Update: Where Am I??

Hi everyone!!

No, I haven't forgotten about my readers, or about my Twitter and Facebook pages, and most of all not my blog! I haven't officially gone on any new adventures yet, but I felt I owed it to everyone to at least let you know what the hold up is.

Like I said in a previous post, I moved from the DC area -and my career- to return to my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to help my grandmother out. I've been here exactly one month, working part time, looking for a full time job, and bonding with my granny. I've learned I apparently get my adventurous side and passion for travel from my grandmother (who by the way, will be 90 in August, and still goes on short trips once or twice a year!) She's told me how whenever her husband (my grandfather who died about 50 years ago) would get too "fussy" she would pack up, go to Greyhound and get on the next bus leaving- for however long she felt like it. She's told me how she had a small group of friends that would travel together, and one of the quartet of women was afraid of escalators (remember, she's old enough to remember when that was a "new" thing so I can imagine her friend not trusting it lol). Folks often told her to just leave this friend behind, but she always managed to coax her either to finally get on or would walk with her to the nearest stairs. But her favorite travel stories are the ones with  her best friend Russ (who passed away a few years ago). They went all over the country (and Canada and Mexico) together, and when I explained what a blog was, and that I had one about visiting all 50 states, she was excited, and suggested places for me to try.

I've been getting a TON of brochures, pamphlets, and other information from all over the country (most notably Texas and Ohio by volume...) with things to do in their neck of the woods. It is slightly overwhelming, but there is a lot of good information within them. I just cringe a little when I think of all the trees that have died in this process! Never fear though, I've gotten a boatload of emails from river boat cruise companies and from Texas and Mississippi tourism bureaus about trips I could take. I'm most excited about the possibility of going on a Mississippi River riverboat cruise and live like I'm in the era of Mark Twain or something. I've also gotten a ton of tweets from Ohio and Washington state. As well as a ton of companies and people all over the country with ideas, suggestions, and support! I've been taking notes on all of this, and plotting out the remainder of 2012 (assuming I get a job to financially support these travels...that's key!! I'm the queen of saving money on travel, but you need a steady source of income in order to)

Other than that, I'm still here, getting restless because I'm ready to goooooooo! But I did want to check in and keep you up to date. What travel adventures have you been on? Oh, and one last thing, President Obama has a plan to increase US tourism. I think I mentioned it before, but in case you missed it here's the link (click the word "link"). I hope in my own small way I can help support that initiative!

See you soon everyone!

Miss America State Favorites

Miss America State Favorites

I saw this photo-article on the Travel Channel where all 53 Miss America contestants were asked for their favorite places in their home states. I immediately thought two things...

1. Wow, I can get a lot of insight on where to go and what to do in every state I haven't yet blogged about, and...

2. 53??!! Man, I thought I was doing big things blogging about the 50 states (and DC) for a total of 51. You add in my Puerto Rico bonus entry and we are at 52. Now, the US Virgin Islands too! Sheesh! I mean, technically I DID go to St. Thomas on the same cruise that landed me in Puerto Rico at the end of the trip...but I didn't DO anything there (my friend and I made it as far as about a half mile from the ship before the sun thoroughly whipped our tails!) Well, we'll see what happens between now and August 31, 2016!

Interesting though, the places mentioned in states I've already covered:

Miss Virginia says her favorite place to go in her state is the beach. (Not very descriptive, or specific, but we'll assume she means Virginia Beach...)

Miss Puerto Rico named the Arecibo Observatory (which I did not visit), home of one of the most powerful radio telescopes in the world.

Miss Pennsylvania said she loves the Hershey Factory in Hershey, PA. Mind you, I haven't finished the state yet but I have it pretty much planned out... a whirlwind of PA made goods- including the Hershey Factory, a visit to Philadelphia, and the Frank Lloyd Wright house Falling Water (and its sister site Kentuck Knob if possible!)

Miss Maryland cited Baltimore's Inner Harbor (check!!!) as her favorite place.

Miss DC named the H Street Country Club as her favorite place (Really? A country club? In my mind... that's a poor choice, but that's her opinion)



Great insight though! I'll probably refer back to this article as long as it's available online for more ideas. Check it out and see if these ladies named one of your favorite places in your favorite states!

A Charming Couple

A few months ago, I met a couple (Paul Richman and Maureen Sheehan) that was moving from England to New Zealand who decided to road trip across the USA before they flew to their new home. We talked literally for hours about all sorts of things, and they were a big motivation for me in the very beginning of my blog. I recently revisited their site and see that they completed their cross-country journey in 29 days. In that time they took some stunning photos. I'm inspired and excited again about completing my own blog in 2016. Please feel free to check out their blog and journey.

http://moandpousa.blogspot.com/