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.

New York

Any recounting of the attractions to be found in the State of New York is bound to leave something out.  How can you give a capsule description that does justice to a state that encompasses the wild beaches on the far tip of Long Island, includes the whirlwind of activity and culture that is New York City, revels in the tranquility of the Catskills, encompasses the natural wonders of the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes region, and ends with the roar of Niagara Falls?  There’s just too much state to take in all at once.

The city’s a destination in itself, and probably more than you can do in one trip.  It’s said that it takes a lifetime to truly know the city.  But there’s so much more to the state than just the city.

The beaches of eastern Long Island, out by the Hamptons, are well known as a playground for the ultra-rich.  Here are mansions and estates on the water that rival anything you might find in Newport RI.  The dunes of the farthest eastern section, Montauk, are relatively unspoiled and house the fourth oldest working lighthouse in the US, commissioned by President Washington in 1792 – but did you know that you’ll also find the oldest working cattle ranch in the country there?  Deep Hollow Ranch has been in continuous operation since the 1800s and trail rides and a Texas-style barbecue are standard attractions.

Go north from the city and in short order you’ll find yourselves in the Catskills, long a vacation resort for the city dweller looking for peace and quiet.  The hotels whose dinner entertainment provided the launching pad for an entire generation of comics and entertainers are still there, but the dairy farms that long provided the staples of the local economies are abandoned for the most part, leaving in their wake a landscape of open meadows and tall hills that teem with deer (watch out driving at night, as entire herds of 50-60 deer are not uncommonly found in the roads).

Farther north, above the Hudson River Valley, you’ll find the Adirondacks.  These mountains offer kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, and rock climbing.  Out west, south of the historic cities of Syracuse, Ithaca, and Rochester, you’ll find the Finger Lakes region.  Glaciers in the last Ice Age carved long, narrow gouges into the land, leaving behind perfect lakes that serve as yet another natural destination for those looking for an outdoor getaway. 

In the west of the state you’ll also find Buffalo, a city with a thriving art scene and close proximity to the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, a legendary destination for honeymooners (and barrel enthusiasts – visit the museum there for a look at the elaborate and sometimes poignant equipment people have used to try and make it over the Falls intact). 

There’s so much to see in New York State that it’s hard to think of it as one destination.  It’s easy to fly into almost any of the major cities from almost anywhere, so it’s easy enough to make New York State and its many regions a destination for more than one trip. 

• New York City
• Hudson River Valley
• Adirondacks
• Finger Lakes
• Lake Placid
• Brooklyn Museum
• Bronx International Wildlife Conservation Park (Zoo)
• Saratoga Springs
• The Catskills
• Thousand Islands Seaway
• Long Island
• And More...

North Carolina

North Carolina’s famous Outer Banks were once the graveyard of the Atlantic and there are many wrecks still to be seen along the coast. You can visit the tallest lighthouse on the east coast at Cape Hatteras and the oldest, at Ocracoke Island. And the tallest sand dune on the east coast rises to over 100 feet at Jockey’s Ridge, offering kite flying, hang gliding – or just watching the sun set.

The most famous spot on the Outer Banks is probably at Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made their inaugural flight in 1903. A memorial stands on the spot where the plane was launched from, as well as a visitor’s center which tells the story of the Wright Brother’s achievement.

Along what is known as the Crystal Coast, New Bern - once North Carolina’s capital - is the second oldest town in the state. The highlight of any visit is a tour of Tryon Palace, which was designed in the 17th century to resemble a fine London home and was the first permanent capitol in the colony. The town also boasts two rather unusual museums – a firemen’s museum and the birthplace of Pepsi.

Further down the coast, Wilmington is the largest town on what is called the Cape Fear coast. There’s plenty of history in Wilmington, from the Victorian homes in the historic district, to the battleship USS North Carolina. Within easy reach of Wilmington are a string of popular beach towns – Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Fort Fisher.

The largest city in the Piedmont is Charlotte, once a sleepy Southern town, now the second largest financial center in the country. The Queen City boasts the child-friendly Discovery Place – one of the best “hands-on” science museums in the south. Charlotte’s other attractions range from the Billy Graham library to Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Just outside the city is the huge Concord Mills shopping mall – the most popular attraction in the entire state.

Further east, Raleigh, the state capital has a relaxed atmosphere. Raleigh is home to several of the country’s best colleges and universities, including the prestigious North Carolina State University. Hillsborough Street is lined with the attractive red brick campus on one side; the other side of the street offers plenty of diversions for students – bookshops, coffee bars and taverns.

Raleigh is home to several excellent museums and art galleries including “Exploris” – an innovative museum with an emphasis on world cultures and the environment. It’s a great place for adults as well as children. Also worth a visit is the historic Oakwood district with its dozens of beautiful Victorian homes – many have their porches painted blue, which supposedly keeps flies away.

The western part of North Carolina contains some of the oldest mountains in the world, as well as the highest mountain east of the Mississippi – Mount Mitchell at almost 7,000 feet. Stretching for over 200 miles through North Carolina is the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway - the country’s longest designated scenic highway attracting well over 20 million visitors every year.

You can’t help but slow down when driving the parkway - maximum speed along the two lane road is 35 mph in many places. Take the time to pull off the road and admire the spectacular view at one of the many scenic overlooks, as they are called. And don’t miss the Linn Cove Viaduct; a spectacular 1240 feet elevated section of the road which skirts Grandfather Mountain.

