Friday, July 25, 2008

Free For ALL Friday!!!

Today's the last day for Taste of USA!



Currently the score stands at:
Pennsylvania: 4 points
New York: 2 points
Arizona: 2 points
Indiana: 2 points
Illinois: 1 point
It's still anyone's game!!!


Some of you have gone back and left comments on previous posts. Come back today and tell us here what makes your state the Taste of USA!

66 comments:

Julie said...

As a current "resident" of New York, I must post for this state ... NIAGARA FALLS AND THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS!!

But, as a past resident of PA, and a hopefully future resident of PA, I must say something about them as well - and Erie has the most breathtaking sunsets over Lake Erie.

maureen said...

As another New Yorker (a lifer) I must say NY is the best. We have beautiful beaches (East Hampton and Monauk) we have the city that never sleeps as Julie said and we have some pretty awesome things in between, Our Mall which is only 2 miles away is Roosevelt Field. It was the place that Lindberg, Earhart, and the Wrights flew out of. We also have beautiful mountains in NY. If you have been to Lake George you would understand. Long Islands Gold Coast has some of the most breathtaking homes in the US. After all most of Hollywood owns a home in the Hampton's that must say something!!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE NY!! I was born and raised here. I have been everywhere and still cant wait to return home. My favorite part of NY is the beaches. I was raised 2 miles from Jones Beach and loved it. My second favorite part of living here is going to Manhattan to see plays with my family. NY has the best entertainment.

ALANA B.

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo for KENTUCKY!! Gotta' talk about a little-known state park with a lewd, but interesting name. College students can often be seen stopping by the roadside sign to have their photos taken because you'd have to see it to believe it. And as if the name weren't enough to keep you interested, you can actually see an American buffalo herd roaming through the park! In Union, Kentucky (between the towns of Beaverlick and Rabbit Hash), is Big Bone Lick State Park. Get your minds out of the gutter, people! The name comes from the fossils found there, and the mammoths and other animals that roamed its land are thought to have been drawn there by a salt lick. It was even dubbed by one Mr. Clark (of Lewis and) as the "birthplace of American paleontology."

I'm FROM Georgia, so am a big fan of the Peach State and must give a shout-out (but NOT A VOTE) to the Big Chicken, a KFC in Marietta that is basically a huge wooden chicken head with moving eyes and beak. It is also the starting point for directions to pretty much anything within a 20-mile radius? You could be 10 miles away from the Big Chicken and 2 miles from your destination, but if you ask a local how to reach your destination, they are likely to say, "Go to the Big Chicken and then go through three lights, take a left, turn around, and go about 8 miles and it will be on your right." Google Big Chicken for a photo. And of course, it's very appropriate that with a KFC as my chosen landmark, even my original home state is giving some love to my adopted home state of Kentucky.

Anonymous said...

I live in Pittsburgh, Pa and have all my life. My husband has mentioned moving more then once but I just can't ever work up the courage to do it.

The biggest reason I can't leave is because my family is here and I am apparently a family oriented girl. Somehow I don't think my family will convince you enough to come here.

Beyond them is the breathtaking view of the city every time I drive into the city. Ahhh, the lights, amazing buildings, the 3 rivers joining together. It is truly an amazing scene and it blows me away every time I see it.

Pittsburgh has die hard sports fans and some pretty incredible teams to go along with it. The Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Panthers are well known around the world, not just here in Pittsburgh. There are fans and sports bars every place we travel to. The sea of black and gold on game days is unbelievable.

The 'burgh is well known for its Primanti Brothers sandwiches...thick bread, meat of your choice, lettuce, tomato, fries, and cole slaw. Sounds gross but is really to die for!

There is always something to do here...zoo, museums, festivals, shows, shopping, fireworks, concerts.

Apparently, we also have our own language-Pittsburghese. Yinz, jeet yet, dahntown, woonchu, n at. Can you figure any of them out?

Pittsburgh is a great place to live. I think it's safe to say I'm a lifer!

Michael said...

My favorite part of NY is Long Island. Where else can you finish work and hop on your boat, go and catch fluke all in a couple of hours. I couldn't live anywhere else. Not even Texas!!!

Chris said...

