South Carolina

The entire state is full of incredible history and plenty of things to do; it is one of the original 13 colonies, and has plenty of historical information and sites to visit from times long past when our ancestors were only just beginning to get a foothold in this new world.  The culture of the state is diverse and fascinating as well, with settlers ranging from the Europeans to Caribbean influences, and also African history and culture left over from the days of slavery and beyond. 

If you love the outdoors, then you will love the temperate climate of South Carolina, which allows you to enjoy nature and the great outdoors all year round.  From hiking to golfing and from camping to kayaking, there is plenty to do outside in this beautiful state, and plenty of places in which to do them. 

If you are a golfer, then South Carolina is certainly a destination that you should not discount.  It may be a small state compared to many of the other states in the Union, however it boasts an impressive 380 beautiful golf courses in that area – far to many to even consider exploring in just one trip, or even in two.  The state is considered the “Golf Capital of the South” by some, and offers courses that range from the mountains in the west all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean.  The state of South Carolina even boasts two of the top 50 women friendly courses in America.  Even the best courses of South Carolina are open to the public, so you can feel free to play where the pros go, enjoying world class courses across the state. 

If you would rather soak in the sun from the comforts of a lounge chair, then the beaches are the destination for you, and South Carolina has plenty to offer you.  For the entire family, check out Grand Strand and the Myrtle Beach area.  This area is the place to be for vacationers and retirees, and stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coastline.  There are scores of hotels and resorts to choose from, and plenty of sunny, beachfront communities with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and other fun activities for people of all ages.  Enjoy an entire vacation’s worth of swimming and sunning.  Get out on the water and try your hand at sailing, sail boarding, surfing, or fishing among other activities, or get a little wet and explore the sea with snorkeling or even scuba.  Think you can’t?  Most scuba schools offer Discover Scuba courses, which are one day courses that teach you the basics, then take you out into the water and let you try out your new skills under the close watch of your instructors.  Can’t decide between that and golf?  Then don’t!  This area is also home to 100 of the state’s beautiful golf courses.

The Grand Strand is not the only beach in South Carolina, either.  Far from it in fact!  If you love the sea, then check out one of the South Carolina island resorts, or head to Charleston for some serious vacationing and some opportunities for historical exploration as well.  Hilton Head offers plenty of relaxation with Caribbean influences if that is your thing, and you can search for anything from pet friendly hotels to great attractions for kids no matter where you plan to go. 

The beaches are not the only places to turn for fun on the water, so if you are interested in exploring your water loving side a little further inland, then check out some of the fantastic lakes of South Carolina.  You can spend hours fishing in the lakes of this incredible state, soaking in the relaxation of being out in nature.  The lakes range from man made to natural, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from boating and waterskiing to jet skis and houseboating.  Head out for a hike around the lake, or have a picnic on the shore and enjoy the peace, quiet, and beauty of your surroundings. 

Waterfalls are also a big part of the attraction of South Carolina, and if you head a little further west into the mountains, you will find that there are plenty.  Pay a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountain Upcountry, and you will find falls that range from gentle cascades to thundering falls and heart stopping 400 foot drops.  Check out as many as you can, whether from the roadside or from the hiking trails, and let your photographic side go wild.  Don’t forget that many of those same rivers that fuel the falls are also perfect for whitewater rafting, which is offered all over the South Carolina Upcountry. 

If that isn’t enough to convince you, then get back to civilization and enjoy yourself at the many museums, historical sites, and yes, even theme parks that South Carolina has to offer.  You will be swept away by places like Wild Water – Water & Race Theme Park in Surfside Beach or Carrowinds Theme and Water Park in Fort Mill.  With rides, shows, and waterslides for the family to enjoy, you can spend an entire vacation of breathless adventure at the parks. 

South Carolina has a little of something for everyone, with great shopping all over the state, plenty of resort locations to choose from all the way from the beaches to the mountains, and your choice of natural beauty or man made excitement (or even both!)  South Carolina is the state to visit in the southeast for family fun, a great singles vacation, fun with friends, and more.  There is no other place quite like it. 

