So, I'm going to the US in september for a three week holiday and was wondering if any of you local boys had any tips for things to do or see while I'm there. I should be able to find my way to the most well-known touristy things myself, so I was thinking more in the line of cool gaming stores,events, lesser known sights or other things you might think a nerd in his late 20's could find interesting.

I'll be going to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Oh, and if you know of any places I should definitely stay away from as a nerdy white tourist, that would also be nice to know =)

well if you go to vegas, the grand canyon is nearby.

Whats in LA? I don't think anyone voluntarily goes there anymore, nothing but smog really

Wear a chastity belt when going through customs

NY has nice museums, IDK of much else. Never had much of a reason to go other than the museums.

sirlynchmob wrote:
well if you go to vegas, the grand canyon is nearby.

Whats in LA? I don't think anyone voluntarily goes there anymore, nothing but smog really

Wear a chastity belt when going through customs

That made me chuckle

I don't know about the latter three locations having never visited them, but in New York, don't bother with the Statue of Liberty or (if you're into that kind of thing), the Museum of Natural History. I found both to be a waste of time.

If you can afford it, a helicopter trip around Manhattan is expensive, but very nice, especially when it's late in the day or early evening and dark(ening)

The USS Intrepid (a WW2 era aircraft carrier) in New York is really cool to visit. I randomly ran into it when I was on holiday there myself, and loved it. Definitely one of the highlights of my visit. There's a Concorde and one of the earliest nuclear submarines to visit in the same excursion as well.

The Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre (Tower, whatever) I actually enjoyed visiting. There''s also a pretty cool comicbook store across from it. I believe it's called Jim Hanley's Universe or summat?

Both the Museum of Modern Arts and the Metropolitan are well worth a visit. Again, if you're into that kind of thing.

I also really liked Fraunce's Tavern (and its lovely bartender who showed me a great time) in lower Manhattan; it's part museum, part actual bar - you can still have a drink there.

Finally, while in New York at least, don't bother with taxi's (though you should take one of the famed yellow cabs once just for the hell of it; I did); get a subway card. For around 30 US dollars you can get a week-long metro card, enabling you to travel around New York for free all week long, and Grand Central Station is worth a visit all by itself anyhow (and free to enter!).

As far as L.A. goes, you should check out Olvera St. Its one of the oldest streets in L.A. and a great place to expose yourself to a lot of mexican culture. There's food, art, performances on the weekends and some nice souvenir shopping. You can pick up some Dia de los Muertos, "day of the dead", stuff for cheap and people the world over will think its cool.
This year Dia de los Muertos is november 1st and 2nd. If your here then, definently go to Olvera then. There will be enough skulls to make even the biggest GW fanboy grin from ear to ear.
Also the boardwalk at Santa Monica beach, the Getty Centre (an art museum), china town and hollywood is ghetto and crazy. Go, its fun but don't be expecting a lot of glammor. Also west hollywood can get very "gay" at night. Not that there's anything wrong with that . . .

Do not use the N word under any circumstances. If you have ever heard the place mentioned in a rap song, do not go there. El Segundo is the sole exception.

When in SanFran, ride a trolley, do not go to a "bath house" unless you are into having sex with random other men.

Try to take a drive up north to Eureka, Cresent City area, see the Red Wood forest (they filmed ewok village stuff here for Star Wars VI.) Also it is the only place I know in the world where you can drive through a tree.

Try to see a wild west ghost town, or gold mine, or both.

If you see advertising for a rodeo, go to that, they are inexpensive, and see you some crazy stuff.

Seriously see a game in AT&T Park, or Dodger Stadium, or Angels Stadium... and definitely when in New York, THE Stadium.


College football is starting soon, so I'd check out a USC Trojans game (really, the only school with a decent stadium on your itinerary)

You have to go to the wharf in san franciscoo, Get food from the vendors there. Oh and Pier 39 to see the seals.
Oh and the is the curviest rod in san fran too. Maybe tour and old Cargo ship while your there?

If you encounter a homeless person in NYC, give him/her a 50, wink, and tell him to bring his/her friends. Should be a rousing good time.

