Do you like the travel photography and the coffee table conservation starters? Then you’ll love what LIFE Books has released. Heaven on Earth: The World’s Must See Destinations is a treat full of places we should all probably visit.

Today we’re looking at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The Taj Mahal is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest examples of Muslim art in India (and the world?).

Some history: In 1632 Emperor Shah Jahan of Mughal Empire constructed the Taj Mahal (well, not him per se, but he knew people) as a mausoleum for his much-loved third wife Mumtaz Mahal. Upon completion of the shrine the emperor, according to Wikipedia, said:

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator’s glory.

In a nutshell, he thought they did a nice job.

If you are visiting India the Taj Mahal is a must-see. Just ask the 4 million visitors that arrive there annually. They’ll vouch for it.

Photo: Taj Mahal by Larry Burrows/LIFE, courtesy of LIFE Books

Washington, D.C. is home to numerous iconic attractions. You can’t go home without taking a picture of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and it’s practically unAmerican to visit without stopping at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Of course you’ll also get your photo taken in front of the White House, and everyone who’s ever been to D.C. has already told you to go to the Smithsonian museums. Your list of things to do and see in the capital is already long, but consider adding these overlooked attractions for a trip you’ll never forget.

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LIFE Books has released a beautiful book called Heaven on Earth: The World’s Must See Destinations, and it is amazing.

Today we’re looking at Nantucket, which is an island located off the coast of Massachusetts in the area of Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. It is also the hometown of a man in the famous, allegedly, dirty limerick that nobody has ever heard in its entirety.

Other famous Nantucket residents include Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick characters Ahab and Starbuck. As you may have guessed, whaling plays a pivotal role in the history of the town.

The town of Nantucket is actually comprised of the namesake island and two smaller islands, Tuckernuck and Muskeget, both of which seem like they could offer a plethora of clever rhyme schemes to the dirty limerick canon.

The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a large collection of pre-Civil War structures. Maps and tours are available.

Photo: Nantucket by Michael Melford, courtesy of LIFE Books

It’s your day, America, and despite a bit of work here and there, you look great — just look at all the room in your belt.

Oh, wait. That’s the St. Louis Arch, but it’s like a belt. It’s the gateway to the west, and that’s pretty cool, too.

There are fireworks going off in every part of the country tonight, from Disney parks to local parks, Las Vegas to Atlantic City. Find a place to celebrate some freedom, America. You deserve it.

Please celebrate safely!

Photo: AddyG via Flickr