Interesting thread! I would echo some of the monuments and add the Jefferson in DC. Also the Smithsonian museum complex, the Hirshorn, and a whole boatload of other museums. The Building museum, the national archives, the Library of Congress. Assorted embassies of note. Probly a DC visitor's site that tells you, but I haven't looked yet.

Also, how about the Martin guitar factory in Pennsylvania? (I think you can buy one there at a discount, but I could be wrong.) Guild and Gibson are, I think, out West. And speaking of there, Route 66, the former "America's Main Street" (before we figured out how to pave over paradise and everything else). Other interesting commercial stops might include L.L. Bean (Maine) and Ben & Jerry's ice cream (Vermont) both of which are located a stone's throw apart among some of the friendliest folks in America (meaning of course, no diminuition of that legendary hospitality of Southerners). Oh, and also up there in Stockbridge Massachussetts is...anyone?..."Alice's Restaurant." All three could be knocked out in a day, unless you want to linger. And Boston has some rich and cool history stuff, and Plymouth Rock is nearby, too.

Did anyone mention Mt. Rushmore?

I would also echo the Canadian perspective, although I am not very well-versed in Canadiana. (I am a wee bit familiar with Canadian whiskey, I will say. ;) ) I have always wanted to see the North side of Lake Superior which, I have heard has some lovely vistas and also some very friendly people. (Lake Superior where the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. BTW, that is Gordon Lightfoots favorite GL song, if anyone cares.) And also on my own map of "do it while I'm here" is the Bay of Fundy to "watch the tides reverse" as Bill Morrissey suggests. (I think the song was "Dancing the Grizzly Bear.") Niagara Falls is spectacular, and the St. Lawrence Seaway is wonderful and very significant in history.

Whilst in the US Northeast and dribbling over into Canada, check out a whale watch. It is touristical, natural, and positively spiritual! Then listen again to some "our" songs about hunting and about saving those magnificant beasts. Also whilst there, gobble down some(proper!) clam chowduh and no less than three lobster. (Local hint: Consuming any less is considered rude.) If you can catch Schooner Fare together again, playing in New England you could skip all the rest of the country and just savor the memory.

Um regarding Area 51, no such exists. Did anyone see you come in? Who sent you? What is the secret password? If you even get close, past the numerous cameras and excessively armed patrols you probably won't get in unless your name is David Duchovny, and you have "Men In Black" clearance.

I hope this helps some. The exercise reminds me of some things I want to do. Good luck, and happy trails. Let me know how it goes!

Saul