Week Two Contest Day!! (and purple cowboy boots!)

Wrapping up the week, let's start with Idaho.

Cassie let us know that her husbands family is from Idaho and still has a farm there where they go to escape the Texas summers. What's to escape? Texas Summers are the BEST!

My mom, aunts and uncles made it to their Idaho destination on Tuesday. The photo below is my mom and Aunt Kay in McCall, ID.



Treye did a report on Alaska in the 4th grade and thought the state sucked but has upgraded his thoughts since the age of 9 or 10 and now would like to visit the Alaska.

Heather and I are only visiting either Idaho or Alaska if we have appropriate living conditions... like a hotel or a nice cabin and preferably in the summer months.

We all have love for Claudia's home state of New York. Katie visited her grandparents in the Monsey area when she was a kid. Her mom does not like the Empire State Building do to a fear of heights and she has a tendency to get lost.

I was looking for my cousin Dianne to visit us from Kew Gardens and chime in on New York. Maybe she'll visit today.

And lastly, our regular highlowaha participant and Girl Scout, Maureen still lives in New York near Long Island South and is loving it.

I'm pretty sure Cassie is rounding up some purple cowgirl boots for Maureen.



Heather has helped us out with Michigan and Tennessee. She recommends the Charlevoix, East Jordan and Mackinac Island areas in Michigan. I love the way Mackinac Island sounds. And then, we need to rent a chalet in the Smokey Mountains for a vacation destination. Sounds relaxing.

Maureen, as a regular, you can push New York into the lead with this contest with just one posting of what you think makes New York the Taste of USA!

But wait- don't give up if your state's date has past... Make Up Days are going to be coming up.... Stay Tuned!

Thursday's Bean Count

As of today:

• Idaho, Alaska and Tennessee have no visits for the week.
• New York had 6 visits today making a total of 10 for the week.
• Michigan had one for today.

TOMORROW is the big day! All residents of Idaho, Alaska, Tennessee, New York, and Michigan need to come out of the woodwork and make a post with a taste of their state! Tell us your favorite things about your city and your state!

Signing off until tomorrow, when hopefully at least one state will finally have some points on the board!! (Reminder: Points are earned for every resident of a state who leaves a comment with their TASTE!)

-Katie K (The Bean Counter)

What do Michigan & Tennessee have in common?

Hmmm... they're both in the US and they're sharing today's post on Taste of USA. I'm sorry that's all I can come up with. Two more states that I have not been to.

Okay, so without consulting the Internet, I think Michigan. Great Lakes, Detroit, Brrrr.... cold. Now, think Tennessee. Nashville, Titans, Memphis, Grand Ole Opry. Opry not O'Pry... see the difference people. Personal pet peeve of mine. Moving on.

Let's discover Michigan first. Michigan is unique in that it is divided into two sections. The Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. The two peninsulas are connected with the Mackinac Bridge... or Big Mac. Other than Alaska, Michigan has the most shoreline with 3,177 miles of it touching the four Great Lakes. Can you name the Great Lakes? I cannot without looking. They are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Erie. I love the Internet. Okay, it says that Michigan boasts a thriving recreational industry and I would not have guess that. They lead the nation with approximately one million registered pleasure boats. Huh, now I know.

If you want to go to Michigan you can plan your trip here. But I am only going in the summer months. Why? Because it's darn cold in the winter and summer is when they have all their festivals! You know how I love a festival, right? Well, they have Strawberry Festivals, Blueberry Festivals, Sugar Festival, Cherryfest, Cityfest, Pig Roasts, UP Hog Wild Cook offs, Bologna festival and my favorite... a Cheeseburger Festival! Say it with me, "Yum."

The only large city that I can come up with is Detroit which makes me think cars. Low and behold, the Model T was created right there in Detroit way back in 1908. You can read more about Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company here. They even have a museum.

So, you can go to lots of beaches in Michigan and they have plenty of other cultural and historical places you can visit. Check out this photo of the farmers market. Are those flower beautiful or what?

Other historical or botanical places you can go are the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Ann Arbor, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, or go cheer for the Michigan Wolverines also in Ann Arbor. And the funniest city name ever goes to Kalamazoo, Michigan. HA! I love it.

