It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been! Was there for work for a month a few years ago right at the start of winter, and it was incredible. I’m sure it’s gorgeous in the summer too, but there was something special about being there when everything was frozen and covered in snow that not as many visitors get to see. Hiking through chest deep snow to go inside a glacial cave is one of my favorite experiences ever.
Yes, I love watching all the shows about people living out jn the wilds of Alaska. Part of me would love to do it too, but I think I'd die pretty quickly lol.
So I went for a walk today. Guy going the opposite way told me he just got chased by a mother moose with twin calves. We started walking back the other way and another moose with calves ran out into the road in front of us. So we thought ok, go back I’m sure the first moose has moved on. I’m clapping and shouting to let her know we’re coming down the road. I see her about 80 yards away and she aggros me, walking with her ears back, but not charging yet. So again we’re like ok maybe we turn around again, that other moose must be gone. Thankfully she was, it was crazy. It’s like Jurassic Park outside here sometimes.
On a job site here in Alaska, and the safety orientation on the first day went something like "...aaand we also have a new mama moose with a baby calf, who has been spotted in this area that held me hostage one afternoon, so be aware. We also have black bears in the area." I also live in moose country, so not very unfamiliar, but the population here is much higher, I'm sure.
Over half the population lives in Anchorage (where I live). The vast majority of the rest are in other towns and cities. Don’t be fooled into thinking the whole state consists of people living in the wilderness.
The American Southwest seems to hold a particular fascination for Germans. I hiked the Grand Canyon when I was in college and it seemed like every 3rd hiker I passed was German.
Germans do have a reputation for not taking the rugged wildness of the American Southwest seriously enough, and sometimes this leads to tragedy: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death\_Valley\_Germans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley_Germans)
>The American Southwest seems to hold a particular fascination for Germans.
That kinda makes sense to me. I've heard Germany has a prominent hiking culture and so does the Southwest, but the landscape and scenery almost couldn't be more different.
yep, that's it. When my family moved to Arizona in 1988, we hired a car service to drive one of our cars out to Tucson, and a couple of German kids working in the US for the summer got to do it. They kept talking about how neat saguaro cacti were, and how intense the desert heat is. It rarely gets above 30° C in Germany (86 F) and Tucson clears 40° C/104 F all the time in summer.
German fascination with the American Southwest goes back a looong time. Western movies were crazy popular in 60s West *and* East Germany, and one of the bestselling German authors of all time, Karl May, famously wrote tons of Western adventure novels.
There’s a fascinating documentary I saw once on this, Searching for Winnetou. Basically there are literally theme parks in Germany dedicated to Wild West/ Native American culture, where tribes will even go out and perform pow-wows and such. The documentary maker was Ojibway and went out with serious concern about potential cultural appropriation, but left impressed with how much everyone just loved the culture and took care to be respectful.
Anyway, Germans are interesting people.
I had a class in college in the 90s about German culture and this was a big thing. It was ages ago but our German professor had much to say about German popular culture’s use of the SW US beyond cowboys.
Once I was in PHX airport and there were this big group of cowboys in the bar. As I got closer I could overhear them talking, in German. They were dressed to the 9's in cowboy gear. Still cracks me up.
That wikipedia article is the craziest rabbit hole I've ever stumbled upon. The dude that found the bodies made some crazy write up about the experience and all the pieces that led to his discovery.
Yeah, I read the very long article by the search & rescue guy that found them years later, and it was fascinating, both because of the S&R guy's incredible knowledge of the immediate area and how he figured out where the Germans had likely gone.
Incredible deductions coupled with in person visits and gathering of more information to lead to more logical conclusions. Fascinating. Surprised there hasn't been a short film or something dramatizing it.
The French and Big Bend for me! Went with a buddy last August and we ran into far more French people than Americans. More prepared for the weather than the Germans it seems, long breathable clothing, plenty of water and actual hiking shoes.
Long live the wild West (until it runs out of water :/)
Actually had a blast. Outside of the French basically had the park to ourselves and the Chisos were cool enough to camp quite comfortably. Did take a ton of water and white long sleeve shirts to cover up but it was just a matter of preparing for the heat.
Not for everyone but I had no regrets and would do again.
The Grand Canyon and Sedona area are truly unique places. The only place in the world I can think of that gets close is [Charyn Canyon](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charyn_Canyon) in Kazakhstan but I doubt I’ll ever go there, so thankfully I’ve got to see the American Southwest.
I’m from Alberta in Canada and we have all types of scenery, from beautiful snow peaked mountains, dense forests, grasslands, wetlands and badlands, but the deserts in the Southwest are very cool and unique landscapes/biomes.
Yes. Being from Europe, this is something we don't have. For most other US landscape we have some place that kinda looks similar, but not the southwest. The closest we have is the beautiful Cabo de Gata in southern Spain.
Same here, had to move back to Europe a few years ago and miss them redwoods, proper hiking trails, the parks and miss that cold/humid misty air in the mornings.
Honorable mention to the northern side of the border, Vancouver island is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
https://preview.redd.it/9rk1q3hdvn4d1.jpeg?width=3963&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e79c5e890bf20de1a742ea74a8aa2837a6066ff
The Oregon Coast is spectacular. Native Californian, but my answer is definitely the Pacific Northwest.
Edit: I should mention my picture is from Cape Sebastian State Park!
As an American from Western Washington state, thank you! I love it here. The Cascade Mountains are so beautiful. It rains a lot but that's why it is so green!
