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Posted by
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TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.
Posted by TulaneLSU on 1/17/21 at 7:13 pm1624
Friends,
Several of you intimated to me that such a list might come in handy, especially as the pandemic draws to a close and the urge for traveling throughout our grand nation increases. I have thus far come up with this list, which is a blend of town and country. You won't find popularly named sites like Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, or San Antonio, because, frankly, those cities are boring.
Some internet lists are little more than an author's attempt to highlight an unknown and quite unexpected tourist destination. They throw in the usual suspects at numbers one through three and then, bam!, they hit you with some crazy suggestion like Dallas or Houston. You will find no such nonsense here, as I have thought long and hard about which destinations I have most enjoyed. I have scored them with my tried and true formula, which, for the time, must remain a trade secret, as I am working on revolutionizing the worldwide tourism industry with this formula.
50. Krotz Springs, LA
Unquestioned champion of boudin in Louisiana, this little known destination is entirely about eating and the outdoors. From here crawfishing and fishing what Uncle calls "the other Spillway" is convenient, as is a trip to Lafayette, the unofficial capital of Cajunland.
49. Auburn, AL
There are few college towns in America with a better college atmosphere, and certainly none in the South.
48. Bretton Woods, NH
One of the nation's top ski destinations, it is the best east of the Mississippi.
47. East of Destin, FL
I felt obliged to put one beach destination in the list, and there are no beaches better in the continental states than those just east of Destin, where I find myself several times a year, even though I dislike it.
46. Natchez, MS
It is dirty, run-down, and small, but no other town in Mississippi has as much preserved architectural and town history as Natchez. It is worth a weekend stay once in a life, but not more.
45. San Diego
One of the cleanest cities in America, its ease of access to the border and to outdoor activities up and down the coast warrant a few days there.
44. New Haven, CT
A top three pizza city in America, New Haven is a favorite of Uncle's, and we make a trip there every five or so years. It is a beautiful city thanks to Yale.
43. Lake Tahoe, CA
43 may be overrating it, but Lake Tahoe is beautiful, even if it feels like a Disney for people who go there just to say, "I was in Tahoe."
42. Sante Fe, NM
Decent food, pleasant weather, interesting architecture, and proximity to some beautiful canyons makes Sante Fe of the best stops in the Southwest.
41. Philadelphia
Great Italian food and the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is one of the ugliest and coldest big cities in America. But at least it isn't Chicago.
40. Grand Isle, LA
Fishing, not the beach, is the reason Grand Isle is worth visiting. Surf fishing, pier fishing, and offshore are just where the fun begins. Continue with a trip to Sureway Supermarket, the finest grocery store for miles. The Don of the New Orleans Mafia had the chance to vacate to the beaches of south Florida, but he chose Grand Isle for good reason.
39. LaGrange, GA
It does not get more bucolic than LaGrange, a lovely little villa not far from the Appalachian's southern fingers nor Atlanta.
38. Astoria, OR
One of the few cities on the West Coast that feels like a city and actually is a city, Astoria is home to a beautiful downtown. It is a stone's throw from Seaside and Cannon Beach, two wonderful beach towns.
37. Missoula, MT
Cradled in some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, Missoula boasts excellent trout fishing and is a good launching point to Glacier and Yellowstone.
36. Badlands NP
President Teddy Roosevelt said it best about this land: "I grow very fond of this place, and it certainly has a desolate, grim beauty of its own, that has a curious fascination for me."
35. Boston
The most English of all large American cities, one feels civilized and a bit above the fray while in Boston.
34. Outer Banks, NC
Uncle took me fishing here and I caught my largest marlin from its port. Quite a handsome lighthouse as well.
33. Fort Payne, AL
The museum dedicated to the band Alabama resides in Fort Payne, which has great hiking and a beautiful canyon nearby.
32. St. Louis, MO
Great pizza, a big arch, and La Montagna, one of the most surprising neighborhoods in the Midwest. It's where James Eads got his start.
31. Mackinac Island, MI
Stunning, desolate, and provides a driving service nearby if you have a fear of driving over the bridge between the UP and MC.
