The 18 Most Infamous Hotels in America
Most hotels guard their secrets like the keys to their VIP guest rooms. But some accommodations have stories so spooky or scandalous that they've burst out of the...
20 Destinations for Plant Lovers Across America
The term "tourist attraction" usually evokes visions of long lines, inflated prices, and man-made marvels. But for those who prefer to walk on the wild side, some...
20 American Towns with Perfect Weather
From scorching heat to bone-chilling cold, unbearable weather conditions wreak havoc throughout the United States. Yet some fortunate towns enjoy blissful climate...
The Best Tiny Beach Towns from East to West
Life in a large beach town comes with big crowds, long lines, and lots of noise. There are, however, plenty of small seaside spots from coast to coast that offer ...
18 Small Towns That Changed America
Despite their modest populations, small towns have made their mark on our nation by spawning political or cultural movements, popularizing traditions, and at time...
Love Old Houses? These Are the AirBnBs for You
Do you have an appreciation for historic homes and old-time architecture? Then consider booking your vacation lodging through Airbnb. The virtual hospitality serv...
12 Incredible Homes That Were Built By Their Owners
Building a custom home isn’t for the faint of heart, but across the globe there are daring DIYers who take on the challenge, roll up their sleeves, and raise the ...
America’s 50 Favorite Streets
Every state in the union has a unique culture that is reflected in the streets of its communities. The homes and businesses that line these avenues tell a story a...
13 Striking House Styles from Around the World
They say that home is where the heart is, but in a world of wildly divergent landscapes and cultures, “home” looks different for everyone. Here are 13 interesting...
America’s 50 Most Infamous Homes
There are the famous houses of America that everyone knows and loves: Fallingwater, Biltmore, the White House, and other venerable residences distinguished by the...
The 20 Friendliest Cities in America
The good old USA frequently ranks among the world's friendliest countries, but residents of the most affable American cities go above and beyond mere courtesy by ...
11 Selfish Reasons to Make Friends with Your Neighbors
Creating a desirable neighborhood requires commitment and participation from the people who reside there. When you get to know your neighbors, you’ll not only fee...
The 30 Best Towns to Move to for Retirement
If you're looking for the perfect place for you, your parents, or your grandparents to retire, you're probably weighing important factors like affordability, plea...
10 Genius Carry-On Items to Bring for a Better Flight
There are many elements of air travel that make the experience less than enjoyable. Take your pick of your favorite things to hate about flying: Cramped seats, la...
15 Places Every American Should Visit at Least Once
From the Empire State Building to the Grand Canyon, America has countless iconic sites within its borders. Gain a greater appreciation for our nation's history, n...
Pedestrians Only: 20 Car-Free Places in America
If you're sick of your gas guzzler, maybe it's time to head off to one of these stateside locales where cars rarely, if ever, make an appearance. Click through to...
These 30 Places Have the Worst Weather in America
All cities experience extreme weather events every now and again, but some receive far more than their fair share. Get ready to learn which American cities have t...
10 National Parks That Look More Stunning in the Snow
Seeking a little winter relaxation? Break away from your fireplace and head for the great outdoors. Far from the holiday hustle and bustle, and from winter chores...
The Best Small-Town Inns in All 50 States
For your next weekend getaway or midweek escape from the metropolis, skip past the swanky hotels and hit the hay at one of these 50 small-town inns across the cou...
The 20 Best Town Mottoes from East to West
A town’s motto has to check a lot of boxes. Ideally, it should accurately portray the town’s history, embody its population, and leave a lasting impression on tra...
20 Places with (Almost) Zero Crime
Everyone hopes to live in a low-crime area where homes are secure and residents feel at ease visiting local businesses, parks, and schools. So if you’re thinking ...
Winter Retreats of Presidents Past and Present
When presidents want to escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital, they don't check into a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Instead, they head to secluded est...
11 Tiny Towns You Can Buy—Yes, Really
Aside from being elected mayor, there's one other little-known way to get to run a town: Buy it. Think it's impossible? The “For Sale” signs on a number of great ...
