Although I am a totally west coast kind of guy, I really think for what you are looking for a SW focus would be great. I am thinking Zion NP and south, get in New Mexico esp. This is just a type of area you don't have at all in Europe. Of course I am biased toward the US version of mountains, forests and cities, but you do have that stuff [:'(]. The cliff dwellings, other Anasazi ruins, the high desert (I really love the area around Albiquirque (even if I can't spell it to save my life)). It can give you a great mix of cool small towns, interesting cities and unusual natural areas. It is also a great specifically for road trips, lots of really open road, awesome views from the car, you can get a sense of the scope of the US. And then you can exit either from LA or SF, both of which would be a fun way to end the trip, or Dallas which I suppose some people find tolerable. I have taken several euro visitors on a variation of this road trip, although not for as long as 3 weeks, and I think it has been really good. Oh, Wyoming also is interesting.
You lived in CO, so you probably have a feel for it, but if your wife hasn't been to the US before maybe she would like it. But I know lots of first time visitors like the beach and city tour, Florida and NYC. You have to do what your wife wants anyway [;)], so it depends on what she would like out of the trip.
What is worth to see in US for average European
Moderator: maddog986
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
I've been in all 50 states, and lived in six different states for varying amounts of time.
All the suggestions above are fine -- just a couple of other points:
Visit small towns. This is where America exists in my opinion. NYC and LA are OK to visit, but you get a warped sense of the US if that is all you see. At my stage, there isn't enough money around to get me to go to NYC or LA unless I am lashed to a team of wild horses and dragged there.
All the big cities are all the same in some sense, very homoginized. That being said, if you are drawn to the big cities, there are three or four you need to visit. Washington D.C. is amazing to tour; San Francisco is the most beautiful big city in the US; Chicago and Cleveland might interest you because both have huge Polish imigrant communities. You can get authentic Kishkas and Perogies in both cities. I haven't been to either in a while, but time was that if you didn't read or speak Polish, there was a part of town that you couldn't get around easily.
If you can avoid it, don't eat in hotels, chain restaurants or fast food. Local diners are the best -- less expensive, less pretentious, better tasting and generally healthier food too.
With few exceptions I have always found this rule-of-thumb useful (in the US and anywhere in the world I have visited): If you find tourists there, go somewhere else.
Regards,
Feltan
All the suggestions above are fine -- just a couple of other points:
Visit small towns. This is where America exists in my opinion. NYC and LA are OK to visit, but you get a warped sense of the US if that is all you see. At my stage, there isn't enough money around to get me to go to NYC or LA unless I am lashed to a team of wild horses and dragged there.
All the big cities are all the same in some sense, very homoginized. That being said, if you are drawn to the big cities, there are three or four you need to visit. Washington D.C. is amazing to tour; San Francisco is the most beautiful big city in the US; Chicago and Cleveland might interest you because both have huge Polish imigrant communities. You can get authentic Kishkas and Perogies in both cities. I haven't been to either in a while, but time was that if you didn't read or speak Polish, there was a part of town that you couldn't get around easily.
If you can avoid it, don't eat in hotels, chain restaurants or fast food. Local diners are the best -- less expensive, less pretentious, better tasting and generally healthier food too.
With few exceptions I have always found this rule-of-thumb useful (in the US and anywhere in the world I have visited): If you find tourists there, go somewhere else.
Regards,
Feltan
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06 Maestro
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2005 10:50 pm
- Location: Nevada, USA
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Go west young man, go west! New England has some very nice scenery, but you can see that same kind of boring stuff in Europe. The south is hot and steamy with big cockroaches-stay away from New Orleans-seriously-for your own good.
If what you are after is natural beauty, then the west is what you want to see. Zion has some impressive scenery-there are places you can see for over a hundred miles. Yellowstone park has a huge amount of wildlife that you can actually get close to-and some of it you would want to keep your distance. If you want to get a picture of yourself and a Bison-no problem. Trail rides are available, and fabulous sites are a short hike (about an hour) from parking. There is a loop highway (two lane and narrow at some points) so you can cover a good part of the park in a day. It should be a 2 day stay. Don't miss out on trying some buffalo burgers.
