first time in the USA where should I go ?

[buckeyefarmer]

Oldest boy went with their scout troop to the New Jersey in Camden. I didn’t go. He said guy driving made a wrong turn and they weren’t sure they would get out.

I interviewed with a company once that tried to get me to take a position in Camden. Every other question was, would you like to work in Camden.
NO!

 

[Jchonline]

Come to Colorado and spend some time just North in Wyoming.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Come to Colorado and spend some time just North in Wyoming.

I thought of that … and i found some ranch for cattle drive that looked unreal.

 

[Torvy]

It's hokey but fun.

We took a two week trip from northern Indiana out to Yellowstone and back.

1st day long drive to Sioux Falls, SD. Pretty town. Large Catholic church on Sunday morning.

Sioux Falls

As South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls is packed with cultural attractions, family-friendly activities and history.

www.travelsouthdakota.com

Then we never had more than a 2 hour drive for many days.

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD.

A couple little stops between there and Wall, SD for Wall Drug.

Spent a day in the Badlands just south of there.

Stayed 3 days in Rapid City, SD and saw Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil's Tower. We took a nice windy road from Rapid City through a large park and came through a tunnel with a great view of Rushmore. Diane Robinson Tunnel, I believe.

Deadwood and Lead, SD.

Cody, WY.

Yellowstone for 3 days.

Visited a TBN member north of Yellowstone for a couple days (RIP PJ).

Then made a long trip home, stopping at the Little Bighorn battlefield.

Lots to do in SD.

Glad you enjoyed my home state. My sister worked at Wall Drug after her freshman year at USD.

My cousin ranches near Sturgis. His family has been on the same ranch for over 150 years. The Hills north of Sturgis are beautiful.
You didn't even get to the beauty of the Coteau du Prairie in the NE part of the state. Many lakes full of fish and waterfowl.

 

[check]

yes you need a passport …

Nope. Just enhanced drivers license.

 

[MossRoad]

Glad you enjoyed my home state. My sister worked at Wall Drug after her freshman year at USD.

My cousin ranches near Sturgis. His family has been on the same ranch for over 150 years. The Hills north of Sturgis are beautiful.
You didn't even get to the beauty of the Coteau du Prairie in the NE part of the state. Many lakes full of fish and waterfowl.

Wife and I would like to go back and spend another week doing day trips out of Rapid City. Lots to do there.

 

[two_bit_score]

wall drug ?

Yep. It’s a real thing.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Las Vegas was nice felt very safe, but holy it is hot and the grand canyon is very impressive but also very hot I didn't really feel the difference temperature wise with Vegas to be honest ... I managed the heat pretty good over all but the wife not so much. 120 degree is a bit much even for me I must say. We did lots of shows (like 5), we hit the race track that was very fun, our horse ride was ok, the titanic exhibit was cool as well as the hover dam and the museum. I also had the best steak in my life out there .. very expensive over all and some of the stuff is straight up a scam but we are glad we went but not sure id go again...
I got some good ideas for my next vacation in here thanks again everyone.

 

[scootr]

Las Vegas was nice felt very safe, but holy it is hot and the grand canyon is very impressive but also very hot I didn't really feel the difference temperature wise with Vegas to be honest ... I managed the heat pretty good over all but the wife not so much. 120 degree is a bit much even for me I must say. We did lots of shows (like 5), we hit the race track that was very fun, our horse ride was ok, the titanic exhibit was cool as well as the hover dam and the museum. I also had the best steak in my life out there .. very expensive over all and some of the stuff is straight up a scam but we are glad we went but not sure id go again...
I got some good ideas for my next vacation in here thanks again everyone.

Great Glad you had a good time. Next time visit the southwest in the spring or the fall before the bad (hot) weather hits.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I saw Vegas in the 60s and it was great. I took wife there a few years ago and had a panic attack! To us it's terrible. Some friends love it!

