America has long been known as a melting pot, and the wonderful mix of cultures contributes to many unusual experiences and quirky attractions that will make you say:
“Only in America!”
As a foretaste of the following list gives some insight on some attractions or features of the individual U.S. states is characterized by each individual, be it either a "city that never sleeps", deserts and mountains, lakes, rivers and seas, tropical and arctic climate, special plants and animals, elaborate architecture and exceptional culture.
Alabama (Cotton State) is famous for its cotton production. The 260 million year old limestone caves "Rickwood Caverns" and the nature reserve "Oak Mountain State Park are" interesting destinations for tourists Alabama. The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the most important museums in the Southeast. Both Martin Luther King and civil rights activist Rosa Parks both lived in the city of Montgomery. Condoleezza Rice was born in Birmingham.
Alaskas (Last Frontier) gigantic glaciers, fjords and countless lakes, as well as tundra impress travelers from all over the world. Seals, polar bears, moose, wolves, whales and Grizzlis are only examples of the variety of Alaska wildlife. The three largest national park, "Denali National Park", the "Glacier Bay National Park" and "Kenai Fjords National Park" reach an annual total attendance of 1,000,000. In the northeast there is Alaska's oldest Inuit settlement Kotzebue.
Arizona (Grand Canyon State) has the largest farms by area in the U.S. and red shimmering levels with a rather shallow vegetation of scattered cacti. Worth seeing is the "Grand Canyon National Park", the Petrified Forest National Park", "the Saguaro National Park", the deserts of Arizona and the capital Phoenix. Arizona is number 18 of the states with the most "National Monuments" and features 32 "National Parks". Singer Alice Cooper is from Arizona.
Arkansas (Natural State) has many hot springs, which can be marveled at in the "Hot Springs National Park" and a visit to a beautiful replica of an old windmill from 18th Century
"The Old Mill" is a must. If you are interested in historical background, a wonderful excursion to the "Trail of Tears," which took the displaced Indians to their new home, or in the Central High Museum of Little Rock, where there are many exhibits to racial segregation and the resulting battle. Actor and Oscar-winner Billy Bob Thornton has his roots in Arkansas, as well as singer Al Green and U.S. Senator and former First Lady Hillary R. Clinton.
Colorado (Centennial State) because of the Rocky Mountains the highest state and the world's largest molybdenum producer. Because of the high mountains, plains, clear lakes and the Indiancaves travelers are offered a unique atmosphere. The "Rocky Mountain National Park", the "Mesa Verde National Park" and the "Grand Sand Dunes National Park" are tourist attractions and offer a unique experience. Author Ken Kesey and U.S. Senator John Kerry were born in Colorado.
Connecticut (Constitution State) has, despite it is the third smallest U.S. state, the second highest GDP per capita. Connecticut faces the sea and is characterized by its wide meadows and plains, lakes and forests and small hills and is a very industrial state. The top-class universities, Yale and Harvard have their headquarters here. Who stops in Hartford, should visit the "Mark Twain House", an old Victorian mansion, where Twain himself lived for 17 years. Movie-icons Katherine Hepburn and Martha Stewart and ex-President George W. Bush were born in Connecticut.
Delaware (First State) is the second smallest U.S. state and does have the highest per capita income. Rivers and forests affect the image of Delaware. As the state lies on the sea, beach- and water sports lovers won't miss anything. Rewarding trips are a visit to "Biggs Museum of American Art" and a visit to "Ashland Nature Center". Delaware offers a variety of outdoor sports like no other state: sailing, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, fishing, golfing, biking, horseback riding and hunting are just examples. Joe Biden, the current U.S. Vice-President, was born in Delaware.
Florida (Sunshine State) is known for his long, award-winning sandy beaches and its ultimate amusement parks. The state grows citrus fruits and is the most important airfield of NASA and U.S. Air Force. Moreover, tourism is also a very important industry in Florida and no longer indispensable. Tourists from all over the world are excited about the "Everglades National Park, which is a special kind of trip where you face alligators, take an airboat ride or just take a walk in the incredible scenery. Orlando is a popular outlet mecca where everyone will find bargains. Walt Disney created the greatest of all Disney parks in Orlando. Walt Disney World includes four theme parks, two water parks, Disney's Boardwalk and Downtown Disney.