The last place I want to share with you is about Urban Fairies. Am I the last one to hear about this phenomenon. I guess Ann Arbor is blessed with a bunch of fairies running around because doors are popping up everywhere. It's the cutest thing ever and I want my own fairy door! The thing that really caught my eye was this.

Claudia, do you have fairies living in your house?

Fun facts for Michigan are the official reptile is the painted turtle, the flower is the apple blossom and the official bird is the Red Robin.

Come one, come all Wolverines! Meet on the Cheeseburger Festival Deck on Friday, May 30th to tell us what makes Michigan the Taste of USA!

Welcome to Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. Something I was drawn to right from the start about Tennessee was it's love for music. Memphis is the birthplace of the blues. Nashville is the capital of country music. They claim about eleven songs as official state songs. That's my kind of state. I love there quarter. Very cool.

The official dance is the square dance. Fun! And the homeland of no one else but the King of Rock and Roll... Elvis Presley and Graceland! My friend, Cassie Nowell, and I would put our sleeping bags in her living room floor and watch Elvis movies. I always fell asleep before the end but I love those memories. So, if you're going to Tennessee, you have to go to Graceland. Which Elvis was your favorite?

There's just so much music in this state, I can't stand it. Beale Street is the historic district where legendary greats like B.B. King and Isaac Hayes and W.C. Handy have played. Then there's the Grand Ole Opry that started as a radio broadcast in 1925 where people began coming to the station to see the performances and it just grew and grew from there into the tradition of country music it is today. And, what about Loretta Lynn? The coal miner's daughter was born in Tennessee as was Dolly Parton and Hank Williams. And so many more!

I'm just going on and on about the musical history of the state and there's got to be a ton more to cover. I know there has to be lots of hiking and camping areas with the Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Trails. They're nicknamed the Volunteer State for the thousands of Tennesseans that enlisted in the War of 1812. And Davey Crockett was from Tennessee.

The best place to go to plan a vacation to Tennessee is here. You're bound to have a grand ole time!

Fun facts for Tennessee are the official reptile is the Eastern Box Turtle, the butterfly is the Zebra Swallowtail and the flower is the Iris.

All Tennesseans meet on the Blues deck on Friday, May 30th to let us know what makes Tennessee the Taste of USA!

Take us out Elvis!

New York, New York

Well, New York is the first state up this week to have anyone visit the site, with 4 visits. Idaho and Alaska are still stuck at zero visits for the week! There is still time to catch up as the most important part of the week for the actual residents of these states is FRIDAY when they post a taste of their state!!

Back tomorrow for more bean counting!

- Katie K (The Bean Counter)

Welcome to the Big Apple

Don't you just love Frank Sinatra?



Okay New Yorkers, I need some help. You see, when I think of New York, I think of New York City. But, I know there's a lot more to your state than just Manhattan. Don't get me wrong, I love Manhattan! It's great! My sister nearly killed me on a Manhattan vacation. We were going to be at 1 and 2 am and getting up at 4 and 5 am. And we weren't partying. We were seeing everything! I've never walked so much in my life. And on vacation! But I have never seen so much in my life and it was fun. I like razzing my sister about it though. She's a super hero when it comes to sight-seeing. I've compiled some pictures from my trip below.

Okay, so Manhattan is grand. You've got everything from Time Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Broadway, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Chinatown (great purses), Soho, Museums (i love the Met), Museums, Museums, and so, so, so much more. I love it but it's just not fair, is it? So much packed into one city! It's amazing and should be on everyone's bucket list- twice.

But wait. New York has mountains. I know. I was there, too. I spent one summer working at a sports camp for kids in the Catskills. I was 21 or 22 years old. I spent the summer bunked with 9 nine year old girls and an 18 year old "co-counselor". It was hell. I mean FUN! Okay, it was both. But, it wasn't Dirty Dancing for sure! Can I just tell you how beautiful the camp was. Or still is, I'm sure. Warm days, cool night air, starry nights, a cute New Zealand boy to kiss under them. I mean... never mind. Maybe it was a little like Dirty Dancing.

