Western United States

The Western United States comprises the following states:

Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, California, Alaska, and Hawaii.

There are so many beautiful and varied places in this area that I decided to focus solely on the main attractions if this post.

Main attractions

Colorado

• Skiing and Snowboarding in Colorado

o In Aspen for high-society and glorious experience at America’s best place to ski. Aspen’s four mountains offer nearly 5,000 skiable acres, and all are linked by free shuttle service and transferable lift tickets.

o Durango is a young-at-heart mountain town nestled in the Animas River Valley between the desert and the San Juan Mountains. The Durango Mountain Resort has 1,200 skiable acres.

o Steamboat Springs is home to more Winter Olympics athletes than any other place in the United States. Here, you can enjoy winter sports and relax at one of the many Hot Springs.

o Telluride is a great place for beginner skiers and snowboarders as two-thirds of its 115 ski slopes are for beginners and intermediates. It is also one of the prettiest settings in the Rockies, one of the best-preserved gold and silver mining towns in the state.

• Mesa Verde – Awe-inspiring Cliff dwelling in Desert Canyons

Located in the area known as the Four Corners, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet, Mesa Verde is the only national park in America devoted exclusively to archeology. Here you will find masonry dwelling s tucked into alcoves along steep canyon walls by Anasazi between A.D. 600 and 1300.

• Rocky Mountain National Park

Housing three distinct ecosystems within 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s natural showpiece, a place of sparkling streams, glacial lakes and rugged peaks galore – Long Peak stands at 14,259 feet. Wildlife thrives in this Alpine setting, from elk, moose, and bighorn sheep to elusive mountain lions, bears and coyotes; wildflowers bloom from May to August.

Wyoming

• Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Valley

Craggy, glacier-chiseled and rising to 7,000-plus feet above the floor of Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley, the dramatic peaks of Grand Teton National Park win America’s topographical beauty pageant. With no foot-hills to blemish the view, the often-photographed Tetons dominate the skyline with a grandeur that’s utterly primeval. You can admire these peaks from Jackson Hole Valley.

• Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s oldest national park, known worldwide for the geysers and geothermal pools that date back to its volcanic past. The legendary geyser known as Old Faithful is just the beginning of the attractions here. Bears and herds of bison roam the Hayden Valley, while moose and elk linger near the hot springs terraces at Mammoth, and some 322 bird species flit from spruce to fir. White and gray wolves hunt in the Lamar Valley. 60% of earth’s geysers are found in this park!

Idaho

Idaho is one of America’s most revered fishing destinations, with 2,000 lakes. 16,000 miles of streams and 39 species of game fish.

• Lake Coeur d’Alene

Nested in a glacier-dug channel between low mountains, the lake delights visitors by myriad water activities, from Chinook salmon and trout fishing to steamboat rides, water-skiing, and sunset dinner cruises.

• Middle Fork of the Salmon River

It is ranked one of the top stretches of white-water river in the world, a holy grail for river runners. The river drops some 3,000 feet in 100 miles, churning through 100 deep-rolling Class III and IV rapids, carrying you to sand beaches for overnight camping and natural hot springs for relaxing.

• Sun Valley

It is America’s original ski destination and is still beloved as one of the finest ski resorts on the continent.

Montana

• Glacier National Park

The epic mountain scenery of the Glacier National Park believed by the Blackfeet Indians to be sacred ground. Created by the movement of massive glaciers, this park claims one of the most intact ecosystems in the temperate zone.

• Big Hole Country

It is the state’s southwest corner, one of the most beautiful areas – 6,000 feet elevation prairie basin. For fly-fishers, the focus is the Big Hole River, a blue-ribbon trout stream in a state blessed with outstanding fishing.

Washington

• The San Juan Islands

Although the archipelago is composed of more than 750 islands, scattered across 10,000 square miles, only 170 of them are named. Of those, only about 40 are inhabited.

• Seattle’s Pike Place Market

Opened in 1907, it is the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in America.

Oregon

• Crater Lake National Park

Most visitors are drawn to Crater lake by its perfect, jewel-like beauty, unaware of its catastrophic geological origin. The massive Mount Mazama collapsed inward on itself, resulting in a 6-mile-wide caldera that was slowly filled with water, creating nations deepest lake.

• The Oregon Coast

Sculptured by the turbulent waves of Pacific, Oregon’s 362-mile coastline is one of nature’s masterpieces. The entire length of the cost in public land, with most of it still nearly undeveloped.

• Willamette Valley

At the end of the historic Oregon Trail, close to 10,000 acres of rolling vineyards unfold in the northern Willamette Valley. It is one of the two wine producing regions that helped make the state the envy of vintners from California and France.

Utah

• Moab and Red Rock Country

The adventure-travel epicenter of canyon country is a surprisingly small town. Begun as a Mormon settlement in 1855, and enjoying the boom as a uranium mining center in the 1950s, Moab reinvented itself in the 1980s, when proponents of mountain biking discovered that the endless miles of colorful smooth rocks were perfect for fat-tired fun.

• Salt Lake City’s Temple Square

Revered by Mormons as the Vatican by Catholics, Temple Square holds a 12-foot statue of the angel Moroni. The Grammy-winning, 360-member, all-volunteer choir performs Sunday mornings and rehearses on Thursday evenings, both events are open to the public.

• Zion and Bryce National Parks

It’s hard to pick favorites among Utah’s five gorgeous national parks, but Zion and Bryce National Parks would have to be the top two.

Nevada

• The Las Vegas Strip

The 4.5-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is the world capital of glitter, adorned with pleasure palaces, 24-hour casinos, and quick-hitch wedding chapels.

