OT: Best American Tourist Attraction visited

[Tuna]

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 

[ctchamps]

I'm biased. Acadia National Park. Cause that's where we are right now.

 

[Kitaman]

I'm biased. Acadia National Park. Cause that's where we are right now.

Does your wife know you are on the internet checking a message forum while on vacation? You are giving us too much importance. Plus seeing is believing, so prove it!

 

[HuskyHawk]

Most awe inspiring, really, was Gettysburg.

Yosemite is great, Tahoe is nice, Muir Woods, Vegas itself is cool for those who want that. Disneyworld/Universal/Sea World can't be beat for fans of amusement parks. Vermont in the fall. Cape Cod in the summer.

Monument Valley and southern Utah plus Grand Canyon is on my wish list, along with Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Edit: neglected Big Sur/Rt 1 NoCal, because it isn't all that. Guess living nearby for a few years made it less impressive. But I should have added Napa/Sonoma, if you enjoy wine, it's worth a trip. You could combine that with the coast as well.

 

[ctchamps]

Does your wife know you are on the internet checking a message forum while on vacation? You are giving us too much importance. Plus seeing is believing, so prove it!

Family vacation. Rented a cottage at Bass Harbor overlooking the harbor. Hiked Flying Mountain and Gorham with wife and son. Son kayaked Long pond and Echo Lake and took a long hike up and down North and South Bubbles. Walked around Bah Habah this AM after eating blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup heaped on the pancakes. Resting before another hike. So have a moment to check in while sitting on a deck overlooking the harbor. Day is not completed without a Boneyard fix.

 

[Kitaman]

Family vacation. Rented a cottage at Bass Harbor overlooking the harbor. Hiked Flying Mountain and Gorham with wife and son. Son kayaked Long pond and Echo Lake and took a long hike up and down North and South Bubbles. Walked around Bah Habah this AM after eating blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup heaped on the pancakes. Resting before another hike. So have a moment to check in while sitting on a deck overlooking the harbor. Day is not completed without a Boneyard fix.

As I said seeing is believing. I could be at the top of Mt. St. Helen's.

Anyway 'if' you are there enjoy, its on my bucket list to be checked off before 2020.

 

[tomtom80]

Family vacation. Rented a cottage at Bass Harbor overlooking the harbor. Hiked Flying Mountain and Gorham with wife and son. Son kayaked Long pond and Echo Lake and took a long hike up and down North and South Bubbles. Walked around Bah Habah this AM after eating blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup heaped on the pancakes. Resting before another hike. So have a moment to check in while sitting on a deck overlooking the harbor. Day is not completed without a Boneyard fix.

Since your up in Maine, a must stop is Maine Beer Co in Freeport ... pick up a case of LUNCH on the way home. Was there last Fri and seems they always have it available (sorry if this belongs in the beer thread :>)

 

[Dogbreath2U]

Family vacation. Rented a cottage at Bass Harbor overlooking the harbor. Hiked Flying Mountain and Gorham with wife and son. Son kayaked Long pond and Echo Lake and took a long hike up and down North and South Bubbles. Walked around Bah Habah this AM after eating blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup heaped on the pancakes. Resting before another hike. So have a moment to check in while sitting on a deck overlooking the harbor. Day is not completed without a Boneyard fix.

I have been there 3 times and love it, but would also love to here about things you would suggest that might be off the beaten path or that the casual tourists might not know about. Whenever and whatever would be appreciated. Next time I'm there, I hope to again hear some Irish music at Paddy's. Had fun with that the first two times we went, but none the last time. Have a great time! Sounds like you are already doing so!

 

[huskypantz]

San Francisco is easily my favorite city, I could walk around for days there just looking at the architecture.

The geography of SF is very cool. Speaking of architecture, Chicago comes to mind as one of the best cities in America.

 

[Dove]

Dusk...Big Island of Hawaii...south shore watching a live lava flow hit the Pacific Ocean resulting in huge steam clouds. The stars were infinite.

 

[dogpause]

I was in San Antonio on business 20+ years ago and decided to go outside of the hotel for a walk. Around 5 minutes later I see people going in and out of a sizable hut. When I approached I was shocked to learn it was the Alamo. After all the Alamo movies I was expecting something grand but it was sadly disappointing (for me). Although I knew the Alamo was in San Antonio I would never have thought it would be right near a hotel downtown.

Somehow I think I might have enjoyed it more if I didn't bump into it and it wasn't so empty (albeit it was a weekday around 5pm).

I too found it to be underwhelming, but I guess the historical significance is what makes it worth the trip.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I've seen nearly everything mentioned here except for Alaska which is high on my bucket list.

Hard to pick favorites but Yosemite would be up there with Na Pali and the Utah parks. I'd include the outer Cape and Maine coast as well. San Francisco is easily my favorite city, I could walk around for days there just looking at the architecture.