On our days off we would explore the nearby area. It is the one and only time I have hitch hiked. I was with the Kiwi so I felt safe. Kids, your Cruise Director instructs to not do that! We went to the town of Woodstock where the festival was not. I still had fun looking around. I just saw on CBS Sunday Morning that a museum dedicated to Woodstock (the festival) is opening up on June 2nd (that's next week) and if you are in New York I think you should go and report back to us. It looked like you could actually experience the event minus the mud. Their very cool site is here. Being in this area is such a contrast to being in Manhattan.

So, from Manhattan to summer camp. New York has it all. What about Niagara Falls? Okay call me stupid but did you know they have casinos there? What else is there? If you want to go to Niagara, hit this site.

Before I move on, some fun facts are the state flower is the rose and the state bird is the bluebird. Aw, pretty.



Of course, I can't make it through New York without mentioning the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. I know it wasn't the first attack but it's the one that I remember. I can't even imaging the pain the city felt. I was being completely selfish that day but that's another story for another time. I wanted to embed the video by Ryan Adams, New York, New York but they have removed the code. So the link is here and you can see it on youtube. He filmed the video on September 7, 2001 and the towers are in the background along with other cool moving traffic scenes. We will always love you New York.

JB & Drew sporting their I Love NY tshirts

Okay, so there's my take on New York. Yay! I've actually been there. Twice. And need to go back! So, all New Yorkers meet on the Empire Deck, Friday May 30th and tell us what you think makes New York the Taste of USA!

Idaho and Alaska Bean Counting

So far this week we have had no visits from Idaho or Alaska. However, they still have plenty of time to make an appearance and leave a taste of their state this Friday.

What do Idaho and Alaska have in common?

Welcome to Idaho! My mom, aunts and uncles have been travelling since last week with their final destination to be Idaho. My aunt has an iPhone and she has been sending me pictures of stuff they see along the way. They travelled up through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska (hi Julie Cole), South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and should be in Idaho today. Whew! Here they are below at the border sign. The other photo was while they were driving.

Now, lets stay on track here. What do you think when I say Idaho? Did you say potatoes? That's the first thing that popped into my head. They even have a page HERE that will give you recipes for the Idaho Potato. As I have been researching Idaho at this site, I have become completely peaceful. All those pictures of lakes and rivers, hikers, kayakers, and horseback riding- you can't help but feel like if you go to Idaho, you are going to relax. This looks like a place for the country girl in me. But before we plan any trips to Idaho I have to tell you, I do not camp! Y'all better find me a hotel! From just the little that I read up on Idaho, think Lewis and Clark Expedition. Think geographic diversity. If you were tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, I think this is the place you would go to get away from it all. Ah, the wilderness.

Idaho ranks 39th in population so I'm guessing that leaves a lot of land to roam. They say that if you were to flatten Idaho out it would be as big as Texas. That's a lot of vertical space for you mountain climbers.

Fun facts for Idaho are: The Appaloosa is the state horse, the state flower is the Syringa and the state fish is the Cutthroat Trout.

I really hope some of you Idahoans chime in and let us know your favorite areas. So, calling on all Idahoans to meet on- you know it- the Potato Deck on Friday, May 30th so you can tell us what makes Idaho the Taste of USA!

But we're not done yet. Let's head on over to Alaska and.... ah, more wilderness! Let's start with the fun facts. The state flower is the Wild Native Forget-Me-Not, the state insect is the Four Spot Skimmer Dragon and the state fish is the King Salmon. Hmmm.... does anyone think that the King Salmon makes Idaho's Trout look kind of wimpy?

And let me tell you, Alaska is not for the wimpy, aka- me! Alaska is the largest state in area and I do mean large. It's twice the size of Texas (remember I told you we were the second largest) and everything is bigger in Texas! And as large as it is, it ranks 48th in population. There are a lot of wimps out there in the rest of the US. Anchorage is the largest city with Juneau, the capital, the second largest followed by Fairbanks. The rest of the top 10 largest cities in Alaska all come in populated at 8,000 and less.

Did you know that the US purchased Alaska from Russia way back in 1867 for $7.2million dollars but it didn't become an official state until 1959.

Dog mushing is the official sport in Alaska. The events are held from October through March. If you're going to plan a trip to Alaska, check out this site. It's a real adventure state with camping, fishing, hunting, kayaking and more. I think I'll take the cruise. I know, I know. Wimp!

