How Many Have I Seen?
Oooh, another list. I love lists. This one comes from BestProducts.com and is titled “50 Places to Visit in the USA That Must Be on Your Bucket List.” Naturally, I had to run through it and see how many I can check off.
Here’s how I did on the first 25:
- Key Largo, Florida – Yes! Been there, loved it. Big thumbs up. I even snorkeled at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- New Hope, Pennsylvania – Nope. Best known for shopping and art galleries, which aren’t really my go‑to vacation activities.
- Grand Canyon, Arizona – Yes. The Grand Canyon needs no buildup. It speaks for itself.
On the South Rim, Grand Canyon 2008
- Los Angeles, California – Yes, but for work, not vacation. It’s okay, but I’m just not a Rodeo Drive kind of person.
- Las Vegas, Nevada – Yes. What happens in Vegas… well, you know. I’m not a gambler, but I love the shows.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico – No. I’ve come close a couple of times and then gone somewhere else. Still plan to get there. I want to enjoy the landscapes, but there are plenty of art galleries if that’s your thing.
- Nantucket, Massachusetts – Yes, of course. How could I live in Massachusetts and not visit Nantucket at least once? Beaches, lighthouses, ships, a whaling museum, and seafood. Got to have that lobsta roll.
- Sedona, Arizona – Yes. Beautiful red rocks, fun jeep tours, and a little whoo‑whoo energy. Pick up good vibes and healing crystals while you explore.
- Chicago, Illinois – Yes. One of my first trips, but it was for work. Still interesting. After all, it’s the home of deep‑dish pizza.
- Big Sur, California – Not yet. We’ve talked about this one. Do we drive the Pacific Coast Highway or take the Coast Starlight train?
- Kansas City, Missouri – No. But I can never get enough good barbecue, so maybe someday.
- Jackson, Wyoming – Yes. Great vacation. Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone… what’s not to love? Wildlife, geysers, breathtaking scenery.
- Natchez, Mississippi – No. I went with the home of Mardi Gras — New Orleans —but since that’s Louisiana maybe I should plan on Natchez for my Mississippi stop.
- Washington, D.C. – Yes, several times. Explored the Tidal Basin and monuments but missed the cherry blossoms.
The Washington Monument as seen from the Lincoln Memorial
- Napa Valley, California – No. I’m not really a wine taster, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful.
- Indianapolis, Indiana – No. Known for its children’s museum and the Indy 500, neither of which are high on my list.
- Austin, Texas – No. I’ve been to Dallas and San Antonio but not Austin. I could go for the barbecue (again) but would pass on the Tex‑Mex.
- Hawaii – Yes, of course. You all know I’ve been there. Do you prefer a black sand beach, a pristine white sand beach, or a green sand beach? Hawaii has them all!
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – No. Lots of art centers and museums, but not top of my list.
- New York City, New York – Yes. I enjoyed the shows and fine dining, but it’s not really my cup of tea. Great museums, but I’m not an urbanite.
- Finger Lakes, New York – I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t been. I grew up in New York but only passed by this part of the state on my way to Buffalo. Niagara Falls, Baby!
- Manchester, Vermont – No, I don’t think so. I’ve been to many places in Vermont — lots of day trips growing up — but I don’t recall making it to Manchester.
- St. Michaels, Maryland – No. I’m not familiar with St. Michaels at all.
- Birmingham, Alabama – No. I haven’t made it to the Heart of Dixie yet, and at one time I even had family living in Mobile. Shame on me.
- Livingston, Montana – No. But I could see myself visiting. This is the Old West, Big Sky Country, home to Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane. Yup, I’d like that.
So we’re halfway through the list but running out of time. So far, I can check off 11 of the first 25. Not bad at all. I can’t wait to see how I do on the second half.
How about you — can you match or beat my 11?