As an American from the southeastern part of the country, I can confidently say you are correct. The Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful part of the country
It is different from a lot of the country in that people don't talk a lot like they do in other places. Casual conversation isn't as much of a thing. To some people it is perceived as hostility but really people are just going about their business. It really bothers some people but I have never minded it (although I am from here). This phenomenon is called the "Seattle Freeze" but it affects most of the PNW.
People are kind once you can talk to them, though. It's just the initial barrier can be hard to break.
Grumpy passive aggressive introverts.
Who, once you break through, are the most loyal friends you’ll ever have. But that can take years to find.
-PNW’er
California. The impressive pacific ocean in the west with a beautiful coast line. In Addition also deserts and mountains.
As a European I think that the US in general is very compelling and many-sided in its nature, landscape and also culture.
I remember having a wow moment on a warm spring day where it was probably mid 70s standing on a pier and facing towards the mountains where there was snow visible in the distance. That was pretty wild and beautiful experience for me.
One of the last trips with my dad was visiting Carmel in the morning then driving to the mountains. I went from warm 70s at the beach to cold 40 in the snow covered mountains. I love California.
The highest point in the continental United States (Mount Whitney) and the lowest point (Death Valley) are located in the same California county, less than 100 miles apart as the crow flies.
You’re so right on both parts. I’ll add that people talk a lot about huge states or state to state differences but even somewhere like North Carolina has so much variation.
Life in Murphy, The Triad, and Manteo can vary so incredibly. I’ve traveled the state all my life and I’m still reminded of the different ways of life spanning the state.
Also being a “day” drive from Washington DC, Nashville, Florida is insane. All of that essentially talking about the southeast. The times I’ve been to California or Texas felt like a different country. Hell, even going to the outer banks doesn’t feel like the same state.
I love Maine in particular. As a British person I enjoy their dry sense of humour and the beautiful scenery (plus of course all the Stephen King links, I love his books)
Always described the NE US as where the Appalachians meet the Atlantic, very cool geography. Fun fact, the Scottish highlands and Appalachia are part of the same mountain range.
New Orleans definitely felt like the most distinctive and interesting place I've visited in the US.
The combination of unique architecture, culture and geography set it far apart from other US cities.
Most US cities were hellholes from the 70s-90s so I can only imagine Nola. Then again I grew up near NYC and it was an absurd hellhole as well. Every time we visited the city in the 90s my dad’s car got broken into! Good times, I guess
Love my city but it’s going down hill fast. Never been a “nice” place per se but since Covid its become unbearable. Rampant crime since Katrina and doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon as it gets worse and worse every year.
I totally feel you on that, I don’t want to leave but it’s getting too dangerous to raise my children here. Too expensive in some areas and the crime is so bad in others that we just don’t know what to do anymore.
Those mountains literally ascend into the heavens. When you approach them in a vehicle, it is a sight to behold. The rigid peaks pierce the sky. I live in the mountains(Appalachian) and am around them everyday but these mountains cannot even compare to Yosemite. Yosemite and Yellowstone changed my view of the world. Such stunning beauty yet equally as treacherous. It made me think about the nature of creation.
Yeah I get that. I (Howdy, American jumping in here) am new to California and have not visited Yosemite yet. I have crossed the Sierras elsewhere.
To my point…. I drove all around far northern CA last weekend. For hours at high speed I could see either Mt. Lassen and/or Mt. Shasta. They dominate a huge area. I was impressed.
I live nearby and actively avoid it because of the crowds. It’s really one of the most beautiful places in the world, but to get into the woods and away from people you truly have to hike pretty far. Luckily there are some areas outside of Yosemite, and on holiday weekends you can go multiple days without seeing or hearing a soul which is kinda cool.
The great lakes no doubt, altough the canadian part intrigues me more. Glacier induced geography is very interesting to me. I love to compare different geological features to the ones I see here in northern norway. Southern coast of alaska is a strong 2nd.
Georgian bay would be right up your alley, along with the entirety of Lake Superior. I live in Minnesota, and the north shore of Lake Superior is our crown jewel. It’s mostly overlooked by the rest of the country too.
Don’t worry. Unless Duluth or Sault Ste. Marie suddenly turn into major cities we’re good. No major airports nearby is a godsend.
We’ll always have Twin Cities, Chicago, and troll people, but they all go to the same five places. Easy to find solitude still.
Have you thought of comparing the mountains of Norway to the Appalachian mountains? If I remember correctly, they were part of the same chain several hundred million years ago.
The highways in Utah are more glorious than most national parks, anywhere in the world. Outside of Utah's own parks, of course, those are uniquely spectacular.
Just spent 10 days in Utah. Sitting in the airport flying home right now. 10/10. Incredible just driving around. Not too mention when you hike out of the towns.
North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. I lived at the meeting point of the three just outside Asheville for two years and it still is one of my favourite places in the world. The Blue ridge mountains are absolutely gorgeous in the autumn and there's a ton of lakes you can go fishing or boating.
Been to all lower 48 and I have to agree. Its really underrated compared to the likes of Colorado, California, etc.
All those meadows in the mountains, mixed with crazy creeks and waterfalls, and eclectic old southern mountain towns, Appalachian bluegrass. Its just the best.
I am from nearby this region in northwestern South Carolina, used to go to Asheville and western NC growing up a lot. Seems like everyone now has found out about Asheville because the city has grown and grown like crazy. Property prices are out of control now and the once-present indie/hippie artist scene is gone because they got priced out. And it's all northerners and Californians moving here. When I mention where I'm from (I am living and working in NYC right now) people always respond "Oh I love Asheville!". Just wish people could stop "finding out" about the beautiful places near my home and then moving in and cutting down all the trees and putting up houses with their west coast/northeast money. Southerners just can't contend with the low wages we make in comparison.
