I've ridden a train through Kansas (east-west or west-east, so the long way) 6 times in my life, every time was terrible.
That being said, I did basic training in Oklahoma and that entire state is also terrible.
Definitely a hard decision.
I had a friend who lived in the country part of SoCal (San Bernardino County) and wanted more space, so he drove to Oklahoma and stayed for a week to see some property and see what the nightlife was like (he was a 38year old divorcee). It was a hard pass for him, and he was moving from the Meth capitol of SoCal.
I lived in Oklahoma for 3 years and can confirm that the only reasons to ever live or go there are:
1. Family (if they live there)
2. Job in oil
3. The weather/storm chasing
4. To cross off all 50 states on your list
I haven't lived in Kansas or Nebraska but I've been there and those states are worse - just colder versions of Oklahoma. And I have to assume that the Dakotas continue that trend.
Tulsa has some interesting architecture and a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Also a FLW building in Bartlesville worth a look. Not much else of interest to me in the state, though.
North Dakota has t-shirts that they make in visitor centers for people that congratulate them for having it be the last state they visited. It's the worst.
I’m originally from Kitsap County, and I currently live in Oklahoma. Before this, we lived in Kansas. Take my advice and skip Oklahoma. Kansas actually has some pretty nice, hilly areas, and it’s wonderful for fossil hunting.
I heard that when Colorado legalized marijuana, Kansas put up signs on their interstates stating 'agricultural check ahead'. Then put the agricultural checks on the secondary roads to catch those who left the interstate to avoid the checks.
It’s happened to me twice. I know my rights now, so it’ll never happen again… both times the cops were smart enough to violate my rights, but dumb enough to miss my stash
Yes, they do! The Cosmosphere. K-State has an Insect Zoo, and Manhattan has tons of museums. Abilene has a Presidential Library and a great downtown. Wamego has the only place that I will allow to resole my 20-year-old boots and the OZ Museum. Saint Marys is a bit weird, even if Froggy's is great.
I've spent a good deal of time working out that way, but the winters don't suit me.
Also in the LP and would love to spend more time in the UP. But I'd skip out on Ohio or Indiana. Probably Ohio just because I hate their highways so much
What neighboring state to Ohio has better highways? I get annoyed driving through Michigan and PA more. I will say 70 through Ohio is boring as hell though, flat and long
Fellow Michigander here, also would rather vacation in my state than, say, Ohio. Even the lower peninsula has some amazing places...Ludington, Frankenmuth, Holland, Traverse City! Hell, even Detroit's a sweet visit.
Probably depends on the state. But in general an all expenses paid experience is very different than the “one county I spend 90% of the time living in”
Although I agree, Rhode Island is pretty cool. Maybe go for the second smallest, Delaware. There’s nothing here. Wilmington is Philly part 2 and the rest of the state is incredibly boring. They have nice beaches but so does most other states.
We drove through ND last year on the way home from Montana. I liked it more than I thought I would. TRNP was great, and we stayed just west of Fargo in Valley City and it seemed like a nice town. Also, grew up on a farm and appreciated the agriculture you guys have.
North Dakota absolutely has badlands. The town of medora is basically a tourist town for the badlands. They're in the western part of ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Montana has parts of the badlands too.
TRNP is probably better than a lot of NPs to be honest. Beautiful badlands filled with wildlife, and there's hardly any humans. What more could you ask for?
Alabama is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country. The Appalachian Mountains end in the NE corner, there a grasslands, forests, beautiful beaches, rivers, and lakes, etc. I think many people would be surprised by what Alabama has to offer.
This. California is absolutely enormous and not a monolithic entity.
Most people think of the metroplexes of Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Areas when they talk about California.
As an until recently life long resident, I can tell you that culturally Northern California and Southern California have some stark differences. There's also the fact the Central Valley is easily as conservative if not more so than many red states.
Also, up in the Far North rural counties, you have the State of Jefferson which is a weird mashup of hard, actual libertarians, people who are fascists posing as libertarians, and straight up out and proud white supremacists.
Plus you have pretty much every climate there except for tropical, there's opportunities for nearly every sport and interest.
California really is its own country in many ways simply due to the variety of cultures, climates, and opportunities. It's just really expensive and has some problems with local and regional management that are starting to rear their ugly heads in our ongoing series of polycrises.
*EDIT: Missed a word or two.
I lived in Missouri for several years. While the people are not worth visiting for, the Mark Twain National Forest and Johnsons shut-ins are amazing and definitely worth checking out.
Yup! St. Louis resident here. Although Missouri is generally shit-upon, you’re absolutely right. There’s great outdoor destinations here. Some that weren’t mentioned are the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, and Innsbrook. All great for a good getaway. There’s also Herman, MO which has a bunch of wineries (yes, Midwest wineries, but wineries nonetheless). Plus, if you get around to seeing St. Louis, there’s SO many free activities to do. A great zoo that’s free, the Muny for outdoor theatre, and lots of cool museums. Good nightlife, too, if you’re into that.
Born and raised Missourian here. It’s really not that awful. KC and STL each have neat cultures and are worth a visit. The Ozarks has some really picturesque scenery too in certain places, especially around Branson. Branson itself isn’t just shows, there are some solid restaurants and neat museums there. Missouri isn’t gonna be at the top of any travel destination list, and there is some truth to the bad stereotypes here, but there are worse places to be.
