Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 20

In this uncertain economic climate finding vacation destinations that don’t break the bank but are still fun has become the choice of many travelers. But where do you go? The possibilities are endless. I have narrowed it down to five, and let me say that my list is a list of “tourist attractions”, not “tourist traps.” There is a huge difference. So, if you are looking for amusement parks and trendy beaches you will have to go somewhere else.

I will start with the obvious, the Grand Canyon. It really should be a requirement of all US citizens to see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. To really get a feel for the canyon, however, you need to spend at least a few days. Camping is my personal choice, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from if roughing it isn’t your style. If you plan on going down into the canyon dead summer probably isn’t the best time to visit as it can reach triple digits at the bottom. Spring and fall are best for these types of excursions. However, the weather can be unpredictable. We came upon the canyon in the spring and saw nothing due to a freak blizzard and white out conditions. Just check the weather and plan accordingly.

Let’s move on to yet another natural wonder, Niagara Falls. Ok, so I realize this one could possibly fall under the category of tourist traps, but not if you are smart. To avoid the “traps” stay away from gift shops and street vendors and bring your own ponchos. I personally like the Canadian side more, but then it wouldn’t be a US attraction, so for the purposes of this article we will stick to the American side of the falls. Either way you are going to get wet and have fun. If you can, take the ferry ride. You will get some amazing photos of rainbows. It is as if this is where rainbows are created and then sent off into the rest of the world. Even without the ferry, however, you can still get pretty close to the falls and also get pretty wet. It is loud and amazing and breath taking.

Falling Water in Mill Run, PA is a little gem of a place that most people have never heard of. This amazing example of American architecture was built in 1939 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed for the Kaufman family, the entire home was planned and a built to incorporate the surrounding woods and waterfalls. Trees grow through living rooms, rocks form nooks and crannies perfect for hide and seek, and water flows freely through much of the house. Of course, the surrounding