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If I were to take a European on a tour of the Eastern US, starting in NYC...

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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:44 PM
Original message
If I were to take a European on a tour of the Eastern US, starting in NYC...
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 01:45 PM by huskerlaw
Where else should I take her? Boston? Philly? DC?

I'm a total Midwesterner transplanted to the West Coast, so my East Coast experience is limited to the following: 3 days in NYC, about 5 years ago and a week in DC, 12 years ago. My friend is from Belgium and she's been out to California, but nowhere else in the US.

So if you were to construct the perfect 2-3 week tour of the East Coast, where would you go, how would you get there...(oh, and we're looking at the end of July, if that matters)

Help!
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malta blue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:47 PM
Response to Original message
1. Surely get to some of the larger cities like
NYC, Boston, DC but also try to check out some of the beautiful places like the Adirondacks or Finger Lakes in upstate NY, etc.

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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:51 PM
Response to Reply #1
7. We're definitely starting in NYC...
it's what to do next that has us a bit baffled.
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MrScorpio Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:47 PM
Response to Original message
2. We need to know more about your friend
What kinds of things that she loves to do?
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #2
5. She loves cities...
musicals (so Broadway is definitely on the list), not so big on hiking/nature, museums are ok but shouldn't be a focal point, not so much into loud nightclubs, but loves good food/wine...um...does that help? Oh, and we're both late 20's, early 30's.
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LynneSin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:47 PM
Response to Original message
3. WILMINGTON DELAWARE
:D
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #3
6. Will you pay our tolls?
:evilgrin:
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LynneSin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:53 PM
Response to Reply #6
9. Why should I pay for tolls you're dumb enough to travel thru?
:shrug:

I mean I never pay any tolls
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:56 PM
Response to Reply #9
10. Travel thru?
Is that Delaware-ese for making the mistake of actually staying on the road? ;)
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madinmaryland Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:40 PM
Response to Reply #10
18. "travel thru" means crossing a bridge!
:P
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:13 PM
Response to Reply #18
35. Oy gads
I don't think we could go to Delaware. Neither one of us speaks the language.

:P
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madinmaryland Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:17 PM
Response to Reply #35
36. The language is called "Led Zeppelinese" AKA LynneSinish!
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madinmaryland Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:39 PM
Response to Reply #3
17. Nice post, PARCHE!
:wtf:

At least she will get to see a couple of toll booths!
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MrCoffee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:49 PM
Response to Original message
4. Niagara Falls, yo!
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 01:50 PM by MrCoffee
It's a natural wonder and all that.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 01:52 PM
Response to Reply #4
8. That's a bit far, isn't it?
We're thinking we'd like to do it all sans car...though a rental isn't out of the question.
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MrCoffee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:00 PM
Response to Reply #8
11. There's an FAQ for you (I'm impressed that this exact question is addressed)
Q: I'll be in New York City and would like to visit Niagara Falls. What are my options ?

A: New York City is 406 miles from Niagara Falls. By car it's a 6.5 hour drive.

By plane it's a 45 minute flight (airtime). But from terminal to terminal check-in and check out it will usually take three-four hours (with no delays!).

The train ride is great, the ride is 8-9 hours long and costs $58.00 each way. Usually four departures daily starting at 7:00 A.M until 4:00 P.M. Amtrak offers service from Penn Station in Manhattan. Visit Amtrak's website for more details.

Greyhound offers bus service to Niagara Falls. This route takes 9-11 hours and the fare is roughly $55.00 one way or $105.00 round trip. Many departure times are available but the ride is exceptionally long.
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Frequently_asked_questions_about_Niagara_Falls.htm
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Parche Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:19 PM
Response to Original message
12. There Is NOTHING to see in Delaware
So bypass that state.....:rofl: :hi:
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Burma Jones Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:19 PM
Response to Original message
13. If you're going to be cultural and all........
and have lots of money.....

I would see a few shows in NYC - I saw The Homecoming by Harold Pinter and it was brilliant - and hit clubs like Southpaw - http://www.spsounds.com/ - and maybe check out who is playing out at Jones Beach - http://www.jonesbeach.com/ - there isn't much up yet, but check back in May/June. I would then go to DC and see shows at Studio Theatre http://www.studiotheatre.org/ - and Woolly Mammoth http://www.woollymammoth.net/?gclid=COSUgL_GipECFQIlHgodERaI9g - as well as DCAC - http://www.dcartscenter.org/

In DC, all the Smithsonian museums are free. In fact, DC is about the best city for free stuff on the East Coast.

Delaware has good beaches.

New Jersey has Atlantic City........