The south Oregon coast deserves some mention. The biggest sand dunes in America are located just north of Coos Bay. It is really great area for natural beauty (pine forest, lakes , sand dunes and the ocean all in one view. The whole Oregon coast is worth viewing (northern California too). Highway 101 is an interesting trip-beware; Eureka California and north to the Oregon border is spectacular, but slow going. There will likely be RV's putting along at 20 miles an hour-even without those in front of you, your speed might only be 30 MPH. The giant Redwoods are in that area. One drawback to Oregon is that the sea water is way too damn cold for a civil person. Too bad that the warm water is in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia-I can't advise anyone to travel there-especially southern Kal.
If you are going to do the West, then you might as well do Las Vegas. The room rates have never been better. There are some rather fancy rooms that are going for 10% of the normal (pre depression) rates.
You can experience the fake New York skyline, a fake pyramid, a fake Eiffel tower, a fake lake Cuomo, a fake castle, and much more![:)] Seriously though, there are some cool things in Vegas-that's why I live here.
Perhaps after you decide on an area of the country you will tour, you would get some more precise tips on good sites.
If what you are after is natural beauty, then the west is what you want to see. Zion has some impressive scenery-there are places you can see for over a hundred miles. Yellowstone park has a huge amount of wildlife that you can actually get close to-and some of it you would want to keep your distance. If you want to get a picture of yourself and a Bison-no problem. Trail rides are available, and fabulous sites are a short hike (about an hour) from parking. There is a loop highway (two lane and narrow at some points) so you can cover a good part of the park in a day. It should be a 2 day stay. Don't miss out on trying some buffalo burgers.
The south Oregon coast deserves some mention. The biggest sand dunes in America are located just north of Coos Bay. It is really great area for natural beauty (pine forest, lakes , sand dunes and the ocean all in one view. The whole Oregon coast is worth viewing (northern California too). Highway 101 is an interesting trip-beware; Eureka California and north to the Oregon border is spectacular, but slow going. There will likely be RV's putting along at 20 miles an hour-even without those in front of you, your speed might only be 30 MPH. The giant Redwoods are in that area. One drawback to Oregon is that the sea water is way too damn cold for a civil person. Too bad that the warm water is in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia-I can't advise anyone to travel there-especially southern Kal.
If you are going to do the West, then you might as well do Las Vegas. The room rates have never been better. There are some rather fancy rooms that are going for 10% of the normal (pre depression) rates.
You can experience the fake New York skyline, a fake pyramid, a fake Eiffel tower, a fake lake Cuomo, a fake castle, and much more![:)] Seriously though, there are some cool things in Vegas-that's why I live here.
Perhaps after you decide on an area of the country you will tour, you would get some more precise tips on good sites.
Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
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doomtrader
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RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
[font=arial]I'm really happy I've started this thread.[/font][/align][font=arial]It proves that idea of such kind of vacations was great and it's worth to empty my wallet. 
[/font][/align][font=arial]All opinions ar[/font][font=arial]e valuable but it doesn't mean it makes the decision easier.[/font][/align][font=arial]If I would consider only myself, then probably I would pick NE, but thinking about the rest of the guys (my wife and a fellow couple) I'm for SW replay.[/font][/align][font=arial][/font] [/align][font=arial]I know New England only from the movies and it's indeed very beautyfull (at least there), but when I was travelling trough the west i really felt the Spirit of America.[/font][/align]
[/font][/align][font=arial]All opinions ar[/font][font=arial]e valuable but it doesn't mean it makes the decision easier.[/font][/align][font=arial]If I would consider only myself, then probably I would pick NE, but thinking about the rest of the guys (my wife and a fellow couple) I'm for SW replay.[/font][/align][font=arial][/font] [/align][font=arial]I know New England only from the movies and it's indeed very beautyfull (at least there), but when I was travelling trough the west i really felt the Spirit of America.[/font][/align]
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: junk2drive
Eddy you know that June in the desert can be well over 100f?