17 Things You Won’t Believe People Actually Collect
Whether inspired by intense passions or mere entertainment, people love to collect all sorts of things. While most of these collections are rather ordinary—think ...
America's Most Indestructible Buildings
While a severe earthquake, hurricane, or nuclear disaster could easily destroy most buildings, there exists a rare breed of structures that would emerge practical...
The 50 Strangest Laws in America
Whether they’re holdovers from the days past that never got updated or mind-twisting restrictions written up after some random incident go wrong, there are dozens...
11 Incredible Mansions That No One Wants to Buy
Have you ever passed by a wow-worthy residence that's had a "For Sale" sign on display for what seems like an eternity and wondered why no one has scooped up the ...
11 Vintage Houses That Came from a Catalog
In the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles ...
America's 50 Most Famous Houses
Fame wasn't the impetus behind the construction of America's most eminent estates, yet it has followed them from their creation to the modern day thanks to their ...
20 Must-Visit Mountain Towns Across America
Does your idea of a dream getaway have you waking up to a mountain vista, skiing down pristine slopes, trekking tree-lined trails, or simply people-watching in qu...
Yes, These 20 Weird and Wacky Museums Actually Exist
While The Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Art are go-to destinations for history buffs and art aficionados, other museums...
Endless Acres: 14 of the Biggest Properties in America
While the average lot size of a home in the United States is about one-fifth of an acre, some super-size abodes boast ginormous backyards that span 50 acres or mo...
11 Homes Built to Survive the End of the World
Harsh weather? Energy shortages? Nuclear fallout? These and other calamities would render most houses unlivable. Not these weird and wacky residences, though. Bui...
America's 50 Most Exclusive Neighborhoods
Sure, property seekers have been going nuts over prices in Hollywood, South Beach, and Greenwich Village for years, but it might surprise you to know that these a...
11 Crazy Colorful Homes We Love
Curb appeal takes on a whole new meaning when a house is painted in cheerful, unexpected hues! Whether you're considering a face-lift for your own address, or sim...
The Best Tiny Towns in Every State
The bright lights and swinging night life of the big city is fine for some, but others will appreciate the subtle pleasures of small town living. Here are some of...
The Best U.S. Cities for a Summer Staycation
How can you have an amazing vacation without paying for airfare or spending hours in transit? Just stay put—if, that is, you're lucky enough to live near one of t...
Video: America's Most Photographed Homes
American architecture might not be as old as the kinds you'll find on other continents, but it certainly is stunning....
Our 12 Favorite Farmhouses Across America
A well-built farmhouse will never go out of style. The rustic interior offers old-fashioned beauty, while the views of rolling hills and lush forests provide tran...
15 Tiny Beach Bungalows for Your Next Vacation
Baseball may still be America's pastime, but during the heat of summer, going to the beach probably comes in a close second. This popularity keeps beachfront prop...
The 12 Most Infamous Goofs in Architecture History
What do you get when you bring together forward-thinking architects, exacting engineers, and tireless construction crews? In the case of these 12 iconic buildings...
12 Surprising Truths About Millennial Homebuyers
Many millennials may still live with their parents but that doesn’t mean people born between 1981 and 1997 don’t have their eyes on the prize: a home of their own...
The Secret Histories of 15 Grand Old American Mansions
Every house has a story—some more mysterious than others. The peculiar pasts and enigmatic former owners of these mansions have left countless unanswered question...
The 19 Most Photographed Homes in America
Whether you’re an avid shutterbug or simply an admirer of regal real estate, you’ll want to save space on your camera roll for these picture-perfect properties, w...
9 Towns That'll Pay You to Move There
If you're looking to relocate, there are several cities in the United States that offer big incentives to new residents. Check out these cities that will pay you,...
The Most Expensive Trailer Parks in America
If you think mobile homes are low cost—and also low on style, space, and amenities—it's time to think again. In cities across the United States, these mobile home...
The 10 Best American Towns for a Romantic Getaway
From carefree California wine country to the bustling Eastern Seaboard, these 10 swoon-worthy towns and their dreamy attractions are sure to make you and that spe...
