What’s one thing a visitor must experience in your hometown?
Posted by usije@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 416 comments
I’m from Tanzania and really interested in learning more about everyday American life. If I ever got the chance to visit your hometown what’s the one thing you’d say I have to experience if it’s food, a festival or something unique to your area?
WarmHippo6287@reddit
I think the only thing tiny little Portageville has going for it is the soybean festival. We produce the majority of the soybeans so we have a big festival to celebrate the soybean harvest every October. It's a big to-do for our town.
ca77ywumpus@reddit
In Chicago, get the deep dish pizza if you must, but the real magic is in an Italian Beef sandwich or the "tavern style" thin crust pizza. Polish Sausage is also a classic Chicago food. But for your money, the best thing you can do is visit a few of the traditionally ethnic neighborhoods and try out the local flavor. Chicago is sometimes called "a city of Neighborhoods" because every neighborhood has it's own vibe. Traditionally this was because immigrants would settle near others like them, so there's Ukrainian Village, Chinatown, Greektown, etc.
Thhe_Shakes@reddit
I hope you do! Tanzania is my favorite county I've visited.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvnia: Reading Terminal Market. Imagine a huge bustling indoor space where you can get just about any style food from any culture.
Marietta, Georgia: Chalktoberfest. A massive outdoor party on our downtown square with tons of food and beer, but the main draw is chalk artists doing some incredible artworks on the road.
ka-bluie57@reddit
Come visit Evergreen CO in late May.... Elk are calving, and they love to hang out around the lake. Keep your distance or you'll find out what a protective 1000 lb mother can do. Then go to Murphys for a Black and Blue Elk Burger.
thewickedbarnacle@reddit
The 405
Loud_Ad5093@reddit
A local steakhouse that uses only local beef.
SherlockWSHolmes@reddit
Not my hometown but Desoto Caverns, they changed the name to something stupid. But it's amazing and a history lesson, there's also Calera Train Museum that offers rides on most holidays ans events.
One_Advertising394@reddit
Aebleskivers
SpookyghostL34T@reddit
The dinosaur tracks. It's a hike but well worth it
Sallyfifth@reddit
Where are they? My kids are dinosaur crazy, and I want to take them on a road trip.
SpookyghostL34T@reddit
Comanche Grasslands, Southeast Colorado. There are some incredible camp sites (first come first serve and the awesome ones have no amenities) and it's a 10 mile round trip and it's a desert so bring water
Sallyfifth@reddit
It looks beautiful.
Sallyfifth@reddit
Good to know, thank you so much!!
MovieSock@reddit
My flair says New York, but I'm originally from Connecticut (one of the states next door). You're going to be getting a ton of recommendations about New York City, so I'll point you at a couple of Connecticut things -
* One of the bigger cities in Connecticut, New Haven, is a good spot for pizza. They've recently started running advertisements here in New York City boasting that their pizza is better than ours. They....might be right.
* Another food item: most food historians that it was a restaurant in Connecticut that was the first to sell hamburgers, the way we think of them today (as a kind of sandwich). I can't remember the specific restaurant, but if you search "first hamburger Connecticut" you can probably find it.
* I CAN give you the name of another place that does cheeseburgers very well - it's called Shady Glen, and it's in the middle of the state. It's a small diner that has homemade ice cream, and REALLY unique cheeseburgers; they use four slices of cheese and place them on the hamburger while it's grilling in such a way that the cheese hangs off the edge and down onto the grill, and it gets crispy. So your cheeseburger comes with these wings of fried cheese attached to it. You REALLY should try it, that's one of the few things I miss from Connecticut!
* Finally - just a short drive from Shady Glen you will find U-Conn, the main campus for the University of Connecticut. At U-Conn they offer classes in agriculture, so they have ice cream there too - and they also have the #1 best degree program for puppetry in the US. (Seriously - if you want to go work for the Muppets, your first step would be to get a degree in puppetry here.) There is a small museum on the UConn campus and they occasionally have puppet shows.
Conchee-debango@reddit
Wooster, Ohio. OARDC, Secrest Arboretum, the parks, Coccia Pizza
Bright_Sea_7567@reddit
Food wise: Cheese steaks, soft pretzels, water ice. Sites: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
HugeMacaron@reddit
I thought the cheesesteaks were meh but the Worter Ice was the bomb.
Bright_Sea_7567@reddit
I think you mean woodder ice 😂😂😂
BryonyVaughn@reddit
I watched Abbott Elementary this morning. I’ve learned a lot about Philadelphia and Italian slag by googling my way through the series.
Embarrassed_Suit_942@reddit
I hear it's always sunny there
Bright_Sea_7567@reddit
We had a pretty chilly wet spring this year. But most of summer is normally hot and sunny.
Weightmonster@reddit
Old City and Penn’s Landing
Little-Martha31204@reddit
Jungle Jim's. It's not just a grocery store, it's an experience.
cattopattocatto@reddit
I live in Lexington, and I do not leave that place without spending at least $250. I stow a cooler with ice packs in my trunk. It's a whole-day event.
Little-Martha31204@reddit
You know how to do it right!
Syndromia@reddit
I am forbidden (by me) to go there alone after I spent almodt $100 and didnt buy a single bite of real food. It was all every grape soda I could find, baked goods, and fruit I hadnt tried before.
Little-Martha31204@reddit
In that case, never, and I mean NEVER, go there if you are elevated ;).
Syndromia@reddit
Oh absolutely not. Id max out my credit card on baked goods.
Little-Martha31204@reddit
Yep, can confirm, lol.
eriums7777@reddit
Hello fellow Nati dweller.
Little-Martha31204@reddit
Greetings co-located internet stranger!
round_a_squared@reddit
This is valid. Every time I go through Cincinnati I need to stop at Jungle Jim's
WouldYaEva@reddit
The one in Mason or Eastside?
round_a_squared@reddit
I usually go to the one in Fairfield (that's the original location, right?) but I did stop at the one in Eastside (with the bathrooms disguised as Porta-Potties?) last time. I've never been to Mason - I'll have to check it out.
Little-Martha31204@reddit
It's actually in Fairfield. They also have the porta-potties there!
AppState1981@reddit
Way to go, Ohio. My Son in Law raves about it. My favorite part of Columbus (Westerville) was the liquor store in the Kay-Roger.
Weightmonster@reddit
Oh! There is also a Jungle Jims in Rehoboth, Delaware. It’s a waterpark and mini golf course!
WouldYaEva@reddit
But I bet it doesn't have 6 acres of groceries AND a monorail!
Embarrassed_Suit_942@reddit
That place was the best growing up. I'd go camping at Cape Henlopen every year with my family, and we'd always stop there for an afternoon if things got too hot.
Separate_Farm7131@reddit
I went there when one of my kids lived in the area. Interesting place.
will2165@reddit
My wife and I spent hours there and never knew when we would get to the end. At one point a lady asked us where the bar was and we were flabbergasted because we hadn’t even gotten that far
AdInevitable2695@reddit
We have Stew Leonard's over here which is similar, but it has nothing on Jungle Jim's.
cattopattocatto@reddit
I hail from the roundabout capital of the United States (Carmel, Indiana). Nothing really to see there.
I've lived in Lexington, Kentucky for a while now. I'm not into horse racing, but I hear it's a whole industry here (lol). I'm more into bourbon, myself. The bluegrass region is also naturally beautiful, but I'd be taking someone visiting farther east to hike in Red River Gorge, or visit Natural Bridge.
FriendlyDay6697@reddit
Ventura harbor. Margaritas and delicious food with a view. Then walk around the docks looking at all the sail boats.
Key-Article6622@reddit
Imagination Park. San Anselmo, CA
https://www.sananselmo.gov/1975/Imagination-Park
Mental-Paramedic9790@reddit
Belleville Illinois… We have one of the extremely few remaining drive-in movie theatres in the country.
St. Louis Missouri… The gateway arch, the zoo, the science centre, the art museum, and Ted Drew‘s ice cream. Oh yeah, other food items you need to check out toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake.
HugeMacaron@reddit
If I were in Houston I would grab some kolaches and head over to the Beer Can House or maybe see the anchor in Texas City.
