The Ultimate Road Trip: Top 10 States That’ll Steal Your Heart!
Exploring the 48 contiguous United States Ranking my Top 10 Favorite States, with Surprising Exceptions
I ranked my favorite states after visiting all 48 contiguous United States, but there were 3 I didn’t like.
Journey Through America: A Brit’s Fashionable Ode to the States 🌟
Oh, America, you’ve always held a special place in my heart. Growing up in the UK, I was enchanted by your movies, TV shows, and music videos. The landscapes showcased in nature documentaries with my Grandad, from the majestic Rockies to Death Valley and the Everglades, only deepened my fascination. Little did I know that this infatuation would one day lead me on the most fabulous road trip of my life!
My love affair started innocently enough, with a visit to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. The humid weather, coupled with a tiny crush on Ariel, left a lasting impression. But it was my obsession with American football and my favorite team, the Chicago Bears, that propelled me into a world of discovery. I delved deep into researching cities, states, and national parks — I hungered to see them all.
And so, in early 2019, armed with wanderlust and my best friend, we embarked on a road trip from New York to Nashville. It was during this epic journey that my obsession with visiting all 50 states took root. Fast forward five years, and I can proudly say I’ve conquered 48 contiguous states, each with its own unique charm and style. Now, let me take you on a fashionista’s journey as we explore my top 10 favorite states in all their glamorous glory!
10. New York: Where Dreams Are Made (and Fashion Thrives) 🗽
When it comes to New York, most people think of the dazzling lights of the city that never sleeps. But my fashion-forward friends, the true gem lies upstate! Picture breathtaking mountains, serene lakes, and bagels that could make you weak at the knees. Places like White Face Mountain and Lake Placid boast some of the grandest vistas I’ve ever laid eyes upon. And let’s not forget the delightful people outside the concrete jungle of NYC — they radiate warmth and style like no other!
9. Wyoming: Unseen Beauty Unveiled 🌄
Now, you may not hear much about Wyoming in the UK. But let me spill the beans — it’s a hidden treasure trove! The mighty Yellowstone National Park reigns supreme, a sprawling wonderland that’ll leave you in awe. As an avid photographer, its wildlife provided endless inspiration, while camping on the border gifted me with the most marvelous view of the Milky Way. Towns like Cody and Cheyenne were the epitome of charm, with friendly locals who were eager to chat and share their stories.
8. North Carolina: A Perfect State of Bliss 🏞️
Allow me to introduce you to North Carolina, the embodiment of perfection. With a magnificent coastline and picturesque mountain drives, this state truly has it all. The Blue Ridge Parkway, hailed as America’s favorite drive, will sweep you off your feet as you bask in its splendor. Visit Asheville, a captivating little town, and don’t miss the enchanting Chimney Rock State Park — a hidden gem that will steal your breath away.
7. Colorado: Where Adventure Knows No Bounds 🏔️
Calling all hiking enthusiasts! Colorado awaits with open arms and spectacular trails that’ll leave you spellbound. The mesmerizing Rocky Mountain National Park demands a pilgrimage, while a refreshing dip near Steamboat Springs will forever be etched in your memory. Denver may offer a wild nightlife, but Boulder takes the prize for quirky fun. And let’s not forget that Colorado boasts a town called Dinosaur — a place where dreams come alive in prehistoric fashion!
6. Utah: Trails, Hikes, and a Mormon Temple Surprise ✨
Utah, oh Utah, a state that beckons adventurers with its captivating trails and breathtaking hikes. Zion and Bryce Canyon are absolute must-sees, offering vistas that rival any fashion runway. Salt Lake City showcases its history, boasting the largest Mormon Temple as a testament to its uniqueness. And here’s a fun fact, my fashion-forward friends — the legendary Post Malone resides here and even designed a fried chicken chain restaurant called Raising Cane’s. I couldn’t resist indulging in some finger-licking fashionably fried goodness!
