America is big. Life is short. And whether you're the kind of traveler who strays off the beaten path or one who hits the biggest damn tourist trap no matter the number of selfie sticks, you have to admit that some places across this great land of ours absolutely MUST be visited before you die. Even if you're not starring in a buddy movie with Morgan Freeman.
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The Great American Bucket List
The Freedom Trail connects 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church.
Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a rich journey through American history, featuring 16 significant historical sites along its 2.5-mile route. This iconic trail allows visitors to explore landmarks such as the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the Old North Church. Along the way, you can learn about pivotal events in the American Revolution, visit historic burial grounds, and enjoy the unique architecture of centuries-old buildings. The Freedom Trail provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
The TKTS booth in Times Square offers same-day Broadway show tickets at up to 50% off.
Experiencing a Broadway show in New York City is a must for any theater enthusiast. The bustling streets of Manhattan offer a myriad of activities to complement your theater outing. Before the show, you can stroll through Times Square, enjoy a meal at one of the many renowned restaurants, or visit iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Central Park. After the curtain falls, the city's nightlife awaits with its array of bars, clubs, and live music venues, ensuring that your evening is filled with excitement and unforgettable moments.
A Buffalo wing, hot wing or wing is a chicken wing section (drumette or flat) that is traditionally deep-fried unbreaded and then coated in sauce. Classic Buffalo-style chicken wing sauce is composed of a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. Buffalo wings are traditionally served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Buffalo wings were created in Buffalo, New York. The residents of Buffalo generally refer to them as "wings" or "chicken wings" rather than "Buffalo wings."
The National Mall is an open-area national park in downtown Washington, D.C. , the capital of the United States. The National Mall is a unit of the National Park Service (NPS), and is administered by the National Mall and Memorial Parks unit.
The Niagara Falls is not just one waterfall, but a collection of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
Niagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 50,193, down from the 55,593 recorded in the 2000 census. It is across the Niagara River from Niagara Falls, Ontario (also a city), both named after the famed Niagara Falls which they share. It is part of both the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Western New York region.
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs is an American professional baseball team based in Waldorf, Maryland. They are a member of the Liberty Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent baseball league which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From the 2008 season to the present, the Blue Crabs have played their home games at Regency Furniture Stadium. They represent the counties of Charles, Calvert, and St.
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The Grand Ole Opry offers backstage tours where you can see dressing rooms and stand on the iconic stage.
The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee that has presented the biggest stars of the genre since 1925. It is also among the longest-running broadcasts in history since its beginnings as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM-AM. Dedicated to honoring country music and its history, the Opry showcases a mix of legends and contemporary chart-toppers performing country, bluegrass, folk, comedy, and gospel.
Talladega Superspeedway boasts the steepest banking in NASCAR, creating thrilling high-speed racing action.
Watching NASCAR at Talladega in Alabama is an exhilarating experience for racing enthusiasts. This iconic speedway offers not only high-speed thrills but also a variety of activities to enhance your visit. Fans can explore the Fan Zone for driver meet-and-greets, enjoy live music and entertainment, and indulge in delicious Southern cuisine from numerous food vendors. Additionally, camping on-site provides a unique way to immerse yourself in the racing culture and connect with fellow fans.
The Alamo, originally a Spanish mission, played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution of 1836.
Visiting the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, offers a unique glimpse into American history and heritage. This iconic mission-turned-fortress invites you to explore its storied grounds, where you can delve into exhibits detailing the famous 1836 battle, view historical artifacts, and stroll through the serene gardens. While in the area, you can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the nearby River Walk, indulge in local cuisine, and discover the rich cultural tapestry that defines San Antonio.
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds and fillies 121 pounds (54.9 kg).
Elvis Presley loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches, making Graceland the perfect place to try one!
Visiting Graceland in Tennessee offers a unique blend of music history and culinary delight, with the ultimate goal of savoring a PB & banana toastie, a favorite of Elvis Presley himself. While there, you can explore the iconic mansion, stroll through the Elvis Presley Car Museum, and pay your respects at the Meditation Garden. The experience is enriched by the chance to see memorabilia, stage costumes, and personal artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's life and legacy.
