Americans help me welcome Europeans to the US by listing great US destinations
Jan 22nd, 2008, 05:28 AM
#1
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Americans help me welcome Europeans to the US by listing great US destinations
I've been reading with horror the thread I'd started wondering whether or not Europeans are visiting the US. I too always cringe when I come into the US and see the signs about fingerprinting and realize exactly how unwelcoming the US seems, to say nothing of the fact that most airports don't even have multi-lingual signage.
Here, in no particular order, is my list of places--you'll notice NYC, Las Vegas, Disney World & Florida beach resorts aren't included--we've enjoyed over the years and would like out of the country visitors to know about.
Places you won't need a car:
Washington DC
San Francisco
Places you will need a car, going from east to west:
1. Outer Banks of North Carolina
2. the coastal area from north of Charleston S.C. south to the Georgia/Florida border.
3. The Ozarks region of Arkansas and Missouri--a true and picturesque taste of rural, middle America.
4. Minnesota's north shore along Lake Superior (one of the most scenic drives in the US) and the BWCA area where one can canoe in and be in total wilderness because no motorized vehicles are permitted.
5. The Black Hills of South Dakota.
6. A big driving loop that would include the Rocky mountain region of Colorado, Mesa Verde national Park (cliff dwelling Native Americans lived here--fascinating), Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
7. Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Natiional Parks.
8. Glacier National Park.
9. Yosemite National Park.
10. Yosemite national Park.
11. California's Gold Country and Sonoma Valley winde country.
12. The NW corner of Washington state and into British Columbia (Canada) too.
These are some of our favorites. What are yours? We love smaller, lesser-known places in Europe. Let's let everyone know that there is more to the US than the major cities.
Here, in no particular order, is my list of places--you'll notice NYC, Las Vegas, Disney World & Florida beach resorts aren't included--we've enjoyed over the years and would like out of the country visitors to know about.
Places you won't need a car:
Washington DC
San Francisco
Places you will need a car, going from east to west:
1. Outer Banks of North Carolina
2. the coastal area from north of Charleston S.C. south to the Georgia/Florida border.
3. The Ozarks region of Arkansas and Missouri--a true and picturesque taste of rural, middle America.
4. Minnesota's north shore along Lake Superior (one of the most scenic drives in the US) and the BWCA area where one can canoe in and be in total wilderness because no motorized vehicles are permitted.
5. The Black Hills of South Dakota.
6. A big driving loop that would include the Rocky mountain region of Colorado, Mesa Verde national Park (cliff dwelling Native Americans lived here--fascinating), Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
7. Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Natiional Parks.
8. Glacier National Park.
9. Yosemite National Park.
10. Yosemite national Park.
11. California's Gold Country and Sonoma Valley winde country.
12. The NW corner of Washington state and into British Columbia (Canada) too.
These are some of our favorites. What are yours? We love smaller, lesser-known places in Europe. Let's let everyone know that there is more to the US than the major cities.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 05:59 AM
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No Padraig--
I posted here on purpose because I know lots of Europeans read this forum much more than they read the US forum. Plus, so many have so many negative perceptions (frequently, rightly so) about the US that I thought this would be a good place to post.
I posted here on purpose because I know lots of Europeans read this forum much more than they read the US forum. Plus, so many have so many negative perceptions (frequently, rightly so) about the US that I thought this would be a good place to post.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:04 AM
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Most Europeans -- and all literate ones -- have an IQ higher than that of a rabbit. We know that if we are contemplating a trip to the US there is an appropriate forum on Fodor's.
I come here to engage with people who are planning trips in Europe.
I come here to engage with people who are planning trips in Europe.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:07 AM
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Oh come on, Pat.
Julies is trying to get you and me - among others - to forget the lunacy at immigration and concentrate on the good things America has to offer. And some of us rarely hang out on the US forum, because we're so pissed off with the bloody Polizei we'd rather eat our own forearms off.
So this is a good place for people who like their country to promote it to us Euros (or Sterlings)
To which I've just one comment.
Yosemite, Washington State and the rest are fine - but you can get great scenery all over the world. The American experience - at least for Britons, Ozzies, the Irish and the rest of us who speak the world's best language - is about people.
Listening to lunatics on talk radio, going in for ridiculous competitions at State Fairs, getting New York policemen to explain what a parade's about, listening to the guide at a Shaker site, watching other browsers at the Norman Rockwell museum, or hearing the preposterous parody of their history docents at US "historical" (to them) sites come out with. It's the collective experience that you can't get at Angkor Wat or the Bastille.