Georgia (Peach State) is the headquarter of Coca Cola and Delta Airlines and AirTran, as well as the news broadcaster CNN. Georgia offers a variety of different facets and impressions, like the Blue Ridge Mountains, sea and coastal or plains with beautiful nature. The two National Monuments "Fort Fredica" and "Fort Pulaski" are old forts that were used for defense during previous wars. In Atlanta you can find not only great shopping opportunities, but also the largest indoor aquarium in the world. The actresses Kim Basinger and Julia Roberts are from Georgia.
Hawaiis (Aloha State) 137 islands are famous for their volcanoes and green landscapes. Tourism is the main industry of the islands, followed by the economic activities and influences of military equipment and troops. With his Polynesian influence, its beautiful weather and the breathtaking nature Hawaii has always something of a quiet and unspoiled paradise. Be enchanted by the joy of life and the local culture. Beautiful beaches, Pearl Harbour, the "Diamond Head crater", from which one has the best view of Honolulu. The" Haleakala National Park" and "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park" should not be missed. U.S. President Barack Obama and actress Bette Midler were born on Hawaii.
Idaho (Gem State) is growing among other things, potatoes, sugar beet and cereals, and is breeding cattle breeding. Idaho is also dependening on tourism. The famous Yellowstone National Park attracts millions of visitors each year. Because of the Rocky Mountains the landscape is mostly mountainous and you find still uninhabited areas, so you can really enjoy nature. The "Hells Canyon" is the deepest dug from a river gorge in the whole United States and certainly worth a visit. The 60m high waterfall "Shoshone Falls" at the "Snake River" is an impressive natural spectacle.
Illinois (Land of Lincoln) is based on soy, corn and wheat. Besides agriculture industry also plays a large role, the focus will be Chicago. Also in Illinois is the nature lovers find much undeveloped land, the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, where he can recover. The City of Chicago has numerous attractions such as the current tallest building in the U.S., the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Building, Millennium Park and great shopping opportunities. Don't miss a visit to "Burpee Museum of National History in Rockford. The former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln lived in Illinois from 1830 until his death.
Indiana (Hoosier State) is one of the most scenic and most interesting states in the USA. There are countless free and undeveloped regions with smaller mountains, lakes and rivers where one can beautifully play sports and relax, but also take walks. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is known as a venue for the Formula 1 or even for the "Indianapolis 500" of the Indy Racing League. The state produced singer Michael Jackson and actor James Dean.
Iowa (Hawkeye State) is known for its vast landscapes and for the cultivation of maize. This is where the industry is still not very important. The beautiful wide open spaces and unspoilt nature are evidence of this. With rarely 3 million inhabitants Iowa, the state is known for its pioneering position in the granting of civil rights ahead of the others. Thus Iowa was the first state, which declared slavery illegal in 1839, women were allowed to engage in the professions of Law in 1869 or today, homosexuals can marry. The "Effigy Mounds National Monument", memorial and archaeological conservation in the valley of the Mississippi River. William Frederick Cody, known as" Buffalo Bill "was born in Iowa.
Kalifornien (Golden State) is famous for Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the "Yosemite National Park", the "Alcatraz Prison" and stars, the beach and surfing. But not only that California is the most important industrial and commercial state of the U.S., also wine, cotton, beans and rice are grown. California has seven national parks, and none has less than half a million visitors. The ten National Monuments are worth a visit. The 21 missions from the time of the Spanish Conquest is a popular tourist destination. In San Francisco are the "Golden Gate Bridge", " Cable Cars" and "Alcatraz" famous points of contact. Elite educational institutions such as "Stanford", "California State University," University of California or the California Institute of Technology train every year for example, executives, doctors, lawyers. The Beach Boys not only sang about California, but they are also born there.
