Enjoy the Western USA More with These Six Tips

Many people have decided that this year would be a good year to visit the USA instead of traveling abroad or for long distances. And the Western USA offers a plentiful supply of interesting and enjoyable places that don't require huge travel budgets. Moreover, some are very happy to skip the language problems of a foreign country along with avoiding the hassle of converting currencies. So, go west and be thrilled.

First, a visit to Nevada can give you a good feel of what some of the old west was like....and you don't have to gamble if you don't want to. There are ranches that provide good samples of how cowboys lived and how some of the hardy ranchers themselves managed to hack a living out of some pretty harsh countryside. All visitors to Las Vegas should be aware that the casinos offer some very good food that is accessible to non-gamblers. Also, the casino show rooms are famous for having some of the best live shows in the country, so be sure to look for casino activities apart from the gaming tables. Even though you don't want to live there, the Nevada desert is worth viewing along with famous hot spot Death Valley.

Then, a trip over to the Lake Tahoe area will bring golf, skiing, and snowboarding into your experience. Some of the most stunning vistas in the state are ready for viewing and picture taking around this ares.

Second, Washington State is a grand place to spend some time. The magnificent panorama views, alone, are worth the time. Mt Rainier and other peaks of the range like Mt Baker, which has a recreation area, will give you much enjoyment.

Yakima and Walla Walla are cities near some of the finest wineries in the USA. And of course you will want to see how the wonderful Washington State Apple orchards are managed in order to produce such great apples.

Third, "Cultural City" is not a bad nickname for Salt Lake City, Utah. This broad expanse of a city hosts an opera, a ballet, a symphony orchestra and quite a few theaters. Many visitors are fascinated to learn of the Mormon influence and how the Mormons came to be in Salt Lake City.

Fourth, Arizona, "The Grand Canyon State", is a good stop to make. The Grand Canyon is such grandeur that a rim view is often just not enough. There is a railroad train ride through a portion of the canyon and it is a thrilling ride. The new "look through the floor" rim site is very exciting and a must for most people. Much desert is on view in this southwestern state but lakes do abound here. Lake Pleasant if good for fishing and a respite from desert. The Sedona-Oak Crest Canyon scenic road should be on your list for a tour. Many grand views are available along this road.

Fifth, take a look at Portland, Oregon. Portland is a cultural center with arts and film festival celebrations along with it's diverse population. A good way to find out "what and where" is to ask people who share your interests. Goseeportland is a web site where you can get very good local information about Portland's special places. Also, there are self-guided walking tours of Portland's diverse cultures.

Sixth, Yosemite just cannot be passed up. The park is truly a treasure and is well worth the effort to get there. Great accommodations in a great outdoor venue make this a grand vacation stop. Old Faithful does it's thing very consistently along with other park geysers.