Well just got back to uk from our usa holiday,avidly read fodor's before hol to gleam whatever info i could, and well, it really is subjective to say the least. Firstly let me say overall we had a really nice holiday,(this is our 8th visit to usa) But was a bit disappointed with some areas as they were not as pretty or breathtaking as i was lead to believe. Started our hols in PA dutch County in Pensyvania which had some very pretty towns, a surprise was a town called Lewisburg PA on our way to Mount Morris(bit of a dump) to stay near letchworth, park is what it says. On to Niagara falls which are beautiful as is the front part with main hotels looking over the falls(canadian side) what really suprised me was the area (walking distance were locals live) around the falls, it was really grotty in parts, very run down with a derelict feel, its got so much wealth and opulance but just around the corner its a different story....Then went to stay at Niagara on the lake, very pretty town def worth a visit, (no problem getting accom without booking in adv) anyway on towards finger lakes some lake areas much better than others, the nicest by far is Skaneateles, very pretty lake (clearest water)lovely layout with a nice town to walk around and good restaurants, we stayed 2 nights which is enough to see all shopsand enjoy lake, drove around a lot seeing all other lakes over period of 4 days down quiet lanes some lovely views and peacful towns, (Aurora is very pretty but very quiet place.)Noticed that top of the lakes regions better quality towns etc than bottom of lake towns(could be conincidence, but it seemed to get wealthier/nicer houses/towns) the more you went up the lakes. had booked all our accomodation before on recommendations on here and trip advisor.(had to change 3 last min because towns we booked in were less than nice and did not want to stay in run down places....visited corning glass museum ok for couple of hours.. the main town of corning (Historic district i think) is very nice with some great and pretty shops...saw some dead deer on roads, thats a bit upsetting as they are not moved off the road when run over, what a terrible end for such lovely creatures. But as my hubby reminded me its very much a hunting outdoor type of area so things are looked at a bit differently. On way back to philli planned to stay at a town called Jim Thorpe was ok but again, seen better days, so left early and went to a town called New Hope(lovely town, quaint shops beautiful restored old trains that run daily, walk across the bridge onto New Jersey side with another very pretty town forgot name lewisville or similar, anyway if you like Skaneateles you will love these two towns.I wanted to give a truthfull feedback and not one with rose coloured glasses, BUT please it is only my opinion and as I said likes and dislikes are very subjective. Overall a nice region but not the nicest (Vermont/ some parts of Viginia etc) were, I think nicer...And to any Americans who might be thinking of coming to Britain go to our Lakes region(Known as the Lake district)and you will be blown away by its natural beauty and perfect towns.....

Ann, we do remove the dead deer from the roadways here in the U.S. The removal crew had not gotten there yet when you saw them.

You mentioned your beautiful lakes and perfect towns in the UK, and that is true. You forgot to mention the dumps in London for $350 night in comparison to the tremendous value you get for your money here in the U.S. when staying in hotels and traveling. Each country has it's pretty and not-so-pretty areas. Let's be fair.

Hello Ann,

Thanks for the trip report. It's always interesting to hear people's impressions. Where have you visited on your other trips to the US?

hello again,
I completely agree LONDON is a rip off and has some very grotty parts as do most big cities(I think)Sorry about the deer, think I knee jerked a bit, but we don't(normally) see such large roadkills in uk so was a shock)My point was not about cities more about some small towns not being as quaint as I had thought they would be from all feedbakc etc..But I do love your country and the UK is far from perfect...Have visited New England, Florida(Not just orlando) Pensylvania Twice) Virginia/Boston.Maryland/New Jersey/Baltimore. we like to hire a concertable and get off the tourist trails a bit to get a feel of the real USA, on another point, i would like to add that on all of our travels to USA to some off the beaten tracks areas, I have never felt afraid or nervous and have always enjoyed our hols to your great country, I was only intending to call it as I see it, as by nature I call a spade a spade and not a shovel....

Hi Ann, I am so glad you enjoyed your visit. Next time add North and South Carolina to your itinerary, there are some lovely areas to visit. Though I have to admit you often see large roadkill especially during rut season.

Thank you for taking the time to post a report.

A delightful report to read, AnnRiley! Thanks for sharing. It's so infrequently that we have the chance to hear what overseas visitors think about what they are seeing. And yes, Jim Thorpe is a faded town well past its prime that is just hanging on.