Tour the 14 Most Expensive Airbnbs in the World
You already know you can find an apartment or get a room for the night on Airbnb, but you probably haven’t seen the coolest digs the online reservation company ha...
18 Small Towns with Strange Claims to Fame
This country is filled with inspiring sights, record-breaking happenings, and talented DIYers who do amazing (okay, occasionally weird!) things to put their town ...
State Pride: 50 Ways to Show You Love Where You Live
These United States stretch from coast to coast—and beyond. There's a lot that differs from state to state but one thing holds true no matter where you go: every ...
10 U.S. Towns That Are Older Than America
For history lovers, nothing beats the old-time charm and architectural wonder of America’s oldest towns. These settlements are hundreds of years old, dating back ...
21 Crazy But True Facts About the White House
Although the memorable speeches, grand state dinners, and other important events that have taken place at the White House have been well documented in history boo...
14 Surprising Small Towns the Stars Call Home
For camera-shy celebrities, the best way to dodge paparazzi is often to get out of Dodge. These 14 notable names have done just that, temporarily—or even permanen...
8 of the Great Independent American Hardware Stores
It’s easy to get lost in the aisles of a big box home improvement store. Although the big chains are often well-staffed, their sheer size means you can't always f...
18 Castles You Can Buy (for Less Than You Think)
Who said you had to be a royal to live like one? Everyday house hunters looking for a new place to call home can snag any one of these on-the-market castles and c...
15 100-Year-Old Houses That Haven't Aged a Day
Can’t find any centenarians on your street? Look again; the oldest resident in the neighborhood may well be a historic home. These ancient abodes around the count...
The 20 Best (and Most Unusual) B&Bs in America
Planning your next escape? Venture beyond the familiar hotels to uncover the best-kept secrets in vacation destinations. These 20 bed-and-breakfasts around the co...
7 Fictional Towns You Can Visit in Real Life
Want to catch a little Tinseltown glamour—without actually going to Tinseltown? Plan a trip to one of these quirky faux hamlets, built as sets for film shoots tha...
Step Inside 12 Hotels That Take You Back in Time
Across the world, countless historic structures have been converted into hotels whose old-world architecture and antique decor transport guests back to another er...
The 22 Weirdest Town Names Ever Put on the Map
No matter how underpopulated, unremarkable, or remote they may be, these oddly named American communities are places to see and be seen (at the very least in a se...
18 American Towns Every Old-House Lover Needs to See
For old house enthusiasts, the historic charm of a vintage home can outweigh even the most tempting of today's modern amenities. Whether you’re on the lookout for...
16 Weirdly Awesome Summer Vacation Rentals on Airbnb
Popular accommodation trading site Airbnb invites you to not only stay but “live” in the vacation destination of your choice—even if for just a few days. So, when...
The Forgotten DIY Wisdom That Dads Know Best
Whether a pipe bursts or construction begins on a new home addition, we often call the handiest people we know for some sage advice: our dads. In honor of the fas...
Hire the Home Help You Need—Instantly
Today, Americans buy everything from groceries to furniture over the Internet without thinking twice. But what's true...
7 Totally Unique Table Lamps for a Modern Home
Family-run company Worley's Lighting makes modern-minimalist lamps with fine craftsmanship and quality woods. Take a look at just some of their many makes and mod...
Gather 'Round: 6 Inspiring Dinner Table Stories
When the family gathers to share food and laughter, the dining table stands at the center of it all. Whether handmade, purchased, or inherited and steeped with hi...
Before & After: A Fireplace Redo
Jessica Bruno is a mom, daughter, and granddaughter—and the creative force behind the popular blog Four Generations O...
TV House Quiz: Test Your Memory of 12 Famous Shows
Over the course of watching a television series, you get to know the characters pretty well—and you also learn to love (or loathe) the where they live. Test your ...
SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM BOBVILA.COM
After serving up nearly 25 days of great tips, creative ideas, and how-to projects to make your holidays merry ...
Become a BobVila.com Forum Moderator!
Do you work as an architect, contractor, or interior designer? Or are you a diehard DIYer? For friends and family mem...