Glacier NP in Montana has some of the nicest scenery, but I saw so many bears I didn't do much hiking there.

The geography of SF is very cool. Speaking of architecture, Chicago comes to mind as one of the best cities in America.

And that's what makes the world go round. I despised the seven days I spent in SF. Dirty, packed with traffic, people who looked miserable and the weather stunk. And that was in mid-September. If I never spend another minute in SF, it will be a success. I don't even like the airport.

Only enjoyable part was watching the Bushman scare tourists by hiding behind a twig next to a mailbox. We were on the balcony of one of the seafood restaurants and watched for a few hours.

To be fair, I was spoiled after just having spent 10 days in San Diego where the weather's great, the people are friendly, outgoing and have great personal dispositions.

 

[huskypantz]

And that's what makes the world go round. I despised the seven days I spent in SF. Dirty, packed with traffic, people who looked miserable and the weather stunk. And that was in mid-September. If I never spend another minute in SF, it will be a success. I don't even like the airport.

Only enjoyable part was watching the Bushman scare tourists by hiding behind a twig next to a mailbox. We were on the balcony of one of the seafood restaurants and watched for a few hours.

To be fair, I was spoiled after just having spent 10 days in San Diego where the weather's great, the people are friendly, outgoing and have great personal dispositions.

The thing I really disliked about SF was the homeless presence, who seemed to be almost everywhere. It was just tough to sit down for a meal at an outdoor snack shack and have a homeless person/beggar come sit at your table and stare at you with their hand out. There are homeless here in Boston but nothing like the SF crowd, and certainly not so intrusive.

 

[8893]

The thing I really disliked about SF was the homeless presence, who seemed to be almost everywhere. It was just tough to sit down for a meal at an outdoor snack shack and have a homeless person/beggar come sit at your table and stare at you with their hand out. There are homeless here in Boston but nothing like the SF crowd, and certainly not so intrusive.

Nothing a swift boot on the neck can't handle.

 

[Northbound]

It's not an awe inspiring natural phenomenon like the Grand Canyon that will stay with you the rest of your life, but when we visited the fort years ago, it was a wonderful experience, due more than anything to the tour guide we happened to get by luck. She was a local grammar school history teacher, and was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the place. She made us appreciate the hardship and the sacrifice that went into that history. The fort was great, but she was amazing!

Still the Grand Canyon... There's not a picture or film in the world that can prepare you for its majesty.

Everyone will say I'm nuts like my wife did. I've been to the canyon a number of times (all round the rim actually) and I appreciate it for what it is and it's majesty, but I don't love it, I think I react to the earth tone colors with I don't like. Glacier, Zion, North Cascades, and the Tetons were more magical for me. We used to drive all around the intermountain west and Southwest for two weeks over Thanksgiving every year when we lived in KC. Was great had Thanksgiving dinner in Zion at a lodge one year, really really good. I love the drive from 70 down 191 to Moab, even though the red rock isn't my thing.

I want to do the Narrows in Zion one day, the wife and I are planning it. I don't love the flash flood=death deal, but the narrows are supposed to be amazing.

 

[Dogdeacon]

I too found it to be underwhelming, but I guess the historical significance is what makes it worth the trip.

I think Alamo and Plymouth Rock are deserving of their notorious reps as the most underwhelming tourist attractions.

 

[Hankster]

I spent 5 years in Europe. Plenty see there. I also visited many places posters have already mentioned.. I left Vegas and headed to Grand Canyon. I have to agree, what a sight. However crossing the Hoover Dam it earned a "w...t...f" comment. Not like the movies. Big disappointment. I was stationed in Monterey and agree that Big Sur is a beautiful sight. I stood there and stared at MT. Rushmore. I don't know. Another great feat but it didn't excite me. I was there when then outlined the mountain with Geronimo's face. For future chiseling. Or was that Sitting Bull. The Badlands wanted too much money to enter. I was on a semi-trip and others passed. I drove from East Coast to West Coast many times. I highly recommend it. To see the change in landscaping is a site to see. AND to think, no Jet Lag.

 

[Kitaman]

I was there when then outlined the mountain with Geronimo's face. For future chiseling. Or was that Sitting Bull.

Its Chief Crazy Horse they are carving in South Dakota. The muesem is somewhat disappointing. What's interesting is that the project could take decades to complet because they rely on donations and no Gov't funding (understandably). What I don't understand is why the country's Indian casinos don't contribute. Its the only national monument in the country dedicated to a Native American.

By the way he'll be on the horse when completed.

 

[Hankster]

Its Chief Crazy Horse they are carving in South Dakota. The muesem is somewhat disappointing. What's interesting is that the project could take decades to complet because they rely on donations and no Gov't funding (understandably). What I don't understand is why the country's Indian casinos don't contribute. Its the only national monument in the country dedicated to a Native American.

