When asked what I was going to write about this week, I said that I absolutely did not want to touch the election. So instead, I decided that I would write about things to do in the swing states that affected the election.
1. Florida
Florida is most popular for its beaches, resorts and theme parks. Disney World has over 50 million visitors every year! Miami Beach, Daytona Beach and South Beach are among the locations many vacationers flock to. For people who don’t like beaches or roller coasters, Kennedy Space Center offers a historical option and Everglades National Park offers thrill-seeking in a different way than Disney and Universal Studios do. You can visit alligator farms and canoe through shallow waters of Southern Florida.
2. Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a must-see in Pennsylvania. You can see the Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute and Independence Hall. I’ve been there twice on field trips and seeing what you’ve learned about in history class in person is extremely fulfilling. Also, of course a Philly cheesesteak is necessary! Gettysburg also offers historical experiences for visitors. Additionally, there is always Hershey Park for thrill-seekers and chocolate lovers, and the Pocono Mountains for campers and hikers.
3. Michigan
Michigan is the perfect state for hotels and resorts on many of the Great Lakes. Mackinac Island in the north of the state provides a peaceful getaway. No cars are allowed on the island, and bicycling and horse and carriages have become the popular form of transportation. There are also many mom and pop stores, and caves and hiking options. Michigan is also home to The Henry Ford, a museum in Dearborn that contains many automobiles as well as John F. Kennedy’s limo, Rosa Parks' bus and Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre.
4. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state that gets overshadowed by things to do in nearby Maine and Massachusetts. However, many summer vacationers come to Lake Winnipesaukee to boat, waterski and relax. Mount Washington boasts a populated ski resort in the winter months. Also, the small stretch of beach that New Hampshire has between Maine and Massachusetts is coveted in the summer.
5. North Carolina
Similar to New Hampshire, North Carolina is typically overshadowed by nearby states, such as South Carolina, Virginia and Florida. Nonetheless, North Carolina is home to the Outer Banks. The area is popular in the summer for its beaches and many surfing opportunities. There is also the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for hikers and campers.
6. Virginia
Most tourists in Virginia find themselves in either Williamsburg or Virginia Beach, both in the south of the state. Visitors to Williamsburg venture down to the colonial area of the town, where they can watch reenactments of colonists, can learn about customs in which colonists partook and can visit old-fashioned shops that line the streets. Williamsburg is also home to Busch Gardens, an amusement park visited by almost three million people annually. Beach lovers prefer the Virginia Beach area.
7. Ohio
Cedar Point, a seasonal amusement park located on Lake Erie in Ohio, was ranked as the world’s best amusement park for 16 years. The park has 71 rides, the most in the world, and 16 of them are roller coasters. Ohio is also home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Cincinnati Zoo has become popular in recent months.
8. Wisconsin
Milwaukee has held a reputation of a little city or a big town, and for good reason. Its metro area is home to over 1.5 million people! Similar to Michigan, there are many resorts along the Great Lakes, and the town of Hayward houses a fishing museum due to fishermen flocking during the summer months. Additionally, whether or not you’re a Packers fan, Lambeau Field in Green Bay is a cool stadium to see!
