I've been on this site a long time. I've given lots of advice and sometimes some (witty) sarcasm over the years. I've been a part time RV enthusiast with TTs and FWs. When people have asked about Arizona and particularly Tucson, I've tried to help as much as I could.Now, it's my turn to ask for your advice. I retired in January and purchased a new FW. My DW and I have been planning a long journey around the country. We think we're ready, and we're heading out in two weeks. We'll be on the road for about 3-1/2 to 4 months. If you live in, or are familiar with the states listed below, what would be your top one or two "must see" locations in your state? California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New MexicoI really appeciate your input, thanks for taking the time to answer.

Hi, Jim. One "must see" in Ohio would be the Wright-Patterson Air Force museum. Plan on a day to see it all. Rick

Gettysburg PA, Civil War Battlefield.The Yuengling Brewery, Pottsville PA. It's America's Oldest Brewery.Three Mile Island is just south of Harrisburg PA. There is a lot to see in Philadelphia PA.The Flight 93 Memorial is a Must See. It's off the Somerset exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.Enjoy your travels.

When I first started RVing, I googled "(State name) Tourism" for the states I intended to drive through. I eventually saved a list of all the continental US states' tourism sites. Some states are better than others, but they all have an economic interest in tourism. South Dakota's is one of the best.Then, as I entered a state, I stopped in the first expressway rest area. They all have a wall full of tourist attraction folders. I ask the folks working behind the desk at the rest area for their favorites. And its a good chance to ask about current road conditions and stretch your legs. P.S. Feel free to skip Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Also Wellsboro Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, rickets Glen falls.Presque Isle Erie.

Good for you for avoiding Virginia. There's nothing to see around here other than traffic and inconsiderate drivers.Bruce

I'd Appreciate Your Advice | Good Sam Community

happynow
Explorer
May 21, 2014
Acadia National Park in ME. This NP surprised us for its outstanding beauty, is one of our favorites for overall variety and enjoyment. Blackwood's CG is a short walk down a trail to outstanding sunrises on the coast.

X2 Great Smoky Mountain NP- recommend in the Fall if possible. Just viewing the leaves changing will be worth the journey and there is so much more to see.

Blue Ridge Parkway, also in the Fall/Spring (wildflowers) if possible.

Enjoy!
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
May 21, 2014
There are some real nice things to see in Philadelphia , and some real interesting history - Betsy Ross House Museum , the Liberty Bell.. Philadelphia Museum of Art..Independence Hall , Pats Steaks , Geno's Steaks... the real issue is getting into the city , that presents a whole new issue as there are no real close places to stay and the commute is a pain... If and when you decide , we can get you closer and guide you through if you want..
rr2254545
Explorer
May 21, 2014
Minnesota top two tourist attractions

Mall of America
Spam Museum
National Eagle Center

Plus a host of state parks, the north shore along lake Erie, boundry waters etc
sch911
Explorer
May 21, 2014
Michigan:

Mackinaw Island
Mackinaw Bridge
Taquamenon Falls
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The Soo Locks
The Henry Ford Museum
The Detroit Institute of Arts
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
korbe
Explorer
May 21, 2014
Well since you listed California, let me think. I know a great little lake for fishing, hiking and Campin. It's called Silver Lake. Just do a search of "Silver Lake California". That's it for now.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
May 21, 2014
Jim,
What part of California are you headed to? North? South? Central? It's such a big state, there's too much to list. If you can narrow the region down a bit, I'll give it a shot.
empty_nest
Explorer
May 21, 2014
The obvious in New York is Niagara Falls as mentioned above. Also, the Finger Lakes region (wine country). The Adirondacks...... all beautiful country! Definitely need to check out the Thousand Islands region and the St. Lawrence seaway.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!
jamesu
Explorer
May 21, 2014
Washington: Mt. Rainier, North Cascades Highway(WA-20), San Juan Islands, Riverside SP in Spokane, Columbia Gorge, Long Beach Peninsula, Hurricane Ridge, Grand Coulee Dam, Palouse Hills region. That's a good start.
Gonzo42
Explorer
May 21, 2014
If you only go to one place here in the People's Republic of California, go the Yosemite National Park. Heck, yes, there is a lot here, but do that for sure. Make a reservation months in advance or stay at an RV park outside the actual park. Be aware there are NO hookups within the park.
magnusfide
Explorer II
May 21, 2014
trailertraveler wrote:
Jim,

You said you just retired. My first advise is that you need to get into retirement mode and Sloooow down. Don't try to see the whole country in one trip. We are based in the Mid-Atlantic East Coast and travel to visit family in Arizona. It takes us 12 travel days (@ about 250 miles/day) each way. We do not travel every day often stopping and staying as we find interesting places along the way. My suggestion is to break your wish list of states into geographical regions and then spend 3-4 months in each group of states. Last fall, we spent over a month in New Mexico alone traveling a loop of about 1,000 miles through various parts of the state. We have found so may great places in our travels over the past 10 years that I would not know which two in any state to pick, especially without knowing your interests and proposed route.

Here is a list of links that I use when starting to plan a trip to a new area:
National Parks,
National Wildlife Rufuges,
State Parks,
Scenic Byways,
National Historic Trails,
Legends of America,
Trip Advisor,
Roadside America,
Ghost Towns,
Slot Canyons,
Pow Wows,
Flea Markets,
Rock Art,
Native American Ruins,
Factory Tours,
Waterfalls,
Scenic Railroads,
State Fairs,
Lighthouses,
Breweries in the United States
Wineries in the United States

Hope you enjoy retirement and have a great trip wherever you choose to go!!
Double ditto. It's our strategy as well. Sometimes we get tired of rolling and just want to be home and other times we're bitten by "nomaditis".