This is my second Top Ten List–the Recap. Have fun planning your vacation.
I have written at length about all of the above places in my previous posts. Enjoy!
If you’d like to see my first Top Ten List, go to 10 Great U.S. Cities to Visit
I’ve never been to Maine, but I’d like to go someday. Here are some of the places I’ll be looking for:
A friend of mine had a temporary position in Virginia, a few years ago. She wanted some visitors because she was lonely. So, I told her to find some places in and around where she was staying and we’d go exploring. That idea culminated in a visit to Natural Bridge. We stayed two nights at the Natural Bridge Hotel. What I remember most about the hotel was their restaurant. The food was good and so was the music. Don’t go expecting a high-end resort, though. The hotel is historic, but quite charming.
It’s been a number of years since I’ve been to Atlanta, but I remember my visit fondly. Probably one of the most innovative places in Atlanta is their underground shopping, where you’ll find unique shops and restaurants.
Also downtown, tour the World of Coca Cola.
Okay, it’s August, I know that! But, I’m thinking Halloween. Because if you’re planning a getaway in October, you must start planning and reserving rooms now. And it doesn’t get better than Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween.
Years ago, I went on a bus trip to Cape Cod. Spent a lot of time on the beach and seeing the sights. The journey ended at the extreme tip of the Cape at Provincetown.
Over the past few months, I’ve pointed out a number of places to vacation. All in the U.S. All good for the pocketbook. All good to help boost the economy. But suppose you don’t even have enough money to hop on a plane, or a train, or to gas up the car? What then?
[My computer has been sick, but it’s all better now.]
So, what’s doing in Macon, GA? That’s what I was thinking 5 years ago when a friend asked me if I’d like to go to Macon for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It turns out that Macon has more, many more, cherry blossom trees than Washington, DC.
If you make it to the southernmost point in the U.S., you’re in Key West.
Okay, there’s beaches. I didn’t realize I gravitate to beaches, but it appears I do, since many of my favorite places are near water. But there’s more to Key West.
Right off the coast of North Carolina, you will find The Outer Banks. There is so much doing there, I hardly know where to start. Of course, the obvious–the beaches are superb.
But there’s much, much more.
If you live anywhere on the east coast and you’re thinkin’ where can I go where the entire family will have a wow of a time without spending a boatload of money, look to the Jersey shore. For everything your heart could possibly desire, zero in on Cape May, New Jersey.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, with the economy in the doldrums, you should consider a staycation–one where you stay in the U.S. and spend your vacation dollars at home. A perfect city to visit is Washington, DC. Most of the tourist spots are free. It doesn’t get better than free. And it’s wonderful on the Fourth of July.
For the past few months, in an effort to encourage travel within the United States, I’ve been writing about cities I have enjoyed while on vacation.
This year in particular, it’s a good idea to spend your vacation dollars right here in the good old U.S.A.
Have fun, while stimulating our economy.
If you’re looking for southern hospitality, try Savannah, Georgia. On the menu–candy for the eyes. It is chock full of quaint B&Bs, but the main attraction is its charming 22 park squares that are situated throughout the historic district of the city. There’s lots more
Golden Gate Bridge
When I travel I like to visit places I have read about in a book or magazine. I become the ultimate tourist. My intent is to take the words off the page and experience them in real life. San Francisco is a prime destination where you can do just that.
For one thing, a lot of stuff you’ve read about is within walking distance of each other. You can visit the sea lions AND MORE
Since I’m encouraging vacation travel on a budget, I’ll rerun part of a previous post I wrote a while back.
If you’re looking to hear the blues, Memphis is the town.
Looking to savor the sweet taste of BBQ? Memphis is a good choice.
The Big Apple
When you read that title, New York, New York, tell the truth, didn’t you automatically hear the lyrics in your head? I can almost picture a line of dancers kicking up their heels in unison at the Radio City Music Hall.
New York City is the next city on my countdown for vacationing on a budget and where to do it in the U.S.
Most people think if you’re going to visit New Orleans, it should be during Mardi Gras. That’s great, I admit. The parades are not to be missed and the craziness on the streets adds to the raucus, carefree atmosphere.
But there’s so much more to New Orleans.
If you’re vacationing in the U.S., Philadelphia is a good choice. It’s got a little bit of everything: history, art, sports, Broadway-caliber theaters, nightlife and great food.
If you’re like a whole lot of other people, you can’t afford to go abroad for a vacation. Getting there is expensive, even if you’re able to find a decent group deal. Worse, the dollar exchange is really, really bad at the moment.
Still, you’d like to get away for a little while, maybe in the spring or summer. The answer is simple. Travel in the good ole’ U. S. of A. If you happen to live close enough to any of these locations, you can plan a road trip. Best of all, you’ll be helping our economy while you enjoy yourself.
I’ll give you a short rundown of cities I’ve visited that didn’t disappoint. I’ll start with my two absolute favorites.
Frances Ellen Speaks 
