Travel Destinations

TRENDING LOCATIONS TO VISIT THIS YEAR

TRAVEL IN

2021

2021 may be the time to “see the USA”, as international air travel will be determined by individual countries’ rules and re-openings. One can avoid airports and air travel by simply hitting the road. Vans and recreational vehicles have achieved widespread use in the last year and there is no shortage of great domestic destinations. See the Great Lakes Region in the north or explore the music cities of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville in the south!

NORTHERN ROAD TRIP

The Great Lakes area is an excellent place to start. From east to west, these lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior) span the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Great Lakes are the five largest interconnected lakes in the US and contain the largest freshwater supply in the world supplying water to more than 40 million people. Unique to these lakes are rolling waves, strong currents, miles of sandy and rocky beaches and distant horizons. Attractions include great beaches, Niagara Falls, wildlife areas, charming small towns, large cities and many National parks. And for sports fans, there are magnificent stadiums and arenas for all major sports

leagues as well as for the Big Ten universities.

Lake Erie, in New York is known for its reputed Loc-Ness-like sea monster which has reportedly been seen many times over the years. The US side of Niagara Falls is not to be missed either with breathtaking waterfalls and rapids.

Michigan, which touches four of the five Great Lakes and possesses the longest fresh water coastline in the world, is host to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan’s western shore. It is home to the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world. The tallest sand dune at Sleeping Bear stands at 450 feet above the shore. In addition to sand dunes, Lake Michigan has a “Bermuda Triangle” where many strange occurrences have been reported: unexplained ship disappearances and missing planes as well as a Stonehengelike rock formation underwater near Traverse City. With some luck, one might even see a few black bears.

Chicago, which is located on the shore of Lake Michigan, has it all - a big city with museums, restaurants and nightlife as well as Lake Shore Drive, a 15 mile urban parkway of green spaces and beaches along the lake. A road trip would provide a

fascinating and fun packed trip for any age group. Do the entire route from one end to the other or pick a particular lake area to concentrate on. With so many historic sights and national park areas, there are opportunities to appreciate all the diversity of our great country.

SOUTHERN ROAD TRIP

New Orleans, on the Mississippi River, which is the “jazz capital of the world” and nicknamed the “Big Easy”. Visit the French Quarter and walk along Bourbon Street with its colorful buildings with cast iron balconies, fine Cajun restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. Enjoy the street performers at Jackson Square in front of the famous Saint Louis Cathedral. From there, take the trolley out to the Garden District with its well preserved collection of historic homes from the 18th century. In addition, there is the New Orleans Zoo and Aquarium and be sure to visit the World War ll Museum. There is much to see and learn in New Orleans.

Memphis Tennessee, which is known as the “Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and famous for gospel, jazz, R&B, rap and soul as well. A must stop is Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion. In addition, there is the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and the Stax Museum of Soul Music. And for foodies, Memphis has a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene but is best known for its slow-cooked

dry rib barbecue ribs, maple bacon doughnuts and local coffee roasters.

Nashville, which is the capital of Tennessee, and home to Vanderbilt University. It is often referred to as Music City. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Ryman Auditorium. All are well known for Country Music. Besides the live music scene, there are interesting historic neighborhoods with boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops.

For some history, visit the home of President Andrew Jackson, considered to be the best preserved of all presidential homes, or Belle Meade Plantation which was part of the Battle for Nashville during the Civil War.

There are so many choices for travel - whether looking for great views, live entertainment, or cultural and historic sites, we can find it all here in the USA.