MerbleTheGnome@reddit
The Grounds For Sculpture - https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/
mykepagan@reddit
This is a good one!
mrsrobotic@reddit
This is a great place to spend an afternoon! 👌🏽
mykepagan@reddit
Get a freshly baked bagel with lox & cream cheese from Time For A Bagel
RunningIntoTheSun@reddit
The smell of a tobacco field in bloom during summer
Longjumping-Air1489@reddit
Ralph’s Pizza. The sausage pizza is THE. BEST. PIZZA. IN. THE. WORLD!
https://ralphspizzahaddonheights.com
Nurse4Heroes@reddit
The world's most attractive fast food restaurant.
_WeSellBlankets_@reddit
For me it would be walking out into Lake Superior in the middle of summer to feel how cold it is.
Watching the sunset over Chequamegon Bay.
Or going to the Deepwater for beer cheese soup, and don't forget the popcorn garnish.
LadySandry88@reddit
Oak Grove Market in Gallatin, TN. It's not huge, but it's got a wide array of locally grown fruits, vegetables, etc. Cheeses, meat, ice cream, jam, honey (a ton of local variants), peanut butter (same), chips/crisps, cookies, bread, cinnamon rolls (omg sourdough cinnamon rolls!), and the most important of all--fruit tea slushies.
Well. Fruit tea, apple cider, peach juice, etc. But they're all juice/tea slushies, no added colors or syrups, and the ice is made of the juice/tea as well, so even as it melts it doesn't get watery!
You can also buy seeds, flowers, or seedlings plants to start your own garden!
katarh@reddit
In Athens, Georgia, the one thing you must experience is an American College Football Tailgate.
It is culturally distinct from an NFL tailgate. On our university campus, it is a 2 mile long picnic.
Mini documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcnFuqaD-yQ&ab_channel=VICETV
Avalon_Angel525@reddit
Where I am from originally? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Where I lived in my high school years? Marion's Piazza in Dayton, Ohio followed by a trip to Carrilon Park.
Where I live now? The Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Or if you're ok with a short drive, the Oregon Coast... especially if you're a Goonies fan!
Blackbunnyraven@reddit
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, it is breathtaking
whoaheywait@reddit
getting black out drunk on Broadway.
theotherkeith@reddit
For Chicago and "everyday", ride the CTA Brown Line elevated trains. Even though its simply a normal commute for 10s of thousands, you get...
1) An upclose 2nd Floor view of downtown architecture of several decades in the Loop
2) a unique vista eastward down the Chicago River and the canyon of skyscrapers that surround it.
3) A look in the backs of 3-story apartment buildings old and new and the Depaul University Campus. Again, architecture from the 1880s to the 2020s.
4) You can get on and off at various stations to view the site specific public art installations at most stations north of Armitage. At Western, you can also see a piece of the Berlin Wall or get out. Belmont, Paulina and Western especially are surrounded by nice retail districts (Western even has an apothecary)
5) As you near the end and the train lowers to street level you can appreciate the international diversity of emigres (that some parts of the US do not right now), and have lunch or dinner at a "storefront" restaurant of the owner's home country's cuisine.
Disclosure: three decades ago I was a tour guide on charter CTA trains around the loop for one summer.
And if you can't visit in person, you can enjoy some of this virtually in this CTA video https://youtu.be/vxyDqC-ik1E?feature=shared,
And if you pick the exact right train run in November or December, you could meet Santa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJgAbaYpvzs
Sargntstudder@reddit
Getting shot. Once in a lifetime experience
Non-Normal_Vectors@reddit
Garbage plates. With a white hot dog to go truly local (Rochester NY)
zealot_ratio@reddit
cheeseburger all the way, and only from Tahous.
Which weirdly is sold through the airport now too? I dunno, I think the dank adds seasoning.
Non-Normal_Vectors@reddit
I did burgers myself, but white hots are unique to the area.
And I haven't been to Tahou's since pre-plague, hit Schaller's or Don's usually.
And since it appears you're a local with the appropriate taste... Have you had the Greek fries at Arien's on Monroe (same building Bug Jar is in)? Hands down one of the best things I've had in town. And I'm 60.
zealot_ratio@reddit
Have to check those out! We have family in Rochester, back there couple times a year. One time when they came to visit us it was with a cooler of white and red hots:)
Affectionate_Yam4368@reddit
A Packers game with tailgating beforehand.
MissKitness@reddit
It is likely different for everyone in my town but I’d bring people from other countries on a few local hikes and then go out to a local Middle Eastern restaurant. That is really popular around here.
bunkumsmorsel@reddit
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
biggooner1989@reddit
From West Chester and was about to say the same
bunkumsmorsel@reddit
I’m from West Chester, too! 🥰
Go, Warriors! And Rams! (And Vikings, too. I guess) (I’m too old to say “Go, Golden Knights!” even though I love that we have a high school named for Bayard Rustin.)
xxrichxxx@reddit
Bam, is that you?
bunkumsmorsel@reddit
Nah, but my brother knows him.
Weightmonster@reddit
Yes! Buy tickets early especially for the holidays and the summer weekends.
If you, go in the afternoon of a Thursday and stay for the lights and fountain show!
skateboreder@reddit
And while visiting Philly, check out Kennett Squares bad cousin, Kensington, and visit the countries largest open air drug market.
Busch_Leaguer@reddit
Football game
Stunning-Apricot-636@reddit
I live in the Grand Canyon State, that kind of overshadows everything else.
Ok-Trouble7956@reddit
The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Football, American football of course, is huge around here
PhantomdiverDidIt@reddit
You need to see at least one of the local caves. Luray Caverns are big and expensive, but there are others that give you just as cool an experience.
terrovek3@reddit
Dick's drive in. It's not supposed to be the highest quality out there, but its an important cultural cornerstone, and worth experiencing.
Ge the deluxe, fries, tartar sauce.
Go out for a greasy Bag of Dick's.
montanalifterchick@reddit
Omg we tried 2 days ago and had to throw it away.
Cautious-Crab2391@reddit
Dick's was the place to be on weekend nights in the 80s and 90s but the food was horrible. Cruise the strip, hang out at Dick's, show off your ride, blast your music, flirt with each other, exchange beeper numbers. Just like most other hang out spots, we weren't there for the food.
terrovek3@reddit
Begone! Foul demons!
vyyne@reddit
There's a Dick's in my town and it's greasy also. Is this a universal?
Significant_Topic822@reddit
I would fly to Spokane every summer as a kid and my grandparents always took me to Dick’s. Great times.
neronga@reddit
Man I would’ve said going to a Seahawks game or something but this is a great answer lol
ViewtifulGene@reddit
Is this wear the term "eat a bag of dicks" came from?
terrovek3@reddit
Not originally, but it's long been appropriated.
Obtuse-Posterior@reddit
I'm in Wisconsin, and I was about to say the same about ours. We lovingly call ours Richard's Fine Dining
BankManager69420@reddit
As a Portlander who commutes to Seattle every so often for various reasons, I would have to agree. We have old-fashioned drive-ins here as well, but Dick’s is something else, and is always a necessary stop for me when I’m up there.
HempFandang0@reddit
There are a hundred things I would've said before Dick's but the more I think about it, Dick's is the right answer 😂
Clavier_VT@reddit
Maple syrup and maple creemees (soft maple ice cream)
skicanoesun32@reddit
Vermont has entered the chat.
It’s worth noting that a true creemee has a higher percent milk fat than standard soft serve ice cream (according to cookie love)
Clavier_VT@reddit
Indeed. Otherwise it’s just soft-serve ice cream , not a creemee.
Puzzleheaded-Bee4698@reddit
Maple syrup poured over freshly fallen snow ... ... ... that's the best snow cone. 😋
Clavier_VT@reddit
Yes. We call it “sugar on snow”
usije@reddit (OP)
Never tasted any of those and I'm looking forward to.
Adept_Inspection5916@reddit
[#2, #4 and #9 on this list are close
PeterNippelstein@reddit
I'd rather not give away my assassination coordinates.
ChessieChesapeake@reddit
Crab feast
Ornery-Character-729@reddit
That's kind of a huge question to ask. Can you be more specific about where you are going in the US? Or what you would specifically like to see? We have everything but it's not all really close together.
tclynn@reddit
Gatorland. It's hot, smelly and full of reptiles. It's the real Florida.