Also, on a serious note, go to Broadway and see a show. Doesn't really matter which one, Broadway is an amazing place and each show will be awesome. As a fellow nerd, I recommend Spiderman: Turn off the Dark. Don't bother trying to get in for Book of Mormon, you need to get tickets practically a year ahead of time. However, if by some stroke of luck tickets ARE available for BoM, go go go!!!

Get as much pizza from as many places as you can in NY. In Vegas make sure you go to old Vegas/downtown and not just the strip. They have a cool tunnel laser show there that happens every like 15 minutes. Old Vegas also has cheaper gambling. The Hoover dam is mediocre.

Chancetragedy wrote:
Get as much pizza from as many places as you can in NY.

NY pizza kinda sucks though... It might be the fact that I'm a Jersey local, but there's nothing like the stuff from down here

thatdudefilthy wrote:
As far as L.A. goes, you should check out Olvera St. Its one of the oldest streets in L.A. and a great place to expose yourself to a lot of mexican culture. There's food, art, performances on the weekends and some nice souvenir shopping. You can pick up some Dia de los Muertos, "day of the dead", stuff for cheap and people the world over will think its cool.
This year Dia de los Muertos is november 1st and 2nd. If your here then, definently go to Olvera then. There will be enough skulls to make even the biggest GW fanboy grin from ear to ear.
Also the boardwalk at Santa Monica beach, the Getty Centre (an art museum), china town and hollywood is ghetto and crazy. Go, its fun but don't be expecting a lot of glammor. Also west hollywood can get very "gay" at night. Not that there's anything wrong with that . . .

Venice Beach is bettter for people watching though. Grummans Chinese Theater is interesting.
Stay by the coastal area. East LA will exterminate you.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 hotsauceman1 wrote:
You have to go to the wharf in san franciscoo, Get food from the vendors there. Oh and Pier 39 to see the seals.
Oh and the is the curviest rod in san fran too. Maybe tour and old Cargo ship while your there?

Winchester House is quite cool as well. Doors into the wall and gak.

Don't forget to be aware of your surrounding. We all carry guns here

Shadowseer_Kim wrote: do not go to a "bath house" unless you are into having sex with random other men.

He is European, you may be too late on this one...

There is no Red Light District here. Also we all carry guns Some of us carry Assualt Rifles to....

In America, the food is cheaper and the portion sizes are huge at most restaurants.

In America, the food is cheaper and the portion sizes are huge at most restaurants.

I don't know Lictor. I got some big entrees while in Germany.

Pick some random small towns off a map and stay in them:that will be far closer to the real America.

All the tourist traps cliche destinations mentioned will just chew up your funds and give you a manufactured experience.

 Jihadin wrote:

In America, the food is cheaper and the portion sizes are huge at most restaurants.

I don't know Lictor. I got some big entrees while in Germany.

Same here... Also, Germany gave me a proper beer when I ordered one.... not a measly 12 oz. Give me a Half Liter... Minimum!


I should point out though (don't know if it's the same in Norway), but in the US is it completely OK to ask for a to-go box for food you didn't eat at a restaraunt.


Ohh, and aside from Alcohol, most places give you free refills, unlike Germany.

Las Vegas was great, you get to walk through everywhere and nobody really expects you to buy anything!

San Francisco was the friendliest place by far. Nothing was too much trouble for them and made you feel very welcome. There's a great Chocolate Factory shop (or at least there was in 2004, it's been a while) that gave away samples, with a 60s' style diner nearby that had a great view over the bay.

LA takes its' importance far to much for granted, I found that the people there were not helpful, after all there were always more tourists coming. Very rude at times.

Enjoy the hol.

Andrew

The Natural History Museum in NY is imo one of the best in the country. A must see.

I second the suggestion to avoid Hollywood while visiting LA. There is nothing really great about Hollywood unless the smell of urine and the ravings of mad people are alluring to you.