Tailgate at the Grove is a legendary Ole Miss tradition, renowned for its unmatched Southern hospitality.
Tailgating at the Grove at Ole Miss is a quintessential Southern experience, offering a unique blend of tradition and excitement. Fans gather under a canopy of oak trees, setting up elaborate tents and enjoying an array of delicious food and beverages. It's a place where alumni, students, and visitors come together to celebrate game day, participate in lively conversations, and soak in the spirited atmosphere. From live music to spirited cheers, the Grove provides an unforgettable backdrop for making memories and sharing in the camaraderie of Rebel pride.
The most popular thing to do in New Orleans is to explore the vibrant French Quarter, with its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and historic architecture.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and soulful city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for its rich cultural heritage, lively music scene, and delectable cuisine, this city offers an enchanting blend of history and modernity. Stroll through the charming French Quarter, with its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere, while indulging in famous Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. Experience the lively jazz music that fills the air in the birthplace of this iconic genre, and don't miss the chance to join a traditional second line parade. From exploring historic plantations to savoring beignets at Café du Monde, New Orleans promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Louisiana's unique charm.
Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in the nation from 2000 to 2006. Austin has a population of 790,390 (2010 U.S. Census).
The oldest town in the United States - founded in 1565!
St. Augustine is a city in the northeast section of Florida and the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer and admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the continental United States. St. Augustine lies in a region of Florida known as "The First Coast", which extends from Amelia Island in the north to Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Palm Coast in the south.
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales. It was called Cubs Park between 1920 and 1926 before being renamed for then Cubs team owner and chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley Jr.. Between 1921 and 1970 it was also the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW or BWCA), is a 1.09 million acre (4,410 km²) wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota under the administration of the U.S. Forest Service. The BWCAW is renowned as a destination for both canoeing and fishing on its many lakes and is the most visited wilderness in the United States.
Summerfest in Wisconsin is the world's largest music festival, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually.
Summerfest in Wisconsin is a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike. With its diverse lineup of renowned artists and bands, this annual event promises an unforgettable experience filled with live performances and energetic crowds. From exploring the various stages and genres to indulging in delicious food and drinks, Summerfest offers a vibrant atmosphere that will leave you wanting more.
Millennium Force is a steel roller coaster built by Intamin at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. It was the fourteenth roller coaster built at the park since the Blue Streak in 1964. When built in 2000, it was the first roller coaster to exceed 300 feet (91 m) in height, and was briefly the tallest closed circuit roller coaster in the world, before being surpassed by Steel Dragon 2000 in August 2000.
The Big House's "Go Blue" banner tradition dates back to 1962, boosting team spirit pre-game.
Michigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House," is the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 and had an original capacity of 72,000. Before playing at this stadium, the Wolverines played football on Ferry Field. Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States with an official capacity of 109,901.
The Iowa State Fair is an annual state fair held in Des Moines, Iowa. The 2011 Iowa State Fair will be August 11-21 and marks 100 years of the butter cow.
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada–United States border which connect to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes Waterway. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth comprising 21% of the world's surface fresh water.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the northern of the two major land masses that make up the U.S. state of Michigan. It is commonly referred to as the Upper Peninsula, the U.P. , or Upper Michigan. It is also known as the land "above the Bridge" linking the two peninsulas. The peninsula is bounded on the north by Lake Superior, on the east by the St. Mary's River, on the southeast by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and on the southwest by Wisconsin.
The Indianapolis 500, a legendary motorsport event held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is a must-attend for any racing enthusiast. This iconic race, known as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," offers an exhilarating experience that goes beyond the thrill of watching high-speed cars zoom around the track. From exploring the vibrant city of Indianapolis, with its rich history and diverse culinary scene, to immersing oneself in the electric atmosphere of the race day festivities, attending the Indianapolis 500 promises an unforgettable adventure for all who seek the excitement of motorsports and the charm of a vibrant city.