 

[kenmbz]

We got married their 20 some odd years ago. It is much more flagrant in it's approach to many vices. But the shows are fun. And the parks are nearby.
Don't think we want to go back again unless it's just a jump off point.
I have been to Vegas more than a dozen times, and it's appeal has worn off.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I saw Vegas in the 60s and it was great. I took wife there a few years ago and had a panic attack! To us it's terrible. Some friends love it!

For me I had trouble with the crowd or the way people walked I am not used to that, I had the urge to elbow so many people in the face it was crazy, so many people would walk straight at me without moving a inch wanting to walk through me it was mind boggling... that was basically the only problem I had ....

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

A friend goes there a lot...poker player. He had $50,000 cash rolled up, drove home (Palos Verdes Ca) and he lost it...drove back and it was where his car was parked.
He said Vegas, everyone is looking up not down.

 

[two_bit_score]

some of the stuff is straight up a scam but we are glad we went but not sure id go again...

I think it’s that way for most. One or two trips gets it out of their system. Glad you had a good time!

 

[Rollanz]

Love Vegas but only for a weekend. It’s pretty obvious the casinos, glitz and glam is all fake, mostly everyone realizes that on the first trip or people got money to burn. What’s really cool about Vegas is the cheap hotels, endless things to do and eat at different price points, proximity to the Grand Canyon, Hoover dam, nature trails, art installations, endless shops selling the most random things, heck even LA is only a four hour drive if you’ve never seen the pacific.

My wife and I are thinking about visiting the Finger Lakes area, so I'm looking for a cottege through https://www.newyorkrentalbyowner.com/search/finger-lakes. Any recs for wineries, lodging or meals?

 

[BnRidge]

For me I had trouble with the crowd or the way people walked I am not used to that, I had the urge to elbow so many people in the face it was crazy, so many people would walk straight at me without moving a inch wanting to walk through me it was mind boggling... that was basically the only problem I had ....

Wonder how much of a culture thing that is. I thought it was interesting that downtown Chicago when I was there a few months ago did none of that, at all. I also got frisked before visiting a downtown park though too. 40yrs ago, downtown Madison WI, everyone plowed along.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Wonder how much of a culture thing that is. I thought it was interesting that downtown Chicago when I was there a few months ago did none of that, at all. I also got frisked before visiting a downtown park though too. 40yrs ago, downtown Madison WI, everyone plowed along.

mind you I am from a very small town but the first time I experienced that in canada was out west with the asian tour buss but in general in a crowd i can understand to a point, but if there is room courtesy say it’s haft step aside for a man and one to two for a lady or a elderly like changing your lane while walking… back there it was often the suite and tie type wouldn’t move a inch and walk straight to ya 4 step back … bill burr as a awesome bit about that that describe it very well …

 

[1Mech]

If at all possible, I would reschedule your trip for spring or fall to avoid the extreme heat of many places in the states. My wife and I have been to all 50 states, most of them with the grandkids, Baja California and a few Canadian provinces. No matter where you end up deciding on in the U.S., as is true of Canada, everyplace has something to offer, perhaps with the exception of the Oklahoma panhandle, although it is a wonderful place to watch the stars at night. They still call it "No Man's Land" But even there, you can find beauty in it's starkness!
Enjoy your travels!!!

 

[1Mech]

Yes it is… and do not be fooled when someone mentions it’s a dry heat so it feels better. It does NOT feel any better because it’s not humid … it’s still bloody hot

My wife bakes cookies in "dry heat"!!

 

[1Mech]

If you make it to the central U.S., you can kayak, the Buffalo National River in North Central Arkansas and visit Eureka Springs, also known as "Little Switzerland". Eureka Springs has the Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Great Passion Play, a bible museum and, if you swing to the other side of the spectrum, it is a very open to LGBTQ. It seems everyone gets along fine without imposing on the other's beliefs. If you like Vegas style shows, Branson, Missouri is a short drive north in a more laid-back setting than Vegas. And, don't forget about the beautiful Ozark Mountains, not huge like the Rockies, but very scenic.