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Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut






Cool! Wherever you end up going I hope you have a great time.
   
Made in us
Master Tormentor





St. Louis

 Grey Templar wrote:
What we are being is honest. Petty crime is massively up. Take that into consideration.

No it isn't.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






To be honest, whilst I was taken out of the city decades ago, you can’t take the city out of the boy.

What follows may sound like Internet Hardman 101, but I assure you I am in fact soft and wussy, and about as hard as…..mashed potato. I just….don’t look it. Pretty decently built, 6’2”. Big enough to generally be left alone. I’m street smart enough to know not to wander off down alleys on my own, and not to stare, even at the smackheads in SmackDonalds across from my hotel (that was a rude awakening!)

So there is of course always a risk, but for me that risk is pretty low. Walk with confidence, but not cockiness.

   
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Toofast wrote:
 gorgon wrote:
I have to say Tennessee would not be one of the first places I'd send someone who's visiting the country. And that's not a knock on the place, it just doesn't rate that way like plenty of other states and cities.


I agree, it might be "nice" but it certainly isn't a vacation destination for someone coming here from a foreign country. You can find the same scenery in half the Eastern US and outside of scenery and Civil War museums, there isn't a whole lot there. I would definitely do the national parks out West, or cities like NYC, Chicago, or Miami before Pidgeon Forge TN. That's a dream vacation for your uncle who's obsessed with NASCAR and collects Case pocket knives with Confederate flags on them but probably not very exciting for anyone from Europe.


Well, I'm not from TN but if you like music, TN might be a fun place to go or start. You've got Graceland if you're an Elvis fan, the Memphis Blues Scene, then Nashville for some Country Music, and based on the author, he said he likes to drive so NOLA is also an option for more great food and music. Be prepared to eat some rich food, lots of meats, and lots of BBQ. The Ozarks are definitely beautiful and the smokey mountains are fun to drive through too.

[/sarcasm] 
   
Made in us
Veteran Knight Baron in a Crusader





 ScarletRose wrote:


Yeah, didn't you know all major cities in the US were burnt to the ground and all crime legalized in the past 3-4 years?

At least according whichever news channel the above posters are obviously watching.


Nope, just $5B in damages according to the insurance industry (many small businesses weren't covered for riot/looting damage under their policies, so are excluded from that total). How many billions of dollars in looting damages per year is acceptable to you? My goal for us as a civilized society would be near zero...


Automatically Appended Next Post:
boyd wrote:


Well, I'm not from TN but if you like music, TN might be a fun place to go or start. You've got Graceland if you're an Elvis fan, the Memphis Blues Scene, then Nashville for some Country Music, and based on the author, he said he likes to drive so NOLA is also an option for more great food and music. Be prepared to eat some rich food, lots of meats, and lots of BBQ. The Ozarks are definitely beautiful and the smokey mountains are fun to drive through too.


The Dragon and Cherahola Skyway are the best roads in the US. Driving the Skyway at 100mph with the top down and the weather just right so we were above the clouds was like something out of a video game. 10/10 car experience

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2022/08/10 04:31:49


 
   
Made in jp
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Anti-piracy Officer






Somewhere in south-central England.

Savannah, Georgia looks like a pretty cool place.

I went to South Beach, Miami, and it was fun. Lots of Art Deco architecture.

Obviously everyone should visit Manhattan, with a copy of New York Vertical by Horst Hamann in their pocket.

I'm writing a load of fiction. My latest story starts here... This is the index of all the stories...

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Made in us
Pragmatic Primus Commanding Cult Forces






Southeastern PA, USA

boyd wrote:
Toofast wrote:
 gorgon wrote:
I have to say Tennessee would not be one of the first places I'd send someone who's visiting the country. And that's not a knock on the place, it just doesn't rate that way like plenty of other states and cities.