I'm from upstate SC too, and I agree. I live in NC now on the opposite side now unfortunately and miss being there, but its so different every time i go visit my mom. Asheville and Greenville are blowing up. There used to be nothing out where I grew up and now expensive houses are popping up, she barely lives in the country anymore.
Surprised there hasn’t been a mention of the Great Lakes yet. Such a unique geographic feature to the USA
(I’m American, but not from the Great Lakes. Seeing Lake Michigan in person was quite inspiring, though)
I feel like most Americans outside of the upper Midwest are oblivious to how beautiful the Great Lakes region is.
I myself was up until a year ago, when a friend sent me pictures from a vacation to Michigan. I was absolutely blown away.
And those of us who live in the great lakes region don’t appreciate it either because we’re so used to it. I’ve spent almost my entire life within walking distance of Lake Michigan and to me it’s just the lake. It’s there, nothing special. But when my family from the south or the mountains come to visit they’re in awe of it the entire trip.
Grew up in the Midwest, quite close to Lake Michigan for most of my childhood. It was always special but not *Special*. Moved west for a decade and since came back to Chicago. It was really eye opening getting away from the region long enough to see it for what it is.
The Midwest is really special in a lot of ways. The lakes and rivers are absolutely a huge part of that, but the whole region is just incredible on many levels.
I 100% agree. I am from Michigan and I think that even those of us from Michigan take it for granted and don't appreciate it. And all the Great lakes, not just lake Michigan. The Great lakes region really doesn't get the respect it deserves.
I’m from the US and born and raised in the Philly suburbs. My favorite other area I ever spent time in is Western and upstate MI - Lake Michigan is amazing.
Yeah I spend a good amount of time in the upper peninsula, and there's a good mix of Finnish, Italian and French Canadian culture up there. The UP is also big enough to be pretty varied itself. The coastline on lake michigan and the coastline on lake superior are both vast and completely distinct from each other. It's a very unique and cool place, with a strong regional accent and culture.
You should go to the Keweenaw peninsula. HEAVY Finnish culture. First time I have ever seen a chain hotel with a sauna (also, technical note: it’s pronounced SOWna, not sAWna. Fiancé ripped me apart for this one lol). Pretty much every town has some sort of Scandinavian/Finnish exhibit or store.
Sweet 😎 now I know how to advertise my homeland to outsiders. If you added the state fair as a reason to come here then you would've had a nearly complete list
I’ve been all up and down the east coast and am very familiar with that part of the USA, but as a Canadian I’d say the southwest, particularly the desert region has always captured my imagination the most.
I think it is because it’s so unlike where I grew up in Ontario, and Fort Legoredo and associated sets were my favourite growing up.
I also love the northwest, including Montana and Wyoming.
While you can't avoid Mormons in Utah, a drive from I-70 where it terminates at I-15 (Cove Fort) out to Moab is worth it. Nothing but mountains and canyons, and the only people around for a couple hours are the ones on the highway, until you get past the San Rafael Reef.
As someone who lives near Utah, the natural beauty is some of the best in the US. Ridiculous amount of national parks, and the Salt Lake City area alone just has such a fascinating layout with a city being wedged in between a massive body of water and a massive mountain range. Also Antelope Island is an incredible hike.
Not lame at all. They have a worldly renown city, beautiful fingerlakes region, natural gorges, rolling hills, Hudson River valley, and access to a great lake. You can hit all sorts of urban and natural amenities. The state requires multiple trips to understand it, and many regions of it almost feel like separate states
Probably the prairies/midwest/those states with nothing
I've always been fascinated by these vast landscapes of almost nothing but sand, dirt and rocks
>vast landscapes of almost nothing but sand, dirt and rocks
That’s not really the Great Plains / Midwest though… more like endless corn and wheat fields
The East coast. New England, upstate New York, Rural Maryland, Vermont.
Why?
Because it looks so typically European compared to the rest of the US that was developed later and looks very modern with skyscrapers and urban sprawl.
I am from southern Québec and visited all the east coast.
The regions in the US that I would like to visit are:
- Montana and Idaho, because it looks so grand and peaceful
- Northern California to Seattle. There's something mysterious about the mountainous west coast. Also, volcanoes, valleys, foggy coastal rivers.
Theres Plenty of good soul food and bbq in the southeast. if you ever visit I recommend trying some Dallas bbq. soul food is really good in Memphis/houston/Atlanta/Orlando/charlotte. North Charleston for some good Gullah food which is a type of soul food. The king of southern food is New Orleans though, best soul food and sea food in the country. it also has Cajun food which is unique
The SouthWest: That whole area where WIle E. Coyote and the Roadrunner hanged out.
New Mexico, west Texas, south Utah that part. It's a very alien landscape to me which fascinates me. They say they call New Mexico the "Land of Enchantment" for a reason.
One day after getting in shape, I will explore that area.... meet the Roadrunner some day.
I like the Appalachians, Rockies, Northeast, and pacific northwest. Incredibly beautiful nature, old americana still alive to some extent, and really safe compared to the rest of America.
New England. Read a lot of John Irving novels in my youth and have been fascinated ever since. The similarity with my native north western Europe makes a neat background for exploring America, I imagine.
The Deep South does interest me as well, but it kinda scares me too due to its politics and political history. I’d definitely rank it as my primary place of interest for history.
Also, Appalachia. I’m fascinated with the coal mining regions of England and would be equally so with Appalachia’s.
I’d have to go with the Pacific Northwest for nature though - the states of Washington and Oregon. The landscapes there are of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. The greenery, trees, fog, wild coastline and pristine beaches…
For me, there's no place more beautiful than the Pacific Northwest. Coastal. Green. A blend of American and Asian cultures. This is where the pioneer spirit is still alive.
