On Atiu, explore the awe-inspiring limestone caves, which have historically served as burial sites—be sure to bring a torch and sturdy walking shoes. Discover the legend of the lovers Inutoto and Tangaroa, linked to the stunning Anatakitaki Cave, renowned for its impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and the unique Kopeka bird that calls it home. Don’t miss Raka’s Cave, with its fifteen distinct chambers, and let your guide share the rich history of the Rakanui family, who have lived and found sanctuary in this extraordinary hideaway.

The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Schloss Solitude sits on a quiet ridge just outside Stuttgart, built in the 1760s as Duke Carl Eugen’s rather extravagant idea of a hunting lodge. It’s Rococo inside and out—decorative, symmetrical, and full of detail. You can join a guided tour or just come for the surroundings: forest paths, a long avenue that leads back to the city, and a view that opens wide on a clear day.