Wide_Ideal506@reddit
Our blue haze mountains and moonshine.
I_need_to_know27@reddit
Powder white sand beaches (Pensacola/Gulf Coast Florida)
DesertWanderlust@reddit
A Sonoran hot dog. Some people say "I don't like hot dogs," but it's because they haven't had a Sonoran dog. The Sinaloan version is actually superior, but it's harder to find.
The annual gem show attracts people from all over the world, including Tanzania (I bought some Tanzanite a few years ago). Though coming during that time can be an issue, since all the hotels fill up.
NewtOk4840@reddit
I live in the Central Valley CA agriculture is everything here! I would take you to the fields where the grapes grow, pistachios,strawberries we grow it all! I had some friends visit from Maine and the highlight of their trip was seeing and picking fresh oranges
Turdposter777@reddit
From San Diego. Growing up, my family would visit relatives in Central Valley and would come back with crates of giant purple grapes
usije@reddit (OP)
That sounds amazing! I’d love to see that especially pstachios . It must feel like BEING into the heart of where plenty of food comes. Thanks for sharing!
NewtOk4840@reddit
I actually picked pistachios one year,I believe they harvest in August and it's like 105 outside,but they lay these huge ass tarps under the trees and you basically just knock them off with a stick and then roll them up in the tarp,it's not too hard physically it's the heat no shade except from the pistachio trees and tbh I was surprised how small the trees are.
NPHighview@reddit
Cherry picking at the beginning of June for us. Or “you-pick” raspberries or blueberries. Also near Lancaster (California)
NewtOk4840@reddit
Idgaf what anyone says I love California and even though it's hot as hell I do love my city
Patient_Character730@reddit
Born and raised in the central valley. We moved away several years ago and really the only thing we missed is the fresh produce. Picking up a huge basket of freshly picked strawberries that are naturally sweet was a highlight of every spring for me.
This is a great answer.
Pissedliberalgranny@reddit
Stop by in Lindsay for some olives.
OldRaj@reddit
Can’t we go to Sequoias and Kings Canyon? I know it’s a short drive but c’mon!
NewtOk4840@reddit
OP said the city we live in I live in Fresno not Yosemite
nattyodaddy@reddit
Healthy dose of pesticides! (I’m from Lancaster; I kid I love you guys for our produce :) bus seriously…Bakersfield to Fresno is like a gas chamber and the 5 sucks
NewtOk4840@reddit
Lol you right
Chank-a-chank1795@reddit
The Rappahanock river
Pippinsmom19@reddit
Not my hometown, but hot doughnuts now signs. Get some!
MuchDevelopment7084@reddit
The annual go-kart races. Going on right now.
Blues in the Park. Fridays...summer only
Annual BBQ Festival.
Chicken Wings Festival...Februarys
Steam Punk Festival
And all the other little, not so well known festivals throughout the year.
Remarkable-dude89@reddit
I am live in little rock Arkansas all I have to show you here is the exit and ask you to take me with you
tcorey2336@reddit
Redding, CA Jack’s Grill, since about 1928. If you like meat.
Goodbykyle@reddit
Driving on the beach!
LeadingHoneydew5608@reddit
Route 66 old town and museum- unfortunatley google maps is not great about informing visitors about the fent problem there...
Subterranean44@reddit
I’m from a small town that burnt down six years ago. We’re rebuilding. I’d say, try Mi Oaxaca? It’s our best Mexican foot truck. Not that many restaurants have rebuilt.
guywithshades85@reddit
I currently live in Rochester, NY. Grab a Genny light and eat a garbage plate.
LVKim@reddit
The one and only Golden Gate Bridge, and so much more!
Fine-Sherbert-140@reddit
Absolutely nothing. (Rural OK.)
DreamCrusher914@reddit
Storm cellar?
Fine-Sherbert-140@reddit
If you're in rural Oklahoma, you probably won't have a chance to get there in time. And you might not want to, what with being in Oklahoma and all.
AppState1981@reddit
Arkansas would like to have a word.
Fine-Sherbert-140@reddit
Good luck to Arkansas in their continued quest for literacy.
DreamCrusher914@reddit
That’s bleak, but I respect it.
ThrowawayMod1989@reddit
Dunn NC has a bakery called Sherry’s and the breakfast is bomber. Around the corner from that is a steakhouse called Butcher’s Table. All they serve is steaks, baked potatoes, salads, and blooming onions. 10/10
AppState1981@reddit
Me meeting a guy freshman year
Me: Where are you from?
Him: Dunn
Me: What's it near?
Him (thinking): Nothing
ThrowawayMod1989@reddit
I always say “it’s where I-95 and 421 cross each other”
AppState1981@reddit
The methed out zombie screaming at cars was today's experience. Ordinarily, it is getting a Mountain Dew at the Dollar General every time you go in to buy pork rinds and V-inner Sausages.
mcenroefan@reddit
I’m from a small town, so nothing that anyone has ever heard of, but ice cream made from local milk, apples from the orchards (with cider donuts), and floating in a clear, cold lake. It’s heaven.
CPA_Lady@reddit
Gas station food (yes, really).
BurnerLibrary@reddit
At the entrance to our community, there is a pothole so large that the logos have given it a name. It even has a Facebook page. Because of these things, Google recommends it as a recreational area! It's a pothole!
Weightmonster@reddit
What would it be for you, OP? Are you from the city or a rural area?
When I think of visiting Tanzania, I think the beaches of Zanibar and the Serengeti, but not much else.
usije@reddit (OP)
I'm from the city. Haha that's pretty much interesting part about our country and a lot of tourist coming for that.
Oknocando@reddit
I love the name of your country :)
redvinebitty@reddit
The wineries
Ok_Sentence_5767@reddit
Eating pizza at the river after a day of exploring the abandoned psychiatric hospital
RevenueOriginal9777@reddit
Outer Banks of North Carolina, wild ponies who live in the dunes
lesbyeen@reddit
Here in Delaware it's beaches (I think, haven't been here long lol). Oregon it was beaches too, that and trying some local beer or food.
Weightmonster@reddit
Favorite beach?
lesbyeen@reddit
Here in DE I’ve really only been to Rehoboth, which is very classic beach town vibes with a lot of shopping. In Oregon it was Strawberry Hill because I love tidepooling
tableSloth_@reddit
Delaware natives might disagree, but my understanding is:
Rehoboth = classic beach
Bethany = baby Rehoboth
Dewey = party beach
Lewes = quiet family beach
lesbyeen@reddit
That’s kinda my understanding of it too as a DE non-native lol
Ok_Butterscotch_6798@reddit
If you ever have the bad luck of landing in Fort Stewart … don’t joking the army but come on base and look at the army and all the cool stuff
yuukosbooty@reddit
The actual city isn’t that exciting and is kinda known for the fact that our “old town” area keeps getting flooded, but it’s still a nice place to walk around with lots of cute shops and cafes. I think there’s also a train museum. I guess we’re also known for our blue crabs which takes a bit of skill to eat
Bashira42@reddit
Maid-Rite for food (unless vegetarian), then can expand to a lot of other stuff
Mysterious_Storage23@reddit
Our Popeyes sells breakfast. It’s not healthy but hashbrowns that taste like fried chicken is magnificent
NewOrleansLA@reddit
Where they got that at? I just looked it up and it looks good but all the ones around me look like they don't have it.
Mysterious_Storage23@reddit
Laplace!
Hirasawa_09@reddit
Onion fest.
biggooner1989@reddit
Any of the Natural Lands preserves in SE Pennsylvania, but especially ChesLen.
JDVancesDivan@reddit
Bubba Gumps Seafood I’m Monterey
TemperMe@reddit
Going to the nearest mountain for a hike or getting drunk on a boat at the lake
WorkingRecording4863@reddit
Deportation raids by ICE kidnappers.
sluttypidge@reddit
I guess the state park nearby?
4th of July on the lake. They built a floating platform and go hog wild.
DummyThiccDude@reddit
The most notable thing is probably the country music festival in the summer.
Other than that, there's not a whole lot thats memorable.
Independent-Wolf-832@reddit
country music festival in somalia? have to see it to believe it.
DummyThiccDude@reddit
I dont understand what Somalia has to do with anything that i said.