The town of Asheville is an excellent base for exploring the mountains; the town contains many Art Deco buildings and was the home of Thomas Wolfe. You can see the novelist’s boyhood home – the setting for “Look Homeward, Angel” - and visit his grave. A few miles from Asheville is the quaint town of Black Mountain with antique shops and bookshops.

One of the biggest attractions in the western part of the state is the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, containing 250 rooms and covering four acres. The mansion boasts such features as an indoor swimming pool, banqueting hall with 70 foot ceilings, as well as curios from all over the world including Napoleon’s chess set.

The landscaped gardens are almost as spectacular as the house itself and there’s also a vineyard – the most visited in the country. If you get the chance, visit the Biltmore Estate during Christmas when the entire estate is lavishly decorated for the holidays. It’s the chance to enjoy that rarest of things – an old-fashioned Christmas.

North Dakota

he fascinating history of North Dakota is linked to legendary figures such as Sitting Bull, George Custer, and the renowned explorer duo Lewis and Clark. With such associations, North Dakota is definitely a place where history is in the air.

North Dakota is the ideal place to visit if you’re yearning to experience the Wild West of old legend. Recapture that Old West feeling with a visit to the Rodeos of Jamestown, New Salem, or Fargo, or visit Bismarck, White Shield, or Fort Yates to see—and perhaps even take part in—an American Indian Powwow.

The town of Medora is a great place for a family vacation, with horseback riding and buggy rides in the Badlands, as well as entertaining live shows and plenty of museums and historic sites to visit. The Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch & Trail Head is the ideal place to stay and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Badlands, with scenic horseback trails and great opportunities for viewing wildlife, including antelope, deer and elk, coyotes and a variety of wild birds.

North of Dunseith and located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, the International Peace Garden features more than 2,000 acres of gorgeous gardens—an ideal place for a relaxing picnic, with opportunities for wild-life observation as well as many miles of hiking trails. In fact, North Dakota is home to more national wildlife refuges than any other state, and an amazing variety of animals can be seen in their natural habitats—and the habitats themselves are very diverse.

In the western part of the state, the Little Missouri National Grasslands features vast wide-open prairies and awe-inspiring badlands. The Sheyenne National Grasslands in the east display similarly spectacular scenery. The Fall months are a great time to visit this area, with the autumnal colors of the prairies perfectly complementing the unique prairie skies. North Dakota is also home to four state forests—Mouse River in McHenry County, Sheyenne River in Ransom County, Tetrault Woods near Walhalla, and the largest, Turtle Mountain, lies close to the Canadian border. Any one of these is the perfect place for an outdoors-oriented vacation, with available activities including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming and canoeing.

A vacation spent in North Dakota must definitely include some of the historic sites visited by Lewis and Clark, that legendary pair of explorers. In Washburn, located in the central western part of the state, the winter home of the Expedition on the Missouri River has been meticulously reconstructed, and the Fort Union Trading Post is another great place to visit. In the mid nineteenth century, this was an important Missouri River trading post, and now it is a fascinating store of local history and legend.

Washburn features several historic sites relating to Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition, as well as other attractions such as the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, which includes a full-sized replica earthlodge, and the McLean Country Historical Society Museum, with displays and exhibits about local wildlife and geology, Native American history, and life in the era of Lewis & Clark. With a wildlife refuge, state parks, and the Missouri River all located close by, it’s easy to spend a week or more in Washburn, with plenty of activities to enjoy every day.

Down-river of Washburn, the North Dakota capital city of Bismarck offers some fun things to do, with plenty of museums and historical sites to visit. If the earthlodge at Washburn captured your interest, check out the Double Ditch Indian Village State Historic Site in Bismarck, which includes the ruins of a much larger Mandan Indian lodge, inhabited more than 200 years ago by this agricultural tribe.

While in Fargo, there are several other attractions that are well worth a visit, including the Maple River Winery, and the fabulously fun Children’s Museum at Yunker farm, where the kids will have fund with mini golf and carousel rides as well as a variety of interactive exhibits. Take a pontoon ride on the Red River, and stop at the Red River Valley Fair if you visit Fargo in June!

North Dakota is a great place to spend a vacation if you love to combine your relaxing getaway time with visits to historical sites. This is a state you will definitely want to visit if you’re interested in following in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, and there is enough to do in the “Peace Garden State” to keep you occupied for all the days of your vacation.

New Jersey

New Jersey couldn’t be farther from California in location and culture, but there’s one thing that these states having in common. If you’re living of visiting New Jersey, the first question that pops to mind for people learning about your stay there will always be: “North or South?”. California has San Francisco in the north and Los Angeles in the south. For New Jersey, the split is between New York in the north and Philadelphia in the south. Of course, there are places to visit in each state that don’t fall into these two categories, but nevertheless, you can usually define your travels by either your proximately to New York or your proximate to Philadelphia.

North New Jersey

North New Jersey (or just “North Jersey” to those familiar with the area) loosely includes Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties. Some people also include Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset counties in this definition, since they are officially part of the New York City metro area. Still others define North Jersey as everything north of Interstate 195 or everything north of the mouth of the Raritan River. When you’re in North Jersey and hear reference to “The City,” people are most likely talking about New York City. Many of the residents of North Jersey, in fact, commute to New York City for work every day.

One of the premier destinations in North Jersey is the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands, which is located in Ringwood. In the mind-1980s, one of the area’s historical Tudor manors and almost 100 acres of land were designated by the government as the State’s official gardens. This is a hot spot during the summer, especially on Friday nights with the gardens hosts their free summer concert series.

If you enjoy historical architecture just as found at the Botantical Gardens’ house, you might also enjoy the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, located just a short drive away in Sandy Hook. New Jersey is actually home to quite a number of lighthouses, but this is the older lighthouse still in operations in the entire United States.

