Where to visit in the USA?

[AlexS]

I'm vaguely thinking of visitig the USA. The places I know I'd like to visit include New York, the Guggenheim, the Smithsonian, and also plan to catch up with a mate in New Mexico.

As I will probably only go there once, I'd like to see as many things as possible that can only be seen in the USA.

Suggestions please.

[joe greiner]

Good choices so far. The Guggenheim in NY is the only building of its type, I think; start at the top and walk down, not vice versa! The Smithsonian in DC has several branches; it's said that a newborn baby could not see all of its exhibits in his lifetime. The Air and Space branch is about 1/2 mile east of the main building, and has its own (larger) branch at Dulles airport.

While you're in New Mexico, Arizona's Grand Canyon is about 350 miles west (~560km) as the crow flies - quite spectacular: about 1 mile deep and lots more wide and long.

A bit out of the way, but Alaska is almost a different planet. I lived in Anchorage for most of 1985, and loved it; even at -10F (-25C). Better to visit in summer (your winter) though.

That's all I can think of at the moment. More later when/if.

Joe

[Cliff Rogers]

Avoid South Carolina.......

[woodbe]

New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona. Some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. So many canyons and Mesas, so little time...

If you want to hike the Grand Canyon, book early, it's permit restricted. There is limited accommodation down the bottom, but well worth the effort. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to ride the burra's down unless you are a seasoned rider...

woodbe.

[smitthhyy]

Orlando, Florida and spend a day at Kennedy Space Centre (you'll need a day). Then check out places like Universal Studio's, and some other things on offer. It's all HUGE!!!. Just watch out for alligators

There is also un-usual sites like this pic (http://pic.trev.id.au/details.php?image_id=21) of an over-turned building which I took when I was over there following a run of three tornado's that ripped through the area. (Only in America )

[Doctor Phil]

Come on over to Texas, Ill chuck a shrimp on the BBQ for yall.

[durwood]

how long are you planning on going for?

There is so much to see in so many places you need to plan. I had Americans out here who wanted to go to Tasmania for the day!!!! It can be a bit like that, you have to allow time to travel between places like New York or New Mexico you will lose a day or more just going to the airport getting on a plane and getting to a motel the other end of the trip.

Depending on your interests you will need a few or several days in places like Washinton DC. I spent a week staying with friends in DC and only saw a fraction of what was possible and they did the driving so getting lost time was nil.

The time of the year is real important. Stinking hot in New Mexico in summer freezing cold in New York in winter, thought my family vote Christmas in NY as their best ever. The fall in the eastern states is also great with the autunm colours.

There are so many fabulous things to see virtually anywhere its alway good to ask the locals as most things are missed by the normal tourist guides.

Some of the best things we have seen have been large businesses which have exhibitions related to what they sell or private museums which are free but have in them stuff you would never see anywhere else.

I have always picked an area flown in, hired a car and done a circle over a week or more and then flown to another part of the states. Most of the big airlines offer cheap internal flights if you fly with them. I used to love telling Americans on planes it only cost us $80 when they were paying neally $700 or more for the same trip.

Maybe you need to be a bit more specific as to you likes.

[Iain]

Lee Valley, spectacular sights

[jow104]

Alex, I guarantee you wont beat the tip given by Woodbe, Bryce Canyon in Utah is the best National Park, but you would need to pre book the motel in the national park, I think there is only one.

[chrisb691]

A day at Yosemite national park is well spent.

[joe greiner]

The scale of things shouldn't be a surprise to an Ozzie. Almost the same size. My bro in DC had some business visitors from Germany; he asked them their plans for the weekend; they thought they'd drive over to Texas on Saturday, and then ... Whoa! Perhaps not.

C'mon Cliff. Bob's not such a bad sort. Not much else there, though; at least unique to Oosa.

Joe

[graemet]

Seattle and its surrounding islands + the Boeing factory.
Denver Colorado - do a trip up around Pikes Peak and the Rockies.
Washington DC- DEFINITELY the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.

[Honorary Bloke]

Avoid South Carolina.......

I ought to send you a Reddie.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Best place in SC to visit would be Charleston, but really not much different from your coastal cities unless you're a US Civil War buff.

Good advice here so far. Spectacular scenery around New Mexico, Arizona, etc. Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Bryce Canyon, and the New Mexican capitol, Santa Fe.

However, if against all advice you DO decide to come to South Carolina, you are welcome to stay with us and we will feed you as well and I might even let you fondle my Festools.

[Pat]

Warren, Maine

[Cliff Rogers]

2 bites on the one bait.