Top 5 United States Travel Destinations

I love to travel and have been blessed to explore some of the world's most exotic and fascinating sites. Some of my most memorable trips are located right here in our own backyard, the United States. My bucket list includes visiting all 50. I've got 12 to go. This week I am posting my 5 favorite locations.

Stig Ottesen - Unsplash

5. Williams, Arizona

Williams is on Interstate 40 and is known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." It is a quaint town with one Main Street on Route 66. Here you will find lots of history and a variety of shops and restaurants. The main attraction is the Grand Canyon Railroad with daily trips to the most visited National Park in our country. Be sure to make the trip to Bearizona. This outdoor wildlife park is just outside of town. You have the option of driving through in your own vehicle or taking a narrated bus tour. Bearizona is family friendly complete with interactive pet shows. For dinner, my wife and I enjoyed South Rim's Wine & Beer Garage. It is a converted auto repair shop. Try the crab-stuffed Portobello mushrooms and pretzel basket with beer cheese dipping sauce.

4. Avila Beach, California

This gem of a beach town is hidden just south of San Luis Obispo off highway 101. We passed it many times on our travels through the area. Five years ago we left the main highway and quickly fell in love with it. It is small but has a lot to offer. The beach is one of my favorites. On the warmest days, it remains uncluttered. The hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse was nice. The guided tour takes about 4 hours. Book it in advance, it fills up quickly. Bring your bikes and take the 5-mile ride to the farmers market outside of town. The roasted corn on the cob slathered in mayo, Tabasco, and lime is a great snack before heading back. Ocean Grill restaurant offers the best food in town. The Rockfish Tacos are my favorite. For dinner, try the Diver Scallops & Pork Belly. Book hotel rooms well in advance. There are only two beachfront properties, and they fill up quickly.

3. Black Hills of South Dakota

The Black Hills are the place if you love camping and outdoor adventures. There is so much to see and do in the "The Hills." Your first stop? You guessed it … Mt. Rushmore. I was blown away seeing the monument for the first time. Pictures and TV don't do it justice. The visitors center is beautiful and is just steps from our four former Presidents. Head north to Spearfish Canyon but plan a stop in Deadwood home to Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill among other famous gunslingers. The drive through Spearfish Canyon offers some spectacular scenery especially in the fall which starts here in late August. Have dinner at the historic Legends Steakhouse in the famous Franklin Hotel. Bakers Bakery & Grill in Custer is one of the best diners I've ever eaten. If you don't like crowds, steer clear of the region in August. The Sturgis Bike Rally has become popular worldwide for motorcycle enthusiasts. Winters are very cold, spring and fall are your best bets.

2. Nashville, Tennessee

I had heard a lot of great things about this exciting "Country Music Capital City," but Nashville exceeded my expectations. A walk on Broadway is your first priority. There are so many restaurant and bar choices. A venture into each bar offers you a different live music genre. We experienced bluegrass, classic rock, honky tonk, modern rock, and Motown all within a few steps of each other. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum were filled with great music memorabilia. Of course, the Grand Ole Opry was on our list. It was a religious experience watching the likes of Rudy Gatlin and Brad Paisley perform. John Fogerty closed the set with Brad. If you love Americana take the short drive south to Franklin, Tennessee … a charming community. The Bijou (old theater) still has balconies, and you can get an ice cream soda at the pharmacy. The Red Pony Restaurant has a wonderful menu. We had grilled lamb chops and the shrimp and grits garnished with pork belly and mushrooms.

1. New York City for Christmas

Christmas in New York is by far my favorite travel stay. I have been in the spring and summer, but Christmas time is the best. The hustle and bustle of Manhattan just feels different during the holidays. There are a number of holiday traditions to experience. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is the number one Christmas experience for New Yorkers. Some people have been to it since they were kids. St. Patrick's Cathedral was packed for Christmas morning services. Of course, visit the massive Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza. Take the subway south to the 911 memorial and museum. It was hard not to tear up in front of some of the displays. It took a long time to build, and it's very well done. For Christmas day brunch our concierge referred us to the Nomad Hotel. The menu is a la carte with some well-crafted creations. The pastries and preserves were delightful. We finished with the short rib hash topped with poached eggs and shallot marmalade. There are so many dining options in the city. Deli's, pizzerias, and diners are everywhere. We found it best to sit with our concierge and spend some time going over all of our options.

Hope you enjoyed my top 5 U.S. travel destinations. Check them out and let me know what you think. Until then … happy travels. Get your passport ready. Next week we go to Europe.