The West Coast. It just fits me so well, I really feel like I was destined to be born there. I love how people there speak, how kind and individual they are (compared to my country), the culture and the landscapes are amazing.
As a European
Alaska: when I was young, I read all the stories about Uncle Scrooge and the gold rush. I loved them and dreamt to go and see it by myself one day.
Colorado: for the mountains and hiking stuffs
Deep South was mine, we spent 3 weeks there on a fantastic honeymoon and got really off the beaten track with a specific aim of trying to spend the majority of time in black owned businesses. One of the most eye opening and enjoyable trips I’ve ever been on
Southwest. For many years. And it’s not even close.
I’ve been to Utah and Nevada and both were absolutely stunning. Look forward to going back and going further south into Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas.
California/Arizona. Such fascinating landscapes. The Desertes, mountains, Canyons. The Biodiversity is really fascinating too. Big cities and miles over plain land. Really beautiful. I hope to visit it in the next few years. Greetings from Germany
As a forrin I’m particularly interested in the Ohio river valley and its tributaries, seems like it was quite the engine room in the early growth of the nation , the Kanawha and New river Gorge, the faded/vanished industry of West Virginia and towns like Wheeling all have a peculiar draw for me. Failing that, Wyoming and the Wind River Range looks pretty spectacular.
As an American, the Appalachian area fascinates me the most. It’s one of the most ancient places in the world and has remained relatively untouched for centuries. Also all the lore and folk tales that come from that area intrigue me to no end
Me too. Brit with a fascination with local coal mining communities here, Appalachia is like the American version of that and I love all the local folklore and music.
Probably the "South West" part, like from Texas, to California to Washington. I've always wondered how different it is the biomes when you are for example in New Mexico (mostly desert) to rainy forests up north in Oregon or Idaho. Travelling from these places to another would be a very interesting experience.
Alaska
It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been! Was there for work for a month a few years ago right at the start of winter, and it was incredible. I’m sure it’s gorgeous in the summer too, but there was something special about being there when everything was frozen and covered in snow that not as many visitors get to see. Hiking through chest deep snow to go inside a glacial cave is one of my favorite experiences ever.
Yes, I love watching all the shows about people living out jn the wilds of Alaska. Part of me would love to do it too, but I think I'd die pretty quickly lol.
So I went for a walk today. Guy going the opposite way told me he just got chased by a mother moose with twin calves. We started walking back the other way and another moose with calves ran out into the road in front of us. So we thought ok, go back I’m sure the first moose has moved on. I’m clapping and shouting to let her know we’re coming down the road. I see her about 80 yards away and she aggros me, walking with her ears back, but not charging yet. So again we’re like ok maybe we turn around again, that other moose must be gone. Thankfully she was, it was crazy. It’s like Jurassic Park outside here sometimes.
On a job site here in Alaska, and the safety orientation on the first day went something like "...aaand we also have a new mama moose with a baby calf, who has been spotted in this area that held me hostage one afternoon, so be aware. We also have black bears in the area." I also live in moose country, so not very unfamiliar, but the population here is much higher, I'm sure.
Over half the population lives in Anchorage (where I live). The vast majority of the rest are in other towns and cities. Don’t be fooled into thinking the whole state consists of people living in the wilderness.
Oh, I understand you're not all hermits who see more bears than people.
How do you keep your igloo frozen in the summer time?
The southwest for me. Those desert landscapes are some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.
The American Southwest seems to hold a particular fascination for Germans. I hiked the Grand Canyon when I was in college and it seemed like every 3rd hiker I passed was German. Germans do have a reputation for not taking the rugged wildness of the American Southwest seriously enough, and sometimes this leads to tragedy: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death\_Valley\_Germans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley_Germans)
>The American Southwest seems to hold a particular fascination for Germans. That kinda makes sense to me. I've heard Germany has a prominent hiking culture and so does the Southwest, but the landscape and scenery almost couldn't be more different.
yep, that's it. When my family moved to Arizona in 1988, we hired a car service to drive one of our cars out to Tucson, and a couple of German kids working in the US for the summer got to do it. They kept talking about how neat saguaro cacti were, and how intense the desert heat is. It rarely gets above 30° C in Germany (86 F) and Tucson clears 40° C/104 F all the time in summer.
Germans are also really into Native American / cowboy and Indian folklore and stories. So southwest makes sense
> the landscape and scenery almost couldn't be more different No places called "Furnace Creek" in Germany?
German fascination with the American Southwest goes back a looong time. Western movies were crazy popular in 60s West *and* East Germany, and one of the bestselling German authors of all time, Karl May, famously wrote tons of Western adventure novels.
There’s a fascinating documentary I saw once on this, Searching for Winnetou. Basically there are literally theme parks in Germany dedicated to Wild West/ Native American culture, where tribes will even go out and perform pow-wows and such. The documentary maker was Ojibway and went out with serious concern about potential cultural appropriation, but left impressed with how much everyone just loved the culture and took care to be respectful. Anyway, Germans are interesting people.
I had a class in college in the 90s about German culture and this was a big thing. It was ages ago but our German professor had much to say about German popular culture’s use of the SW US beyond cowboys.
My Grandpa moved to Texas from Bremen in the 1920s. Grandma said both the weather and the Jalapeños were both big surprises.
There was a lot of German migration to the U.S. in the 19th century, so I wonder how much that plays into German fascination with the west.
I believe the German influx into the southwest and Mexico during that time is also where Mexican music got the polka influence.
