USA! Talk
Images are sometimes not shown due to bandwidth/network limitations. Refreshing the page usually helps.
You are currently reading a thread in /trv/ - Travel
You are currently reading a thread in /trv/ - Travel
Starting a USA thread. If it's a question about a city or state in the U.S, ask away here. Just wanting to make a general recommendation? Do it here. Want to talk about experiences or ideas? Do it here!
I'll start with New Orleans. I'm going to be going there on the 11th through the 14th of March. I have a place to stay and I will have a car. It'll be me and my girlfriend but we don't know anyone there. We don't have much planned just that we'll be getting pretty wasted a couple of those nights. We're interested in doing pretty much anything from exploring some abandoned places to some history museums. Would like to know of any good places to go. Cool things to do/see.
>>1086758
went to new orleans for a week this past summer and i have to say it's one of my favorite cities. i had nothing planned and had a great time.
one thing to note is that frenchman st is 100x better than bourbon st. amazing music, drinks, food, and atmosphere, while bourbon st is just noise and expensive garbage.
>>1086755
What's ur favourite territory?
>>1086758
#1 thing: don't go outside the boundaries of the French Quarter on foot after dark (you'll never be seen again).
For specific things, the St. Charles Streetcar Line of the New Orleans Streetcar System mainly in downtown is the oldest operational tram line in the world (1835) and is a rare example of a rail line that's designated a US National Historic Landmark.
>>1086765
To live in would be texas hands down. But if you're looking for one state to visit I'd say California hands down.
>>1086769
what about hands up states?
>>1086774
I dunno. New York. Massachusetts. Those places are crazy.
Brit here what state should I visit for my first trip to America?
>>1086812
New York probably, or Florida
Biking down the coast from NYC to mexico (and onwards) this summer. What are some hidden gems on the way?
>>1086812
Orlando in florida is nice. Miami kinda sucks desu.
>>1086755
try this if you want to find a new state to live filteries.com/states
>>1086812
California, New York, or Florida. Illinois too, but for Chicago specifically.
>>1086889
cool find senpai
>>1086812
California. Southern California has beaches, parties and strong military presence with a rich mix of cultures. While north California has beautiful forests and great hikes with a whole lot of hidden gems inbetween
Thinking about going to Allegheny national forest and stopping over at Buffalo/Niagara falls in two weeks. Is it good this time of year, by which I mean not crowded? What's good in Buffalo?
>>1086871
Most people who cycle cross country end up dead. Please be safe and never bike on a highway. There was some guy biking cross country for charity and a cunt in an SUV killed him. He was in a group, too, not just like one dude on a bicycle.
>>1086758
I recommend the voodoo museum if you're into that kind of thing. It's small but cheap, like 5 bucks, and it has a lot of interesting artifacts and stories about what I think is one the most interesting pieces of US history.
![hitchbot.0[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/GhDWROX.jpg "hitchbot.0[1].jpg")
>>1086871
>>1086907
This. An American can just slam you at 100mph and drive away laughing, 2 hours from any cops or ambulances. Provided a trucker doesn't just rob-rape-murder you.
It's taken years of saving, but I've finally booked a 6 week tour of the US with a local travel company.
It's six weeks long, 18-35s only, with a group size of 12-16 people.
The map is a rough guide, starting and finishing in San Fran, but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips, advice, stories etc for the road ahead please?
Like the person above, we are also planning a roadtrip through the US, sans New York - Washington D.C, where we'll be taking the train(then a flight to florida)
Trip is laid out to visit some friends, and see some sights on the way. We've planned for no more than 4-5 hours of highway driving per day, to give plenty of time to drive around, see local sights and generally get a feel of places we go through.
Some things we'll stop by, but I'd gladly take suggestions for things nearby or on the route.
>One or two of the famous parks in Florida
>Great smokey mountains in TN
>Parthenon, TN
>Any or multiple of the zoos/aquariums in the big cities
>US airforce museum, OH
>>1087007
Sandusky? Only there there is Cedar Park (roller coaster capital of the world) so I hope your tour goes there.
Finger Lakes: One of the most beautiful places I have been to in the USA. String of lakes carved out by ancient glaciers. Their banks are lined with Vineyards.
Niagara Falls and Grand Canyon: Both pretty touristy but must sees. Both have great hiking trails, just keep in mind it's a lot easier to go down than it is up....and you go down first in both locations.
Newburgh: what is this?
New York: Probably the first place any non-US citizen should visit here. People aren't friendly, but the sheer size of the city is awe-inspiring. Everything is very expensive. Central Park is great. Catch some Broadway shows if you can, and you're into that sort of thing. If not, you can try to get into live taping of some shows, but the waits can be long and you aren't guaranteed a ticket.