Kansas (Sunflower State) is from the Atlantic as far away as from the Pacific Ocean. Two-thirds of the state are part of the "Great Plains" where long ago grazed approximately 60 million bison. The last third is somewhat hilly and covered with forests. Kansas is for nature lovers who appreciate the unspoiled and scale. In Kansas sunflower, wheat and maize is cultivated, and cattle, aircraft and mining. "German Spokesman" were common in Kansas till the end of World War I and today only "Amish" and "Mennonite" speak dialects. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich was born in Kansas.
Kentucky (Bluegrass State) is famous for its Kentucky Derby, his whiskey and its beautiful nature. Also found in front of a diverse nature, refer to the countless animals and plants a home. Kentucky is next to Tennessee also home of the country music. The "Mammoth Cave National Park has a total length of over 360 miles an is the world's largest cave system. Among the attractions is surely the legendary Fort Knox. The industrial sector produces automotive parts, electrical appliances and machinery. The former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and boxer legend Muhammad Ali come from Kentucky.
Louisiana (Pelican State) has with its European and African traditions an optimal mix for tourists interested in culture, which is very important for Louisiana's economy. In many places you can still feel the French origin, as well as the influence of the Voodoo cult. The French Quarter is New Orleans culturally, culinary, and a pure visual pleasure. Thus the old town is an enchanting trip into the past with Creole flavors and considerable architecture. Unusual museums such as the "Mardi Gras Museum" or the "New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum" are very popular with tourists. The oldest chapel of the United States, "St. Louis Cathedral" is in New Orleans. Petroleum and natural gas production are major sources of revenue for the state. Musicians like Louis Armstrong and Jerry Lee Lewis emerged from Louisiana.
Maine (Pine Tree State) It's scenic tranquility attracts many tourists. 90% of Maine is overgrown with pine trees, which is rather unusual for the United States. The only national park in the New England states, the "Arcadia National Park" attracts every year more than 2 million visitors. Beautiful beaches in York and Wells Beach and high cliffs in the north are other attractions. The Portland Observatory was established over 200 years ago and is the last maritime signal tower in the U.S. and a listed building. The unmistakable Maine Lobster is exported around the world. Writer Stephen King was born in Maine.
Maryland (Old Line State) attractions are the famous "Chesapeake Bay", which is the largest estuary in the United States and provides a lot of water sports, the "Black Water Nature Reserve" and the beautiful cities of Baltimore and St. Michel. Picturesque, small fishing villages, Atlantic beach with amusement park and the memorial "Antietam National Battlefield", where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War took place are only examples of a variety of residence in Maryland. Writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe has lived for a long time in Maryland until he died in 1849.
Massachusetts (Bay State) has a strong industry and produced textiles and machinery. Economically important is fishing. The beautiful, New England cities of Boston and Cambridge attract many visitors year after year, also the "Valley of the pioneers" offers a special trip opportunity. The "Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have their headquarters in Cambridge. Historically important is the "Old State House", the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony in 1776. A stunning replica of the ship "Mayflower" which came with English Pilgrims to New England, is in Plymouth. The former U.S. president John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy and George Bush are from Massachusetts.
Michigan (Great Lakes State) is famous for its many lakes. The best known and largest of these is probably the Lake Michigan. The main industry is certainly the auto industry in Detroit. The "Isle Royale National Park" and the "Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore raise natural monument" shows the beauty of Michigan. Noteworthy is certainly the "The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, a museum of a special kind, where you can learn about the history of Ford, and have a look at exhibits by inventors or celebrities. Singer Stevie Wonder and Madonna artist are from Michigan.
Minnesota (North Star State) is also called the land of 10,000 lakes. In fact, no other state has so many lakes (more than 11,800 lakes with a size of at least four hectares) and rivers (with a total length of 110.000km). The direct connection to Canada and the beautiful "Voyageurs National Park" attract numerous tourists every year. But nature is not all to see in Minnessota, here you will find the largest mall in the United States, the "Mall of America". One of the most beautiful modern museums is probably the "Walker Art Center," which also features a huge sculpture garden. Despite the strong industrial change Minnessota is still the largest producer of sugar beet, corn, and peas. Singer and musician Bob Dylan and actress Judy Garland were born in Minnessota.