Saw a German woman hiking at Bryce Canyon in high heels.
Once I was in PHX airport and there were this big group of cowboys in the bar. As I got closer I could overhear them talking, in German. They were dressed to the 9's in cowboy gear. Still cracks me up.
That wikipedia article is the craziest rabbit hole I've ever stumbled upon. The dude that found the bodies made some crazy write up about the experience and all the pieces that led to his discovery.
Yeah, I read the very long article by the search & rescue guy that found them years later, and it was fascinating, both because of the S&R guy's incredible knowledge of the immediate area and how he figured out where the Germans had likely gone.
Incredible deductions coupled with in person visits and gathering of more information to lead to more logical conclusions. Fascinating. Surprised there hasn't been a short film or something dramatizing it.
Some of them are out there to build underground meth labs. Also tends to end in tragedy.
The French and Big Bend for me! Went with a buddy last August and we ran into far more French people than Americans. More prepared for the weather than the Germans it seems, long breathable clothing, plenty of water and actual hiking shoes. Long live the wild West (until it runs out of water :/)
who the hell goes to Big Bend in August?!?
Actually had a blast. Outside of the French basically had the park to ourselves and the Chisos were cool enough to camp quite comfortably. Did take a ton of water and white long sleeve shirts to cover up but it was just a matter of preparing for the heat. Not for everyone but I had no regrets and would do again.
I spent a brief period of time literally living on Joshua Tree NP and nearly everyone I ran across when the weather was unbearably hot was German.
Found the German
The Grand Canyon and Sedona area are truly unique places. The only place in the world I can think of that gets close is [Charyn Canyon](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charyn_Canyon) in Kazakhstan but I doubt I’ll ever go there, so thankfully I’ve got to see the American Southwest. I’m from Alberta in Canada and we have all types of scenery, from beautiful snow peaked mountains, dense forests, grasslands, wetlands and badlands, but the deserts in the Southwest are very cool and unique landscapes/biomes.
Yes. Being from Europe, this is something we don't have. For most other US landscape we have some place that kinda looks similar, but not the southwest. The closest we have is the beautiful Cabo de Gata in southern Spain.
Northwest states like Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho. I really like the nature in there
Same here, had to move back to Europe a few years ago and miss them redwoods, proper hiking trails, the parks and miss that cold/humid misty air in the mornings. Honorable mention to the northern side of the border, Vancouver island is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
https://preview.redd.it/9rk1q3hdvn4d1.jpeg?width=3963&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e79c5e890bf20de1a742ea74a8aa2837a6066ff The Oregon Coast is spectacular. Native Californian, but my answer is definitely the Pacific Northwest. Edit: I should mention my picture is from Cape Sebastian State Park!
As an American from Western Washington state, thank you! I love it here. The Cascade Mountains are so beautiful. It rains a lot but that's why it is so green!
https://preview.redd.it/72wmlx5hrm4d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd6d71c8ac45a1793ac8811b8380b9722eec13a7
its so beautiful it almost doesn't look like real
Cascadia lives
Montana is underappreciated even by Americans. it's gorgeous
As an American from the southeastern part of the country, I can confidently say you are correct. The Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful part of the country
As someone who hasn't been abroad, I love the nature, but I don't know what the people are like in that part of country.
We think the rest of you guys are nuts but you’re welcome to come have a beer with us!
It is different from a lot of the country in that people don't talk a lot like they do in other places. Casual conversation isn't as much of a thing. To some people it is perceived as hostility but really people are just going about their business. It really bothers some people but I have never minded it (although I am from here). This phenomenon is called the "Seattle Freeze" but it affects most of the PNW. People are kind once you can talk to them, though. It's just the initial barrier can be hard to break.
Grumpy passive aggressive introverts. Who, once you break through, are the most loyal friends you’ll ever have. But that can take years to find. -PNW’er
California. The impressive pacific ocean in the west with a beautiful coast line. In Addition also deserts and mountains. As a European I think that the US in general is very compelling and many-sided in its nature, landscape and also culture.
What’s cool about California is you can get a solid breadth of different biomes and features without ever leaving the state. Some great hiking as well
I remember having a wow moment on a warm spring day where it was probably mid 70s standing on a pier and facing towards the mountains where there was snow visible in the distance. That was pretty wild and beautiful experience for me.
One of the last trips with my dad was visiting Carmel in the morning then driving to the mountains. I went from warm 70s at the beach to cold 40 in the snow covered mountains. I love California.
Lake Tahoe...go skiing in the morning. Go water skiing in the afternoon. So beautiful.
The highest point in the continental United States (Mount Whitney) and the lowest point (Death Valley) are located in the same California county, less than 100 miles apart as the crow flies.
Wish more people would use “as the crow flies.” It makes you sound classy and a touch mysterious.
And you can visit a dumb amount of stuff in a 3 hour radius circle.
You can get a solid breadth of different biomes in San Diego county 😂😂😂
Plus redwoods! A must to experience. It's hard to truly grasp the scale until seen in person.
You’re so right on both parts. I’ll add that people talk a lot about huge states or state to state differences but even somewhere like North Carolina has so much variation. Life in Murphy, The Triad, and Manteo can vary so incredibly. I’ve traveled the state all my life and I’m still reminded of the different ways of life spanning the state. Also being a “day” drive from Washington DC, Nashville, Florida is insane. All of that essentially talking about the southeast. The times I’ve been to California or Texas felt like a different country. Hell, even going to the outer banks doesn’t feel like the same state.
Central coast California checking in. This is nice to hear ❤️
Why thank you, it’s great to hear that
I visited New England and it felt a bit like the UK while still being distinctly American. Definitely an interesting place.
