I am traveling through your great State....what should I see/do?

[Sonya]

I thought this would be fun/informative. I am traveling through the U.S. in my motorhome (something I really plan to do someday soon) tell me where to stop in your state to see/do something that you think is awesome....can be anything to an amusement park, beach, lake, museum, zoo, hiking trail, or just a cool town. If it's someplace big, like Disneyworld, give a specific thing to do there and then tell me where I should go eat at after I go to the attraction. Provide a link if you can, so we can all check out these cool places.

I'll start, I'm in Michigan and I would send you way up north to Munising to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore via a boat tour:

http://www.exploringthenorth.com/picturedrocks/cruise.html

After the tour you have to go eat at Johnny Dogs for strange combination hotdogs that sound gross but taste awesome:

http://www.johnnydogsonline.com/menu.php

 

[Performancemini]

OK. Some of Illinois- I live in Rockford, IL-place to go here-The midway museum center (home of the Sock Monkey!) and eat at the Stockholm Inn; swedish grounded, but ANYTHING's delicious there (but you got to have the swedish pancakes with Lingonberry sauce/syrup). In downtown Chicago-the Museum of Science and Industry (their cafeteria's not bad, I like the spaghetti) and the Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium. Rockholm Gardens in the Arthur IL area (more for summer). Springfield-lots of Lincoln things! More Illinoians will have to give you more-there's lots, including Route 66.

 

[Riverrose28]

Well you said you were traveling North and not South, but if you should come to Southern Maryland, we will show you some good old Southern hospitality! We do already have a camper outlet on our barn and a circle driveway. I love to cook and we grow our own veggies and can and freeze them, so you'll eat very well! If you want to go to DC I can show you all of the monuments, and my favorite is the National History Museam, then the Native American museam. There is also the National Zoo with the pandas. In my area there are plenty of hiking trails, fossil hunting at the river, and plenty of cival war sites. Come drink coffe with me in the morning and watch the sun rise, smell the horses, brath in the freash air, watch the eagles fly over head. Then in the evening sit out in front of the barn after a day of site seeing and have a drink or a beer, would love to have you, promise we won't talk politics!

 

[susanne]

My state, Oregon, comprises a great variety of landscapes, all of them spectacular. From the high desert of central and eastern Oregon to the stunning coastline, from undulating fields of wheat and other crops to awe-inspiring stands of Douglas Firs, this is truly several states in one. It would be difficult to see all in one visit, so for now I'll pick one area that could be seen, with plenty of time for short hikes, in one day.

The Columbia River Gorge is an every day view for those in the Portland area, and it is easy to take its inherent drama for granted. The interstate highway traversing it bypasses much of the beauty for the sake of expediency, but the true beauty is seen along the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. This highway was an amazing achievement during the depression, with bridges and stone walkways created by the Works Progress Administration. Every hairpin turn of the old road brings mossy rock outcrops and pristine waterfalls.

Vista House sits atop a rock promontory with breathtaking views up and downriver.

http://www.wildnatur...tate Park 1.htm

The series of waterfalls tumbling down the gorge walls make spectacular viewing, each with a short walk back to the cataracts, some winding beneath the old concrete highway bridges. http://www.jvphotogr...lls2074-130.jpg

No photo can truly do justice to Shepherd's Dell, although every step invites you to do your best at capturing its mossy beauty.

http://hdwallpaper-s...v-720p-13-3.htm

Bishop's Cap looms directly over the old highway for a few seconds of claustrophobia.

http://www.gorgedisc...set=780&ID=2435

While the Oneonta Gorge tunnel is no longer open to vehicles, you can get out and walk through this wood framed tunnel. http://fineartameric...-del-prado.html

A penny postcard from when it was open to traffic:

http://columbiariver...nnel_ca1920.jpg

...and a historical photo of Oneonta Gorge. To hike this gorge, you have to first wade upstream between these stone walls.

http://www.gorgedisc...fset=10&ID=1801

Multnomah Falls is truly an iconic Oregon image. You can hike a switchback trail up to the bridge and, if you're feeling fit, continue to the top of the upper cataract.