California

• California Wine County

If America has an answer to Tuscany- our own locus for great wine, great food, and the good life- Napa, and Sonoma valley are it. These fraternal twins, separated at birth by the Mayacamas Mountains, now bask in international recognition among oenophiles. Together they produce about 10% of the world’s wines

• California Mission Trail

The missions represent a dynamic chapter of California’s past. The 21 missions that comprise California’s Historic Mission Trail are all located on or near Highway 101. Largely reconstructed after the ravages of time, weather, earthquakes, and neglect, most of the missions still operate as active Catholic parishes, with regularly scheduled services. Booklets for self-guided tours are usually available; hours of operation and fees may vary.

• Death Valley National Park

Located in the northern reaches of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park is the lowest, driest, and hottest spot in America, with scorching summers that reach 125°F and higher. Though the heat may be brutal, there’s a striking beauty here, from the stark, parched Deadman Pass and Dry Bone Canyon to the soaring drama of Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet. Fifty-one species of mammals, 307 species of birds, and 1,000 species of plants are indigenous to this desiccated land that receives just 2 inches of rain a year. À

• Los Angeles

If one city characterized the American Dream, it’s Los Angeles. Over the years it has been a magnet for countless dreamers who come here to remake themselves in the land of year-round sunshine and commercialized make-believe. The top attractions in this city are:

o Getty Center and Getty Villa – The 110-acre, six-building Getty Center hold an enormous collection of pre-20th-century European art as well as photography from all over the world. A commanding hilltop citadel of glass and off-white travertine, the center is a work of art itself.

o Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Museum Row- The largest art museum in Western America presenting 150,000 objects dating from ancient times to the present.

o Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Los Angeles Philharmonic – Since 2003, the soaring Walt Disney Concert Hall has become downtown L.A. dazzling landmark. An undulating mass of shiny steel seems to billow like a ship at full sail.

o Hollywood- Take a cheesy Starline 2-hour movie-star homes to drive and don’t forget to look for that famous “Hollywood” sign.

o Beverly Hills- Through less than 6 square miles, Beverly Hills looms large in the world’s collective imagination as the epitome of glamour and prestige.

o Santa Monica- Elegant and laid-back it is a pedestrian-friendly city fronting onto the Pacific that feels much more than just 15 miles from the central L.A.

o Venice and Venice Beach- Famous for its beachfront view, Venice was founded in 1905 as a suburban replica of Venice, Italy, complete with canals and gondolas. Though some canals still exist, they are not nearly as noteworthy as the 3-mile long Venice Beach boardwalk along white sand beaches.

• Disney and Disney California Adventure – A day trip from L.A.

• The Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur

The Pacific Coast Highway is America’s dream drive, offering two lanes through gorgeously isolated terrain, and frequent turnoffs and vantage points to soak in the astonishing beauty.

• San Francisco

With a stunning waterfront it is America’s most livable big city, with wonderful food, fascinating and unique neighborhoods it has many attractions:

o Alcatraz Island- America’s best-known prison.

o Green Gate Park – is a magical place that brings together towering redwood forests, a Japanese tea garden, the California Academy of Sciences, herds of American bison and the outstanding Young Museum.

o The Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge.

o De Young Museum- opened in 2005, it houses collections from the Americas, Oceania, and Africa.

o California Academy of Science- it encompasses the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Kimball Natural History Museum and world-class research and education programs.

o San Francisco Chinatown

o San Francisco Fishermen’s Warf

• Yosemite National Park

Yosemite’s 8,842-foot trademark peak Half Dome and El Capitan, the largest single granite rock on earth, the magnificent Yosemite Falls are also the highest on the continent make it a must-see attraction.

Alaska

• The Iditarod in Anchorage

Starting in Anchorage every March and ending 8 to 15 days later in Nome, the Iditarod is the greatest endurance tests in sport, with competitors mushing sled dogs across 1,150 miles of snow and ice in temperatures as low as 60 °F below zero. It is Alaska’s largest spectator sport. If you win the bid for a spot on a musher’s sled for the first 11 miles.

• Denali National Park

At 20,230 feet, Mount McKinley stands as the tallest peak in North America. It is the primary attraction of this park, but not the only one. You can spot grizzlies (and hope that they don’t spot you), moose, and golden eagles. In the summer you will enjoy 16-20 hours of light in which to take in the dazzling scenery of sweeping vistas of subarctic tundra, glaciers and massive peaks of the Alaska Mountain range. You can book one of the plane or helicopter excursions to see the beauty of this protected area.

• Inside Passage and Glacier Bay

Alaska has over 40,000 miles of coastline, and you can take in some of the most beautiful from your ship’s deck while sailing the Inside Passage. The big draw is the astounding wilderness, with snow-capped mountains, deep rain forests, and a maze of islands that are home to whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoises and seabirds.

Hawaii

• Hawai’i Island (Big Island)

The youngest, largest and most primal of the 1,500-mile-long Hawaiian archipelago, Hawai’i Island has all the necessary tropical delights and awe-inspiring natural attractions, including the world’s most active volcano.

• Kauai

The greenest and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is essentially a single massive volcano rising 3 miles from the ocean floor. Two-thirds impenetrable, it has provided a scene-stealing vision of tropical paradise for many Hollywood movies and TV shows. More rain falls here than in the rest of Hawaii-Kauai is known as the birthplace of the rainbow- and it’s so extravagantly covered with flowers and dense vegetation that it effortlessly earns its nickname “The Garden Isle”.

• Maui

Known for its miles of stunning beaches, lush rain forests, and a mix of crowd-pleasing resorts and luxurious hideaways, Maui embodies the spirit of aloha, an expression used to say hello and good-bye that actually means love. Visit the world’s largest dormant volcano Haleakala, it is so large that Manhattan could fit inside.

• Lana’i

Hawaii’s most secluded island, tiny unhyped Lana’i was the state’s largest pineapple plantation, a Dole empire called “Pineapple Island”. Since then it has become both a luxury retreat for the rich and an adventure outpost for day-trippers from Maui, a short ferry ride away.