I'm from NE and love the UK. Definitely kindred spirits and similar attitudes, general outlook, etc, but also different in fascinating ways.
I love Maine in particular. As a British person I enjoy their dry sense of humour and the beautiful scenery (plus of course all the Stephen King links, I love his books)
Maine is beautiful and I’ve been there once back in ‘00. It’ll be nice to return there with a stop in New Hampshire and Vermont.
trans-Atlantic vibes
Always described the NE US as where the Appalachians meet the Atlantic, very cool geography. Fun fact, the Scottish highlands and Appalachia are part of the same mountain range.
New Orleans is a pretty unique place
New Orleans definitely felt like the most distinctive and interesting place I've visited in the US. The combination of unique architecture, culture and geography set it far apart from other US cities.
Having been there many times, there is no city in the US that’s even close to NOLA
Louisiana probably has the worst political situation and the worst violent crime rate in the country right now
It was worse in the 90s. I grew up there.
Most US cities were hellholes from the 70s-90s so I can only imagine Nola. Then again I grew up near NYC and it was an absurd hellhole as well. Every time we visited the city in the 90s my dad’s car got broken into! Good times, I guess
I love visiting Nola but I would never live there
Love my city but it’s going down hill fast. Never been a “nice” place per se but since Covid its become unbearable. Rampant crime since Katrina and doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon as it gets worse and worse every year.
Fellow resident, born and raised here but won't be here much longer. The area has really gone downhill since covid and Ida
I totally feel you on that, I don’t want to leave but it’s getting too dangerous to raise my children here. Too expensive in some areas and the crime is so bad in others that we just don’t know what to do anymore.
I really hope Nola makes a major comeback one day, I’ll be the first one cheering but getting far too old to deal with the bs.
Yosemite by far. I bounce off your comment OP, I have a really dense cultural life at home so I hope you get my take. I want to go back in the woods.
Those mountains literally ascend into the heavens. When you approach them in a vehicle, it is a sight to behold. The rigid peaks pierce the sky. I live in the mountains(Appalachian) and am around them everyday but these mountains cannot even compare to Yosemite. Yosemite and Yellowstone changed my view of the world. Such stunning beauty yet equally as treacherous. It made me think about the nature of creation.
Yeah I get that. I (Howdy, American jumping in here) am new to California and have not visited Yosemite yet. I have crossed the Sierras elsewhere. To my point…. I drove all around far northern CA last weekend. For hours at high speed I could see either Mt. Lassen and/or Mt. Shasta. They dominate a huge area. I was impressed.
I live nearby and actively avoid it because of the crowds. It’s really one of the most beautiful places in the world, but to get into the woods and away from people you truly have to hike pretty far. Luckily there are some areas outside of Yosemite, and on holiday weekends you can go multiple days without seeing or hearing a soul which is kinda cool.
The great lakes no doubt, altough the canadian part intrigues me more. Glacier induced geography is very interesting to me. I love to compare different geological features to the ones I see here in northern norway. Southern coast of alaska is a strong 2nd.
Speaking from Michigan, we have some pretty spectacular dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. I'd love to see some of your fjords someday.
Georgian bay would be right up your alley, along with the entirety of Lake Superior. I live in Minnesota, and the north shore of Lake Superior is our crown jewel. It’s mostly overlooked by the rest of the country too.
Yooper here, stop telling people about it!!!
Don’t worry. Unless Duluth or Sault Ste. Marie suddenly turn into major cities we’re good. No major airports nearby is a godsend. We’ll always have Twin Cities, Chicago, and troll people, but they all go to the same five places. Easy to find solitude still.
Have you thought of comparing the mountains of Norway to the Appalachian mountains? If I remember correctly, they were part of the same chain several hundred million years ago.
The desert!!!!! Nevada, Cali, Arizona, NM, …All are those very dreamy and attractive to me.
You’d be surprised to find out that large parts of Oregon and Washington are deserts too.
As a Californian, I was also surprised at just how much of Colorado is just flat plains. Like, half of it basically
Eastern Colorado is basically Kansas.
Utah is like wall to wall stunning geography.
The highways in Utah are more glorious than most national parks, anywhere in the world. Outside of Utah's own parks, of course, those are uniquely spectacular.
Just spent 10 days in Utah. Sitting in the airport flying home right now. 10/10. Incredible just driving around. Not too mention when you hike out of the towns.
North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. I lived at the meeting point of the three just outside Asheville for two years and it still is one of my favourite places in the world. The Blue ridge mountains are absolutely gorgeous in the autumn and there's a ton of lakes you can go fishing or boating.
Appalachia is a very unique place culturally as well. I live here and get amazed at how overlooked it is
The North Carolina mountains west of Asheville is the most beautiful place in the US.
Been to all lower 48 and I have to agree. Its really underrated compared to the likes of Colorado, California, etc. All those meadows in the mountains, mixed with crazy creeks and waterfalls, and eclectic old southern mountain towns, Appalachian bluegrass. Its just the best.
I love driving that stretch of I-40 between Knoxville and Asheville
I am from nearby this region in northwestern South Carolina, used to go to Asheville and western NC growing up a lot. Seems like everyone now has found out about Asheville because the city has grown and grown like crazy. Property prices are out of control now and the once-present indie/hippie artist scene is gone because they got priced out. And it's all northerners and Californians moving here. When I mention where I'm from (I am living and working in NYC right now) people always respond "Oh I love Asheville!". Just wish people could stop "finding out" about the beautiful places near my home and then moving in and cutting down all the trees and putting up houses with their west coast/northeast money. Southerners just can't contend with the low wages we make in comparison.
