The Chihuly glass museum in Seattle remains one of my favorite exhibits in the world thanks to its rainbow bright colors and varied shapes. Click through to see why!

We all have beloved children's books that we still remember from our youth. Head to Hampshire County, Massachusetts for the fantastic picture book art museum by the author of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" -- replete with a hands-on crafts center!

This is the largest collection of bikes in the world, and it's FREE to visit. See thousands and thousands of vintage bicycles ranging from bikes that are over 100 years old, to rare movie bikes, to BMX classics. I LOVED this spot and highly recommend it.

You could spend an entire day (maybe several) at the giant modern art museum called MASS MoCA in Western Massachusetts. It has exhibits for all ages, including a room full of huge instruments to play.

The most famous house in America is the architectural wonder, Fallingwater, by Frank Lloyd Wright. It exceeded my very high expectations with the fascinating way the architect merges the building with the surrounding waterfall, stone, and forest.

Heard of famous Corning glassware? Indeed, Corning, NY is home to a rich glassmaking history, which is on full display at the stupendous Corning glass museum. The oldest glass on display is from 1500 BCE, while the modern new pieces take the medium to heights I never imagined possible. The building itself is also gorgeous, and there's a kids' wing, along with glassblowing workshops and demonstrations.

Ok stick with me for this multi-layered museum. Phipps is an unbelievable collection of flowers and plants -- but every time you visit, the plants are arranged in a different theme! For example, the month I arrived, the theme was Van Gough paintings. Click through to see what that looks like, and to also see the BUTTERFLY ROOM.

Like boats and maritime history? Mystic, Connecticut delivers more than just pizza. The ships on display at Mystic Seaport are truly exceptional, as are the exhibits about shipbuilding, and the role of boating and the sea in American history.

Picture this: a man named Randy decorated his entire house courtyard with salvaged material and brightly colored paint, and opened it up for the public to wander. You've got to see this one to believe it!

Boston's beloved Museum of Fine Arts (or "MFA") has a world-class permanent collection spanning geography and time, along with a rotating series of new exhibits. The photos in this article display one I'll always remember: "Quilts and Color: The Pilgrim Roy Collection." My big question is: WHERE ARE THOSE QUILTS NOW?!

So the photo accompanying this blurb is of food, because frankly, the city of Portland, ME is a museum to fine dining in itself. However, between meals, the Portland Museum of Art is worth a browse for its surprising and lovely collection. See photos of it here.

What's better than a LIVING museum? Famous Old Sturbridge Village in Central MA is the poster child for how to do this well. OSV recreates New England life in the 1800s in a relaxing natural setting. You can even take a boat ride....

This unbelievable 42-story University of Pittsburgh edifice is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere! Why do I deem it a museum? It boasts over 30 "Nationality Rooms," which are working classrooms that have been decorated with exquisite detail to represent different nations, and are open for touring. Can you guess my favorite?

The Clark in Western Massachusetts boasts famous impressionists, plus Degas, Homer, and Sargent. It's a lovely collection, and well worth a visit.

This American art museum has a heart-warming focus on crafts, as well as Pennsylvania history. It is an extremely welcoming and inclusive space, with yoga mats to stretch out upon while viewing paintings, an engaging and hands-on kids' center, and even a Chihuly chandelier.

This art museum in Hampshire County, Massachusetts has show-stoppers like Picasso and Monet alongside striking modern art. The town of Northampton is a perfect place to stay and explore as well.

This petite museum has the most phenomenal collection of glass paperweights around. While this might seem a small thing, you've got to browse these photos to understand why they're so special. The gardens are dreamy, too.

Talk about living museums: the growing murals on the outdoor walls of this town just outside of Boston affirm the modern human spirit. Don't miss Graffiti Alley, where every day new artists come and add another layer of paint and design.

One of the largest cathedrals in the world, St. John's is 120,000 square feet of purple-lit space, and though it was started in 1982, it's still not fully complete, giving it the nickname "The Unfinished." Though it is a working spiritual space, I deem this building a "museum" because it is chock-full of works of art -- including a Keith Haring triptych -- and is toured by countless visitors each day. Any idea the famous author who is buried there?

Talk about under-the-radar little museums! This small but delightful exhibit explores the history of optical work in the Southbridge, MA area. We particularly loved the funny glasses you can take photos with.

If you're a Mister Rogers' Neighborhood TV show fan, this museum will bring a giant grin to your face. See the original Daniel Tiger, King Friday, and Lady Elaine puppets, along with the Trolley to the Land of Make Believe -- and Fred Rogers' authentic cardigans, too.