By the way he'll be on the horse when completed.

Very interesting indeed. I was there years ago and seems like progress is slow. Great point on the Indian run Casinos. Maybe no money in it. Times have changed. I think it will be impressive. I think Custers Last Stand was mentioned. I would like to see that.

 

[UCweCONN]

Graceland.

 

[jleves]

Very interesting indeed. I was there years ago and seems like progress is slow. Great point on the Indian run Casinos. Maybe no money in it. Times have changed. I think it will be impressive. I think Custers Last Stand was mentioned. I would like to see that.

I stopped at Little Bighorn driving between Glacier and Mt Rushmore and it was one of the more depressing places I've ever been. A random hill in pretty much the middle of nowhere with a bunch of short flags placed where people died. Save some time and keep driving.

 

[Hankster]

Seriously, who needs AAA Travel, Orbit, Travel Channel to include all those other travel website. The Boneyard has it all. LOL I am serious. Great topic. I traveled a ton for the past 40 years. However I never traveled to the Bahamas. UNTIL, last year when our guys played Atlantis. I took copious notes from The Yard. Great ideas, suggestions and warnings about there helped me a lot. Made the trip much easier. Especially dining. This is the place for all your travel needs.

 

[Palatine]

I still find the Air and Space Museum very inspiring. In fact, as a whole the Smithsonian and National Mall pretty hard to top. You can spend days there and still need more time.

As far as natural wonders go, both the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls are icons for a reason, the scale of them is unmatched on the planet.

 

[Excalibur]

For me, Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons, in that order. Haven't been to Yosemite. The Air & Space museum, Holocaust Museum, and WWII memorials in DC are all fascinating as well.

 

[ctchamps]

I have been there 3 times and love it, but would also love to here about things you would suggest that might be off the beaten path or that the casual tourists might not know about. Whenever and whatever would be appreciated. Next time I'm there, I hope to again hear some Irish music at Paddy's. Had fun with that the first two times we went, but none the last time. Have a great time! Sounds like you are already doing so!

As I said seeing is believing. I could be at the top of Mt. St. Helen's.

Anyway 'if' you are there enjoy, its on my bucket list to be checked off before 2020.

I'm back home. Waiting for the pictures people took to upload a couple to prove we weren't at Mt. St. Helen's.

Trip was everything I wished for and then some. One of the best vacations we ever had. Of course seeing our son after more than a year had a lot to do with it. When we left to go our separate ways (son to Ohio, us to NC) my wife broke down and cried like a baby and that sent me over the edge. Glad we were in a parking lot and not on the Cliff Walk. Sadly some guy from NJ did fall from Otter Cliffs and died last week.

Not sure I can help you with the "off the beaten path" info Dog, because we do the circuit of lobster pound (Tremont Bridge Lobster Pond just before the island), Jordan Pancake house, and Jordan Pond for their popovers and lobster stew during our stay. Night entertainment is games and puzzles with the family or star gazing on Cadillac Mt. Real boring and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The hiking trails are numerous. Go online to scout out trails or when you get there head to the Hull Cove Visitor Center on Rt 3 or Park Headquarters on Rt 233 to get some advice on the various hikes. If anyone is over 62 they can get a Golden Eagle Pass (got ours at the Park Headquarters, don't know if you can at the visitor center) for $10 which allows anyone in the car driven by that person to get into any national park free for that person's lifetime. Otherwise the cost of a pass is $25 for one week at Acadia.

My son hiked from the parking lot at Eagle Lake, walked along the west side, hiked up Connors Nubble, then went down and up to North Bubble and down and up South Bubble, and down again returning on the east side of Eagle Lake. He intended to go up Sargent Mountain but chose not to. Connors Nubble is not for the faint of heart but the views from the cliff are spectacular. At least the pictures my son showed me indicate that. He saw only a handful of people his entire hike. Not off the beaten path but not a well traveled one either.

If you like canoeing or kayaking, Long Pond, Echo Lake or Eagle Lake are terrific. Go from the south end of Long Pond. Less people and the better views if you can't make the entire length of the lake.

The side of the island we stayed on, at Bass Harbor is called the "quiet side" and it does have a lot less tourists. But it is more of a ride to get to Bar Harbor and the Cliff Walks.

We love to go slightly off season, usually last week of August or first week in September when most places are still open but the less predictable weather tends to reduce the numbers of tourists. This year was our first time on Mount Desert Island starting the first week of June. We arranged it that way because of a wedding (which sadly ended up getting canceled). This was the first time we rented a cottage and it was well worth it. Nothing like having a stocked kitchen to make our meals. As I stated in a previous post the view from the cottage was wonderful. Weather worked out nicely although it looked like it was going to be a washout for the entire vacation.