• Molokai

Blessed with lush vegetation and carved by eons of pounding waves that produced the world’s tallest sea cliffs and some of Hawaii’s longest waterfalls, Molokai is Mother Nature’s wild and uninhibited work of art and one of Hawaii’s least developed places.

• Oahu

Oahu, the third largest island, has been a magnet for tourists almost since the days of Hawaii’s last kings. It is easy to understand why when you consider the daily rainbows that arch over its more than 125 beaches, the thundering waterfalls that cascade into crystal blue lagoons, the perfect waves that roll steadily to shore.

Other Resources

References & Citations

https://aspen.eccouncil.org

https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

https://www.coeurdalene.org

https://www.whitewaterguidebook.com/idaho/middle-fork-salmon-river/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carriecoolidge/2018/04/04/sun-valley-a-year-round-destination/#1c0265a93add

https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm

https://www.visitsanjuans.com

http://pikeplacemarket.org

https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

https://visittheoregoncoast.com

https://willamettewines.com

https://wildaboututah.org/red-rock-country/

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

https://www.templesquare.com

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/utah/zion-bryce-canyon-national-parks

https://www.visitlasvegas.com/free-visitors-guide/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/california/wine-country

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22722

https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

https://www.lacity.org

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2018/06/14/pacific-coast-highway-near-big-sur-reopen-july/703645002/

https://www.sftravel.com

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

https://www.anchorage.net/winter/events/iditarod-sled-dog-race/

https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Regions/Inside-Passage/Glacier-Bay-Area.aspx

https://www.gohawaii.com

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74419376

Southwestern United States

Geography

The Southwestern United States is composed of only 4 states, listed with their capitals:

Austin, Texas
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Phoenix, Arizona

Cities

The top 5 cities in The Southwestern United States are:

1. Phoenix, Arizona
2. El Paso, Texas
3. Albuquerque, New Mexico
4. Tucson, Arizona
5. Mesa, Arizona

Climate

This region is known for its dry climate. Summers can be extremely hot in the South, with temperatures climbing up to 100-125°F.

Main attractions

Texas

• Austin’s Life Music Scene – The lone star state’s beat

Although Austin is the seat of state government and home to one of the largest universities in America, its soul resides in its music. Laid-back and fun-loving, the city bills itself as the Live Music Capital of the World and claims more than 250 venues. Austin’s year-round music nerve center is on Sixth Street and in the Red River District.

• The Dallas Arts District – Cultural Jewels in Big D

The Dallas Arts District is the centerpiece of the city’s cultural life, a 68-acre. 19-block enclave built by some of the world’s finest architects to hold some of the best collections of art anywhere. The district includes the must-see unusually angular Meyerson Symphony Center, the extravagant Winspear Opera House and the Dallas Museum of Art containing modern masterpieces in a lush setting. The Crow Collection of Asian Art presents collections containing religious and secular pieces from diverse eras and cultures.

• Houston’s Art Museums – An extensive collection of Texas treasures

When it first opened in 1924, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston was the first art museum in Texas and only the third in the American South. One of the most visited of the 18 venues that make up the city’s Museum District, today it is the fifth largest museum in the country. Also, in the museum district is the Menil Collection, widely esteemed as one of the finest private museums in the United States. For something really different, see the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Created by Houston postal worker, it is an architectural wonder and an ode to outsider art made from recycled. Tiles, concrete, tractor, seats, and mannequins.

• San Antonio River Walk – A lively oasis in a multicultural town

Mark Twain rated San Antonio as one of America’s most outstanding cities. Today, he would recognize the city’s historic showpiece, the Alamo, but not its other most-visited attraction, the Paseo del Rio, or River Walk, a lively cobblestone boardwalk that unfolds among cypress, oaks, flowering bushes and willows among both banks of the lazy San Antonio River. The River Walk is particularly wonderful during the Christmas season, when more than 120,000 twinkling lights illuminate its vintage façades and bridges, and in late April, when the whole city stops for the Fiesta San Antonio, 11 days of events highlighted by three parades and set to the score the city’s signature Tejano music, a unique blend of Mexican and German influences. Indulge in more of the city’s Hispanic heritage at Market Square, consisting of El Mercado, the largest Mexican market outside Mexico.

• Texas Hill County – Back roads and bluebonnets

With a gently rolling landscape that never reaches more than 1,900 feet above sea level, Texas Hill County was settled in the mid-1800s, mostly by German immigrants, whose ethnic influence can still be felt in local Octoberfest and Christmastime festivals in and around Fredericksburg, the area’s prettiest town. Here, you can also follow the Fredericksburg Wine road, aka U.S. Highway 290 which links Hill County wineries.

On Saturday afternoons between March and December, the town of Bandera, the self-appointed Cowboy Capital of the World, hosts Cowboys on Main, a street party with chuck wagons, barbeque stands, and roping trick demonstrations.

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma City’s Cowboy Culture – Where the Wild West lives on

When Cattlemen and cowboys come to Oklahoma City, they head straight for Stockyards City Main Street, a retail district right in the center of town and still the location of saddleries and Western-wear clothing stores. On Mondays and Tuesdays, you can see live cattle being auctioned at the world’s largest stocker/feeder market, right next to the Oklahoma National Stockyards. Oklahoma has more horses per capita than any other state and Oklahoma City has more horse shows than any other city in America. Best time to visit this place is during November’s American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show, where competitors from around the world demonstrate their cowboy skills. Oklahoma is also home to 39 Native American tribes who come together along with other North American tribes for a 3-day Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in June to showcase their art, dancing, and parades.

• Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum showcasing artifacts devoted to the American West

An unsurpassed repository for the best of the Old West, the Gilcrease Museum is the lasting legacy of Thomas Gilcrease. He struck it rich in 1905 when oil was found on his 160-acre land. He spent his profits amassing the world’s largest collection of devoted to American West. When the price of oil dropped in the 1950’s he deeded the entire collection to the city of Tulsa. The town itself is a sort of open-air museum, thanks to all the grand Art Deco homes that were built in the 1920s to 1940s period, to remind the world of the town’s status as “Oil Capital of the World”.

Arizona

• Canyon de Chelly – Sacred outdoor museum of the Navajo Nation

Owned by the largest recognized tribe in America, Canyon de Chelly radiates quiet magic and spirituality that inspired mythology guru Joseph Campbell to call it “the most sacred place on Earth”. Canyon de Chelly has partially carved multistore dwellings, which are the oldest dwelling sites in North America. They are the main attraction of this 130-square-mile historic area.

• Grand Canyon – Nature’s masterpiece

Few things in this world produce such awe as the Grand Canyon. The mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River is a staggering 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. Its striated wall change color by the hour, shifting from crimson to orange to purple. The most popular viewing spot is the South Rim, where the overlooks are the most dramatic and hiking trails wait to be explored. If you are looking for an easy and paved path, check out the Rim Trail. The area’s newest traction is the exhilarating 70-foot-long glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, which extends 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Located in the Grand Canyon West, on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, it’s a popular stop on most day trips leaving from Las Vegas. Adventurers looking for an insider glimpse of the masterpiece for nature should raft the swift-moving Colorado river, make sure to book in advance as spots fill up quickly. The rafting adventure can last between a few hours and 2 weeks, depending on your interests and time allocated for this trip.

• Lake Powell – Man-made sea of the Southwest

Lake Powell is America’s second largest man-made lake, whose turquoise waters shimmer like a mirage in the red rock county of Northern Arizona and southern Utah. Measuring 185 miles long and creating some 2,000 miles of more or less road-free shoreline, Lake Powell has become the “houseboat capital of America”. Countless sandy coves and beaches can be explored by day, while nighttime means spectacular stargazing. On the southern edge of the lake, Rainbow Bridge is a site of deep spiritual significance to the Navajo, who call it “the rainbow turned into stone”. At 290 feet high and 275 feet across, it is the longest natural bridge in the world.

• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Located at the Arizona Utah border, Monument Valley is a vast barren plain punctuated by towering red-rock formations. Follow the rough 17-mile dirt road from the visitor center to see starkly eroded buttes, some reaching 1,000 feet above the valley floor with names like Totem Pole, the Mittens, and Elephant Butte. If you want to wander off the road, you must be in the company of a Navajo guide.

New Mexico

• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

At roughly the size of a house, the average hot-air balloon is mighty impressive. Now imagine more than 500 of them, slowly inflating and lifting into the sky! Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot-air balloon rally, held since 1972. If flying away on a hot-air balloon is not your thing, but you still want to experience the heights, ride the Sandia Peak Tram, which is 2.7 miles long, world’s longest aerial tramway. It runs from the northeast corner of the city to the top of the Sandia Mountains, 10,378 feet up.

• Carlsbad Caverns – Underground wonder in the Chihuahuan Desert

One of the world’s most complex, astounding, and easily accessible cave systems winds beneath the Guadalupe Mountains in southeastern New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains more than 100 known caves, the remains of a fossil reef from an inland sea that covered the area some 250 million years ago. Take a step walkway or an elevator 750 feet underground to the Big Room, one of the most enormous underground spaces on the planet. It is large enough to hold six football fields! Follow the mile-long trail to see natural formations resembling waterfalls, straws, totem poles and draped silk.

• Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – All aboard!

Ride a steam-powered train for the prettiest and most authentic Old West railroad experience. At 128 miles round-trip, the Cumbres & Toltec is the longest narrow-gauge train route in America. The 3-foot-wide train tracks were built more compactly than standard gauge to hug the sheer sides of Toltec Gorge, 600 feet above the Rio Chama, and to pass through two tunnels and over two 100-foot-high trestles. At Cumbres Pass, elevation 10,015 feet and the highest point in the United States reached by scheduled passenger trains, you can see the pastoral Chama Valley below, surrounded by densely wooded Rio Grande, Carson, and Santa Fe national forests.

• Roswell – Out of this world!

In July of 1947, local ranchers described finding pieces of purple metal inscribed with strange hieroglyphics that crashed to Earth from the sky. Reswell has become synonymous with unidentified flying objects. The place has been the subject of movies and TV shows. Every July Fourth weekend, the annual Roswell UFO Festival features lectures, workshops, and abduction panels, plus lighthearted costume contests, fireworks, and a parade down Main Street. The infamous Hangar 84, where the government stored the debris from the mysterious crash, can be seen year-round as a highlight of Roswell UFO Tour.

Other Resources

The area is mainly served by Southwest Airlines, you can book a flight, rent a car and book a hotel on their website.

A classic road trip on Route 66 through Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Official travel sites for:

If ever you need medical or legal help while traveling, below are the links for professionals in your area:

References & Citations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwestern_United_States

http://reardonhistory.weebly.com/southwest.html

https://www.roswell-nm.gov

https://cumbrestoltec.com

https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm

https://www.balloonfiesta.com

https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/

https://www.lakepowell.com

https://www.grandcanyonwest.com/skywalk–eagle-point.htm

https://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm

https://gilcrease.org

https://www.okc.gov

https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com

https://www.visitsanantonio.com

https://www.visitdallas.com/things-to-do/dallas-neighborhoods/central-dallas/arts-district.html

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8324690

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64449

Midwestern United States

Geography

The Midwest occupies the northern central part of America. It is located between the Northeastern United States and the Western United States, with Canada to its north and the Southern United States to its south.

This region consists of 12 sates, listed with their capitals:

Minnesota, St. Paul

North Dakota, Bismarck

South Dakota, Pierre

Nebraska, Lincoln

Kansas, Topeka

Iowa, Des Moines

Missouri, Jefferson City

Wisconsin, Madison

Illinois, Springfield

Indiana, Indianapolis

Michigan, Lansing

Ohio, Columbus

The region generally lies on the broad Interior Plain between the states occupying the Appalachian Mountain range and the states occupying the Rocky Mountain range.

