40 for 40: The Places I Want to Go Next — Part Two

It’s October, which means it’s my birthday month, and I’m continuing my list of 40 places I want to visit for my 40th birthday!

If you missed the first ten, read Part One here.

There is no elaborate system to choosing these places. Sometimes I’ve dreamed about somewhere for YEARS. Sometimes I open Google Maps, zoom into a random corner of the country and decide I absolutely need to go. LOL. Old houses, bookstores, water, mountains, unusual attractions, and ridiculously long road trips? Sign me up.

11. Salem, Massachusetts

The Witch House in Salem, Massachusetts — Photo: RoastedGarlic2018 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped as a screenshot.

I’ve wanted to visit Salem FOREVER. The history of the 1692 witch trials is fascinating and heartbreaking, and I want to see the old buildings, cemeteries and streets for myself. The Salem visitor guide and Peabody Essex Museum are already on my research list. And do I want to hear the ghost stories? Obviously. LOL.

12. Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina — Photo: Karina Macosko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped as a screenshot.

THE BILTMORE ESTATE. Honestly, that might be enough explanation. LOL. I absolutely love gorgeous old houses, and Biltmore is a 250-room dream of architecture, history and elaborate interiors. Plus Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains have plenty more to explore. But let’s be clear: I’m going for the mansion.

13. Pine Springs, Texas

Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon — Photo: Steven Pavlov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped as a screenshot.

I zoomed in on Guadalupe Mountains National Park and discovered mountains, Salt Basin Dunes and McKittrick Canyon. WHITE DUNES. IN TEXAS. And nearby Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico? I’m not driving all that way and skipping the caves. LOL.

14. Cambria, California

ANOTHER MANSION! Nearby Hearst Castle has incredible architecture, art and pools overlooking the Pacific. But Cambria also has Moonstone Beach, the elephant seal viewing area and Piedras Blancas Light Station. Old buildings, ocean views and wildlife? Yes, please.

15. Portland, Oregon

Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas — Photo: Carl Young / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped as a screenshot.

I’m here for Pittock Mansion, another spectacular historic home. And Powell’s City of Books. DUH. An enormous bookstore taking up an entire city block? I probably shouldn’t even think about how many books I’d bring home. The Japanese Garden and rose gardens are on the list, too.

16. Anchorage, Alaska

ALASKA. I want to DRIVE THERE. FROM MISSOURI. With Ty and all five kids. Yes, through Canada. Yes, thousands of miles. If I’m going, I’m GOING. LOL. Anchorage would be a base for exploring Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage Museum, nearby wilderness, glaciers and whatever else we discover. And the Alaska Highway journey itself? Half the adventure.

17. Grand Isle, Vermont

I’ve never been to Vermont. So naturally I zoomed in on Google Maps, saw an island in Lake Champlain and immediately wanted to go. I’m always drawn to water and places that seem a little harder to reach. Turns out you can drive there! I want to see Grand Isle State Park, wander along the lake and maybe stay in a cottage. Sometimes a beautiful spot on a map is reason enough.

18. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Yes, CANADA! There’s the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. A train ride through forests and northern Ontario scenery? I’M IN. History, water and an international border crossing make this one a natural fit.

19. Kelvin, North Dakota

International Peace Garden at the U.S.–Canada border — Photo: Dig deeper / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped as a screenshot.

Another Google Maps discovery! I spotted Kelvin and then the International Peace Garden right on the U.S.–Canada border. Gardens and monuments spanning two countries? How have I never looked into this?! The Turtle Mountains and nearby Lake Metigoshe area are part of the appeal, too. I love finding places I didn’t know existed until I started zooming around a map.

20. Whitefish, Montana

I’ve been to Glacier National Park once, and I did NOT see nearly enough. So I’m going back. I want to spend real time around Lake McDonald, explore more of the park and take in Going-to-the-Sun Road when it’s open. Some places deserve more than one visit. This is definitely one of them.

Twenty Down, Twenty to Go!

I want to keep exploring, take the kids to see beautiful things, wander through historic buildings and bookstores, and discover little towns and spectacular parks. I don’t need to visit all forty places tomorrow. But I do want to keep going.

Have you visited any of these? What should I absolutely NOT miss? Tell me your favorite unusual attractions, old houses and places worth a detour!

Warmly,
Kelly

In My Mom Era