5. Washington: Where Dreams Reach New Heights 🌲
Ah, the Pacific Northwest, my heart’s true desire. Seattle, a city that exudes style at every turn, captured my fashionista’s heart. I made a pilgrimage to the world’s first-ever Starbucks and, of course, adorned myself with its delightful merchandise. Mount Rainier, a magnificent masterpiece, witnessed my ascent to one of its majestic fire towers. As I wandered through picturesque Spokane, I realized that the Evergreen state truly lives up to its fashionable name.
4. New Hampshire: A Hallmark Movie Come to Life 🎥
New Hampshire, oh how you stole my heart! While New England as a whole is an exquisite masterpiece, New Hampshire radiates a unique sense of small-town charm. Driving along the iconic 112, known as the Kancamagus Highway, felt like stepping onto a Hallmark movie set. The state’s whole aura was nothing short of enchanting, leaving me yearning for more fashionable adventures around every corner.
3. Arizona: A Kaleidoscope of Natural Beauty 🌵
Now, let’s talk about a true wonder that stopped me in my tracks — the Grand Canyon! Its awe-inspiring majesty left me breathless, as if I had stepped onto a fashionable runway of nature itself. But wait, there’s more! Arizona boasts lush forests, expansive deserts, and magnificent mountains. Flagstaff, a town that stole my heart, offers a delightful mix of fashion and culture. And if that’s not enough, don’t miss the Four Corners Monument, where you can stylishly stand in four states at once!
2. Oregon: Chic Beyond Compare 💖
Oh, Oregon, the state that felt like home. Its coastline and beaches exude an effortless elegance that’s impossible to resist. Mist envelops the iconic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, creating a fashion-forward aesthetic that’s nothing short of magical. For all the Simpsons fans out there, a visit to Springfield is an absolute must! And let’s not forget that Oregon is the birthplace of Dutch Bros coffee — a sinful indulgence that I shamelessly partook in. Trust me, my fellow fashionistas, a memorable caffeine-fueled adventure awaits!
1. Texas: Where Fashion and Hospitality Collide 🤠
Now, my fashionable friends, let’s venture into the heart of the South — Texas! Prepare to be wowed, for I have never felt more welcomed and embraced by a group of people anywhere else in the world. Texas, a state that knows the true meaning of style, boasts gastronomic delights, rich history, captivating landscapes, and sport teams that’ll make your heart race with excitement. Cities like Austin, Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio offer a splendid blend of fashion-forward sophistication and warm hospitality. My time in Texas was an experience that transcended fashion — it was a genuine taste of the real American dream.
The Not-So-Fabulous Trio: Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska 🌽
Now, my fellow fashion enthusiasts, let’s face the harsh truth — we all have our fashion faux pas, even when it comes to states. And for me, that dubious honor goes to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. These three states, while not in my top 10, still deserve a mention. Kansas, with its claim to fame as the geographic center of the 48 contiguous states, offered little beyond fields of corn. Oklahoma, although full of promise, left me longing for more excitement. As for Nebraska, well, let’s just say its flat landscapes felt more like a fashion snooze fest. However, I must give it credit for self-awareness — I’m proudly donning a T-shirt that reads, “Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” as I write this paragraph.
An Unforgettable Fashion Odyssey ✨
My journey across the United States covered nearly 15,000 miles, and every minute was an adventure of fashion and fascination. My top 10 list may evolve with time, especially since I still have yet to visit the fabulous states of Hawaii and Alaska. But one thing is for certain, my fashionable friends — America’s beauty and style know no bounds.
Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite states? Have you experienced any fashion-forward adventures of your own? Share your glamorous tales and let’s embark on a stylish journey together!
About the author: Chris Tollerfield, a student anesthesia associate for the National Health Service from Sheffield, UK. A fashionista at heart, he’s embarked on a journey across America, uncovering its hidden style secrets along the way.