The top 5 most populous cities in the Midwestern United States are:

Chicago, Illinois (third largest city in America)

Indianapolis, Indiana

Columbus, Ohio

Detroit, Michigan

Louisville, Kentucky

Climate

The weather in the Midwest varies dramatically from state to state and season to season. Without any oceans in proximity to moderate the changing temperatures, summers in the region can be brutally hot, while winters can be cold. Temperatures in this region can swing 100 or more degrees between winter and summer.

Main attractions

Minnesota

• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Ely

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Camping

More than 1,000 lakes- ranging from 10 to 10,000 acres each – are scattered through the piney wood along the Minnesota – Ontario border. On the Minnesota side lie a stunning 1 million protected acres of land known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the largest American wilderness preserve east of the Rockies.

Michigan

• Mackinac Island – a Victorian relic in the Great Lakes

The golden Victorian era is preserved on Mackinac Island, with horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down vehicle-free streets and pedestrians stopping in ice cream parlors and cafés. It can seem a bit touristy, but Mackinac is also overwhelmingly charming. Hike up to Fort Mackinac or wander the other 80 percent of the island that is protected as a state park.

Missouri

• Kansas City BBQ and Jazz – A culinary and musical mecca

In Kansas City, barbeque is king – its millions of fans have included native sons like jazz legends Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Queue up at any of the 100+ joints in town for short ribs and “brownies” – crispy, covered scraps of beef brisket, smothered in sauce. Unlike other BBQ meccas, Kansas City prides itself on its anything-goes attitude. You can try pork, beef, mutton, sausage, and chicken with a variety of sauces composed of tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, honey, molasses, mustard, and garlic.

Kansas

• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – Strong City

Experience the almost extinct tallgrass prairie. Currently, only 4% of the original 170-million acres of tallgrass prairies remain in America. If you have never seen a tallgrass prairie, you will love the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Ohio

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum – Cleveland rocks!

The glass pyramid of the museum echoes the one in Louvre, Paris. It’s an ideal home for the heritage of rock and it guarantees a pretty fun afternoon at the museum! Exhibits are interactive, there is lots of sound and videos. The permanent collection includes instruments and costumes of famous rock stars.

Illinois

• Chicago

Chicago is an exemplary American city, its towering skyline on Lake Michigan a testament to its strong roots and rampant optimism. The “City of Big Shoulders” has a reputation of a dining hotbed, a world-class center for art and a showcase for jazz and blues. This city has a multitude of attractions:

o Art Institute of Chicago is famed for its collection of French Impressionists and Post-Impressionist paintings. Here you can see the famous painting by Grant Wood – “American Gothic”.

o Chicago Architecture Tour – a showcase of the 20th-century architecture. Visit the Skydeck of the Willis Tower and take in the sights from the new glass-floored floating 1,353 feet in the air.

o Museum of Science and Industry showcases an authentic WWII German submarine and lets you experience the simulated 40-foot tornado.

o Millennium Park to see the iconic “Bean” -officially titled Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor.

o Check out Chicago’s comedy scene at the Mainstage or the Second City theaters.

o Watch a game at the Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in the majors.

o Stroll down the Magnificent Mile – 14-block stretch of North Michigan avenue famous for its architectural landmarks, high-end shopping, and luxurious hotels.

o Attend Chicago Blues Festival, held every June.

• The Lincoln Trail – Springfield

The Lincoln Trail is the unofficially designated 1,000-mile string of sites that mark Abraham Lincoln’s route from his Kentucky birthplace through Indiana to Springfield, Illinois where the 28-year-old politician moved in 1837 as a freshly minted lawyer. You should check out the Old State Capitol and his family home where Abraham and Marry Todd Lincoln raised their three children.

Indiana

• Shipshewana – the heart of America’s third-largest Amish community

Horse-drawn buggies start arriving before daybreak at the weekly Miscellaneous & Antique Auction in Shipshewana, a time-locked town. Amish Acres, in Nappanee (south of Shipshewana), features tours of a restored Amish farm and homestead made up of 18 structures from the 19th century.

Iowa

• Iowa State Fair – Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair is a classic, it inspired a Broadway musical and tree movie. For 11 days in August, more than a million people enjoy all the signatures of the modern state fair: rides, desserts, including deep-fried Oreos and big-name entertainers.

Nebraska

• Indian Cave State Park

A must see prehistoric Native American petroglyphs of unknown date and origin can be viewed from boardwalk extending the length of the cave wall. Spend a night or two camping in the park and discover the 22 miles of hike/bike trails, as well as 16 miles of equestrian trails trying to spot wild animals such as deer, turkey, woodchuck, beaver, raccoon, and many species of birds, such as barred owls and whippoorwills.

South Dakota

• Badlands National Park – Nature’s High Drama

This area once rested under the inland sea and later was a lush forest, and rich fossilized remains from both eras now lie beneath the surface. Above the ground, you can see the “bones of the Badlands”, 244,000 acres is a weirdly sparse, yet spectacular landscape. You can explore this park by foot using a quarter mile loop or if you are an extreme hiker a 10-mile Castle Trail. Or travel by car on the Badlands Loop.

• The Black Hills – Sacred land of heroes: Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

Conceived in 1924 by Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the monument at Mount Rushmore was to be a “Shrine of Democracy”. The monument was an insult to native peoples, the Sioux. In 1939, they invited a sculptor to carve the image of their own hero, Crazy Horse, into a Black Hills mountain 17 miles southwest of Rushmore. Unfortunately, sculptor’s death has delayed the completion of this monument.

• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

For people who like choppers, hogs and all forms of motorbikes, there’s no place like Sturgis, a small town with a population under 7 thousand people, that annually hosts the biggest motorcycle rally in America, every August.