Alaska's geographic position has some crazy sun issues. During the summer solstice, parts of Alaska have 18-21 hours of sun. Barrow gets 24 hours of sun. And all that crazy sun lends a hand to farming some extraordinary vegetables! They grow twice their regular sizes in Alaska. And just the opposite happens on the winter solstice. You get just a few hours of dim light and then lights out folks. I find the stories about the Northern Lights fascinating. Shades of greens and reds and purple wave through the winter sky. Fairbanks is where you'll want to go and see these to get the brightest of lights.

My favorite quote about Alaska as I have been reading is, "the 'family car' has wings" and if it's anything like I see on tv those don't have landing gear with wheels! It's those crazy, land on water planes! If you want wilderness, and wild animals and lots of adventure, then Alaska is for you.

All Alaskans should report to the Last Frontier deck on Friday, May 30th and tell us about what makes Alaska the Taste of USA!

Don't forget. If you're not from Idaho or Alaska but have a story to share, go ahead and do that today!

Calling Official Residents

Hello there!!!

If you are an official resident of Alabama, New Mexico, Texas, Washington DC, Hawaii, or Massachusetts....then, you need to make a post in order to gain points for your state! So far today, there were 26 visits from Texas and only 1 from DC, but yet no posts for points!!! So, if you're a resident of one of these states/territories...then you need to make a post to earn some points!! Right now the playing field is open with no points scored....so, be the first and then spread the word!

Make a post telling us what your state is made of. Do this by telling us a place you'd love to take Claudia should your state win and she ends up traveling to your city.

-Katie K

Let the Fun Begin!

Today's the Day! It's here! It's here! It's here! To get your points for Alabama, New Mexico, Texas, DC, Massachusetts or Hawaii post in the comment section the THING that makes your state the Taste of USA today!

Don't forget! Your challenge for extra points this week is to post the headlines from your local newspaper. If you send me photos, I will add them in today's post!

Welcome to the Cotton Deck

Hey, look everybody! It's Big Al and the boys!

Thanks to Allison for sharing that photo from Alabama!

We have recommendations to go to Gulf Shores, Florabama, and Florence. We have shout outs to the Grimes, to Corrie, to Patrick's family in Florence and Anonymous' Aunt Dee and the Williams family! And we even had a little friendly rivalry with the Roll Tide and a Tiger! :)

On the Turquoise Deck Claudia got engaged to the wrong person in New Mexico but it all worked out. Quynh suggests to go in late July- early August for hiking, biking, river rafting and more. Katie is shouting out to Jo Marie! And, here is a tribute to Claudia's love for the Partridge Family!

Hola on the Bluebonnet Deck!

I expect to see a lot of great comments here because I Love Texas and I know you Texans do too. It was pointed out that DFW has the most restaurants per capita. And that's great because I love food, too! My Houston friend, Kelly, pointed out in an email to me that I didn't make one mention of Mexican food and was I feeling okay? So, if you're in Bedford check out Miguelito's and if you're ever Refugio, go to Moya's Cafe. Yummy! Claudia likes Ozona's on Greenville.

We're expecting Snow in July! Welcome, Heather and family! And it sounds like Maureen had purple cowboy boots in her future! Y'all got practice your Howdys, Y'alls and Yee Haws.

My friend DeDe reminded me late last night that I also forgot about the bar in Corpus Christi called Vernon's where you throw your peanut shells on the floor. And, way back then, we waited for cute fly-boys to buy us beer. (Or not so cute. I don't remember being too picky.) Um, yeah, too much beer was consumed in that bar and that was just me! DeDe, I hope you chime in today with what you like best about Texas!

On the Smithsonian Deck

That's the sculpture Close2it was talking about. Patrick recommends the Holocaust Museum as a life changing experience. Quynh shouts out to Aisha and I was shouting to Lauren. Everyone is recommending DC as a great place to go. And at about 11:00pm last night, The Griffin Family graciously offered to be tour guide to anyone who want to go. How about that!

On the Tea Party Deck

Quynh likes the Massachusetts area and shouts out to Sammi. Is that all I got? Come on Bay Staters!