If you like museums LA has some amazing offerings. From the Peterson Automotive Museum for your super-car fixes to the Huntington Library in Pasadena which have a vast collection of rare manuscripts (including a Gutenberg bible) and wonderful gardens, to the Museum of Death (okay, this one is rather cheesy, but has "artifacts" from many well known US serial killers), there is a museum for just about every taste.

http://www.lacity.org/RecreationTourism/Museums/index.htm That site should give you a good run-down.

Pasadena is a fun city to check out while in LA. There are some excellent restaurants, some of the aforementioned museums, shopping, a pretty great game shop (Game Empire Pasadena) and really amazing craftsman style homes. You could spend a few hours driving through the nicer neighborhoods of Pasadena admiring the homes and eating at some of the local shops and make a cheap day of it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Craftsman

Plus there is a Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles (but don't go there at night...its in the bad part of Pasadena) and CalTech if you wanted to satisfy either your waffle or science urges while in town. You really can't lose!

Do not, under any circumstances, go to the northern part of Vegas. I don't care how hot she is, I don't care what she has pierced, I don't care what she says she's into. Do not go to north Vegas.

Also, do not expect anyone to have the slightest clue where you're from. I'd stick to "Europe" as an answer. We can find that on a blank map maybe a good fifty percent of the time.

Get traveler's insurance. It's expensive because the US medical system is way too expensive, but if you get hurt, you'll wish you had it.

 LordofHats wrote:
The Natural History Museum in NY is imo one of the best in the country. A must see.

I second this. I was born in NYC and lived there until I was 23, so of course we never did any of the touristy things (I've never been to the Empire State building, or the Statue of Liberty, for example) but I did go to the Museum of Natural History; and when I go back I always try and stop by again. They have some really nice stuff, especially if you like dinosaurs.

I like the Bronx Zoo a lot, but I'm a little biased because I used to be able to walk to it.

Times Square is a nice place to stop but sort of expensive if you plan on doing shopping.

Also, the pizza in NYC is some of the best in the world (people from Chicago and apparently New Jersey would disagree, but what would they know about good pizza?). You should get some of that as well.

I am a flabbergasted why one of the four places in America you chose to visit is LA. Should have gone to Seattle or something.

Go to venice beach, had some good time there, get to see some weird and funny stuff.

 Bromsy wrote:
I am a flabbergasted why one of the four places in America you chose to visit is LA. Should have gone to Seattle or something.

As am I but, I just decided to roll with it, and make suggestions anyhow

I'd love to visit the States some time. I find myself drawn to the south, somehow. I guess it's the music and the food. I have an uncle in North Carolina... perhaps it's time I paid him a visit.

 Albatross wrote:
I'd love to visit the States some time. I find myself drawn to the south, somehow. I guess it's the music and the food. I have an uncle in North Carolina... perhaps it's time I paid him a visit.

Spring is best as the flowers are coming out. Summer's can be fatally hot for Brits here.

Spring is best as the flowers are coming out. Summer's can be fatally hot for Brits here

AGREED. High heat and high humidity

Having been to all of those places, i can heartily recommend getting smashed off malt liquor and eating all the go go tacquitos in the local 7 eleven.

They are all over, so you can repeat the process in all five places and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

I didn't know you hated him so much Matty.

Everyone knows you eat the 10 year old hotdogs at 7 Eleven.

Don't come to Texas. Strangers make us violent.

 Frazzled wrote:
I didn't know you hated him so much Matty.

Everyone knows you eat the 10 year old hotdogs at 7 Eleven.

When Im leathered I fething love everything they serve.. It must be all the mad gak they add to food over there.

My missus almost threw up when she sat and watched me knack the entire contents of the luke warm heater thing in 7/11 after a 12 hour session in Longbeach.

I even like the Corn Dog rollers that seem to be made entirely from lips and arseholes.

 DarkTraveler777 wrote:
I second the suggestion to avoid Hollywood while visiting LA. There is nothing really great about Hollywood unless the smell of urine and the ravings of mad people are alluring to you.

I will second this. It seemed quite run-down in areas and even made me nervous...and this is coming from a St. Louis native

Wow, love the feedback, guys =) Will definitely check out some of those museums.

As for going to LA, which seems to confuse some people, I'm not going alone, so ofc other people had to get some wishes granted aswell. Atleast I'll get some pictures of me with the Hollywood sign and such, which will be of somewhat entertaining value to my mom.

No bus rides to East LA or north Vegas, check!

 Squidmanlolz wrote:

Chancetragedy wrote:
Get as much pizza from as many places as you can in NY.

NY pizza kinda sucks though... It might be the fact that I'm a Jersey local, but there's nothing like the stuff from down here

I have never had pizza from jersey that I liked more than most of the stuff I've had in the city. Jersey has one thing going for it. The grease trucks at rutgers.

Who are you going with?

When you're in San Francisco, you have to stop by an In-n-Out Burger. Best hamburgers in the world and not some monstrosity that will take you 3 days to eat either(I know how much smaller your portions are over there)

Its real california beef.

And speaking of beef, you have to go to some place that serves tri-tip. its a cut of beef thats unique to california.

In n Out are the greasiest in the world, not the best. Excellent though if you want a completely clogged digestive system for the next three days.

Thought that was Waffle House?

 Jihadin wrote:
Thought that was Waffle House?

IHOP?

Dont listen to Frazz, he is jelous because he is a Texan and there is only a couple in Dallas/FT Worth.

Joking aside, In N Out has to be sampled, its easily the best burger place in the States, and fatty matty must have eaten in pretty much all of them.

The first place I stop when I land.. I recommend a 4 by 4 and some animal style fries. They aren't on the menu, just ask and they will happily bring em out though!

Once I got a 6x6 protein burger (they just bring it out wrapped in a lettuce!) and it was fething awesome.. although I had severe chest pains for 24 hours afterwards.

 mattyrm wrote:
Dont listen to Frazz, he is jelous because he is a Texan and there is only a couple in Dallas/FT Worth.

Joking aside, In N Out has to be sampled, its easily the best burger place in the States, and fatty matty must have eaten in pretty much all of them.

The first place I stop when I land.. I recommend a 4 by 4 and some animal style fries. They aren't on the menu, just ask and they will happily bring em out though!

Once I got a 6x6 protein burger (they just bring it out wrapped in a lettuce!) and it was fething awesome.. although I had severe chest pains for 24 hours afterwards.

Horse crap. I lived in LA for years. They are great if you are into the cult of InO, but otherwise they are just greasy.

To the OP...I'm gonna keep my comments very general and let you figure out the details.

Travel is about the overall experience and immersion in someplace different and new. It's not about eating at this or that hamburger joint. That's a consequence of traveling to someplace, it's not a reason for being there. Your focus in each city should be on doing the things that define those places. To wit:

In NYC, walk around.

In SF, look around.

In LA, be outside.

In LV, let loose.

Do these things and you will enjoy and come to understand these cities.

Mutang Ranch is closed just in case your thinking of visiting there. (I think) in LV

Come to the California Central Coast!

We've got San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles... some great places with wonderful views and a couple nice wineries.

Plus I live there and if you visit I can wear your skin... I mean... have some tea with you. >.> <.< >.>

Flayer....a Necron player

Las Vegas - Not sure what you are really into, but in Las Vegas, there are a couple gun ranges that allow you to rent a full-auto machine gun (well sub-machine gun). If you have never done that, it's a lot of fun. (Assuming you aren't scared of guns).

Los Angeles - There used to be characters that you could get pictures with on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame", but I think they were kicked out a couple years ago. That was a lot of fun, maybe someone in the LA area knows if they have just moved.

San Francisco - Bring a jacket, it gets cold in the evenings, even during the hot summer months. Check out the Golden Gate Bridge and if you have a car, take a drive out in the Wine Country.

New York - I've only been there once and I didn't have any time to do any sight-seeing, so can't be any help there.

There are some cool things that you can do in the States, that you probably have never gotten the chance to do. Take advantage of them. When I was in Leeds, UK I went to a Games Workshop store and hung out with those guys for a bit, and that was totally cool. None of my co-workers understood it at all, but it was great to hang out with people that I had something in common with but still were from a completely different culture.