If amusement parks and zoos are more your style, you can try visiting Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, Casino Pier and Breakwater beach in Seaside Heights, Keansburg Amusement Park in Keansburg, or Bowcraft Amusement Park in Scotch Plains. Remember, in North Jersey, you’re also not far from New York City, so you can very well take the train in for the day to visit the Bronx Zoo of the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.

Before you leave North Jersey, some other popular destinations are total must-sees! In Stanhope, you have go to Waterloo Village, where you can travel back in time to see a colonial town as well as learn about the Native Americans that once lived in this area. Travel over to Netcong, and you can visit the Wild West City, a reconstructed frontier town, as well. Kids of all ages will also enjoy Northlandz in Flemington, NJ, where you can find a huge model train exhibit and doll museum.

South New Jersey

South New Jersey is more closely connected to a different city—Philadelphia. Most people consider Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties as those counties that are part of “South Jersey,” although, again, others consider certain roads or waterways the lines. Ocean County is sometimes includes as part of South Jersey, although it is officially a part of the Greater New York City Metropolitan Area.

In South Jersey, the Beach is king. Some of South Jersey’s most prominent beach communities includes Avalon, Cape May and Cape May Point, Longport, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Ventnor. Actually, if you drive up of down the coat, almost all areas have beautiful beaches. Atlantic City is a very popular destination, as gambling here is completely legal and their casinos are beginning to rival those found in Las Vegas.

As you travel inland from the coast, the primary focus of this area is less on tourism and more on residential. Like many residents of North Jersey commute to New York City for work on a daily basis, South Jersey is home to many, many people who work in Philadelphia and commute there every day. Some of these residential areas are historically “good” places to live. Morristown, for example, was honored as one of the best places to live in the United States in 2005. However, areas like Camden are known for their high crime rate.

There are no shortages of fun things to do in South Jersey, however. Some interesting and popular attractions include the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill where kids can really go wild and the Three Forts Ferry, where you can ride from Fort Mott to Fort Delaware. Older children and adults may also enjoy the Burlington County Prison Museum, a spooky historical site that features tours of old cells and dungeons. And, if you enjoy historical locations, you can also visit the Old Barracks in Trenton of the Batsto Village and Wharton State Forest in Hammonton.

Also popular in South Jersey is the Walt Whitman and His Invincible City tour, a planned tour of Camden in the surrounding areas where Whitman once lives and wrote. This is a two-hour tour via motorcoach and includes visits to the Walt Whitman House, Cooper Street, and Harleigh Cemetery. If you enjoy Whitman’s writings, you’ll be in awe to see some of the places that actually really inspired some of his best poetry.

Although there is a bit of rivalry between North and South New Jersey, you’ll find that the state as a whole is a great place to visit. Whether you want to spend your days at the beach, travel back in time, or visit New York City or Philadelphia for a bit of culture and shopping, New Jersey is a great stop on your next vacation. And who knows…you might love it so much that you decide to live there!

New Mexico

New Mexico’s diverse heritage of Anglo, Hispanic, and Indian cultures makes a vacation spent in the “Land of Enchantment” both exciting and interesting. From captivating natural wonders to tiny yet intriguing towns, New Mexico is a great place to visit.

With skiing and snowboarding, rafting and climbing available in the central north region of the state, the outdoors theme is predominant in this area—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There is much more to do here than outdoors activities, however, with the capital city of Santa Fe located here. With more than 300 museums and art galleries showcasing both local and international art, this is a paradisiacal city for art lovers. There are plenty of entertaining evening activities on offer in this multi-cultural city, with gallery openings, Pueblo dances, and concerts featuring both classical and contemporary music, as well as open air markets during the weekend days. The Santa Fe nightlife is just as culturally diverse as the city itself, with dancing indoors and out, live jazz and blues, as well as mariachi players and flamenco dancers in some of the city’s hottest spots.

North of Santa Fe, the city of Taos is a fascinating and entertaining place to visit, that really exemplifies the multi-cultural nature of New Mexico. Where else can you find an Indian pueblo, a Spanish village, an artist’s colony, and an alpine resort, all in the same area? Taos Pueblo is an enthralling place to visit—now home to around 150 Pueblo Indians, the buildings here were constructed between six hundred and one thousand years ago, with ancestors of the current residents having lived in the valley long before America was discovered. The customs and rituals of the tribe are preserved in the modern day, and visitors can purchase striking examples of jewelry, pottery and curios made by local artisans.

There are annual celebrations and festivals aplenty in Taos throughout the year, including a Spring Arts Celebration, a Fall Arts Festival, County Fairs and Yuletide celebrations. There is great skiing to be had in the winter months at Taos Valley Ski Resort, and the Red River Ski Area, and in the summer, mountain biking, golfing, horseback riding, and a very unusual past-time—llama trekking! Ride the rapids of the Rio Grande or go fly-fishing for Cutthroat and Rainbow trout, go golfing or hiking—there are plenty of outdoor activities in the area, and everywhere you go, there is the stunning natural scenery of the area to enhance your experience.

The north west of New Mexico is a gateway to Navajo Nation, the most extensive Indian reservation in the country, which extends through several states. Located near the Canyon de Chelly, Navajo Nation offers visitors the chance to visit trading posts in the area and visit a variety of attractions, such as the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. There is a whole host of fascinating landmarks to visit in the area, many with close ties to Native American legend. Visit Chaco Canyon to see ancient Pueblo landmarks, including mysterious stone structures that were once used to mark the astrological paths of the sun, moon and stars, or see the city of Aztec to learn about the fascinating history of the area at the Aztec Ruins National Monument and the Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village. For UFO enthusiasts, there’s the Aztec Alien Trail, a mountain bike tour that passes by an area that is thought by many UFO buffs to be a UFO crash site.