Mississippi (Magnolia State) is essentially rural in nature and offers travelers beautiful old architecture in churches and buildings. The Mississippi River, which flows through the state makes the country fertile and beautiful farms nearby, as well the swamp area, which has a unique flora and fauna. definitely worth a trip. Although Mississippi is economical backlight of the U.S. so are economic branches such as cattle or the cultivation of maize, wheat and rice particularly important. Also to mention is that the state allowed gambling again, and now Mississippi has the second largest gaming industry next to Nevada. The most famous export of the state was Elvis Presley and Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner called Mississippi to be home.
Missouri (Show-Me State) offers national parks, rugged mountains, two large rivers, vast forests for nature lovers and monuments and buildings for culture vultures. Viewing Scenic Missouri is very interesting, because it can be divided into three areas: a prairie landscape, a plateau and a flood plain. The beautiful cities of St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City provide recreation, tourist attractions, shopping and sports facilities. Logistics, aviation and agriculture are the mainstays of the economy of Missouri. The actor Dick Van Dyke and Kathleen Turner were born in Missouri.
Montana (Treasure State) The landscape is dominated by the Rocky Mountains and is designed a popular holiday destination for mountaineers and climbers. Attractive to tourists are also the five Indian reservations, the ghost town of Nevada City, the seven natural and cultural monuments, "Glacier National Park" or the distinctive "Yellow Stone National Park," which is a World Heritage Site since 1978. Although Montana is larger than Germany, not even one million people live here. Since Montana is rich in minerals and natural resources, most of the industry is based on the extraction and processing. Oscar winner Gary Cooper is from Montana.
Nebraska (Cornhusker State) gives with its wide plains, its farms and ranches a feeling of freedom. Characteristic nature monuments and attractions such as the Scotts Bluff National Monument "or the" Fontenelle Forest "show the diversity of the area. Agriculture plays a senior role. Thus, maize, wheat, rice and sugar beets are grown and pigs and cattle are bred. In "End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center", visitors can explore the former pionier trail. Former U.S. President Gerald Ford and actor Marlon Brando were both born in Nebraska.
Nevada (Silver State) is notorious for his gambling in Las Vegas and Reno, however, this state offers so much more. Sun-seekers from around the world know that there it is usually hot and almost never raining. Similarly, Nevada is known for its distinctive ghost towns. The "Great Basin National Park", has an incredibly colorful landscape. A special kind of entertainment offers the annual "Burning Man Festival," in which a 20 m high human statue is burned. Nevada's most important economic factor is certainly the tourism, mining and livestock are more secondary. Tennis legend Andre Agassi is from Nevada.
New Hampshire (Granite State) is located in New England. The landscape is mainly mountainous and hilly and has numerous granite quarries which are also very important for the local economy as well as dairy and poultry farming. In New Hampshire no VAT or income taxes are levied. Because the English influences, culture vultures will find all sorts of remarkable and diverse museums, architecture and art, especially in Dover, the largest city in the U.S. state. The Canterbury Shaker Village is a museum village, which was founded in 1792 and then one on the life, ideals, values and today's legacies will be taught. The former U.S. President Franklin Pierce and author John Irving were born in New Hampshire.
New Jersey (Garden State) reveals wonderful little seaside resorts, where tourists enjoy both, and can engage in water sports. Old churches, the oldest lighthouse in the country, called "Sandy Hook Lighthouse", the Biosphere Reserve "Pine Barrens" and other attractions are located in the state. As one of the leading industrial countries are the electrical, clothing and steel industries of importance. Agriculture also is highly developed and in research the state also occupies a leading position. Grover Cleveland, former President of the United States, and music legend Frank Sinatra is born in New Jersey.