I would go to Philadelphia if only to see a baseball game, but there's plenty to do there too.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:00 PM
Response to Reply #13
26. Great suggestions!
We're not swimming in money, but perhaps we can choose from that list!
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TZ Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:24 PM
Response to Original message
14. Obviously as a resident I say DC...but
If you are shooting for the last week in July, limit your outdoor time here. The heat and humidity of DC in July is VERY rough on people who are not used to it..as your friend will not be. (I had a cousin from Denver visit in July and it was really draining on her)
Also, if she likes seafood/ethnic food..Don't miss Baltimore..the Inner Harbor is a wonderful place for food, IMO.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:07 PM
Response to Reply #14
27. Good point on the weather...
I'm guessing it will be an issue regardless of where we are on the East Coast. I used to be acclimated to humidity, but not any more! And she's good with humidity, but not heat. ;)
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hippywife Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 07:23 PM
Response to Reply #14
47. I second Inner Harbor and also
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 07:28 PM by hippywife
Little Italy in Baltimore. Especially a stop at Vaccarro's for a sweet treat after dinner!
http://www.vaccarospastry.com/menu.jsp
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harmonicon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:31 PM
Response to Original message
15. DC, I guess?
If she's from Belgium, I don't think any of the "old" architecture in Philly, Boston, etc. would be interesting. I'm sort of like you - lived a lot in the midwest and west coast, but never east coast, though I've spent some time out there. I thought DC was really quite nice, and would have been even better if I could have taken a train from there to New York, instead of driving. Also, places like Norfolk Virginia are nice, but I don't know about getting there without a car.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:08 PM
Response to Reply #15
28. About the old architecture
you're right, although her vision of the US right now is California...so she may be impressed we've got anything older than 1920. ;)
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Deep13 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:34 PM
Response to Original message
16. Savannah, the weather is better there.
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 02:36 PM by Deep13
The NE USA is no place for a foreigner in January and February.
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supernova Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 02:45 PM
Response to Original message
19. Consider Philadelphia
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zingaro Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 03:10 PM
Response to Reply #19
22. I'll second this.
As an also-midwesterner who travelled there fairly recently, I'd say that I found tons of cool stuff to do in Philly. Of course, I didn't sightsee in the other city I visited, but I hear it's lovely too. :)
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:09 PM
Response to Reply #22
29. It's in the running
and so conveniently located between NYC and DC!

I've never been there, so that adds to my interest level as well.
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Sanity Claws Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 03:03 PM
Response to Original message
20. Billyskank visited last summer
and he said Boston was his favorite place. Send him a PM or watch for him here on the board and ask his opinion about places you should take a European.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:09 PM
Response to Reply #20
30. Good idea
I'll see what he thought of the States. ;)
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kath Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 09:51 PM
Response to Reply #20
48. it would be a good idea to get the opinions of some Yurpeens on this.
Some of my Irish second cousins have visited the US, and my sister has taken them to various places -- I'll try to get some input from her on this. They are from a fairly isolated part of County Donegal, though, so not exactly very cosmopolitan types (but on second thought, they have traveled quite a bit, as most Yurpeens tend to do, with their looooong paid vacation time...) But some of my Irish first-cousins-once-removed, who lived in London, have also visited the US on multiple occasions - I'll ask my dad and sis what they have enjoyed.

I do remember that when our town hosted AFS exchange students as they were heading back to NYC at the end of their stays, Niagara Falls was always on their itinerary.

If you go to Niagara Falls, you might consider hitting Toronto - a great place! From Boston, it might be fun to head to Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard.
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SteppingRazor Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 03:06 PM
Response to Original message
21. If you've got three weeks, just get on U.S.-1 in New England, and head south till you hit Key West
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 03:06 PM by SteppingRazor
ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP!


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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:10 PM
Response to Reply #21
31. Hahahahaha
thanks for the suggestion, but Florida's not exactly where I want to be in July/August. Not that DC is much better...
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pitohui Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 03:15 PM
Response to Original message
23. atlantic city
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 03:18 PM by pitohui
i think most of the usa will be a letdown to a person who loves cities rather than nature, if they are used to european cities, so you might as well have some fun with it

the "nature is boring" people are hard for me to plan trips for, but at least a little kitsch in atlantic city could make her feel like she is experiencing the real america

with only two, three weeks to work with and nyc will undoubtedly take AT LEAST one of those weeks, you are going to have to make some choices, but probably dc just so she can say she saw it

july is a less than ideal time to go much further south than that although you could do the skyline drive in virginia and even if she never got out of the car she could have a hint of mountains

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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:11 PM
Response to Reply #23
32. She went to Vegas last summer
and HATED it. I've never been to Atlantic City, but I'm imagining some of the same kinds of kitsch.
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pitohui Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 05:32 PM
Response to Reply #32
42. fyi vegas is in nevada not california
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 05:33 PM by pitohui
you said above she'd only been to california

be that as it may, i'm getting the picture of a lady who refuses to enjoy herself, doesn't like the outdoors, doesn't like vegas, blah blah blah, sounds like she is a person determined not to experience what america is really about (which is the frontier, the outdoors, and yes i'm afraid the gambling/casino mentality, neon and glitter)

i've had trips before w. people who can't enjoy themselves, my suggestion is keep it to a week and have an escape plan, it matters not where you go if she doesn't like anything anyway
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 06:11 PM
Response to Reply #42
43. OMG, REALLY?!
I apologize for the incorrect statement. She, in fact, crossed the California state line.