UFO buffs will definitely want to visit the south east region of New Mexico and add a stop in Roswell to their itinerary—this is the site of one of the most famous UFO sightings of the twentieth century. The Roswell International UFO Museum & Research Center is located here, as well as the Area 51 Museum, where visitors can pose for photographs with life-size alien dummies. As well as museums and galleries, there’s the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Reserve, where visitors can get up close and view birds, deer, badgers and other wildlife.

In south east New Mexico, you’ll also find the legendary Carlsbad Caverns, one of the most extensive natural underground chambers in the known world. A tour through these amazing caves, full of stunning natural rock formations, is an unforgettable experience. The Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site is another experience not to be missed, with literally thousands of rock carvings and paintings viewable here, as well as a buried ancient village that has been partially excavated to reveal Pueblo Indian ruins.

South west New Mexico continues this theme, with the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument—a historic site that provides visitors with a look at the homes of the Mongollon people who lived in these cliff-side caves in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The site is located near Silver City, which is in itself a wonderful place to visit. Once home to legendary figures such as Geronimo and Billy the Kid, Silver City may not be as flashy as cities like Taos and Santa Fe, but it still offers plenty to do, with historic sites, museums and art galleries showcasing Southwestern art.

A vacation in New Mexico is the ideal way to kick back and relax in cities such as Santa Fe, or get out and experience the excitement of the outdoors—no matter what you prefer to do on your vacation, you’re sure to enjoy doing it more in New Mexico, where the stunning scenery of the Land of Enchantment will make all of your vacation experiences that much better.

New Hampshire

When you say the words New Hampshire, doesn’t it bring to mind an English countryside, rolling and green with quaint little towns nearby?  Well, New Hampshire did derive its name from an English county called Hampshire, so it must have reminded the early English colonists of a special place back home.  New Hampshire actually was one of the original 13 colonies and eventually became the ninth state to join the Union.  With all that claim to fame in its background, New Hampshire is rich in cultural history as well as being a beautiful state with much to offer to anyone as a home base or just as a great place to visit.

Another tempting attraction about the state of New Hampshire is beauty that awaits those with a yearning for the open road.  This beautiful state is a driving dream at any time during the year.  From roads built to take advantage of the breathtaking Atlantic coastline that targets the rolling surf to mountain byways that travel through the state’s majestic peaks.  The roadway system also offers historic routes that pinpoint meaningful highlights from the state’s long and fascinating past. In the autumn when the foliage begins to put on its spectacular show of fall colors, the roadways light up with awe-inspiring landscapes that add delight to any road trip. The scenic byways that comprise New Hampshire's roads are a part of the state’s unique offerings that attracts thousand of visitors per year.

While on vacation or perhaps just out for a day or two trip, New Hampshire holds a wealth of lodging possibilities with cozy New England inns in quaint villages, out of this world bed and breakfast venues or, for the more extravagant and discerning traveler, some pretty fancy 5 star accommodations in some of the larger cities.  The historical small towns that dot the New Hampshire landscape are rarely without an offering of an overnight stay in a charming little hotel that harkens back to an earlier time.  If one is really lucky, they have heard by word of mouth, which is as good a recommendation as any tour guide, that there is a picturesque bed and breakfast on their route which will afford a night or two of exquisitely self-indulgent accommodations with 500 thread count bedding, views to die for and last but not least, homemade cuisine, both in the evening and at breakfast, that makes the stay more memorable than perhaps even the affordable rates.

If a big city escape is what you’re after, it will not be difficult to locate a hotel with international credentials that will even house a certified cordon bleu chef running its kitchen.  Along with the exquisite food offered in this type of facility, the savvy traveler will no doubt have quizzed the helpful front desk on the type of nightlife offerings in the area, be it a dance club venue, art gallery or local theater- the big city will hold an abundance of selections for those looking for more after dinner.  During the daylight hours don’t miss out on all the opportunities that go along with city life such as tours, trying the local flavor at an out of the way restaurant, craft fairs and markets, superb shopping- the options should be boundless.

New Hampshire has so much to see and do for every type of traveler.  Whether it is a family looking for the adventure of camping in a beautiful state park, an exercise enthusiast who wants to conquer one of the scenic bike trails or someone wanting to experience the culture found in a large city, it is all right there waiting for them.  The rich history that comes with everything the state stands for leaves its mark in every corner, be it in the rolling hillsides dotted with cattle and picturesque farmlands, the ageless small towns or the incomparable scenery that spans majestic mountains, coastal vistas and the lush greenness of the forests- New Hampshire has it all.  One visit may not be enough!

Nevada

Nevada, also known as the “Silver State” or “Sagebrush State” is a state of rugged landscapes, awesome beauty, easy marriage ceremonies and quick divorce proceedings.  Its largest city, Las Vegas, is the gambling Mecca of the United States, if not the world.  It is no surprise that Nevada’s largest income is derived from tourism, followed secondly by mining with gold being the largest, most profitable mineral mined.  Cattle raising is in the top five of leading industries in the state with plenty of land available for grazing and ranching. With its diverse elevations of high mountains and the more verdant basin areas, and a large portion of the state being located in the Mojave Desert, Nevada’s varied climate and terrain has something to offer for everyone.