http://hotdoggerblog...03/img_3617.jpg

After you've worn yourself out, the Multnomah Falls Lodge offers great food and lodging right at the foot of the falls.

http://www.bicycleri...1_photo_13.html

...or continue on upriver to the towns of Hood River or the Dalles, both charming towns perched over the Columbia, with excellent restaurants with views of river traffic and windsailors.

http://columbiagorge...umbia Gorge.jpg

A photo blog of Hood River:

http://blog.blainefr...m-past-two.html

The beauty of the Columbia River Gorge sadly reminds me of what we have lost -- namely the incredible beauty of Celilo Falls, which now lies beneath the waters of the Dalles Dam. With it, a way of Native American life disappeared. For centuries they had fished salmon from wooden platforms built out over the falls.

http://www.gorgediscovery.org/photoarchive/newDetails.asp?Submit=Search&titdesc=celilo&offset=10&ID=1570

 

[Sonya]

Terri I'm gonna come south too ...ok no politics...lol

Loving all the ideas of places to go....they all sound terrific...so much to do/see! Oregon is gorgeous Susanne...I am definately going to put that on my list of places!

 

[minimomNC]

If you come to my great state, North Carolina, you should stop everywhere. From here, in the middle, we could go west to Asheville and see Biltmore House, one of the most beautiful and interesting homes in the US. Then we could go the other way and take in the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers memorial, all at the beach of course. Then closer to me we have Mount Airy or what most people would recognize as Mayberry (yes as in Andy, his birthplace) Mayberry days is going on right now. For hiking not from from Mt Airy is Pilot Mountain, you can hike or ride horses (yes this is the real Mount Pilot, again with the Andy thing). Now we could go south to Charlotte and take in a Panthers football game or a Nascar Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway or we could go to Carowinds (amusement park). The park is in part of NC and part of SC, you could stand in two states at once. So that takes you around my state, come on down and drink some tea, eat some barbeque (Lexington style as I am 30 min from Lexington). Its a great place with lots to do and see.

 

[Sonya]

Minimomnc....I've been to Carowinds, gosh it was about 35 years ago....my Mom's side of the family is from NC, driving south and seeing MT Pilot I remember oh so well...my sister lives in Southern Pines and I almost bid a job in Asheville a few years ago.

Performancemini....made it to Chicago once, it was work related so I didn't get to site see...but I did get to go to a few really cool pubs....and we stayed at the Palmer House Hilton, beautiful hotel.

 

[sfmini]

I live in Ohio, and would say the Columbus Zoo, and Holmes County which is heavily Amish. Lehman's General store is a wonderful place to spend a day.

As for the most spectacular place in the country, that would be the Grand Canyon. Be sure to visit the North and the south rims. One is very commercial and the other is the most peaceful place I have ever been. Would love to spend a few days at the lodge just "being".

Another trip I would love to repeat is the Pacific Coast Highway, especially Big Sur, Monterrey, Carmel.

Would love to see New England in the fall, Vermont and New Hampshire, and Maine.

Skyline Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Out west again, don't miss Yellowstone National Park.

I grew up taking annual camping trips and saw these wonderful places. Now I have the itch to return and see them as an adult.

Oh, don't forget to see Salem, Mass.

There are more, but for me those would be the highlights.

 

[LindaL]

Being from Oregon, I second Susanne's highlights of Oregon, but of course that is only the starting point of a very scenic state!! I SOOO miss seeing Oregon's hills and snow capped mountains...and real fresh, clean water that moves!

OK, so now in Florida...of course you have the Orlando area which boasts Disneyworld, Epcot, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Sea World and the water parks associated with most of them. In Tampa there is Busch Gardens. On the east coast there is St. Augustine which is a historic town and is said to have "haunted" places (I want to go someday to check it out), Daytona, Kennedy Space Center, West Palm Beach/Miami...and south of course are the Keys. The everglades, gators, airboat rides, etc. Central Florida is horse country (Ocala) and surrounding areas.