I agree, it might be "nice" but it certainly isn't a vacation destination for someone coming here from a foreign country. You can find the same scenery in half the Eastern US and outside of scenery and Civil War museums, there isn't a whole lot there. I would definitely do the national parks out West, or cities like NYC, Chicago, or Miami before Pidgeon Forge TN. That's a dream vacation for your uncle who's obsessed with NASCAR and collects Case pocket knives with Confederate flags on them but probably not very exciting for anyone from Europe.


Well, I'm not from TN but if you like music, TN might be a fun place to go or start. You've got Graceland if you're an Elvis fan, the Memphis Blues Scene, then Nashville for some Country Music, and based on the author, he said he likes to drive so NOLA is also an option for more great food and music. Be prepared to eat some rich food, lots of meats, and lots of BBQ. The Ozarks are definitely beautiful and the smokey mountains are fun to drive through too.


Again, not saying it isn't a nice place. But I don't see it as the first place I'd recommend to someone from another country who's been to NYC and loved it and asked me "so what next?" Most of the US is in that same category...it's nothing personal.

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Made in us
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Toledo, OH

If you're going for unique cities to visit, it's a pretty tight list:
Miami
New Orleans
Las Vegas
LA
NYC
DC
Boston

After that, there starts to be a ton of overlap, or what makes the city a stand out is more Niche.
   
Made in us
Thinking of Joining a Davinite Loge




I live on the Space Coast so for me, I can say watching the rockets and shuttles launch was pretty unique.

It really depends on what type of vacation you want to have. The US has several mountain ranges to explore, a desert, lots of beaches, lots of rivers, countryside, and big cities to explore. Really, you just need to narrow it down to some kind of activity.

[/sarcasm] 
   
Made in us
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Always West Baltimore ;3
   
Made in gb
Storm Trooper with Maglight





Some great info in this thread for someone planning some city trips to the US. I am actually planning to go next year (probably April). Though I've already seen a fair bit of the US, including a couple of long distance road trips, there are some places I would still like to see for the first time or return to.

I've been meaning to visit Chicago for a long time, years in fact. I know very little about the appeal of the place, also the few comments about Chicago in this thread are not complimentary. Is it best avoided?

My current thinking is to fly to Boston direct from London. Then make my way to New York (either by bus or train). I might just leave it there but now I'm thinking of extending the trip to go to Philadelphia and Washington DC.

Is Philadelphia worth a visit if you're travelling from New York to DC anyway? Even if it's just for one or two nights.

I'm visiting family in the US so was planning to spend one week city hopping. If I'm going to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC would be wise to extend the city hopping by an additional week.

Apologies for the slight highjack, I didn't see the point of creating a new thread.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/08/20 16:16:02


 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut






Philly is where the nation began, so there is some good history here. Also have a good art museum with steps movie fans like.
   
Made in us
Master Tormentor





St. Louis

El Torro wrote:
Some great info in this thread for someone planning some city trips to the US. I am actually planning to go next year (probably April). Though I've already seen a fair bit of the US, including a couple of long distance road trips, there are some places I would still like to see for the first time or return to.

I've been meaning to visit Chicago for a long time, years in fact. I know very little about the appeal of the place, also the few comments about Chicago in this thread are not complimentary. Is it best avoided?

My current thinking is to fly to Boston direct from London. Then make my way to New York (either by bus or train). I might just leave it there but now I'm thinking of extending the trip to go to Philadelphia and Washington DC.

Is Philadelphia worth a visit if you're travelling from New York to DC anyway? Even if it's just for one or two nights.

I'm visiting family in the US so was planning to spend one week city hopping. If I'm going to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC would be wise to extend the city hopping by an additional week.

Apologies for the slight highjack, I didn't see the point of creating a new thread.

Honestly, Chicago is a fantastic city and has some of the best museums in the country. Highly recommend the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute. The parks along the lake front are fantastic, and there's some great architecture tours along the river. The food scene is great too. Crime is pretty overstated, and you're already visiting more dangerous cities on your current planned route.

My only concern would be with how much time you'd be adding to the trip: The drive from the East Coast to Chicago isn't really a short one, and public transit between the two is even longer.
   
