NFT: Bucket list- U.S. vacation destinations

I didn't see Chicago listed, but I think that's gotta be a must see. I think it's one of my favorite places in the USA considering the pizza, Lake Michigan, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, etc.

there are some great places in Texas. you want to talk about amazing restaurants?

In comment 16123294 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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I didn't see Chicago listed, but I think that's gotta be a must see. I think it's one of my favorite places in the USA considering the pizza, Lake Michigan, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, etc.

I have been to Chicago a couple of times for dental courses, so I've eaten there a little but didn't do any sightseeing. Thanks

Not just the sights and history, but it certainly has its own food pedigree. Had some great meals there during my business travel days.

In comment 16123297 State Your Name said:

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there are some great places in Texas. you want to talk about amazing restaurants?

By Frisco, I meant San Francisco. I might enjoy the music scene in Austin. I'd love good restaurants, but there would have to be stuff to do during the day other than sit in a hotel room or by a pool. Suggestions?

is fun, and probably a good food city. I find good food anywhere. Is that on your list?

Great Smokey Mountains National Park is on my list of places to go.

It's just a few hours drive from Nashville I think.

In comment 16123299 CRinCA said:

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Not just the sights and history, but it certainly has its own food pedigree. Had some great meals there during my business travel days.

Thanks, Chuck. As I just answered SMN, while I love good food, I need to be able to spend the rest of the day in a useful way. Not like I'd be there on business :)

In comment 16123302 pjcas18 said:

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is fun, and probably a good food city. I find good food anywhere. Is that on your list? Great Smokey Mountains National Park is on my list of places to go. It's just a few hours drive from Nashville I think.

Forgot to mention Nashville. When I was writing Country music I was there a bunch of times- did some of the restaurants and the nighttime music scene.

Asheville is a cool spot too. Great bar scene, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Mountains...

It's tends to the hipster scene, but I like it. It's about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from me, but I'v been 5 or 6 times & have always had fun.

Link - ( New Window )

about this and have an answer for most places not on your list.

Not sure what you're looking for.

Some people do stadium tours, I didn't see places like Milwaukee, Detroit, Minneapolis, etc. on your list maybe plan a long weekend and see Milwaukee, Detroit and Toronto (maybe Chicago if a ball game counts as something to do) when their baseball teams are in town (obviously Toronto is not US but close in proximity) and see all those cities and take in some baseball.

Toronto is not a food city IMO, and I didn't leave my hotel in Detroit, but I had a great Italian meal in Milwaukee at the Calderone Club.

Just a suggestion since it seems like you have thought about most other cities and have reasons why you're not interested.

Gettysburg and any of a bunch of other Civil and Revolutionary war sites north and south, Memphis for blues and barbecue. You don't want beaches, but the Outer Banks are great (and there's Kitty Hawk) at the right time, along with the US Virgin Islands. Old San Juan and other parts of PR are great. You mentioned Maui and the big island but not Pearl Harbor. If you like bourbon, there's Louisville and the bourbon trail.

We're heading to Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson and Park City in a few months. Any suggestions for us?

In comment 16123307 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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Asheville is a cool spot too. Great bar scene, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Mountains... It's tends to the hipster scene, but I like it. It's about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from me, but I'v been 5 or 6 times & have always had fun.

Thanks, but I'm 73, married and Jewish, so neither me, and especially not Mrs. in UT is looking for that :)

In comment 16123313 pjcas18 said:

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about this and have an answer for most places not on your list. Not sure what you're looking for. Some people do stadium tours, I didn't see places like Milwaukee, Detroit, Minneapolis, etc. on your list maybe plan a long weekend and see Milwaukee, Detroit and Toronto (maybe Chicago if a ball game counts as something to do) when their baseball teams are in town (obviously Toronto is not US but close in proximity) and see all those cities and take in some baseball. Toronto is not a food city IMO, and I didn't leave my hotel in Detroit, but I had a great Italian meal in Milwaukee at the Calderone Club. Just a suggestion since it seems like you have thought about most other cities and have reasons why you're not interested.

Yes, I've given it thought, but I just want to miss something that I'd regret not seeing. BBI as a whole has a lot more experience and insight than I do as an individual. That's why I'm asking

In comment 16123316 k2tampa said:

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Gettysburg and any of a bunch of other Civil and Revolutionary war sites north and south, Memphis for blues and barbecue. You don't want beaches, but the Outer Banks are great (and there's Kitty Hawk) at the right time, along with the US Virgin Islands. Old San Juan and other parts of PR are great. You mentioned Maui and the big island but not Pearl Harbor. If you like bourbon, there's Louisville and the bourbon trail. I'm very into historical settings and bbq. And Graceland might be nice to visit. Combined with pjcas's suggestion of the Smokies Nat'l Park, it might be a thing. Thanks to both of you. I did see Pearl Harbor, btw. Quite an experience. I do some bourbon, but Mrs. in UT not a bit :) We're heading to Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson and Park City in a few months. Any suggestions for us?