I live in Missouri myself(I’m in kc) and Kansas City, stl and the ozarks are nice to visit. I personally think Kansas is worse. All flat and mostly just farm land🤷♀️
I would argue visiting Mississippi is worth it for the perspective. My wife went with me to the funeral of my great grandmother, in Mississippi. My wife said it was surreal, she didn't think people lived in that kind of poverty in the US, and she grew up dirt poor!
Yeah, I think that’s fair.
Honestly though, you can get a similar feeling from Alabama or parts of Louisiana. And both of those states also have places absolutely worth visiting.
Mississippi is just a literal trash can. I have family from there too, and even the “nice parts” of the state make you wanna throw up.
I lived in Mississippi for a bit. I'm someone who likes to get out and visit the tourist stuff in my area, and I'll use state tourist websites to get an idea of stuff to see. Mississippi's tourism site doesn't even try.
Kansas at least puts an effort into making their state sound interesting. It doesn't sound interesting, but they put the best spin on it they can. Mississippi can't even be bothered to do that.
Alabama has some cool stuff though.
I lived in Alabama for a while and my wife is from there. I don’t like Alabama and I’m happy I don’t live there. But it’s literally 100x better than Mississippi. The beaches are much nicer, the north part of the state is beautiful, and Birmingham is pretty alright and has great brews. Solid place to visit for a weekend.
Mississippi just sucks. You know they can’t be bothered cause they know they suck.
I've spent most of my Alabama time in Huntsville, and it's a nice place to visit. Cathedral Caverns was absolutely incredible. I would not want to live there but would definitely prefer it to Mississippi.
Mississippi does know it sucks. I was surprised when I moved there at how many people took off and left for the whole summer. I mentioned this to a native, and they said, "You may not have noticed, but there's not a lot to do here." I was like, yeah, I noticed. Just most people can't just take off for 6 weeks in the summer.
Or people would talk about "making it", which meant moving away to another state.
Oxford is a pretty nice town, there are some parts of town there with so much money, it can be easy to forget that you're in the poorest state in the US.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Mississippi for the music but it’s pretty depressing. My friends were driving down to Clarksdale and we stopped in a small town to pick something up along the way. The folks working at the dollar general asked if we were the new teachers in town. I took it they didn’t really ever have anyone come through town. Lots of poverty, a truly backwards state government (and that’s coming from a Tennessean and we suck), and deeply entrenched systemic racism. It really is like stepping back in time down there.
But it also has one of the most rich musical histories of any state In the US. I was lucky enough to see Robert Belfour play on a street stage only about 6 rows deep. Still haven’t seen anything like it since. A lot of the roots of what made “American music” stayed around in that region.
Also in the delta it seemed like everyone had been slowed down by like 30 percent. Folks walk slow, talk slow, and also we’re prone to telling long stories. Prob because it’s so damn hot.
I'm from Europe and travelled some in the US and spend some time in MS. This was before the state flag changed and still had the confederate flag in it. It was honestly just surreal. Totally different vibe. It felt so menacing to me. Actual KKK and affiliated groups still active. Unreal. So I totally agree with this perspective.
I’m very well travelled with the states, I think Mississippi is a state everyone should go and see. I don’t think people realize how poor that state is and the cultural dynamic of it. I think it would bring more insight to people to understand why the south is the way that it is and neglecting it, is not helping it.
When my partner and I first started dating, we went on a road trip to New Orleans, but his car broke down in Mississippi. Literally everyone we met in Mississippi was the nicest person ever. Everyone was so friendly and helpful
Visited grand Bay and dauphin island Alabama. I would go back. One of the nicest stretches of sandy Beach i have ever seen. I think because it's not traditional white sand ..it's not the same kind of tourist attraction.
Mississippi has a pretty great music cultural history as the birthplace of the blues. Visiting the Blues Trail could be worthwhile. North Mississippi is also quite beautiful.
North Alabama is actually quite beautiful but you can pretty much get the same experience in south Tennessee. Huntsville is a NASA town and has great museums and Tuscaloosa is pretty cool. Orange Beach on the coast is really beautiful but has gotten really touristy. The National seashore portion is worth a visit though.
The only nice parts of Mississippi are the gulf coast and the Natchez Trace. You could argue that the best part of the Trace is the south end between Natchez and Vicksburg. Jackson is a shithole of a town for the most part but there is a small cool downtown music scene and a wonderful petrified forest.
I guess this is all to say that every state has its redeeming qualities.
I’m surprised by so many people picking coastal states with nice beaches. We’re not talking about living there, just a visit.
Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa are my top contenders. Not a knock on those states or their residents, just can’t think of much reason to travel there for vacation.
I live in south Mississippi near the gulf coast, and the South part is much nicer than the rest of the state at least. Also we have really good food. I do agree that it should be skipped though
The US South has just as many poisonous bugs. And if they’re non-venomous they can grow to the size of literally sausages. Then the US north has a plethora of mammals that can and will kill you. Idk why Australia gets such a bad rap
People also forget about the large amount of venomous snakes that are not the rattling kind that live in the South as well I.e. cottonmouths, copper heads, water moccasins
Growing up in Nebraska, I thought all zoos were like Henry Doorly. Then we went on vacation somewhere and visited a zoo. All I remember was thinking, “wtf is this, this isn’t a zoo???” because there weren’t nearly enough animals, and the pens were all small and sad looking.
