We’ve been sharing more about European destinations with so many events taking place across the Atlantic this summer. But you don’t have to go to other continents to experience something new, historic, romantic or adventurous. Our 50 United States of America are full of interesting places just waiting for you to visit.
Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches, Delaware
If you are looking for a beach that you’ve never been to but once you visit, you’ll want to go back year after year then give Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches on the Delaware Coast a try. This 30-mile stretch of best-kept-secret beach towns is a summer favorite to many families who can’t wait to come back again and again. From bonfires on the beach to antiquing and biking, there are activities for everyone and great hotels, too.
Holiday World and Splashin Safari, Indiana
Home to the most popular wooden roller coaster on the planet AND the longest water coaster is Holiday World and Splashin Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. From the big kids to the tiny tots, there will be non-stop excitement at this oasis of fun located just three hours from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and St. Louis and two hours from Nashville and Lexington, plan a day of fun at “America’s Amusement Park”.
90 BBQ Restaurants, Missouri
I don’t know about you but I love me some barbecue! And Kansas City, MO is the place to get it. With more than 90 BBQ restaurants, Kansas City is the Barbecue Capital of the World. It’s worth a visit to try it sweet and smoky, or hot and sassy, and maybe enter your own recipe in one of the area’s barbecue competitions.
Insectarium, Louisiana
I know you have heard of Mardi Gras, and the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. But did you know that it is also home to the Insectarium, North America’s largest museum dedicated to insects and all of their relatives? Inside you can wander, bug size, through a Louisiana swamp. This Audubon Institute attraction also features an Asian-inspired butterfly garden.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Ranked one of the top 10 islands in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Mackinac Island, Michigan, takes you back, Somewhere In Time. Stay at one of the historic inns and bed & breakfasts or the grand dame, Grand Hotel. You can explore on foot, by bike, take a horse-and-buggy but there are no cars on this enchanted island.
50 THINGS TO DO IN 50 STATES
Alabama: African American Heritage Trail, Mobile Alabama.
Alaska: Denali National Park, Denali, Alaska.
Arizona: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona.
Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
California: Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California
Colorado: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado.
Connecticut: Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk, Connecticut.
Delaware: Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches, Rehoboth, Delaware.
Florida: Gatorland, Kissimmee, Florida.
Georgia: 6th Sense World™, Savannah, Georgia.
Hawaii: Historic Kailua Village, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Idaho: Sun Valley, Sun Valley, Idaho.
Illinois: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, Illinois
Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana.
Iowa: The Danish Windmill Museum, Elk Horn, Iowa.
Kansas: Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Hutchinson, KS.
Kentucky: Keeneland, Lexington, Kentucky.
Louisiana: Insectarium, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Maine: Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine.
Maryland: The U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
Massachusetts: Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts.
Michigan: Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Minnesota: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mississippi: Mississippi Children’s Museum, Jackson, Mississippi.
Missouri: Kansas City Barbecue, Kansas City, Missouri.
Montana: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, West Glacier, MT.
Nebraska: Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska.
Nevada: Dig This, Las Vegas, Nevada.
New Hampshire: Prescott Park, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
New Jersey: Atlantic City, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
New Mexico: Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town, Alburquerque, New Mexico.
New York: Chelsea Market, NYC, New York.
North Carolina: Fall Color by Scenic Drive, Statewide.
North Dakota: Five Nations Art Depot, Mandan, North Dakota.
Ohio: The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio.
Oklahoma: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Oregon: Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon.
Pennsylvania: The Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island: Newport Mansions, Newport, Rhode Island.
South Carolina: The Old City Market, Charleston, South Carolina.
South Dakota: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, South Dakota.
Tennessee: Sun Records, Memphis, Tennessee.
Texas: Austin Bats, Austin, Texas.
Utah: White water rafting.
Vermont: Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Green Mountains, Vermont.
Virginia: Civil War Trails. Statewide.
Washington: Underground Tour, Seattle, Washington.
West Virginia: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Wisconsin: Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park, Madison, Wisconsin.
Wyoming: Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
If you have questions or comments for the author of the Travel Smart Blog, Nicole Hockin, please email: 
