“That’s a hard list to beat,” says James Jordan, generously. He is referring to the list of Seven US Wonders that I wrote about last week. The American Season, I contend, begins next month, and I am busy planning my trip to the state of Missouri. But while assessing the attractions of the southern Midwest state, I compiled a list of the best I have experienced of America so far. As a reminder, they were:
- City of Chicago
- Route 66 in California
- Utah’s canyons
- Yale University Art Gallery
- Kennedy Space Center
- Hoover Dam
- Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
“They are all great places,” James concurs – and then adds: “Mine would be Sedona in Arizona. Just magical.”
Others mentioned the desert town, which is now on my list for next year. Nick Stevenson was extremely prescriptive: “If you’re driving, Simon, I’ve a suggestion. Hire a manual sports car in Prescott and Arizona. Drive up the 89A to Sedona over the Mingus pass. Stop for lunch in Jerome, then on to Sedona for a beer with Snoopy.” In this context, Snoopy is a rock in the shape of the cartoon dog.
Among other locations named by more than 100 responders, love abounds for the Southwest. Monument Valley received many write-in votes. Karen Elliott was one of several to add: “The Meteor Crater in Arizona – frequently overlooked for the Grand Canyon but not to be missed.”
This location near Flagstaff (itself on Route 66) reveals the devastation caused 50,000 years ago when 300,000 tons of meteorite travelling at 26,000mph collided with what is now northern Arizona: a devastating variation on space tourism.
There was plenty of heckling for some other key absences from my list. Let’s start in Florida, and specifically on the Overseas Highway: the 113-mile stretch of US1 that runs from south of Miami through the Florida Keys to Key West.
“Just a breathtaking drive,” writes Andy Johnston. He adds: “Get to Mallory Square for sunset.” This is the waterfront location in Key West where everyone gathers to watch the sun go down.
Miami Beach is pure Americana for many – and Nigel Gray adds: “Naples, Florida (paradise).”
The two east coast cities with the most plaudits were New York and Washington DC.
In the nation’s capital, the Smithsonian Mall comprises arguably the greatest concentration of premier league museums in the…
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