New Mexico (Land of Enchantment) is, as his nickname suggests, a country that is enchanting. The contrasting landscapes ranging from dry, hot plains to snow in the mountains. For those who are thrilled for heights the "Rio Grande Gorge Bridge" is an impressive variety, as you can walk about 200m above the Rio Grande Gorge. The "Carlsbad Caverns National Park", is home for about a million bats. The 13 natural monuments take you away into the history of Aztecs or Indians and cowboys. Since agriculture is only possible with irrigation, it is very costly. New Mexico is the major uranium supplier to the United States. Hotelier Conrad Hilton and actress Demi Moore are from New Mexico.
New York (Empire State) offers not only the world-famous city of New York City with the Statue of Liberty, the "Central Park" and the "Empire State Building", but also beautiful beaches in Long Island and ski areas in the Appalachians. Not least, the cultural offerings, such as the "Brooklyn Bridge", the many museums or the Ground Zero, attract millions of visitors, but also the multicultural feature of the city and countless shopping opportunities. Agriculture plays a minor role, the main recource is industry and service sectors. The former U.S. president Martin Van Buren, Millard Fillmore, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt and many celebrities were born in New York.
North Carolina (Tar Heel State) has a wide range of opportunities for its visitors. Thus, the state beautiful beaches, museums, attractions, exhibitions, the "Great Smoky Moutains National Park," which has 9 million visitors and is the most visited national park in the U.S., with mountains spacieous forests, varied wildlife, alligators, bears and deer, zoos and leisure parks. In North Carolina there are more than 2,600 buildings, neighborhoods and places listed, many of which plantations and mansions are worth a trip. So, no holiday is boring. The furniture and textile industries are the main industries and the state is the largest tobacco producer and processor in the country. The former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson were born here.
North Dakota (Peace Garden State) reveals its visitors the diversity of cultural and natural treasures, such as the scenic mix of prairie, plains, mountains, rivers and lakes, many interesting museums, ancient Indian settlements, the "Theodore Roosevelt National Park", where bisons live again, countless historic buildings and the oldest cinema in the U.S., which was built in 1914th. Every year several rodeos are held, attended by happy tourists . In North Dakota there is currently the second tallest building of the world with a height of 629m, the KVLY-TV Tower of the local television station. In Fort Yates can marvel at the tomb of "Sitting Bull", the chief of the Sioux Indians. Important products are flax, potatoes and cereals.
Ohio (Buckeye State) is popular for the adjacent Lake Erie and the other 2500 lakes, the "Cuyahoga Valley National Park" and the natural diversity, such as tombs, for example, the archaeological digs of indian settlements and services. The cities of Columbus and Cleveland invite to shopping and culture. In various museums tourists have the opportunity to learn more about the country and its people. Also in Berlin is the main center of the Amish. Industry and agriculture play an important role, because Ohio is a key site in mechanical engineering and agricultural cultivation and fishing are important sources of income for citizens. The former U.S. President Ulysses Simpson Grant, Rutherford Hayes, as well as the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong and inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Ohio.
Oklahoma (Native America) the vast plains are very similar to those in Texas and the many farms and ranches to breed cattle or grow crops. The state has great plans for oil and gas, which are not relevant to the local industry. The "Oklahoma City National Memorial" commemorates the 168 victims of the bomb attack in 1995 on the" Murrah Federal Building "and is architecturally and historically a gateway for tourists. Open-air museum "Cherokee Heritage Center" is a original replica of an Indian village before settlers set foot in the U.S. and for those interested in history a perfect tourist destination. Actor Chuck Norris and Brad Pitt are from Oklahoma.
Oregon (Beaver State) is right on the Pacific and has over the year a rather mild climate, although it can raise quickly to 30 ° C in summer time. Many well-known technology companies have located in the so-called "Silicon Forest", certainly because Oregon does not charge sales tax. The "Crater Lake National Park" with an inactive volcano can convince visitors of the natural beauty of the state. Portland has the largest urban forest and the highest density of cinemas and bars across the United States. In addition, the states unbelievable number of waterfalls and State Parks with their spectacular nature. Two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling was born in Portland.