Washington DC: Kind of dirty and god-awful traffic due to poor design of the city, but amazing museums and monuments. Air and Space was my favorite.
Appalachia: Not exactly sure where you will be staying here but the Blue Ridge Mountains are great. Good hiking and views, not much else unless you are going to Pigeon Forge.
Nashville: One of my favorite cities. Country music bars with live music, you will get a real feel for the South even though you are skipping some great places imo (Charleston, Savannah, Charlotte, etc.)
Las Vegas: Bring your checkbook, catch a resident DJ like Alesso, drop some molly and have a blast. Just be prepared to pay $14 for a beer and $12 for a bottle of water. Scams are abound for taxi drivers, they will quote you entrance prices much cheaper than the real thing, specially to strip clubs. Great time though, just be smart.
Monument Valley, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe: Hope you have a good camera, some of the best parks the country has to offer.
>>1087011
Consider stopping in Ashville, NC since it's on your way. It's got a hipster vibe, but they do have a great craft beer scene. They also have the Biltmore Estate which is really cool.
Charlotte: Depending on what time of the year you are going, go to the White Water Center. White water rafting on a man made river than can be adjusted to different difficultly levels, biking, etc.
Also consider stopping by Pigeon Forge near Knoxville. It's touristy and really out of place in the mountains, but really damn cool.
Also recommend stopping by Savannah if you have an extra day, tons of history. Gorgeous city and I don't think there is anywhere with a more southern vibe.
Already got that Ashville on the map, since we are taking that route towards Smokey Mountain. Looks quaint af
We're going in May, so that should be good weather for the white water center?
Oh yeah I almost forgot, we are of course going to the Kennedy Space Center as well.
Not really sure what there is to do in Kentucky, right now we have nothing there. Nothing the trip east towards our endgoal of New York either, maybe we can swing past the Niagra falls or something, or detour up towards Boston. We'll be on the road for three weeks so we might have time, depending how much we spend in the south.
>>1087026
May would be a great time, not too hot yet.
There are some things to do in Kentucky depending on your interests. You can check out the Bourbon trail and stop by some Distilleries. There is also a ridiculous cave systems in Kentucky so there are a lot of places you can take cave tours.
Not too sure about Southern PA, I don't think there is a ton there.
>>1086812
Charleston SC or Savannah GA if you want southern hospitality and nice beaches nearby.
New York City or Chicago if you want to walk around a big city and do big city things.
Los Angeles or Orlando if you want cool theme parks and a lot of touristy things nearby.
Florida Keys if you want some of the nicest beaches in the country and a very laid back atmosphere.
>>1086812
>california
If you can drive from the north to the south or vice versa, along the coast, you'll be truly amazed.
>>1086871
Ive lived east coast most of my life and very few roads that run north south that aren't interstates.
>>1086755
I live in Omaha, Nebraska and have been off and on about dropping everything and hiking from here to California around April. I have 11k in my bank so money won't be an issue. Any trails, recommendations, or words of wisdom worth taking into consideration?
>>1086755
What's there to do in Colorado?
>>1087057
as much as a I hate the liberal pussification state of California, I agree it probably has the most to offer.
Florida would also be a great option. Miami is an amazing time, great night life. Orlando is a classic, Disney World and all. Add in other beaches like Tampa, Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, and....well I could go on for a long time. Florida Everglades are also great, swamp boat rides and wildlife.
>>1087273
Where in Colorado? Around Colorado Springs there is Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Royal Gorge.
There is Manitou Springs if you like hippie dippy bullshit and Pueblo has the riverwalk. Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge for skiing if you are going during that time of year. You can tour New Belgium's brewery in Fort Collins if you are into that. I don't know dick about Denver or Boulder though.
Aside from that there is a metric fuck ton of places to camp and hike. My personal favorite is the Great Sand Dunes.
If I were to land in San Diego (from the UK) how easy would it be for me to buy a car to drive up to Seattle/ Vancouver BC
>>1087273
>What's there to do in Colorado?
Some of the best historical train rides in the Western Hemisphere are in Colorado, especially in the southwestern part of the state. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad based out of Durango is one of the really good ones.
>>1087361
>Some of the best historical train rides in the Western Hemisphere are in Colorado, especially in the southwestern part of the state. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad based out of Durango is one of the really good ones.
Oh gosh, so true. I am fond of the Zephyr from Denver to SLC.