On the Pineapple Deck

Anonymous recommends the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor. Good call since I totally missed that! Quynh must not have any problem find places to stay because they are shouting out to Maile in Oahu now! Treye is thinking of David Gilbert.

Ooh, and will find out which other states claim their own dog? Stay Tuned!

Our next states up are: Alaska, Idaho, New York, Tennessee & Michigan.

And hey, I am taking Monday off for Memorial Day. You go ahead and take the day off, too. You just tell your boss I said so.

If you or any of your family members are in any branch of military, thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do! We are the most fortunate people in the world and I appreciate you.

Until Tuesday!

Thursday's Bean Count

Your local bean counter here again.... a quick update before the BIG day tomorrow!

• Alabama- no visits today, 7 total for the week
• New Mexico- no visits today, 2 for the week
• Texas- 31 visits today, 68 for the week
• DC- no visits today
• Hawaii- no visits today
• Massachusetts- 1 visit today

As Claudia said in today's highlowaha.com post, "Friday is the day residents of their respective states must post "what your state is made of" (favorite locations, cools sights, novel places to see). The winning state - once we've completed our national tour - will win a creative brainstorming session with me to help create the future of highlowaha.com (not to mention win cool prizes and so much more!)."

Best of luck to each state tomorrow! Let's hear what your states are made of!!!

Katie K

Three Times Thursday

We have a lot of ground to cover so I'll try to keep us moving

Let's start with Washington, DC... technically- not a "state" but it is the capital of all capitals and an important area of the US, so roll with it!

If it was a state it would be ranked as the smallest state in area, second to last in population but the first in population density. Don't you just love math! The area was supposed to be a 10 mile square but for some reason the land on the Virginia side was retro ceded in the 19th century but why? Come on history buffs. I can't begin to talk about the number of monuments, museums and other places to go and see here! It's overwhelming! I've never been and want to go. But, hey, unless you fabulous readers give me some tips, I'll need a month for sure to see everything. Their official travel site is located HERE. Under the Experience DC links, they have all different kinds of way to see DC... Foodie, Kidzone, or Knowledge Seeker are just a few options. And if you are a sports nut... DC has it all!

Okay- all you people from the DC area come gather on the Smithsonian Deck to tell us what makes Washington DC the Taste of USA!

We'll meet you there on Friday, May 23rd!

That's tomorrow!

We're pulling up anchor and sailing to Massachusetts- the Bay State. Famous for the Boston Tea Party way back in 1773 the state has also sent four of her own sons to become US Presidents: John F Kennedy, John Adams, John Quincy Adams and George Herbert Walker Bush. And, all of those presidents were born in the same county now known as the County of Presidents- Norfolk County.

For such a small state, Massachusetts sure does seem to be packed with stuff to do! They claim it at this site. There's so much to do in Massachusetts they have to run a new ad every day. I know I would love to be able to afford (financially and time wise) to go to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island. What can I say? I love the beach! What's your favorite part of Massachusetts? Maybe you prefer the Greater Boston area. For the male popluation, Massachusetts may be a small state as far as square miles but they have a lot of great teams to cheer for. The New England Patriots have always been a favorite of mine. What? I was infatuated with Drew Bledsoe! Be sure to include your favorite team!

Some fun facts for Massachusetts:

The state dog is the Boston Terrier. The state flower is the mayflower. The state insect is the ladybug.

(Hi Diana in Utah! Is that a sign?)

Bay Staters be sure to join us on the Tea Party Deck on Friday, May 23rd to tell us what makes Massachusetts the Taste of USA.

Now, be sure you have your bathing suit packed, Claudia, because we're headed to Hawaii! Aloha! Did you know that our 50th state, Hawaii, is comprised of 132 islands? You just hear about the eight main islands because the other 124 only total about 3 square miles... good reason, I guess. When I think of Hawaii, I think of beautiful sandy beaches, clear ocean and lagoon waters, luaus, and pigs roasting on a open fire. Where's my fruity drink with the umbrella? But wait. Two of the five volcanoes that have created the island are still active. Scary! From these volcanoes, you not only have the beaches that I dream about but you have cliffs that rise straight up from the waters edge and lush green valleys with gorgeous waterfalls.