South Dakota

he western region of South Dakota is known as the Black Hills, Badlands, and Lakes Region, but in fact this long name describes only a small portion of the many fabulous sights and exciting activities in the area. No matter what you prefer to spend your vacation time doing, any trip to South Dakota must include at least a short stop in this region—Mount Rushmore, located near Rapid City, is most certainly a sight that nobody will want to miss. This massive and imposing sculpture is definitely a “must-see” that will leave any visitor truly awed by its epic scale, as well as by the historical significance of the area.

The Crazy Horse Memorial in Black Hills is another unique attraction, and visitors can learn much about the history of the area with a side-trip to the nearby Indian Museum and Cultural Center. Also in Black Hills is a town known as Deadwood. Once home to legends of the Old West such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane (both of whom are buried in the Deadwood Cemetery), this is now a town full of living history, and with its meticulously restored buildings is an amazing place to visit. There are attractions enough to fill up a week or two of vacation time, and this small town has a thriving night life too, with casinos, fine dining and other entertainment.

The central area of South Dakota is known as the Great Lakes Region. The Missouri River is a prominent landmark here, with this entire region bisected by the river from north to south. There are several lakes in this region too, with hunting, fishing and outdoor sports popular attractions here. There are several towns in the region, each offering its own selection of activities and places to visit. In Chamberlain, the South Dakota Hall of Fame and the Akta Lakota Museum offer insights into the current and past history of the area, with the Akta Lakota Museum focusing on the history of the Sioux Nation and Lakota culture. The final resting place of Sitting Bull is located in Mobridge, while the capitol city of Pierre offers a variety of museums and historical exhibits, such as the South Dakota Discover Center.

In the north east of the state, the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region is a beautiful and exciting place to visit. From hunting and fishing to canoeing, boating and a variety of water-sports, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter, there’s a wide variety of outdoor sports and activities on offer here. The hunting in the region is simply fantastic, with some of the best pheasant hunting in the state, as well as several varieties of waterfowl, and walleye, perch and other fish for the angler.

The Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region is a “must-visit” for any fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” books—several of her books are based on the years her family lived in the town of De Smet, and this town has several attractions that provide insight into life for Laura and the town’s inhabitants during these years. Laura’s childhood home has been meticulously restored, and visitors can view Main Street stores and ride in a covered wagon just as Laura did all those years ago. It’s even possible to camp overnight on Laura’s prairie, with the Ingalls Homestead camping ground offering the chance to stay in a bunkhouse or covered wagon for the truly adventurous! There are plenty of other things to do in the area, with Lake Thompson, South Dakota’s largest natural lake, just eight miles east of De Smet. Lake Thompson is a paradise for the keen angler, with northern pike, perch and walleye. Pheasant hunters will be very pleasantly surprised by the best pheasant hunting in the eastern regions of South Dakota.

The south east of the state is simply known as the Southeast Region. Sioux Falls is here, the largest city in the region, with a view of the Big Sioux River Falls that is an attraction in itself. With no less than ten golf courses in the city and surrounding area, this is a fantastic place for a golfing vacation—why not spend a week or two in the city visiting all the courses, and see some of the many other attractions along the way! Sioux Falls offers a wide variety of things to see and do, with museums, art galleries, theatres and more. There is plenty to do during the day, and the city really comes alive at night, with music as the focus—a great variety of live shows and bands are here, with country, rock, jazz, blues and folk music providing the entertainment.

The Southeast Region is a fantastic area for birding, where more than 300 different species of birds can be observed in various areas. From the Great Bear Recreation Area to the Lake Andes National Wildlife Reserve, there are more than 30 stops along the “Birding Trail”. There are many recreation areas and camping sites along the way—the perfect vacation for anyone who loves to spend their time getting close to the natural world. Most recreation areas and camping sites include a variety of activities, such as hiking and biking trails, fishing and canoeing the lake sites. These are popular places to visit in winter, too, with many sites offering cross-country skiing and other fun winter sports.