North Dakota

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Springtime is one of the most colorful seasons to visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. All of the flowers are in bloom and the grasses are a vibrant green. That, combined with gorgeous skies, the barren hills really pop their colors. Enjoy the backcountry camping, hiking and fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Wisconsin

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Ice Age Trail is a 1,000-mile footpath contained entirely within the state of Wisconsin. Ancient glaciers carved the path through rocky terrain, open prairies, and peaceful forests. Now, day hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers of all ages rely on the Ice Age Trail for a place to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature. It also offers unique retreats specifically designed for women to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be.

Other Resources

Things you need to know about Midwesterners

If ever you need a specialist of any kind while traveling the Midwest:

References & Citations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwestern_United_States

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Midwestern_cities_by_size

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/typical-climate-midwestern-united-states-103926.html

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/kansas-usks.htm

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22730836

http://outdoornebraska.gov/indiancave/

https://www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

https://www.iceagetrail.org/explore-the-trail/

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59676913

Northeastern United States

Geography

This United States region is surrounded to the north by Canada, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean to the south by the Southern United States, and to the west by the Midwestern United States.

Northeast of United States is a most densely populated, culturally diverse and economically developed region. 85% of the region’s population lives in the urban areas, making it the second most urban region in the United States, preceded only by the West.

This region includes nine states listed with their capitals:

Maine, Augusta

New York, Albany

New Jersey, Trenton

Vermont, Montpelier

Massachusetts, Boston

Rhode Island, Providence

Connecticut, Hartford

New Hampshire, Concord

Pennsylvania, Harrisburg

It may be surprising for some, that the largest cities in this region are not the state capitals, with the exception of Boston. Here is the ranking of top cities in the region:

1 New York, NY

2 Philadelphia, PA

3 Boston, MA

4 Pittsburgh, PA

5 Newark, NJ

6 Buffalo, NY

7 Jersey City, NJ

8 Rochester, NY

9 Yonkers, NY

10 Worcester, MA

Climate

Northeastern part of the United States has very distinct seasons. You will typically see snow in the northern part of this region and can expect temperatures to fall below 0 °F. The summers are warm, a bit cooler in the north and warmer in the south. It does not stop thousands of Canadians driving to Maine for their summer beach vacation. Water reaches 52 °F in the late summer, and in my personal experience, some beaches may be very windy, so people install windbreakers next to their loungers. A “northern” beach vacation is not for everyone, but if you are in the area, you should definitely pass by and see how long you can stay in the water! My personal record was 28 seconds!

While the summers may be too cold compared to more southern states, Northeast boasts some of the most stunning fall colors you will find anywhere in the world! I highly recommend visiting this part of the country in the fall! I love just getting in the car and driving with my companion through scenic routes. Depending on the year, leaves start changing colors in mid-September, starting with Maine and some parts of New York. In October, the trees in New York, Massachusetts and northern Pennsylvania will be at their high and peak colors. You may see the beautiful fall colors up until the end of the first week of November in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I will include a link in the other resources at the bottom of this post to help you plan your fall roundtrips in this part of the country.

Main attractions

I think New York is in almost anyone’s travel bucket list! Later in the post, I will be highlighting the destinations you can visit by train. In this section, I wanted to share some of my favorite places, off the beaten tracks.

If you are looking for some beautiful quiet beaches, visit Montauk, New York. It is about an hour away from Hamptons, also great for fishing. Portland, Maine is another great destination! Besides visiting the serene beaches, you should take a look at the Portland Head Light.

Newport, Rhode Island is a well-known beach town recommended for the scenic drive down Ocean Drive and the views from the Cliff Walk.

For the lovers of winter sports, visit Stowe, Vermont. It is a gorgeous spot great for skiing and snowboarding. Mount Washington in New Hampshire is another popular destination for the slope lovers.

Niagara Falls, New York requires a special mention. It is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. If you stay for the night, you will be able to observe the breathtaking light show, right in the waterfall.

Acadia National Park, Maine would be a great place to visit in the fall if you enjoy the vibrant colors of foliage, hiking, and kayaking.

Demographics

The Northeast of the U.S. is the most densely populated part of the country. According to 2013 estimates by U.S. Census Bureau, it is 2.5 times more densely populated as the runner up, the South. Don’t be surprised if you bump into someone you know!

Travel options

The easiest way to reach the Northeastern United States is through large hub airports located in the largest cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington.

You may be surprised to know that New York actually has 3 airports! Each New York Airport is serviced by a different major airline. For example, if you are flying into John F Kennedy International (JFK), most probably it will be on JetBlue which represents 37% or all the planes at this airport. Newark Liberty International (EWR) is mostly serviced by United, accounting for almost half of the air traffic. La Guardia (LGA) is the smallest of the three New York Airports, serviced by Delta, it also receives a lot of international traffic. Usually, when searching for airline tickets online, you can select all the airports associated with the city and find the best-priced flight. Keep in mind the time it will take you to get from the airport for the city center and if you would need to change airports for the second leg of your journey.

Philadelphia International (PHL) airport is the third largest in the Northeastern region. It is mainly serviced by American Airlines, representing 80% of all the air traffic. Chances are, you will be able to use your AA miles if you are traveling to Philly!

Boston region can be reached through General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), the 16th busiest airport in the United States. JetBlue has the most routes compared to other airlines servicing this location.

The National Capital Washington DC is serviced by three airports. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) are mainly serviced by Southwest, United and American airlines respectively, amongst others.

If you are planning to visit the major cities in the Northeast region, you can also do it by train. Although trains are considerably slower than air travel, when you take into the account the time required to pass security at the airport and the views from your window, it may be a great alternative if you are not in a rush.

I think it could be a great way of exploring the region.

Take a walk along the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, see where the colonial fever has begun. Visit iconic locations such as Old State House and the Old North Church, finish the day with some clam chowder at Quincy Market or a cute little restaurant in Little Italy. Try blending into the student crowd at Harvard Square before continuing your journey.