And all I have to say is surfs up! But watch out. Expert zone only! The waves can be brutal at 20 feet high! I'll just watch, thank you! Check out this video of Laird Campbell surfing. Awesome!

I've only scratched the surface here! So you locals fill in the rest aboutHawaii. I know Claudia is cheering for you!

All Hawaiians are to meet on the Pineapple Deck on Friday, May 23rd to tell us what makes Hawaii the Taste of USA! Aloha!

Bean Counting Day 2

Just a quick update on how many visitors we've had from each of our three states so far this week...

• Alabama had no one visit today so they are still stuck at 6 visits for the week.
• New Mexico had their first 2 visits of the week take place today!
• Texas, as it is our heaviest readership on highlowaha.com, had 37 visits today!!

Make sure those visitors and MORE come back on Friday to gain points for their state by giving us a TASTE!!

-Katie K

Scroll Down!

We had some late posts last night regarding our bean counting and this weeks challenge. Be sure to check those posts out!

Deep in the Heart of Texas!

Howdy Y'all! And welcome to the Lonestar state!

I will preface today's post with the statement that I am completely biased for Texas. Born and raised in the small town of Refugio, I have lived in some part of Texas for most of my life. It was Friday night Football (Go Bobcats!), barbecues in the country, driving the main drag and summer vacations at a pool, a beach or a lake! It fits me. I love the hot weather and I love that it's called the Lonestar State because there are many days that I am a "Lonestar" myself. Okay, enough about me because we have a lot to cover! I will never be able to do the areas justice so I'll provide you with the official Travel Texas website HERE.

Have you ever heard that saying, "Everything's bigger in Texas"? Well, Texas is the second largest state in the US. It will take you approximately 14 hours to drive North to South and about 12 hours to drive East to West. It takes 6 to 7 hours for me to visit my family in Refugio or them to visit me... which is the reason why they haven't been to see me! I'm not bitter and I digress.

There are 7 regions to Texas. I'm not going to name each one but we'll start in the Dallas Fort Worth and surrounding areas up in the Northeast part of Texas because that's where highlowaha.com and the Taste of USA is being typed from. (But not the Bean Counters part, ain't technology cool!) I hate to say this but this is not my favorite part of Texas. But, there is always something going on and lots of events to attend. Sports fans get the whole enchilada here, from football, to hockey, to basketball and baseball. Then there are endless numbers of zoos and museums and music events to attend. And the other part I like is being so close to the DFW airport. If you're a travel bug it makes it is so easy to go. And if you're not a travel bug then you certainly appreciate the convenience.

In the Texas Panhandle, you'll discover the Texas Tech Red Raiders. This spot is dear to me because I started my college career in Lubbock, Texas... shout out to the Schwarzentraubs!!! And you'll also find the famous town of Amarillo. According to George, you've got to be there by morning. Amarillo is also home of the Cadillac Ranch, which I believe you can go and spray paint the cars if you want. Someone that's been there give us the scoop! But other than that, I'm usually only travelling through this area.

I grew up in the middle of the Gulf Coast region which is why I probably love going to the beach so much. Going to college in Corpus Christi wasn't so bad. Classes in the morning, beach in the afternoon. Aw, the good ole days! This region covers the whole coastal area... From Louisiana down to Brownsville and on to the border. That covers a lot of ground, like all of the regions do. Houston is the largest city in this region (and in the state) and it's dotted by smaller cities and towns down the coast.

San Antonio's River Walk is one of my favorite places. It's just so festive! San Antonio is also home of the Alamo. There's a lot of history in the region. History buffs can travel all over Texas and find historical markers like the one in Goliad, Presido La Bahia. I'm not a history aficionado but I know it was important to the state of Texas.

We have a family reunion every year in the small town of Wimberley. Think small town! It's so cute. We rent a cabin from the Univeristy every year and swim in the river. And, Austin is just one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in Texas. Think Live Music! Growing up in my college years, floating down the Frio River was an annual event. Drum roll, please.... this is my favorite part of Texas. San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos and the New Braunfels areas and over to the hill country really is a beautiful area. Floating the river, beautiful rolling hills covered in bluebonnets, lots of little artsy towns and big city attractions. It's the perfect blend of city girl meets country girl.