South Dakota is a wonderfully diverse state both in terms of geography and the variety of things to see and do. From the wilderness of the Black Hills, Badlands, and Lakes Region to the metropolitan Southeast Region, nobody can visit South Dakota without leaving with wonderful memories of the rugged beauty of this state.

Rhode Island

Nicknamed the Ocean State, Rhode Island offers visitors 1,214 square miles of a leisurely getaways, fun and excitement, and 400 miles of scenic coastline. The historic splendor of the state blends perfectly with the many trails and water centered activities. Rhode Island offers much in the way of art and culture complimented only by its multi-cultural, sought after cuisine. Seasonal Events can keep you busy all year long. The events have a way of bringing together most of the 1 million people living there. A state you do not want to miss, and a place you will never forget.

History
Rhode Island, one of the original thirteen colonies that’s been known since colonial times as a bastion for independent thought – the statue on top of the State Capitol inProvidence is even called “The Independent Man – has long been a destination for those who seek a place off the beaten path.  The spirit of freedom is alive and well in the Ocean State.

Rhode Island is the smallest of states in the United States. This allows the state to offer many attractions in close proximity to each other, giving you the option to explore the city on foot. The state processes one of the largest collections of historic landmarks. The first settlement, founded in 1636, was Providence, which is the states capital. In the late 1700’s, Rhode Island gave birth to the Industrial Revolution. Manufacturing and industrialization continue to bring the state to national attention. 

Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, there’s plenty to do once you get out beyond the confines of Providence.  The state’s main airport, T. F. Green International Airport, is centrally located and it’s an easy ride to anywhere else – less than an hour in most cases.

Head south from Providence to the lower reaches of Narragansett Bay to visit the windswept beaches of Little Compton, or go even further south along the bay to the US’s original resort colony, Newport. 

Places to Visit 
Once you arrive in a city, you can travel around the state by ferry, trolley, gondola, bike, or on foot. Gather your things and head over to the many regions in Rhode Island.

• Providence - Explore Rhode Island’s own “Little Italy”, this capital city has three-and-a-half centuries of history, The Rhode Island State House, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the Rhode Island Convention Center.
  
  
• Blackstone Valley - In the city of Pawtucket, along the Blackstone River, enjoy the Slater Mill Historic Site, and the new Museum of Work and Culture.
  
  
• Block Island - 11 square-mile seaside resort, reminiscent of Ireland, with 365 freshwater ponds, its Victorian Charm and quiet woods summon you to take a break.
  
  
• East Bay - Home of the oldest Fourth of July parade in US, you can enjoy a 14-mile biking and walking path, Blithewold Mansion and Gardens-a 33-acre waterfront estate, the Herreshoff Marine Museum, and the Audubon Society Environmental Education Center.
  
  
• Newport - Enjoy Yacht racing, year round events including “Christmas in Newport”, and The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum. Newport offers leisure, and culture.
  
  
• Warwick - Home of Green Airport where you will likely start your journey, also the retail shopping mecca of Rhode Island, you can take a boat ride on Narragansett Bay, or enjoy the beach at Goddard State Park, and Gaspee Days every June.
  
  
• South County - Charming villages, whale watching, water-skiing, and canoeing are all popular attractions in South County. You can stay in Colonial and Victorian inns or Bed and Breakfasts; enjoy Smith Castle, Theatre by the Sea, and roadside vendors. The simplicity, relaxed lifestyle, and organic quality of South County make it a unique stress free getaway.

Attractions 
Rhode Island takes pride in their performing arts. There are over twenty theatres ranging from community theatre productions to Tony Award winning Trinity Repertory Company. The National and city parks offer majestic walkways, a city zoo, and plenty of history. For an interesting detour, you can take a tour in any of the five vineyards Rhode Island has to offer. Tours are available by boat, or bus, or enjoy a walking tour through the cities. If you are traveling with little ones, make sure to visit the Zoo, the Children’s Museum, or one of the historical working farms that allow families to get a look at rural 18th and 19th century life, complete with livestock and farm tours.