If gambling and a world famous nightlife is not your thing, there are many other reasons to visit the beautiful state of Nevada.  The possibilities are endless.  If you are looking for scenic driving, famous Highway 50 rolls through the state showcasing sites such as abandoned mines, towns little more than a dusty roadside gas station and diner reminiscent of early America, and an unexpected spectacular resort or two followed by strange roadside attractions boasting dessert animals or Elvis memorabilia stands.  All this quirkiness and history alike awaits the alert driver who prefers to wander the roads at his own pace and take his time to feel out the scenery.  If it is awesome natural landscape you are wishing to see, the awesome snow covered Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Ruby Range are both breathtaking to behold.  Nevada is definitely a state with sights worth seeing if one wishes to travel by car.

If you want to vacation and play golf at the same time, Nevada has some of the most beautiful and challenging courses found anywhere.  The utter surrounding beauty of some of the golf courses can make it difficult to keep your head in the game.  These links are not planned by happenstance either.  They boast some of the most famous designers/players known in the industry such as the likes of Arnold Palmer.  There are over 50 of these championship courses located within a two hour drive of Las Vegas.   If one travels further north in the state they will find no shortage of magnificent courses there either.  Nestled around the gorgeous mountains and unspoiled lakes, these golf courses work with Mother Nature to bring about the perfect harmony of recreation and beauty.  If you are a golfer, visiting the state of Nevada will be your perfect destination.

When one thinks of Nevada, often one of the last things to come to mind is snow skiing, that is if they are not avid about the sport.  Those in the know have long heard of the awesome opportunities afforded by the majestic mountains that run through the state.  Each year literally thousands of ski enthusiasts from all over the world hit the slopes of Nevada to get the thrill of downhill skiing, snowboarding and even snowshoeing.  The area around Reno and Lake Tahoe is known as having the largest number of ski resorts in America.

Another great adventure that awaits the visitor to Nevada is the opportunity for water lovers to get their fill.  There are tranquil rivers to kayak down, white water rapids to shoot or the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe to soothe you.  Fans of scuba diving even have their place under the blue waters of Lake Mead. Whether you’re planning a quiet get away, a personal relaxing retreat or a family vacation, there’s an endless flow of adventures to explore in the waters of Nevada.

Nevada is a land of surprising beauty, blazing heat, snow covered terrain and fast-paced city life.  For the family looking for a great outdoor adventure opportunity, a group of friends looking for a weekend escape or someone looking to be inspired by an unforgettable road trip, Nevada holds the potential for all of these and more.  It is definitely worth getting to know better.

Nebraska

Montana is a land of magnificent mountain landscapes and enormous open skies—an unforgettable vacation destination. Every region of the “Treasure State” has something special to offer, and this is a wonderful place to vacation if you’re in the mood for an outdoors-oriented vacation that packs in visits to some fascinating historical sites and interesting activities.

North-eastern Montana is known as Missouri River Country. Like much of the state, this region is home to some prime hunting land, for both anglers and big and small game hunters. If you would prefer to learn about animals that walked the lands in ancient times, visit on of the museums in the area to learn about the fossil history of Missouri River Country. Some museums even allow visitors to view archeological digs where dinosaur fossils have been discovered, as well as seeing exhibits featuring these ancient animals. To learn more about the recent history of the area, the Pioneer Town and Museum in the town of Scobey is a fascinating place to visit, with 35 historic buildings located here.

The central north of Montana is named for Charlie Russell, a talented artist who lived in the area in the late nineteenth century. As well as some excellent hunting opportunities—antelope, elk, and whitetail deer, as well as waterfowl and trout, bass and pike for the angler—Russell Country is also home to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, one of the most fascinating and extensive museums dedicated to these famous explorers. Learn more about the area’s namesake, Charlie Russell, view a collection of his work, and visit the log cabin where he lived and worked, at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. Russell Country also has some extensive archeological dig sites, such as Ulm Pishkun, near Great Falls, and Egg Mountain, near Choteau, where a large collection of dinosaur nests and fossils where discovered in the 1970s.

In north-western Montana you’ll find Glacier Country, named for the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier National Park. This is another wonderful place to visit for an outdoors-oriented vacation, with horse-back riding, rafting, hiking and boat tours available here, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter months. There are several museums located in this region, too. As well as the more traditional historical sites, there’s also the Miracle of America Museum and Historic Village. Located near Polson, this museum contains an astonishingly diverse variety of displays and exhibits, including antique toys and vintage vehicles.

The central southern region of Montana is Yellowstone Country—home to Yellowstone National Park. There is an amazing variety of outdoor activities to be had here, whether you visit in summer or in winter. In the summer, horseback riding, golf, white-water rafting, as well as hiking and biking, are just a few of the outdoor activities on offer. In the winter, snowboarding and skiing are the order of the day. Of course, this is also a great place for hunters, with deer and elk as well as a whole host of fishing in season. If watching the wildlife is more your thing, consider a Yellowstone Safari, with the opportunity to view wolves, bears and other animals in their natural habitats.

Yellowstone Country is also an ideal place to experience life in the Old West, with several working dude ranches located in this area. This is a fantastic way to see the stunning Montana countryside, at the same time as you get a feel for life on a real dude ranch! See calving and lambing in the Spring, go on a cattle drive, an overnight horse-back riding trip into the Montanan wilds, take a hiking trip, go fishing or bird-watching—the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to experience ranch life hands-on or simply relax in a gorgeous natural setting, this is a wonderful way to see central Montana.

