In America, you can find an ice rink in about any town you pass through. But few reach the ranks of “must-visit” status. Rockefeller Center may be the most iconic destination for gliding gracefully (or, if you’re like the majority of the country, not-so gracefully), but there are so many other beautiful locations to explore. Below, you’ll find quaint ski villages, mountain views, and a skating experience like no other. So, if you’re an expert figure-eighter or someone who doesn’t mind falling on their bum a few times, these best ice skating rinks in the United States will have you falling for this happy tradition again. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets in the U.S.

Restaurants in Niagara Falls, Canada, represent the breadth of everything Ontario has to offer—from farm-fresh produce to those crisp Niagara wine country beverages to romantic scenery and diverse cuisines. A tourist town once plagued with fast food has been revolutionized by local chefs committed to the quality of the region. While Niagara Falls serves as a tourists' playground, there are food options for anyone in your group. You’ve got your filet-mignon-fine-dining establishments, your burger-and-a-beer breweries, and, of course, the piece de resistance of Canadian culture: poutine. What will you choose? The contemporary Indian place, the seafood restaurant, or the revolving dining room of the Skylon? Your taste buds await your decision as you plan out your visit to the best restaurants in Niagara Falls. RECOMMENDED: The 13 natural wonders of the U.S. that are seriously stunningThe highest (and coolest!) observation decks in the USA At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

When it comes to celebrating post-spooky season, New York State is sort of the king of holiday traditions. Think about it: We’ve got the North Pole (in a sense). We’ve got the Rockefeller Christmas tree. We’ve got the largest menorah in the world. And those icy waters are perfect for New Year’s Day plunges. New York exudes holiday spirit and serves as a leader for the rest of America in the Christmas realm (we are called the Empire State, after all). Whether you’re up north in the High Peaks, nestled between the Finger Lakes, hailing from Western New York, or living big in New York City, you’ve got a few holiday tricks in your back pocket to impress those out-of-towners.Thanksgiving? We’ve got the trots. Christmas? We’ve got the trees. Hanukkah? We’ve got the treats. And there’s everything in between. Need more proof? Read below to discover why New York State holiday traditions have every other state beat.

Colonial nooks, Native grounds, murder sites, turn-of-the-century history—New York State’s got enough spooky happenings to fill volumes of ghost stories. While New York City is packed with sinister secrets, trapped souls, and macabre stories, some of the most haunted places in New York lie within the rest of the Empire State (what city folk call “upstate”). But be careful when seeking out a ghosty thrill. The following places are guaranteed to stand hairs on end and keep visitors awake for the foreseeable future. There are no fairy tales here—only ghost hunts and real-life stories of murder, greed, and insanity. Ready to venture through New York’s most haunted sites? Grab a mirror, your evil eye, and maybe a brave buddy, and check out these haunted places. RECOMMENDED: The most haunted places in NYCThe most haunted places in AmericaThe 11 most haunted Airbnbs in the U.S.

The biggest and best corn mazes in America aren’t your ordinary corn fields. No, these challenging trails can take up multiple football fields' worth of farm. After all, the States surely know how to do the fall season! So, if you’re the "go big or go home" type, you’re going to want to check out these gargantuan—and super creative—mazes in September, October and November. Whether they’re created with GPS by the professionals or mowed into the earth, these paths are designed to get you just lost enough to connect with nature, spend time with family and friends, and then find your way back to home base for some kettle corn or a frosty beverage. The following corn mazes take the autumnal season to the extreme as you participate in a host of other pastoral activities. Apple cannons, pig races, pumpkin picking and the main attraction, corn, round out the American fall tradition as you seek out the best corn mazes in America. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see fall foliage in the U.S.

If you crave a ghostly rendezvous, grab your EMF reader and a sack of salt and try exploring one of the most haunted places in America. From 17th-century witch houses to gothic cemeteries, some places exude a ghastly air. Other reportedly haunted places fly under the radar with their hauntings—much less obvious. Thrill-seekers, history buffs, and soul speakers alike comb these areas for paranormal activity, hoping to get a glimpse of the beyond. Book a ghost tour to get the full experience. The United States has no shortage of hauntings. And whether you witness something spooky or not, ghost hunting at the following places can provide a heart-pounding adrenaline rush. From cemeteries to abandoned Gold Rush towns to spooky, ghost-filled houses, visit these places to collect your own spine-chilling story of the local lore. Who knows—your adventure to the most haunted places in the U.S. might just be the next chapter in the ghost story…

Driving down Main Street in Niagara Falls, New York, the mist of the nearby waterfalls rises up over hotels, churches, and Indian restaurants—a preview of the wonderment to be seen. Niagara Falls announces itself well before you peer over the outlook at Niagara Falls State Park. The allure of the natural wonder has always lingered over the city—even before the city existed. And today, tourism has shaped the area. While you’re in town to witness the real-life fantasy, make sure to check out everything else Niagara Falls, N.Y., has to offer: the staple coffee shops, the local restaurants, the marked history that drenches every corner. Before you embark on this unforgettable trip, do some planning. The city is home to roundabouts, one-way streets, and mass transit that can help you navigate all of it. The below list gives you a glimpse at the variety beyond the park—the hiking trails, culture, and thrills—to help you draw up your own list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, N.Y. This guide was updated by New York-based writer Emilee Lindner. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED: 🍝 The best restaurants in Niagara Falls, NY🏞 The ultimate guide to Niagara Falls, Canada

Trick-or-treating may be on your calendar for October 31, but like any true American, you’ve been dreaming of bigger, spookier, crazier Halloween events to sink your fangs into. Maybe your neighborhood isn’t all that ghoulish with its decorations, like Tillson Street in Romeo, Michigan. Or maybe you haven’t found your coven, like the witches that paddle in Morro Bay in California. Nevertheless, you’ll find your people when you check out these outrageous Halloween events in the United States. Whether it’s ogling jack-o-lanterns in New York, venturing into voodoo in Louisiana, exploring the real-life Halloweentown in Oregon, or living the undead life in Kentucky, the spooktackular options for the best Halloween events in the U.S. are a cauldron of fun… just don’t give up on plain ol’ trick-or-treating too! RECOMMENDED: The most haunted places in America

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.