The joy of exploration unites cultures through travel, and on World Tourism Day, GoUSA is showcasing the boundless opportunities for exploration that the USA offers. From the stunning landscapes of national parks to the vibrant urban scenes, the USA boasts a diverse range of destinations and experiences waiting to be discovered.
Diversity of Experiences, Great Lakes Bay, Michigan
From the expansive landscapes and wildlife of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge to the allure of music and culinary delights, Michigan’s enchanting Great Lakes Bay area offers an ideal retreat full of diverse experiences. The Great Lakes Bay region encompasses six distinct and captivating cities- Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland, and Saginaw. Begin your exploration in the picturesque waterfront town of Bay City, a serene locale nestled along Lake Huron’s shores. Here, the clear waters host a variety of vessels, including the majestic Appledore Tall Ships schooners, offering peaceful sailboat rides for both private and public experiences. Unwind on the waterfront, observe sailboats gliding through the waters or embark on a tranquil sunset cruise. Dow Gardens in Midland transforms with over 20,000 tulips and daffodils in autumn, creating a vibrant spring tapestry. Founded by Herbert Dow, creator of Dow Chemical Company, the gardens span 44 hectares and encompass trees, shrubs, and serene landscapes. Explore Whiting Forest within the gardens, featuring trails and a nine-meter tower offering panoramic views. A short drive to Frankenmuth, dubbed Michigan’s Little Bavaria, exudes the Christmas spirit year-round. Discover the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s, and dine at Tiffany’s. Finally, indulge in retail therapy at Birch Run Premium Outlets, the Midwest’s largest outlet mall, boasting 145 designer and name-brand stores. Later, please treat yourself to a colossal BLT sandwich at Tony’s I-75 Restaurant at the end of a great day.
Culinary Experiences, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas’s culinary scene offers a tantalizing fusion of flavours that capture the region’s coastal essence and diverse influences. Indulge in the varied culinary landscape of Las Vegas, Nevada, starting with a visit to Rollin Smoke Barbecue, where the all-you-can-eat option is a must for embracing the city’s spirit. Savour smoky delights like brisket three ways and the rib platter special, reflecting the heart of the city’s culinary offerings. Culinary delights await at Bardot Brasserie, Michael Mina’s Parisian-style gem in Aria Resort and Casino. Satisfy your palate with Mussels Mariniere and signature cocktails like “And God Created Woman.” Roma Deli on Spring Mountain Road serves up authentic Italian dishes for lunch, a testament to generations of family recipes. STK Steakhouse in The Cosmopolitan and Scarpetta’s perfect Spaghetti cater to diverse tastes, while Vegas’ eclectic dining scene spans Thai, Korean BBQ, and more. Amid the city’s vibrant lifestyle, craft beer finds its place across many breweries and pubs, offering a range of classic and innovative brews. For coffee lovers, Makers and Finders is a haven for quality brews and Latin comfort food.
Outdoor Experiences, Great 8, South Dakota
Discover South Dakota’s “Great 8,” a collection of extraordinary adventures that rank among the world’s finest. This state boasts a plethora of natural wonders, with the “Great 8” providing just a glimpse into outdoor excitement. Marvel at the brilliance of the Milky Way in Badlands National Park, a haven for stargazing. Explore the t 37-million-year-old fossil beds found in this region. You may encounter a variety of native wildlife such as buffalo, bighorn sheep, and deer. Custer State Park, a beloved southern Black Hills retreat, caters to all, offering fishing, granite spire ascents, lodges, and wildlife viewing. You may also embark on awe-inspiring vertical journeys in Custer State Park’s Needles area. Jewel Cave National Monument captivates with its expansive underground network adorned with calcite spar crystals and rare hydromagnesite balloons. The Missouri River and its lakes offer unrivaled recreational opportunities, from hunting to boating. Sail on Lake Oahe, Lewis and Clark Lake, or Angostura Reservoir for exhilarating experiences. Mount Rushmore is an iconic testament to American history, while Wind Cave National Park embodies natural beauty and Lakota heritage. The historic gold-mining town of Deadwood provides a gateway to the Black Hills, a perfect base camp for outdoor activities ranging from snowmobiling to fat-tire touring.
Great Family Experiences, Lakeview, Arkansas
Nestled near the Arkansas-Missouri border, the quaint city of Lakeview is the perfect family destination. It is the gateway to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, boasting over 1,600 kilometers of shoreline adorned with campgrounds, swim spots, and public parks for year-round family enjoyment. The park encompasses the remarkable Bull Shoals Lake, a vast man-made reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the meandering White River, a 1,160-kilometer waterway traversing Arkansas and Missouri en route to the Mississippi River. The lake and river are revered for their fishing, offering a variety of bass and seasonal catches like trout and crappie. Fishing gear can be procured from numerous marina rental shops, offering boats, canoes, and kayaks. Alternatively, land enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, from strolls along the Bluebird Trail to challenging uphill hikes on the Big Bluff Hiking Trail. Heading further south, where the White River meets the Buffalo National River, families can enjoy some exciting canoe adventures. For those who love hiking, family-friendly trails like the Ponca to Steel Creek Trail are perfect for enjoying some beautiful natural scenery together.
Cultural Experiences, Nebraska
The lesser-explored Nebraska offers an array of unique cultural attractions that capture its distinct charm. Venture out to Carhenge, a quirky replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely from painted cars in western Nebraska, Carhenge stands as an “off the beaten path” marvel. Created in 1987 by artist Jim Reinders, Carhenge features 39 vintage automobiles inspired by Stonehenge’s design. Another attraction is Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village, a replica town in Minden, Nebraska, inviting visitors to trace American progress through thousands of Americana artifacts. A thriving startup scene fuels a cultural renaissance in Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city. Blending retro Americana with innovative startups, Omaha showcases live music, vibrant art scenes, and a “maker” culture through different craft markets. Furthermore, the Nebraska City AppleJack Festival is a testament to the state’s apple heritage. This event, held in September, features treats like apple cider doughnuts, candy apples, parades, contests, and the AppleJam Carnival.
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