MPord@reddit
Architectural boat tour in Chicago is not to be missed. I have lived in Chicago for 46 years, I still like to take the tour at least once every 7 or 8 years or when I have visitors. In fact, I am taking another one next month.
StarSines@reddit
First Saturday! Every first Saturday of the month in Frederick MD there's a mini festival downtown. Its always a new theme and usually really fun! Lots of street food and you get to explore all the small shops downtown! Plus the library validates parking 😁
HaplessReader1988@reddit
Cradle of Aviation Museum -- located in the hanger where Charles Lindberg kept his plane before the first transatlantic flight.
(Unfortunately the airfield itself is now built up-- a few decades ago people could still drive out onto it.)
mama_works_hard@reddit
Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Neyeh@reddit
Honestly nothing. I mean the town has an interesting history. It's a small town, called Mexico, Missouri. It has a museum called Graceland (same name as Elvis's house). Ulysses S Grant 1870s US president, stayed there during the Civil War. A couple of battles happened near there. It's actually located well in the state, an hour and half from St Louis, 2 and half hours from Kansas City. Three hours north of the Ozarks/Branson. Oh there is a small town 10 minutes south called Fulton. In 1946 Churchill went to the Westminster College and gave his "Iron Curtain" speech.
Optimal-Cranberry563@reddit
I live in a town that most people come to vacation. I live about 15 minutes(well everyone pretty much does actually) from the Las Vegas Strip. People usually come here to gamble,see shows,eat great food… you can pretty much do it all here…. Or some version of it
GeekyPassion@reddit
The library. I kno it's silly. We were a small town with an epic library. I moved a bunch and very few libraries could compare
mrsrobotic@reddit
Having a beer with dinner from a food truck at a local brewery (what I'm doing tonight) or bringing a picnic to a local vineyard.
usije@reddit (OP)
Got some pics sir?sound like a fun Friday.
mrsrobotic@reddit
Sorry I don't have photos, but you can google! I live in Maryland and though it's not a large state, we have 140+ craft breweries and 100+ vineyards, so it's easy to find one to stop in!
tableSloth_@reddit
MD farm breweries are 🤌
mrsrobotic@reddit
Sure are! I'm not even a big beer drinker but I love the vibes ❤️
RedStateKitty@reddit
Auburn vs Alabama football game on Thanksgiving weekend. Alternate years in Auburn and Tuscaloosa. Known affectionately as the Iron bowl.
bunnycook@reddit
Mammoth Cave, Thunder over Louisville, a day at Churchill Downs or Keeneland watching the horses race, and a small town Memorial Day or Fourth of July parade.
NMPapillon@reddit
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The morning mass ascension. Nothing beats watching 300-500 hot air balloons take off in waves. Regular balloons. Special shapes (Examples - Darth Vader & Yoda.). Have coffee & a breakfast burrito.
miketugboat@reddit
Blue crab feast. Sit down for hours with close friends and family picking and eating crab, with a handful of other snacks to pass around, and plenty of beer (usually Mexican)
Preferably in the shade behind some bug nets.
I fear america is too big and diverse for you to be able to nail down every idea, but I tell you what this should make the list
Lowlife_4evr@reddit
A certain fried chicken restaurant.
Prestigious-Fan3122@reddit
I grew up in suburban Washington DC, and of all the landmarks and tourist sites there, Mount Vernon, George Washington's Home, is my favorite. Of course, the Smith Smithsonian is excellent, but Mount Vernon is just, I don't know, a place that speaks to me.
Also, there's Arlington National Cemetery.
CashWideCock@reddit
Sundial Bridge.
Imateepeeimawigwam@reddit
Go to the rodeo. Man, if you can get tickets to the Ogden rodeo on the 24th of July (Utah state holiday), it's a blast.
WouldYaEva@reddit
Where I grew up? Most people would say the John Morton Homestead. I vote for the 420 bridge, but only on a day a truck gets stuck under it.
Dazzling_Outcome_436@reddit
If you go to Salt Lake City, miss going to the Great Salt Lake. It's pretty but it smells terrible. We hosted a lot of exchange students and they all would ask to go to the lake, and they all regretted it.
Amarastargazer@reddit
I’m in Southeastern PA, which is near (in PA terms, which are different than the NJ concept of far, I’ve learned) to some stuff, but my particular area, nothing stands out as need to see. Longwood Gardens are amazing, that’s something like an hour anf a half away. According to my cousin, she wants to see the Amish when she visits, that’s like an hour away. Philly is just over an hour away.
But I mean, it’s cooler than my hometown…it had a single crappy beach, was close to an entrance to LBI, and you could go look at a school that a military plane shot? I hope there’s not a ton of those.
thatsad_guy@reddit
Apple picking and cider donuts in the fall.
Fishtails@reddit
Yakima area?
LiqdPT@reddit
We have the apple orchards in WA, but I don't know how much of a thing people going picking and apple cider donuts are.
Fishtails@reddit
I grew up in an apple family. Harvest picking was a such a fun memory growing up. We def have apple flavored everything.
LiqdPT@reddit
I'm on the west side of the mountains and have a friend who had an apple farm on the east side. He'd go back on the weekends during picking season to help out.
From what I've seen, we don't have the same culture of "people from the city go out to the apple farms and pick apples and eat fresh donuts and cider" that they do in the northeast. Yup, sure, we have jugs of cider in the grocery store in the fall but it doesn't seem quite the same.
Now, Eastsiders maybe do? But it's still not a universal thing that all the city folk do.
Fishtails@reddit
Yeah. The east coasters do apple farming for kids. It's a much bigger deal in Eastern WA. Not quite as much as it was 20+ years ago just because of how technology has been adapted to farming culture, but if you go around the Yakima Valley in September-October, it's still a pretty damn big prevalent thing.
LiqdPT@reddit
I'm not saying it's not a big thing and big business. It's just not an "attraction" and a "culture" outside the farming area like back east. That's all I'm saying. Everyone I know from the northeast has fond memories of driving up to an apple farm and donuts and cider and etc...
Fishtails@reddit
Gotcha. I honestly completely lost track of what this thread was even about and you just reminded me.
thatsad_guy@reddit
Adirondacks
Matrimcauthon7833@reddit
I miss Stewart's Apple Cider donuts
thatsad_guy@reddit
I didn't know how awesome Stewart's was til I moved away.
onlyforanswers@reddit
Charlevoix?
Pissedliberalgranny@reddit
Michigan?
thatsad_guy@reddit
?
ExistentialCrispies@reddit
I grew up in NY near an orchard and this cracks me up
ERagingTyrant@reddit
SNL is always the funniest when they are losing it themselves.
thatsad_guy@reddit
Damm, the bees joke got me
ExistentialCrispies@reddit
I lose it when she says "what our apples lack in flavor they make up for in on the ground"
casapantalones@reddit
The Great Texas Mosquito Festival I guess.
Or Selena’s childhood home.
Rubijou@reddit
Waterfalls and gorges.
moemoe8652@reddit
I’m in NE Ohio. We don’t have much but we do have really good pizza (huge Italian presence) and a really good icecream shop called Handles. I tell people to try both.
notyourmama827@reddit
We have a Handles in Reno, Nevada , i love the buckeye ice cream but all of their ice cream is really good.
Highway_Man87@reddit
The Mexican restaurant. Also the old theater and cast iron yellow lamp posts that light up the downtown area at night.
TheNerdofLife@reddit
The annual St. Lucie County Fair
notyourmama827@reddit
Please just drink bottled water. I know.....its been a decade and its still not right.
Where i live now , the other end of the state is Vegas and its quite the experience, not gonna lie about that.
Adventurous_Bet1270@reddit
Churchill Downs-Louisville,Kentucky
Significant_Topic822@reddit
My town is where the famous sit-ins at a diner happened when black people were fighting for equal rights. It is now a museum. (Greensboro, NC).
jacquardjacket@reddit
A lobster roll and the annual oyster festival
yozaner1324@reddit
My home town is McMinnville, Oregon. Not tiny, but a small town. I would say the Evergreen air and space museums are the biggest must-see. They have the Spruce Goose, which should sound familiar if you've seen The Aviator. The other thing I'd say, if I could pick a second, would be the Alien festival they do every summer—second biggest in the US after Roswell.
hydraheads@reddit
The little hometown of \~5000 people where I grew up has an annual "school picnic" after the end of the school year. It's a delight! The whole town comes out. They were up to the 150th annual a year or two before the pandemic. I think they may have skipped a year. I haven't lived there in ages but it's a lovely tradition.
ruddy3499@reddit
The Hitching post and a strawberry stand
1radgirl@reddit
There are places you can dig for fossils. I think some tourists would find that fun.