Pennsylvania (Keystone State) invites you with its interesting and historic city of Philadelphia, Lake Erie, the Appalachian Mountains and the Grand Canyon on a journey into the past. The coal mining in Pennsylvania is a leader in the U.S. and also iron and steel production is of great importance for the state. The Amish in Lancaster have a headquarters with about 25,000 faithful. Here tourists can experience the idyllic coexistence in a completely outmoded society without electricity, telephones and cars and admire the naturalness of it.
Rhode Island (Ocean State) is the smallest state in the USA, but no less interesting. Above all, the great Atlantic beach attracts tourists in the summer. Historical buildings and interesting museums grand an entertaining day. For over 50 years, the "Newport Folk Festival" is held in Newport, which could win renowned artists because of its high visibility. Especially worth seeing are the beautiful summer residences of the aristocracy of money, such as the Cornelius Vanderbilt House. Rise to speculations about its builders is the Newport Mill. It is believed, however, that a governor of Rhode Iceland erected the windmill around 1650. Rhode Iceland also offers all sorts of sports diversity, such as hiking, hunting, canoeing, cycling, fishing or sailing.
South Carolina (Palmetto State) is located directly on the Atlantic coast and is a popular destination for beach-lovers. The beautiful fishing villages, old churches and the Charleston Museum, which was built in 1773 and the oldest museum in the Americas invites you to extensive explorations. This beautiful property "Brattonsville" from colonial times is located in McConnell, which also served already as a film set. The "Congaree National Park" is a marshy area with the last hardwood forests of the United States and is popular for the unusual fauna and flora. Due to the large forest area is wood one of the most important industries in South Carolina. Former U.S. President Andrew Jackson and Soul legend James Brown have been born in South Carolina.
South Dakota (Mount Rushmore State) The landscape is dominated by prairie and small mountains and in the beautiful capital of Sioux Falls, you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the reserves in which many Native Americans live and hold on to their customs and their culture. An absolute highlight is the "Mount Rushmore National Memorial", a mountain in the Black Hills, in which the Presidents Lincoln, Roosevelt, Jefferson and Washington were carved. The two national parks, "Badlands" and "Wind Cave" and many other natural heritage are both relaxation and adventure. The gold mining is an important factor in the economy, as well as cereal crops and cattle.
Tennessee (Volunteer State) offers the beautiful and distinctive "Great Smokey Mountains National Park". Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee and also the home of the blues. In Graceland, Elvis Presley is buried. It is possible to visit his house and his owner during a guided tour. The Jack Daniel's Distillery is located in Lynchburg, where you should take a guided tour. The chemical industry, machinery and automobiles, the cultivation of tobacco, cotton and corn, as well as tourism are the main pillars of the economy in Tennessee. Beautiful museums with historical artifacts and unusual architecture point to the various. Not only Elvis Presley was born here, but director Quentin Tarantino and actor Morgan Freeman.
Texas (Lone Star State) is the second largest state in the USA and above all offers a variety of different landscapes. Thus, the Texas travelers find both sea and beach, as well as hot, dry plains and hilly hinterlands. Multifaceted Cities, unique museums and the open attitude of the residents make a holiday memorable. Texas is home to two beautiful national parks, on the one hand, the "Big Bend National Park", which is dominated almost entirely by desert and on the other side of the "Guadalupe Mountains National Park", which is a mixture of desert and mountain scenery. Still, the production of oil and gas govern the economy. Texas is the largest oil producer in the U.S. and second to California most important industrial and commercial state. The former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Dwight Eisenhower were both born in Texas.
Utah (Beehive State) The mountainous nature, and its usually hot and dry climate makes it a handsome and pleasant destination. The "Monument Valley" is operated and administered by the local Indians and grants tourists a glimpse into the life, culture and customs of the local Indians. Certainly impressive, is the "Mormon Temple", which was built about 150 years and is the largest temple of the Mormons. Five national parks, of which the most popular is the "Zion National Park" and six monuments, the "Cedar Breaks National Monument - the most visited - offer a wide variety of natural attractions. Due to the dry vegetation agriculture is only possible in the mountains and with artificial irrigation. Otherwise the state is more likely to industrial production, such as aviation industry or mining. Hotelier John Willard Marriott was born in Utah.