They're the things that'll persuade me to abandon my one-man boycott of the US, if anything does.
Julies is trying to get you and me - among others - to forget the lunacy at immigration and concentrate on the good things America has to offer. And some of us rarely hang out on the US forum, because we're so pissed off with the bloody Polizei we'd rather eat our own forearms off.
So this is a good place for people who like their country to promote it to us Euros (or Sterlings)
To which I've just one comment.
Yosemite, Washington State and the rest are fine - but you can get great scenery all over the world. The American experience - at least for Britons, Ozzies, the Irish and the rest of us who speak the world's best language - is about people.
Listening to lunatics on talk radio, going in for ridiculous competitions at State Fairs, getting New York policemen to explain what a parade's about, listening to the guide at a Shaker site, watching other browsers at the Norman Rockwell museum, or hearing the preposterous parody of their history docents at US "historical" (to them) sites come out with. It's the collective experience that you can't get at Angkor Wat or the Bastille.
They're the things that'll persuade me to abandon my one-man boycott of the US, if anything does.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:20 AM
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I'm not sure the fingerprinting is as much "unwelcoming" as it seems to be just another sign of "small government but HUGE when you farm it out to private business" the current state of US "security theatre."
I "cringe" when I use the ATM at Heathrow and see fewer and fewer bills come out for the same amount of Dollars but it is hardly "unwelcoming" IMO.
The Grand Canyon
Zion and Bryce
Estes Park and Rocky Mtn National Park
The Grand Tetons
The Adirondacks
Great Smokey Mtn NP
The ante-bellum homes along the Mississippi
The grasslands of southweastern Kansas
Painted Desert/Petrified Forest
Giant redwoods
Big Sur
I "cringe" when I use the ATM at Heathrow and see fewer and fewer bills come out for the same amount of Dollars but it is hardly "unwelcoming" IMO.
The Grand Canyon
Zion and Bryce
Estes Park and Rocky Mtn National Park
The Grand Tetons
The Adirondacks
Great Smokey Mtn NP
The ante-bellum homes along the Mississippi
The grasslands of southweastern Kansas
Painted Desert/Petrified Forest
Giant redwoods
Big Sur
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:37 AM
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I visit the US many things - for the stunning scenery, the people, who are, once you get out of the airport, amongst the friendliest and most welcoming I have ever met, the small towns, the weird roadside things you come across - giant ketchup bottles, Cadillac Ranch etc etc. And yes the history. Not so much the modern history but that of the Native Americans which is both fascinating and shaming. We loved Cahokia Mounds for instance.
I really enjoyed our drive from Chicago (loved Chicago and I normally don't like cities!) to Santa Monica. We saw so many beautiful places, and met geniunely friendly people. Yes we also saw the ugly side - the poverty, the endless sprawl of strip malls and the like, but that is America.
Our last trip, to Boston, was also good. I wasn't that bothered by Boston but enjoyed the New England countryside, visiting a Shaker village and the whale watching!
I really enjoyed our drive from Chicago (loved Chicago and I normally don't like cities!) to Santa Monica. We saw so many beautiful places, and met geniunely friendly people. Yes we also saw the ugly side - the poverty, the endless sprawl of strip malls and the like, but that is America.
Our last trip, to Boston, was also good. I wasn't that bothered by Boston but enjoyed the New England countryside, visiting a Shaker village and the whale watching!
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:41 AM
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This whole "finger printing is unwelcoming" thing is difficult to understand.
Unless you are a criminal, or planning on committing a felony in the US, why would you possibly care that you are asked to spend an extra 2 minutes getting finger-printed in immigration ?
Absolutely nothing about flying these days is entertaining. Do foreign visitors expect to be met at US immigrations with a necklace of flowers and a big hug and kiss ?
Is getting finger-printed really going to make or break your 2-week vacation ?
My wife recently spent the better part of two days getting a visa to go to India as a tourist. Now THAT is a hassle.
-Kevin
Unless you are a criminal, or planning on committing a felony in the US, why would you possibly care that you are asked to spend an extra 2 minutes getting finger-printed in immigration ?
Absolutely nothing about flying these days is entertaining. Do foreign visitors expect to be met at US immigrations with a necklace of flowers and a big hug and kiss ?
Is getting finger-printed really going to make or break your 2-week vacation ?
My wife recently spent the better part of two days getting a visa to go to India as a tourist. Now THAT is a hassle.