I read this article last year and I have a dream of driving from small west Texas town to small west Texas town. Running into rodeos and cowboys and local diners and just all things Texas. If you click on the words up there (this article) you can read about two girls and road trip adventure trying to find authentic Texas places. They actually hits some towns I've been to and I would want to branch out even further west. Road Trip! To add on to that, when I become independently wealthy and don't have to work anymore, I am going to just travel Texas and hit all the small town and big city festivals!

One of the best festivals to go to is Wurstfest! Maybe I can wrangle up some of highlowaha friends and we can all go Polka Dance in November! What's your favorite festival?

There is just a ton of music in Texas and that is one of my personal HIGHS! There's nothing like some great songs to lift your spirits (Maybe you need some happy tunes this week, Claudia) and get your toes a tapping and your face a grinning! And, there are a ton of songs about Texas or Texas cities it was darn hard picking one out for you but I chose Lyle Lovett's That Right because he says, "That's right, you're not from Texas. Texas wants you anyway!"

Whew! I am worn out talking about Texas and I know there's all bunch more!

So, on Friday, May 23rd let's all meet on the Bluebonnet Deck to let everyone know why Texas is the Taste of USA!

First Week Challenge

If you live in

Alabama, New Mexico,

Texas, Washington DC,

Massachusetts, or Hawaii

we are looking for

your Newspaper headlines!

On Friday, May 23rd, you could just type in your headlines in the comment section but get creative and scan in the article, or take a digital photo of you with the article and email it to tasteofusa@gmail.com!

You'll want to report back with the best headlines. Show Claudia why she will want to come to your state!

Let the Bean Counting Begin

Hello!!

This is Katie K (Taste of USA Bean Counter) speaking to let you all know where we stand so far in regards to visits from the states on the block this week!

So far this week, we have visited both Alabama and New Mexico. Thus far, Alabama has visited the site 7 times and New Mexico has had no visitors (via data gathered by Google Analytics). There are still 3 days left to gather more visitors for Alabama, New Mexico and the other states to compete this week!

Remember, the state who has the greatest number of visitors post a "TASTE" of their state on the designated Friday will play host to our very own Claudia for a highlowaha brainstorming session! So, gather up those friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors to give us all the best taste of what your state has to offer!

Signing off until tomorrow when the bean counting will continue.

The Land of Enchantment

Doesn't that have a cool ring to it? If I was from New Mexico and people asked me where I was from I would announce, "I am from the Land of Enchantment!" and give a quick little curtsy. New Mexico really does have a lot to see and do so there's no way I can touch on them all here and I know you're going to share with me.

(Left photo: My brother,sister and I (right) enter the Land of Enchantment way back when. Right Photo: Me (left) and my friend Johnanna enter the Land of Enchantment in 1992 on our way to Red River to ski for spring break.)

I can proudly say that I have been to New Mexico on more than one occasion. My parents took us the Carlsbad Caverns when I was four-ish. I didn't fully appreciate it when I was kid because by my own recollection and by the stories that have been told, I cried the whole way through the tour. My Aunt Trish said she carried me the whole way. But, wait... here I am walking on my own. We must have been near the cafeteria in the basement. That's the only time I didn't cry.

My brother Lloyd, me in front, my mom, my aunt Trish and my sister Leigh Ann.

If you want to torture, I mean take your kids to see the wonders of the Carlsbad Caverns, you can learn more about it at www.nps.gov/cave.

In 1992, DeDe, Johnanna and I loaded up my little red car and drove to Red River, New Mexico- a little ski town resort. Now, I'm not sure that would be a locals favorite but it could happen. I had fun. So much fun that I can't really talk about that here. There is a lot of good skiing in New Mexico via Taos, Angelfire and more. If you are interested in a ski vacation in The Land of Enchantment check out http://www.skinewmexico.com/.

Now- those were just my two and very limited experiences. I know there is so much more than I'm typing here so let's hear from others!

Fun facts about New Mexico:

The state bird is the chaparral bird (or Road Runner... beep! beep!)

The state flower is the Yucca flower.

The state gem is turquoise.

