Central United States

Travel Guide

the old abandoned "gingerbread house" in carter county, ky.
Every time I pass by this place I say I need to stop. The last time I did the gate was closed and locked, so I couldn't get inside, but this time the gate was open. You can see it from the expressway. It used to be a gas station and fireworks store, but now it is just an empty lot with a couple old ferris wheels and other carnival equipment. It is very eerie and beautiful though, if you see it I'd stop and walk around a minute.
Amazing waterfall with a blue hole for swimming located near Stone Door in Gulf Savage State Park. Nice hike but was a little tricky after a recent ice storm. Hike a little further up and there's another set of falls and a swinging bridge. All this found in the Cumberland Gap in TN, believed to be created from a meteor a bazillion years or so ago!
The Gateway Arch, or the St. Luis arch to the West. Part of the Jefferson National Memorial. The observation deck is 630 feet up and is the tallest manmade monument in the United States. It opened in 1967 and you could either walk to the top or take a very interesting elevator to the top, small capsules that fit five people and zig zag their way to the top in four minutes. As I drove into St. Luis it can be seen above the horizon and because it is stainless steel shines bright as you come in. To anyone who can, I would say go, Seeing it in person it is immense! When seeing it form a distance it doesn't really look that big, but up close, looking straight up to the top it is incredible!
Another close up of the main waterfall at rock island state park! I love this plae

Where to stay in Central United States

Downtown Chicago which includes a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views, and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Downtown Nashville which includes a city, a sunset and boating

Downtown Nashville

The fantastic nightlife and great live music are just a few highlights of Downtown Nashville. Make a stop by Broadway or Nissan Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Nashville
French Quarter showing a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

French Quarter

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in French Quarter. Check out top attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, and jump on the metro at Dumaine St Station or Ursulines Ave Stop to see more of the city.

French Quarter
Discovery Green which includes a square or plaza, city views and a city

Downtown Houston

Known for its abundant dining options and live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Houston. Top attractions like Toyota Center and Daikin Park are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Central Station Main or Main Street Square Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Houston
Downtown Austin showing an administrative buidling and street scenes

Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Sixth Street and Paramount Theatre, and you can get around town on the metro at Downtown Station.

Downtown Austin
Downtown - Riverwalk featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and boating

Downtown San Antonio

The stunning river views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown San Antonio. Make a stop by Aztec Theater or San Antonio River while you're exploring the area.

Downtown San Antonio
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is P7,001 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
P7,001
P8,218 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (10,014 reviews)
The hotel is just showing her age... Patched wallpaper, water-stained carpeting, things like that. Our room was clean and comfortable and the view was fantastic. Be aware that particularly on weekend nights, you will hear a LOT of traffic and stereo noise from Michigan Ave. The concierge was very ...

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,619 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
P7,619
P8,944 total
Apr 13 - Apr 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,767 reviews)
I had a great time staying here. Its location made it easy to explore the downtown area on foot. Lots of cool restaurants near by. The room was spacious and staff were very friendly. The airport is far away and with the traffic, would suggest reserving extra time while traveling to the airport. All ...

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is P7,956 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
P7,956
P11,039 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,627 reviews)
Clean room. Very friendly staff

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
See all 305,877 properties in Central United States
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street Houston TX
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,927 reviews)
Great vibe

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa

Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa

4 out of 5
808 14th Ave N Nashville TN
Stay at this aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Broadway and Nissan Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (150 reviews)
Create communication from staff through the app

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

2.5 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this condo in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Bent Creek Golf Club and Little Pigeon River are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (206 reviews)
We lived our stay here and will hopefully be returning next year! Kids loved the heated indoor pool we loved the views of the Smokey Mountains from the balcony.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
See all properties in Central United States
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

River Walk featuring night scenes and a river or creek

River Walk

River Walk is just one of the places to see in San Antonio, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the great live music and shops in this walkable area.

River Walk
Wrigley Field featuring central business district, a city and a sporting event

Wrigley Field

Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.

Wrigley Field
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Gulf Shores Beach, a popular beach in Gulf Shores. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this relaxing area.

Gulf Shores Beach
Dollywood featuring rides and signage

Dollywood

This amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton lures fans with its roller coasters and children’s rides, museums and live music and theater shows.

Dollywood
Canal Street featuring signage

Canal Street

Start your exploration of New Orleans with the many attractions on this buzzing pedestrianized street, which is located right in the heart of the downtown area.

Canal Street
The twisted maze of roller coaster track inside the massive Mall Of America unintentionally symbolizes the crazy American "buy an spend" zeitgeist.

Mall of America

You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Mall of America, a favorite shopping spot in Bloomington. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Mall of America