-Kevin
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:42 AM
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Oh yes Dukey all of the above! I loved Joshua Tree NP too! And Sequoia/Kings Canyon. And Missouri/Kansas/Oklahoma, And the Petrified forest and sleeping in a concrete Teepee - so American 
Meramec caverns, advertised for miles and miles before you get there.
Haven't been to the coastal redwoods yet...one day.
Carlsbad Cavern is on the list for the next trip.
Meramec caverns, advertised for miles and miles before you get there.
Haven't been to the coastal redwoods yet...one day.
Carlsbad Cavern is on the list for the next trip.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 07:07 AM
#13
I'm one of those who believe our country is best experienced in New York City. However, I sometimes venture beyond the Delaware (I call it visiting America) and that is where I have found my favorite historical site so far, the battlefield at Gettysburg.
We had a spectacular civil war, as those events go, with noble rebel officers, notable generals on both sides, dashing cavalry, great songs, sharp uniforms, appalling casualties and, for those looking, a terrible prophecy of the coming slaughter in 1914. It's a tragic place, still moving, prompting somber recollections Lincoln's great speech.
Nice too, because European nations played only peripheral roles, and will presumably not have an axe to grind.
On more familiar, if less hallowed ground, I think the most dramatic sea coast in the east is found in Maine. There are still a few harbors where only working craft swing on the moorings, the fogs roll in and the bells clang offshore. You can sometimes light a fire in July. And the water's too cold for any sane person to swim in. IMO, a perfect beach holiday. (With plenty of individualistic New Englanders, for the people-inclined.)
We had a spectacular civil war, as those events go, with noble rebel officers, notable generals on both sides, dashing cavalry, great songs, sharp uniforms, appalling casualties and, for those looking, a terrible prophecy of the coming slaughter in 1914. It's a tragic place, still moving, prompting somber recollections Lincoln's great speech.
Nice too, because European nations played only peripheral roles, and will presumably not have an axe to grind.
On more familiar, if less hallowed ground, I think the most dramatic sea coast in the east is found in Maine. There are still a few harbors where only working craft swing on the moorings, the fogs roll in and the bells clang offshore. You can sometimes light a fire in July. And the water's too cold for any sane person to swim in. IMO, a perfect beach holiday. (With plenty of individualistic New Englanders, for the people-inclined.)
Jan 22nd, 2008, 07:17 AM
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We live north of Denver and I second the recommendation for Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is unfortunately overrun by tourists during June, July, and August, but I feel that September and October are just stunning. Beautiful crisp, sunny weather, relatively empty hiking trails, prime wildlife viewing, and the apsen trees turning to a vivid golden hue.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 07:18 AM
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I've visited the US for a couple of brief business trips and seen little but the hotel, restaurant and office. I've not realy contemplated it for a holiday. The things that put me off being the hassle on entry and a (maybe exagerated) perception of crime and gun culture from TV shows and films.
Unlike flanner, the things that might attract me are the scenery and national parks. I have no interest in modern cities and crowds. Most of my recent holidays have been laid back Greek holidays with a combination of sight-seeing and relaxing though we have also been to both Canada and New Zealand - for the scenery.
Maybe one day we'll get to the US but at the moment there are many other places on my "to do list" where I know I'll feel comfortable and welcome.
Unlike flanner, the things that might attract me are the scenery and national parks. I have no interest in modern cities and crowds. Most of my recent holidays have been laid back Greek holidays with a combination of sight-seeing and relaxing though we have also been to both Canada and New Zealand - for the scenery.
Maybe one day we'll get to the US but at the moment there are many other places on my "to do list" where I know I'll feel comfortable and welcome.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 07:20 AM
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I would like to mention a few places in Florida that are not beach resorts...although I notice plenty of Euros there.
Cape Canaveral...especially during a shuttle launch.
St. Augustine...oldest city in the US
The Everglades and the Keys
Place not in Fla. that I visted for the first time...Lake Tahoe. Simply gorgeous!8-)
Cape Canaveral...especially during a shuttle launch.
St. Augustine...oldest city in the US
The Everglades and the Keys
Place not in Fla. that I visted for the first time...Lake Tahoe. Simply gorgeous!8-)
Jan 22nd, 2008, 07:41 AM
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"This whole "finger printing is unwelcoming" thing is difficult to understand.
Unless you are a criminal, or planning on committing a felony in the US, why would you possibly care that you are asked to spend an extra 2 minutes getting finger-printed in immigration ?"
Well tough.
It's up to us what pisses us off. If you want some hard currency injected into your economy, you're going to have to learn about the free market and customer sovereignty. Ideas America loves lecturing the world about - but runs away in terror the moment it's expected to adhere to itself.