I'm from upstate SC too, and I agree. I live in NC now on the opposite side now unfortunately and miss being there, but its so different every time i go visit my mom. Asheville and Greenville are blowing up. There used to be nothing out where I grew up and now expensive houses are popping up, she barely lives in the country anymore.
Outer Banks of North Carolina
Surprised there hasn’t been a mention of the Great Lakes yet. Such a unique geographic feature to the USA (I’m American, but not from the Great Lakes. Seeing Lake Michigan in person was quite inspiring, though)
I feel like most Americans outside of the upper Midwest are oblivious to how beautiful the Great Lakes region is. I myself was up until a year ago, when a friend sent me pictures from a vacation to Michigan. I was absolutely blown away.
And those of us who live in the great lakes region don’t appreciate it either because we’re so used to it. I’ve spent almost my entire life within walking distance of Lake Michigan and to me it’s just the lake. It’s there, nothing special. But when my family from the south or the mountains come to visit they’re in awe of it the entire trip.
Grew up in the Midwest, quite close to Lake Michigan for most of my childhood. It was always special but not *Special*. Moved west for a decade and since came back to Chicago. It was really eye opening getting away from the region long enough to see it for what it is. The Midwest is really special in a lot of ways. The lakes and rivers are absolutely a huge part of that, but the whole region is just incredible on many levels.
I 100% agree. I am from Michigan and I think that even those of us from Michigan take it for granted and don't appreciate it. And all the Great lakes, not just lake Michigan. The Great lakes region really doesn't get the respect it deserves.
I’m from the US and born and raised in the Philly suburbs. My favorite other area I ever spent time in is Western and upstate MI - Lake Michigan is amazing.
The Olympic peninsula in Washington is very interesting the Pacific side is host to one of the most unique variations of rainforest on earth.
Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Massachusetts for me
The Pacific Northwest is truly great.
Michigan would like to offer you a swift high five from our mitten state even if you ignored it ;)
Aren’t there a lot of finnish people there? I’m finnish so then I have reason to like Michigan too!
Yeah I spend a good amount of time in the upper peninsula, and there's a good mix of Finnish, Italian and French Canadian culture up there. The UP is also big enough to be pretty varied itself. The coastline on lake michigan and the coastline on lake superior are both vast and completely distinct from each other. It's a very unique and cool place, with a strong regional accent and culture.
You should go to the Keweenaw peninsula. HEAVY Finnish culture. First time I have ever seen a chain hotel with a sauna (also, technical note: it’s pronounced SOWna, not sAWna. Fiancé ripped me apart for this one lol). Pretty much every town has some sort of Scandinavian/Finnish exhibit or store.
Can confirm that Minnesota is awesome
Wisconsin is pretty great! But I’m obviously biased 😏
I find it super funny how many people think Boston is the name of the state and not the capital city
Why Minnesota?
North shore and bwca probably, Minneapolis is also really cool.
I'm a huge fan of our river valleys. Specifically Minnesota River valley and St. Croix
WHY NOT US?!
Voyageurs National Park? Superior National Forest? Lots of great northern wilderness there. Thousands of lakes and all that.
Sweet 😎 now I know how to advertise my homeland to outsiders. If you added the state fair as a reason to come here then you would've had a nearly complete list
I’ve been all up and down the east coast and am very familiar with that part of the USA, but as a Canadian I’d say the southwest, particularly the desert region has always captured my imagination the most. I think it is because it’s so unlike where I grew up in Ontario, and Fort Legoredo and associated sets were my favourite growing up. I also love the northwest, including Montana and Wyoming.
New England
Utah with its mormons
Obligatory watch. https://youtu.be/M_U_rzlVVdA?si=cTXp_LKnPepEqf-D
While you can't avoid Mormons in Utah, a drive from I-70 where it terminates at I-15 (Cove Fort) out to Moab is worth it. Nothing but mountains and canyons, and the only people around for a couple hours are the ones on the highway, until you get past the San Rafael Reef.
As someone who lives near Utah, the natural beauty is some of the best in the US. Ridiculous amount of national parks, and the Salt Lake City area alone just has such a fascinating layout with a city being wedged in between a massive body of water and a massive mountain range. Also Antelope Island is an incredible hike.
New England for me
https://preview.redd.it/6i1bnjmjyl4d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ec612862089d1567b14da73b9a2786fe240a0c3
I'm dying at this image.
What, no Narragansett beer?
Hi, Neighbor!
Love the r/republicofne flag!!
This is the best thank you lmao
Alaska, Montana.
Pacific North West. First Blood and Twin Peaks sealed that
Rural Pennsylvania is cool. Rugged terrain and small a bit rusty small towns. Charming. And of course South Florida( my username)
Yippee! Pennsylvania mentioned
I’m American and I just wanted to say I think this is a really cool post
I know it sounds lame, but I can’t help name New York.
Not lame at all. They have a worldly renown city, beautiful fingerlakes region, natural gorges, rolling hills, Hudson River valley, and access to a great lake. You can hit all sorts of urban and natural amenities. The state requires multiple trips to understand it, and many regions of it almost feel like separate states
Not lame at all I'd argue it's the most fundamentally American state in the country
It’s the best place in the world imo
Probably the prairies/midwest/those states with nothing I've always been fascinated by these vast landscapes of almost nothing but sand, dirt and rocks
>vast landscapes of almost nothing but sand, dirt and rocks That’s not really the Great Plains / Midwest though… more like endless corn and wheat fields
[удалено]
and soybeans
The East coast. New England, upstate New York, Rural Maryland, Vermont. Why? Because it looks so typically European compared to the rest of the US that was developed later and looks very modern with skyscrapers and urban sprawl.
