January 03, 2023

YEAR IN WONDER 2022’s Best Images Most of our stories at Atlas Obscura have a strong sense of place, and more than that we really love stories that build worlds for readers to immerse themselves in. To do that, we often rely on our global network of photographers to access these places and communities, and offer their special visions of these wonders. From getting up close and personal with birds of prey to bringing rocks to life, our photographers lean into unusual compositions, textures, and details.  READ MORE → GASTRO OBSCURA Turn Apples Into Marshmallows Sweet, fluffy pastila was a classic afternoon tea snack at aristocratic Russian soirees of the 19th century. To make it, apple puree—essentially, applesauce—egg whites, and sugar are leavened with lots and lots of air that’s forced into the mixture with hard whisking. What happens next is improbable but stunning. The earthy apple gloop transforms into a gleaming white cloud, as light and soft as a goose-down comforter. READ MORE → OTTAWA, ONTARIO Remember Flanders Lieutenant-Colonel John Mccrae served during World War I in the Canadian Expeditionary Force as a surgeon, although he is best known for his poem In Flanders Fields. The poem’s symbolism of the poppy would lead to it being adopted as the flower and symbol of remembrance for those who had died in wars. READ MORE → YEAR IN WONDER Shiver In Your Bones It’s only January, but we’re already thinking about Halloween. Not that we’re already planning our costumes for it—although to be fair, some of us are already considering what to prepare this year—but it’s more that we love the spirit of it. Weird, wondrous, wicked stories captivate us all year, and these terrifying tales prove it. Here are some of our favorite spooky stories of the year that dig into the history, science, and culture of things that send a shiver up your spine. READ MORE → DIVE INTO WONDER 20 Swimming Holes If you’re already planning your summer travel, why not add these spots to your list? Sometimes it takes a little effort, but if you can get to a more secluded swimming hole, you might get a little peace and quiet, in addition to some spectacular scenery. From a long-forgotten Victorian swimming getaway to a natural pool amid ancient ruins, here are 20 of our favorite ways to beat the heat. READ MORE → OH, DEER The World’s Largest Organism Although it looks like a woodland of individual trees with striking white bark and small leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze, Pando (Latin for “I spread”) is actually 47,000 genetically identical stems that arise from an interconnected root network. This single genetic individual weighs around 6,000 metric tons. By mass, it is the largest single organism on Earth. It’s been around for potentially up to 14,000 years, but it is in danger of disappearing due to… deer. READ MORE → VILNIUS, LITHUANIA Tony Soprano Statue The head of the Sopranos family from HBO’s eponymous crime drama greets passengers at the main train station in Vilnius. The 15-foot-tall statue depicts Tony Soprano wearing boxers and a tank top, topped with a white bathrobe. Now that’s casual for you. READ MORE → ATLAS OBSCURA COURSES Experimental Perfumery Led by Saskia Wilson-Brown, the founder and director of The Institute for Art and Olfaction, this course will provide an overview of perfumery—from the history and foundations of the craft to the contemporary industry and experimental perfume practices. Together, we'll explore fragrance families, materials of natural and synthetic origin, and lab work. We'll look at a historic formula, spend time smelling our materials, create several short perfume formulas, and wrap up the course with a glimpse into the perfume industry with a focus on independent and experimental practices. ENROLL NOW →