Chicago
Probably the best city to be from, but I’m glad I don’t have to deal with the weather any more. Chicago is a great travel city and a great food city; go there in the summer and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Colorado Camping
We typically camp once a year, in the midwest, but occasionally we break free. One year we went to Colorado for a trip of camping, biking and rafting, based right outside of Pike’s Peak.
Colorado Camping photo gallery
Colorado Skiing
Back when my knees could handle it, we would ski in Summit County each winter.
Hawaii
Our 50th state is way out in the ocean and a popular destination for millions of Americans each year. We had a great house right on the ocean and enjoyed a lot of fresh fish and sushi.
Las Vegas
This is a popular tourist destination for people around the world. If you like to gamble and eat a lot of food that is bad for you (in huge quantities) then this is the town for you. I think you can stay about 3 days in Vegas on a good run.
Las Vegas – Boneyard
Getting out of the casinos and actually seeing something else in the city is novel. The boneyard is a real cool cemetery of all of the old neon and glitzy lights that were so popular in this town. This is a little nugget of history
Las Vegas Boneyard photo gallery
Las Vegas – Red Rock Canyon
Getting outside of the city is an even better idea when you are in Las Vegas. Just outside of the city is Red Rock Canyon, a picturesque setting for an afternoon out, driving around, hiking and just generally not gambling.
Las Vegas Red Rock Canyon photo gallery
New Mexico
This is a huge empty state with plenty to see. We happened to be in town during a large balloon event and that was really interesting to see (note to self – they look cool at night, but they don’t leave the ground.) Great mountains, forests and other outdoor sights.
New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the US – it is like no other place. When you are there it is clear you are there and not anywhere else. Incredible food and fun can be had, but don’t spend all of your time in the French Quarter.
New Orleans – Mardi Gras
The biggest party of the year in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. Everyone should go there once in their life, but if you are not a fan of crowds and fun, it can be overwhelming. Throw me something mister.
New Orleans Mardi Gras photo gallery
New Orleans – Mardi Gras Museum
Every year at Mardi Gras, hundreds of floats are created and driven down the streets of New Orleans. This is a great museum where you can see floats being built and peruse a history of crazy Mardi Gras floats from the past.
New Orleans Mardi Gras Museum photo gallery
New Orleans – City Park/Christmas in the Oaks
City Park is a large park in mid-city that features a story book land all year ’round and becomes a huge Christmas exhibit in December.
New Orleans City Park and Christmas in the Oaks photo gallery
New Orleans – Post Katrina
Hurricane Katrina really hit New Orleans hard – but it was the flooding after the levees broke that really did the damage. While it is coming back to its old form, it will never be the same again, and even 10 years later you can still see signs of the destruction.
New Orleans Post Katrina photo gallery
Portland
Ah, Portland, the city that is trying to be weird like Austin. We went in the summer when the skies were beautiful, everyone was out and the ability to move around was effortless. With great coffee and beer culture, along with fabulous restaurants, this is a great place to visit.
Seattle
This waterfront city is a great place to visit (in the summer). Known for its rainy weather, I had come here a lot on business but was most impressed when I traveled in the summer for fun.
Sedona
The red rocks and outdoor beauty of Sedona make this a great place to escape from the crazy day to day life and just relax, take a big breath of fresh air and just enjoy the natural beauty. Take a jeep tour to really get a feel, and be sure to do plenty of hikes.