Most Fun Thing To Do In Each State (Part 2)

Last week I started a list on fun things to do in each state. That first edition had each state A-M and the District of Columbia. It can be found here. This week is the 2nd edition with each of the remaining states. These are the most exciting activities that I have done in these states and/or what I would like to do on my next visit. Once again, hopefully this gives you some ideas for planning your own future vacations.

Nebraska

I have never been to Nebraska

Most Desired Location to Visit: College World Series (Omaha, Nebraska)

I first thought what the heck do I want to do in Nebraska? Then, I remembered of course OMAHA! One year I will go to the College World Series which is at the top of my list of postseason tournaments I want to attend. This just seems to be a magical experience that you can do. Add in the fact that the #1 attraction in the state according to TripAdvisor is also a zoo in Omaha and this city is one that I really want to visit. The more I think about it, the more I think Omaha might be my #1 city to visit.

Nevada

Best Attraction I've Visited: The Hoover Dam (AZ/NV border)
The best and also only attraction I have seen in Nevada. I was not a huge fan of the dam and think it is a bit overrated (sorry mom for being a pain when I went), but I understand that many love this place. It is a great feat of man that they were able to make this thing. However, I am not sure I will ever be going back.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Las Vegas, NV)
It is pretty surprising that this is the highest ranked attraction in Las Vegas and in Nevada period on TripAdvisor. With the strip and everything else in Vegas that just blows me away. Since this is ranked so highly, I want to see what the hype is about. It seems about as cool as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and I love that so it seems like a nice getaway from the business of the strip.

New Hampshire

I have never been to New Hampshire.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Charmingfare Farm (Candia, NH)
This is a small zoo, but it seems very kid friendly. They have unlimited  tractor train rides which are great for any boy that loves trains like mine. Charmingfare also has pony rides and horse drawn rides. At this zoo you can also even get a sleigh ride add on. Additionally, the zoo has reindeer which lets be honest are loved by children everywhere.

New Jersey

I can't remember every visiting New Jersey, buy it is possible I went there when I was little.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Cape May County Park & Zoo (Cape May Court House, NJ)
This zoo is one of the highest rated in the entire country which I had no idea of until doing research for this list. Additionally, this zoo is absolutely free and parking is also free. The zoo has a bald eagle, giraffes, lions, red pandas, tigers, and more. It is one that we would love to get to eventually and perhaps sooner than expected.

New Mexico

Best Attraction I've Visited: Unknown
I have been to New Mexico and went for a week, but all I remember about that trip is millions and millions of flies. More flies than I have ever seen in my life. We met my Uncle Steve there, but all I can remember is seeing him and all of the flies. I think we did something to do with dinosaur footprints, but the flies just stood out.
Most Desired Location to Visit: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
I would stay far away from Clayton, New Mexico when I visit which was the fly capital of the world. To be honest this is a state I probably won't go back to because of that experience. However, if I did I would choose this attraction in the capital of the state. This basilica would be a great place to visit as a practicing Catholic. This would be a great place to celebrate mass. Also in Sante Fe is the San Miguel Mission which would be great to see and would be another place to add to the trip. The church is beautiful and it would be simply fantastic to see in person.

New York

This may seem like a crime, but I have never been to New York. Jenna has more than once and wants to go again, but I who grew up much closer have never been.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Baseball Hall of Fame @ Cooperstown (Cooperstown, NY)
The Hall of Fame I most want to attend is definitely the baseball hall of fame which is located in Cooperstown. It seems to be the Hall of Fame that holds the most prestige in this country as well. I am not sure if its because baseball is America's pastime, because of the records, or what, but it is just special. This seems to be an attraction on everyone's bucket list. It will be a trip I make with my boys and my dad one day.

North Carolina

Best Attraction I've Visited: North Carolina Aquarium (Roanoke Island, NC)
There are actually four aquariums in North Carolina that call themselves the North Carolina Aquarium. I am almost positive that the one I visited was the one at Roanoke Island because the outside looks the most memorable, but could be wrong. It was a cool aquarium and I would love to go again or to go to any of the other three as they are all a little bit different.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham, North Carolina)
I have been to North Carolina several times, but one thing I haven't gotten to do is enjoy a sporting event in this fine state. The sporting event I would most like to see is a basketball game at the legendary Cameron Indoor Stadium to see the Cameron crazies in action. Duke basketball is the biggest name in basketball and Coach K is a top 10 coach all-time. I'd love to see the Dukies play in Cameron before he retires.