Embarrassed_Suit_942@reddit
What kind of fossils?
1radgirl@reddit
Most common finds are fish and plants. But I've heard of people finding birds and reptiles.
hypnoticbacon28@reddit
Leaving. My hometown in Indiana is a whole lot of nothing. Going there means you’ll be bored to death and well into your afterlife.
chtrace@reddit
In Texas it's got to be Buc-ee's. There are a few out of state but you almost can't imagine it. An all out assault on consumption and your senses. But worth the stop.
Dknpaso@reddit
Mid-State Fair @Paso Robles, Ca
Embarrassed_Suit_942@reddit
Fresh blue crabs and Smith Island cake
hazmatclean@reddit
Casa Bonita. The writers of South Park own the place now but that place is mainstay of Denver culture.
FutureGhost81@reddit
Blackbird Airpark. Multiple SR71s and other historic planes on display to the public in crappy old Palmdale CA
moinatx@reddit
In Waco people might say the Silos but honestly I love all the little thrift stores and Cameron Park. Nice trails. Jacob’s Ladder steps.
NewLawGuy24@reddit
Lincoln Memorial at night
NeverDidLearn@reddit
Brothels. Three to choose from.
HotSteak@reddit
Have surgery at the Mayo Clinic
Sunflowers9121@reddit
I grew up near DC. The Smithsonian is great.
aks0324@reddit
Get drunk at an Eagles tailgate…
Syndromia@reddit
My actual hometown doesn't have much in the way of must sees. If you happen to be here the local country store does a fun fall festival but thats about it.
The surrounding area has lots. Cincinnati has the Museum Center, a beautiful art deco train station that was the basis for the Hall of Justice. Scenes from the latest Superman were shot there.
Fairfield has Jungle Jim's, a huge international grocery store with award winning bathrooms that serve as a photo spot.
If youre in Hamilton around Halloween go to the ghost walk. Fancy houses, fun history, a nice walk.
Dayton has the Air Force Museum. You MUST see the x planes. I also get misty eyed at the goblets from Doolittle's raiders.
Harveysburg has a GREAT ren fest from Labor Day to Halloween.
No_Outcome2321@reddit
Every year for the Fourth of July my town does a 3 day event. It includes carnival rides (a small amount mainly for the younger kids), car show, vendors (food, games, other things to buy), live music from local bands, fireworks, and a parade on the last day.
TattooedWenchkin@reddit
We have a local ice cream shoppe that used to be part of the local dairy.
They have a 21 'scoop' MONSTRISTY of a sundae called the "Dare To Be Great"
Impossible_Emu5095@reddit
Hitting the farmers market on the Capital Square in the morning and a Badger game in the afternoon. Must Jump Around after the 3rd quarter and stay for the 5th Quarter.
unchained-wonderland@reddit
Stella's
best burgers in the midwest, so probably in the country
for your first time, get a Stella's Staple Burger "with everything" plus peanut butter, and an order of the sweet potato waffle fries
callmeterr0rish@reddit
Nsp, their car show and worlds largest stucco snowman
Zealousideal_Cod5214@reddit
State Fair. Not technically the same town, but pretty close. One of the biggest in the US, and I often see it placed in either the number 1 or number 2 spot in state fair rankings.
kjb76@reddit
I live in a small village about 25 miles north of NYC and one thing we are proud of is the childhood home of artist Edward Hopper. Most well known for his painting, Nighthawks. It’s now an art gallery.
EmrysRises@reddit
If it’s hockey season, go see a Tampa Bay Lightning game!
If it isn’t hockey season, the Florida Aquarium is awesome and totally worth a visit!
BlueEyedSpiceJunkie@reddit
I live in Durham, North Carolina.
It would be tough to orchestrate but I think the ultimate would be to see Duke men’s basketball play UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Second place, and much easier to accomplish, would be to be invited to a proper church barbecue.
gothica_obscura@reddit
My hometown in Louisiana has the biggest free fair in the country. The midway (where all the rides are) and food you have to pay for, but you can walk everywhere on the grounds and look at stuff and also all the shows on stage are free as well.
undreamedgore@reddit
In my hometown? Specifically? Visit Evans. Nothing too special on the surface, but damn if that store isn't moderately Eldritch.
My current town? See the M.
FreshHotPoop@reddit
Waving 👋🏻 at it as you drive by it
UnknowableDuck@reddit
Lmao same, though I'm from a ~~pile of cowshit~~ small town in Upstate New York.
Nightcoffee_365@reddit
I’m originally from Binghamton. It comes with the full awareness That your description does not narrow it down 😆 that could be Afton, Bainbridge, Chenago bridge, Dryden, Elmira…
UnknowableDuck@reddit
I messaged ya with my hometown. You might recognize it 🤷🏾♀️
Nightcoffee_365@reddit
WOW. The places I named are bustling metropolises compared to your hometown.
WhydIJoinRedditAgain@reddit
The One And Only Swampbuggy Racetrack.
Now you’d be forgiven for not knowing what a swampbuggy was, or why you might race them. Now, traditionally, swampbuggies were basically trucks with exposed frames with large tires, imagine tractor tires, on a very raises suspension, and I mean like three meters high raised. They were used for going through swampland, basically the Everglades, usually for hunting.
But people being as they are, folks started racing them, and then they started building them for the purpose of racing them, so they became entirely different beasts. The racing swampbuggies are F1 cars compared to the hunting buggies of yesteryear. These are basically race-boats with wheels going through 2-meter deep mud racetracks, and where I grew up was the only place I think I’d ever seen them race like that.
Bonus of the Swampbuggy Racetrack grounds:
They crown a Swampbuggy Queen every year. Isn’t she lovely.
There is a public shooting range there, which is convenient.
There is. Lodge that can be rented for large events.
When I was a kid, I went to a fundraiser and was served a burger by the last Democrat to serve as governor. I haven’t been a kid for a long, long time but somehow all the state’s problems are still the fault of Democrats. Funny, that.
CorneliusSoctifo@reddit
crabs
both eating them and catching them
both literally and figuratively
Separate_Farm7131@reddit
MLK Center, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium.
spacemusicisorange@reddit
Come very hungry and ready to have a great time!!!!
sophaloph@reddit
⚜️
justwatchingsports@reddit
Down I-10 from yall, but same
GroundbreakingAge254@reddit
I’m from South Florida and you MUST do an airboat tour in the Everglades. Yes, it’s touristy, it’s hot, and locals don’t do this - but as a local, I think it’s the best way to see the Everglades in all their glory. It’s a unique biome (not swap, not river) and alligators are plentiful on these tours. You can bet very close to some wild creatures while remaining safe and secure.
I’ll give you bonus points if you try fried alligator tail after you get off of the boat. Most airboat places offer this as a snack at their cafes. Some people go crazy for it (my husband and kids love it). I’ve had it a million times and it just doesn’t do much for me. But it’s an experience and it’s worth a try!
Fluid_Anywhere_7015@reddit
The Smoky Hill River Festival. It’s a four-day long affair consisting of multiple performance stages for all sorts of regional, national, and international musicians. But at its core it’s NOT a music festival - it’s an art festival. People blowing and hand crafting perfect marbles, painting and pottery and sculpture along with all sorts of stage-bound and wandering performance art. And in the middle of it all a fantastic food court with traditional American rural fare, Mexican, Greek, Italian, and Cajun dishes just to name a few. Pitch a lawn chair in a shady spot, crack open a beer from the cooler you brought with you and take a break listening to the main stage music before getting up and wandering off to explore some more.
Not a bad time for being in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas.
r2k398@reddit
Nothing. We’re boring and we like it.
ArtiusDorkius@reddit
Used to live in Texas...proper tacos and beef bbq
OdderShift@reddit
a day on the lake with barbecue and good beer
lynnm59@reddit
Hiking up to Table Rock. You get to the top and can absolutely see the ancient sea bed (high desert) that it is. It's breathtaking.