<b> Being told we're unreasonable in disliking being treated like criminals is precisely why many of us have no intention of darkening your doors ever again </b>
Unless you are a criminal, or planning on committing a felony in the US, why would you possibly care that you are asked to spend an extra 2 minutes getting finger-printed in immigration ?"
Well tough.
It's up to us what pisses us off. If you want some hard currency injected into your economy, you're going to have to learn about the free market and customer sovereignty. Ideas America loves lecturing the world about - but runs away in terror the moment it's expected to adhere to itself.
<b> Being told we're unreasonable in disliking being treated like criminals is precisely why many of us have no intention of darkening your doors ever again </b>
Jan 22nd, 2008, 07:55 AM
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This is a great idea
Rural Maine near Moosehead Lake Region is beautiful, especially in August. Go see moose!
Williamsburg, VA for some fun 'history'
Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. This is a collection of historic buildings/houses from all over the US, plus cobblestone streets, carriages, rock candy sold in the streets, country stores, one-room schoolhouses, etc. Steam train. Ferry. Carousel. Working glassblowers and weavers.
Mall of America is huge, with the Snoopy roller coaster rides inside it, for the shopping oriented - that's in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Come to north central Florida to come swimming in our natural springs, like Ginnie Springs, perfect temperature all summer long
Rural Maine near Moosehead Lake Region is beautiful, especially in August. Go see moose!
Williamsburg, VA for some fun 'history'
Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. This is a collection of historic buildings/houses from all over the US, plus cobblestone streets, carriages, rock candy sold in the streets, country stores, one-room schoolhouses, etc. Steam train. Ferry. Carousel. Working glassblowers and weavers.
Mall of America is huge, with the Snoopy roller coaster rides inside it, for the shopping oriented - that's in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Come to north central Florida to come swimming in our natural springs, like Ginnie Springs, perfect temperature all summer long
Jan 22nd, 2008, 08:29 AM
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California alone is filled with extraordinary beauty and I appreciate it even more after 16 months of traveling.
Big Sur
Lake Tahoe
Carmel and Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach etc
Santa Barbara, Ojai and surrounding area and parks
Joshua Tree
Yosemite
Mendocino area
Hearts castle and area
Lake Arrowhead
San Diego
Ukiah
San Louis Obisbo & area
Pismo beach ( that always seems to impress Europeans with the endless white sand beaches that you can drive on and surf from)
Just endless extraordinary beaches ( often pristine and empty) along this huge coast. It is easy to have a huge beach all to yourself even in summer.
Outside of California
Grand Canyon
Santa Fe, Taos and area ( wonderful pueblo Indian culture & unique beauty, fun opera and festivals)
Florida Keys
Big Ben State Park ( huge) on the Rio Grande on Texas/Mexico border
Lake Mead
New England in the fall ( or most anytime with endless charming towns) Maine beaches in summer, places like Martha's vineyard,
New Orleans French Quarter
Montana
idaho
Utah
Pacific Northwest...again spectacular beaches and landscapes
Riverboat on the Mississippi
Niagra falls and all Michigan Lakes
The opportunities are really endless and MANY Europeans are enjoying them. We meet many who have a map on their RV from the places they traveled to in the States, displaying it proudly.
Big Sur
Lake Tahoe
Carmel and Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach etc
Santa Barbara, Ojai and surrounding area and parks
Joshua Tree
Yosemite
Mendocino area
Hearts castle and area
Lake Arrowhead
San Diego
Ukiah
San Louis Obisbo & area
Pismo beach ( that always seems to impress Europeans with the endless white sand beaches that you can drive on and surf from)
Just endless extraordinary beaches ( often pristine and empty) along this huge coast. It is easy to have a huge beach all to yourself even in summer.
Outside of California
Grand Canyon
Santa Fe, Taos and area ( wonderful pueblo Indian culture & unique beauty, fun opera and festivals)
Florida Keys
Big Ben State Park ( huge) on the Rio Grande on Texas/Mexico border
Lake Mead
New England in the fall ( or most anytime with endless charming towns) Maine beaches in summer, places like Martha's vineyard,
New Orleans French Quarter
Montana
idaho
Utah
Pacific Northwest...again spectacular beaches and landscapes
Riverboat on the Mississippi
Niagra falls and all Michigan Lakes
The opportunities are really endless and MANY Europeans are enjoying them. We meet many who have a map on their RV from the places they traveled to in the States, displaying it proudly.