That's why they invented airco [;)]
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: hgilmer3
You're from Poland! You should come live here, we need all the Polish people we can get!
Too late - we're already getting the best of them [;)]
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: Feltan
Visit small towns. This is where America exists in my opinion. NYC and LA are OK to visit, but you get a warped sense of the US if that is all you see.
Sorry couldn't let this one go - the majority of americans live in large urbanized areas - this is where most Americans exist. I personally live a small town, which I love, but if you really want to get a feel for how the average American lives, don't go to a small town. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/census/cps2k.htm
All the big cities are all the same in some sense, very homoginized.
This is untrue of course. If you are going to cities and you feel like they are homogenous, you're going to the wrong parts of the city. Cities - especially large east coast cities like NYC - have tremendous diversity. Arguably, they are much less homogenous than small towns.
With few exceptions I have always found this rule-of-thumb useful (in the US and anywhere in the world I have visited): If you find tourists there, go somewhere else.
Well put
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Jeffrey H.
- Posts: 3154
- Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:39 pm
- Location: San Diego, Ca.
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
San Diego is worth a few days, in fact I'd avoid LA completely and head South.
History began July 4th, 1776. Anything before that was a mistake.
Ron Swanson
Ron Swanson
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
New York City sucks. I wouldn't go there if you gave me an expense account and an armored car.[8|]
If you're into miltary history, you can start with U.S.S. North Carolina in Wilmington head down south to see Yorktown and Laffney, swing through Florida and out to Mobile and see Alabama and other ships on the way to Houston, where we end up on Texas at Galveston bay.
The advantages to staying south of I-80 will show up in your pocketbook. Taxes, and prices, are lower in red states. And since guns are legal, your chances of being shot by some gangster are much lower. It is true that where guns are outlawed, only outlaws have guns. Washington, D.C. being a prime example.
I-80 gets interesting west of Chicago. After you get to Omaha, I 80 is the old Oregon trail. You'll see landmarks like chimney rock exactly as they were in 1840. For a wilderness experience, there's Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. The area between Tucson and Gallop, New Mexico is all but uninhabited. There's not even a radio station to listen to. The four corners area near Cortez, New Mexico is where you want to be if you want to get away from it all. You can drive off into the dessert and never see another human.
Every state has it's own attractions. I've been to them all, and there's something for everybody. If you tell us just exactly what it is you're looking for, we can tell you where to find it.
If you're into miltary history, you can start with U.S.S. North Carolina in Wilmington head down south to see Yorktown and Laffney, swing through Florida and out to Mobile and see Alabama and other ships on the way to Houston, where we end up on Texas at Galveston bay.
The advantages to staying south of I-80 will show up in your pocketbook. Taxes, and prices, are lower in red states. And since guns are legal, your chances of being shot by some gangster are much lower. It is true that where guns are outlawed, only outlaws have guns. Washington, D.C. being a prime example.
I-80 gets interesting west of Chicago. After you get to Omaha, I 80 is the old Oregon trail. You'll see landmarks like chimney rock exactly as they were in 1840. For a wilderness experience, there's Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. The area between Tucson and Gallop, New Mexico is all but uninhabited. There's not even a radio station to listen to. The four corners area near Cortez, New Mexico is where you want to be if you want to get away from it all. You can drive off into the dessert and never see another human.
Every state has it's own attractions. I've been to them all, and there's something for everybody. If you tell us just exactly what it is you're looking for, we can tell you where to find it.
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: jnier
ORIGINAL: Feltan
Visit small towns. This is where America exists in my opinion. NYC and LA are OK to visit, but you get a warped sense of the US if that is all you see.