Next stop New York! The Big Apple never sleeps! I personally love strolling the Brooklyn Bridge and getting a cup a coffee before and after the stroll. It is one of my guilty pleasures. I also like spending an afternoon people watching in Central Park, eating snacks on my blanket, pretending to read a book. There are so many things to see in New York, it would take multiple posts to cover them all.

Philadelphia is also one of my favorite cities in the region, with its cobblestone streets. Visiting independence Hall is an absolute must, many important decisions were signed there. Philly trip would not be complete without tasting a famous Philly cheesesteak at the Reading Terminal Market.

Last stop, Washington DC! You will be amazed by the beauty of the Union Station. It has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows in the last decade. U.S. capital can be easily discovered by foot, bike or metro. During summertime, National Botanic Gardens will impress anyone. Your visit will not be complete without seeing the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and of course, the U.S. Capitol.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I have included helpful links in the “other resources” sections below.

Other Resources

Train:

Acela Express

Airports:

Find out which New York airport to pick here.

Airports serving Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia Airport

Boston Airport

Sightseeing:

12 Beautiful Places You Must Visit In The Northeast of The USA

USA Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

Scenic Routes

Government Resources:

The National Map

Data and Statistics about the U.S.

Learn About Life in the U.S.

Professionals:

In case you need a doctor, a dentist, a lawyer or any other professional in any Northeastern state:

Maine

New York

New Jersey

Vermont

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Connecticut

New Hampshire

Pennsylvania

District of Columbia

References & Citations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeastern_United_States

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_International_Airport

https://www.amtrak.com/routes/acela-express-train.html

https://www.currentresults.com/Oceans/Temperature/maine-new-hampshire-average-water-temperature.php

Southeastern United States

I found out that the Southeastern United States is sometimes given the nickname Dixie. After conducting some research on the origin of this name, I stumbled upon an entry in Encyclopedia Britannica describing it as: “According to the most common explanation of the name, $10 notes issued before 1860 by the Citizens’ Bank of New Orleans and used largely by French-speaking residents were imprinted with dix (French: “ten”) on the reverse side; hence the land of Dixies, or Dixie Land, which applied to Louisiana and eventually the whole South.”

us_map-south_east

This region had a long sandy coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and is composed of 12 states, listed with their capitals:

Mississippi (MS), Jackson
Alabama (AL), Montgomery
Louisiana (LA), Baton Rouge
Arkansas (AR), Little Rock
Virginia (VA), Richmond
West Virginia (WV), Charleston
South Carolina (SC), Columbia
North Carolina (NC), Raleigh
Georgia (GA), Atlanta
Florida (FL), Tallahassee
Tennessee (TN), Nashville
Kentucky (KY), Frankfort

The top 5 largest cities in this region, according to 2015 census are:

Jacksonville, Florida
Charlotte, North Carolina
Washington, District of Columbia
Nashville, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee

History

The North East has a very reach history, dating back to about 11,000BC. Archeologists have discovered artifacts supporting human presence from the Clovis Culture. This region was mainly inhabited by Native Americans of the Woodland tradition prior to the arrival of Spanish conquistadores in 1541. The English settled in Virginia in 1609.

Weather

The southeast region is located in the Sun Belt which includes many types of climates from desert to tropical and stretches across the southern part of the United States. Southeastern United States is closer to the equator and has very mild and humid hot summers and short winters. Winters are mild ranging from 45 °F in the northern part of the region to 70 °F in central Florida. The Southern portion for Florida is considered to have a tropical climate. All months have a mean temperature above 64.4°F making a great place to escape winter. That’s why many retired Canadians have their winter residence in Florida. Tennessee, and the northern halves of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia experience a lot of rain in the winter and spring due to Gulf moisture and clashes between warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from Canada during the cold season.

Economy

Two of the main natural resources in this region are pine trees and coal. Tabaco was one of the first crops to be commercially grown in this region. It was then shipped to England and many families in the region made a living this way, especially in Virginia. South and North Carolinas being rainy and swampy focused on a different type of cash crop – rice. Eventually, cotton became the most important crop of this region.

Now the Southeastern region is known for auto manufacturing. Many car manufacturers have established plans in this region in the last two decades. Here you will find Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Toyota Motors, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen and Nissan producing cars for the North American market. The world-renowned shipping company, FedEx is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. This region has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States.

This region is also known for Research and Development, housing a few “Research Parks”. Huntsville, Alabama is home to many key government, military and aerospace agencies, Including NASA.

Main attractions

West Virginia

• West Virginia’s Whitewater Rafting – running the rivers of the mountain state.

West Virginia’s Whitewater Rafting

With some of the highest thrills-per-rapid ratios anywhere in North America, West Virginia’s rivers are regularly ranked among the top ten whitewater runs in the world, passing through a landscape so rugged that it’s often referred to as the West of the East. It is also the world’s oldest river after the Nile.

• The Greenbrier – white sulfur springs.

The Greenbrier

This place became popular in the 1800s with a cluster of cabins. Now it has a 710-plus-room hotel. The 40,000-square-foot spa continues Greenbrier’s 230-year tradition of hydrotherapy with a vast menu of services.

Virginia

• Thomas Jefferson Trail in Monticello and environs.

Thomas Jefferson was a visionary and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia and America’s third president. He designed the house that is pictured on the back of the nickel. Jefferson is buried on the extensive grounds of the estate. 100 miles west, you will find the Hot Springs. There you can soak in mineral-rich 98°F waters. These hot springs were reputed by the native people to have restorative powers.

• Shenandoah Valley for the scenic highway drive.

Shenandoah Valley

This is one of Virginia’s most enchanting regions. You can drive along 105-mile Skyline Drive which winds among some 60 peaks, running along the Appalachian Trail. In fall, this place is spectacular, hickories, oaks, and maples put on a riotous display of color, which you can observe from any of the roadway’s 75 scenic overlooks, or from the park’s 500 miles of hiking trails. While you are in the area, check out the Great Stalacpipe (yes, it’s made out of stalactites) Organ in Luray Caverns. Covering more than 3,5 miles, it has earned a listing in Guinness World Records as the world’s largest instrument.