Vermont (Green Mountain State) inspired by idyllic mountain landscapes and quiet little villages in the so-called "Indian Summer" and by a lot of snow, and many sports facilities in the winter. The highlands "Green Mountains" is a popular destination offering peace and relaxation in nature. The state was the first who made the marriage between same-sex spouses possible. Cattle and horse breeding and production of electrical parts are the main industries of Vermont. The state is regarded as place of recreation for the wealthy that have both a summer or winter residence or have just a weekend house in Vermont. Same did some 8 million tourists in 2002. Chester A. Arthur and Calvin Coolidge, both former U.S. presidents born in Vermont.
Virginia (The Old Dominion) is one of the most economically successful U.S. states. Furthermore, tourists are offered diverse landscapes. First, there is a coastline for swimming and recreation and the other part of the "Blue Ridge Mountains" in the "Shennandoah National Park", which invite to explore the caves, hiking or climbing in the "Blue Ridge Mountains". Today in Virginia are important areas for growing tobacco, cotton, peanuts, hay and grain. The former U.S. President William Henry Harrison, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Zachary Taylor, John Tyler, George Washington and Woodrow Wilson, and jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald are from Virginia.
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the USA and also the seat of government. The city lies close to the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most important cities in the world. Due to the history there are many interesting buildings, monuments and museums. Among the most famous buildings are sure, the White House, the Capitol and the Pentagon. Because of the law that was adopted in the 20 Century , no building may be higher then the Capitol. The highest obelisk in the world, known as the "Washington Monument", the "National Cemetery Airlington", the "Lincoln Memorial", the "Library of Congress" and the "Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" are important focal points for tourists. Similarly, a rewarding walk through the park-like avenue "National Mall", located at the other interesting sights. Actress Goldie Hawn is the product of this city.
Washington (Evergreen State) offers a contrasting landscape construction. We find the long coastline on the Atlantic, but also the Cascade mountains with a highest point of almost 4400 m. Here in 1916 the Boeing Company was founded. Also, the big corporations Microsoft, Amazon and T-Mobile are based in Seattle. The state has 139 state parks, two National Monuments, and three featured national parks, the "Olympic National Park", the "Mount Rainier National Park" and the "North Cascades National Park". Of importance for the local economy is machinery and shipbuilding and salmon breeding. The world's second richest man Bill Gates and musician Jimi Hendrix are born in Seattle.
West Virginia (Mountain State) is a more rural state which is not reflected in culture and way of life of citizens. The state is characterized by the Appalachian Mountains and known for the Gorge "New River Gorge"and its "Black Water Falls". West Virginia is very heavily dependent on tourism, which currently constitutes about 50% of government revenues. Beautiful water sports facilities in West Virginia, for example, the "Allegheny Mountains", which are not yet discovered all too touristy and the New River Gorge canyon. A visit to Charleston, which is currently dominated by the secessionist capital of West Virginia's always worth a visit.
Wisconsin (America's Dairyland) houses more than 15,000 lakes and is generally a very green country with lots of woods and beautiful landscapes. Sun tourists get quite the opportunity to observe native animals. Almost half of the inhabitants are of German origin. The most important agricultural sector is the dairy. Wisconsin is also known for the production of the "Harley Davidson" motorcycles. Also, there are three interesting museums in Wisconsin, the "Harley Davidson Museum" the "EEA Airventure Museum" and the "National Railroad Museum". John Bardeen, the only double Nobel laureate, was born in Wisconsin.
Wyoming (Equality State) is a state with many contrasts. The landscape is characterized by large differences such one hand, the "Rocky Mountains" and the other the "Great Plains". Same with the weather, with almost all the year round chances for blizzards and great heat and dryness in summer. With two beautiful national parks, the Grand Teton National Park" and the "Yellow Stone National Park", where you can admire the magnificent geyser Old Faithful, Wyoming is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Cattle and sheep were former major economic sectors, today it is more mining, to the same extent as tourism. The "Buffalo Bill Museum" in Cody is an unusual but worthwhile visit. Actor Harrison Ford was born in Wyoming.