30. Apalachicola, FL
Delicious oysters and close to Port St. Joe. It was hit hard by that hurricane a couple of years ago, and I have not been back since. I hope to travel there soon.
29. Fredericksburg, VA
A quintessential Southern and Virginia town. The Mary Washington College there is lovely. The food is great and is a good launching point for Civil War history buffs.
28. Princeton, NJ
The apogee of the college town in America, Princeton has some interesting Revolutionary War history and is a short train trip to both NYC, Trenton, and Philadelphia.
27. Malibu, CA
Malibu has America's best weather. The beach is okay, but I like the weather the most. It is fairly close to Los Angeles if you want to do that, but visiting L.A. is generally a bad idea.
26. Carlsbad Caverns, NM
Going subterranean here is probably the one place in America that has felt the most like being somewhere other than Earth.
25. Mount Rainier, WA
A true hiker's paradise, it may be the greatest mountain climb in the Continental States.
24. Montpelier, VT
It does not get small town New England better than Montpelier in late September and early October when the leaves are turning. Brilliant!
23. Beaufort, SC
Walking in downtown Beaufort is like walking in a Nicholas Sparks novel.
22. Kennebunkport, ME
The town is so quaint, as is the Kennebunkport Inn, which is home to the best lobster pizza in the world.
21. St. Augustine, FL
If you want to walk into a novel about pirates, you will find no town or city better equipped to host you. While waiting in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney I actually thought for a moment I was standing in St. Augustine.
Several of you intimated to me that such a list might come in handy, especially as the pandemic draws to a close and the urge for traveling throughout our grand nation increases. I have thus far come up with this list, which is a blend of town and country. You won't find popularly named sites like Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, or San Antonio, because, frankly, those cities are boring.
Some internet lists are little more than an author's attempt to highlight an unknown and quite unexpected tourist destination. They throw in the usual suspects at numbers one through three and then, bam!, they hit you with some crazy suggestion like Dallas or Houston. You will find no such nonsense here, as I have thought long and hard about which destinations I have most enjoyed. I have scored them with my tried and true formula, which, for the time, must remain a trade secret, as I am working on revolutionizing the worldwide tourism industry with this formula.
50. Krotz Springs, LA
Unquestioned champion of boudin in Louisiana, this little known destination is entirely about eating and the outdoors. From here crawfishing and fishing what Uncle calls "the other Spillway" is convenient, as is a trip to Lafayette, the unofficial capital of Cajunland.
49. Auburn, AL
There are few college towns in America with a better college atmosphere, and certainly none in the South.
48. Bretton Woods, NH
One of the nation's top ski destinations, it is the best east of the Mississippi.
47. East of Destin, FL
I felt obliged to put one beach destination in the list, and there are no beaches better in the continental states than those just east of Destin, where I find myself several times a year, even though I dislike it.
46. Natchez, MS
It is dirty, run-down, and small, but no other town in Mississippi has as much preserved architectural and town history as Natchez. It is worth a weekend stay once in a life, but not more.
45. San Diego
One of the cleanest cities in America, its ease of access to the border and to outdoor activities up and down the coast warrant a few days there.
44. New Haven, CT
A top three pizza city in America, New Haven is a favorite of Uncle's, and we make a trip there every five or so years. It is a beautiful city thanks to Yale.
43. Lake Tahoe, CA
43 may be overrating it, but Lake Tahoe is beautiful, even if it feels like a Disney for people who go there just to say, "I was in Tahoe."
42. Sante Fe, NM
Decent food, pleasant weather, interesting architecture, and proximity to some beautiful canyons makes Sante Fe of the best stops in the Southwest.
41. Philadelphia
Great Italian food and the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is one of the ugliest and coldest big cities in America. But at least it isn't Chicago.
40. Grand Isle, LA
Fishing, not the beach, is the reason Grand Isle is worth visiting. Surf fishing, pier fishing, and offshore are just where the fun begins. Continue with a trip to Sureway Supermarket, the finest grocery store for miles. The Don of the New Orleans Mafia had the chance to vacate to the beaches of south Florida, but he chose Grand Isle for good reason.
39. LaGrange, GA
It does not get more bucolic than LaGrange, a lovely little villa not far from the Appalachian's southern fingers nor Atlanta.
