As an intern on the Mountbatten Institute New York Programme, I had one year to make the most of my time. I'd scour the internet for the 'the top things to see and do', 'what to see & do in USA' and the 'best places to visit in America' but seldom find anything beyond the obvious. And so after a year of exploring I decided to create this website to help people put together their own adventure. I hope the top 30 things to see and do in America inspires you and leads you on to some great experiences in the USA.
20. The Great Jack O'Lantern BlazeThis is Halloween like you've never seen it! Every October in the Hudson Valley, just a short train ride from New York City, over 4000 hand carved pumpkins are prepared to put your effort to shame. Here they've created skeletons, giant snakes, aliens, a pirate ship, flowers, a pyramid, dinosaurs, etc. It's something completely different and well worth the $16 entrance fee. Make a day of it by going to the grounds of the headless horseman in Sleepy Hollow - just one stop away on the train. http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/195/198/
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19. Rent a house in Vermont and go skiing for ChristmasIf you want to guarantee a white Christmas, rent a house in Vermont or New Hampshire. Our advice here is to book early because these go fast! If there are a few of you going together, it can work out quite cheap for a house like the one above in Vermont. This slept 20, with a hot tub, sauna, games room, and was walking distance from the mountain. It's a great way to spend Christmas!
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18. Have a beach to yourself in Cape Cod
I would say the worst time to visit Cape Cod is in the crowded summer months. Instead go in October and November when the temperature can still be a very pleasant 65F. A lot of restaurants, bars, clubs and accommodation will have all shut down but it's actually easier to find a room and somewhere to eat – and accommodation can be 1/6 of the price! Sandwich has a nice walk over swampland to the beach but get up to P-town and Race Point. This is Cape Cod as it should be: endless soft sand beaches, framed with sand dunes. And at this time of year you can have a whole beach to yourself.
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17. Shoot handguns and rifles
If you haven't fired a gun before and have even the slightest interest in how it might feel, make sure you do this while you're in America because you can try all the different handguns, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, etc. that are used by the police and military... and seen in every action movie - but you'll never be able to take Bruce Willis seriously again! But don't fall victim to an over-promoted tourist traps in Las Vegas - they want you in and out the door as quickly as possible and do everything other than pull the trigger for you. Instead visit somewhere more serious (and sensible) like the American Firearms School in Massachusetts. They'll spend a lot more time with you as novices, their prices are more flexible, and the service we received was exceptional. http://www.americanfirearmsschool.com/
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16. Experience Niagara Falls on the Canadian side
Niagara Falls is a strange place. I expected the Falls to be spectacle enough but they've created a town like Blackpool in England. You wonder how a natural attraction could become so ostentatious! Having said that, I came to appreciate the seedy charm of a tourist attraction that clearly boomed in the 1930s. Make sure you see the Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side (where the above photo was taken). You can also buy an all-inclusive pass to see the Hydroelectric Power Station, walk along the rapids, go behind the Falls, etc. and unlimited bus travel is included in the price. But if you're short on time and money, just walk to the top of the Falls and take the Maid of the Mist boat ride. http://www.maidofthemist.com/
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