Recreation
In Rhode Island, the word recreation is synonymous with beach. With over 400 miles of coastline, this “Ocean State” makes you want to trade in your land legs for fins. Boating, sailing, fishing and a plethora of water sports are enjoyed here. With more than 100 public and private beaches, you can find a place to swim, play, or just plain lay around. There are many hiking and biking trails. In fact, biking is a preferred means of transportation due to the size of the state. Sixty percent of the states land mass is covered by woodlands, offering picturesque camping. For the golf enthusiast Rhode Island has over 30 of the finest golf courses available.

Seasonal Events/Things to do 
With a clear expression of all four seasons, Rhode Island welcomes you with something to do all year long. The summer presents seafood festivals, clambakes, and the Smith Castle Strawberry Festival. The fall offers the Annual Taste of Rhode Island, and the Pawtucket Art Festival. An unforgettable event is Waterfire. Taking place in Providence, it displays an award-winning sculpture of 100 dazzling bonfires.

If you head down 95 from Providence, you’ll reach the South County beaches.  Facing Long Island Sound, these long, open stretches of sand are the perfect family destination for those long lazy days of sunbathing.  All Rhode Island beaches are smoke free, adding to the pleasant atmosphere.  Wildlife sanctuaries abound in the area, and names like Misquamicut and Ninigret remind visitors of the original Native American inhabitants of the territory.

A drive into the western RI towns along the Connecticut border will lead you into memories of the old Rhode Island of small farms and rolling, wooded hills.  Exeter, Foster, Glocester, and Chepachet offer the tourist a chance to see unchanged Colonial architecture and farmland, with the added bonus of hidden antique shops and Mom and Pop restaurants and diners. 

For those with a taste for the slightly macabre, a visit to Exeter can include a stop at the grave of Mercy Brown, sometimes called “the last American vampire.”  Brown was 19 when she died of tuberculosis in 1892.  A serious of mysterious deaths and illnesses in the family and local community followed, leading to the townsfolk’s’ belief that Mercy was a vampire.  Her body was exhumed and she was treated to the traditional fate of the vampire – her heart was removed when the body was seen as being “too well preserved.”  While modern science offers alternative explanations for the phenomenon, the legend of Mercy Brown has remained a curiosity.  Some have even pointed to her story as having been an influence on the work of Bram Stoker, who included a Mercy-like character in his landmark “Dracula.”

Northern Rhode Island offers the Blackstone River Valley, known as one of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution in the US.  The streams and rivers that are everywhere in the towns of Burrillville, Smithfield, Pawtucket, and the city of Woonsocket were the source of power for cotton and woolen mills that helped make the US the manufacturing powerhouse it still is today.  Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Mill is a museum that charts the history of the time in an authentic mill built by the man who brought the original plans for cotton mill machinery from England in the 1790s.

Regardless of the time of year, or length of your stay, Rhode Island is sure to provide you with lasting memories, charming friends, and an urge to plan your next visit. The state of Rhode Island may be small, but every corner of the state offers something to the visitor who’s willing to make the time to discover it.  It’s a great place to start an exploration of New England.

Cities:

• Providence
• Newport
• Narragansett
• Woonsocket
• Barrington
• Warwick
• Kingston
• Wakefield
• Middletown
• Tiverton
• Charlestown
• Cranston

Pennsylvania

The Keystone State – so called due to its strategic location among the original thirteen colonies – is one of the best places to experience the history of the United States. But apart from the many historic sights, the state also offers beautiful countryside, great food and nightlife – and the chance to explore a simpler way of life with one of the country’s largest Amish communities.

Philadelphia is one of the country’s most historic cities and offers a unique insight into the founding of the United States. The several blocks that comprise Philadelphia’s historic center are easy to tour on foot – and contain such well known sights as Liberty Hall, Christ Church and Franklin Square. The famous Liberty Bell also has a new home in a state of the art visitor’s center.