Custer Country, in the south-eastern reaches of Montana, is famous as the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument that commemorates the site of the battle itself, then view a series of exhibits and displays a the nearby museum for a more complete view of the era and the battle. Also in Custer Country, the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation Pictograph State Park is another fascinating place to visit, with cave paintings more than 2,000 years old to be found here. 

South-west Montana is known as Gold West Country. From ranches and rodeos to the relaxing Boulder Hot Springs, as well as some exceptionally fine trout fishing, there is much to do here. There are some interesting and fun activities on offer in Gold West Country, with several places, such as Crystal Park, offering visitors the opportunity to literally dig for treasure! Visit Butte to learn more about mining in this area of Montana, with the World Museum of Mining and the Mineral Museum, as well as the very interesting Dumas Brothel Museum that preserves the history of Butte’s once-famous Red Light District!

Also in Gold West Country, the Ghost Town of Garnet is a fascinating place to visit, located at the head of First Chance Creek. The town was build in the late nineteenth century, and since then the town has been inhabited and abandoned two or three times, making a somewhat unique example of its kinds. More than thirty buildings dating back over one hundred years have been preserved, and visitors can actually enter many of these. During the winter, this is a popular place for snowmobile and cross country ski trips, and there are even a small number of cabins available for rent, for people who want to sleep among the ghosts of the town!

Montana is the ideal vacation state for the hunter, angler, or anyone who loves to spend their vacation time in the outdoors. Combine your sporting activities with day trips to museums, archeological digs and other fantastic attractions, or spend your days living it up Western Style at a working ranch—Montana has it all!

Montana

Montana is a land of magnificent mountain landscapes and enormous open skies—an unforgettable vacation destination. Every region of the “Treasure State” has something special to offer, and this is a wonderful place to vacation if you’re in the mood for an outdoors-oriented vacation that packs in visits to some fascinating historical sites and interesting activities.

North-eastern Montana is known as Missouri River Country. Like much of the state, this region is home to some prime hunting land, for both anglers and big and small game hunters. If you would prefer to learn about animals that walked the lands in ancient times, visit on of the museums in the area to learn about the fossil history of Missouri River Country. Some museums even allow visitors to view archeological digs where dinosaur fossils have been discovered, as well as seeing exhibits featuring these ancient animals. To learn more about the recent history of the area, the Pioneer Town and Museum in the town of Scobey is a fascinating place to visit, with 35 historic buildings located here.

The central north of Montana is named for Charlie Russell, a talented artist who lived in the area in the late nineteenth century. As well as some excellent hunting opportunities—antelope, elk, and whitetail deer, as well as waterfowl and trout, bass and pike for the angler—Russell Country is also home to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, one of the most fascinating and extensive museums dedicated to these famous explorers. Learn more about the area’s namesake, Charlie Russell, view a collection of his work, and visit the log cabin where he lived and worked, at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. Russell Country also has some extensive archeological dig sites, such as Ulm Pishkun, near Great Falls, and Egg Mountain, near Choteau, where a large collection of dinosaur nests and fossils where discovered in the 1970s.

In north-western Montana you’ll find Glacier Country, named for the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier National Park. This is another wonderful place to visit for an outdoors-oriented vacation, with horse-back riding, rafting, hiking and boat tours available here, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter months. There are several museums located in this region, too. As well as the more traditional historical sites, there’s also the Miracle of America Museum and Historic Village. Located near Polson, this museum contains an astonishingly diverse variety of displays and exhibits, including antique toys and vintage vehicles.

The central southern region of Montana is Yellowstone Country—home to Yellowstone National Park. There is an amazing variety of outdoor activities to be had here, whether you visit in summer or in winter. In the summer, horseback riding, golf, white-water rafting, as well as hiking and biking, are just a few of the outdoor activities on offer. In the winter, snowboarding and skiing are the order of the day. Of course, this is also a great place for hunters, with deer and elk as well as a whole host of fishing in season. If watching the wildlife is more your thing, consider a Yellowstone Safari, with the opportunity to view wolves, bears and other animals in their natural habitats.

Yellowstone Country is also an ideal place to experience life in the Old West, with several working dude ranches located in this area. This is a fantastic way to see the stunning Montana countryside, at the same time as you get a feel for life on a real dude ranch! See calving and lambing in the Spring, go on a cattle drive, an overnight horse-back riding trip into the Montanan wilds, take a hiking trip, go fishing or bird-watching—the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to experience ranch life hands-on or simply relax in a gorgeous natural setting, this is a wonderful way to see central Montana.

Custer Country, in the south-eastern reaches of Montana, is famous as the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument that commemorates the site of the battle itself, then view a series of exhibits and displays a the nearby museum for a more complete view of the era and the battle. Also in Custer Country, the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation Pictograph State Park is another fascinating place to visit, with cave paintings more than 2,000 years old to be found here. 

South-west Montana is known as Gold West Country. From ranches and rodeos to the relaxing Boulder Hot Springs, as well as some exceptionally fine trout fishing, there is much to do here. There are some interesting and fun activities on offer in Gold West Country, with several places, such as Crystal Park, offering visitors the opportunity to literally dig for treasure! Visit Butte to learn more about mining in this area of Montana, with the World Museum of Mining and the Mineral Museum, as well as the very interesting Dumas Brothel Museum that preserves the history of Butte’s once-famous Red Light District!

Also in Gold West Country, the Ghost Town of Garnet is a fascinating place to visit, located at the head of First Chance Creek. The town was build in the late nineteenth century, and since then the town has been inhabited and abandoned two or three times, making a somewhat unique example of its kinds. More than thirty buildings dating back over one hundred years have been preserved, and visitors can actually enter many of these. During the winter, this is a popular place for snowmobile and cross country ski trips, and there are even a small number of cabins available for rent, for people who want to sleep among the ghosts of the town!

