While the Smithsonian is fascinating, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is always a sight to see, some lesser-known American museums are just as interesting—if a bit weirder! If you have a flair for all things out of the ordinary, these unique museums are worth a visit.

1) International Cryptozoology Museum
Cryptozoology is the study of “hidden animals” not verified by science, and this small museum in Portland, Maine, is dedicated to just that. From Bigfoot to Lake Monsters, take a tour of all of the world’s most intriguing—and mysterious—unknown species.

2) International Banana Museum
This fruity museum in North Shore, California, is filled with every type of banana-related item that its curators could hunt down, from salt and pepper shakers to staplers and even a banana record player. Be sure to visit the famous banana bar and sample a banana-flavored milkshake or banana split.

3) Mütter Museum
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Mütter Museum is one of the finest museums of medical history in the world. While it is a bit creepy to see the 19th-century medical instruments and anatomical specimens, it is also completely fascinating.

4) The Museum of Bad Art
The name says it all at this silly museum in Somerville, Massachusetts. Keep in mind that it’s all in good fun, and just enjoy the truly awful displays of artistic expression.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kevin Dooley

There’s something about an old-school neighborhood bar that no other kind of business can capture. It has to be hospitable, it has to be cheap and the food has to be good. The Second Chance Saloon ably handles all three. Advertised as the “Home of 100 Beers,” the Second Chance opened in late 2008 and has become a watering hole for a diverse blend of locals. With a dozen constantly changing beers on tap bolstered by 88 bottle beers, this is a destination for the brew lover. If you’re not into beer, the talented bartenders can put together just about any cocktail you desire. The food here is also excellent, with a robust menu of high-quality pub grub. Some favorites include the exceptional crabcake sliders, served with amazing home-made potato chips, as well as spicy Old Bay chicken wings. Each night of the week brings different activities as well, with Monday’s trivia night drawing huge, rowdy crowds.

The Second Chance Saloon
5888 Robert Oliver Place
Columbia, MD 21045
(443) 545-5844
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-second-chance-saloon-columbia

Awaken Wellness is a light-filled health and wellness facility located in a stylish and well-decorated office suite, and although it offers a number of different services, acupuncture treatment is its main focus. There are a variety of different styles of acupuncture treatments to help treat just about any physical or mental ailment, and skilled acupuncturists administer the relaxing treatments in comfortable, private treatment rooms. Awaken Wellness also offers massage therapy using hot stones, reflexology, and Swedish practices, and there is even a yoga program for everyone from beginners to advanced yogis.

Whether you’re struggling to lose weight, looking to make more positive lifestyle choices, or you simply want to take up yoga to meet your fitness goals, you can do it all at Awaken Wellness.

Awaken Wellness
7130 Minstrel Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 312-9922
www.awakenwellnesscolumbia.com
www.yelp.com/biz/awaken-wellness-columbia-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/m-louis