38. Astoria, OR
One of the few cities on the West Coast that feels like a city and actually is a city, Astoria is home to a beautiful downtown. It is a stone's throw from Seaside and Cannon Beach, two wonderful beach towns.
37. Missoula, MT
Cradled in some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, Missoula boasts excellent trout fishing and is a good launching point to Glacier and Yellowstone.
36. Badlands NP
President Teddy Roosevelt said it best about this land: "I grow very fond of this place, and it certainly has a desolate, grim beauty of its own, that has a curious fascination for me."
35. Boston
The most English of all large American cities, one feels civilized and a bit above the fray while in Boston.
34. Outer Banks, NC
Uncle took me fishing here and I caught my largest marlin from its port. Quite a handsome lighthouse as well.
33. Fort Payne, AL
The museum dedicated to the band Alabama resides in Fort Payne, which has great hiking and a beautiful canyon nearby.
32. St. Louis, MO
Great pizza, a big arch, and La Montagna, one of the most surprising neighborhoods in the Midwest. It's where James Eads got his start.
31. Mackinac Island, MI
Stunning, desolate, and provides a driving service nearby if you have a fear of driving over the bridge between the UP and MC.
30. Apalachicola, FL
Delicious oysters and close to Port St. Joe. It was hit hard by that hurricane a couple of years ago, and I have not been back since. I hope to travel there soon.
29. Fredericksburg, VA
A quintessential Southern and Virginia town. The Mary Washington College there is lovely. The food is great and is a good launching point for Civil War history buffs.
28. Princeton, NJ
The apogee of the college town in America, Princeton has some interesting Revolutionary War history and is a short train trip to both NYC, Trenton, and Philadelphia.
27. Malibu, CA
Malibu has America's best weather. The beach is okay, but I like the weather the most. It is fairly close to Los Angeles if you want to do that, but visiting L.A. is generally a bad idea.
26. Carlsbad Caverns, NM
Going subterranean here is probably the one place in America that has felt the most like being somewhere other than Earth.
25. Mount Rainier, WA
A true hiker's paradise, it may be the greatest mountain climb in the Continental States.
24. Montpelier, VT
It does not get small town New England better than Montpelier in late September and early October when the leaves are turning. Brilliant!
23. Beaufort, SC
Walking in downtown Beaufort is like walking in a Nicholas Sparks novel.
22. Kennebunkport, ME
The town is so quaint, as is the Kennebunkport Inn, which is home to the best lobster pizza in the world.
21. St. Augustine, FL
If you want to walk into a novel about pirates, you will find no town or city better equipped to host you. While waiting in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney I actually thought for a moment I was standing in St. Augustine.
This post was edited on 1/17 at 7:26 pm
20. Plymouth, MA
This beautiful place is where my ancestors arrived. From here America the great was built.
19. The Ozarks, AR
One of the few places between the Appalachians and the Rockies that has a real natural beauty.
18. Crater Lake, OR
Rarely is water so blue and the hikes so breathtaking. Crater Lake is a destination for any beauty lovers.
17. Traverse City, MI
A hidden treasure in the middle of Michigan, Traverse City puts you close to the most beautiful sand dunes in America, great fishing, great cherry picking, and delicious dining. People in Michigan have done their best to keep this town a secret, but I have broken their trust to help you.
16. San Francisco
Good food, interesting neighborhoods, proximity to the Bay Area's sights, like the Muir Woods are all reason to enjoy a week in San Francisco.
15. Breckenridge, CO
Everyone has their favorite CO ski resort. My favorite is Breckenridge.
14. Annapolis, MD
Why not see beautiful Annapolis and the Naval Academy? You could eat some of Louisiana's best steamed crabs while you're there, as most of the crabs served there come from our waters.
13. Jackson Hole
A lovely town and its access to world class skiing and the Grand T***ns make it an essential destination.
12. Carmel-by-the-Sea
So close to America's most beautiful drive, CbtS is the most beautiful small town in America. It is not far from Monterrey or Pebble Beach either, nor some the Artichoke Capital of the World, Castro, CA.
