Everyone asks about our special places. There were so many (after 5 months and 30 states) it is hard to remember them all.
These are the ones that stand out in my mind:
Austin, Texas- great town- good diversity, music, outdoor activity, decent weather, affordable housing and a good college, too. Check out the Bats that hang under a bridge and come out every evening for a big show. Food here isn't bad either.
Chicago- got high marks on our list and was a big surprise for us too. We really thought we would really like Atlanta but it turned into a disappointment and Chicago replaced it. Wonderful architecture and a real walking city, great shopping, entertainment, parks and rec, water fun.
Of course, got to try the chicago pizza and garretts popcorn (people stand in line for this stuff) and got to see Second City comedy club.
Little towns like Oxford, Miss. and Franklin Tenn. were right out of small town America. We ate at Dotson's in Franklin (a favorite of the Judd sisters) and had the best fried chicken and pecan pie.
Vermont was especially quaint. Many artisans there who support one another and a vibrant local economy. It felt very much like being in a rain forest- such a bright green background that the cows looked like they were painted black and white. We got a lesson on the varieties of maple syrup and saw how they make cheese there. There was also the Lake Chaplain chocolate factory and the Danforth family pewter business. Had to indulge in Ben and Jerry's there and a visit to the Dog chapel by artist Stephen Huneck. So much to see and do here and the locals were wonderful.
Little KOA campgrounds where we saw breathtaking sunsets, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife- roadrunners, elk, prairie dogs, bison, woodpeckers, hawks, etc. You don't realize just how beautiful this country is and how much wilderness we still have left until you drive through it.