State Route 1 (SR 1), more often called Highway 1, is a state highway that runs along much of the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. It is famous for running along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the USA, leading to its designation as an All-American Road. Highway 1 does not run over the entire Pacific coastline of California. It starts at Interstate 5 (I-5) near Dana Point in Orange County and runs north to U.S. Highway 101 (US 101) near Leggett in Mendocino County.
Old Faithful geyser, located in Yellowstone National Park, erupts with remarkable predictability, shooting water as high as 185 feet into the air approximately every 90 minutes, making it one of the most famous and reliable geysers in the world.
Old Faithful is a cone geyser located in Wyoming, in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Old Faithful was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and was the first geyser in the park to receive a name. The geyser, as well as the nearby Old Faithful Inn, is part of the Old Faithful Historic District.
Aspen Highlands is a skiing mountain in Aspen, Colorado. It is famous for the Highland Bowl, which provides what some consider some of the most intense skiing in the state. The lift system has recently been redone and provides quick transport around the mountain.
Venice is a beachfront district on the Westside of Los Angeles, California, United States. It is known for its canals, beaches and circus-like Ocean Front Walk, a two-and-a-half mile pedestrian-only promenade that features performers, fortune-tellers, artists, and vendors. Venice was home to some of Los Angeles' early beat poets and artists and has served as an important cultural center of the city.
Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon, but a collection of natural amphitheaters formed by erosion along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Utah.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park located in southwestern Utah in the United States. The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon which, despite its name, is not a canyon but a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by wind, water, and ice erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks.
Cannon Beach is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. The population was 1,588 as of the 2000 census. The 2007 estimate is 1,680 residents.
Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city is known as the "American Riviera.
There are 25 active glaciers and more than 700 lakes of various sizes inside Glacier National Park.
Nestled in the heart of Montana, Glacier National Park is a nature lover's paradise. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, crystal clear lakes, and stunning mountain vistas, this park is a playground for adventurers of all ages. Take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, go wildlife spotting, or try your hand at fishing in one of the many streams. With endless opportunities for exploration, Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California. Declared a U.S. National Park in 1994 when the U.S. Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act (Public Law 103-433), it had previously been a U.S. National Monument since 1936. It is named for the Joshua tree forests native to the park. It covers a land area of 789,745 acres (319,598 ha). A large part of the park is designated to wilderness area—some 429,690 acres (173,890 ha).
Pike Place Market is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington, United States. The Market opened August 17, 1907, and is one of the oldest continually operated public farmers' markets in the United States. It is a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople and merchants. Named after the central street, Pike Place runs northwest from Pike Street to Virginia Street, and remains one of Seattle's most popular tourist destinations.
The Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) are located in the United States, along the coast of northern California. Comprising Redwood National Park (created 1968) and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks (dating from the 1920s), the combined RNSP contain 133,000 acres (540 km).
Mount Rushmore was originally intended to feature the presidents from head to waist, but due to lack of funding, the project was scaled down to just the heads.
Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore stands as a symbol of American history and ingenuity. This iconic national monument, carved into the granite face of the mountain, showcases the faces of four esteemed presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Beyond the awe-inspiring sight of these monumental sculptures, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the United States at the visitor center, explore the nature trails that surround the area, or attend the evening lighting ceremony. A trip to Mount Rushmore promises a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and patriotic pride.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge stands tall amidst the breathtaking beauty of San Francisco, inviting adventure enthusiasts to embark on a memorable journey by foot. Walking across this architectural marvel offers an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to soak in the mesmerizing views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. As you traverse the bridge's 1.7-mile span, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and marvel at its engineering brilliance. Whether it's capturing stunning photographs, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, or simply enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge promises to be an unforgettable travel goal.
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located in the northwestern corner of Washington state in San Juan County, Washington.
The awe-inspiring beauty and vastness of the Grand Canyon make it a must-visit destination for any avid traveler. Located in Arizona, this natural wonder offers a myriad of activities and sights to explore. From hiking along the rim trails and capturing breathtaking views of the steep cliffs and deep gorges, to embarking on thrilling whitewater rafting adventures in the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its rich geological history and mesmerizing landscapes, this iconic landmark is a testament to the Earth's incredible natural wonders.
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Get inspired with these ideas for interesting and different experiences around the world.
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