When you are here, you will find some jerks. That's not representative of us Americans. You will run into some really nice folks too. (unfortunately, also not representative of us Americans either). Shrug off the jerks and enjoy the company of the nice folk. If you were going to be anywhere near me, I'd offer to take you out sight-seeing for a day, but I'm in the middle of the country, so maybe next time.

 Frazzled wrote:


Horse crap. I lived in LA for years. They are great if you are into the cult of InO, but otherwise they are just greasy.

Im not in a cult, Im just saying they make the best burgers!

Clearly they do.. seriously who makes a better double cheeseburger than those guys?

Serious question, Ill go and scran a sack load of whomever you name is better in the name of science.

Greasy?

I've had a real greasy burger. In-n-Out is very far from greasy. Burger King and McDonalds are a millions times more greasy.

Any diner will serve you are real grease burger.

Vegas is more than just casinos. There are a ton of shows, although many are very expensive (Blue Man Group, Cirque de SoCrap, and so on).

There is also a tiny amusement park on top of the fething Stratosphere!

http://www.gadgetking.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/image11.png

 mattyrm wrote:

 Frazzled wrote:


Horse crap. I lived in LA for years. They are great if you are into the cult of InO, but otherwise they are just greasy.

Im not in a cult, Im just saying they make the best burgers!

Clearly they do.. seriously who makes a better double cheeseburger than those guys?

Serious question, Ill go and scran a sack load of whomever you name is better in the name of science.

-Mighty Fine.
-Fuddruckers (I'm more about the chili cheese fries)
-Most barbeque joints (I find BBQ joints often make great burgers actually)

I was just never impressed with InO. A fast food dive like every other fast food dive. And yes, greasy and what passes for their fries suck.
Your opinion may vary, but it would be wrong.

Fuddruckers is the only place I've had a burger better than my own.

And I used to be a fat feth.

And I used to be a fat feth

What? You were a CHub Scout Leader?

In NYC, bring an appetite and cash and go to the Carnegie Deli. Try to go in an off hour when it's not the middle of lunch or dinner time, but every time I've been there it's been busy anyway. Another good one is Katz's Deli. The specialize in ginormous pastrami sandwiches. Like, enough meat to feed a family of 27, all in a sandwich built for 1. I haven't been to too many places, but I've never ever had better pastrami ever than those 2 places.

And if you have a lot of time to kill and want to drive down to Philly (2 hrs away) I'll tell ya where to get the bestest cheesesteaks

 Jihadin wrote:

And I used to be a fat feth

What? You were a CHub Scout Leader?

I don't know what that is. I was fairly heavy, though.

 mattyrm wrote:
Dont listen to Frazz, he is jelous because he is a Texan and there is only a couple in Dallas/FT Worth.

My job happens to be within a reasonable walking distance of one. However, the 5 Guys is closer, so I go there instead.

 kronk wrote:

 Jihadin wrote:

And I used to be a fat feth

What? You were a CHub Scout Leader?

I don't know what that is. I was fairly heavy, though.

Eating to many brownies?

[/rimshot]

Eating to many brownies?

[/rimshot]

Does the "wave" for the shot.

Chub Scout Leader is another fatty term in the US Army. Sounds more official then fatty, chubby, or over weight.

Sparklabar wrote:
So, I'm going to the US in september for a three week holiday and was wondering if any of you local boys had any tips for things to do or see while I'm there. I should be able to find my way to the most well-known touristy things myself, so I was thinking more in the line of cool gaming stores,events, lesser known sights or other things you might think a nerd in his late 20's could find interesting.

I'll be going to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Oh, and if you know of any places I should definitely stay away from as a nerdy white tourist, that would also be nice to know =)

In the US personal space is a lot wider than many of the other countries I've been to, if someone is in your bubble be suspicious. Go to the Intrepid in New York, it's the ship Will Smith golfs off of in I am Legend. Other than that the best part of a trip to New York is leaving. In Vegas walk the strip, preferably at night. I always like the Coke place there where you can sample sodas from around the world. There's a hot ginger soda I'm particularly fond of. Other than that vegas isnt much more than a hole you throw money at. Never been to LA or San Fran.