Kentucky

• Bluegrass County – horse heaven

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Central Kentucky’s bluegrass county is one of America’s most genteel and elegant landscapes, spread over 15 counties. It is an undisputed international center of Thoroughbred horse breeding. Most farms are closed to the public, but north of Lexington, the 1200-acre Kentucky Horse Park welcomes lovers of all things equine. The nearby town of Berea is an idyllic Appalachian arts and crafts center, where hundreds of potters, painters and other artisans live and work.

• The Bourbon Trail

Bourbon

Thanks to native corn and limestone-rich Springs, Kentucky makes about 95% of the world’s Bourbon, its unique flavor defined mostly by the charred white-oak barrels where it is age and minimum of 2 years or 6 to 8 years for the premium small batch brands. Bardstown the de facto capital of Bourbon Country, which is a cluster of 7 distilleries open for guided tours. Visit the annual Bourbon festival in September for its mix of live music, tastings, and lots of Kentucky hospitality.

Tennessee

• Memphis, TN – Graceland, and the Elvis Trail and the pork capital of the world

Elvis

Elvis Presley fans visit Graceland, remaining frozen in 1977, the year when Elvis was laid to rest in the Meditation Garden outside. Unlike Texas BBQ, which is all about the beef, BBQ in Memphis means pork and it comes in two versions: pulled pork shoulder and ribs served either “wet” (with sauce) or “dry” (with a rub of spices and herbs). BBQ lovers have to time their visit with the Annual World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest which is held in May. Memphis is also popular for its, music scene, home of blues and the birthplace of rock’n’roll.

• Nashville, TN- the house of country music.

Nashville

Nashville has been known as “Music City, U.S.A.” for the better part of a century since the Grand Ole Opry began its weekend broadcast here in 1925. You can see a variety of live shows in small cafés around town.

Tennessee and North Carolina

• The Great Smoky Mountains

Clifftops4-7-07

Rolling across 800 square miles of the southern Appalachians and straddling the Tennessee- North Carolina Border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is most visited national park in the country. Gaze at the 16 peaks rising higher than 5,000 feet. This park has earned a designation of an International Biosphere Reserve due to a large variety of native plant, animal and fish species. You can explore the park on horseback or by car on the Newfound Gap Road.

North Carolina

• Baltimore – America’s Grandest Estate, Asheville, NC

Baltimore

Baltimore – Still owned by Vanderbilt descendants- can be visited on tours that explore about 100 or 250 rooms decorated with some 1,600 works of art as well as a bowling alley and a 10,000- volume library.

• The Outer Banks- World’s Longest Stretch of Barrier Islands

Cape Lookout

Some of the most beautiful beaches on America’s Atlantic coast are in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a string of skinny barrier islands that stretches 130 miles from the Virginia border south to Cape Lookout and Beaufort. This area consists largely of seasonal beach towns popular with fishermen, swimmers and windsurfers.

South Carolina

• Beaufort and the Lowcountry – Where the old times aren’t forgotten

Kiawah Island

The honeycomb coastline south of Charleston stretches for 200 miles, dissolving into peninsulas, channels, and subtropical Sea Islands that make up the South Carolina Lowcountry. If you love golf, you should visit Kiawah Island in the proximity of Charleston.

• The heart of Charleston – Nothing could be finer

At the time of the American Revolution, Charleston stood as one of the young nation’s largest, wealthiest, and most dynamic communities. Its wonderfully walkable historic district contains one of the nation’s largest collection of antebellum architecture, and a fair share of distinctive Victorian buildings as well.

Georgia

• The Golden Isles – History, aristocrats and splendid isolation

In the 19th century, rich and famous American families began the tradition of vacationing on Georgia’s stunning barrier islands to flee snowy northern winters. These islands are now known as the Golden Isles.

• Savannah’s Historic District – Georgia’s Jewel

jessica-furtney-244838-unsplash

Savannah is America’s best walking city, a living museum with the country’s largest National Historic Landmark District: more than 2,300 Colonial and Victorian buildings within 2.5 square miles. It is America’s first planned city! Some of the city’s most impressive historic homes are not charming B&Bs and inns.

Florida

• Kennedy Space Center- Cape Canaveral, FL

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center has been the headquarters of American rocketry a space exploration since the launch of the unmanned Bumber8 research rocket in July 1950. There, you can see a collection of rockets and the world’s largest collection of astronaut personal memorabilia. Sit at a mission control console or take a virtual ride on Mars in the G-Force Trainer and feel the pull of 4 G’s.

• The Florida Keys- The American Caribbean

florida-keys

Stretching in a graceful arc from mainland Florida southwest into the Gulf of Mexico, the 800 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited, known as the Florida Keys are connected by the awe-inspiring 128-mile-long extension of Route 1 called the Overseas Highway.

Mississippi

• Natchez and the Natchez Trace – Antebellum life in the Old South

Once a bustling port, Natchez, on banks of the Mississippi, is a living museum of antebellum architecture. More than 500 historic treasures remain intact, many still inhabited and lovingly preserved by the original owners’ residents. This place is also the southern terminus for the Natchez Trace Parkway, an old American Indians trappers trail.

Louisiana

• New Orleans

New Orleans

Melding French, Spanish, Italian and Afro-Caribbean cultures, New Orleans is a city that is at once elegant and debauched. It is a popular attraction, well known for its French Quarter, The Garden District, Mardi Gras, music and restaurant scenes.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I have included helpful links in the “other resources” sections below.

Other Resources

Official U.S.A. travel guides

U.S.A. visa requirements

Car rentals in U.S.A.

Professional Help in the Southeastern United States: