We didn't do a lot of traveling as a family when I was young, and I have always felt a little ripped off--like I knew I was missing some really amazing things. So there were definitely places I wanted my son to see before he left home for college. (And to be quite honest, there where places I wanted to see for my very first time as well) One of my favorite trips we took together was out west. I used Sharon Creech's book, Walk Two Moons, as an inspiration and guide for our trip. We filled in other spots along the way. Caleb still gives me a hard time for our stop at Devil's Tower. We walked around the entire monument- -"It is the same on EVERY side, Mom." And he still groans every time I mention Pipestone National Monument!
I am more of a nature person, so my "greatest hits" list would include Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Yosemite, and a return to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Glacier. If I had time, I'd hit Washington and the eastern side of Alaska. I'm probably going to need two two-week tours!
And I am super excited about my trip to the Albequeque Hot Air Balloon Festival this fall!
Oh! And someday I will see Maine!!!!