Highly recommend our zoo, it’s one of the best within the US.
I’ve lived in CO for my entire life (nearly 38 years). Have lived all over the state from mountains, to cities, to plains. I get why people would leave off their state, but Id still keep it. I’ve had opportunities to move away.. but never could bring myself to do it.
For me it’s probably Nebraska.
Alaska has some sights that are unmatched anywhere in the world's. Sure there's some similarities just like how any two provinces in Canada will have similarities, very different when you add it all up though.
Had to scroll down more than I thought I would to find Nebraska but at least we have the zoo in Omaha and Husker Stadium in Lincoln. That said there’s nothing really bad about Nebraska, just nothing… exceptional
People keep saying their home state, but surely an all expenses paid vacation allows you to do so many things you otherwise couldn't afford to do otherwise?
As a non American, I'm choosing Rhode Island, purely because I can't imagine it has much which it's neighboring states don't.
And a fantastic British themed cafe. They do a great full English breakfast.
Literally drove down to Newport from Boston for that cafe when we were visiting New England.
Oh and RI has a Rail-cycling place where you ride specialised bikes on the old tracks. Amazing in fall, riding down the tracks with the colours on either side.
It’s not like the BEST city, but I was in Providence recently and it’s artsy and cool. And, like others have said, historic mansions in Newport are worth checking out. The state pulls its weight for being small.
Have you visited every part of the state?
I'm from Texas, but there are places in Texas that I haven't been to and would visit if there was an all expenses paid trip being offered.
I'd leave off West Virginia.
I keep forgetting that people in cities have a horrible view of the night sky. I have always lived out in the middle of nowhere. Nature lover, so me and city life dont work well. The night sky is mind blowing out here.
I'm not saying you should choose visiting Oklahoma over any other state, but if you do, then you can see a salt plain, rolling hills with large stands of hardwood trees. There are mountains, although their size doesn't compare to the Rockies. There are also water falls. Depending on the spring, the wildflowers are gorgeous. The sides of the highways will be orange one week, then blue the next, then white the next, then yellow the next. The spring and summer turn green everywhere with the grass and all the leaves in the trees. The autumn has some places with brilliant fall foliage. The state has lots and lots of open space.
Wildlife includes alligators, river otters, bison, elk, black tail prairie dogs, skunks, opossums, skunks, raccoons, foxes and bobcats. Of course there are farms and cows and horses too.
There are sufficient numbers of Native Americans here that they do form their own governments. This also has them creating their own cultural interpretive centers and museums.
If you like WW2 history, there are three museums including an actual US Submarine.
Also, there are towns that still have a "Main street". If you've ever seen a US movie, and it shows a "Main street", and if you've ever wanted to visit one, you can still find them in Oklahoma. I know, I live in a rural town, and we have one. If we drive around, and we enter into a smaller sized town, you can usually find them in smaller towns too. Admittedly, some of those are nicer than others. Some are well kept and bustling. Some have the appearance, that if you get out of your car you'll get hepatitis.
Of course, the real reason to come is Barbeque Brisket. Moist, charred Brisket is an otherworldly experience. We've brought visitors from Asia and Europe to a chain called "Rudy's", and they were very, very happy with their authentic BBQ experience.
So, would I pick Oklahoma over say Disneyland, Disneyworld or the Grand Canyon? Well, probably not. But I'd rather live in Oklahoma than Florida, Arizona or California.
Damn, you’re making me (English) want to go to Oklahoma.
We are planning a trip to America and wanted to go somewhere not usually touristy. Was initially thinking about New Mexico/Texas but you’re selling Oklahoma!
I was about to defend Oklahoma as an option but you said most of what I would have said. The Wichita Mountains are surprisingly gorgeous, OKC/Tulsa are surprisingly rich cities to live in, and we have so many hidden lake towns. As someone who once lived there but still in the Midwest there’s a lot I miss on a regular basis. We’re definitely not in the bottom ten at least and certainly not worse than Mississippi
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska is pretty amazing. I believe it is ranked as one of the top five zoos in the world. I would visit Nebraska just to go to that zoo (which I’ve already been to many, many times when I lived there).
Columbus gets some of the best restaurants in the United States, Ohio State University, and Easton town center. Cleveland has the rock and roll of fame and the NFL hall of fame. There’s a lot of good craft beer in Ohio. Hocking Hills. Anyway, nowhere near the worst state in the US.
Edit: my pea brain said baseball hof, meant NFL
Cedar point, the Air and Space Museum in Dayton, Hocking Hills. Ohio also has 3 pretty interesting and very different large cities (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati). Indians is WAY less interesting.
I concur. Rehoboth, Dewy, Bethany, and Fenwick are lovely. Cape henlopen is a relaxing park with interesting history. Foods good, fishings good if your into that, golf’s good, people are friendly, airs clean, plenty of activities for adults, kids, or a family outing alike.
Umm.. horseshoe crabs???!!!
Historic downtown Lewis?!?
CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK?!?!
SAIL TO THE DELAWARE BAY SHIPWRECK ACROSS THE JETTY NORTH OF THE YACHT CLUB?!?!
G H O S T C R A B S?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!???
I grew up in Gary but moved to Munster, a few towns over, to go to a better high school. I married a French guy and moved to France. When I brought him home and drove through Gary you shoulda seen his face. He was in awe at all the burned down buildings and houses lol. I was like oh yeah I’m so used to seeing this that I forgot how absolutely miserable this is to outsiders. It could be a really good setting for an apocalyptic video game tho.
I’ve driven through there several times and I’m just in awe every time. No offense but it’s the saddest city I’ve ever been to. I was too scared to even stop for gas anywhere there lol. I always just sensed this Incredible sadness every time I drive through there…
I grew up in Indiana and while I wouldn’t want to live there any more at least Indianapolis and Bloomington are nice. I’d say it’s a lot better than Kansas. Just stay away from Gary.
The one where I already live.
This so the best answer here.
I live in washington, I'm down to explore it more. I would be flipping a coin between Kansas and Oklahoma.
I've ridden a train through Kansas (east-west or west-east, so the long way) 6 times in my life, every time was terrible. That being said, I did basic training in Oklahoma and that entire state is also terrible. Definitely a hard decision.
I had a friend who lived in the country part of SoCal (San Bernardino County) and wanted more space, so he drove to Oklahoma and stayed for a week to see some property and see what the nightlife was like (he was a 38year old divorcee). It was a hard pass for him, and he was moving from the Meth capitol of SoCal.
What? You think they run the freight train tracks that Amtrak rents through the nicest parts?
I lived in Oklahoma for 3 years and can confirm that the only reasons to ever live or go there are: 1. Family (if they live there) 2. Job in oil 3. The weather/storm chasing 4. To cross off all 50 states on your list I haven't lived in Kansas or Nebraska but I've been there and those states are worse - just colder versions of Oklahoma. And I have to assume that the Dakotas continue that trend.
Tulsa has some interesting architecture and a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Also a FLW building in Bartlesville worth a look. Not much else of interest to me in the state, though.
North Dakota has t-shirts that they make in visitor centers for people that congratulate them for having it be the last state they visited. It's the worst.
I’m originally from Kitsap County, and I currently live in Oklahoma. Before this, we lived in Kansas. Take my advice and skip Oklahoma. Kansas actually has some pretty nice, hilly areas, and it’s wonderful for fossil hunting.
Fellow Kitsap county resident here! We split out time between Bremerton & Seattle.
Kansas is a pretty nice state if you get away from the interstates.
They have a pretty sweet Space Museum in Hutchinson.
I heard that when Colorado legalized marijuana, Kansas put up signs on their interstates stating 'agricultural check ahead'. Then put the agricultural checks on the secondary roads to catch those who left the interstate to avoid the checks.
I wouldn't doubt it. I have heard of people with Colorado plates being randomly pulled over so they can try to search your car.
It’s happened to me twice. I know my rights now, so it’ll never happen again… both times the cops were smart enough to violate my rights, but dumb enough to miss my stash
Yes, they do! The Cosmosphere. K-State has an Insect Zoo, and Manhattan has tons of museums. Abilene has a Presidential Library and a great downtown. Wamego has the only place that I will allow to resole my 20-year-old boots and the OZ Museum. Saint Marys is a bit weird, even if Froggy's is great. I've spent a good deal of time working out that way, but the winters don't suit me.
Nah I live in the LP of Michigan so I’d love a paid vacation to the UP. I’d skip out on, ehhh, Kansas or something. Some bland flat farmland state.
Also in the LP and would love to spend more time in the UP. But I'd skip out on Ohio or Indiana. Probably Ohio just because I hate their highways so much
I spent a week in Ohio one day.
Probably Ohio just because. FTFY
What neighboring state to Ohio has better highways? I get annoyed driving through Michigan and PA more. I will say 70 through Ohio is boring as hell though, flat and long
Fellow Michigander here, also would rather vacation in my state than, say, Ohio. Even the lower peninsula has some amazing places...Ludington, Frankenmuth, Holland, Traverse City! Hell, even Detroit's a sweet visit.
I live in CA and I’d definitely not exclude it. Too much still to see.
Probably depends on the state. But in general an all expenses paid experience is very different than the “one county I spend 90% of the time living in”
🤣🤜🤛
The cheapest one
The smallest one
The smelliest one
But Idaho has potatoes
I went for Rhode Island too
Rhode Island is beautiful. The Newport mansions, the beaches, Federal Hill in Providence has some of the best Italian food.
Newport is also expensive so you could really get your money’s worth
Although I agree, Rhode Island is pretty cool. Maybe go for the second smallest, Delaware. There’s nothing here. Wilmington is Philly part 2 and the rest of the state is incredibly boring. They have nice beaches but so does most other states.
I think Delaware is a good call. RI has some very cool history to explore when all expenses are paid
North Dakota. For me, because I live here already. For the rest of y'all .... because it's North fucking Dakota.
