Oliver’s face is great, don’t get me wrong. It’s not her face that’s the problem. The problem is that I’ve toured across the country with my college touring choir, but I can’t say that I’ve actually seen much of the country. Mostly because– as the amber waves of grain were flying past my tour bus window– Oliver’s face was in the way.
A tour bus is no way to travel.
So, in the next five years, I’d like to really spend some time getting to know a few states that I’ve never visited. I’d like to take time to stroll through their cities and towns, eat their foods, learn what makes them special and what makes them proud. If given the chance, I’d like to cheer against their sports teams.
I mean FOR, cheer for their sports teams.
There are 32 states on my list. Some of which (Alaska, Hawaii!), I have never stepped foot in. Others (Idaho? Illinois?) I may have crossed through or spent a night in, at some point, but I don’t remember.
Here is my list. Where are your favorite places in the US? Which states would you recommend?
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisina, Maine, Massachutes, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakoda, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin.
See you on the road!
Jane
Thirty Before Thirty 
I LOVED San Antonio Texas…highly recommend visiting there. PS – this is a great idea…maybe I’ll start a “before forty list” since I’m way past this thirty thing! Keep up the great inspiration.
I’m with you, Becky—only I have just three years to go before 40. Hmmm…
The state I love the most is Hawaii. If I didn’t have family to be responsible for, I would find a teaching job and move to the Big Island.
Hopefully we will be crossing Washington off that list in about 6 months!!
Arizona is a great state. Phoenix is a good city, not trashy, lots to see. Especially the desert which is particularly foreign to me. And then just a quick 3 hours north and you’re in the mountains with the amazing Grand Canyon. You just can’t go wrong with this.
Whatever, Jane! My face was the best part of all of those trips, and you know it (don’t tell Dr. Bob!). My vote is definitely on Washington – there’s so much coffee in Seattle! 🙂
CALIFORNIA is a must-visit, for reasons that are obvious to you. I’ve heard that everyone has to see Vegas at least once, and the flights are cheap and easy to schedule, so NEVADA should be considered. DELAWARE has some good beaches, right? I’ve heard good things about Chicago, ILLINOIS, and maybe you can catch a filming of Oprah’s show before it’s too late. The case could be made for visiting LOUISIANA to support New Orleans and the struggling-to-reemerge tourism industry (or you could volunteer to rebuild stuff).
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!! 🙂 You’ve sold all of them! (Wait, that isn’t helpful at all!)
Maine!! You should drive the entire coast line of Maine (via Rt. 1)! It’s amazing (and incredibly long!). I think you would love the people, food, and cute little coastal towns. I’ve been up there a few times (twice for weddings and others for work). There is nothing like a Maine fall…. Oh and if you do go to the tippy top where Maine meets Nova Scotia stop at Raye Mustard Mill. Hands down the best mustard I’ve ever had!
Hi. I live in Illinois. The end.
Oh, I know it! 🙂