11. Rocky Mountain NP
Not far north from Denver, it is Colorado's best NP and a top 10 NP in America.
10. Asheville, NC
Home to two of America's best resorts, Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn, Asheville's greatest strength is its location, deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Hiking is everything here. The food is grossly overrated.
9. Zion NP
Its sandstone canyons are some of the most beautiful in the world.
8. Arches NP
The Arches call to mind God's action of building bridges with us, bridging that great chasm of sin.
7. Glacier NP
Known as the Crown of the Continent for good reason. A majestic gift in this natural world.
6. Yellowstone NP
Geysers aplenty, Yellowstone is huge, and its beauty is rarely matched.
5. Washington D.C.
So much to see and do. Its lack of tall buildings gives the feel of Paris. One could spend a month touring here and hardly scratch the surface.
4. The Grand Canyon NP
One look is all it takes to realize that God loves us. A stay at Phantom Ranch is one of the pinnacles of the National Park Service.
3. New Orleans
It needs no description.
2. New York City
One of my great regrets in life is that I have never lived in NYC. To attempt to understand this city, even with many trips here, is simply impossible. It is a behemoth, a fascinating and utterly exhilarating one.
1. Yosemite NP
Until you have scaled El Capitan, or at least Half Dome, you will not know the wonders of our NPS.
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
This beautiful place is where my ancestors arrived. From here America the great was built.
19. The Ozarks, AR
One of the few places between the Appalachians and the Rockies that has a real natural beauty.
18. Crater Lake, OR
Rarely is water so blue and the hikes so breathtaking. Crater Lake is a destination for any beauty lovers.
17. Traverse City, MI
A hidden treasure in the middle of Michigan, Traverse City puts you close to the most beautiful sand dunes in America, great fishing, great cherry picking, and delicious dining. People in Michigan have done their best to keep this town a secret, but I have broken their trust to help you.
16. San Francisco
Good food, interesting neighborhoods, proximity to the Bay Area's sights, like the Muir Woods are all reason to enjoy a week in San Francisco.
15. Breckenridge, CO
Everyone has their favorite CO ski resort. My favorite is Breckenridge.
14. Annapolis, MD
Why not see beautiful Annapolis and the Naval Academy? You could eat some of Louisiana's best steamed crabs while you're there, as most of the crabs served there come from our waters.
13. Jackson Hole
A lovely town and its access to world class skiing and the Grand T***ns make it an essential destination.
12. Carmel-by-the-Sea
So close to America's most beautiful drive, CbtS is the most beautiful small town in America. It is not far from Monterrey or Pebble Beach either, nor some the Artichoke Capital of the World, Castro, CA.
11. Rocky Mountain NP
Not far north from Denver, it is Colorado's best NP and a top 10 NP in America.
10. Asheville, NC
Home to two of America's best resorts, Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn, Asheville's greatest strength is its location, deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Hiking is everything here. The food is grossly overrated.
9. Zion NP
Its sandstone canyons are some of the most beautiful in the world.
8. Arches NP
The Arches call to mind God's action of building bridges with us, bridging that great chasm of sin.
7. Glacier NP
Known as the Crown of the Continent for good reason. A majestic gift in this natural world.
6. Yellowstone NP
Geysers aplenty, Yellowstone is huge, and its beauty is rarely matched.
5. Washington D.C.
So much to see and do. Its lack of tall buildings gives the feel of Paris. One could spend a month touring here and hardly scratch the surface.
4. The Grand Canyon NP
One look is all it takes to realize that God loves us. A stay at Phantom Ranch is one of the pinnacles of the National Park Service.
3. New Orleans
It needs no description.
2. New York City
One of my great regrets in life is that I have never lived in NYC. To attempt to understand this city, even with many trips here, is simply impossible. It is a behemoth, a fascinating and utterly exhilarating one.
1. Yosemite NP
Until you have scaled El Capitan, or at least Half Dome, you will not know the wonders of our NPS.