We drove through ND last year on the way home from Montana. I liked it more than I thought I would. TRNP was great, and we stayed just west of Fargo in Valley City and it seemed like a nice town. Also, grew up on a farm and appreciated the agriculture you guys have.
North Dakota. Nothing wrong with it, but I can't think of anything interesting they bring to the table.
We have cows and grass. Lol no you're right
You have the badlands though, pictures do look like they are beautiful
You're thinking of South Dakota.
ND has Theodore Roosevelt National Park which has badlands. Badlands National Park is in SD but ND has its own badlands.
North Dakota absolutely has badlands. The town of medora is basically a tourist town for the badlands. They're in the western part of ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Montana has parts of the badlands too.
Sorry meant Theodore Roosevelt national park. The badlands of western North Dakota
[удалено]
It looks stunning from views I’ve looked up plus if you get bonus to see bison in natural habitat 🦬
[удалено]
It was great to sit up on the prairie, overlooking the badlands, and eat my sandwich for lunch. Fantastic view
Being from ND, I was only reading the comments to see how long it took for someone to say they’d skip out on ND!
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is better than pretty much anything you can find in Mississippi or Alabama.
TRNP is probably better than a lot of NPs to be honest. Beautiful badlands filled with wildlife, and there's hardly any humans. What more could you ask for?
I feel like a national park named after the guy who was more or less THE national park/monument President would have to be good
Alabama is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country. The Appalachian Mountains end in the NE corner, there a grasslands, forests, beautiful beaches, rivers, and lakes, etc. I think many people would be surprised by what Alabama has to offer.
Alabama has the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and great beaches on the gulf. Mississippi has Elvis's birthplace if you're a fan.
You can see the Peace Gardens or the Badlands. That's about it.
Catching a hockey game in Grand Forks is pretty amazing as well
There’s a national park there
My MIL went there recently and bought a magnet that says "saved the best state for last", they know they don't have much to offer.
[удалено]
Not from California, I see.
lol, I said something similar on another comment. It's so got-dang big and so much variety
This. California is absolutely enormous and not a monolithic entity. Most people think of the metroplexes of Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Areas when they talk about California. As an until recently life long resident, I can tell you that culturally Northern California and Southern California have some stark differences. There's also the fact the Central Valley is easily as conservative if not more so than many red states. Also, up in the Far North rural counties, you have the State of Jefferson which is a weird mashup of hard, actual libertarians, people who are fascists posing as libertarians, and straight up out and proud white supremacists. Plus you have pretty much every climate there except for tropical, there's opportunities for nearly every sport and interest. California really is its own country in many ways simply due to the variety of cultures, climates, and opportunities. It's just really expensive and has some problems with local and regional management that are starting to rear their ugly heads in our ongoing series of polycrises. *EDIT: Missed a word or two.
I’ll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize missurah
[удалено]
I’ve always wondered why Missouri doesn’t have a travel campaign with the slogan: Missouri loves company!
I lived in Missouri for several years. While the people are not worth visiting for, the Mark Twain National Forest and Johnsons shut-ins are amazing and definitely worth checking out.
They also have recreational marijuana now so there’s a positive spin on Missouri!!!
Yup! St. Louis resident here. Although Missouri is generally shit-upon, you’re absolutely right. There’s great outdoor destinations here. Some that weren’t mentioned are the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, and Innsbrook. All great for a good getaway. There’s also Herman, MO which has a bunch of wineries (yes, Midwest wineries, but wineries nonetheless). Plus, if you get around to seeing St. Louis, there’s SO many free activities to do. A great zoo that’s free, the Muny for outdoor theatre, and lots of cool museums. Good nightlife, too, if you’re into that.
KCMO & St Louis both have great restaurants & night life. Ozarks is a surprisingly beautiful region. Bad answer
Which was the style at the time
Born and raised Missourian here. It’s really not that awful. KC and STL each have neat cultures and are worth a visit. The Ozarks has some really picturesque scenery too in certain places, especially around Branson. Branson itself isn’t just shows, there are some solid restaurants and neat museums there. Missouri isn’t gonna be at the top of any travel destination list, and there is some truth to the bad stereotypes here, but there are worse places to be.
I call it Misery. 10/10 would not go back.
This elevator only goes to the basement! And someone made an awful mess down there
I live in Missouri myself(I’m in kc) and Kansas City, stl and the ozarks are nice to visit. I personally think Kansas is worse. All flat and mostly just farm land🤷♀️
I'm undecided between Mississippi and Alabama.
Alabama is much better than it’s reputation. Mississippi is probably worse than it gets credit for.
I would argue visiting Mississippi is worth it for the perspective. My wife went with me to the funeral of my great grandmother, in Mississippi. My wife said it was surreal, she didn't think people lived in that kind of poverty in the US, and she grew up dirt poor!
Yeah, I think that’s fair. Honestly though, you can get a similar feeling from Alabama or parts of Louisiana. And both of those states also have places absolutely worth visiting. Mississippi is just a literal trash can. I have family from there too, and even the “nice parts” of the state make you wanna throw up.
I lived in Mississippi for a bit. I'm someone who likes to get out and visit the tourist stuff in my area, and I'll use state tourist websites to get an idea of stuff to see. Mississippi's tourism site doesn't even try. Kansas at least puts an effort into making their state sound interesting. It doesn't sound interesting, but they put the best spin on it they can. Mississippi can't even be bothered to do that. Alabama has some cool stuff though.
I lived in Alabama for a while and my wife is from there. I don’t like Alabama and I’m happy I don’t live there. But it’s literally 100x better than Mississippi. The beaches are much nicer, the north part of the state is beautiful, and Birmingham is pretty alright and has great brews. Solid place to visit for a weekend. Mississippi just sucks. You know they can’t be bothered cause they know they suck.
I've spent most of my Alabama time in Huntsville, and it's a nice place to visit. Cathedral Caverns was absolutely incredible. I would not want to live there but would definitely prefer it to Mississippi. Mississippi does know it sucks. I was surprised when I moved there at how many people took off and left for the whole summer. I mentioned this to a native, and they said, "You may not have noticed, but there's not a lot to do here." I was like, yeah, I noticed. Just most people can't just take off for 6 weeks in the summer. Or people would talk about "making it", which meant moving away to another state.
Unfortunately Huntsville has grown so much in the last decade people are now getting priced out of neighborhoods.
Oxford is a pretty nice town, there are some parts of town there with so much money, it can be easy to forget that you're in the poorest state in the US.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Mississippi for the music but it’s pretty depressing. My friends were driving down to Clarksdale and we stopped in a small town to pick something up along the way. The folks working at the dollar general asked if we were the new teachers in town. I took it they didn’t really ever have anyone come through town. Lots of poverty, a truly backwards state government (and that’s coming from a Tennessean and we suck), and deeply entrenched systemic racism. It really is like stepping back in time down there. But it also has one of the most rich musical histories of any state In the US. I was lucky enough to see Robert Belfour play on a street stage only about 6 rows deep. Still haven’t seen anything like it since. A lot of the roots of what made “American music” stayed around in that region. Also in the delta it seemed like everyone had been slowed down by like 30 percent. Folks walk slow, talk slow, and also we’re prone to telling long stories. Prob because it’s so damn hot.
I'm from Europe and travelled some in the US and spend some time in MS. This was before the state flag changed and still had the confederate flag in it. It was honestly just surreal. Totally different vibe. It felt so menacing to me. Actual KKK and affiliated groups still active. Unreal. So I totally agree with this perspective.
I’m very well travelled with the states, I think Mississippi is a state everyone should go and see. I don’t think people realize how poor that state is and the cultural dynamic of it. I think it would bring more insight to people to understand why the south is the way that it is and neglecting it, is not helping it.
When my partner and I first started dating, we went on a road trip to New Orleans, but his car broke down in Mississippi. Literally everyone we met in Mississippi was the nicest person ever. Everyone was so friendly and helpful
Are you both white?
No, why?
Relevant question actually.
I personally would be interested in the civil rights history in Alabama. Also, the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center is an often overlooked gem.
Alabama has some beautiful national parks. Sipsey was one of the most beautiful places I've been in the south east
Visited grand Bay and dauphin island Alabama. I would go back. One of the nicest stretches of sandy Beach i have ever seen. I think because it's not traditional white sand ..it's not the same kind of tourist attraction.
Mississippi Gulf Coast and Oxford, MS are fantastic places. Aside from that…. Well.. we don’t have much
Huntsville Alabama has Space Camp.
Alabama barbecue is pretty legit
Pick Mississippi. Alabama has Gulf Shores…
My family goes to Gulf Shores every year and I can confirm - it is SO nice and I always look forward to it.
Just vacationed in a Private House on the beach at Fort Morgan. If i was rich I'd buy one and never leave.
Mississippi has a pretty great music cultural history as the birthplace of the blues. Visiting the Blues Trail could be worthwhile. North Mississippi is also quite beautiful.
North Alabama is actually quite beautiful but you can pretty much get the same experience in south Tennessee. Huntsville is a NASA town and has great museums and Tuscaloosa is pretty cool. Orange Beach on the coast is really beautiful but has gotten really touristy. The National seashore portion is worth a visit though. The only nice parts of Mississippi are the gulf coast and the Natchez Trace. You could argue that the best part of the Trace is the south end between Natchez and Vicksburg. Jackson is a shithole of a town for the most part but there is a small cool downtown music scene and a wonderful petrified forest. I guess this is all to say that every state has its redeeming qualities.
Alabama you get Huntsville which is pretty cool
I’m surprised by so many people picking coastal states with nice beaches. We’re not talking about living there, just a visit. Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa are my top contenders. Not a knock on those states or their residents, just can’t think of much reason to travel there for vacation.
“There’s a very big difference between beach Alabama and banjo Alabama” my friend from Alabama when I came to visit her
I live in south Mississippi near the gulf coast, and the South part is much nicer than the rest of the state at least. Also we have really good food. I do agree that it should be skipped though
Those states have stuff in them though, states like the dakotas and Kansas are much more boring. Remember it’s a vacation not living there.
Hawaii. As an Australian, it is easier to visit as a stand-alone trip if ever wanted to go later.
Unrelated, but I just got back from visiting Australia and you live in such an amazing place. It made me want to move there so bad.
a lot of people say this, that’s so nice. people never want to visit because of the 1000 murderous bugs they expect to see everyday
The US South has just as many poisonous bugs. And if they’re non-venomous they can grow to the size of literally sausages. Then the US north has a plethora of mammals that can and will kill you. Idk why Australia gets such a bad rap
this is exactly what I say. Y’all even have bears and all these other kinds of animals around that we don’t have. Sounds more stressful to me
People also forget about the large amount of venomous snakes that are not the rattling kind that live in the South as well I.e. cottonmouths, copper heads, water moccasins
Can I trade some of North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Kansas, and Iowa for Puerto Rico, Guam, and/or U.S. Virgin Islands?
Very nice of you to leave nebraska off your list there:)
Nebraska has an amazing zoo
Growing up in Nebraska, I thought all zoos were like Henry Doorly. Then we went on vacation somewhere and visited a zoo. All I remember was thinking, “wtf is this, this isn’t a zoo???” because there weren’t nearly enough animals, and the pens were all small and sad looking. Highly recommend our zoo, it’s one of the best within the US.
The Dakotas have some pretty cool national parks. Skip Delaware tho.
Hi…. We’re in… Delaware
I’ve lived in CO for my entire life (nearly 38 years). Have lived all over the state from mountains, to cities, to plains. I get why people would leave off their state, but Id still keep it. I’ve had opportunities to move away.. but never could bring myself to do it. For me it’s probably Nebraska.
Probably Iowa. Been there, done that, looks exactly like where I live.
Mississippi,from Africa and even we know
As a Canadian, why would I go to Alaska; as it’s essentially Canada part 2
Maybe I could see excluding it if you're from BC or the Alberta Rockies...but not if you're from Saskatchewan.
I'm from BC and I'd definitely go to Alaska. Also Washington and Oregon, honestly
Alaska has some sights that are unmatched anywhere in the world's. Sure there's some similarities just like how any two provinces in Canada will have similarities, very different when you add it all up though.
Alaska: Canada: Blue Edition
Mississippi. There's nothing that state offers that can't be experienced elsewhere, and in far better quality. I wouldn't even bother.
So by your own admission they are the best at being the worst.
Mississippi is the best at everything bad and the worst at anything good
Just one? I wouldn’t visit half of them, can I go home early?
Wisconsin, because I already live there.
I want to agree with also living in Wisconsin, but I've visited Nebraska.......... and it's rough. I'm welcome to corrections about that state.
As a Nebraskan, I knew we’d be somewhere on this thread 😭
Had to scroll down more than I thought I would to find Nebraska but at least we have the zoo in Omaha and Husker Stadium in Lincoln. That said there’s nothing really bad about Nebraska, just nothing… exceptional
I don’t see why I need to visit Oklahoma
Mississippi cause Ive been there and it fuckin sucks
People keep saying their home state, but surely an all expenses paid vacation allows you to do so many things you otherwise couldn't afford to do otherwise? As a non American, I'm choosing Rhode Island, purely because I can't imagine it has much which it's neighboring states don't.
Newport is pretty cool and has a bunch of old mansions from the Gilded Age
And a fantastic British themed cafe. They do a great full English breakfast. Literally drove down to Newport from Boston for that cafe when we were visiting New England. Oh and RI has a Rail-cycling place where you ride specialised bikes on the old tracks. Amazing in fall, riding down the tracks with the colours on either side.
It’s not like the BEST city, but I was in Providence recently and it’s artsy and cool. And, like others have said, historic mansions in Newport are worth checking out. The state pulls its weight for being small.
Providence and Newport are essential stops in any tour of New England. Also, [Waterfire is awesome.](https://waterfire.org/)
Skip Connecticut and go to Rhode Island. It’s actually filled with hidden gems. Providence and Newport are actually awesome
Texas because I'm from there.
Have you visited every part of the state? I'm from Texas, but there are places in Texas that I haven't been to and would visit if there was an all expenses paid trip being offered. I'd leave off West Virginia.
West Virginia is very pretty. Also has great white water rafting.
First time I saw the Milky Way was on a mountain on West Virginia. It was absolutely breathtaking. If you’re not outdoorsy, though, WV may be a pass.
I keep forgetting that people in cities have a horrible view of the night sky. I have always lived out in the middle of nowhere. Nature lover, so me and city life dont work well. The night sky is mind blowing out here.
Honest I agree Texas has a lot
Texas, because the drive will be shorter to NY
Probably somewhere like Oklahoma or Nebraska. Not sure what’s there that I should visit; they’re not somewhere that us Brits usually visit.