I can't wait to hear what your favorite thing is about New Mexico!

No trip is complete until you have Cheryl and Johnanna whooping it up on the exit sign... Texas is tomorrow... why don't I have a "You are entering Texas" picture?

Let's meet on the Turquoise Deck on Friday, May 23rd, and you can tell me what makes New Mexico the Taste of USA!

Sweet Home Alabama

If there was ever a song that made me wish I could be from some place it's Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. As soon as those first notes are played and he says, "Turn it up!" I'm hooked and moving to Alabama where the skies are so blue! You can listen and see this version I found on youtube below.
This is a good state for us to start with because I've actually been there! (And I've only been to about a quarter of them so don't worry, you won't have to re-live too many of my vacations.) My favorite spot in Alabama is down in Gulf Shores. I'm a beach girl and Alabama has some lovely coast areas. My ex-in-laws have a little condo down in Gulf Shores and I look forward to my boys having many adventures of fishing, crabbing and beach combing. Did you even know they had a beach in Alabama? Well, they do! And, it's a gorgeous area. Alabama is split into four regions: the Mountain Region, the Metropolitan Region, the River Heritage Region, and the Gulf Coast Region. If you want to learn more about Alabama just visit http://www.800alabama.com/.

Home of the Auburn Tigers and the Crimson Tide! Who's side are you on? And while we're talking about sports, did you know that the King of Home Runs, Hank Aaron, was born in Alabama? Yep, right there in Mobile way back in 1934. (He'll always be the King of Home Runs to me. You know he wasn't on steroids.) But, sadly enough for the men of Alabama, there are no professional sports teams to cheer for. Go ahead and correct me if I'm wrong.

The fun facts are:

Alabama is known as the Heart of Dixie.

It's state bird is the yellowhammer.

It's state flower is the Camellia.

And, it's state insect is the Monarch Butterfly.

Funny, I thought every southern state claimed the mosquito for the state insect!

Now, meet me on the Cotton Deck on Friday, May 23rd and tell me what makes Alabama the Taste of USA!!

Taste of USA - The Beginning

Welcome to Taste of USA!

This is your cruise director speaking! (I always did want to be Julie McCoy when I was younger!) Get ready for a fun time with Taste of USA sponsored by our very own http://www.highlowaha.com/! Along the way, you're probably going to learn a lot about me, some interesting tidbits about each state and hopefully we will learn from you and other readers what the locals love most about their state. Don't forget, the state with the most participants and the best creativity will win a party with highlowaha.com's very own, Claudia Beeny! (and the crowd goes wild! Ahhhh!) Not only will she bring her-fun-creative-self along with great prizes and good time had by all, but you will get to help shape the creative future of http://www.highlowaha.com/. How does this work, you ask? Highlowaha will announce the states that are due to be featured in the coming week. Go there now to see who is up this week! On the day a state is posted, anyone can post. Tell us about your vacation to this state, give a shout to a friend that lives in the state. Heck, call or email that friend now and ask them to check out the fun, or maybe you just have a funny story or joke about the state. Anything goes and everyone is allowed to share on that states day. If you have a photo that you would like to share, send it to TasteofUSA@gmail.com and I will get it posted! If you are from one of the states featured in the week, come back on the designated date (usually Friday's but double check) and post your favorite thing about your state or even your town. It can be anything! This is your chance to tell us what you are most proud of in your area. You get points for posting. How would you like to earn some extra points for your state? There will be a new challenge each week. Get extra points that week for performing the challenge. The challenges will be announced at the beginning of the week. Complete the challenge by the end of the week and post these items on your assigned posting day. Some challenges will involve photos. You will email the photos to tasteofusa@gmail.com. Did you say, "Darn, I missed my state!" Don't worry! Keep participating with the other states that you have visited and know other people in. And keep checking back! There will be an announcement for make-up days! Just like in school! Clear as mud? Hopefully that explains it but if you have any questions, please just post them and we will do our best to answer them. Don't forget: Participation & Creativity! That's what's really going to count!

So, dust off your pom-poms,

be sure to do some stretches

(especially if you're anything like me), and get ready to tell us what your state is made of!

Coming Soon!

http://www.highlowaha.com/