Atlas Obscura - Places Newsletter

Why do we tell bees about deaths?

06-18-2024

Flag stories, Ferris wheels with spectacular views, and more.
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	June 18, 2024

Why We Tell Bees About Death

When Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, the royal beekeeper made sure to tell the palace hive of the news. Strange though that practice may sound, the custom of telling the bees about a death in the household has been going on for centuries, across the United Kingdom, parts of France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

5 Weird Flag Stories

Flags are one of those things most people don’t think much about—except, of course, for vexillologists, who study flag design—but maybe they should. From our archives: the weird tales behind some of the world’s most unusual and ugly, protected, and reviled national symbols. Plus a few tips for designing your own.

Springfield, Illinois

Cozy Dog Drive In

As with many iconic American foods, there’s a certain amount of debate as to who invented the corn dog. One candidate: the Cozy Dog Drive In, a roadside spot on Route 66 that opened in 1949. Today, the third-generation family restaurant is in the same location it has been since it relocated in 1996.

The Story of Laffing Sal

Meet Laffing Sal, the world’s most uncanny animatronic doll. While you may have never laid eyes on her personally, she’s permeated our pop culture in ways that few other dolls have. Sal’s appeared in The Princess Diaries, the classic noir Woman on the Run, and Fritz Lang’s thriller M. How did she come to dominate pop culture so?

Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA

Pirate Paradise: 8 Essential Stops for Buccaneers in Florida

No lesson on Florida’s maritime history would be complete without mentioning the pirates that once prowled its coastline. Indeed, sunken shipwrecks still line the waters surrounding its beaches, and from museums and special themed cruises to family-friendly festivals, the state proudly honors and celebrates its wild buccaneer heritage. Arrr you ready to have fun?

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Tomb of Christopher Columbus

Just inside the cathedral door of Seville’s massive cathedral stands a monument to Christopher Columbus. But is he really buried here—or is it his brother?

Atlas Obscura Lists

8 Ferris Wheels With Stellar Views

Not many things recall the feeling of nostalgia like a ride on a massive Ferris wheel. And with these eight wheels—from a solar-powered wheel of wonder to one that sits atop a skyscraper!—spectacular views and unforgettable memories await.

Sponsored by West Virginia Tourism

The Atlas Obscura Guide to West Virginia

There’s so much to explore in West Virginia and we’ve curated nearly 100 incredible spots to visit on your next trip to the Mountain State. From historical sweet shops to the tallest waterfalls in the state, get ready to see the real side of West Virginia.

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Anaheim, California

Walt Disney’s Lamp

It’s widely known that Walt Disney had a secret apartment on the second floor of Disneyland Fire Department, which overlooks the entire park. It was his favorite spot, and he would light the lamp by the window whenever he came up here, signaling to cast members that the man himself was at work.

Sponsored by Explore Asheville

The Gastro Obscura Guide to Asheville Area Eats

This vibrant city has become a haven for food enthusiasts and beer aficionados. With a rich food history and an ever-evolving creative spirit, Asheville, North Carolina boasts a community of creatives, chefs, and farmers who work together to craft irreplicable dining experiences, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Here are 10 must-visit spots to experience the best of Asheville's food and drink scene.

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