North Dakota

I have never been to North Dakota
Most Desired Location to Visit: Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora, ND)
A big part of me wants to say the Dakota Zoo which seems awesome, but if I went to North Dakota I would want to see a bison and a proghorn in the wild. The best place to do that seems to be the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora. While there for the trip I'd also probably try to go to the zoo, but the park would be the highlight of the trip.

Ohio

Best Location I've Visited: Sea World Ohio (Aurora, Ohio)
This park is now closed, but it was once open and we went while it was open. It was similar to the other Sea World parks, but this park did not have any rides at the park. It would be cool if it was still open as Sea World does a great job with conservation. Sea World was eventually brought by Six Flags due to poor attendance and a bad climate for their type of attraction. At that time their parent company, Anheuser Busch decided to exit the market.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Columbus Zoo (Powell, Ohio)
For most people going to Ohio they want to go to Cedar Point, the NFL Hall of Fame, or the Rock N'Roll Hall of Fame. Not me though. While I want to go to all of those places, I would rather visit the Columbus Zoo in Powell, Ohio. This zoo is consistently rated the top zoo in the country and a zoo fan like myself would absolutely have to visit here. This is a must trip and one that will hopefully happen in the next 5 years.

Oklahoma

I have never been to Oklahoma
Most Desired Location to Visit: Oklahoma City Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo is another really cool looking zoo. It is only 1 of 20 zoos in the United States with a spotted hyena and 1 of 21 zoos in North America to exhibit the Indian Rhino. Another rare zoo animal I love, the Okapi, is also here. This zoo is only 1 of 23 in North America to exhibit the Okapi. Probably the coolest fact is that this zoo is only 1 of 9 in the country to exhibit harpy eagles. I have never seen a harpy eagle and I am sure they look spectacular so this is a really neat fact and almost worth the visit alone.

Oregon

I have never been to Oregon
Most Desired Location to Visit: Tracktown, USA (Eugene, OR)
There are a few other places I would like to see including the Oregon Zoo (which features a wide variety of species) and Crater Lake. However, sports history doesn't get much better than Oregon Track & Field. This track is actually called TrackTown USA because it is so famous. This of course is also the team that Nike was built from. Phil Knight was an Oregon track athlete. You can really see where it all started by visiting here. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman developed Nike from trying to get better and lighter running shoes for Bowerman's Oregon track athletes. It all started for Nike at the University of Oregon and the track team.

Pennsylvania

Best Location I've Visited: Hershey Park (Hershey, PA)
Hershey Park is simply one of the best theme parks in the country. I recommend that everybody visit there at least once. You do not have to love the candy to have a good time, because this is a legit theme park. It has several thrill rides and coasters all of which have much shorter lines than most theme parks. Of course don't hold me to that short lines bit because I haven't been in a while and I'm sure the word is spreading about this place. It even has its own zoo that we reviewed here.
Most Desired Location to Visit: PNC Park (Pittsburgh, PA)
This is actually on the top 10 of my bucket list because it isn't far from my hometown and I have heard it is one of the best ballparks in the country. Several that have seen it have said that it is the very best park. It is difficult for me to imagine this park being the best, but I have heard that it is quite extraordinary. Going to a game here is something that I certainly feel like I will do at some point.

Rhode Island

I've never been to Rhode Island.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, RI)
The smallest state appears to be one of the states with the least to do in it. However, since Rhode Island is so small, a trip there can involve visits to multiple states. If I were going to just Rhode Island though, this zoo would absolutely be at the top of my list. This zoo has a bald eagle, elephants, giraffes, kangaroos, leopards, red pandas, pronghorns, and more.