Body surfing, whaling museum, and the town.

How about picking out 2 or 3 road games this year. Go out on a Wednesday the come home Monday. This way you can sight see and take in a game.

In comment 16123320 Bill in UT said:

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In comment 16123316 k2tampa said: Quote: Gettysburg and any of a bunch of other Civil and Revolutionary war sites north and south, Memphis for blues and barbecue. You don't want beaches, but the Outer Banks are great (and there's Kitty Hawk) at the right time, along with the US Virgin Islands. Old San Juan and other parts of PR are great. You mentioned Maui and the big island but not Pearl Harbor. If you like bourbon, there's Louisville and the bourbon trail. I'm very into historical settings and bbq. And Graceland might be nice to visit. Combined with pjcas's suggestion of the Smokies Nat'l Park, it might be a thing. Thanks to both of you. I did see Pearl Harbor, btw. Quite an experience. I do some bourbon, but Mrs. in UT not a bit :) We're heading to Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson and Park City in a few months. Any suggestions for us?

Sorry, I'll get back to you later about your trip.

Upper Peninsula Michigan. The Florida Keys. Idaho.

St.Thomas and St.Barts....kind of cheating.

But your list is impressive

It's on such a grand scale..truly amazing.

Best National Park I've been to and that includes Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

In comment 16123321 Percy said:

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Body surfing, whaling museum, and the town.

Body surfing sounds perfect, thanks :)

In comment 16123323 56n11bestever said:

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How about picking out 2 or 3 road games this year. Go out on a Wednesday the come home Monday. This way you can sight see and take in a game.

Not really my thing, definitely not Mrs. in UT's thing, but thanks

In comment 16123332 George from PA said:

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Upper Peninsula Michigan. The Florida Keys. Idaho. St.Thomas and St.Barts....kind of cheating. But your list is impressive

Did Bermuda, Jamaica and Dominican Republic in my early days. Not an island/beach guy anymore. Been to Idaho. And I've actually had nightmares about the bridges going out to the Keys, lol

In comment 16123341 Grey Pilgrim said:

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It's on such a grand scale..truly amazing. Best National Park I've been to and that includes Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

Yeah, I've heard people rave about Yosemite. I can't believe it outshines Bryce, but it would only be a one day thing and I don't really want to go to CA

Including Sedona.

as do I. Therefore, maybe take a roadtrip that is just about the food. You can do a tour of the best BBQ restaurants in the southeast for example. Rent a car and hit all of the spots. Or, do Mexican in the southwest or Pizza in the northeast.

The colors of the rocks...Wow!

BTW - If you're driving up the coast you can hit Sequoia on the way back.

Good Luck!

I’ll be there tomorrow and starting in Zion
Bryce
Capital reef
Canyon lands
Arches

With a pit stop in page AZ

Magical place. Two cities in one. Never have I used my camera more. And it's not far from Austin, if you want to see both in one trip.

It’s amazing. You may think it’s just a water fall, then you see it. Going on Maid of the Mist and walking under and behind the falls is truly incredible. The Canadian side is way better, but our side is great too. I’m lucky to live so close to it.

My wife lived there before we met, and I would like to see it based on what she describes.

What about Montreal if you have passports ready? Not the US, but it seems like you've been fortunate enough to see most of the good spots.

Austin, TX and San Antonio TX
Milwaukee
Tampa Area (It's more than beaches, but the beaches are spectacular) Beer, Natural Springs, Cuban Culture, FOOD!
Puerto Rico
Alaska in the summer Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, Denali
Banff CA
Victoria / Vancouver CA
Might as well include Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Nova Scotia on the list too.
Niagara Falls
Coeur d'Alene Idaho
Memphis - Went during World BBQ competition, was amazing!
Hershey PA was more than just Chocolate
Indy 500
Outer Banks, NC
Poconos
smokey mountains
Oh, you said ME, but did you do Acadia? That is a must do! Also going up the coast further Eastport, ME is a nice beautiful artist/quirky little town that most don't make it to.

beautiful this time of year.

And I am not quite sure this is your scene but key west is my favorite continental US destination. Not 100% how productive your days are but there is a decent amount to do there if you don’t mind being on a boat to do it.

In comment 16123363 OBJ_AllDay said:

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Including Sedona.

Agree. I live about 3 hours south of Sedona now. Whenever I have family out for the first time, we take them to Sedona.

