Top 10 Inspirational Travel Destinations (living, places, life, people)

[DANNYY]

01. Big Sur, California

"The views along Rt. 1, especially in Big Sur--out over the rocky coastline and the sea beyond--are absolutely gorgeous," says Rich Beattie, executive editor of Travel + Leisure. The Monterey County Visitor's Bureau has a useful guide to the area's storied scenery at SeeMonterey.org

02. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

High up in the flooded volcanic caldera of Oregon's Mount Mazama is the country's deepest, bluest lake. Some areas can be snow-blocked from mid-October through June, but don't let that stop a planned trip to one of the most photogenic mountains in the world. Take a journey down to the lake's edge, then a boat tour around Crater Lake itself for an overload of breathtaking scenery. Stay at the well-designed Crater Lake Lodge, open from mid-May through October, for a scenic dinner and early start.

03. French Quarters, New Orleans, Louisiana

"Listening to jazz spill out from cafes and happening upon street musicians--all in the birthplace of jazz--is very inspiring," says Rich Beattie, executive editor of Travel + Leisure. "It's great to see so many people with such a passion for this type of music, all surrounded by a rich history and tradition."

04. Monument Valley, Utah

This spot in the in south eastern Utah near the Four Corners has an unmistakably rugged desert beauty that has inspired more movie location managers than almost any other destination, with the exception of New York. The national park is run by the Navajo Nation, and guided tours are offered. A hotel and restaurant within the park provide a perfect home base for exploration.

05. Yosemite National Park, California

Naturalists like John Muir were inspired to push to preserve a system of national parks because of visits to Yosemite and similar areas. Stay at one of the park's campgrounds or hotels (the architecturally ambitious Ahwahnee Hotel provides a suitably dramatic setting) and take the evening drive up to Glacier Point to hear a park ranger talk about the history of the valley as the sunset paints the mountains around you.

06. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

Follow the red brick road around the center of Boston to 16 historically-significant points in the town's Revolution-era past. Highlights of the tour include the location of the Boston Massacre, the home of Paul Revere, and Faneuil Hall, where arguments against British rule took root and inspired a revolution. Guided tours are offered through the Boston Common Visitor's Center.

07. Lincoln Memorial & National Mall, Washington DC

While providing a dramatic backdrop to the country's most important political gatherings, the Lincoln Memorial is no less impressive in person. Its Greek Doric design anchors our democratic ambitions in historical context, while the giant Abe sits vigil over the National Mall.

08. Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

Jefferson's impressive home at Monticello was redesigned and worked on for more than 40 years, and the complicated founder left the surprising and unique house as a living testament to his genius and contradictions. Tours and educational programs related to Jefferson's life and works are offered.

09. Little Round Top, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War coming up, you can "expect four years of reenactments, period-piece balls and lectures on why and what if from both perspectives of the war," says Robert Reid, Lonely Planet's USA editor. History and our national sacrifices are made more real on battlefields like this one.

10. Timberline Lodge, Oregon

Visit the hotel that provided a suitably haunting location for Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, finally do some work on that novel, and get some skiing in while you're there. The lodge is designated as a National Historical Landmark, and it sits high up in Mount Hood National Forest.

Source: Ten Inspirational Travel Destinations (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-36988082 - broken link)

[DANNYY]

What seemed like a cool thread at the time just didn't work out as planned. I still thought Big Sur deserved some more recognition though, probably one of the Top 5 most beautiful places in the country and nothing ever said about the place. Meh.

[1208]

Las Vegas, to kill yourself.