Alright boys and girls, let’s wrap up the second half of the “50 Places to Visit in the USA That Must Be on Your Bucket List.”
So far: 11 visited, 14 still to go (maybe).
Let’s dive into Number 26!

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26. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona — Yes

I’ve flown into Phoenix many times and even had lunch in Scottsdale. I’m counting it, even if I was really on my way to Sedona.

27. Aspen, Colorado — No

Aspen is a glamorous ski resort where you dress to impress. I’m not a skier, and my winter fashion sense leans toward jeans and sweaters, so… maybe not my scene.

28. Disney World, Florida — Yes

Do I get bonus points for multiple visits?

29. New Orleans, Louisiana — Yes

It’s a party every day — and probably a parade too.

30. Palm Springs, California — No

Not even on my radar, but if you love modern architecture, the home tours are supposed to be stunning.

31. Cape Cod, Massachusetts — Yes

Of course! I’ve watched for whales off Race Point and visited more lighthouses than I can keep track of. Some say there are 14, others say 16. I keep losing count.

32. Alaska — Yes

From Sitka to Denali and plenty in between. Wildlife, whales, Native Alaskan culture — and don’t forget the glaciers.

 

33. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon — Not Yet

I want to photograph Multnomah Falls and experience the winter eagle gatherings. Hundreds of eagles in one place? Sign me up.

34. Denver, Colorado — Sort of

I flew in, but didn’t linger. Traffic was awful and the highways were under construction. It reminded me of Boston during the Big Dig years.

35. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota — Yes

A very impressive monument. I spent a wonderful day here.

36. Lancaster, Pennsylvania — No

The gateway to Amish Country, where time stands still. I think it would be fascinating.

37. Lake Tahoe, California — Yes

I drove around the lake — absolutely beautiful. Most of the trip was supporting my mom at a bowling tournament, so I also got to check out the bowling alley.

38. Savannah, Georgia — No

Said to be the most haunted city in America. From the photos, it’s certainly a gorgeous example of old Southern charm.

39. Louisville, Kentucky — No

I’ve always wanted to attend Derby Day at Churchill Downs — the most exciting two minutes in sports.

40. Newport, Rhode Island — Yes

The mansions are incredible. I attended the “Dead of Winter Ball,” a highlight of the social season, and once got very seasick watching the America’s Cup from a friend’s yacht. Ahh, those were the days.

41. Portland, Maine — Yes

I wandered the docks, watched lobster fishermen unload their catch, and visited the International Cryptozoology Museum — home to Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other mysterious creatures.

42. Asheville, North Carolina — Sort of

I passed through on my way to Sapphire Valley for my waterfall vacation. Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a big craft beer scene — plus the Biltmore Estate.

43. St. Augustine, Florida — Yes

The oldest city in the U.S., complete with a 17th‑century Spanish fort. A history lover’s dream. Maybe you can get a sip from the fountain of youth!

44. Detroit, Michigan — No

Even though I circled the airport for hours due to bad weather, we were diverted and never landed. So… no.

45. Seattle, Washington — Yes

Thanks to my stint with Redfin, I spent a week here. I visited the Space Needle, admired Mount Rainier, marveled at the Chihuly glassworks, and even sold a photo of Puget Sound to a bank for a mural. Good times.

46. San Antonio, Texas — Yes

Remember the Alamo! I also enjoyed the River Walk and toured the beautiful Spanish missions.

47. Charleston, South Carolina — Yes (I think)

My sister‑in‑law is from there, and I think that’s where she and my brother got married. I went to the wedding… but the details are a little fuzzy. Did I really have that much to drink…

48. Nashville, Tennessee — No

Redfin took the team one year, but I wasn’t cleared to travel — recovering from hip surgery. Later I vacationed in Gatlinburg and loved it, but Nashville remains unchecked.

49. Cape May, New Jersey — No

I even missed it when researching New Jersey for a possible vacation. Might need to reconsider.

50. Utah National Parks — No (but high on the list)

I want to visit all five: Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon. When I finally go, I’m bringing a ton of SD cards and batteries for my camera.

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Final Tally

For this set of 25, I scored 15 yeses.
Grand total: 26 out of 50 — just squeaked past the halfway mark.

So what’s your count — and did this spark any ideas for your next adventure?