Jennifer Luna

Iowa might not have ocean views, but it has something better: neighbors who actually wave back. While coastal states charge Manhattan prices for studio apartments, Iowa towns offer Victorian mansions for the cost of a city parking spot. You’re better off discovering places where the biggest traffic jam involves a tractor convoy during harvest season. … Read more20 Best Towns for Retirees in Iowa

Retirement town hunting in Tennessee requires separating Instagram-worthy scenery from livable reality. Some communities photograph beautifully but function poorly for aging adults who need reliable services. I made a classic mistake early in my research – assuming county seats automatically meant better amenities. That’s why several “important” towns made this list despite their official status. … Read more20 Worst Towns for Retirees in Tennessee

South Dakota’s tourism industry operates on the “Field of Dreams” principle: build something weird, charge admission, and watch confused families arrive by the thousands. The state has weaponized FOMO into a profitable business model. Every roadside attraction comes with the same guarantee: you’ll spend more money than time, and leave with more questions than answers. … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in South Dakota

North Dakota’s approach to tourism resembles a garage sale where everything is marked “priceless antique.” Local entrepreneurs have discovered that slapping “world’s largest” on anything instantly creates a destination. Want me to spoil the surprise? Most of these attractions take longer to drive to than to actually experience. The state has perfected the art of … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in North Dakota

Vermont markets itself as authentic New England charm, but some attractions are about as genuine as a three-dollar bill. The Green Mountain State has mastered the art of turning simple concepts into expensive disappointments. From overpriced cheese caves to underwhelming factory tours, Vermont’s tourist industry sometimes forgets that maple syrup can’t sweeten every experience. Smart … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Vermont

In Oklahoma, the line between legitimate attraction and elaborate prank is surprisingly thin. The state’s tourism industry has perfected the art of making ordinary things sound extraordinary through creative naming and ambitious signage. You’ll encounter everything from “mountains” that are actually hills to “world’s largest” claims that multiple states dispute. These attractions represent decades of … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Oklahoma

Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the gap between expectation and reality at these attractions. The Lone Star State has somehow managed to make boring expensive and call it entertainment. These tourist traps have elevated the art of underwhelming visitors to Olympic levels. They’ve also mastered the marketing that keeps people coming back for more punishment. … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Texas

Tourist traps are like financial quicksand. The harder you struggle to find value, the deeper you sink into overpriced mediocrity. South Carolina hosts some world-class examples of this phenomenon. These attractions have mastered the ancient art of transforming reasonable people into walking ATM machines. They operate on the principle that tourists will pay premium prices … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in South Carolina

Tennessee’s tourist attractions follow the same business model as airport food – captive audience, inflated prices. The Volunteer State volunteers to take your money in the most creative ways possible. They’ve figured out how to charge admission for things that should be free and make you feel grateful for the privilege. It’s like paying extra … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Tennessee

For a state founded in 1636, Rhode Island has had plenty of time to perfect the tourist trap 👎. Nearly four centuries of practice have created a sophisticated ecosystem where overpriced attractions thrive like algae in a neglected fish tank. I think the state motto should be “hope” as in “I hope this restaurant is … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Rhode Island