Agafay, Morocco

Thé marocain epitomizes hospitality throughout the Maghreb. It is likely to be mint tea: boiling hot, extra sweet, and served in small tumblers that allow its color to shine through. Hot tea in the desert? It opens your pores and make you sweat, thus cooling you down. Boiling the water also makes sure no microbes crash the thé party. [2017]

Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Sixty percent of St. John is protected by the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park. Views like this should make us thankful for that protection. Otherwise, the whole island would be plagued by waterfront development and elite villas claiming every hillside. Speaking of plagues: Two hit St. John in 2017. One was named Irma and the other Maria. [2014]

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

On this date in 1787, Pennsylvania ratified the new U.S. Constitution, becoming the second state to do so. But for Delaware, it could have been the First State! A quarter-century later, John Harris's ferry town on the Susquehanna River became the new capital. The current capitol was finished in 1906. Compare these two snapshots in time. [👆 2018 and 👇 1992]

From City Island in the Susquehanna River

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Indiana became a state (the 19th admitted to the Union) on this date in 1816. Indianapolis became Indiana's capital city in 1825. The current capitol was completed in 1888. Take a gander below to see what the statehouse looked like twenty years ago, in 1998. [2018 and 1998]

Jackson, Mississippi, USA

By the early 20th century, many old state houses were being replaced by new ones, the majority of which (like Mississippi's) were modeled after the soon-to-be 100 year old U.S. capitol. It's amazing there weren't some new architectural ideas around by that time! Anyway, happy birthday Mississippi. Statehood was granted on this date in 1817. [2018]

Burlington, Vermont, USA

Here is what every town dreams about: thriving businesses on main street. What are the keys to success? (1) Easy parking, (2) nearby residents, (3) community aesthetics, (4) agglomeration economies, (5) locavore tastes, (6) escapist venues, (7) unique landscapes, and (8) history revered (even if sanitized). [2011]

Darien, Connecticut, USA

Every community needs a 'main street,' complete with storefront cafes and businesses, wide sidewalks with a hint of brick, American flags attached to designer lamp posts, shade-casting trees, prolific greenery, and, of course, a town clock. Plus, the best: outside dining with chairs that give you a lift. And, the worst: parallel parking with time limits. [2018]