Were have you visited in the US that most people wouldn't think of that you LOVED? No Boston, no Hawaii, no Washington DC but it doesn't have to be unheard of either!

My favorite was Mackinac Island. It was the most relaxed I've ever been on a trip. I know people in MI go there but it isn't a place most have gone to visit (It isn't Vegas after all). I tell everyone how wonderful it was there and how MI is so pretty.

Southwest Montana---Beautiful, relaxing and just a hop to Yellowstone

For those with kids - Indianapolis. Didn't expect to love it, but did. The zoo is great! No shortage of things to do (or eat) and so inexpensive! Of course, I am a native Hoosier, but been away for a long time....

Coastal CT
The Upper Penninsula MI
Natchez/Vicksburg MS
Lake Champlain VT
New Glaris WI
Shelter Island NY
Block Island RI

Lawrence, KS
Gulf Coast, MS (pre-Katrina)
Natchez & Vicksburg, MS

In college I went camping and on a rafting trip in Wisconsin. It was really pretty. It was near the town where Nestle is headquartered because the streets were named for Nestle products. Sorry I don't have more information; I just put in my share of the costs and went along for the ride.

Montana is beautiful too.

Death Valley. I love it.

St. Francisville, LA
Natchitoches, LA

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is just as beautiful as Badlands, and with more wildlife, but with only a fraction of the crowds.
Somewhat the same with Canyonlands National Park compared to the Grand Canyon. GCNP is definitely more beautiful, but CNP allows you to visit without worrying about other people.

The North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

You would be surprised how many people that reside in MN that have never ventured in that direction.

It is truly breathtaking!

McDowell County, WVA - there's no tourist attractions, it's coal-mining country, but it's wildness is wonderful.

Saraho --

My Uncle lives in Natchitoches, LA (retired English prof.), and I agree --it's a beautiful old town!

I would add to this list the Buffalo River area of Arkansas -- or anywhere along the Ozark Highland trail. Nature at its lovely, unspolied best.

And a few "big" cities

Columbus, Ohio

Pittsbugh

Kansas City

Birmingham, Ala.

Newport, Rhode Island

Paul Rabe: Count me among the Teddy Roosevelt fans!! A much better park IMHO!

Tiff: The North Shore and esp. Grand Marais is my favorite spot on EARTH!! Getting a latte' at The Jave Moose and scrambling around on the rocks at Artist's Point is a good day in my book. Maybe I'll see you there! And I know many people who have never been north of Mpls. and call themselves Minnesotans!

Cleveland-This city rocks! Home of Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, Sandusky Amusement Park, Cool neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Flats. Also great sports venues such as Jacobs Feild and Cleveland Browns stadium. Pro Football Hall of Famer in Canton isnt to far either. Overall great city to spend 2-5 days in.

Some very interesting responses! Great thread idea, Marcy (or is it Tim? )

Memphis, TN was surprisingly nice.

Hi AuntieAnnie ~ I couldn't agree with you more! My DH and I LOVE it there, at any time of year, although since our last trip trip we now like to go up when The Angry Trout is open (mid-May to mid-October). I adore the little book store down from the donut shop.

We try to stay somewhere different each time to go. We like quiet peaceful places on the Lake. For our next visit we have been looking into Cove Point Lodge, the restaurant has been written up in Bon Appetit, have you heard anything???

Thanks marcyandtim for starting the thread and allowing me to steal it for a moment of reflection with AuntAnnie!

We were all very impressed and somewhat surprised at how much we enjoyed Stone Mountain GA. Lots to do and very well maintained. It does not seem that you are just outside of atlanta.