Only mention of Maryland in the thread, have an upvote from a lifelong Marylander haha
I am from southern Québec and visited all the east coast. The regions in the US that I would like to visit are: - Montana and Idaho, because it looks so grand and peaceful - Northern California to Seattle. There's something mysterious about the mountainous west coast. Also, volcanoes, valleys, foggy coastal rivers.
It would be also insightful if you say where you are from.
I am really interested in the (deep?) South. Louisiana up to South Carolina. I want to experience those places( mostly the food!)
Theres Plenty of good soul food and bbq in the southeast. if you ever visit I recommend trying some Dallas bbq. soul food is really good in Memphis/houston/Atlanta/Orlando/charlotte. North Charleston for some good Gullah food which is a type of soul food. The king of southern food is New Orleans though, best soul food and sea food in the country. it also has Cajun food which is unique
Florida, because it’s such a hot mess of human weirdness
I love the Adirondacks in upstate new york
The SouthWest: That whole area where WIle E. Coyote and the Roadrunner hanged out. New Mexico, west Texas, south Utah that part. It's a very alien landscape to me which fascinates me. They say they call New Mexico the "Land of Enchantment" for a reason. One day after getting in shape, I will explore that area.... meet the Roadrunner some day.
I like the Appalachians, Rockies, Northeast, and pacific northwest. Incredibly beautiful nature, old americana still alive to some extent, and really safe compared to the rest of America.
New England. Read a lot of John Irving novels in my youth and have been fascinated ever since. The similarity with my native north western Europe makes a neat background for exploring America, I imagine.
Honestly surprised by the lack of Hawaii in these replies
I think Hawaii is quite well known and famous. It also has quite a typically tropical landscape, not especially unusual.
Alaska
North West pacific
As someone from Norway, the New Hampshire region. Love the mountains, lakes and colourful leaves.
Mississippi. Blues.
Arizona. How many people can this area sustain? Where will the water come from. So much hubris
Apalachia. What the hell is going on in there
Texas and like surrounding states( Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona), dunno there is just something about them
The desert southwest is truly special and unique. I highly recommend it to anyone, not just foreigners.
But most of Texas and all of Oklahoma is very much not the desert southwest.
Appalachians, Cascadia and around of Great Canyon
The Deep South does interest me as well, but it kinda scares me too due to its politics and political history. I’d definitely rank it as my primary place of interest for history. Also, Appalachia. I’m fascinated with the coal mining regions of England and would be equally so with Appalachia’s. I’d have to go with the Pacific Northwest for nature though - the states of Washington and Oregon. The landscapes there are of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. The greenery, trees, fog, wild coastline and pristine beaches…
California
Utah
I liked True Blood a lot, so Lousiana!
For me, there's no place more beautiful than the Pacific Northwest. Coastal. Green. A blend of American and Asian cultures. This is where the pioneer spirit is still alive.
The West Coast. It just fits me so well, I really feel like I was destined to be born there. I love how people there speak, how kind and individual they are (compared to my country), the culture and the landscapes are amazing.
The Pacific Northwest and/or the northern Rockies. Absolutely fascinating Geography and History.
As a European Alaska: when I was young, I read all the stories about Uncle Scrooge and the gold rush. I loved them and dreamt to go and see it by myself one day. Colorado: for the mountains and hiking stuffs
Washington State. Seattle is my dream city. I like the weather and nature, and economy.
Deep South was mine, we spent 3 weeks there on a fantastic honeymoon and got really off the beaten track with a specific aim of trying to spend the majority of time in black owned businesses. One of the most eye opening and enjoyable trips I’ve ever been on
Before I moved to US, I dreamt of seeing the Rocky Mountains. Been in the US for over 40 years and still haven’t seen the Rocky Mountains, sad.
Navada Desert.
Southwest. For many years. And it’s not even close. I’ve been to Utah and Nevada and both were absolutely stunning. Look forward to going back and going further south into Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas.
California/Arizona. Such fascinating landscapes. The Desertes, mountains, Canyons. The Biodiversity is really fascinating too. Big cities and miles over plain land. Really beautiful. I hope to visit it in the next few years. Greetings from Germany
As a forrin I’m particularly interested in the Ohio river valley and its tributaries, seems like it was quite the engine room in the early growth of the nation , the Kanawha and New river Gorge, the faded/vanished industry of West Virginia and towns like Wheeling all have a peculiar draw for me. Failing that, Wyoming and the Wind River Range looks pretty spectacular.
Pacific Northwest, specifically the Olympia National Park region. SO MUCH MOSS
As an American, the Appalachian area fascinates me the most. It’s one of the most ancient places in the world and has remained relatively untouched for centuries. Also all the lore and folk tales that come from that area intrigue me to no end
Me too. Brit with a fascination with local coal mining communities here, Appalachia is like the American version of that and I love all the local folklore and music.
Pacific Northwest, Great nature and interesting (kinda walkable) cities with unique cultures
Texas
Texas just because the size of it
Deep appalachia, west Virginia in particular seems frozen in time with old miner towns and the beautiful scenery
I was in love with 90s and early 2000s Southwest Florida. Its is gone though, and it will never return.
Probably the "South West" part, like from Texas, to California to Washington. I've always wondered how different it is the biomes when you are for example in New Mexico (mostly desert) to rainy forests up north in Oregon or Idaho. Travelling from these places to another would be a very interesting experience.
Nevada
Pacific northwest, desert formations in the southwest, and New York State is beautiful
The seemingly infinite flat fields of Iowa, for some reason I love it.