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.
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.