Sorry couldn't let this one go - the majority of americans live in large urbanized areas - this is where most Americans exist. I personally live a small town, which I love, but if you really want to get a feel for how the average American lives, don't go to a small town. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/census/cps2k.htm
All the big cities are all the same in some sense, very homoginized.
This is untrue of course. If you are going to cities and you feel like they are homogenous, you're going to the wrong parts of the city. Cities - especially large east coast cities like NYC - have tremendous diversity. Arguably, they are much less homogenous than small towns.
With few exceptions I have always found this rule-of-thumb useful (in the US and anywhere in the world I have visited): If you find tourists there, go somewhere else.
Well put
A matter of taste and perception.
With the exception of a few notable landmarks, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Lois Angeles, Boston, etc are -- to me -- generic, predictable and ultimately boring. Perhaps I am indeed visiting the wrong parts. [:)] My greatest feeling when visiting is to see them in the rear view mirror heading out of town.
I will agree that the urban experience cannot be ignored, nor can the population you rightly site. However, my point was that if one sticks to big cities, one will get a warped view of the States. Life in America is more than mere urban existance, and thankfully so.
Regards,
Feltan
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Hard to say without knowing what you (or the other folks on the trip) really enjoy, but for natural beauty, I'd agree with Yellowstone. It's amazing. Maestro's comment about the Redwoods is good too (that's where I grew up). A drive up from SF to Eureka (or Arcata) CA, and splitting a day between Patrick's Point State Park and at the Lady Bird Johnson grove is something to consider. Or add some time and meander through the wine country north of SF on your way there. For military history, the USS Hornet (http://www.uss-hornet.org/) is in the Bay Area.
For southern california, I love San Diego (well, and Disneyland). In SD, there's Balboa Park, the Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park.
Hard to fit everything into a three week driving trip though. You could do Yellowstone -> Brice/Zion -> Vegas -> LA/San Diego -> SF/Napa -> Redwoods for a nature-heavy trip. You'd have one or two driving-days each week, maybe not relaxing enough depending on what you're looking for. But yu'd have three different types of amazing natural beauty, the Vegas nightlife, and the southern California beaches.
Or you could come up to Seattle, rent a boat and spend three weeks floating around the San Juan Islands. Very relaxing (as long as the boat doesn't sink).
For southern california, I love San Diego (well, and Disneyland). In SD, there's Balboa Park, the Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park.
Hard to fit everything into a three week driving trip though. You could do Yellowstone -> Brice/Zion -> Vegas -> LA/San Diego -> SF/Napa -> Redwoods for a nature-heavy trip. You'd have one or two driving-days each week, maybe not relaxing enough depending on what you're looking for. But yu'd have three different types of amazing natural beauty, the Vegas nightlife, and the southern California beaches.
Or you could come up to Seattle, rent a boat and spend three weeks floating around the San Juan Islands. Very relaxing (as long as the boat doesn't sink).
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-JohnH
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-JohnH
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RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: Doggie
New York City sucks. I wouldn't go there if you gave me an expense account and an armored car.[8|]
Barbarian... Philistine...
I am originally from the Midwest in the US, but moved to New York City. I have found New York City to be one of the most exciting, amazing, beautiful places on the planet. Sure, it is a huge city, but you can see nearly anything and everything, and the neighborhoods are much like small towns in themselves. I suggest that you don't dwell too long at the tourist sites, even though they are iconic. Take a nice boat tour around Manhattan, there you will get to see the skyline as you cruise the river and hear a little history. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) is nice, but being from Europe you can see things like that pretty easily (like the Louvre). New York is very safe, I never felt in danger no matter what time of night we were out (and I am not some huge imposing guy or anything).
New York is best explored "off the guidebook," going around and trying to find things that interest you - not some tour guide writer. Eat NY pizza, have a drink (overpriced) at a club/bar that you find charming, go to Central Park, cruise Broadway and 5th avenue, take a movie tour (takes you to places that have featured prominently in movies), wander into the Museum of Sex (or some other smaller, stranger museum). Just go with the flow, you'll have much more fun.