Several museums are also concentrated in Philadelphia’s historic center. The National Constitution Center is the only museum of its kind and of course, displays a copy of the constitution. There are also museums dedicated to Jewish history, the military and one of the most famous women in American history - Betsy Ross, the seamstress who made the first American flag. And if the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum look familiar – its where “Rocky” posed in the movie.

Like all big cities, Philadelphia offers a wide range of eating possibilities. Chinatown is easily located by finding the Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch streets. The Reading Terminal market has been supplying exotic and ethnic foods to Philadelphians since the late 19th century. And for the ultimate in local delicacies – the Philly cheesesteak, don’t miss Geno’s Steaks, a local institution.

Fifty miles west of Philadelphia is one of the most fascinating and picturesque parts of the state – Amish country. The Amish, sometimes known as Pennsylvania Dutch, have chosen to live frugally and mostly without the aid of modern conveniences. Around 75,000 of them live in and around Lancaster County – the largest concentration in the country.

The towns have delightful names such as Intercourse, Bird in Hand and Paradise and the countryside also contains over 25 traditional covered bridges. If you drive through the area – proceed with caution as sooner or later, you will come across the Amish ambling along in a traditional horse and buggy.

The center of Amish life is Lancaster, where you can see the Amish buy their goods at the Central Market. It’s the country’s oldest farm market, dating from 1730s, with over 80 stalls. Lancaster also boasts a heritage center with a collection of Amish arts, crafts and artifacts and the Amish farm and house – offering guided tours of a typical ten room Amish house and gardens.

The nearby town of Strasburg, which was named by French Huguenots, is a major destination for railroad enthusiasts. The town is the home of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the National Toy Train Museum, with several layouts. And if looking at steam trains isn’t enough - you can ride a steam locomotive along the 9 miles of track to the town of Paradise.

Also within easy reach of Philadelphia is the scenic area of Bucks County. This part of the state is known for its small towns, antique shops and country inns and its beauty has inspired many writers, such as Pearl Buck and James Michener. The town of New Hope – which has become something of an artist’s colony - makes a good base for exploring, and offers specialty stores and art galleries.

Within easy reach of both Philadelphia and the state capital, Harrisburg are the Poconos Mountains, one of the most popular outdoor areas in the Northeast. The Poconos offer accommodation for every budget - from stylish resorts to campgrounds and many opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking. You can bathe in one of the area’s 150 lakes or inside a 7 feet tall champagne glass at Caesar’s Poconos resort.

One of the most well known battles of the civil war was fought in Pennsylvania, at Gettysburg. Today, almost 2 million people visit the site – the largest battlefield site in the country. Gettysburg can be toured in different ways – by walking or driving tours and even by horseback. The area boasts ten civil war museums and the town of Gettysburg offers many quant bed and breakfast inns and antique shops.

The often overlooked city of Pittsburgh boasts more bridges than Venice – but it’s also a city now known for its stylish architecture, museums and sculptures rather than the steel industry. One of the last reminders of the steel industry – an old steel blast furnace has been turned into a sculpture in the Station Square shopping district.

An excellent way to get an overview of the city and see the spot where three rivers meet to form the center of Pittsburgh is to ascend the Mt. Washington overlook and visit one of the several bars, cafes and scenic overlooks. The easiest way to the top is by one of the 100 year old cable cars.

Pittsburgh offers world class cultural institutions – many of which bear the name of industrial barons who made fortunes in the city. You can visit the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Science Center. And don’t forget one of Pittsburgh’s most famous sons – the artist Andy Warhol has a museum dedicated to him.