Looking to move. I'm a 23 year old male. Just got certified as an EMT. Looking for work. Any advice? I want to start a career and move out.
>>1087371
Since, you're still in your 20s, you'll probably want to live close to all of the action, and the Denver area is it for Colorado. After you start a family ,consider taking a job in one of the smaller cities on its perimeter, such as Fort Collins to the north or Colorado Springs to the south.
Going to Chicago for a week next week. What to do? What to eat? I'm less of a clubbing, barhopping kinda guy and more into chilling, sightseeing, touring, and eating. Lots of eating.
>>1087371
would recommend if your trying to live in Colorado to be some sort of resort emt im sure they are in high demand and your young so can enjoy the off days with the activities while getting employee pricing.
>>1086758
I saved the following post about New Orleans from this board because i intend to go there and found it to be very informative:
>New Orleans has some of the best restaurants and bars in the country. Not all of them are expensive, but it would be worth it to go to at least one of their premiere restaurants (Arnaud's, Galatoire's, Commander's Palace). On the cheaper side, Napoleon House is a nice bar with a beautiful courtyard where they play classical music, be sure to try a Pimm's Cup if it's hot out, which it probably will be. Be sure to try a Muffuletta from Central Grocery. Hit up Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait in the morning. Acme Oyster Bar for po-boys. If Preservation Hall is open, check that out for some great jazz shows. One time, when I was about 19, the guitarist (they don't usually have guitarists there, but they did that night) cut his hand on a broken glass and couldn't continue to play, so they asked if anyone in the audience knew how to play guitar. I did, and no one else came forward, so I played with the band (simple, improvised jazz tunes, it was easy) and they got me drunk afterwards, one of my best memories ever.
>The casinos like Harrah's can be fun if you're into that.
>Also, they have some nice tours, I recommend the haunted house tour, the swamp tour, and another tour that was basically showing off all of these beautiful plantation homes and courtyards.
>Bourbon street (at least the famous stretch of it) is generally a shitty, dirty tourist trap, but if there is something special going on (common) it might be worth it.
>>1087516
Chicagoan here.
For sightseeing, go to the John Hancock tower and take the elevator up to the Signature Room. It is a bar nearly 100 stories up with panoramic views of the lake and the city, and it's cheaper than paying to go to an observatory. While in that area, walk down the magnificent mile on Michigan Ave. Touristy as fuck but lots of good sights to see. Find the restaurant called Bandera (i know its a chain but still one of the better restaurants in that tourist trap) and eat the prime rib french dip. Their drinks are also amazing and they have live jazz every night i think.
Check out the city's museums. The art institute is one of the best. The planetarium, field museum and shedd aquarium are all nearby at the "museum campus" depending what you are into. I really like the field museum.
Lincoln Park is a nice, large park on the near northside with good views and a free zoo. Kingston Mines for live blues every night.
In terms of where to eat and drink: Coast Sushi is some of the best ive ever had anywhere. Find a Lou Malnati's for deep dish or go to Pequod's (my personal favorite). Map Room is a legendary beer bar (go in the day time, its super chill). Paladar is near there, amazing cuban food. Parson's for delicious fried chicken and slushy drinks on tap. Ipsento for coffee. Logan Hardware (the record store) is a great place to flip thru records, ajd if you buy something they let you into their backroom full of free vintage arcade games. Best Intentions is a fantastic "nice" dive bar with free Big Buck Hunter, but take a cab there. L'Patron has the best mexican food ive ever eaten, but its a hole in the wall. Take a cab.
Logan Square is by far the hottest area right now, you cant go a block without seeing coffee shops, bars, restaurants. Revolution brewing is there. Half Acre brewing is a great place to hang out. Bad Apple is across the street for burgers.
Sorry this is kind of just rambling, let me know if you have more questions.
>>1087527
Amazing. Thanks anon!
I'm actually already planning on going to John Hancock, Art Instite, Lincoln Park, and Pequods, but its great to get some solidity on those choices. Will definitely check out those other places too. Where to get best hot dog and Italian beef?
I'm ultra excited, I've always wanted to visit.
Decent thing to do in Washington DC? Aside from the Air and Space museums. Also any places to avoid?
>>1086812
A trip from Charleston SC, stop at Botany Bay, Edisto SC, to Savannah GA, then hike some of the Appalachian. Mostly inexpensive, the people and food are amazing, and you'll see a lot of really cool stuff with amazing beaches. California is also gorgeous near Big Sur. But if you want to be amazed by natural beauty northern Rocky mountain state parks will blow your mind.
>>1087011
Charlotte is one of the coolest cities in the world. Check out the NoDa arts district if you get a chance. It's also extremely safe compared to a lot of cities.
