How many U.S states have you been to?

Born and raised in Chicago, before I started moving around the world. My count is 17 U.S states, which I think is about the average.

What I'm mostly curious about in this thread is to check my theory that people from the west have been to less states, because in the west they're huge when compared to the east...I wonder if this thread will prove that theory.

So has anyone been to ALL 50 states ?

Anyway, here's my list:

I've been to 17 :

Illinois (home)
Iowa
Kentucky
Missouri
Indiana
Wisconsin
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Florida
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Tennessee
Washington

Go on and post your list. And please dont mention states you've just driven through, unless you made a stop and stayed somewhere..

Oh and here's the full 50 list for easy reference:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

I think my list is AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MD, MA, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, VT, VA, WV -- so that's about 23 so far.

Arizona (6 days)
Arkansas (2 days)
California (2 days)
Illinois (2 days)
New Mexico (4 days)
Texas (4 years)
Wisconsin (1 day)

Here's my list Fame.
38 so far
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Georgia(airport)
Tennessee

I was three times in the US: 1997, 2003 and 2009.

Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois (2x)
Louisiana
Massachussets
New York (3x)
Virginia
Washington DC

So Graceland was your sole reason for visiting the States?

Now that's a true Elvis fan!

Here's my list:


California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin

TIS

40 of 50. Some were only one-day visits on business.

Dam right..

Wow DeNiro, I can just imagine how exciting this trip must have been to you. Since you're such an Elvis fan, I am sure you fulfilled one of the "things I would like to do before I die" list. I've been a fan from day one, and live in the U.S. and have never been to Graceland. I'm gonna go though someday.



TIS

Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington, DC

You should just do it TIS, life's to short

I've been to Graceland, tho it was years ago. I mostly remember the car collection. And his portrait when you enter the house, the tombstone of course. Oh and a jet outside, if I'm not mistaken. But yeah, so long ago I definitely need a revisit...someday.

The other Memphis site I mostly remember is the Mud Island River Park. Oh and the houses I've been to were all so beautiful, there's just something calm and peaceful about that city.

De Niro - you must definitely check out (if you havent already) Marc Cohn's song "Walking in Memphis", pay attention to the lyrics

17 states and Washington D.C.

New Jersey (born in Jersey City, live in NJ now)
New York (lived there for 53 years)
Connecticut (family)
Rhode Island (college hunt, business)
Massachusetts (college hunt, business)
Vermont (vacation, business)
New Hampshire (friends)
Pennsylvania (family)
Ohio (business)
Delaware (vacation)
Maryland (family, vacation)
Virginia (family, vacation)
District of Columbia (sightseeing)
South Carolina (golf)
Georgia (vacation, business)
Florida (vacation)
Tennessee (business)
Texas (business)

About 17/18 states.

California
Ohio
Colorado
Arizona
texas
Oklahoma
Nevada
Virginia
Alabama
tennessee
Indiana


yeah i know I'm not well traveled. I might be going to Minnesota later on it just depends. I also want to visit Oregon I have family there. I also want to visit Michigan I have family there as well. Plus I want to visit washington state I want to visit Mount St Helens

I like Washington state. We camped at Olympic National Park. We went to Mount St Helens while we were there.

Not very many.

New Jersey
New York
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Vermont
New Hampshire
Texas
California
Louisiana
Mississippi
Tennessee
Pennsylvania

I've been in most of them; some of them were just driving through though. Was never in Mississippi, Hawaii, and I think Alabama.

None yet....but one day i hope to rectify that!

So you drove through Alaska.

No. I flew up there (in a single engine plane) with my ex father-in-law and my ex's uncle. Quite a trip!!

lets see now...

illinois (home)
nebraska
missouri
arkansas
kansas
pennsylvania
virgina
indiana
michigan
i guess washington dc

so thats 8 states, and the nations capitol

I bet that was just beautiful.

one of these days i plan on driving to Hawaii

Don't press on the gas too hard - you'll flood the engine.

yea i dont want that...i just hope the gas prices will be cheap.

(Pretending I'm SC)

I've been in the State of confusion a number of times.

Hu hu??? Sounds like SC no?


TIS

I've been living there lately.

I think I was born there.


TIS

Indiana
Illinois
Missouri
Ohio
Wisconsin
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama

That explains it!

You got Colorado twice

If airports count, I've been in 5 of them, otherwise just one.

Opps Changed it.

Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New Jersey
Maryland
Delaware
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Virginia
N. Carolina
S. Carolina
Georgia
Florida
Alabama
Missisippi
Louisiana
Texas
New Mexico
California
Washington
Alaska
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Arkansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Colorado
Idaho
Oklahoma
Kansas
Nebraska

Ohio
Pennsylvania
Nevada
Arizona
Maryland
North Carolina
Florida
Virginia
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York
Illinois
New Jersey
Indiana
South Carolina
Georgia
Kentucky
West Virginia
Not a state, but many times to Washington D.C.

Would really like to go the following:
Hawaii
California
Washington
Texas
Colorado
Utah

As far as the states go, there are some states I really don't have an interest in seeing. Besides maybe Mass. or I don't know, another East Coast State/s which simply seen neat, and D.C. I can't think of any I want to go to. Even Hawaii, which at one time was on my favorite list, I probably won't go to any time soon.

I decided I'm more of a "hustle bustle" big city fan than a beach bum (ha ha...and here I am in California) No slight to any other state, but there are only a certain number that appeal to me.

TIS

I would hate living in a busy, metropolitan area like Manhattan, downtown Chicago, or Washington D.C. I do not like having to scrounge for parking or hailing a taxi when simply wanting to go pick up a pizza. Or paying a parking meter when grocery shopping. Those places are great to visit, but I would miserable in any of those locales on a permanent basis.

I agree about certain states having very little attraction, TIS. I cannot see myself going to Nebraska, Idaho, or New Mexico anytime soon. I respectfully disagree about the East Coast - I think there is a ton to see: the beautiful scenery of a state like Vermont or Connecticut, the quaintness of Rhode Island, etc. But I could certainly understand why you would have less desire since you are on the extreme left coast of the country and do not want to travel the 3,000 some-odd miles to the east.

Goombah,

(Hello btw) I think you misunderstood. I DO want to see more of the East Coast States, simply because the whole atmosphere seem really neat. I guess I don't know precisely what there is to see say in Rhode Island or Maryland, Deleware, etc. I'd need a little more info. But yea, the East Coast States, do appeal to me.


TIS

My brother took his family to Hawaii and he said that it was very beautiful, but shockingly expensive. He said that he felt he could have had a similar and far less expensive vacation at any Carribean location.

Hi SB

I won't say I would NEVER go to Hawaii, I may someday. It's just not real high on my list. However, that being said, from everyone I know who has been there, and every picture/movie I've seen, it IS absolutely beautiful, no doubt about it. Expensive also.



TIS

Being from NY, I can't picture being on a plane that long to experience Hawaii, quite frankly.

As for the East Coast, it's very nice to see Mystic, CT, Newport, RI, Boston and Cape Cod, MA, and there are tons of pretty towns in VT and NH. We went to NH with my daughter to visit a college and fell in love with the town. It had a lovely downtown area with craft stores and neat cafes and restaurants, and it was all very walkable.

I've been to
Pennsylvania (my home)
New York
New Jersey
Connecticut
Massachusetts (lived there three years)
Rhode Island
New Hampshire
Vermont
Maine
Maryland
Virginia
West Virginia
Delaware
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Kentucky
Georgia
Florida
Indiana
Illinois
Missouri
Michigan
Minnesota
California
Colorado

The state I would most like to add to my list is Alaska.

The most scenic states I've visited are Vermont and New Hampshire.

SB,

That's exactly what I mean, as far as the info you give on these Eastern States. There's no Empire State Bldg, Ellis Island, Wall Street..you know tourist sites that are there, or sites to see?

If I wanted to visit NY and say other East Coast States, which ones would you recommend and any specific sites.
Btw, one state I know I want to visit is Massachusetts (Boston). Other than that, I'm open. Any particular sites to note that you didn't mention above?

TIS

I would love to visit those states. I bet they are beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn color.

I'm thinking there must be some kind of "touring" via train or bus or whatever from NYC to the main attractions of these states. Perhaps next time I visit NYC I'll arrange a couple nights/days tour, to visit one or two of these states. If I am not mistaken, they have bus/train to Boston for instance; and I know they do from NY to Philly cause SV and I took it back from Philly. It always amazes me how very close these states are to each other.

I guess I wouldn't know how much time to allow in any of these Eastern States. One day per state?
I'll have to check travel sites for these things. It might work out well for me next time I head East. Any suggestions as to what to see will be helpful too.



TIS

When I was a kid we went to Mystic Seaport a number of times -- very cool if you're into that stuff...