I am being very generic since I have yet to explore most of these things myself (except the parks).

Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen and sunglasses!

 

[Sonya]

Sfmini...you forgot put-in-bay and Cedarpoint!

Linda I could spend lots of time in FL, but not in the summer....been to a couple of those places but it's been 20+ years...a couple years ago we went to Ft. Meyers, loved it there, went parasailing....a must do if anyone gets the chance! Oregon does remind me abit of the Upper Penninsula of Michigan....the cliffs, waterfalls.

Another great place to go in Michigan is Traverse City, and of course Mackinac Island:

http://www.traversecity.com/

http://www.mackinac.com/ (there are no cars on the island, it's all horse drawn carriages, I know everyone on LB would love that)

 

[Rhondaalaska]

Hi Alaska is a buitiful place to go, and if you drive you get to see Canada as well.

The Denali park is a wonderful place to so , and you have to go on a boat either out of Wittier or Seward or Homer, here are a few places. If you go to Alaska June is the best time.

http://www.alaskatravel.com/denali-park/?gclid=CPzl3LWd27ICFal7QgodzGEADA

http://www.denali.national-park.com/

http://www.whittieralaskachamber.org/

http://www.travelalaska.com/

Have a fune time where ever you go.

 

[Boss Mare]

Riverrose,

You are very correct with your discription of Southern Maryland. I am in St. Mary's County!

 

[Miniv]

Also being from Oregon, I agree with Susanne.....The Columbia Gorge was a drive I planned on recommending, but she beat me to it and then some.

After driving through the Gorge, I'd recommend visiting the Oregon Coast, at least part of it. The only two states that can claim where mountains meet the ocean are Maine and Oregon........and Oregon has sandy beaches.

Another geographic must-see would be Crater Lake in Central Oregon. It's considered one of the "wonders of the world" on some lists.

 

[vickie gee]

Ok girlfriend, set your rv up in Texas at Lake Fork and I will come down and cook you a steak while you fish. http://lakefork.us/ Bring your mosquito repellant, because like everything else they are bigger in Texas.

And then we can head down the road for First Monday Trade Days at Canton. We will need all of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to shop. This flea market covers more than 100 acres. You can park your rv there and we can drive down to The Mountain end of town in the evenings for live entertainment. Canton has more food than a county fair and more indoor and outdoor shopping booths than one can fathom. http://www.firstmondaycanton.com/

I know you like hunting. Maybe I can talk my sons into taking you feral hog hunting.

You'll go home thinking Turtleman is a sissy.

 

[Sonya]

Rhondaalaska, I always wanted to go to Alaska...we actually did bid jobs in Fairbanks...they were temp assignments for a year but my husband couldn't get a release from his job. We even have a couple friends up there right now but have yet to go...someday definately...in the summer for sure!

Vickie...that lake looks awesome, my husband would be in Heaven with the fishing...feral hog hunting...that sounds like a blast. Supposedly we have a few here, but I've never seen one or a sign from one. I've never been to Texas, we always said when we retire, we would spend a winter down there.

 

[Margo_C-T]

If you come to New Mexico, some 'must-sees' would surely include: Carlsbad Caverns--still one of the greatest in the land, and a HUGE new cavern recently discovered as part of? Lechequilla(sp?) Cave, hopefully will someday be open to visitors);White Sands, near Alamogordo, the Cloudcroft/Ruidoso area, in the southern mts.; Guadalupe Peak, between Carlsbad and El Paso(TX); Sandia Tram(Albuquerque)and the Rio Grande Valley; Taos and the Rio Grande Gorge area, which has a aura that cannot be denied; Santa Fe(despite it's 'warts' and difficulty getting around, the 'old' part and the location and climate have undeniable charm); Albuquerque's wonderful Biopark/Zoo and Museums, near the 'Old Town' area;Red River and other charming 'high altitude' towns in the northern part of the state; majestic 'red rock' cliffs on the Navajo reservation/nw part of the state....and so much more! We have it all, from high mountains to desert; whitewater rafting, skiing, boating...often within a few miles of nightlife and the city.Am sure I'm leaving out much--this list just for 'starters'!

Editing to add: (slapping forehead!)...meant to mention...happening RIGHT NOW, and every year at this time...the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! 600 balloons this year, including a host of 'special shapes' that are SOOOO fun to see! Mass ascensions mornings both weekends(fiesta runs Oct. 6-14, this year), and flying competitions/activities daily during the week, including a couple of 'special shape' AM mass ascensions, along w/ several evening 'balloon glows'. People literally come from around the WORLD to see this! HUGE RV park for RVers; some stay a couple of weeks there. Excellent shopping and LOTS of great food vendors at the Balloon Fiesta Park, the huge grass covered launch site! One of the only ballooning gatherings where spectators can mingle freely w/ the balloonists and crews as they prepare to launch.

If planning to come, make arrangements early, as EVERY accomodation for MILES fills up!

Margo

 

[Sonya]

Those places sound wonderful Margo...gonna have to do some googling.

 

[Equuisize]

If you visit Washington State you may never go home.

I was born and raised here, however, it seems most people are transplants from

somewhere else. (Mom's family pioneered here before WA was a state:::ad was a transplant from Michigan)

Despite the bad press it doesn't rain here all the time but enough to keep

us The Evergreen State. The stories about the rain are from the 'Lessor Washington' groups who desire that our populations stay close to what they are

Visit Seattle.....See the Space Needle, that celebrated it's 50th birthday this year.

The views from the top will give you a 360 degrees view of the Greater Puget Sound area that includes all our glorious mountain ranges, the views of Puget Sound and the ferry and boat traffic. Sample a few of the fabulous and recently certified sustainable city parks

Visit the Olympic National Rain Forest. Hurricane Ridge is over a mile high and the vista's are awesome. You'd have to visit the coast, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, Ocean Shores to Longview - Go fishing, clam digging, crabbing, beach combing or make a sand castle. Like the Twilight series? You can visit Forks, Washington.

The beauty of the many islands dotting San Juan Island chain is indescribable.

Come inland and visit MT Rainier National Park & see the (biased here) most beautiful mountain in the world or one of the other many mountains in Washington including Mt St Helens that blew in 1980, forever changing it's silhouette.

Visit countless fresh alpine lakes or one of the many lakes that dot the residential landscapes. Come in the spring and enjoy the Tulip Festival.

Like more a desert type climate/cooler winters & hotter summers? We've got that, too. Eastern Washington, east across the Cascade Mountain Range has tumbleweed to thousands of acres of wheatlands, fruit orchards, vineyards, old mining towns, lakes, rock climbing and wide open spaces. The Cascade Mountains also has access to the 2600+ miles of the Pacific Crest Trail where you could ride your horse from Mexico to British Columbia.

The Columbia River flows thru the Columbia Gorge and has a fantastic outdoor entertainment venue. On the west side of the river is the Gingko Petrified Forest.

Pitch a tent, going water skiing, jet skiing, go snow or cross country skiing, mountain climbing, play golf, visit a museum or a vinyard, go to Emerald Downs racetrack / horse industry in alive and well in Washington State.

Pretty much anything you might want to do in visiting several states you can do within the boundaries of our state. Come see.

 

[Riverrose28]

WOW! You guys make me want to jump in my truck and join Sonya in visiting all of you, I've always wanted to see the west coast and the Pacific ocean, lets not forget Alaska! I forgot to mention that we here in Maryland have the best blue crab anywhere, from steamed to crab cakes. Boss Mare Saint Mary's is very historical and lets not forget point lookout, wow! Oh yes we also have sking in the winter or on the water in summer, fishing, beaches, Ocean City has the board walk, cycling, I'm too old now to indulge. If I could save the money, I'd be right there with Sonya, as I would need to save it as I don't believe in credit cards.

 

[dreamlandnh]

If you come to New Hampshire (Cheshire County) it is best to come in the fall to see all the colors and if in October you can come to our Keene Pumpkin Fest. We also have Mt. Monadnock here which is a great mountain to hike.