America

The “Land of the Free.”

America is the third-largest country in the world, with 50 states and more than 35,000 cities from coast to coast. Each state and city has its own identity, characteristics, attractions, and diversity.

Back in 2015, I challenged myself to complete visiting all 50 states. I’ve seen the differences between big and small cities, big airports and small airports, big states, and small states. I've met local people and have observed their lifestyle.

I am glad to share just 20 states, showing some of my favorite places in America. The rest of the states are documented in my “My journey in 50 states.”

ALASKA

Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska is one of the best cross-country train rides. But you can also drive the historic and scenic landscape of Seward highway known as the “All American Road destination.”

NEW YORK

Statue of Liberty 

The “state that never sleeps” is diverse and one of the states with the most number of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty is an iconic place in New York, the symbol of America's promise, and welcomes immigrants who make New York their first home.

FLORIDA

Neptune Beach

Florida is a diverse destination that offers tranquil beaches, world-class amusement parks, and historic lighthouses. A beach in Florida is a weekend getaway, a scape from winter, or a retirement haven to some. Neptune Beach is where I found a new refuge. 

HAWAII

Honolulu

There are six major islands in Hawaii, and each one has its unique features. It is home to the world’s most active volcanoes, spectacular beaches, and lush valleys.

WASHINGTON DC

The White House 

The capital of the U.S. bordering the states of Virginia and Maryland. It is home to iconic museums, monuments, and buildings, including the White House, the Capitol, and Supreme Court.

MAINE

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth 

Maine has more than 60 lighthouses on the coastline and home to the most beautiful lighthouses in America. This lighthouse is iconic and the most photographic lighthouse in New England. The first lighthouse I visited in the U.S.  

VERMONT

Lake Chaplain, Burlington 

Vermont is home to more than 100 19th-century bridges and a major producer of maple syrup. Burlington is known as one of America's prettiest towns, where this tranquil lake sits and awaits visitors.

TENNESSEE

Nashville

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and the center of the music industry in the U.S.  It’s a popular place to experience southern music and lifestyle.

TEXAS

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

A landmark in Texas, NASA is a space museum and the number one attraction in Texas for international visitors.

CONNECTICUT

Windsor

Sunflower festival happens in August. You can experience a wagon ride to the sunflower field and bring home a flower. I will never get tired of my favorite flower.

 

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston

The home of Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S, and one of the most prestigious in the world. It was established in 1636, named after its first benefactor, John Harvard.

ARIZONA

Sedona

A desert town with canyons and red rocks. It has more than 300 clear days, so you can experience an evening sky tours to see stars, galaxies, planets, and constellations.

WYOMING

Yellowstone National Park

The park is described as the “cherished part of Wyoming, unspoiled, a living museum and one of North America’s greatest assets." The Old Faithful is a cone geyser that erupts every 44 minutes to 2 hours. Wyoming is filled with expansive landscape and scenic roads.

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque

The hot air balloon is an international event that happens every October. It is an amazing fiesta of gigantic and colorful balloons. The twilight twinkle glow at night is an enchanting show to see.

WEST VIRGINIA

Shenandoah Valley

I has a nickname of "big valley" that stretches 200 miles across Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain. The breathtaking view during fall is why it has been immortalized in song, dance, film, and television. West Virginia is another state that has many outdoor adventures. 

SOUTH DAKOTA

Mount Rushmore 

An iconic figure of 4 revered U.S presidents surrounding the Black Hills. South Dakota is another state with vast natural beauty yet sparsely populated.

 

GEORGIA

Savannah

The city of Savannah is famous for its 18th and 19th-century houses and public squares. Georgia is the number one producer of peanuts, pecans, peaches, and the world's sweetest onion.

Washington

Mount Rainer

It is a scenic state with many outdoor activities—home to two national landscape, Mount Rainier and Mount Olympic.  Mt. Rainer is also an active volcano.

CALIFORNIA

San Francisco

The Golden State leads the U.S. in agricultural production and home to national parks.  The San Francisco bridge is one of California's most internationally recognized symbols and one of the “Wonders of the Modern World.” 

NEVADA

Las Vegas

It is the entertainment and gambling capital of America. Las Vegas strip is known for its resorts and casinos. You don’t really need to gamble when you visit. A weekend getaway to watch a show or just hang out in a fancy hotel of your choice would make a good trip.  

America has a special spot in my heart. It has become my new home after living 42 years in the Philippines and for my children. I am always grateful for the opportunity given to us.

There are still many beautiful places I haven't seen, lighthouses I haven't encountered, and festivals I haven't experienced. 

Promise, I will continue to explore this beautiful country and will continuously talk about it.