I really love Maine, Acadia National Park, very picturesque. They have mountains and the sea, right next to each other. Vermount's Green Mountain range and New Hampshire's White Mountains (my personal favorite) are also very nice.
Out west, you should try to see the Badlands. You really won't see anything like this anywhere else. The sights are nice in California's Yosemite national park, but it is basically like a nature oriented Disneyland with all the tourists and you would be better staying out of the valley and going around the park perimeter on your own (heavy hiking required). Or you could go to some of the quieter and nearly as nice parks like Zion National Park in Utah, which has breathtaking red rocks and huge canyons.
Just saw the above post - missed it before - I was trying to think of Brice national park as well, both it an Zion are great. Yellowstone, although very busy, is also great fun - strange terrain, almost like another planet.
SoM
"Neca eos omnes. Deus suos agnoscet!"
(Kill them all. God will know his own.)
-- Arnaud-Armaury, the Albigensian Crusade
(Kill them all. God will know his own.)
-- Arnaud-Armaury, the Albigensian Crusade
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Missouri Rebel
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RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Do you have any idea what the penalty for animal cruelty is in this state? Well, I bet it's pretty severe.
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We must act... against the Sioux, even to the extermination of men, WOMEN and CHILDREN.The more Indians we can kill this year, the less will have to be killed next year. They all have to be killed or be maintained as a species of paupers.- w.t. SHErMAN
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Random driving vacations are a great way to see the USA.
All the national parks are great. Whenever you cross a state line on the interstate there will probably be a visitor center at a rest area, stop there and find out about all the local interest sites.
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Canoerebels South and Northeast selections are great and well thought out. But right now in the Northeast, it is cold as crap. Any chance you would wait till Winter is over? I work right outside of DC. If you do go to DC (which you [font="times new roman"]definitely [/font]should) talk to me - you could very easily be murdered if you go off the beaten path. I could explain to you where to park outside of DC and how to use the subway, which is safe, to see everything you could ever want to see.
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06 Maestro
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RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Perhaps I was too negative about Southern Cal-San Diego is my home town, after all. The mention of Balboa Park sparked some memories-a fantastic place. San Diego also has Sea World (the Dolphins are unbelievable) and the S.D. Zoo-one of the greatest anywhere.
A tourist would find San Diego very interesting and entertaining-40 years ago it was also a paradise on earth-no more (from my vantage point).
A tourist would find San Diego very interesting and entertaining-40 years ago it was also a paradise on earth-no more (from my vantage point).
Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: balto
If you do go to DC (which you [font="times new roman"]definitely [/font]should) talk to me - you could very easily be murdered if you go off the beaten path.
I'm guessing you work for the D.C. Office of Tourism... [;)]
Not exactly a great way to get people to come to our fair capital. Although, to be fair, it has a terrible crime rate.
SoM
"Neca eos omnes. Deus suos agnoscet!"
(Kill them all. God will know his own.)
-- Arnaud-Armaury, the Albigensian Crusade
(Kill them all. God will know his own.)
-- Arnaud-Armaury, the Albigensian Crusade
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: sterckxe
ORIGINAL: hgilmer3
You're from Poland! You should come live here, we need all the Polish people we can get!
Too late - we're already getting the best of them [;)]
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
You haven't got all of them, yet. You didn't get me, although I'm willing to relocate, if it is for a good job!
KurtC in the WITE PBEM module.
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RyanCrierie
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RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. Biggest collection of rare aircraft ever
RE: What is worth to see in US for average European
ORIGINAL: Jeffrey H.
San Diego is worth a few days, in fact I'd avoid LA completely and head South.
Our trip takes us through Palm Springs, which is relatively close to San Diego, and the main reason I'd visit it is to have a look at a real life aircraft carrier. Any way to find out if there's one there late June ? And if you can get close enough for a good look ?
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx