Yeah, yeah. Traveling to all fifty states of the United States of America is not an original idea (both of my parents have already done it), but it is something I’m working on.
So far, I’ve been to thirty-four states.
My HOW – my criteria for proclaiming I have officially visited a state – is simple.
I’ve spent the night in each of the states I’ve counted.
Except Minnesota.
My family drove across the Gopher State, and around all 10,000 of their lakes, going from Chicago, Illinois to Grand Forks, North Dakota for my cousin’s wedding. During a roadside stop, I bought my first ever scratch off ticket!
And it was a BIG winner!
Enough ca$h to buy myself a commemorative Minnesota t-shirt! So, obviously, the exception had to be made.
Seeing the US map colored in pink highlighter, it’s not surprising to find the uncolored states stand out the most.
Sixteen More to Reach All Fifty States
From Hawaii to Maine, I must say, America is beautiful and I count myself blessed to enjoy her freedoms. Still, those sixteen vast and small, unexplored places scattered across the US beckon me.
Traveling west to east, I’m trying to imagine how I will reach the other almost one-third of the states.
West Coast States
Alaska. Probably like everyone else, on a cruise ship for a milestone anniversary. That is, if there are still glaciers to see.
Oregon. Once this 2020 CoVid-19 Spring quarantine passes, a long weekend in Portland could be hip and cool.
Rocky Mountain and Great Plains States
Idaho and Montana. I found an Amtrak route called the Empire Builder that travels from Chicago to Seattle, Washington or Portland, Oregon. I was ready to book the 46-hour trip until we watched a video on YouTube which pointed out one critical bit of information that I otherwise would have missed – the train moves through the flat terrain of Montana during the day and scenic Glacier National Park at night. So. Trip might be better to take west to east.
Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. Perhaps a motor home tour?
Indiana. Who knew Indiana was an island? I find it difficult to believe I’ve been to all the states touching the Hoosier State, but have never been to Indiana. No idea, as yet, what needs to happen for me to color that one in. Ideas?
East Coast States
Vermont and New Hampshire. I really want to take an autumn trip up north to see the fall leaves.
Connecticut and Rhode Island. These states I’ll probably need to visit with my friend who is most familiar with New England’s quaint towns and good eats.
Delaware. I got so close to Delaware a couple of years ago. Here’s more about that.
North Carolina. I feel like I’ve been to Asheville. Perhaps it’s only because I WANT to! North Carolina also seems like the perfect opportunity to walk a few feet on the Appalachian Trail (another bucket list item).
South Carolina. Charleston should be a girls trip, don’t ya think?
Time to take some virtual tours and research some travel deals!
By to way, to commemorate all this, I’m putting together a charm bracelet with enameled, vintage state charms.
Any travel suggestions for any of these places?
