Jennifer Luna Pennsylvania’s tourism motto should be “Come for the Liberty Bell, stay because your car broke down looking for that gravity hill.” This is a state where someone thought, “Let’s build a 25-foot concrete shoe and charge people to look at it from the parking lot.” The same creative genius probably decided that half a tornado-damaged … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Pennsylvania
New Hampshire’s state motto is “Live Free or Die” – apparently they forgot to mention “Pay Through the Nose” as a third option. The state has perfected the delicate balance of natural beauty and artificial pricing. Here, you can pay museum admission to see empty cliff faces and restaurant prices for cafeteria food. It’s capitalism … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in New Hampshire
Smart travelers develop a sixth sense for tourist traps. It’s that tingling sensation when admission prices seem suspiciously high for what appears to be three fiberglass dinosaurs and a gift shop. Oregon has perfected this dark art, creating attractions that exist in a bizarre economic bubble where normal pricing rules don’t apply. These places thrive … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Oregon
North Carolina markets itself as a vacation paradise, but some attractions are more fool’s gold than treasure. Every state has those places that sound amazing in brochures but leave you wondering if you accidentally stumbled into a elaborate prank. North Carolina’s tourist industry has mastered the art of turning ordinary objects into “world’s largest” attractions. … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in North Carolina
Nevada treats tourists like ATMs with legs and a camera. This desert wonderland has more ways to empty your wallet than a teenager with a credit card at the mall. Between the legitimate attractions lie countless traps designed to exploit your vacation excitement and geographical confusion. The house edge isn’t just for blackjack anymore. It … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Nevada
Some towns think having a library and a Denny’s counts as cultural diversity. If you’re 50+ and looking for inspiration, you may want to avoid these places. We’re talking no theaters, no galleries, and barely a paint night in sight. Unless bingo at the community center fills your cup, you’re in for a quiet ride. … Read more20 Worst Cities for Cultural Activities for Retirees
Missouri proves that not all that wanders is lost – sometimes it’s just trapped in a really boring tourist attraction. The state’s tourism motto should be “Missouri: Where Fun Goes to Die a Slow, Expensive Death.” These attractions represent the triumph of marketing over reality, where brochure photos possess more entertainment value than the actual … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Missouri
Welcome to Nebraska, where the phrase “world’s largest” gets thrown around more loosely than a football at a Huskers tailgate. This is a state that has somehow convinced millions of travelers that driving hours to see a big swing or a painted wall constitutes a vacation highlight. The tourism strategy appears to be: take something … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Nebraska
The Magnolia State serves up authentic culture, genuine history, and unfortunately, some world-class tourist traps. You’re better off knowing which attractions are worth your hard-earned vacation dollars. Some places charge admission fees that would make a Broadway theater blush. Others promise experiences so authentic you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled, then deliver something closer to a … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Mississippi
Michigan has plenty of genuine gems, but some of its most talked-about attractions may leave you wondering what all the fuss was about. After 30 years of Michigan road trips, I’ve learned that the biggest mystery isn’t at the Mystery Spot. It’s why anyone pays to see it. Some overhyped spots are so obvious they … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Michigan