Montana is the ideal vacation state for the hunter, angler, or anyone who loves to spend their vacation time in the outdoors. Combine your sporting activities with day trips to museums, archeological digs and other fantastic attractions, or spend your days living it up Western Style at a working ranch—Montana has it all!

Mississippi

The Magnolia State….Doesn’t just the sound of that evoke visions of warm, humid nights with the mosquitoes buzzing lazily by and the air redolent with the heavy perfume of the profusely blooming Magnolia?  It definitely brings to mind things southern and lush and slower paced.  Such is the land of Mississippi- the state, not the river- but none the less mighty and majestic.  Mississippi is a state rich in history and culture that has helped to shape the United States through the past 250 years.  It is a part of the Deep South and gets is name from the wide and swift moving river of the same name which runs along its western border.  Mississippi means “Great River” and is of Native American origin, most likely from the Ojibwe who live near the source on the river in Minnesota.

Mississippi has a one of a kind combination of towns, cities, rural areas, history and modern day appeal which makes it attractive to all ages.  Besides being nicknamed as the Magnolia State, Mississippi is also called the Hospitality State, known for the warmth of its people and the ease with which one is made to feel comfortable whether traveling through for the day or staying for a longer while.  It’s a place where relaxation comes naturally.  There are many spots to vacation in Mississippi depending on whether you are taking a family get away, a buddies golf trip or even a honeymoon, it has something to offer for everyone. 

The resort areas in Mississippi are very economical and often afford great opportunities to partake in exciting casino action, enjoy top name entertainers, sample some of the nation’s most outstanding cuisine or try your luck on one of their premiere golf courses.  Whether you chose to vacation in the more northern region of the “piney” woods or book at a resort along the Gulf of Mexico, each area will have a local flavor of culture and  traditions that are sure to delight.  If resort life is not your cup of tea, you can join the thousands of yearly visitors that come to Mississippi to be a part of gorgeous campground community that can be as modern or as primitive as you desire.   The state has hundreds of places for tent camping as well as the more modernly equipped recreational vehicle settings, with hookups for water and electricity.  It doesn’t matter which type of camper you are, Mississippi has what you are looking for.  Some of the less back water camping areas are also well situated with nearby shopping, restaurants, churches and movie theaters.  Going to Mississippi to camp can be the vacation of a lifetime, indeed!

It is nearly impossible to think of Mississippi without reflecting on what a huge contribution its heritage has made to the world of music.  The blues were “invented” in Mississippi, or to put it more succinctly, Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues.  Since the blues were originally started by the slaves in the cotton fields, the agriculturally rich Delta area of the state was the leader in the number of famous blues singers. Legendary singers such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Robert Johnson got their start there and have heavily influenced the style of country music, jazz and modern day rock that we listen to today.  For the vacationer to Mississippi that is a fan of music, visiting some of the music clubs and entertainment venues that focus on the local style and talent of the blues and jazz singers will no doubt be a memorable experience.

Who can go to Mississippi without wanting to sample all of the famous recipes that have stood the test of time?  Mouth watering barbeque that is home to the famous pulled pork sandwich, famous baked goods like homemade biscuits, cornbread or banana cream pie, southern fried chicken or catfish and what about southern ham casserole or Cajun shrimp Creole.  Yum!  These and other southern dishes to make your mouth water can be found in the down home cooking style of Mississippi.  It would not be fair to mention all these wonderful soul warming foods without shedding equal light on the finer cuisine that is also found in Mississippi.  The French influence left its mark with a famous dish known as Crepes Suzette, the freshest coastal seafood dishes imaginable can be found throughout the state and some first class steaks are served with sauces that leave the diner coming back for more.  Mississippi is known for its food and music and neither one will leave you disappointed.

Mississippi is loaded with hundreds of outdoor opportunities to take advantage of.  Besides the wonderful camping available that was mentioned earlier, there are many lakes, streams and rivers, not to mention the 100 plus miles of gulf coastline that all offer a plethora of boating, swimming, fishing and other water related activities to enjoy.  There are literally millions of acres of public land set aside that is earmarked for hunting.  Hunting is a widely popular sport in the state and is actively pursued by thousands of participants.  Because of this interest in hunting and the large area that is used, there are many hunting and fishing guides that hire themselves out to be of assistance to vacationers when they come down to hunt in unfamiliar territory.  Some of the most hunted animals in the state are deer, wild turkey, and many different types of waterfowl.  Smaller types of game are squirrel, rabbit, quail and dove.  With 38 state wildlife areas, 14 national wildlife refuges and 6 national forests there is plenty of land to go around for all the local hunters as well as the visiting outdoorsmen.

Mississippi is such a beautifully scenic state that it is definitely remiss not to mention the potential for great road sightseeing that is available.  The most famous trek to make is called the Natchez Trace Parkway.  It is rich in history with tales of highway robbers, bootlegging and as an important commercial route.  This nearly 450 mile route stretches from Natchez Mississippi to Nashville Tennessee.  The landscape is varied and changes along the way from swampy areas to farmland to lush forests.  There are informative noted stops to make along the way that point out specific important landmarks and parts of the old trail are still visible in certain areas.  It is a trip well worth making if you enjoy the more leisurely pace of seeing the countryside and learning about American history from the comfort of  your own car.

If you are planning to learn more about the early history of this great country of ours, there is much to said about making a trip to the Deep South to do so.  Why not start with Mississippi?