I completely forgot about in n out... Eat there at least once. It's a west coast burger chain that makes everything fresh. Simple burgers simple fries just delicious. I get a double double animal style with sm fries, so delicious.

Don't do Jack in the Box.....

 Jihadin wrote:
Don't do Jack in the Box.....

I will fight you.

I'll help him, Jack must DIE!

Auston....don't fight me.....I cheat

I've no problem biting your knee caps off as your beating me down

 Gitkikka wrote:

 mattyrm wrote:
Dont listen to Frazz, he is jelous because he is a Texan and there is only a couple in Dallas/FT Worth.

My job happens to be within a reasonable walking distance of one. However, the 5 Guys is closer, so I go there instead.

I was wondering when somebody would recommend 5 Guys over InO. I've never been to an InO (or heard of it), but most people I know tend to agree that 5 Guys is king of the fast food burgers. Get Cajun fries. Don't ask, just buy. And don't get a large unless you get that insurance Mel suggested. A large will feed a family of 4, a regular size shouldn't be finishable with a burger. Trust me...go regular sized.

 Necros wrote:
In NYC, bring an appetite and cash and go to the Carnegie Deli. Try to go in an off hour when it's not the middle of lunch or dinner time, but every time I've been there it's been busy anyway. Another good one is Katz's Deli. The specialize in ginormous pastrami sandwiches. Like, enough meat to feed a family of 27, all in a sandwich built for 1. I haven't been to too many places, but I've never ever had better pastrami ever than those 2 places.

And if you have a lot of time to kill and want to drive down to Philly (2 hrs away) I'll tell ya where to get the bestest cheesesteaks

2nd Katz's and Carnegie. Also Philly is about 30-40 mins by train and the best way to get through New Jersey. Pat's, Gino's and Jim's on South Street (In that order) for Cheesesteak.... Plus South Street is a must see.

 Jihadin wrote:
Auston....don't fight me.....I cheat

I've no problem biting your knee caps off as your beating me down

I was about to respond by saying I fight dirty too. Then I realized that's not what you said.
I totally do that too.

Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

 d-usa wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

Cops that will pleasure you and turn you in after you are sated.

 Amaya wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

Cops that will pleasure you and turn you in after you are sated.

If they are good looking cops that could really pleasure and satisfy, then it might just be worth it.

Could also be a fund raiser for cash-strapped departments.

Don't show a lot of cash either...

While European public transport may be quite good, I do not recommend using it in LA, or Vegas for that matter.... San Fran and NY.. never been there, can't tell you much about the subways or trolleys.

The Trolleys in San Fran are a decent way to get around, a little expensive though. I usually just walk, its not that bad really.

In San Fran, Hit the Wharf. Some amazing food there, especially off the boat seafood.
Sorry... I'm a Foodie, first thing I look for is places to try new things to eat.

New York:
best eating place I found was accross from our hotel and people I have told to go since have all loved it.
http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php

We went here in little italy for lunch on a hot september day. Sat outside in the garden (don't sit inside) and it was awesome.
http://danicoristorante.com/home.php

We did a pedal cab at dusk in central park which was great.

For dinner, go a couple streets east or west where people live, the restuarants are much cheaper.

Las Vegas:
Rent some firearms and shoot away. Bring camera and video. Is a long way from the strip. Get a cab.
http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/

In New York, by most of the attractions, like the Empire State Building, there are usually tons of people trying to sell you tickets; don't do it, it's a scam. They scan your credit card, and you don't get the ticket. Plus, they say they give you lower prices, but they really don't. Avoid them at all costs.

If your flexable Washington dc is only a 45 minute plane or a few hour train ride from nyc, and has loads of nerdy things to do. Check out the spy museum, or the cryptology museum (they have two working enigma machines you can actually use!!) After that pick any Smithsonian they are all awesome! Moreover the national arboritum has one of the best bonsai collections outside Japan, they even have a tree that survived the bombing of Hiroshima.

Keep away from Ft Meade. We're crazy there....well the wounded warrior company there.

 WhatTheFudge wrote:
In New York, by most of the attractions, like the Empire State Building, there are usually tons of people trying to sell you tickets; don't do it, it's a scam. They scan your credit card, and you don't get the ticket. Plus, they say they give you lower prices, but they really don't. Avoid them at all costs.

O'yeah, don't trust anyone hocking stuff on the street. The stuff's either not real or stolen.

Heck, don't trust the Internet either. look places up on the Better Business Bureau.

Also, if you don't hav ea driver's license, don't come to Texas.

Our public transportation sucks for the most part, and we regularly spend an hour one way to drive somewhere. We have plenty of sights, both historic and modern, but Texas is bigger than most European countries-- I'm not trying to be arrogant here, it's just that, well... we have a several huge cities, but there's a lot of rural or semi-rural areas between them, and the cities themselves are pretty huge, so you can expect to spend a lot of time traveling, and do you really want ot travel in the hot Texas sun on foot, with black asphalt beaming heat back up at you?

But you can time your trip to hit the optimal time for weather or travel.

I reccomend coming when School is in session, don't come during break or all the sights will be swarming with families packed into minivans and it will take forever to get anywhere.

March or April is best. School is still in session and its warm but not hot yet. best time to go to amusement parks like Disney Land or Universal Studios.

Just make sure you have your papers...

 d-usa wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Lots of people recommending places to visit, but very little practical advice....

Don't pay the hookers, in the United States they are really cops!

Is that better?

Those emails about the Nigerian Lottery they're absolutely true!

NYC:

- This place can be very expensive if you stick around the tourist traps. Don't get me wrong -- it's worth going to the Empire State Building, Times Square, etc. But just be prepared and plan.
- Broadway is expensive. If you want to see a show, you can always rush. There are also many off-Broadway shows that can be quite good.
- I'd highly suggest a tour of the UN if you are in to that sort of thing
- There's a great (and diverse) nightlife in NYC. You can try to ask locals, or you can just Google.
- Many of the museums are fantastic (for American standards). The Natural History museum is one of my favorites. Most of the better Art Museums are modern art.


Las Vegas:

- Set a limit for gambling and don't spend more than that. Playing the games can be incredibly fun, but it's not hard to over-do it.
- Remember that there are other things in this city than casinos. There's some great nature stuff nearby

 Melissia wrote:
Also, if you don't hav ea driver's license, don't come to Texas.

Our public transportation sucks for the most part, and we regularly spend an hour one way to drive somewhere. We have plenty of sights, both historic and modern, but Texas is bigger than most European countries-- I'm not trying to be arrogant here, it's just that, well... we have a several huge cities, but there's a lot of rural or semi-rural areas between them, and the cities themselves are pretty huge, so you can expect to spend a lot of time traveling, and do you really want ot travel in the hot Texas sun on foot, with black asphalt beaming heat back up at you?

Melissia's not joking. Texas compares to France in size.
on the positive we have the world's largest water park. Take that Fresno!

 Frazzled wrote:

 Melissia wrote:
Also, if you don't hav ea driver's license, don't come to Texas.

Our public transportation sucks for the most part, and we regularly spend an hour one way to drive somewhere. We have plenty of sights, both historic and modern, but Texas is bigger than most European countries-- I'm not trying to be arrogant here, it's just that, well... we have a several huge cities, but there's a lot of rural or semi-rural areas between them, and the cities themselves are pretty huge, so you can expect to spend a lot of time traveling, and do you really want ot travel in the hot Texas sun on foot, with black asphalt beaming heat back up at you?

Melissia's not joking. Texas compares to France in size.
on the positive we have the world's largest water park. Take that Fresno!

Everything is bigger in Texas Frazz...

At San Francisco: Don't forget Alctraz... that's a cool place.

If you rent a car, go see the Redwood forests.