South Carolina

Best Location I've Visited: South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston, SC)
I have not seen much in South Carolina eventhough I have driven through the state multiple times. I did take a tour of Clemson University and almost went there though because it was so beautiful. That is a close second to this Aquarium because let's face it aquariums are more fun than tours. Check out our review from that visit here.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC)
As I stated earlier I went on a tour of Clemson, but I didn't see a game at their spectacular football stadium. I didn't see the Tigers run down the hill after touching Howard's Rock. Out of all the entrances I have not seen in college football, this one ranks up at the top. One day I will get to go to this stadium and watch a game. It will likely be against FSU because I'm pretty good at planning. However, it would not matter the opponent for me to have a good time. That being said it will be against FSU when I go and I will have a better time because it will be against FSU. I can't wait to visit the 2nd coolest stadium in the ACC.

South Dakota

I have never been to South Dakota and have very little desire to ever go.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Keystone, SD)
This is the obvious choice for South Dakota. It is something that would be cool to visit. That being said, at the end of the day it is a rock that is carved into the shape of the heads of some of our greatest presidents. It always has high reviews. but not sure it is worth a very expensive vacation trip to me. At the end of the day, the rest of your vacation is still in South Dakota. What else is there to do the rest of the time? Vacations are expensive and since they are so expensive I do not know that South Dakota is the location I would choose.

Tennessee

This may be weird since I lived in a bordering state for the majority of my life, but I have never been to Tennessee. My sister-in-law went to an awesome aquarium here though and reviewed it for us.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Dollywood Theme Park (Pigeon Forge, TN)
Dollywood seems like a wonderful park to visit especially during Christmas time. From early November through the wonderful holiday this park has a Christmas Chapel, a Christmas Carol, two more stations with Christmas songs or shows, carol of the trees, an Appalachian Christmas, and the chance to meet Rudolph and Friends. The park seems awesome at all times, but I think an early November visit would be special. It has 48 rides and looks like just a legit awesome amusement park. I'm actually pretty surprised I have never gone. Let me re-phrase that, I'm surprised I never wanted to go. This place looks awesome.

Texas

Best Location I've Visited: The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
I have taken one trip to Texas that went to Houston and another that we flew into Austin and went to Kerrville which is just south of San Antonio to visit my Aunt. On that trip we also went to San Antonio and saw SeaWorld San Antonio, The Riverwalk, and the Alamo. The one that sticks out on that trip was the Alamo, although SeaWorld San Antonio is better than Orlando IMO. It is a great historical place that any history buff would love. Most people should visit this and San Antonio is a great city to visit.
Most Desired Location to Visit: AT&T Center for a Spurs Game (San Antonio, TX)
Preferably before Tim Duncan's career is over, I would like to go to the AT&T Center to see a Spurs game. I have admired the Spurs for a longtime since the days of David Robinson, but only been to one of their games which happened to be in DC. I would love the opportunity to see them in their home arena and see my favorite player wind down his career. This team is such an exhibition of hard work, teamwork and dedication that it will really be an enjoyable experience for me.

Utah

I have never been to Utah.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Bryce Canyon National Park
This national park is located in southwestern Utah and is the #1 rated attraction in all of Utah on TripAdvisor. Several have said that it is better than the Grand Canyon which is absolutely incredible. Any canyon that can compete with the Grand Canyon is worth seeing. That comparison alone has me excited to see this place.

Vermont

I have never been to Vermont
Most Desired Location to Visit: Vermont Institute of Natural Science (Quechee, VT)
This looks like another fantastic location in this country. It is centered on birds and bird watching and has a lot of cool things to do in order to learn more about birds. There are some great pictures of bald eagles on the website so I am sure you get a good look at them at a minimum. Additionally, this place is opening up a new exhibit comparing birds to dinosaurs and talking about the evolution of dinosaurs into birds. The attraction just has a lot of neat little wrinkles to it.

Virginia

Best Location I've Visited: Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)
I have been a lot of awesome places in this great state, but the best place I think is Busch Gardens. It is just a special place to be and one of the finest theme parks in the country. The park is right up there with the Tampa location.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Virginia Zoological Park (Norfolk, VA)
I grew up in Virginia and lived there for 18 years before college. My family still lives in the state. I have been to many great attractions in this state. However, most the attractions I have visited frequently are in the northern part of the state as I grew up in the 703. One place I always wanted to visit in this state and never did was the zoo in Norfolk. It just always seemed like a very fun place to go and my family of zoo lovers would love it themselves.