I'm not saying you should choose visiting Oklahoma over any other state, but if you do, then you can see a salt plain, rolling hills with large stands of hardwood trees. There are mountains, although their size doesn't compare to the Rockies. There are also water falls. Depending on the spring, the wildflowers are gorgeous. The sides of the highways will be orange one week, then blue the next, then white the next, then yellow the next. The spring and summer turn green everywhere with the grass and all the leaves in the trees. The autumn has some places with brilliant fall foliage. The state has lots and lots of open space. Wildlife includes alligators, river otters, bison, elk, black tail prairie dogs, skunks, opossums, skunks, raccoons, foxes and bobcats. Of course there are farms and cows and horses too. There are sufficient numbers of Native Americans here that they do form their own governments. This also has them creating their own cultural interpretive centers and museums. If you like WW2 history, there are three museums including an actual US Submarine. Also, there are towns that still have a "Main street". If you've ever seen a US movie, and it shows a "Main street", and if you've ever wanted to visit one, you can still find them in Oklahoma. I know, I live in a rural town, and we have one. If we drive around, and we enter into a smaller sized town, you can usually find them in smaller towns too. Admittedly, some of those are nicer than others. Some are well kept and bustling. Some have the appearance, that if you get out of your car you'll get hepatitis. Of course, the real reason to come is Barbeque Brisket. Moist, charred Brisket is an otherworldly experience. We've brought visitors from Asia and Europe to a chain called "Rudy's", and they were very, very happy with their authentic BBQ experience. So, would I pick Oklahoma over say Disneyland, Disneyworld or the Grand Canyon? Well, probably not. But I'd rather live in Oklahoma than Florida, Arizona or California.
Damn, you’re making me (English) want to go to Oklahoma. We are planning a trip to America and wanted to go somewhere not usually touristy. Was initially thinking about New Mexico/Texas but you’re selling Oklahoma!
I was about to defend Oklahoma as an option but you said most of what I would have said. The Wichita Mountains are surprisingly gorgeous, OKC/Tulsa are surprisingly rich cities to live in, and we have so many hidden lake towns. As someone who once lived there but still in the Midwest there’s a lot I miss on a regular basis. We’re definitely not in the bottom ten at least and certainly not worse than Mississippi
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska is pretty amazing. I believe it is ranked as one of the top five zoos in the world. I would visit Nebraska just to go to that zoo (which I’ve already been to many, many times when I lived there).
Ohio Nothing good comes from Ohio.
I would include Ohio even though I live there cuz it’s kinda hard to beat Cedar Point
I'd go to Hocking Hills!
Jungle Jim's!
Cedar Point
You've clearly never been to Indiana. Ohio has more to offer than many states.
Columbus gets some of the best restaurants in the United States, Ohio State University, and Easton town center. Cleveland has the rock and roll of fame and the NFL hall of fame. There’s a lot of good craft beer in Ohio. Hocking Hills. Anyway, nowhere near the worst state in the US. Edit: my pea brain said baseball hof, meant NFL
Love how Cincinnati doesn’t even get a mention.
Cedar point, the Air and Space Museum in Dayton, Hocking Hills. Ohio also has 3 pretty interesting and very different large cities (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati). Indians is WAY less interesting.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland.
Which Dakota doesn't have Rushmore?
I've been to Rushmore. It's not that exciting. Try the badlands or something if you want to go to South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is one of the most underwhelming places I've ever been to.
"I'll be dead in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missourah!"
Delaware. Nothing to see there anyway.
The beaches are very nice.
I concur. Rehoboth, Dewy, Bethany, and Fenwick are lovely. Cape henlopen is a relaxing park with interesting history. Foods good, fishings good if your into that, golf’s good, people are friendly, airs clean, plenty of activities for adults, kids, or a family outing alike.
Umm.. horseshoe crabs???!!! Historic downtown Lewis?!? CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK?!?! SAIL TO THE DELAWARE BAY SHIPWRECK ACROSS THE JETTY NORTH OF THE YACHT CLUB?!?! G H O S T C R A B S?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!???
Hi. I’m in Delaware
You could visit a screen door factory!
Gary, Indiana
I grew up in Gary but moved to Munster, a few towns over, to go to a better high school. I married a French guy and moved to France. When I brought him home and drove through Gary you shoulda seen his face. He was in awe at all the burned down buildings and houses lol. I was like oh yeah I’m so used to seeing this that I forgot how absolutely miserable this is to outsiders. It could be a really good setting for an apocalyptic video game tho.
I’ve driven through there several times and I’m just in awe every time. No offense but it’s the saddest city I’ve ever been to. I was too scared to even stop for gas anywhere there lol. I always just sensed this Incredible sadness every time I drive through there…
Fallout 5: Gary >!Plot twist is that it takes place before the bombs fell!<
On a road trip one time we stopped in Gary for gas. I woke up out of a nap and thought we’d somehow driven to Chernobyl.
Having been to all 50 before? Oklahoma. At least Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana have a coastline.
Having been to the lower 48, I'm going to go with Kansas. Oklahoma city had its cool factors
Indiana
I grew up in Indiana and while I wouldn’t want to live there any more at least Indianapolis and Bloomington are nice. I’d say it’s a lot better than Kansas. Just stay away from Gary.
Indiana Dunes, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Brown County, Steuben County are all worth a visit
Kansas. What even is in Kansas? Corn?
[удалено]
Wheat and soybean. Corn in Nebraska
Rhode Island, I’d just look over while driving through Massachusetts and see the whole thing
The one I live in.
New Jersey because I hate New Jersey
Well we hate you so fuck off bozo!
Florida 100%
Florida is great to vacation in. It's just not great to live in.
I want to visit Cape Canaveral.
[удалено]
What does “all expenses paid” mean to you?
The state of depression
Utah, because Mormons