Getting to Know HGTV's "Kitchen Cousins"
The kitchen has always been considered the most important room in the house, the warm heart of the home. When you add...
Meryl & Chris: Renovation and Romance
“It’s Chris’s shop that I also use,” says Meryl Phillips describing the 20’ x 20’ garage work space that she and her ...
In Search of Antique Tools
Lee Richmond’s foray into the world of antique tool collecting was simply a young man’s means to an end. As an engine...
A Conversation with Amy Matthews
[Editor's Note: Bob Vila's interview with Amy Matthews took place the day before she was expecting to deliver her ba...
10 Show-Stoppers from Las Vegas
What could the grandeur of a Roman fountain and an end-of-days bomb shelter possibly have in common? Must be time for...
Books for the Love of Home
Experts on all things home aren't always confined to hammer and nail. Many have picked up another set of tools altoge...
In the Workshop: Blog Stars 2012
As more and more doers and makers broadcast their home improvement adventures online, the world of DIY has never been...
Sarah Fogle: In Love with Fixing It Up
Sarah Fogle doesn’t want any confusion. Despite her zest for DIY, she is no Mrs. Bob Vila! Her work spaces are a litt...
Timothy Dahl: Making It Outside in LA
Timothy Dahl is impressively disciplined. His work week is structured; his workshop is neat. Scheduling keeps Timothy...
7 Great Places to Bunk at America's National Parks
From rustic log lodges to mountaintop cabins, these properties offer a good night's sleep as well as easy access to some of the nation's most beautiful parks.
Nate Berkus on Updating a Dated Bath
Editor's note: Since bathroom remodeling is an expensive undertaking, we reached out to Nate Berkus—TV host, designer...
Habitat Builders Blitz: Newburgh, NY
Two grateful and happy families are living in new homes this week thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Gr...
Coolest Kids Products at ICFF
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair is filled with amazing designs for the modern home, and not to be forgo...
5 Seating Picks from ICFF
Hours before the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) closed its four-day run on Tuesday, the winners of ...
Wandering Through "Wood-Land" at ICFF
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is one of my favorite trade shows. It is the one show in the co...
Bob Vila's Top 5 TV Shows & Movies
I was amused to see James Marsden geared up in a tool belt on "30 Rock", as his character set about fixing loose floo...
Bob Tedeschi's 5 Tips for DIY Beginners
During a recent interview with The New York Times columnist Bob Tedeschi, a. k. a. "The Pragmatist," I asked if he ha...
A "Young House Love" Affair
Sherry Petersik is glowing. Her husband John is nearby. Baby Clara, one of the cutest child co-stars of the blogging ...
Builders' Show, Day Three
Today is my third and last day at the Builder's Show in Orlando, and while I have a bit of "building product" overloa...
Builders' Show, Day Two
Day two at the International Builders' Show in Orlando turned up some more great introductions. I started the day tai...
Opening Day at the Builders' Show
What's new at this year's International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, FL? Bob Vila for one. After a five year abse...
Hammer Time: The Art of Roy Mackey
As you know from my prior posts, I am as fascinated with tools for their purpose and usefulness as I am for their sha...
DIYdiva Kit Stansley: In the Workshop
Kit Stansley has a zest for building and a talent for blogging about it. The 5’3,” 115 lb. powertool addict, tackles ...
Concrete Blocks: Foundations to Art
I know what you're thinking—a concrete block. Big deal. But take a look at it. Solidly built. Produced with hollow ce...
"DIY True Value Stories"
True Value launches a Facebook web series chronicling the progress of its three DIY contest winners. Thick black pa...
How Green Is Your Town?
The question—How Green is Your Town?—is not a competition but rather a rally call to help build more sustainable comm...
Tool or Art? You Decide
When does a simple hand tool—let's say a saw—become a work of art? For tool collectors, the answer is an easy one: w...
San Francisco Grabs the "Green" Crown
In a new survey sponsored by Siemens and the Economist Intelligence Unit, San Francisco outpaced 27 other major metro...
Furniture Making at the North Bennet Street School
Bob visits with Alex Krutsky at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. Bob and Krutsky discuss the school's admissions process, which requires previous carpent...