Off The Grid: After Visiting 33 States, These Stand Out (So Far)
Photo courtesy of amCharts
I’m incredibly biased and totally indoctrinated, but I admire America. Objectively speaking, it truly is one of the world’s most diverse playgrounds. Granted, I cherish my adventures abroad and look forward to future ones. But I treasure my own backyard as much as I do exotic soil.
So far I’ve managed to spend meaningful amounts of time in 33 states (excluding D.C., airport layovers in Chicago or Minneapolis, and driving the interstates). As you can see from the accompanying map, I’ve traveled through all of the West, much of the South, and the better part of the Northeast. (Alaska, Midwest: you’re next!)
Which states have left the biggest impression on me so far? To keep things fair, I’m excluding my home state of Utah, although many would argue it’s an impressionable one. Also, I tend to value the “great outdoors” more than cultural centers. That said, these are my favorites until further notice:
Montana
This state changed my life—really. Eight years ago, I was a naive, work-a-holic, twenty something. In an effort to “get ahead,” I peddled fast on a disguised hamster wheel and kept my head down through much of it. Until I met Montana. After a weeklong trip here with friends, family, and zero connectivity, my eyes were opened to a new, tangible world that is much more interesting and socially rewarding than the virtual one we’re often ensnared by.