Washington

I have never been to Washington state.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Safeco Field (Seattle, WA)
I one day would like to visit all the MLB ballparks and this one is near the top of the list. It is near the top of the list because it is consistently ranked as one of the best ballparks in the sport. I have heard wonderful things about Safeco and am sure that I will get out there one day.

West Virginia

Best Location I've Visited: West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
I took a campus tour at West Virginia and strongly considered going there when I was looking at colleges. It is a great little town. Not as cool a state as Virginia and I'm not into the couch burning thing, but the University is beautiful and so is the town. I can see why so many people do want to attend this university as a student.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo (Kingwood, WV)
Growing up on a border state, I have been to West Virginia a few times, but never to Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo. At this zoo they have some really cool things including a black leopard, tigers, and even a baby giraffe. This seems like a really cool thing to do one day.

Wisconsin

I have never been to Wisconsin.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)
As big a sports fan as I am, I have only ever been to one NFL game. One game I would love to go to is Labeau Field to see the cheeseheads. Although NFL tickets are ridiculously overpriced, this is one I'd still love to see. It just seems like one of the best stadiums in the league.

Wyoming

I've never been to Wyoming and honestly if I ever were to forget about a state existing, it would be Wyoming.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (Yellowstone National Park, WY) 
The say the zoo is called the backyard in Wyoming, but seriously what kind of state doesn't have a zoo. Only in Wyoming is that possible apparently. I have absolutely no desire to ever go to this state, but if I did go, I could go to this location. This is possibly the most famous national park and it is largely in Wyoming, but if I visited this park, I'd likely go to the Idaho or Montana parts of it instead. There just seems like a lot more to do in those states than in Wyoming. Heck, I could be wrong though.

Next week I go into my little rant about how Disney can better use Jiminy Cricket.

Have a great weekend everybody!

-Noland

Most Fun Thing To Do In Each State (Part 1)

I live in Florida which has some of the coolest attractions in the United States. However it doesn't have every cool attraction in the country. There are some things that I would really like to see elsewhere. Heck, there are even a lot of attractions in Florida that I have not gotten the chance to check out yet. Since there are so many things I would like to do, I decided to prioritize them by state. Then, I decided to add in what my favorite thing I have done so far is so that I could share on this blog. I have listed all 50 states in the country alphabetically and will tell you why I want to visit that attraction in that state. These will be the actual attractions themselves and not based on travel like a concert. They will also not be dependent on who you go with as that can also be a factor on how much you enjoy yourself.

I will start with the District of Columbia since it is usually considered its own entity and then get into the 50 states. For this edition Washington DC is covered along with states A-M. Next week will be the 2nd half of the list. Hopefully it gives some ideas for planning vacations, or if you have been to one of my desired locations you can give me some feedback on how it was. Enjoy the list!

Washington D.C.

I grew up just south of DC and went there often with my family/and or friends. I have done many things in this great city.
Best Attraction Visited: The Verizon Center to see a Wizards game.
Now, the Wizards are my favorite NBA team which influences this choice a great deal, but this was a very easy selection for me. Going to a basketball game here has always been a great experience and I have done it many times.
Most Desired Location To Visit: The White House
It was very difficult to think of a place I had not been inside since I have been to DC so many times. Then I realized that I have never actually been inside the White House. That would be a cool thing to go to when I get the chance.

Alabama

I have never been to Alabama. We have, however had a guest post on the Montgomery Zoo which seems nice.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Montgomery Zoo (Montgomery, AL)
This zoo seems like a very cool zoo. It is recommended by our friends and it has animals from all over the world. It is a place that we would really like to visit and probably will soon.

Alaska

I have never been to Alaska.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Alaska Zoo (Anchorage, AK)
Alaska is freezing and further than most other states. Not sure how likely it is that I will get up there, but I do love the wildlife that lives there. It would be fun to just go out and look at the fun animals. Seeing a Humpback in the wild is just awesome. As far as a tourist attraction, I picked the Alaska Zoo because it has most of this Alaskan wildlife where you can see it up close.