UnderstandingDry4072@reddit
Come sit down and have a coney dog and a Faygo!
mjsmore33@reddit
Either one of the lakes
Darth_Lacey@reddit
I don’t want to get too specific but there are bagpipes and honestly that’s the best part anyway
Bubble_Lights@reddit
The beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast.
usije@reddit (OP)
If I visited that beach what’s one local food or thing I have to try?
LadySilverdragon@reddit
Before going to the beach and getting the clams, start your day with an iced coffee (the stereotype of New Englanders drinking iced coffee all year round is 100% true). Also make sure you’re getting whole belly clams, they’re much better than clam strips.
Bubble_Lights@reddit
Sorry, I just edited my comment with: fried clams. Some would say they are the best clams you can get and they are shipped all over the country. We have a ton of clam flats.
leo_the_lion6@reddit
PNW would give you a run for your money, lots of excellent clams here too
ZaphodG@reddit
Ipswich clams are soft shell clams. They are quite different from hard shell clams.
Bubble_Lights@reddit
Eh, idk we have a famous restaurant that has been in operation for 90 years. Razor clams don't have the big yummy bellies. They've been clamming in my town for 300+ years. Most I can find from Washington clamming being recreationally managed was in the '20s. 🤷♀️
leo_the_lion6@reddit
Well Mass was founded earlier so you have a headstart lol
Bubble_Lights@reddit
Lol, this is true! Man, now I want some steamers! I wish they weren't so expensive!
Hillbilly7900@reddit
Georgia stock car hall of fame and moonshine distillery.
Shadw21@reddit
Burgerville's seasonal shakes, food carts, and too many smaller festivals to count.
frr_Vegeta@reddit
I live in the Buffalo area. So... uh... wings.
sparkly123456@reddit
New York City… Food: bagels with cream cheese and lox; a slice of pizza, and a pastrami sandwich Town: Central Park, SoHo, Theatre District, Harlem, Brooklyn
p.s. Visited Tanzania in 2017…beautiful country and people.
fibro_witch@reddit
I am from Boston, Massachusetts the place George Washington called the birth place of liberty,
We would start by walking the Freedom trail, visiting all the museums along the way. Then visit the oldest active duty navy vessel in the world, the USS Constitution at the end of the Freedom Trail.
Then we have Museum of Fine Art, the Gardner museum, Fenway Park. I can not pick just one thing.
Narrow-Psychology909@reddit
Cherry Blossom festival in the spring
moles-on-parade@reddit
I love cherry blossom season (I'm wearing my Ten Miler t-shirt right now) but I'll piggyback this comment to say the monuments at night. Too many tourists blow up their stamina and patience tooling around the Mall on the hottest afternoons of the summer; 11pm with a few friends and maybe a picnic is where it's at.
PissedOffChef@reddit
DC?
Pissedliberalgranny@reddit
There’s one in Traverse City, Michigan as well. Beautiful.
Narrow-Psychology909@reddit
Yeah, one of the more enjoyable events. It really is nice.
FloridianPhilosopher@reddit
Swimming with manatees
When I was a kid we would pet them and hug them and get pulled along, don't do that though
You can't do that anymore it was technically illegal even when I was a kid but it was never enforced and I didn't know
They are the biggest animal I have ever been near and interacted with that I felt absolutely zero threat or danger from, I love them
Otherwise-Badger@reddit
Whale watching or a trip to the Channel Islands
Modman75@reddit
Steamed cheeseburgers and fantastic coal fired pizza
HeatwaveInProgress@reddit
NASA Johnson Space Center. Yes, the locals will tell you it's gone lame, it's not as it used to be blah blah blah. But if you never been, you should go.
Various festivals in the Herman Park, Miller Outdoor Theater.
The annual Art Car Parade. It's a completely unique thing.
Food: Viet-Cajun crawfish. Breakfast kolaches. Breakfast tacos. Tamales. Pho. Chips and queso, also, chips and creamy green salsa. BBQ. Chicken and waffles.
usije@reddit (OP)
space center sounds Soo cool.
NPHighview@reddit
Come to any of a number of community get-togethers. I sing in a community chorus (often with our local orchestra), hike with the same people 2-3 times a week (with group lunch afterwards), & go with my wife to some of her organized social activities, etc.
Society in the U.S. is quite stratified, with non-overlapping interest groups coexisting in the same geographical area. You know that you’re well integrated into a community when you run into people at the grocery store or school events that you know from these other groups.
candurandu@reddit
I live in Fort Worth, Texas (a big city next to Dallas) and we have rodeos almost every weekend. Great Texas-Mex food, too. Lots of fun!
bonzai113@reddit
with food, I would suggest White Castles, Waffle Hause, Skyline, Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans.
dr_trousers@reddit
Sox game at Fenway
Motor_Inspector_1085@reddit
If in Texas, check out Buccees. Texas loves their Buccees. If in Southern California, go to the beach.
gratusin@reddit
The Durango-Silverton narrow gauge rail is the most popular tourist thing here. Lots of outdoorsy stuff to do though. Mountains to the North, desert to the South and West.
IainwithanI@reddit
Seeing it in the rear view mirror.
JJR1971@reddit
Probably a home game of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, our local MiLB team and AAA affiliate of MLB Houston Astros. Might see an injured Astro in recovery playing on Space Cowboys roster. Constellation Field is a fun experience and minor league baseball is more intimate and authentic than games downtown at Daikin Park in Houston, not to mention tickets and parking are cheaper.
HeatwaveInProgress@reddit
Fist-bump from a neighbor. Not Sugar Land, but next door in Ft. Bend.
Mobile_Bench7315@reddit
Tex Mex food lots of queso. Rose Festival and an Azalea Trail. East Texas so pretty
mechanicalcontrols@reddit
My hometown is close enough to Yellowstone National Park that that feels like the right answer. Especially since National Parks were a uniquely American invention at the time Yellowstone was established by Roosevelt
No_Bluebird7716@reddit
I live in DC so not going to talk about there, in Buffalo you need to check out the park next to city hall, it's one of Frederick Law Pins year's and is gorgeous. Also Niagara Falls, it's amazing how many people live within an hour's drive and never see them and the Power plants, both the American and Sir Adam Beck over in Canada.
theimmortalgoon@reddit
It’s not easy to do, and even I haven’t done it, but watch the yearly orca pod kill and eat the sea lions.
Pharmdtorn@reddit
A d1 football game in a 90,000 seat stadium
BloodOfJupiter@reddit
Swamp Buggy races and Pickleball
Sparkle_Rott@reddit
Unfortunately, getting to anywhere interesting is a definite challenge from a time and traffic standpoint. Bring food, water, and your patience before embarking on any excursion. Plan for the driving part to take about two or more hours even if you can see the location by standing on the roof of a building. Blue crab in Annapolis (one of the major sailing capitals of the world) is amazing.
Weightmonster@reddit
Baltimore or DC?
Sparkle_Rott@reddit
😅 DC
Weightmonster@reddit
Can confirm. The traffic is on another level.
DifficultyFun7384@reddit
The drugs in my hometown are to die for. /s
Pissedliberalgranny@reddit
The Dairy Hill ice cream stand across the street from Raynor Park in Mason, Michigan. It’s a family owned walk up stand that’s only open in the summer and it’s been there for decades. My 88 year old Dad used to go to it when he was a young man and he always took my brother and me when we were kids. It’s been a coveted summer job for high school kids since before I was born.
Shonky_Honker@reddit
I guess you could go look at the old railroad bridge? Roxton Texas doesn’t really have… anything.
rosietherosebud@reddit
My hometown is quite small -- about 2,000 people -- but every summer we have a country fair that attracts people from all over. So if anything, that.
usije@reddit (OP)
Where is that? Does it snow in winter?
rosietherosebud@reddit
It's in Michigan and yes, snows in the winter.
Weightmonster@reddit
Middle of the Mitten?
rosietherosebud@reddit
Nope, closer to the thumb
usije@reddit (OP)
Interesting 😊
MyExIsANutBag@reddit
All of our food. French Quarter. Beignets. Streetcars and the above-ground cemeteries.
