Central United States

Travel Guide

the old abandoned "gingerbread house" in carter county, ky.
Every time I pass by this place I say I need to stop. The last time I did the gate was closed and locked, so I couldn't get inside, but this time the gate was open. 

You can see it from the expressway. It used to be a gas station and fireworks store, but now it is just an empty lot with a couple old ferris wheels and other carnival equipment. It is very eerie and beautiful though, if you see it I'd stop and walk around a minute.
Amazing waterfall with a blue hole for swimming located near Stone Door in Gulf Savage State Park. Nice hike but was a little tricky after a recent ice storm. Hike a little further up and there's another set of falls and a swinging bridge. All this found in the Cumberland Gap in TN, believed to be created from a meteor a bazillion years or so ago!
The Gateway Arch, or the St. Luis arch to the West. Part of the Jefferson National Memorial. The observation deck is 630 feet up and is the tallest manmade monument in the United States. It opened in 1967 and you could either walk to the top or take a very interesting elevator to the top, small capsules that fit five people and zig zag their way to the top in four minutes. As I drove into St. Luis it can be seen above the horizon and because it is stainless steel shines bright as you come in. To anyone who can, I would say go, Seeing it in person it is immense! When seeing it form a distance it doesn't really look that big, but up close, looking straight up to the top it is incredible!
Another close up of the main waterfall at rock island state park! I love this plae

Where to stay in Central United States

Downtown Chicago showing a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views, and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Downtown Nashville which includes a city, a sunset and boating

Downtown Nashville

4/5(5,801 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and great live music are just a few highlights of Downtown Nashville. Make a stop by Broadway or Nissan Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Nashville
Vibrant atmosphere in the French Quarter showcasing culture and community on a sunny day

French Quarter

4.5/5(9,221 area reviews)

Historic buildings and lively atmosphere entice tourists and locals alike, offering live music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. Must-see spots include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Café du Monde.

French Quarter
Illuminated paths and modern buildings create a vibrant atmosphere at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas during the evening

Downtown Houston

4.5/5(2,300 area reviews)

Largest central business district in Texas, this area boasts major league sports venues, a vibrant Theater District, and shopping options like GreenStreet. Easily navigate with public transportation options like METRORail and bus lines.

Downtown Houston
Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative buidling

Downtown Austin

4/5(3,367 area reviews)

Central business district with high-rise buildings, Downtown Austin offers shopping at Second Street District and Sixth Street, art at Contemporary Austin Jones Center, and sights like Texas State Capitol. Accessible via Capital MetroRail.

Downtown Austin
United States of America featuring a bay or harbor, landscape views and a city

Downtown Detroit

4/5(1,947 area reviews)

Central business district meets residential area, Downtown Detroit boasts historic architecture, skyscrapers, and parks. Explore attractions like Campus Martius Park, Fox Theatre, and Detroit Riverwalk, with convenient transport options nearby.

Downtown Detroit
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is ¥16,218 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥16,218
¥19,038 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,950 reviews)
The place is clean. But it’s definitely a different vibe than the pictures. Staff wasn’t rude but didn’t go out of their way to help me or anything. Stayed on my own and had to park car and bring luggage around by myself. And then had the security guard joke that the buckingham wing my room was in ...

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St Chicago IL
The price is ¥20,749 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
¥20,749
¥24,359 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,753 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is ¥20,998 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
¥20,998
¥29,133 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,545 reviews)
The shower pressure is awful and doesn’t get hot

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street Houston TX
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,921 reviews)
Although I had booked a Standard Room, 1 queen bed, I was placed in a petite queen. I must congratulate Hotel Zsa Zsa in providing me with the smallest hotel room that I have ever occupied. That includes many hotel rooms in Italy which has notoriously small rooms. If you have the slightest problem ...

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Luxe Waterfront Mtn Views Bowling Pool Pickleball

Luxe Waterfront Mtn Views Bowling Pool Pickleball

Sevierville TN
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Sevierville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Ober Mountain and Next ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
The host was very welcoming. We had a last minute issue come up and they were very responsive and worked with us on our scheduling.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Luxe Waterfront Mtn Views Bowling Pool Pickleball
Smoky Mtn. Barndominium | Container Pool, Hot Tub + Game Room

Smoky Mtn. Barndominium | Container Pool, Hot Tub + Game Room

Sevierville TN
Stay at this cabin in Sevierville. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Dollywood and Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Loved the Barndo! Was a little difficult finding the place, but once we found it, it was wonderful. Only negative thing we could suggest is adding a TV to the family room downstairs as we had planned on watching a big game that weekend and ended up having to leave to go somewhere else to watch it ...

Reviewed on Dec 9, 2025

Smoky Mtn. Barndominium | Container Pool, Hot Tub + Game Room
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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