Minnesota

Not being a native of Minnesota, I can’t truthfully say that this is my home state, but after giving it 8 years, I’ll gladly stay!  To be honest, moving to Minnesota was not the first place I would have chosen for my family, but one goes where the job calls and my husband’s job beckoned us north.  Being born and raised in a small town in south central Kansas, going to Minnesota seemed like migrating to the frozen Arctic.  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Simply put, Minnesota is simply beautiful.  Period.  We have had a fair amount of family moves in our 28 year marriage due to corporate growth.  Some places were foreign, even exotic, but there is just something about Minnesota that puts it at the top of my list of favorite places to live.  One just doesn’t move to Minnesota, Minnesota moves into ones heart and soul like a welcome embrace.  It imprints you with a feeling of warmth and adventure that is tough to beat.  Speaking as a “quasi-southerner”, before this last move I felt that Minnesota would not have the appeal of blazing summers or mild autumn weather that I was used to….or so I thought.  As it turned out, the weather in Minnesota ranked up at the top of surprises that awaited us.

Summer time in Minnesota is downright enchanting.  Sitting on our screened porch, I can’t count the number of times the sight of the fish jumping in the pond behind our house, the eerie call of a passing loon or the vibrant green lushness of the landscape has made me catch my breath.  When it’s still and the light just right, I sometimes imagine it to be a peace like the one that a lone man must have felt once, writing about his thoughts at a place called Walden. 

In the summer, the flora and fauna found native to this state is awesome.  More than a few times I have heard someone remark that it is not possible that a land so frozen and cold in the winter can turn into the verdant scenery that greets the eye at the height of summer.  Otters, muskrats, birds of every color and foxes galore are common sights in our neck of the woods.  Deer are so abundant up here that at the dim hours before sundown and sunup, there is an unwritten rule that governs drivers to be cautious, ever on the lookout for the stirring in the bushes at the side of the road, the flash of brown fur that signals the emergence of never just one.  Even the young ones traveling in the car know that if there’s one deer on the road, there are sure to be several more just out of sight.

Further up north from where we are, the strong, powerful sight of a moose is not uncommon to be seen wandering in or near a town.  The largest member of the deer family, these massive animals are a sight to behold.  Moose can stand 6 feet tall at the shoulders and weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds!  Considering the tiny mouse-like vole that inhabits the fields and woodlands of the state, that makes the range of the size of animals in Minnesota impressive indeed!

Because of these great summer advantages of beauty, heat and sunny skies, the outdoor activities that take place in the summer in Minnesota are literally endless in choice.  The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” affords ample opportunities for a host of water sports to take place.  Boating, fishing and skiing are just a few of the options.  It is a Minnesota tradition for a large majority of the inhabitants to have cabins “up north” to escape to when the weekend rolls around.  These cabins are most always located on water and the traffic heading that way on a Friday afternoon is one filled with trucks and SUVs towing campers, boats, jet skis, and tubes tied on roofs.  Bonfires during the evening hours are a common gathering spot both “up north” and in back yards, but I promise, you will not want to forget the big spray, if you go.  The Minnesota state bird is supposed to be the loon, but many disagree and think it should be the mosquito.  You can’t have 10,000 bodies of water and not have a few thousand of those buzzing around!

Winters in Minnesota have a beauty, too, that is hard to ignore.  Where the summers are lush and fertile, the winters are stark in their nakedness, but the silhouette of a massive oak tree’s bare skeleton etched against a vibrantly blue winter sky holds a beauty all its own.  Yes, those hundreds of bodies of water do freeze over, but that does not stop them from being enjoyed.  Ice fishing anyone?  That was a new sport for my family when we came here.  People actually take augers and drill holes through the ice to sit on little stools and wait for fish to bite- and they enjoy it- immensely!  The veterans of this strictly northern sport know how to do it right, too.  The sight that was so amazing to me was seeing scores of pickups parked out on the ice next to fish huts set up to keep the fishermen out of the more bitter weather.  They sit inside these enclosures with heaters, their favorite beverage and wait for the little flag to move, indicating there is something interested in the hook floating below in the frigid water.  The crème de la crème of the ice fishermen actually have ice fishing trailers that they pull behind their vehicles and place carefully and precisely atop the pre-drilled ice holes where there is a convenient hatch in the floor of the trailer that will open to drop a fish line down into the water!  Now, that’s roughing it!

The white fluffy snow that falls in the winter also provides a host of outdoor activities to be enjoyed.  Snow mobiling is a popular pastime that Minnesotans love.  There are trails specifically marked for these rides and it can be a great way to see the winter countryside.  Just remember to bundle up!  Many parks have snow shoe trails and cross country skiing areas as a way to get great exercise and fresh, cold air.  Ice skating rinks can be found even in the smallest towns- it just takes  a wooden fence-type enclosure that has been flooded with water from a hose at the right time to freeze over solid and provide a winter long activity that is a time honored tradition.

Besides the many outdoor events to be found in Minnesota, there are great indoor activities to be found as well.  In the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, there are professional sports teams of basketball, football, hockey and baseball that provide year-round entertainment.  The downtown area has the world’s largest system of enclosed walkways to enjoy the wonderful shopping opportunities in all types of weather.  Of course, the Mall of America is the Mecca of all malls and can provide a full weekend of shop ‘til you drop potential.  There are all kinds of state-of-the-art museums in Minnesota and a range theaters to delight all enthusiasts.

Yes, Minnesota is quite a place to call home.  I may not be a native, but it feels like that kind of place to me now.  I’d say I’m hooked on this state and plan to be for many years to come.