Arizona

Best Attraction Visited in Arizona: Slide Rock State Park (Sedona, AZ)
Slide Rock State Park was an absolute blast. It is an all natural waterpark basically and one of the coolest things I have ever done. I rarely get out west, but will certainly be visiting this attraction again with the kids one day. In fact, will probably take a big vacation with cousins when we go to do this state park. It will be a blast.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park (Litchfield Park, AZ)
This seems like the coolest thing to do in Arizona that I have not already done. With three separate categories in the zoo that alone makes it appealing. A zoo, an aquarium, and a safari park. It has the whole package. This zoo also has a very wide variety of species and looks absolutely amazing.

Arkansas

I have never been to Arkansas.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock, AR)
This zoo has some of the big names like lions, giraffes, and rhinos and also has some more rare species like servals and gorillas. It looks like a pretty neat zoo, but Arkansas isn't that high on my list of states to visit.

California

I have never been to California
Most Desired Location to Visit: Disneyland (Anaheim, CA)
For comparison purposes alone the answer has to be Disneyland. We are Disney fanatics and want to see the other Disney park in the United States. While I heard it is much smaller than Disney World it still seems awesome. It also seems to have some of the best attractions from 3 of the Disney World parks. This is a trip that will eventually happen. Actually a few California trips are in the future for my family.

Colorado

I have personally never been to Colorado, but Jenna has and she visited the Royal Gorge. We would like to visit together some day.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Rockies Game @ Coors Field
I would eventually like to get to all 30 MLB Stadiums and of course Coors Field is on that list. I also really want to see what the thin air does to the baseball live. It just seems like an all around great experience for me.

Connecticut

I have never been to any touristy attractions in Conn. I did visit some family in the state when I was little though.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Beardsley Zoo
This zoo is a very famous zoo that has some awesome animals. The animals include a pronghorn which I have never seen. They also have Tigers which makes this an interesting location to visit. I wouldn't mind seeing this one.

Delaware

Best Attraction I've Visited: Eastern Shore
While I have been to the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Eastern Shore more, I have been to the shore in Delaware as well and visited beaches in the area. It has always been a good time.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Brandywine Zoo (Wilmington, DE)
This zoo is very small, but it has a very diverse set of wildlife. They have tigers and red pandas among the many other animals that you are able to see at this little zoo.

Florida

Best Attractions: FSU (Tallahassee, FL) & Disney World Resort (Kissimmee, FL)
I am a Florida resident currently and love the tremendous amount of things that you can do in Florida. As a Seminole alum I have to say that my #1 attraction is Florida State University in general. My favorite place at FSU is Doak Campbell Stadium where they hold football games. However, I cannot forget any of the other places especially Dick Howser Stadium their baseball facility. As a Disney fanatic I have to put Walt Disney World up there as well because of the pure joy it brings people. Then there is Busch Gardens and oh so much more. If it wasn't for friends and family in different locations, I'd be okay with never leaving Florida. There is so much to do here.
Most Desired Location to Visit:  Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee, FL)
While there are so many fun attractions I have done in Florida, I have not come close to doing them all. At the top of my list is this zoo located just north of Miami. It is a drive through safari, and a walk through safari, there is also a safari boat ride, and even a miniature golf course. This place really seems to have it all and is seemingly as close to an actual safari as you can get!

Georgia

Best Attraction I've Visited: Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
This zoo is the best one that we have visited so far. The review can be found here. It was just simply amazing and we will definitely be doing this again.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
This aquarium is a location where you actually get to see whale sharks. They also have beluga whales!!!! I can't wait to go! Our Atlanta trip with this zoo and Zoo Atlanta should be happening in the next year.

Hawaii

I have been to Hawaii once and I was only 1 when we visited. Needless to say, I do not remember anything about that trip. I want to go again at some point.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Pro Bowl (Honolulu, HI)
Assuming they ever move the Pro Bowl back to Hawaii I would love to go and see the game there. It was always near the top of my bucket list.

Idaho

I have never been to Idaho.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Silverwood Theme Park (Athol, ID)
Who knew that Idaho had a theme park? Not me until I looked for what the heck people do in Idaho. This park actually looks fantastic and is a place that I would love to visit one day.