Made in gb
Storm Trooper with Maglight





 Laughing Man wrote:
Honestly, Chicago is a fantastic city and has some of the best museums in the country. Highly recommend the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute. The parks along the lake front are fantastic, and there's some great architecture tours along the river. The food scene is great too. Crime is pretty overstated, and you're already visiting more dangerous cities on your current planned route.

My only concern would be with how much time you'd be adding to the trip: The drive from the East Coast to Chicago isn't really a short one, and public transit between the two is even longer.


Finally, someone says something nice about Chicago

My original plan was to fly to New York and get an internal flight from there to Chicago. If I go with the Boston to DC option I won’t include Chicago. Would be a longer (and more expensive) trip than I want. I think I’ll leave Chicago for another time. I won’t be hiring a car for this trip either, trains and busses should be enough for the Boston/New York/Philadelphia/Washington DC trip.



One city that hasn’t been mentioned so far in this thread (probably for good reason) is Salt Lake City. I was there a few years ago on my way south from Yellowstone and enjoyed it. Being the home of the Mormons the churches / museums / institutions dedicated to this are impressive. Even for an atheist like me. Also of note was the opulence of the Utah State Capitol building. I can’t say I’ve seen many US state capitol buildings to compare it to but it left an impression on me.

There’s a fair bit of nature to see near the city too, which can be done easily if you have a car. Can probably be done on a tour bus too I imagine.

Salt Lake City probably doesn’t rank highly on many people’s lists of places to go, I would certainly consider it for a few days on the way to somewhere else though.
   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

The SLC Capitol building is pretty cool. We cut or stay in SLC short because it was too hot to spend much time there. Also, navigating in Utah is like a Who’s On First sketch since half the streets are named, like, West 200 North 800 Street.

   
Made in us
Krazy Grot Kutta Driva





Mad Doc, you ride motorcycles? If so, the Pacific Northwest in late spring is absolutely fabulous. Personally I'm biased because I live here but I think Tacoma is a really great spot for day excursions. Halfway-ish between Portland and Seattle, tons of great rides to fun places. Can see a rainforest on Monday, cross the mountain and ride a desert on Tuesday, pop a ferry and cruise the islands on Wednesday...etc.
Perfect for a series of mini "Walkabouts" with fun stops on the way.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/08/22 21:20:12


 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Nah, never been on a bike in my life!

As I’m likely headed back to NYC next year, what places are worth a visit, including potentially an overnight stay, within say three or four hours travel? And anywhere within a couple of hours train ride would be a Day Trip, there and back job.\

For instance, whilst most definitely an over-nighter, I do want to visit Lizzie Borden’s house!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/08/28 17:21:00


   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

HP Lovecraft’s house?

If you’re into cryptids, there would probably be some touristy stuff about the Jersey Devil or Mothman in your range.


Edit: looks like the Mothman Museum and the Flatwoods Monster Museum are both in West Virginia, and probably too far.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/08/28 17:33:28


   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






West Virginia?

Mothman Momma?

Sadly a bit too far.

   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York

3-4 hours from NYC should get you to Boston or DC, both of which you could spend a week+ doing stuff in. Should be easy to catch a train to both. Philly as well probably, but I have less experience there (despite it being where I was born)

You could also head upstate or into New England. Depending on the time of year, there is a ton of great things to do/see.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Now kind of considering Boston.

I went there a lifetime ago, when I was much too young and far too skint to be able to appreciate it. Sniffing around Expedia has shown Salem to be

A) super interesting in its own right for a Goth
B) somewhat cheaper than Boston proper
C) close enough to various places.

Also I’m mad for seafood!

   
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Upstate, New York

Come for the seafood, stay for the evil cults! So much to do in quaint New England towns. 9 out of yellow Old Ones agree, you’ll have a maddeningly good time!

I’ve never done the Salem thing, but if you cast your net outside of Boston proper, there is plenty of things to do/see/be corrupted by. Boston itself has enough happening you could kill a week there easy and still not lack for things to do.

I have family in Boston, so a lot of my youth was spent visiting old ladies in stuffy apartments there. Went back a few years ago just to visit the city and do touristy things and had a blast. Would recommend.

   
Made in us
Winged Kroot Vulture






Honestly, do New Orleans (off season).

The touristy parts are ok but there is so much more there to explore and the food is amazing!

I'm back! 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






New Orleans definitely appeals, but for my life status as a Pasty Scots Git.

I really don’t do well in the heat, let alone humidity. I’d basically just be a walking sweaty BawBag, which would detract from my enjoyment.

   
Made in us
Daemonic Dreadnought





Eye of Terror

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Now kind of considering Boston.

I went there a lifetime ago, when I was much too young and far too skint to be able to appreciate it. Sniffing around Expedia has shown Salem to be

A) super interesting in its own right for a Goth
B) somewhat cheaper than Boston proper
C) close enough to various places.

Also I’m mad for seafood!

Here's what to know about Salem. The town is either very busy or nearly empty, there is no happy medium.

When it's busy, busloads of kids and tourists take over the town. They pack the museums and attractions, lines spring up everywhere and the place becomes a big party.

When it's nearly empty, stores, restaurants, museums and attractions close early or don't open. You will still be able to find a walking tour, but it might just be you and your guide.

Seems impossible to predict what it will be like. I've been there the week before Halloween and it was dead. I've been there in the middle of summer and it was a madhouse.

Advice for travel:

1) Make plans, then make backup plans. Expect something you want to see won't be available, be grateful when it is.

2) You will run into colorful characters. Remember most of them are actors trying to get you to see a show. Don't expect deep philosophical conversations, it's more about being spooky.

3) If you decide to visit one of the many psychics, do it purely for entertainment. Don't expect any revelatory insights.

4) Restaurants that cater to locals are better than the ones aimed at tourists. Especially for seafood.

For me, the town lost all mystique after reading about ergot poisoning and it's possible connection to the trials. I've been there since, but that definitely changes the tone.

   
Made in us
Brigadier General






Chicago

One more vote for Chicago.
Affordable, amazing food scene and great museums. Good art and music scene.

Haven't read everything in this thread, but has anyone mentioned DC? If you like museums it is unbeatable. It's not hard to find a fairly priced room just off the "Mall" and you're in walking distance to about a dozen of the world's best museums, most of them free and part of the Smithsonian group. History, art, culture, technology. Good food too. Been there twice in the last 8 years and it's a great time.

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I'd suggest going in Spring or Summer when the Duncan Gardens are in bloom.

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Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Denison, Iowa

May I throw out a little oddball? Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Within a stone's throw of a major Airport you have The Mall of America, with it's own Aquarium, Theme park, roller coasters, go carting, several miniature golf courses, Lego Land, Ax throwing, and frankly the best Lazer tag course I've ever been to (Tactical Urban Combat). There is also a pretty god selection of food there from stuff that's rather pedestrian to higher class eats.

There are also a number of other attractions in the area including escape rooms, a couple museums, etc. If you want to head just a little out of the city you can find rustic cabins near large bodies of water with good fishing for a number of fish species small to large.

If you come at the right time there are regular battlebot tournaments in the area that could fill a couple hours for a spectator. It's where I cut my teeth at me first event.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/11/02 00:43:36


 
   
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Monticello, IN

Is Carlos O'Kelly's still open in the MOA?

www.classichammer.com

For 4-6th WFB, 2-5th 40k, and similar timeframe gaming

Looking for dice from the new AOS boxed set and Dark Imperium on the cheap. Let me know if you can help.
 CthuluIsSpy wrote:
Its AoS, it doesn't have to make sense.
 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Denison, Iowa

 Just Tony wrote:
Is Carlos O'Kelly's still open in the MOA?


Unsure. I'm an out of towner myself, but I think I saw it open as of August 2021.
   
 
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