Does traveling the globe sound like something you’d be interested in? You might be surprised to learn that while most people enjoy the idea of traveling abroad, most willingly admit that they’re a little apprehensive about the idea.
World travel isn’t for everyone, but it’s something that you should at least consider if you want to become more knowledgeable about culture and diversity.
Some of the most premier destinations, however, are right here in the United States. With roughly over 95,000 miles of coastline, the United States is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In addition, some of our states have over 10,000 lakes. All this combined with some of the world’s longest rivers and cultural centers like New York City, Chicago, and New Orleans makes America a great place to visit.
Whether you want to try out a new baitcaster along the shore or climb a Fourteener in Colorado, here we’ll explore a few of the more interesting places found in America.
New Orleans
If you’re interested in leaving the comforts of home and taking a trip through a Mecca of cultural diversity, look no further than the jewel of the south. New Orleans is home to some of the best food, music, and tourist attractions in the country, and there’s no other city like it.
While most people may associate New Orleans with the French, it was actually occupied by the Spanish as well for some time. Settled by the Irish and attacked by the British, New Orleans was also a trade port for goods as well as for slaves coming from Africa. The mesh of cultural identities are evident in the architecture around the city which literally changes before your eyes as you walk.
Wrought iron fences line antebellum homes that once stood as plantations, some of which are still on their original acreage. And while you’re there, be sure to wander through the iconic French Quarter and take a trolly ride down St. Charles Avenue, the main parade route for Mardi Gras.
Cannon Beach
While you’re up on the Northern Pacific Coast, take a trip down to Cannon Beach in Oregon. Once you leave the parking lot, you’ll probably notice some uniquely familiar rock formations sitting proudly along the shallow shoreline.
Cannon Beach is mostly famous for its picturesque backdrop which includes Haystack Rock, a roosting ground for Tufted Puffins. And this feature is the most recognizable, as it has been included as part of many popular movies such as The Goonies, filmed in 1985.
If the surrounding cliffs don’t inspire you from the beach, take a tour down Highway 101, which offers some of the best vistas on the Pacific Coast.
Though Cannon Beach sits on the coast, be prepared when you dip your toes in the frigid water. It’s not uncommon for this area’s microclimate to run 20 degrees below that of nearby inland areas, even in early August, especially during times of dense fog.
Manitou Springs
If the days of western settlement and the pioneer lifestyle tickle your fancy, and you have an open mind, the town of Manitou Springs in Colorado has much to offer. This region was once regarded as sacred by the local natives who lived in the area before settlers came, and is home to one of the oldest hotels in the state of Colorado now known as The Cliffhouse.
Nestled in a box canyon nearly 1,000 feet higher than Denver, Manitou Springs rests at the base of Pikes Peak, a towering Fourteener that you can explore by car, or by foot if you’re up for the challenge. Manitou is also home to a large new age community, and this can be seen in a few of its Bohemian-style shops found around town.
Among its many shops and attractions, Manitou Springs has long been known for its natural mineral and soda springs which pipe up at several locations throughout town, each one said to hold healing powers. Each spring is labeled and describes which minerals are present in the waters, and it’s not uncommon to see locals bringing water jugs to fill at the springs.
No matter where you set your sights to travel, remember that the journey is much more illuminating than the destination will ever be. You learn so much by traveling, and you never know what wonders you’ll come across.
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