Also, you've made quite the ass of yourself with your very presumptive characterization of my friend.

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NewJeffCT Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 03:15 PM
Response to Original message
24. My in-laws went on an east coast tour in 2002
they came from China - their tour started in NYC, and also went to Philly, DC, Niagara Falls and then ended in Boston. I think they may have stopped in PA Dutch country on the way to Niagara Falls, but I can't recall for sure.

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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:12 PM
Response to Reply #24
33. Oooh, that sounds like a great route
I'm trying to figure out how to include Boston AND DC.
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Midlodemocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 03:17 PM
Response to Original message
25. RICHMOND!!!! Jamestown is here and Colonial Williamsburg!
and most importantly, ME!!!!!

:hug:
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:13 PM
Response to Reply #25
34. Oooh!
I would totally love to come visit you!

I'm not sure how enthused the European would be with Colonial Williamsburg though... ;)

:hug:
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Burma Jones Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:18 PM
Response to Reply #34
38. Well, there IS Busch Gardens
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rug Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:17 PM
Response to Original message
37. Take her here:
http://www.pommesfrites.ws/

Plus there's a lot to see and do in this neighborhood.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:19 PM
Response to Reply #37
39. Oh, totally!!
She took me on a tour of Belgian pommes frites. It would be interesting to see what she thought of New York's version. ;)
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rug Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:20 PM
Response to Reply #39
40. One block away on 6th street there's a couple of dozen cheap Indian restaurants.
You'll have a blast.
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kath Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 04:54 PM
Response to Original message
41. I'd consider visiting Colonial WIlliamsburg, especially if you want a break from the big city stuff.
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 05:03 PM by kath
Wonderful place, very well done.{on edit, might be a bit steamy in late July}

Also second the suggestion to go to Niagara Falls.

Boston is great also - consider taking her on a whale-watching tour.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 06:56 PM
Response to Reply #41
46. I'm hesitant on Colonial Williamsburg
just because I'm not sure how interested she'd be in American history. Will run it past her though.

Niagra Falls is coming up a lot, I might have to figure out a way to make that happen.

Boston is in the top 3 for sure!
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Kat45 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 06:52 PM
Response to Original message
44. I thnk Boston is a good place to take her for many reasons.
Edited on Tue Jan-22-08 06:53 PM by notmyprez
It's actually a fairly small city, very walkable and has public transportation linking different parts of the city. The North End is an old Italian neighborhood where you can get great Italian food--lots of restaurants there. On weekends, they have big Italian festivals outdoors there and those are a lot of fun. And of course, Boston--all of New England, really--is a big seafood place. In the summer, you can get great lobster, clams. The weather here is great at that time of year; it is warm, but usually doesn't get extremely hot too often. It's about 4-5 hours by Amtrak or bus from NYC.

It's an old city with lots of old buildings and newer ones too. There are a lot of historical landmarks in the area, if those are of any interest. Also plenty of 'tourist traps' like Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market (historical landmark turned tourist trap). Actually, one of the most popular tourist traps here is the bar from the TV show "Cheers."

I can probably come up with other interesting things to do and see if you're interested.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 06:54 PM
Response to Reply #44
45. Excellent
I'm trying to add Boston to the itinerary as it's been on my "must visit" list for years now. If we figure out how to make it work, I'll definitely hit you up for more suggestions. :)
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The Velveteen Ocelot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 09:54 PM
Response to Original message
49. I think there's an Olive Garden in NYC...
:hide:
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 10:05 PM
Response to Reply #49
52. I've heard that!
In Times Square, I believe. To the top of the list it goes!

:hide:
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Jamastiene Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 09:54 PM
Response to Original message
50. Raleigh, North Carolina.
Also, go through the Shenandoah Valley at least part of the way to get here if at all possible. That's beautiful.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 10:06 PM
Response to Reply #50
53. Oooh, I would love to go to North Carolina
but isn't that a tad out of the way? We'd have to start and end in NYC.
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Tektonik Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 09:58 PM
Response to Original message
51. keep her on the West Coast, the best coast
:P
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 10:07 PM
Response to Reply #51
54. She's been here
Loved it, to be sure, but she spent 6 weeks in California with me and we tackled almost the entire state. Granted, that leaves Oregon and Washington...
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no name no slogan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 10:08 PM
Response to Original message
55. Go see the Black Hills
I'm a lifelong Minnesotan, but I've never been there. I've heard they are absolutely beautiful.

After that I'd say hit the Rockies and then definitely the Grand Canyon if possible.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-22-08 10:09 PM
Response to Reply #55
56. Definitely not enough time for that...
we'll only have about 2 weeks and have to begin and end in NYC.
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