Illinois

Best Attraction I've Visited: Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL)
I don't really remember this trip well because I have only been once and it was when I was in middle school, but I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. At this zoo they have a really awesome diversity in the wildlife at the zoo. I would love to go again to see the bushbabies and more.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Chicago Cubs Game @ Wrigley Field
As a baseball fan, this pretty much has to be on my bucket list. One of the most famous stadiums, with one of the most famous teams. We just got to see a day game at Wrigley.

Indiana

I have never been to Indiana.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Notre Dame University (South Bend, IN)
As a Catholic it would just be cool to visit Notre Dame. It would be neat to see a football game there to visit the campus and experience the atmosphere. This is a trip that will eventually be made by us.

Iowa

I have never been to Iowa.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines, IA)
The Blank Park Zoo is the highest rated zoo in Iowa and it seems like a cool place to visit. There is actually a surprising list of attractions in Iowa, but the coolest one for my family would be this zoo. It has Giraffes, Leopards, Lions, Rhinos, Tigers and much, much, more..

Kansas

I have never been to Kansas
Most Desired Location to Visit: Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Game (Lawrence, KS)
As much as I love basketball there are few times that I would rather see basketball than baseball or football. This is one of those time. The history of Kansas basketball is astonishing. The inventor of the game was once a Kansas basketball coach and the founder of the NBA went through the Kansas program. This team has so much history and it has to be quite the event going to a game there.

Kentucky

I have never been to Kentucky
Most Desired Location to Visit: Louisville Zoo (Louisville, KY)
The animal species that are available to view at the Louisville Zoo are incredibly diverse and awesome. This is definitely near the top of my list of zoos to visit. They have addax, bongos, komodo dragons, penguins, polar bears, rhinos, snow leopards, tigers, and so much more. The only animal attractions I haven't visited that I want to see more are the Columbus Zoo, the GA Aquarium, the Monterrey Beach Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo.

Louisiana

I have never been to Louisiana
Most Desired Location to Visit: Audobon Nature Institute (New Orleans, LA)
This is a full experience with a zoo, an aquarium, an IMAX theatre, and a butterfly garden. They have a full zoo (which includes a dinosaur section), a full aquarium, and more. You can do one part or all of it and I would choose to do all of it as it looks simply amazing. This one definitely has found its way onto the bucket list.

Maine

I have never been to Maine
Most Desired Location to Visit: York's Wild Kingdom (York Beach, ME)
This is New England's only amusement park making it the easy choice here. They also have several animals including Lions and Tigers. The amusement park has 22 rides to enjoy and the park also has a butterfly garden. This place seems like a lot of fun.

Maryland

Best Attraction I've Visted: Camden Yards for Orioles Game (Baltimore, MD)
I've been an Orioles fan since birth and I am a huge baseball fan in general. Seeing this stadium which is the best I have seen to date and getting to enjoy a game there was priceless. I have been to this location many many times and have typically gone every single year. The most fun games I have been to are FSU vs. Maryland at College Park though. However, as I said earlier, my choices won't be opponent based or based on who you go with. That matchup is entirely based on both factors so the Orioles win.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Catoctin Wildlife Preserve &  Zoo (Thurmont, MD)
This zoo has animals from all around the world. They are from 6/7 continents with only Antartica being left out. You rarely see animals from Europe so that is pretty neat. I really look forward to visiting this one and will eventually.

Massachusetts

I have never been to Massachusetts
Most Desired Location to Visit: Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, MA)
This zoo has several exotic species from all around the world. These animals include the anteater, giraffe, kangaroo, hyena, lion, red panda, warthog, and so much more. This would be a cool trip. It could go great with Fenway Park too.

Michigan

I have never been to Michigan
Most Desired Location to Visit: Children's Zoo @ Celebration Square (Saginaw, MI)
This zoo is catered to kids which is awesome for a family like mine. It has a train ride for them, awesome animals that kids can get close to, a fossil find, a garden, and even an underwater viewing cave. The animals include a bald eagle.