Oh, Mystic is actually the name of a city? I thought it was an adjective SB was using to describe the State. I was wondering what exactly she meant. LOL



TIS

TIS, Aside from Boston, I would recommend Newport, RI. The coastline is beautiful, plus you have all the historic mansions (that the owners used to call their cottages) to visit. They are just incredible, and if you're in the area, they really must be seen.
Newport, Rhode Island

Also, although they can be ridiculously expensive, Newport has some of the most self-indulgent bed and breakfast inns in the world. One of them even has a "Pillow Menu" so that you can make sure to have the best one to rest your weary head. The village itself is very beautiful, and they have tours of wineries, museums, etc.

Oh, and if you're doing Boston, then Salem is very interesting as well.

Thanks SB. Now let me ask this. Are Boston, Newport, RI and say D.C.(I'd love to go there as well) all within a reasonable travel distance from NYC (I'd probably use that as my home base so to speak) where it would be possible to do a few day trip?



TIS

TIS, Depending on what you wanna do/see will dictate how much time you need to schedule.

For me, there is nothing better than autumn in New England. The colors are absolutely beautiful, and the small towns have a class all themselves. Best time to visit Vermont, for instance (my favorite) is usually the first week of October. The days are crisp, the nights are cool (I know you don't like cold weather, but a good sweater will suffice) and the scenery is unequaled! I'd suggest a few days to get a real taste of this wonderful part of the country. A drive to Old Sturbridge, Mass. could follow... it's a village re-enacting the 1700s in New England (1 day) and then Boston could follow - plenty of great historical sites (Revolutionary War, early Americana) and a young, college "town" (read plenty of bars).

You wanna plan a trip for 2010? I'll be glad to accompany ya!

I believe that Boston and Newport are closer than DC, which is about 5 hours south of NYC (via Baltimore, where you can see Beth!). However, they are all doable from NYC. You might want to start in Boston and work your way down, ending in Washington, though. This way you could see Newport and Mystic on your way south. You could easily fly into Boston and fly out of Washington.

I forgot about Sturbridge! That was definitely a fun trip. I was going to suggest Williamsburg, VA if you do Washington, but I think Sturbridge is better!

The witch museum... my favorite!

Oh, sorry about that. I know it's a long trip from CA, but well worth it. Since I've never been to California, could you tell us your top 5 recommendations to visit in CA in terms of cities (based upon whatever criteria you think is appealing)?

My daughters did Salem and Boston as a school trip. I told them that the witch museum might not let them out.

SC & SB You guys are very helpful and thanks for the offer SC. Since I'm retired I have several trips I'd like to do:

Michigan
Vegas
NYC & East Coast

I am sort of putting things off from immediate implementation due to personal reasons, but hopefully these will be resolved in the next couple months. Then, my big decision is where to go first and I'm leaning toward seeing my family but may do that sooner, I'm not certain.

Back to travel, and it may not be much to see in your guys' eyes, I don't know, BUT I want to see The Kennedy Compound (even if it's just to pass by) and I want to go to Arlington to see JFK grave.


TIS

Arlington is very moving, TIS. It's definitely a must during a trip to Washington.

The Kennedy Compound is on Cape Cod (about an hour south of Boston). If you do that, you can drive back to NYC and see Mystic Seaport (another great village restoration - showing the whaling industry years) and then stop off for a night's gambling in the Indian owned hotel/casino in Connecticut.

I like Williamsburg. If you guys ever go there again, look up Becky and Frank. She lives about 15 miles from Williamsburg.

Sites to see: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Blvd. which has the Chinese theater and the star footprints. Rodeo Drive is fun to walk down and you may see some stars if you're lucky.

There are of course the NBC studios where they tape shows. You may be able to get tickets to see them film. I once saw Murphy Brown being filmed. It was fun. Hollywood, L.A. have tons of things to do if you like into that. I always enjoy going there every few years.

California has a beautiful Coast line. Venice Beach is very famous for it's uniqueness. You'll see all kinds of people. It's fun to walk around. I am most familair with OC beaches although I haven't been to the beach in years. Dana Point is lovely. My daughter went to an Angel's game with some friends just yessterday who rented a beach house through some connections. It turns out that it was next door to Magic Johnson's which she said looked beautiful.

Oh and there is always the Queen Mary in Long Beach, which I've never been to but hear is nice. Also the Hearst Castle.