One of the most unique places in the country is Hershey – which understandably calls itself the “sweetest place on earth”. Streets here have names like Chocolate Avenue and it’s difficult to avoid the subject of chocolate. Hershey offers plenty of family-oriented activities including several amusement parks, a zoo and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Pennsylvania boasts many famous residents. But perhaps one of its most famous is a groundhog – Punxsutawney Phil has been forecasting the weather for over 100 years. If you are in the area on February 2nd, you can watch the ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob; otherwise the rather charming town makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.Major cities:

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Lancaster
• Bethlehem
• Chester
• Allentown
• Altoona
• Easton
• Williamsport
• Reading
• Eroe
• New Castle
• York
• WikesBarre
• Johnstown

Oregon

With a wide variety of spectacular scenery and terrain types, Oregon is a great vacation destination for any traveler. With miles of beautiful beaches on the western coast, as well as mountains, lakes and rivers, and big vibrant cities, it’s easy to find plenty of activities for day trips, weekend getaways and longer vacations.

If you’re looking for a vacation destination near the beach, Oregon’s many coastal towns will take your fancy. From the coastal town of Astoria in the north to the dark sands of the southern coast, there are many attractions to visit. See the Columbia Maritime Museum in Astoria, visit Fort Stevens State Park for outdoor sports and activities, and if you visit in June, you’ll love the Scandinavian Mid-Summer Festival, with a parade, as well as authentic Scandinavian music and dancing, food and crafts.

A little further south in the central region of Oregon’s west coast, Newport is a great place for lovers of fine wine and cuisine to visit in February, with the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival a big attraction here. This is the perfect place for whale-watching in March and August, too. In the nearby town of Florence, outdoor enthusiasts will love riding dune buggies up and down the extensive coastal sand dunes, and nature-lovers will enjoy visiting the Sea Lion Caves in the fall and winter months. Even further south, the dark sands of this area provide a unique backdrop for fishing, jet-boat riding and whale-watching in season.

North West Oregon is home to two major cities—Portland, and the capitol city of Salem. Portland is a vibrant city that manages to retain a charming small-town feel, and there is plenty to do here. Visit the Portland Art Museum, with a fantastic collection of European and American art; visit the largest open-air market in the country, the Portland Saturday Market, or view the city by boat with a cruise down the Willamette River on the Portland Spirit. There are plenty of attractions out of town, too, with winter ski fields close by, and a spectacular scenic drive to Troutdale, known as the Columbia Gorge Gateway. There are no less than eleven waterfalls on this driving route, and once you get there, there is great fishing to be had in the area, with salmon on the Sandy River during the spring and fall months.

Further south in this region, Willamette Valley is a lush area of forests, croplands and wineries. This is a fantastic location for a wine tour, with more than half a dozen wineries in the area to visit, and many fine wines to taste! The city itself is a great place to visit too. With places such as A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, with a wide variety of fun and interactive exhibits and play areas, and the Enchanted Forest Theme Park, Salem is an ideal place for a family vacation. Other attractions in the city include the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Brush’s Pasture Park, a great place for picnics, walking and biking, and the Mission Mill Museum, which features costumed guides and reenactments of everyday life in the nineteenth century.

 

Southern Oregon is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with fishing, hiking, jet-skiing, white-water rafting and biking, as well as skiing in the winter months. Visit Klamath County and spend time at Crater Lake, hike on the shores in beautiful surroundings or take a boat tour on the spectacular blue waters. Klamath Falls is here too, with museums to visit and water-sports on nearby Klamath Lake, and further west the city of Ashland is a vibrant spot that attracts many visitors throughout the year, thanks to its exciting community and festivals.

Also in this area, the town of Medford is well known for the wines, cheeses and other gourmet items produced here. This is the perfect base for exploring the Rogue River, for white-water rafting and other aquatic activities. There is great fishing here too, with trout, salmon and steelhead in season. Rogue River City has plenty of attractions in addition to angling and water-sports, with the Palmerton Arboretum, state parks, and the Woodville Museum. Stop by on the last Saturday in June to view a fun and unique event—the National Rooster Crowing Competition, a feature of the town since 1953.

The Columbia River Gorge region is the ideal place for the outdoors-lover, with a variety of fun sporting activities, including wind-surfing, sailing and skiing, as well as kayaking, river cruises and nature walks, all set amongst some stunning natural scenery. Come in the spring time for gorgeous displays of wild flowers, or in the winter for all manner of fun in the snow. There are plenty of great places to camp, and many attractions in towns dotted around the area, including wineries, galleries, museums and live performances.

Central Oregon is a beautiful area, and is quickly becoming considered a paradise for recreational activities. The central location allows easy access to an enormous variety of activities, so there is much to see and do here. Visit the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or the Cascade Mountains for skiing and snowboarding. Both are located close to the fast-growing city of Bend, making this a great place to base your sports-oriented central Oregon vacation. From rock climbing, horse-back riding and hiking to river-rafting, fly fishing and other aquatic pursuits, as well as skiing in the winter months, there is plenty here to keep you occupied.

Eastern Oregon is a wild location, with long stretches of roads punctuated by tiny towns, making it perfect for a road trip. There are lots of interesting places to stay here, including the Clear Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast that offers tours of the nearby Hell’s Canyon Bison Ranch. This is a simply beautiful area, snugly situated in the Wallowa Mountains, that provides all the comforts of home. Hell’s Canyon itself is a great destination for adventurers, with white-water rafting, jet boat tours, steelhead fishing, and chukar hunting. Visit the Pendleton Rodeo Grounds in September to view the Pendleton Roundup, one of the most exciting rodeos around!

Oklahoma

Whether you prefer to spend your vacation time in the great outdoors with a variety of sport and leisure activities as your focus, or visit larger towns and cities to see all they have to offer, Oklahoma is a great place to do it all—vacationing in Oklahoma provides the visitor with a fantastic mix of both big city and small town life, with mountains, lakes and national parks to visit too.

The south east region of Oklahoma is known as Kiamichi Country. With 750,000 acres of wild game, this is a paradise for hunters and anglers—deer, elk and other game at places such as Duchess Creek Ranch, and excellent fishing spots at the Mountain Fork River, and others of the 23 lakes and countless rivers in the region. The Winding Stair Mountains are a great place to visit, with miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of outdoor activities. Kiamichi Country is a great place for a road trip, with many tiny towns and attractions all over the region and the Talimena Scenic Drive located in LeFlore County.

Southern central Oklahoma is Arbuckle County, known all over the state as an aquatic paradise. The five major lakes in the area offer a wide variety of sports and leisure activities. Visit the Chicasaw National Recreation Area for swimming and boating, fishing, camping and hiking, and the beautiful Fall foliage. Check out the Cripplecreek Archery Range to try your hand—whether you’re a novice to archery or a seasoned expert, there are plenty of fun activities here. Rappellers will want to visit Robbers Cave State Park—and in fact, any outdoors-loving person will, as this area also offers fishing and hunting activities as well as boating, hiking and horse-back riding. Every town in the region offers particular attractions, such as the Southwest Historical Museum and the Military Memorial Museum in Ardmore, and the Three Valley Museum and stunning Lake Texoma in Durant.

South western Oklahoma is Great Plains Country. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a big attraction here, with buffalo, deer and elk for the nature-lover, and rock-climbing and rappelling popular activities. For the golfer there are several great courses in the region, and the lakes in the area provide fishing and water-sports for the aquatic-oriented vacationer.

Last but certainly not least, Frontier Country in the central region of the state is home to the capital of Oklahoma City. Everything you’d expect to see in a large city is here, from great shopping, dining and nightlife, to a host of day time activities and events throughout the year. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a stunningly beautiful focal point for many events, with the October Orchid Festival and vibrant light displays in the holiday season. Oklahoma City features more than fifty attractions, including the National Memorial and Museum of Art, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the fascinating Historic Bricktown district. A stay in Oklahoma City is the perfect vacation for anyone who wants to relish new experiences while retaining all the comforts of home!

