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Fact: America is Beautiful

I learned many things on my road trip across the United States, but there are 30 that I took special notice of, and they sum up why I believe America is beautiful.

All of the facts below are from my positive experience in the actual places.

None of them are based on preconceived notions nor the opinions of others. Most are exaggerations or slightly sarcastic. Very few are facts.

North American road trip
US road trip

And if you find any to be the least bit negative or critical, please know that I don't mean them to sound that way.

Enjoy, and please feel free to add any more in the comments below!

Sometimes people ride bikes naked in Philadelphia. At least they do once a year in September. Name that cause.

North Carolina boasts a plethora of vineyards. Don't miss them. Also, visit one of their farmer's markets since the offerings are ridiculous in a good way.

I want to retire in Savannah. I toured a home that may have been owned by my grandfather's distant relatives at one time—more research to come.

Montgomery, Alabama, makes for a friendly pit stop.

Don't go to New Orleans alone. Or go and enjoy yourself, but make sure that you make one more trip with a group of people. Others are necessary to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Know the significance of “Whodat?” before you even think of going alone or with company.

San Antonio is not a walkable city, but it's worth driving around. The Alamo, on the other hand, is not as exciting as it seems.

The Oklahoma City Art Museum is fantastic, as is all of its ethnic cuisines. Believe it.

Salina, Kansas, is the capital of frozen pizza making.

Those who said that the drive through Kansas is boring are mistaken. It's pretty gorgeous if I do say so myself.

Eastern Colorado is boring. Central Colorado is beautiful but be careful about the speediness of your alcohol consumption.

If you're a hippie and want to start a family, may I suggest you move to Boulder?

Santa Fe is a dream that I want to have again. If you go yourself, take note of the “Thanks for working” signs on the highway. They're a nice reminder to appreciate road work and the people that do it.

Phoenix has a lot to offer. You'll have to drive 20-minutes to find it, but you probably should anyway. Also, Arizona State is a party school, but I don't think any more than other fun colleges. I'll report back with more findings as I discover them when visiting my brother, who's currently a freshman there.

Los Angeles traffic is not that bad; it's just constant. I didn't hate it and could survive living there with an authentic smile on my face. Get sushi there, too, at least once.

Santa Barbara is too pretty to look lived in. I'm still glad I visited, though.

The scents of San Francisco are intoxicating. I blame it on the street gardens. Make sure to walk through them in addition to hiking up and down each block. It's good exercise.

Wine tastes better straight from the source. Visit a vineyard on the west coast, and invite me when you do.

I like fog, and I like forests, but northernmost California makes it eery.

According to Seattlites, Portland was a mini-Seattle about ten years ago.

Seattle‘s International District is the most appropriately named area for fantastic Thai/Vietnamese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Laotian/Cambodian/Burmese/etc. food.

The landscape from western Washington to Eastern Washington is incredible.

Northern Idaho (the Coeur d'Alene area) is breathtaking. The site, like many others, was carved by glaciers. Go. You must see it for yourself.

Bozeman, Montana is a midwest medley. I believe people with all interests could find a home there.

There's a big difference between the East River (eastern border) and the West River (western border) of South Dakota. I appreciate them both, although I can't say the same for the sprawl in the middle. It makes for one hell of a drive.

Austin, MN, is home to the SPAM museum and a super cool Couchsurfing host.

Madison, Wisconsin, is a town made for foodies. In addition, it is the only capital situated on an islip, and the beaver atop the capitol building points towards Washington, DC.

If there were to be a perfect college town, I'd vote for Ann Arbor.

Pittsburgh serves sandwiches with coleslaw and fries within them. You can thank the coal miners of yesterday.

There is nothing like going back to your alma mater. But I guess that's only if you had a fantastic college experience, and all of your friends go back with you, say, for homecoming.

The speedy crowds of New York aren't for everyone. Like really, really aren't for everyone. Many Americans told me so. Antique and vintage stores are, however, seem to be loved by all. They're everywhere.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Rod Austin

Tuesday 14th of January 2014

Glad you mentioned Montana. Head out westward next time and visit Missoula. Go to the Glacier National Park and drive through the Going to the Sun Road. It's a once in a lifetime experience that I am sure you won't forget!

Jessie

Saturday 2nd of March 2013

If you are in NC check out the Greenway – it’s an east coast bike/backpacking trail that comes through the areas off the coast from Virginia, and then hits the coast in Wilmington, down through Myrtle past the North Myrtle Beach hotels, and keeps winding its way down through Georgia and into Florida. The route is already established, and most states already have some of it constructed!

Clare

Friday 16th of November 2012

America Is Beautiful! I did a across country trip just like this and I also discovered Santa Barbara on mine and I fell in love! Ever since (just about 10 years now!). Ever since, I find myself finding excuses to go with friends and family to this amazing oasis. Some of the best wine I have ever had has come from Santa Barbara. I dont know how I didn't discover this place sooner. I spent a good deal of money there but not on my hotel, the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Cheap and close to everything!!

Kelsea

Tuesday 2nd of October 2012

An American bound road trip is always a good idea to spend the summer months or even spring time if you want to skip out on the heat in some parts of the country. I did a cross country road trip with friends and it was so much fun. States you never thought would be a good time, actually were! Louisiana is positively awesome! Could not get over how much fun we had. Love California, moving to the coast as soon as I can afford it. Santa Barbara was great and where we stayed was even better-the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). Nice and well maintained-great area!

Jean

Tuesday 18th of September 2012

America is positively beautiful and you hit some great cities on your trip! Santa Barbara being my favorite, it is too pretty to look lived in! It isn't even fair for the people who are fortunate enough to live there! I've been a few times, and few other cities on this list- NYC, Seattle, Portland (fun!) and etc. SB was by far the best, nice weather, manageable traffic and the people were really nice! I stayed at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Inexpensive compared to most places in SB and so nice! Worth looking into on your next trip!

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