Temporary-Prune-1982@reddit
Driving and wavering.
Jhooper20@reddit
If you're in Savannah, Georgia around March, there's a massive St. Patrick's Day celebration. Not only is there an annual parade, but there's a rugby tournament a week before it that attracts all kinds of folks.
Otherwise, the sidebar of r/Savannah would be a good place to look for other attractions for anyone truly wanting to visit.
Trimyr@reddit
So the vast majority of responses are completely right - Food, music, and art. Vastly different in every part of this vast country, but something we love, and by the same token don't dislike others for their tastes.
Delicious-Ad5856@reddit
The town I actually live in? Nothing anymore. But you can go one town over to see the largest mall by retail space in the US.
Ambitious-Sale3054@reddit
The Masters Golf Tournament-It is like stepping into an alternate universe.
Aggressive-Method622@reddit
The Sunsphere. It’s a giant disco ball in the sky.
IrateMormon@reddit
The Varsity.
ProbablyAPotato1939@reddit
Hometown as in place that I was born? Well, that's Charles City, Iowa. The best experience there is leaving.
old_gold_mountain@reddit
in San Francisco, the #1 thing is really just find a park with a good view of the water and hang out for a bit watching the city go by
PacSan300@reddit
I’ll never get tired of Crissy Field especially, but I also liked Presidio Tunnel Tops when I went there.
PacSan300@reddit
The place I grew up is in wine country, and there are lots of wineries in the area you can check out. If you like the Peanuts comics and media, than there is also a cool museum dedicated to its creator, Charles M. Schulz, who lived there for decades until his death.
Meilingcrusader@reddit
The lake. Such a wonderful place to swim and if you can to go tubing or water skiing
Aggressive-Emu5358@reddit
Having a slopper which is an open faced cheeseburger and fries covered in Pueblo green chile.
Hollow-Official@reddit
Lake Tahoe is one of the prettiest nature areas on the planet, and if you don’t mind the cold there’s great skiing at Heavenly during the winter months. If you could only do one thing in Nevada that’s what I’d recommend.
DeliciousWrangler166@reddit
Have a beer at the Last Chance Saloon by the railroad tracks. Bar has been featured in many TV shows over the years.
RoseRedd@reddit
I'm from a small town in the middle of rural Illinois, but we have a cool train museum and an amazing park that was the country estate of a Chicago millionaire before he donated to the University of Illinois.
Sugah-Mama@reddit
Homemade maple syrup, juicy rib eye steak
randoperson42@reddit
Probably the gunfighter museum.
browneyedredhead1968@reddit
I live in Toledo, Ohio. I'd recommend our Zoo and Tony Packos restaurant.
eeekkk9999@reddit
Hometown is definitely strong museum of play but there is more to see & do in the area!
Inner-Nothing7779@reddit
Tidewater area of Virginia. The white sauce that you get at Mexican restaurants. Not queso, the white sauce. It is THE food of our area. It was invented here, and the further you go from the area, the less you'll find it. It is our local dish.
the_owl_syndicate@reddit
Rodeo. And I don't mean a rodeo in Houston, I mean a small town rodeo where the local kids are the performing and the crowd is yelling because that's Susie's sister's youngest girl and I remember selling her her first pair of cowboy boots.
WyndWoman@reddit
Sonoran hot dog.
zealot_ratio@reddit
Houston, TX - Rodeo.
Also BBQ at Killens. Fine Mexican at Hugo's. Street tacos at 100% Taquito or Cuchara. Enchiladas at Sylvia's. Fajitas at Lupe's or Ninfa's. etc etc etc
Expensive_Space4097@reddit
Sunset Cliffs and Fish Tacos
Mega_Dragonzord@reddit
Probably the Indy 500. Its the world's largest single day sporting event.
nogueydude@reddit
There are hardly any bugs and the weather is perfect in San Diego. Experiencing being able to leave a door or a window open all day year long long would be one.
OldRaj@reddit
Indy 500
TheBimpo@reddit
Take a full day paddle down one of the finest rivers in the country.
BraikingBoss7@reddit
We are a flyover State. You can wave as you fly over us in a plane going somewhere else
nattyodaddy@reddit
The air shows (Lancaster, Ca)
tlonreddit@reddit
There ain't much to do in Vaughn other than see some Walking Dead sites but Ellijay is a tourist town 100%.
Suspicious_Expert_97@reddit
From my hometown there is an old wild West style prison to visit.
Luziadovalongo@reddit
Attend a Chiefs football game complete with Kansas City style barbecue at a tailgate party.
ZonaWildcats23@reddit
This is the way. B2 flyover with some BBQ and football. Doesn’t get any more American than that.
Deep-Hovercraft6716@reddit
There's definitely a good amount of food to try, but I would specifically direct you to the county fair which is hosted at the end of every summer, just three or four blocks from my childhood home.
We would start with a flame roasted buttered ear of corn and some bits and fixing (steak and potatoes) as a main and an elephant ear for dessert.
And for entertainment there is the demolition derby where old beat up cars bash into each other until they stop working for our entertainment. And we'll finish out the night playing bingo and drinking beer in the American legion tent.
snarkwithfae@reddit
I guess Six Flags New England 😬 I wouldn’t step foot in that place but hey, I’ll also offer The Big E in West Springfield MA in September, that’s a fun time (not on a weekend tho)
needsmorequeso@reddit
The community where I grew up has a great little dance hall. It cycles through owners, so depending on who owns it they sometimes get really good acts for a small rural venue. I saw Tanya Tucker there once. Even on a night when someone less famous is playing, you’ll get good live music, cold beer, and two-stepping.
T_Peg@reddit
Leaving to go to the more interesting town next door.
Caliopebookworm@reddit
The Automotive Heritage Museum where the Hudson Motor Car Company got its start and then head across the street for a burger and beer at the Sidetrack in the heart of Ypsilanti, Michigans Historic Depot Town.
If Firehouses are more your thing, the historic firehouse musuem is just up the street as is the Ypsilanti Water Tower known for it's shape as "the brick dick"....and favorite for tourists for photo ops. There's also beautiful waterside parks if you're in the mood for a walk.
jamiesugah@reddit
Delgrosso's Amusement Park in Tipton, PA. It's been ages since I've been (moved out of state in 2006), but I've always thought it was a great park for its size. It was also featured on an episode of Unwrapped on the Food Network! (It's owned by the same family that owns the spaghetti sauce factory across the street.)
river-running@reddit
Our pedestrian mall. It's one of the longest in the country, lined with beautiful trees, and full of local stores, art installations, and good restaurants.
onesNzero@reddit
wings.. Lake effect snow and I guess Niagara Falls. Go Bills!
RevolutionaryRow1208@reddit
Aerial tram to the top of the Sandia Mountains...but most of the cool tourist stuff is in Santa Fe
elqueco14@reddit
The lakes! Fortunate to live in the sierra mountains, our alpine lakes are crystal clear and a wonderful way to spend a sunny summer day relaxing and swimming
Conchobair@reddit
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is hands down the best zoo in the world. San Diego gets a lot of attention because of where it is, but Omaha has it beat. We have the largest indoor jungle, the world's largest indoor desert dome, Cat Complex, Bear Canyon, Gorilla Valley (which includes the largest gorilla semen bank in the world), Orangutan Forest, walk through Aquarium, and a whole bunch of other stuff. You could not see it all in a day.
mooncr142@reddit
Get a big inner tube and float down the river. A great way to beat the heat.
Boise, Idaho
NIN10DOXD@reddit
Marilyn Monroe's giant legs with a red berry bush in the middle.
charlieq46@reddit
Red Rocks Amphitheater; you don't even have to go to see a concert, you can just go and marvel at the geology.
LiquidDreamtime@reddit
I don’t love Disney World, but it’s definitely an experience and very American.
ColumbiaWahoo@reddit
Mule Day
Sailor_NEWENGLAND@reddit
If there’s anything in my hometown it would be the waterfall festival
Blue387@reddit
I wouldn't know where to begin
SnoWhiteFiRed@reddit
If you want an actual view of small city American life: brick buildings that used to be small factories and/or the offices for larger factories. Some are still vacant. Others have been turned into food/clothing shops, breweries, etc. Park made out of the ruins of a former large factory.
