Updating the US Travel Bucket List

 I created a Travel Bucket List post back in March 2014.  The first part of the list was dedicated to destinations outside the US.  Sadly, that portion of the post remains the same.  No travel abroad for me.  However, I do need to update the Travel within the US portion.  

Let's dive in!

Travel within the US

1.  Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming

I've always wanted to visit Yellowstone.  In 2013, we made it happen.  It was a two-week vacation filled with many, many hours of driving.  We drove across the country to get there.  We drove through the park.  We drove through Beartooth Pass into Montana.  We drove down to South Dakota to visit Deadwood, Mt. Rushmore, and the Badlands National Park.  Then we drove home.  

I wouldn't change a thing.  It was one of the most beautiful trips we've taken so far.  I'd go back in a heartbeat.

2.  Badlands National Park - South Dakota

Another national park we can cross off our list.  The thing is, though, I would love to go back.  It was stunning in an alien kind of way.  

3.  Glacier National Park - Montana

I've been told it's gorgeous and should be on my bucket list.  So, here it is. 

3.  Boston, Massachusetts (updated)

We took a family vacation with our best friends and their kids in 2017.  We stayed in Nahant, which was pretty much situated between Boston and Salem. It's the little peninsula circled on the map below.  Our rental was small but adorable. 

We spent quite a few days just enjoying our rental and exploring the little island-like place we were visiting. However, we did go into Boston and Salem to partake of some tourist attractions. I must admit Salem was rather disappointing. The only thing I really found interesting and compelling was the graveyard. In Boston, we went on a Duckboat tour and a ghost walk. Both were pretty cool because they came with guides well versed in the history of the city. 

4.  New Orleans, Louisiana 

I want to experience Mardi Gras at least once.  That is all. 

5.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (updated)

We rented a condo in Myrtle Beach over the boys' spring break in 2014.  We visited the boardwalk and Ripley's Aquarium. 

6.  New York, New York

I'd want to visit the 9/11 memorial, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.  I'd also love to attend a Broadway show.

7.  Acadia National Park - Maine

Technically, we've visited this park.  For a day.  It wasn't nearly long enough and I vote for a second, more extended stay!  

8.  Yosemite National Park - California

I love national parks.  As this one is so famous, I'm sure it will be an amazing experience if - no, when - I make it there.

9.  Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

See #8 for an explanation. 

10.  Redwood National Park - California

I need to see those trees.  Really, I do.  I don't think pictures can do justice to their immensity. 

11.  Alaska

This is one of the places I'd like to visit from the deck of an ocean liner.  I want to see the orca whales at play and spot an eagle or two perched in the treetops.

11.  Hawaii (updated)

Well, this happened much earlier than anticipated!  I wasn't even sure I'd ever set foot on any of these tropical islands. Yet, Ken surprised me by planning a trip to Kauai for our 25th wedding anniversary.  I expected a lot more flowers. Not that the island wasn't beautiful, it was. We got in our little red convertible and drove all over the place.  We also did a Zodiac boat tour of the Napali Coast. 

Given what followed this 2019 vacation, I am beyond grateful my amazing husband made this happen.