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
Friend,
A small portion of it, just for fun. I had not ropes or gear and was just gripping for fun until I realized I had made it up about 50 feet. Quickly did I come back down. I did win the Half Dome lottery this year and climbed it for the first time. It was rather easy, and not as challenging as many people warned me.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
A small portion of it, just for fun. I had not ropes or gear and was just gripping for fun until I realized I had made it up about 50 feet. Quickly did I come back down. I did win the Half Dome lottery this year and climbed it for the first time. It was rather easy, and not as challenging as many people warned me.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by jkylejohnson on 1/17/21 at 7:40 pm to SDVTiger
Tulane you're an interesting fella and I enjoy your posts but you lost me at Krotz Springs.
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by TigerSaintInDallas on 1/17/21 at 8:04 pm to TulaneLSU
This is actually a pretty solid list.Only thing I’d change is more PNW and more Utah.
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by Snoop Dawg on 1/17/21 at 8:12 pm to TulaneLSU
Tetons.
Just checkin.’
Just checkin.’
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Auburn, AL.... is no where near Athens, Ga
I would add personally Durango, CO.... Williamsburg, VA.... anywhere along the blue ridge parkway, VA...harpers ferry, WVA.... ouray, CO.... sanibel/captiva, FL. Charleston, SC. Cape Cod
I would add personally Durango, CO.... Williamsburg, VA.... anywhere along the blue ridge parkway, VA...harpers ferry, WVA.... ouray, CO.... sanibel/captiva, FL. Charleston, SC. Cape Cod
quote:Don’t understand what a college atmosphere has to do w/ a list of best vacation places but Athens/UGA’s is hard to beat.
Auburn, AL.... is no where near Athens, Ga
That’s a good list; just has a few SMH places; most notably Lagrange, GA. There are many places like that in the south. I did eat at a very good all you can eat country buffet there once. It was even better than Golden Corral.
Friend,
Thank you for the exhaustive list. You're a good man, and thorough.
Thank you for not including Telluride Colorado on your list. It's truly the greatest Mountain town of the entire United States, and doesn't need anymore growth to ruin the beautiful aura.
I do take issue with Auburn Alabama, however. That town sucks and the locals are know the world over for their affinity for nose boogers. They aren't civilized.
Light, Love, and Vibez,
UPT
Thank you for the exhaustive list. You're a good man, and thorough.
Thank you for not including Telluride Colorado on your list. It's truly the greatest Mountain town of the entire United States, and doesn't need anymore growth to ruin the beautiful aura.
I do take issue with Auburn Alabama, however. That town sucks and the locals are know the world over for their affinity for nose boogers. They aren't civilized.
Light, Love, and Vibez,
UPT
quote:
Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, or San Antonio, because, frankly, those cities are boring
If you can’t have fun in Chicago or Vegas, there is no need to share your opinion on the travel board
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by RunningBlake on 1/18/21 at 11:42 am to TulaneLSU
The poconos... Where is it ?
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by Fat Harry on 1/18/21 at 4:40 pm to RunningBlake
Mackinac Island is not desolate.
quote:
48. Bretton Woods, NH
One of the nation's top ski destinations, it is the best east of the Mississippi.
This a lie. There a bigger and better ski resorts east of the Mississippi than Bretton Woods. Stowe is better in every way. Better restaurants. Better terrain. Better four season activities. Killington, Sunday River, Whiteface/Lake Placid are all more popular or more well known than Bretton Woods. Even Jay Peak and Smugglers Notch are better family ski resorts with at least some semblance of Apres Ski.
If you're picking a place in NH go with Wolfboro. Classic New England summer retreat place on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee.
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by bayoubengals88 on 1/18/21 at 7:44 pm to TulaneLSU
The Ozarks above Rainier and Tahoe
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by Reservoir dawg on 1/18/21 at 9:39 pm to TulaneLSU
San Diego too low. San Francisco used to be #1 in my book before the red diaper doper babies ruined it.
re: TulaneLSU's Top 50 vacation destinations in the U.S.A.Posted by DeltaTigerDelta on 1/19/21 at 6:23 am to TulaneLSU
How can you mention Ft. Payne and not mention it being the former Sock Capital of the World?
Lagrange, GA is too bucolic to make any travel destination list and too close to Auburn, AL to even merit stopping for gas.
Lagrange, GA is too bucolic to make any travel destination list and too close to Auburn, AL to even merit stopping for gas.
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