In comment 16123366 DefenseWins said:

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as do I. Therefore, maybe take a roadtrip that is just about the food. You can do a tour of the best BBQ restaurants in the southeast for example. Rent a car and hit all of the spots. Or, do Mexican in the southwest or Pizza in the northeast.

That's an idea. Thanks

In comment 16123367 Grey Pilgrim said:

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The colors of the rocks...Wow! BTW - If you're driving up the coast you can hit Sequoia on the way back. Good Luck!

Thanks, GP

In comment 16123372 Earl the goat said:

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I’ll be there tomorrow and starting in Zion Bryce Capital reef Canyon lands Arches With a pit stop in page AZ

Have a great time, Earl. Weather is cool, still in the 90s :) We redid Bryce and Zion last year. If you're a hiker, Sunrise to Sunset at Bryce is great. I'm sure you know Arches and Canyonlands are all the way on the east side of the state. Antelope Canyon in Page is real nice, too. You'd be about 3 hours from the Grand Canyon at that point.

In comment 16123373 Seventh Spiel said:

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Magical place. Two cities in one. Never have I used my camera more. And it's not far from Austin, if you want to see both in one trip.

I've heard that what's left of the Alamo is a big disappointment, but if I did Austin, I'd certainly make the sidetrip

In comment 16123374 Steve L said:

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It’s amazing. You may think it’s just a water fall, then you see it. Going on Maid of the Mist and walking under and behind the falls is truly incredible. The Canadian side is way better, but our side is great too. I’m lucky to live so close to it.

We went to college at SUNY Buffalo and my first date with Mrs. in UT was Niagara Falls at night. But we also went back and did Maid of the Mist. Great place to visit

In comment 16123384 jimvinct said:

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My wife lived there before we met, and I would like to see it based on what she describes. What about Montreal if you have passports ready? Not the US, but it seems like you've been fortunate enough to see most of the good spots.

Went to Montreal for Expo '67. Been to Toronto, also. I do hear there are some beautiful areas in Western Canada, like Banff

In comment 16123404 rasbutant said:

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Austin, TX and San Antonio TX Milwaukee Tampa Area (It's more than beaches, but the beaches are spectacular) Beer, Natural Springs, Cuban Culture, FOOD! Puerto Rico Alaska in the summer Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, Denali Banff CA Victoria / Vancouver CA Might as well include Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Nova Scotia on the list too. Niagara Falls Coeur d'Alene Idaho Memphis - Went during World BBQ competition, was amazing! Hershey PA was more than just Chocolate Indy 500 Outer Banks, NC Poconos smokey mountains Oh, you said ME, but did you do Acadia? That is a must do! Also going up the coast further Eastport, ME is a nice beautiful artist/quirky little town that most don't make it to.

Thanks for the list. Done some, but I'll take a good look at it

In comment 16123415 Pete in MD said:

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beautiful this time of year.

So I hear

In comment 16123417 bhill410 said:

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And I am not quite sure this is your scene but key west is my favorite continental US destination. Not 100% how productive your days are but there is a decent amount to do there if you don’t mind being on a boat to do it.

I hear the Keys are great, but I don't think it's for us

In comment 16123316 k2tampa said:

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We're heading to Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson and Park City in a few months. Any suggestions for us?

First off, the Mountain West is great if you're outdoors people- hiking, biking, fishing. In SLC, of course you've got to tour the Temple. Not really a lot of great sightseeing, but the mountain views are breathtaking. My favorite restaurant is Tiburon, in Sandy, just south of SLC. Park City is about 45 minutes east. The temps there will be 10-15 degrees cooler. Great for outdoors, spend half a day walking the shops on Main Street. Some good restaurants there. Sunday brunch at Stein Erikson's Lodge is nice, but I think it runs about $85pp now. The Winter Olympics training center still operates in PC and you can ride up a ski lift at some of the resorts if you've never done that. You can also take a bike up on the lifts if you're so inclined. They also have outdoor concerts on the grass at Deer Valley, you might want to look into that. Yellowstone is great, you can probably do a couple of days there. Haven't been to the Tetons, only saw them in the distance while driving. Might also consider Sun Valley/Ketchum ID. We got into a long conversation once with Dick Riordon, Mayor of Los Angeles, who was having dinner with his wife at the next table. Only been to Jackson Hole in the summer. Nice town/area. Expensive. I still remember I had the best rack of lamb ever at The Blue Lion- I just looked and it's still open. Enjoy your trip

Quebec City eastward. Cape Breton Island. Food, marine wildlife, extraordinary natural beauty.

