Sitting along the southern edge of the world's largest freshwater lake, time seems to slow and troubles start to feel beautifully distant. The rocks, still warm from the sun, provide a comforting contrast to the coolness of the lake, as soft sounds of lapping water are punctuated by the occasional call of far-off birds. The scores of rocks slowly tumbled into small stones over years by this colossal body of water fizzle and hiss as retreating waves knock them into one another. It's hard to believe something so immense can create moments so quiet and so small. 46.59272, -87.38079

This week features a stormy late-night road trip down the open interstate. Switch off the radio and instead, tune in to the sound of the moment as you are quietly driven to a destination you've always wanted to visit. With the passenger seat reclined, concentrate on the relaxing sound of raindrops softly pitter-patter against the windshield. Listen to the gentle mechanical whir of the blades as they wipe the glass clean. Listen to the soft, constant low hum of the motor softly shifting gears and the sound of tires as they kick up small puddles on the highway pavement. Close your eyes and enjoy this sleepy commute to a new place. 43.83735, -101.77668

Nestled within the lush terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, the leftover grist water mills are weatherworn relics of a bygone era. Since the 1870s, water cascading over the Cable Mill's wooden wheel has reverberated through surrounding Cades Cove and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As a calm rush of water down the aged timber flume crashes over its lazily spinning wheel and into the stream below, the gears within the Millhouse chime in with the occasional soft creak and clang. Visitors who pause to listen can hear these relaxing sounds echo timeless craftsmanship throughout the hills of Appalachia. 35.58513, -83.84445