However, I am not one who wishes to stay in such a place. I will visit those places for a diversion, entertainment or possibly career reasons. But 'tis a true thing that I am not inclined to reside there if I have a choice. I disdain urban life due to the pollution, crowding and extremely fast pace of life that exists there. Those things run contrary to my personal nature. I claim as my domain those places with forests, vast areas of unspoiled green landscape and rarely explored trails to hike. In such places I find rest, tranquility and a place to recharge the soul.

This all being said, there are a few places I prefer more than others, and some of them do, if I am visiting, include cities. Listed below are some places I think everyone should see.

A. South Carolina:

The birthplace of the Confederacy and the home of one of the most brilliant statesmen in recent history, Strom Thurmond, SC has just about everything. There are beaches, lowlands, farms and mountains. There are many small communities, a few good sized cities, and plenty of historical sites. The food isn't bad either.

State Parks Sc has alot of them, most of them have camping and hiking trails.
Lake Murray Lake Murray has a swimming area where you pay a flat rate per car and can stay indefinately. There is also a dock for your boat and if you desire you can take a tour on the Southern Patriot. This tour is wonderful if taken at sunset. Lake Murray is just outside of the Capitol, so it should be included in any excursion that way.
Parris Island Civilian and Military history covering everything from the Revolution to the present day. It includes settlement by the spanish and french, the many wars we've been involved in and a display of historical marine uniforms.
Broxton Bridge Historic plantation house and site of the battle at Broxton Bridge in 1865, one of the last big defensive efforts for the Confederates. Two houses built in the late 1880s have been restored and are used as a Bed and Breakfast.
BrattonsvilleMel Gibson visited here while filming "The Patriot," It is one of the largest restoration and living history sites in the Southeast. They even keep rare historic breeds of farm animals. Make sure to go the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month if you want to get the full effect. There is also the Walt Schrader trails - 8 miles of hiking, bicycling and horseback riding fun.
Beaches No trip to SC is complete without a trip to the beach. Most people like Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. But don't just see that, go to Fripp Island or Pauley's Island, Edisto or some other, smaller venue. Much less crowded, same great sand and sea.
Most of my favorite places have renn faires and festivals. Unfortunately SC has none to my knowledge. Those interested in such things go to to NC to their Renn Fests. SC does, however, have many Celtic and Scottish festivals due to the history of the region. Here are a few links to some good ones
Highland GamesOutside Charleston. It's a large gathering.
Scottish Country FairThis one is a whole lot smaller, but the little town pulls out the stops for tourists that weekend. This one tends to concentrate on learning history and listening to music as much as the games and always features exhibits and lectures from the Robert Burns Society

B. North Carolina:

Much like SC, only larger and with a few more large cities. Until recently I thought they got fewer hurricanes but I think I'm rethinking my assumption on that one. :o)

Renn Faire number one in October/November. There is another in early spring and another around the same time outside of Asheville. Three Renn Faires. This almost makes up for SC not having one :o(
Biltmore Winery: In Asheville. In fact after visiting the estate, why not go ahead and stay for a few days in Asheville itself? There is a plethora of arts and cultural activities there in the Great Smokies. Asheville puts a bow on it.
Dismal Swamp: Don't write this off cause it's a swamp. It's a wildlife refuge, you can rent a boat or hike through some of the most beautiful land around and who knows, you may catch a fish or two!
Lake Norman If swamps aren't your bag, try a man made lake. Of course you have the obligatory fishing and boating but it's also a haven for NASCAR fans.

C. Virginia:

When I'm not driving through it in a hurry, I enjoy the mountains...something this state has alot of. Of course you have to mention the beaches, which are well maintained and located near some larger cities so that tourists can shop. However, I happen to like the green places and historical sites best.

Appalachian Trail: The trail winds through Va, 25 miles of it.
Luray Caverns: Ever walked inside the bowels of the earth? You don't have to go spelunking to enjoy the underworld. Take a cavern tour. Luray is only one of the many Cave/Cavern sites in Virginia.
Jamestown: No trip to Va is complete without a peek at Jamestown. In fact, why not visit Colonial Williamsburg also. Make sure to go when the living history reenactors are there, it means a whole lot more.
Mount Vernon: Washington's home, what else needs to be said?
Virginia has two great Renn Faires. One in the Fall and one in the Spring. Any state with two renn faires has to be cool!!