And New Orleans

Tour has become hugely popular

Beautiful area

In comment 16123425 Bill in UT said:

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In comment 16123373 Seventh Spiel said: Quote: Magical place. Two cities in one. Never have I used my camera more. And it's not far from Austin, if you want to see both in one trip. I've heard that what's left of the Alamo is a big disappointment, but if I did Austin, I'd certainly make the sidetrip

I wasn't disappointed by the Alamo, but that isn't why I'd go back. It's the River Walk that makes it a magical place.
Link - ( New Window )

Lots of places I’d love to see. But high on my list is a drive down the west coast starting in Vancouver and working my way to San Diego with extended stops in Seattle, San Fran and LA to see friends and family. Then head over to Arizona and New Mexico and enjoy what the Southwest has to offer.

In comment 16123440 DonQuixote said:

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Quebec City eastward. Cape Breton Island. Food, marine wildlife, extraordinary natural beauty.

Thanks

In comment 16123443 LauderdaleMatty said:

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Tour has become hugely popular

Thanks, Matty. I'll look it up

In comment 16123465 Rick in Dallas said:

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Beautiful area

Haven't been to Taos, but I've been to a lot of ski towns

...
clickity click click dot click - ( New Window )

Not the US but have you been to Whistler/Blackomb? If not I recommend a trip to Vancouver and then a few days at those mountains. There is also Golden mountain up there as well. Spectacular. Not going to say better than Utah but its a sight.

In comment 16123466 Seventh Spiel said:

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In comment 16123425 Bill in UT said: Quote: In comment 16123373 Seventh Spiel said: Quote: Magical place. Two cities in one. Never have I used my camera more. And it's not far from Austin, if you want to see both in one trip. I've heard that what's left of the Alamo is a big disappointment, but if I did Austin, I'd certainly make the sidetrip I wasn't disappointed by the Alamo, but that isn't why I'd go back. It's the River Walk that makes it a magical place. Link - ( New Window )

Thanks for the link. I just did a riverwalk in New Orleans, but this looks better

In comment 16123479 Bill in Del said:

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Lots of places I’d love to see. But high on my list is a drive down the west coast starting in Vancouver and working my way to San Diego with extended stops in Seattle, San Fran and LA to see friends and family. Then head over to Arizona and New Mexico and enjoy what the Southwest has to offer.

Thanks. I've done most of the West Coast and my Alaska cruise stopped in Vancouver Island

In comment 16123499 I Love Clams Casino said:

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... clickity click click dot click - ( New Window )

Thanks, I'll take a look at that when I get a chance

In comment 16123500 Jim in Forest Hills said:

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Not the US but have you been to Whistler/Blackomb? If not I recommend a trip to Vancouver and then a few days at those mountains. There is also Golden mountain up there as well. Spectacular. Not going to say better than Utah but its a sight.

haven't been there. That and Banff, Lake Louise might be worth a look

cool place to visit with plenty to eat and see with options for great side trips/ Very solid restaurant scene. The Reds still have a great albeit older fan base and Great American Ballpark is a really nice stadium to catch a baseball game. Obviously if it’s football season the Bengals and Joe Burrow are all the rage there.

Plenty of good eating available downtown and in the surrounding areas. Jeff Ruby’s and BOCA are must do restaurants if you can get in. Location also makes it perfect for some great side trips. Very convenient if you like Bourbon to drive over the bridge into Kentucky and do the Bourbon trail. The trail could be a day trip or multiple days. Short drive over to Columbus to see an Ohio State game at a great venue. Cleveland is a 3 hour or so drive and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other activities available. Just a few thoughts for you….

In comment 16123432 Bill in UT said:

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In comment 16123316 k2tampa said: Quote: We're heading to Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson and Park City in a few months. Any suggestions for us? First off, the Mountain West is great if you're outdoors people- hiking, biking, fishing. In SLC, of course you've got to tour the Temple. Not really a lot of great sightseeing, but the mountain views are breathtaking. My favorite restaurant is Tiburon, in Sandy, just south of SLC. Park City is about 45 minutes east. The temps there will be 10-15 degrees cooler. Great for outdoors, spend half a day walking the shops on Main Street. Some good restaurants there. Sunday brunch at Stein Erikson's Lodge is nice, but I think it runs about $85pp now. The Winter Olympics training center still operates in PC and you can ride up a ski lift at some of the resorts if you've never done that. You can also take a bike up on the lifts if you're so inclined. They also have outdoor concerts on the grass at Deer Valley, you might want to look into that. Yellowstone is great, you can probably do a couple of days there. Haven't been to the Tetons, only saw them in the distance while driving. Might also consider Sun Valley/Ketchum ID. We got into a long conversation once with Dick Riordon, Mayor of Los Angeles, who was having dinner with his wife at the next table. Only been to Jackson Hole in the summer. Nice town/area. Expensive. I still remember I had the best rack of lamb ever at The Blue Lion- I just looked and it's still open. Enjoy your trip

Thanks for the info.