I’ve come to look for America. – Simon and Garfunkel, “America”
Standing in Times Square a few weeks back, surrounded by throngs of people posing for pictures with costumed characters and ladies with painted on tops, I couldn’t help but think that this is not the real America. Visitors who get sucked into the neon lights, T.G.I. Friday’s and double decker bus tours aren’t experiencing the places where people really live.
This isn’t where you’ll come to understand what makes up this large and varied land. The same is true for Hollywood Boulevard, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Las Vegas Strip and dozens of other places around the country. So how do people visiting from around the world get to see the “real USA?”
I understand how it happens. It’s watching episodes of Friends, Entourage or Sex and the City, which are syndicated in dozens of languages worldwide. It’s the abundance of flights to these destinations and the ease of package vacations promoted by travel agents.
It’s even the lack of knowledge about the rest of the United States. But what about everything in between? The two-lane highways, the history that dates back to the founding of our country, the music that has influenced every modern genre. They’re all a part of the story.
I’m from what some might call “flyover country.” Atlanta isn’t a traditional stop on most travelers’ itineraries. Despite having a major airport, it’s not all that easy to get around and from here you have to drive to most other destinations to keep costs at a reasonable rate. But if you want to see the “real” USA, get off of the well-beaten tourist path of New York and California. There are still some “undiscovered” places to see if you know where to look.
There’s still so much of the United States that I haven’t even seen. I’ve hardly been anywhere west of the Mississippi, but I’m working on that this year. I haven’t yet stepped foot in the nation’s most well-known national parks and still have over 20 states to see. But I’m working on changing that this year. I’ve already made plans to visit at least 3 new states in the next 12 months!
For more posts I’ve written on the United States, including a number of destinations in the South, you can read them here.
I really want to see more of the ‘real’ America – the less touristy America – too! I moved to the NYC area from Scotland at the end of last year, and I’m in the process of making an American ‘bucket list.’ I’ve been to Maine a few times this year, and I’d love to get out to states like South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming at some point. Looking forward to see what domestic trips you’ve got planned :)
So much great stuff to see, Katie! And NYC is a fantastic base. Maine is so gorgeous. Those places you listed are what’s on my list for this year! Mostly TX, WY and CO!
I loved reading this, Caroline! I agree–it’s nice to visit those places, but as Americans there’s something just as foreign about the Strip and Times Square to us as it would be to a visitor from another country. Let me know if you’re going to be in Missouri anytime soon–I am a huge believer in Saint Louis and the surrounding area!
Absolutely, Abby! I haven’t been to Missouri, just driven through on my way other places! Maybe next year!
What you wrote could be said about almost every country…
Agreed, Rashaad! It’s so hard to scratch the surface of many countries. The US is such a big and diverse one that I feel the rest gets overlooked.
Can’t wait to see you document the lesser spotted areas of the US!
Such a big country and so much to do. I have dreams of travelling through slowly. I fell in love with New York so I’d have to finish there ir there would be a chance I’d never leave!
I just discovered you blog, and have fallen in love instantly! your posts are so amazing!! keep up the good work!