Don't forget Northern California too. I am not as familiar with it but can tell you San Francisco is one heck of a neat city with a feel all it's own. There's Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square is neat and they have Alacatrz tours along with fun cable car rides an Italian area with great food. The hills alone will blow your mind (phrase from the past) Do NOT drive there. Oh and the "Crookedest Street In The World", Lombard St.

Oh, and although I couldn't give you directions (Saladbar could)what would a NoCal trip be without seeing FFC's Winery It's got a different name now though. I can't remember what it was. As a matter of fact NoCal is noted for their wine. Saladbar and I went to a wine tasting and it was quite fun. I exited feeling pretty darn good.



TIS

if i ever go to hollywood i would visit the roosevelt hotel, hollywood sign, and other sites at night since they are haunted.

The Queen Mary is also haunted they say. They've had tv documentaries on it with people who swear that there are ghosts in certain area of the ship. I'd like to see it someday myself. I find that sort of thing fun.



TIS

If you're driving from L.A. to San Francisco, you MUST stop off at the Madonna Inn. It's a totally garish motel but so much fun. Do a Google search on it.

i heard that as well...if i remember right marilyn monroe haunts a mirror in the roosevelt hotel, and if anybody seen "from here to enternity" montgomery clift is said to be heard practicing his buegual for the the part.

Next time I go back to Cali I want to go to Sanfran and take a tour of Alkatraz. Last time I was there I didn't have time.

Mig, if you do book way ahead. Last time I went I tried to book on-line a few months early and it was already sold out for the days I was gonna be there.


TIS

hey TIS did they say that they might tear down alkatraz?

You know Bam, it seems a couple years ago I did hear something to about that. I'm not sure if it was they were gonna tear it down or use it as something else. I don't think any decision has been made, but I suppose it's possible they ended the tours. It might be worth checking before any goes there.
I'll see if I can find out. Or, Blib might know he's from NoCal.


TIS

I love San Francisco. It was one of the few vacation where I ate as much as I wanted and still lost weight from walking up and down those hills! I loved Grace Cathedral and Muir Woods and walking along Fisherman's Wharf and having a sundae at the Ghirardelli store. The restaurants are fantastic. We did Alcatraz, but went at the last minute and bought tickets with no problem.

Our hotel was right on Union Square and I loved sitting out there and having my coffee in the morning, reading and people-watching. Jumping on a streetcar was fun, walking around the city and looking in all the beautiful art galleries, it's just a lovely place.

I also enjoyed San Diego. Very pretty, with tons to do.

San Francisco was a fun town.... I stayed at the PSA San Franciscan, one of the few big buildings left standing after the big earthquake in 1906. It had been magnificently re-furbished shortly before I visited in 1980 (or so).

Yes, SB, Muir Woods was amazing! A humbling experience to stand under those giant trees.

My wife and I spent a few days at Cape Cod in late Nov., 1991 when it was very quiet, and we ended up at the Kennedy Compound and were allowed to stroll the grounds. Other tourists approached us and asked if they could have their picture taken with me. I was dumbfounded, but obliged.

A groundsman later told me that I was a dead ringer for one of Rose Kennedy's grandsons.

We laugh now and then when we think of a family showing their picture with one of the Kennedy kids.

By the way, if you spend any time in Boston, do the Freedom Trail, especially in the Fall.

That's exactly what I thought when I first saw a picture of you (in which you and your kids were outside of a ballpark).

How do we know you're NOT one of the Kennedy's? I've never seen you and Robert, Jr. in the same place!!!

Cool story Kly. That must have made your day. Now, if you're a Kennedy, how about some cash?

I don't remember the picture you posted very well though.




TIS

In my original list I forgot to add New Mexico I went to the NRA shooting range which is just outside of Raton and I've seen the grave of Billy the kid. I'm so ashamed of myself for forgeting to mention NM as Billy the kid is my fave outlaw from the old west.

Later that night my wife and I stopped at a quaint Italian restaurant in Hyannisport. We were the only patrons there because of the time of year, and as I entered, the owner, a little old white haired guy, walked past my wife and hugged me before taking us to our table. My wife thinks that he confused me for a Kennedy.

For the rest of the trip I was just a commoner.

Either that or he was a Phillies fan.

Wow Kly. Think how you could mess with people's minds if you wanted to. Post that picture again, will you?


TIS

TIS, I "borrowed" klyd's picture from our gallery here. That's our klydon in the back middle (red shirt, no hat):

A closeup before klyd pahked the cah in the Hahvad yad: