The United States is home to a many interesting places located outside the lights of the cities. After laying out on Miami's white sand beaches, head west for a true adventure in the Everglades National Park. From gold country in South Dakota to cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., there is something for everybody at any time of the year.
Florida Everglades
The largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River, Everglades National Park provides a subtropical refuge for rare and endangered species, alligators and foliage. Located in South Florida, the Everglades are just minutes away from Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
While at the Everglades, catch an airboat tour to navigate through the 1.5 million acres of murky swamp waters to view alligators in their natural habitat and bird watch. Camping is available in the park, as well as boat and canoe rentals.
Florida Everglades Holiday Park
21940 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33332
Tel: (954) 434-8111
Amish Country
Lancaster County, Penn., is the heart of Amish Country in America. Home to the oldest Amish settlement in America, visitors can tour the peaceful Amish ways by roaming the countryside by horse and buggy, viewing arts and craft displays and learning about the history of the Amish cultures at museums.
Shuttle service is available from the Lancaster Airport. Several hotels are available in Lancaster County, and Lancaster Amish Tours also provides transportation to and from hotels. Visit this area for a glimpse of old, rural life that no longer exists in most of America.
Lancaster Amish Tours
35 Chickadee Circle
Leola, Penn. 17540
Tel: (610) 842-6993
Yellowstone National Park
Spreading over the corners of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park is the ultimate outdoor experience. America's first national park, Yellowstone futures a wide variety of wildlife including bears, elk, wolves and bison. Perhaps the biggest draw is the natural geysers and hot springs.
Old Faithful, the most popular geyser, erupts roughly every 91 minutes and draws large crowds. The park requires an entrance fee of $25 for each vehicle. Day hikes, fishing and camping sites are all plentiful at the park as well. Stay at the Old Faithful Inn for a historic lodging experience.
Old Faithful Inn
Tel: (866) 439-7375
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital is a must-see for great food and historical landmarks. Head to the Washington area at the end of March to catch the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and there is no better time to walk through Capitol Mall to visit such famous monuments as the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.
After a walk or Metro ride around the Smithsonian museums, head close to Capitol Hill and dine at Old Ebbitt Grill. This famous dining landmark is often the lunchtime home of many senators and representatives.
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 347-4800
Black Hills
The Black Hills in South Dakota offer a truly Western experience. Home to Mount Rushmore, the famous presidential carved cliff, the Black Hills are also home to Deadwood, an old mining town. Visitors can view the grave sites of legends Calamity Jane and Billy the Kid and gamble at the many casinos.
After a day of gambling and site-seeing, pan for gold at Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone. Open in the summer, visitors can get an in-depth experience about how gold was once mined in the area.
Big Thunder Gold Mine
Keystone, S.D 57751
Tel: (605) 666-4847
Tags: Black Hills, Florida Everglades, National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Amish Country, Amish Tours, Ebbitt Grill