>>1087543
Portillos for beef and dogs. Theres only one in the city proper and its in a touristy area but its amazing. The beef, my god. Get the sandwich "dipped" and eat it with a fork.
>>1087577
Ya'll usually do the dogs kosher beef right? Not pork-based?
>>1087586
They are almost always beef, but not necessarily Kosher. The big dog in town is Vienna beef which is delicious but i dont think its kosher.
>>1087550
All of the Smithsonian museums are free and right on the Mall, so you can just poke your head in them without trying to conquer the whole thing.Aside from the monuments and whatnot, I like to walk around the DuPont Circle and U Street parts of town. Georgetown is touristy, but worth it. The Eastern Market is pretty cool too
>Also any places to avoid?
Don't stray too far east of the Capitol
>>1087560
charlotte is where they invented the bible
>>1087298
>If I were to land in San Diego (from the UK) how easy would it be for me to buy a car to drive up to Seattle/ Vancouver BC
Bump so its not lost under loads of detailed replies about other places
>>1087298
>>1088169
Im not sure i understand the question. Do you mean rent a car? If you were visiting from the UK i would be surprised if you would just buy a car outright.
If you meant renting a car, it would be very easy. There are rental car agencies right at the airport and you can reserve a car online in advance. For a fee you can usually book it one-way, meaning you dont have to drive the car back to where you rented it from and can just drop it off at a branch in seattle.
The drive itself is very long, 18+ hours with no stops. So i would plan on spending a few days driving so you can cut over to the ocean and enjoy yourself.
If you meant buying a car, that would also be easy if you have a lot of money. Just look for car dealers near the airport. Just not sure why you would do that.
Either way have fun, if you are visiting the US from another country i think the west coast is easily the most impressive terrain we've got.
>>1088190
Hi thanks for the reply. I mean buy a car because most rental places are fully booked/I heard it could actually work out cheaper and be easier. Im also 22 so I'd be charged a daily "underage" fee (<25) to rent.
The other side of the coin is that I read that to buy a car in NY state you have to have a NY adress which could be a pain in the ass setting up PO boxes etc.
I wouldn't be bombing it straight to Seattle I'd be taking anywhere from 1 to 3 months to do the trip depending on funds.
>>1088249
I dont know about needing an address to buy a car, but to register it with the government and get plates you will probably encounter some hurdles. To me it seems more trouble than its worth to try to buy, register and then sell a car during a trip to another country.
I find it extremely difficult to believe that "most rental places are booked." I have traveled the US and rented cars dozens of times and have literally never heard of such a thing.
I'm thinking of traveling down to California from Canada. Do I need a license or anything special to camp out? I saw one location that said you need a license, does anyone know what this entails?
If I move to the west coast how easy is it to get decent quality (no additives and other bullshit) food? I'm from France and I'm used to a fairly high standard of ingredients.
>>1088490
The west coast is at the forefront of the clean food movement. If you are in/near any major city over there you will have no problems, there are entire stores dedicated to that type of food.
Does anyone have recommendations for hotels in NYC? I might be going there by myself and was looking for something close to one of the train stations but not too expensive. It'd only be for one night so I don't need anything outlandish, I just want to be safe though.
Any recommendations for someone in Charleston, SC? Currently here in a hotel for three days, may stay longer.
>>1087011
Swing down to Charleston, SC for a couple days. Trust me.
>>1088603
USS Yorktown museum
Rent a bike and explore the city
Most of the bars and such are on King st
Go out to the beach before dawn and watch the sunrise from the ocean
>>1088619
Gonna bar hop King Street tonight, museum tomorrow morning, then folly beach tomorrow. Thanks for the advice!
>>1086755
Hostels in ATLANTA
or just cheapass places close to Centennial olympic park?
>>1088490
Look up the Michelin red guide for San Francisco (same one you have in France). Look up a few restaurants on the list. You will notice that many have exclusive relationships with farms, or at the very least write a lot about how their ingredients are sourced.
I am from Canada, my beloved country and I am lost in a foreign country. I am going back to Canada no matter what. This is the only thread that I found that I can post on.
If you had 2.5 weeks in the US in July, arriving in San Francisco, where would you go? What would your itinerary look like as a solo traveller?
>>1086758
I am going there also, anon. What will you be doing?
>>1089370
as a native from the nj/ny area, i've always wanted to drive up or down the california coast. ideally it would start in LA and go north, and then i would drive through til seattle, hitting other cities in between. but if you're starting in san francisco, you could still do the drive from SF to LA.