A vacation in the Sooner State is like no other—from the west to the east, Oklahoma is truly unique, with its own special brand of hospitality. From hunting, fishing and other sporting activities to the excitement of big cities such as Oklahoma City, there is plenty to see and do, and many great memories to create.

Ohio

Whether you prefer to soak up the sights and sounds of the big cities, or spend your time hunting or observing wildlife in the great outdoors, a vacation in Ohio might be exactly what you’re looking for. A vacation in the Buckeye state is sure to leave you with memories you’ll want to relive again and again. The state of Ohio is divided into ten distinct geographical regions, each with its own special attractions and places to visit.

One of the main attractions in North Eastern Ohio is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Located in Cuyahoga County, this fantastic museum includes an enormous collection of music memorabilia as well as dynamic and interactive exhibits, an epic-sized video wall, and films to view as well. Other places to visit in Cuyahoga County include the Cleveland Museum of Art, in the city of Cleveland, which features over 30,000 works of both ancient and modern art from all over the world. Other attractions in this attractive city include the Great Lakes Science Museum, the West Side Market, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, with plenty of kid-oriented displays and exhibits that will enthrall children of all ages.

Thrill-seekers will love Geauga Lake in Portage County, with more than 100 exciting rides, including the Texas Twister, which spins and flips its adventurous riders up to 60 feet in the air. Visit Summit County and ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or discover the inventor inside you at the Inventure Place, with dozens of interactive exhibits.

Northern Ohio, like many other regions of the state, includes some great hunting and fishing spots, and there are nine state parks and seven nature preserves here too. Sandusky County is a great place to visit for some historical background of the area, with the Mad River Railroad Society Museum, and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center both located here.

North central Ohio includes the Big Island Wildlife Area, located in Marion County. This is an exceptionally popular seasonal destination for hunting-oriented vacationers, as is the Killdeer Wildlife Area located on the border of Marion County. Marion County is also home to one of the most unique annual events in America—the Annual Popcorn Festival. This three day event is part of the September calendar of events for everyone in the area, and features a parade, music, and entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

North western Ohio is another nature-lover’s paradise, with places such as Beaver Creek State Park, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This is a great place for hunting and fishing, and well as wildlife observation, hiking and other outdoor activities. Vanwert County is a great place to visit over the summer and fall months, with festivals aplenty—the Peony Festival in June, July Fourth Celebrations, Farm Focus and the Hot Air Affair in August, and the County Fair in September. Hot Air Affair is a particularly amazing sight to behold, with more than 40 hot air balloons gliding through the skies. Allen County is the ideal place to soak up some of the area’s history, with places such as the Allen County Museum and the MacDonnell house, which recreates life in the nineteenth century down to the last tiny detail.

The central region of Ohio, with its state parks, hunting grounds and nature preserves, is every bit the outdoors lover’s paradise as any location in the country. Even if you’re not a sportsperson, there is much to enjoy in the outdoors, from the beautiful woods of Blackhand Gorge, to the stunning Maple Trail and quiet forests of the Dawes Arboretum, in Licking County. Learn about the history of this region at the Moundbuilder’s State Memorial and Indian Art Museum, where displays and exhibits depict artistic achievements dating back more than 10,000 years. If you crave a little more excitement, stop by the National Trail Raceway, featuring drag racing competitions from April through October, with Championship competitions in June.

Southern Ohio is a great place to experience the excitement of the Old West, at places like the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. This unique open-air theater stages the dramatic Tecumseh show, enacting the life of the famous Shawnee leader with epic battle sequences that will never be forgotten. Visit the Smoke Rise Ranch in the south east, for horse-back riding in the spectacular Ohio countryside, go on a cattle drive and catch a glimpse of life as it was lived in the Old West.

Ohio is such a diverse landscape, from the shores of Lake Eerie in the north, to Cincinnati in the south, that there’s something for everyone. From water-sports to historical sites, big city fun to camping trips and outdoor activities at the many recreation areas around the state, an Ohio vacation will leave the traveler with plenty of great memories.