Minnesota

I have never been to Minnesota
Most Desired Location to Visit: Mall of America (Bloomington, MN)
Normally I wouldn't be excited about shopping or going to the mall, but the Mall of America is different. This mall is an experience. It has something for everyone. They have roller coasters, themes, and even an aquarium inside the biggest mall in the entire country. There is even a theme park inside called the Nickelodeon Universe. This is some place that we will be going as a family someday.

Mississippi

I have never been to Mississippi
Most Desired Location to Visit: St. Mary's Basilica (Natchez, MS)
This church is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country. It is considered a masterpiece and one of the finest Catholic Churches in the entire south. Many consider it to be the most beautiful Catholic Church in the country. It would be great to go to mass at that church as a Catholic.

Missouri

I have never been to Missouri
Most Desired Location to Visit: Cardinals Game @ Busch Stadium (St.Louis, MO)
I have long been told that the Cardinals have the best fans in baseball. I have also been told that this stadium is one of the best in baseball. Naturally I want to find out and have long held this location high on my bucket list. St. Louis is on my top 5 cities to visit and we will be going in the not to distant future.

Montana

I have never been to Montana
Most Desired Location to Visit: Zoo Montana (Billings, MT)
This seems like a really neat little zoo. I must admit that Montana isn't high on my states to visit list, but this is a trip I wouldn't mind. This zoo has a red panda, bighorn sheep, a bald eagle, a grizzly bear, and more.

This post is also a bridge post for ZooZoo Review. With all of our stuff getting packed up and ready to move we are unable to load pictures until we move in June. There will not be any zoo review on here until the move. However, once we are moved and go through and load the pictures we have several zoo reviews that will be ready to go this year. We will also document our awesome adventures all over as always. Hopefully, several of the places on this list today we will visit in the near future. Those reviews that are definitely coming are...

Brevard Zoo

Central Florida Zoo
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Zoo World (Panama City, FL)

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week. Stay tuned next week for the list of States N-Z.

-Noland

Lenten Sacrifices

Hello everyone! As most of you know by now, Jenna and I are Catholic. We have been cradle Catholics which means we were born Catholic and remained in our faith our entire lives. Catholics currently are celebrating a season of Lent (started this Wednesday with Ash Wednesday) which prepares us spiritually for the death and Resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. During the season of Lent, it is customary for Catholics to give up something during this season. It can be a commitment to do good, giving up a vice, or just something to try to make you better during this season. The goal is to help you along spiritually. Jenna and I thought that we would share what we are doing during this season.

The first sacrifice we will make is the same sacrifice all Catholics make, no meat on Fridays. It may not seem that difficult, but let me tell you, as a man with Crohn's that already has a limited diet, this is a very difficult task. Here is an article on why Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent. All Lent long our family will be like the rest of Catholics and not eat meat on Fridays. However, it will be much easier for Noland Jr. than the rest of us!

Our next sacrifice is going to be of our time in an effort to be more spiritual. After discussion, we felt that while we pray everyday, this is an area of our lives we could certainly improve. Jenna and I have decided to give additional time to good during the Lenten season for prayer. We are going to pray a rosary everyday for a different special intention. Since Lent is more than 40 days if you count Sundays, on the Sunday bonus day, we are going to pray for Life. Those prayers for Life will be for an end to abortion and Euthanasia. For the other days, we are going to pray for a different friend or family member of ours. We started this for Noland Jr on Ash Wednesday and for our new baby to come yesterday. Today, we are praying for our nephew, Jase and tomorrow will be for Jack David. Next week, we are praying for my brother's kids each day a different kid. We decided to make a chart of who we wanted to pray for especially. Jenna also plans on making more rosaries during this time because she wants to give kids another outlet for praying this ultimate prayer. Since praying makes you closer to God this seems a very good Lenten promise to make.

Pictured above are some of the rosaries Jenna has made. She will also be posting more designs during the Lenten season on her ETSY Shop!

Finally, we also decided to increase our tithing. By giving up our treasure we will be giving money to God's church. The Catholic Church does a lot of God with the collection money and our money no doubt will be put to good use. Giving more money to church will be difficult during a time when we are trying to save to buy a house, but to he who gives much, much is given in return. It also is just an easy way to do some good during this most precious season.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little about our Lenten Promises. Have a joyous season everyone.
He is nearly Risen!
Rejoice and Be Glad!

-Noland