IMO -- anyone who lives in <i>Modesto</i> should be absolutely THRILLED by anyplace they they visit . . . . >)

This request has me in a quandary for two reasons. First, in telling you what I found surprising, I may deprive you of being surprised. Second, that which surprised me may not surprise you.

HTtY

Getting back to your original question about travel surprises, you could put together a great week with travel to Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Toronto. If you are planning a week of activities there is plenty to do in this area. If you would like any additional information on this area post with questions.

>I found Alcatraz to be a fascinating piece of history.<

As did I. I found it especially interesting because one of the inmates~Jim Quillen~retired from the radiology department of the hospital where I got my first xray job.

Have you considered Chicago? There are fascinating museums (Science and Industry is my favorite), tours, restaurants......

One trip my DD loved was to Michigan. We started in Dearborn (my Dad's hometown), went to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum; drove up to Mackinac Island (yes, it's a long drive, but we made many stops) and spent a few days there. DD was astounded that there were NO cars......

I also found Chicago a wonderful surprise, and Boston too.

Thousand Islands - New York/Canada - Wow!
Saratoga Springs, New York

The whole area around Telluride/Ouray, Colorado is unbelievably beautiful and I never hear much about it here in Ohio--it's not as easy to get to.

No matter what you hear, you are definitely overwhelmed and amazed by the beauty of Alaska.

We also enjoy the Beaches of 30A on the Florida Panhandle--just beautiful and overlooked by most of our friends.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Highway 170 from Presidio to Big Bend National Park in Texas
Sabino Canyon, Tucson
Many Glaciers, Glacier National Park
Highway 25 from Miles to Northport in Washington State
Highway 95 from Plummer to Lewiston in Idaho State
Stanley and McCall, Idaho
Death Valley National Park
Zion National Park
Manhattan, New York City
Ocean views from hotels in Pismo Beach, California
Mexican cuisine in San Antonio Texas
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
Taos Puebla, New Mexico
Quarai Mission Church in Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, New Mexico.

To name a few.

HTtY