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(5,813 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(9,248 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(2,309 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(3,379 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(1,954 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 NT$3,706 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$3,706
NT$4,350 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! (10,009 reviews)
After you get past the look of the hotel and embrace the history, you will appreciate staying here. The breakfast food from the only restaurant open was terrible but the food from the bar was better. The front desk employees left something to be desired but the security went above and beyond.

Reviewed on 2026/3/24

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 NT$4,162 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
NT$4,162
NT$4,885 total
Apr 13 - Apr 14
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! (5,787 reviews)
This was our first booked trip as a family of 4 and our stay was excellent. Highlight of the stay was the breakfast. We wanted to get to the pool, but it got shut down early Friday night due to an accident. Hotel is in a great spot for walking around and accessing the majority of downtown Chicago. ...

Reviewed on 2026/3/24

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,238 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
NT$4,238
NT$5,880 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (3,619 reviews)
Breakfast was so good!! Very friendly staff !!! Clean !!

Reviewed on 2026/3/24

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
See all 305,773 properties in Central United States
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! (1,926 reviews)
Great vibe

Reviewed on 2026/3/22

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa

Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa

4 out of 5
808 14th Ave N Nashville TN
Stay at this aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Broadway and Nissan Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (148 reviews)
It was a very great/outstanding unit. It’s more of an apartment style, which was lovely. Though the check in process was trash. It was outstanding over all.

Reviewed on 2026/3/22

Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

2.5 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this condo in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Bent Creek Golf Club and Little Pigeon River are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (206 reviews)
We lived our stay here and will hopefully be returning next year! Kids loved the heated indoor pool we loved the views of the Smokey Mountains from the balcony.

Reviewed on 2026/3/19

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
See all properties in Central United States
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.

Popular places to visit

River Walk featuring night scenes and a river or creek

River Walk

4.5/5(7,291 reviews)

River Walk is just one of the places to see in San Antonio, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the great live music and shops in this walkable area.

River Walk
Wrigley Field featuring cbd, a sporting event and a city

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(2,129 reviews)

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Dollywood which includes signage and rides

Dollywood

4.5/5(1,642 reviews)

This amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton lures fans with its roller coasters and children’s rides, museums and live music and theater shows.

Dollywood
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

4.5/5(1,225 reviews)

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Gulf Shores Beach, a popular beach in Gulf Shores. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this relaxing area.

Gulf Shores Beach
The twisted maze of roller coaster track inside the massive Mall Of America unintentionally symbolizes the crazy American "buy an spend" zeitgeist.

Mall of America

4.5/5(3,977 reviews)

You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Mall of America, a favorite shopping spot in Bloomington. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Mall of America
American Airlines Center

American Airlines Center

4.5/5(1,543 reviews)

Catch an event at American Airlines Center during your trip to Dallas. Experience the great live music and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

American Airlines Center