Sweet Home Chicago

America has a lot of famous cities. Chicago is the most liveable of those. It seems like a place where people go to work, have kids and visit the museums on the weekends. It is also a pleasantly working class city.

I really enjoyed Chicago, there was heaps to do and there is a real sense of history. The buildings are awesome and just driving through the city is fun.

There is something for everyone in Chicago – sports fans, history buffs, kids, adventure seekers. It is well worth a visit for a week or so.

I would rate it 8.7 out of 10.

IL CUBs

IL edge

IL EXPO

IL protest

IL Sue

Michigan – Unexpected

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Michigan much, but it turned out to be more fun than I was anticipating. It was a rather pleasant day and we had a fun time.

We went to Kalamazoo which is cool to say anyway and went to the Air Zoo, which I was expecting to be pretty lame, but turned out to be pretty awesome.

The town of Kalamazoo was also really nice. We had some really nice food from someone who bought the food to our car like in the 50’s.

I would rate Michigan 7.8 out of ten and recommend it as a nice short trip for anyone.

MI Clouds

MI planes

Ohio – Middle of the Road

Ohio isn’t a bad state, it just isn’t that exciting. I’m not sure anyone says, “I really have to go to Ohio to see x.” I think more often people say, “I am from Ohio and here to see x.”

Again, didn’t have a bad time in Ohio, just not rushing to go back. In saying that, though, I am glad I went to the American Sign Museum. It was quite interesting and very informative. OH Signs

I would rate Ohio at 6.2.

Kentucky – Mammoth State

We visited Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. It was a big surprise. Before visiting, I had no idea that such a large and complex cave system existed in the states. The great thing about Mammoth Cave is that it is suitable for basically everyone. They have hard core caving expeditions, if you want to try that, but they also have some relatively easy walks. I visited here after badly dislocating my ankle and still really enjoyed the trip.

Mammoth Cave is a great example of one of the wonders of America. It is just so unexpected. It is an amazing natural wonder, but it also has history and stories to tell and fantastic , unique experiences.

Kentucky is also a great place to drive.

This is one of those places that is great to explore and find hidden treasures.

I would rate 8.4.

KY Cave

KY Cafe

Tennessee – The King

Memphis is one of those places everyone goes. It was where Elvis lived and his home has been turned into a museum / memorial. Memphis also has a cool modern art scene, good food and rockin’ atmosphere.

A few things about that. Visiting Memphis has a real American vibe to it. The BBQ, the music, Graceland. All of this combines to make Memphis a compulsory stop on a road trip. It is just somewhere you have to go. Also it is kinda in the middle of the country, so a good place to aim for anyway.

I would rate Tennessee 7.2 out of ten.TN Elvis

TN Graceland