Travelogue: My Favorite Destinations in the USA
Granted, I have been to more places that were listed here. Most places I have not been in years – let alone, decades.
I do love to travel – that is, when I can.
Granted, I have been to more places that were listed here. Most places I have not been in years – let alone, decades. Still, their fondness sometimes comes up in discussions and memories on social media.
Let me dig deep into my memory bank and talk about another set of my favorite destinations. Places I may not have been in a while – or, recently visited with positive vibes – and go from there. Or, maybe I should go back…
just in time for your summer/fall travel season. And, believe me, I'm still only scratching the surface! There's a lot more I should list here, but for the sake of your bandwidth, I'll have these destinations to go on for now…
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: The Blue Ridge Mountains is just minutes away. They also serve as a background for a hilly city nestled in a valley anchoring the western part of the state. What makes this place special is the cool vibe this town yields. Before we even talk about the Biltmore Estate, check out the vibe in the center of town – around where synthesizer pioneers Moog is headquartered. This is not just there, but around town. The west side of town offers an equally cool vibe. Part of the vibe is the food scene – which I thoroughly enjoyed around the town. If you go, explore the town and the mountains – and love every minute of it.
AUSTIN, TX: Never had I left an airport in Texas until Dodge sent me to the state's capitol to drive the 2013 Dart. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the country with its music scene and welcoming atmosphere. The drive route got us out of Austin and into the Hill Country with its amazing backdrops and fine roads. While inside of the city, I visited a grand landmark and experienced the city's center to get the pulse of the city. It certainly pumps a great pulse. Although, I was told to check out the barbecue and other food, along with the music and comedy.
CHICAGO, IL: Almost every year, there is one reason to head there – the Auto Show. Even if it is the only major auto show I work at, Chicago enables me to catch up on basically everything I missed elsewhere. Chicago is also where the Midwest Automotive Media Association is headquartered, so there are a few obligations to be in town on business. Still, Chicago offers a lot for me – from great dining and plentiful activities. Still, it is a place where the work truly happens almost every year.
DETROIT, MI: This is where the work comes to life. General Motors , Stellantis, and Hyundai sent me to Southeastern Michigan on various occasions. That included a North American International Auto Show, a diversity immersion trip at Motor City Pride and a couple other drive events. The point of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan is witnessing the industry on its home turf. You can feel the pulse of the industry even as the city rises from the ruins. There are a lot of reminders of it beyond Eight Mile Road, too.
KANSAS CITY, MO/KS: The biggest city in the middle of the country is also one of the coolest. It has great shopping at Country Club Plaza, a great barbecue scene, great museums and landmarks. Kansas City also has a great sports scene worth checking out. It is also about culture – a great multicultural hub that offers a lot of history and current pursuits. My two trips there were illuminating. There is so much happening there, you might just say “everything’s up to date in Kansas City.”
LOS ANGELES, CA: My hometown is still my hometown. Though I worked the LA Auto Show twice in the last 11 years, it was another trip earlier that year that solidified my love for this place. Being back in Reseda was a way to connect the dots from the inspiration point of this work. Reconnecting with family and friends helped put a human element to the place I once called home. It is still a fantastic city. I am indeed proud to have been born from it.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: You may call this the ultimate American city. It simply is. Skyscrapers for miles in Manhattan, leading to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Don't forget about Staten Island. If you know someone in the suburbs, follow them out for a local experience. Be open to everyone, thanks to the City’s diversity. By diversity, we are not talking just people. We're talking about dining, culture, the arts, and everyday living. Any trip to New York should not be confined to just Manhattan – though the island could take up your entire trip. That is why baseball is played in the Bronx and out in Flushing, Queens – plus Staten Island and Coney Island, Brooklyn. New York is the ultimate destination in this country. Visit it once in your lifetime.
PORTLAND, OREGON: It is debatable whether the television show "Portlandia" represents the "Rose City" properly. Or, that the phrase "make Portland weird" is apt to describe this city. I always see Portland as a unique locale, offering plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences at the head of the Willamette River. Tri-Met's light rail network run under the hills west of downtown to the deepest station underneath the Portland Zoo. The Zoo is an experience unto itself. You can hang downtown to stay, dine, and party, but you can also discover Portland’s neighborhoods and communities away from the city's center. Incidentally, my favorite hand drum shop in the world is in Portland – Rhythm Traders. Not to mention the biggest independent bookstore in the world – Powell's Books. So, you can take the "Portlandia" vibe – or not – but stay for the experience.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Our Nation’s Capitol…enough said. No matter your personal politics, D.C. offers more than just the monuments and the halls of power. Top-notch museums – almost all of them cost nothing – telling the American story in many ways. Great parks, shops, culture, the arts, and dining are spread out throughout the District. The fun does not stop at the District Line. Go into Maryland and Virginia for more of the same. My four years in the D.C. Area taught me a lot about enjoying life and taking advantage of what the region offers to both visitors and residents. Find a local and get a deeper perspective on the most powerful city in the world.
There are other cities that I have not listed on here that are also favorites – and enjoyable places to be that I have experienced in the past. That list includes Dallas, Texas; Greenville, South Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; Wichita, Kansas…I'll just stop here for now.
All photos by Randy Stern