If you want something pretty: Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in the fall. It's still being rebuilt after Helene, though.
If you want something yummy: local BBQ.
Sorry-Government920@reddit
A walk around the farmer market on the Capital square in Madison on Saturday morning grab a bag of fresh cheese curds just don't go clockwise counterclockwise only
NoKindnessIsWasted@reddit
Massachusetts: Heading up to a 200 year old apple orchard that's owned by the town and run by volunteers. It's up on a hill next to hundreds of acres of trails and lakes. There are lots of festivals with local bands and food and free tractor rides and animals.
You can also cross country ski there and if the cops don't catch you, hang out and use the awesome rope swing into the water behind the orchards. We spent a lot of summer nights as kids doing that.
The town also has the Christmas Stroll. It's a festival downtown and the mayor dresses up in front of his little gift/flag store dressed up in a top hat and Edwardian clothes and roasts chestnuts for everyone.
It's a little immigrant city that had Italian, Irish, and French Canadian neighborhoods but now have been replaced with Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Hmong, and lots of other countries.
You can also do the Johnny Appleseed Festival or Summer's Starburst which is a bit of a 4th of July fest with music, fireworks, food and other entertainment and the Citizen of the Year gets their award.
Colodanman357@reddit
We have a few weird festivals around here with Mike the headless chicken day and Frozen dead guy day. Those are fun.
AdInevitable2695@reddit
Oysters. CT has some of the best oysters I've ever had.
We don't have a state fair or anything, but there's the "Eastern States Exposition" (known to locals as the Big E) in Massachusetts which functions as the state fair for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. There's buildings for each state that have local products and food for sale. It's pretty cool. It's from September 12-28.
Adventurous-Bake-168@reddit
Lake Tahoe.
jadepalmtree@reddit
When it's cool/cold go to some hot springs, meet new people who may or may not be naked. You will likely be offered cannabis regardless of your or their state of dress.
Bruised_up_whitebelt@reddit
My home town is Grand Forks, ND so I guess a hockey game at The Ralph. Even better if you could get tickets when we play the goofs.
cbrooks97@reddit
If you get to my home town, you're going to want to just keep going. Literally nothing to see here. And I want it that way.
ElleAnn42@reddit
Fourth of July Fireworks sitting on the bluffs overlooking the lake. The city sets them off from the beach. You need to arrive about an hour before sunset and setup a blanket on the grassy hill. Ideally, you have just finished eating fried dough with powdered sugar or cinnamon at the 4th of July carnival, so you are on a slight sugar rush. The sun goes down and the stars start to come out. A few residents set off fireworks from the beach, but you know those aren't the "real" ones. There are fireflies. There's a light breeze and the heat of the day has started to lift. After it is fully dark, the fireworks display begins. The crowd says "oooo" and "ahhh" after each one and even though it may not be the biggest and showiest fireworks display in the world, the full experience is absolutely magical.
djninjacat11649@reddit
Air Zoo in Kalamazoo has a ton of aircraft including the only intact SR-71B
RetractableLanding@reddit
House on the Rock. It's a truly bizarre tribute to one man's collection of creepy dolls. The largest merry go round in the world! And it has mannequins riding it!
Ok-Car-5115@reddit
Small town county fair (they only run for a week or so, but if you plan ahead, you should be able to hit one).
A classic diner. Most small Midwestern towns have at least one that’s beloved by the locals.
daffodil0127@reddit
There’s not much in my specific town, but my area is known for its New Haven style apizza which is amazing. There is a semi famous hot dog stand known for its relish here in town, but I’m not a fan.
blipsman@reddit
Architecture river cruise
TinCanSon@reddit
A track meet at Hayward Field
Belle_TainSummer@reddit
The "Now Leaving" sign.
It is the only thing worth seeing here.
EvaisAchu@reddit
Its rural farm/ranch town. I genuinely say there is nothing that is a "must" do in my hometown.
bigdipper80@reddit
The US Air Force Museum and the Wright Brothers historical sites.
usije@reddit (OP)
Where is this?
bigdipper80@reddit
Dayton, Ohio. The best part - both of them are FREE.
PhilTheThrill1808@reddit
Skyline (Cincinnati style) chili- people either love it or hate it with almost nobody in between. Graeter's ice cream- it's amazing and purportedly one of Oprah's favorites.
cori_2626@reddit
In North Carolina, the blue ridge parkway and the outer banks! In the southeast generally, the wide variety of styles of barbecue and seafood prep that we have from region to region.
Relevant-Ad4156@reddit
My city is the home of a drag racing facility that is very well known among motorsports fans in this country. It holds several national-level events per year.
So I guess that's probably the best answer for my city if you were here during the racing season (nevermind the fact that despite living in this city for 38 years, I have never attended a single event at the place; it's just not my thing...lol But, it's a whole thing; like a festival on the grounds, fireworks shows at night, etc.)
If you travel about a half hour north of here, you will come to a world-class amusement park that is known for its collection of record-breaking roller coasters. I'm counting that city, too, as I was born there before we moved here...lol Now, that park is a place that I've been to many times, because I love roller coasters.
bigdipper80@reddit
Everyone should go to Cedar Point and the islands. I think visitors are shocked that we have an international ferry boat that goes to Canada (well, to Pele Island).
ReflectionPossible11@reddit
Tulip fields in the spring, lavender festival in the summer
Gorgonzola2756@reddit
“Home”town of the last 16 years (Chicago, IL): A summer street festival especially with live, local music
Original hometown (Ann Arbor, MI): Seeing a football game at The Big House
MaccyBoiLaren@reddit
You gotta go to our local candy shop. Top tier stuff.
ChanclasConHuevos@reddit
Yellowstone National Park
EffectiveSalamander@reddit
The #1 thing I would recommend if you come to Minneapolis is Minnehaha Falls. There's a light rail stop at the park, so you can take the light rail from the airport of the Mall of America.
For food, I'd recommend The Jucy Lucy. It's a cheeseburger with the cheese inside of the patty. You have to be careful when biting into it, because the cheese is really hot. There are two places that claim to have invented it - the 5-8 Club and Matt's Bar, but you can get it at other places.
If you like sports, there are many choices.
For art, there's the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
usije@reddit (OP)
That Jucy Lucy feels it would be my first place to visit the moment I step in Minneapolis.
__Quercus__@reddit
Jambo, OP! Beautiful country you are from. For my hometown, I'd have to go with the Aftershock Festival within city limits, but a thousand options within a two to three hour drive.
usije@reddit (OP)
Jambo,karibu sana. What kind of Festival or genre?
__Quercus__@reddit
It is a Heavy Metal music festival. Probably not a genre well known in Tanzania, but Botswana has a few bands.
Ok_Writing_7033@reddit
Hometown? Nothing here in Phoenix that you have to do, it’s a pretty boring city tbh. But if we expand the area obviously the Grand Canyon is the easy answer. Sedona/Oak Creek is closer and is a beautiful area especially in fall, Montezuma Castle and Kartchner Caverns are not as high profile but are pretty cool.
That’s the thing about Phoenix — it isn’t where you want to be, but it’s 2-6 hours from everywhere you want to go
KJHagen@reddit
My hometown has a population of about 900. People come for the scenery, hiking, and wildlife viewing. (Have you ever seen a white buffalo?)
We have some good steakhouses and breweries within a short drive.
wormbreath@reddit
I guess the stop sign is pretty cool. You can always look at the snow fences too.
LibrarianAcrobatic21@reddit
The art museum has a couple of really rare works like Van Gogh and has a great representation of African American Artists.
fakesaucisse@reddit
Geoduck. If you Google it you will probably recoil but it's not served like that. It's cut into pieces, one part of the body for sashimi and the other part for cooked dishes like chowder.
BrooklynNotNY@reddit
Georgia Aquarium.
lacaras21@reddit
On Sundays and Wednesdays during the summer there is a world class water ski show team that puts on a performance for free. If you're here around Christmas time I would say the Botanical Gardens Holiday Show, they put up over a million lights around the gardens, it's pretty magical to walk through.
LuvinMyThuderGut@reddit
Museum has the lunar lander that took man to the Moon and chunks of the Berlin Wall.
sics2014@reddit
Attend the Puerto Rican pride parade in September and eat the vendor food.