D. Louisiana:

The deep south, with a unique twist. If you wish to visit New Orleans make sure to visit the old French Quarter as well as the new waterfront. Of course you should venture away from the city and view the landscape - which is incredible. There are also plenty of historical sites to keep you busy.

Louisiana Renn Faire Lady Raven's obligatory link to a renn faire. It's growing rapidly by the year so go and enjoy!
Cajun Country This is a unique place in the US not to be missed. It's almost like being in a different country, but it's so beautiful you may not wish to go home.
Bird Fest The Audubon society's bird festival. La has some unique birds, why not check it out...
La Treasure Trail: This is not a pirate activity, this is a group of participating museums full of history.
Music Factory: What do you think of when you think of New Orleans? Music of Course! Don't miss this unique establishment. It's in the french quarter and has music you will never find anywhere else.

E. Kentucky/Tennesse:

The relaxed, peaceful, rustic atmosphere of these two places make Lady Raven feel at home. If you want mountians and unspoiled landscape, this is the area you want to visit.

Pioneer Playhouse and Dinner Theater. Dinner theater is wonderful. Dinner theater here is even better
Cumberland Falls. The Niagra of the South, it's called. What it is is breathtaking. Also a good place for watersports and picnics...don't forget to see it under the moonlight. Very romantic!
Mammoth Cave. One of the biggest caves in the US and intertwined with two lovely rivers.
Washington KY. A Frontier village and gift shops. Full of early settler and civil war history.
Wilderness Tours. Take a tour of the state, get some exercise and see some wonderful scenery. You can't beat that with a stick.
Tennessee Aquarium. Not your average aquarium...a recreation of a habitat with a beach and canyon. You're taken up close and personal. Something you'll never forget.
Nashville. Not your typical tourist trap, Nashville has alot to do and reasonable rates for hotels and motels.

F. Pennsylvania:

Though north of the Mason-Dixon line, Lady Raven still enjoys the state. It is the home of some excellent statesmen (Santorum, Casey) and the Amish. It is full of history (such as Gettysburg) and varied landscape. A wonderful place to visit, though I do not desire to reside there again due to political beliefs.

Hike Take a hike on the Appalacian trail and all over the state. Even when the special events are over the trails will still be there.
Military history: Don't forget Fort Necessity, Valley Forge, Gettysburg, and Washington's Crossing. Pa is loaded with military history. In fact the Army Museum is located in PA (Carlisle).
Renn Festival Pa's Rennaissance Faire. Just off the grounds of a winery, where you can engage in some wine tasting on the side. This was my first Renn Faire. In fact, if you go to the winery after the festival has gone for the season, there is a Victorian Christmas celebration!

G. Northern New England:

The states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire have preserved much of their natural mountainous landscape and there is a strong sense of history and community there. The best time to visit is in the fall - the colours will take your breath away! Not just this, in the fall the maple sugar comes in and local festivals are plentiful. A good place to visit, though the locals don't always care for outsiders to move there.

Vermont. The vermont homepage which will direct you to events such as the maple sugar harvest festivals, the St Albans Raid Re-enactment and places such as the Shelburne museum. Don't forget to visit Lake Champlain and look for "Champ" (Vt's nessie monster)
New Hampshire. Find out what's happening in the state too great to abbreviate! Catch the greatful dead festival, visit the Lebanon Opera House, and possibly, if you catch the right year, the...political events
Maine Got a taste for seafood, or perhaps vast acres of unspoiled wilderness? Maine is it. How about a snowmobile rodeo? Check it out.

H. Northern California:

Northern California is very scenic, full of wonderful green places and mountains. It's tailor made for those who like hiking, camping, swimming, cave exploring and just about anything else you could think of pertaining to nature. The climate is wonderful (as opposed to the desert which is arid) and the pace of life not so quick as it is in LA.

N CA Fishing. A nice relaxing sport set in a wonderful place.
N CA Renn Faire. One of Lady Raven's favourite activities. You think any favourite places website would exist for me without a link to a Renn Faire?
SkiingI've only done this once - and was on my behind most of the time. But if you are any good at it, try skiing in N Ca.
White Water Rafting. A thrill like no other. I've only done this a few times, but this is as good a place as any to do it!
Sonoma County. Might as well visit wine country while you're in N Ca. Wine sampling is a fine form of entertainment.

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