[OT] Where to go in the USA?

[ColonelHardisson]

States to avoid if you can <snip> and Ohio (outside of Cincinatti. Speaking of Cincinatti: King's Island is probably the world's premier coaster park.).

King's Island? Did Cedar Point cease to exist?

Ohio is a great state. I see no reason to avoid it.

I live in Ohio, and I live near Cleveland. I've also lived in Columbus and Dayton, and I've been to Cinicinnati a number of times (and have many friends from there). No offense, but Cincinnati is at the bottom of my list for Ohio attractions. Columbus is a nice city, with an artsy downtown/near downtown (High Street). Cleveland is a great blue-collar city, with a lot of fine museums and other cultural attractions, as well as the Flats, which is an area full of great nightspots. Dayton has the Air Force Museum (which I highly recommend), and is near to places like Yellow Springs, which is an interesting "artists' colony."

Ohio in general is a fine state to visit, with beautiful countryside and a lot of history.

 

[drothgery]

King's Island? Did Cedar Point cease to exist?

I live in San Diego, California. I'm going to Cedar Point next weekend.

Of course, I'm meeting some friends (mostly from the midwest) there, and my parents live in Sandusky, but Cedar Point is generally accepted as the best roller coaster park on earth.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I live in San Diego, California. I'm going to Cedar Point next weekend.

Of course, I'm meeting some friends (mostly from the midwest) there, and my parents live in Sandusky, but Cedar Point is generally accepted as the best roller coaster park on earth.

Yup, you're right. Here's a link:

http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/yellowpages/parks/cedarpoint_oh.shtml

Here's a quote from that site (emphasis mine):

Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park/resort that is home to the largest collection [sic] rides and roller coasters in the world.

 

[Maraxle]

Check out Cape Hatteras or Atlantic Beach in North Carolina. Very nice.

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

thx, for the suggestions and keep them coming!

btw I know its a bit early to start planning this trip, but I plan it to be a monumental trip ( I might even do something rash and....)

and what... ? Defect? Elope ? If you have not been to Las Vegas, you should definitely see it: The worst America has to offer compared to all the other cool cultural and natural sites you will see while on your trip. Vegas is not exactly hell on earth, but close. More like the border town on the outlands with the gate leading to Avernus. Spend less than 48 hours there and you will love it, spend any longer there and your soul may be gone...

Then you definitely need to Bryce, Zion Parks ( Utah ) and the NORTH Rim of The Grand Canyon.

Go see Yosemite valley, then to the California Central Coast ( where I live! ) and see why 1 of every 8 Americans lives in this state. End your trip in San Francisco and fly home from there.

 

[Celebrim]

HA! I knew I'd end up offending half the US with that post.

Seriously, the main reason to visit Ohio is the coaster parks. Every city has one and they all compete with each other for the ultimate coaster experience. Next time I'm up that way, I'll have to try Cedar Park. I admit that the thought of 93 mph on a coaster sounds intriguing.

Other than that Ohio just isn't all that intriguing as a place to visit (though it would probably rate higher on my list of states to live in). When I choose Cincinnatti as the city to see in Ohio, I was thinking of the beautifully painted Brownstones over looking the Ohio river, one of the finest research zoos in the nation, the Dayton Air Force Museum (yes, highly recommeded, especially if you liked the Air & Space at the Smithsonian), the Cincinnatti Pops, and not the least that it would mean the minimum time driving through Ohio.

Now, that's what I liked, and most of the other things I like in a trip (caving, hiking, canoeing, camping, etc.) you really can't get in Ohio - I know, because I've tried. If you like shopping then you'll probably want to visit Amish country, and Yellow Springs (not my cup of tea, but they got a good dairy out there) and if you like night-life (which I don't particullarly) the club scene (particularly the Goth scene) is as good in Cincinnatti/Columbus as anywhere in the nation. People have different tastes, and maybe Ohio is your thing.

By all means, I'm willing to here arguements for Columbus or Cleveland, in case I'm trapped in Ohio I'll have something to do.

 

[AlphaOmega]

States to avoid if you can: Indiana, Illinios (outside of Chicago), Missuirri (outside of the Ozarks), Louisianna, Mississippi (not a bad state, just anything it has can be found better somewhere else), Kansas, Kentucky, Texas (too big for its own good), Nevada, and Ohio (outside of Cincinatti. Speaking of Cincinatti: King's Island is probably the world's premier coaster park.).

I agree with most of this... except the very end... totally backwards... Most Ohio is great and the world's premier coast park is Cedar Point in Sandusky not that excuse for an amusepark park King's Island... no offense meant but I lived in Ohio for over 20 years.

There's a ton to do in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Cincy has nothing. And I went to college there so I should know.

 

[Airwolf]

Since you are coming to America, I highly recommend that you make time for Arizona! I know several people have mentioned the GC, which you shouldn't miss. If you don't want the crowds and still want an unparalleled view, go to the north rim. The southern portion of Utah is really spectacular.
If you get a chance take a drive through Monument Valley (lots of old westerns were shot around here). If you want to see something that almost no one outside of Arizona (and few inside) have seen go to Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Canyon de Shea). It’s in eastern Arizona just down the road from another point of interest, the Four Corners. Four Corners is the only place in the US where 4 states all come together at the same point, you can stand in 4 states all at the same time.
If you and yours are truly brave you can venture into southern Arizona in August. Not only is it warm (hot for most of the world) but its also monsoon season. You never know when it might rain. Just southeast of Tucson is Kartchner Caverns, it’s a cave that has been preserved, and they have set up an air lock and ventilation system to visitors while keeping the cave from being ruined. Get reservations early, they sell out lots of weekends.
Now if you really want to experience the Grand Canyon, you must go in. If you plan to be in Arizona over Labor Day weekend 2003 (Labor Day is the first Monday in September) you are welcome to join some friends and me as we hike rim-to-rim-to-rim. (Let me know ahead of time so we can get the proper permits.) You just have to be in shape, if your not and they have to fly you out in a helicopter it will cost about $3000 US.
Well, if you haven’t already guessed I am a native of Arizona and have seen most of the state so if you have any questions just ask. In my not so humble opinion skip any states east of the Mississippi river. Here are a few links to some stuff in Arizona.

Kartchner Caverns: http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/kartchner.html

Grand Canyon: http://www.thecanyon.com

Canyon de Chelly: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/arizona/features/northern/dechelly042902.html

Travel guide for Arizona: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/

Well I hope you enjoy your visit to the states!

 

[Buttercup]

Since you are starting at Gencon, I suggest you make a small detour to Adams County Ohio (south cerntral Ohio). There you will fins the Serpent Mound. A truely amazing ephigy mound built by the Native Americians maybe 1500 or so years ago (I can't remember right now).

He's right. The Serpent Mound is amazing. Anyone would enjoy it, but a D&Der would really get into it. Mysterious ancient earthwork....lost civilization...magical energy?

 

[Buttercup]

I agree with most of this... except the very end... totally backwards... Most Ohio is great and the world's premier coast park is Cedar Point in Sandusky not that excuse for an amusepark park King's Island... no offense meant but I lived in Ohio for over 20 years.

There's a ton to do in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Cincy has nothing. And I went to college there so I should know.

Correct on all counts. Cleveland has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is pretty cool. Sandusky is roller coaster heaven. Cincinnati is beige and boring. I lived in Ohio for 20 years too.