I have been and lived all over the world. I fell in love with NY the first time I came here. I haven't left yet. I think NY is the life of the country. We have a lot of beautiful places to see but the people who live here aren't going sightseeing everyday. Its not the sights that keep people in NY its the people. We are a meltingpot and everyone has their niche. New Yorkers are very friendly contrary to what others say. We tell it like it is and some people call it rude I call it HONESTY. I love NY!!

Krysten said...

I think the best thing about New York is that it is so full of culture. I love going to NYC. I plan on going to school in NYC. I wish I could live there now! I will be going to college in 3 years and then I will relocate from LI to NYC. I am a hyped person and need the life that NYC brings. I have decided to become a lawyer and where better to practice but NYC!<3

melissa Rose said...

My favorite part of New York is The beach. I go every weekend with my aunt. I also love going to the Hampton's. I like Manhattan but it scares me to cross the streets. The taxi drivers are crazy. I go to see the plays with my mom and sister. I love Broadway.

Anonymous said...

KENTUCKY!!! Things I love about living here:
- as a midwest city, you get just enough south to feel the hospitality, just enough north to get a little snow and you're right between the East coast and west coast (well, maybe a little closer to the East coast).
- having joined a horse owners syndicate this year, I've enjoyed learning more about the inside workings of horse racing, which is THE primary entertainment during certain months here. Churchill Downs is beautiful and the Kentucky Derby is "the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!"
- (I just learned this from a new branding campaign for Louisville) -- Louisville happens to have the most independent restaurants and the most art galleries than any other midwestern city (other than Chicago) so we are big into eating and looking at pretty things!
- Thunder Over Louisville is THE best fireworks show I've ever experience and I've seen quite a few. It's 30 minutes of spectacular choreagraphed fireworks shot off from two barges (happens approx 2 weeks before the Kentucky Derby every year.)

Chaotic Kristi said...

I gotta say, I LOVE TEXAS... and Amy's ice cream.... especially the mexican vanilla & the white lightning flavors... only in TEXAS!

Anonymous said...

NEW YORK is the best place for anything!!!! Living, vacationing, touring the city life. We have the greatest night life in America. I am a native NEW YORKER and i love it. We have BROADWAY SHOWS, FIFTH AVENUE, LOTS OF SHOPPING, BEACHES, THE EAST END (hamptons, montauk, orient point, etc.). We have malls galore. On the other hand upstate NEW YORK is also a beautiful place. There are the CATSKILLS which my family vacationed quite often, back in the day. I grew up in Little Neck (Little Neck Bay). It is always nice to go to another state on vacation (they can not hold a candle to NEW YORK) but it is always great to come home to NEW YORK!!!!
GO NEW YORK "THE BIG APPLE"

Anonymous said...

KENTUCKY:

I love Thunder Over Louisville, the kick off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. One of the most fun restaurants you will ever eat at is Lynn's Paradise Cafe. We are also home to Muhammad Ali, Louisville Slugger, Kentucky Fried Chicken & Bourbon (which I'm not a fan of, but thought it was worth mentioning)! A really cool and unusual place to go is Cave Hill Cemetery. My husband and I had one of our first dates there. (Yes, at the cemetery). It's really beautiful and full of history.

kaylasru said...

I am a resident of Erie, PA, and I would have to say the best thing about PA especially Sharon, PA is Reyers The Worlds Largest Shoe Store! We all love and need shoes. Also while in Sharon, you can drive 5 blocks, and can visit the Daffins the worlds largest Candy Store. Not bad for a day in Pennsylvania. Shoes and Candy what more could someone ask for.

Anonymous said...

PA is definitely deserving of being recognized as the best state. I'm from Erie, and love living here. The cost of living is great, good food everywhere and even better people.

Also, the summers in Erie are amazing. Presque Isle State Park is a wonderful place to go. You can swimming at one of the 11 beaches in the park (over 7 miles in total). If you like being on the water, you can boat or kayak. If you prefer the land, there are over 20 miles of hiking and recreational trails. Plus the park is home to many beautiful birds and animals.

Go PA!

- Bryan

Anonymous said...

I love the museums in New York. My favorite is the Long Island Childrens Museum. I wish I could go everyday.

Anonymous said...

All I have to say is Hershey Park, PA!

Anonymous said...

I am a resident of Erie PA and I love how we have Presque Isle. But my favorite thing about the state of PA is Hershey PA. It’s the world known Chocolate Factory. Down in Hershey the town smells like chocolate and the street lights are shaped like Hershey kisses. Besides the factory there is a huge amusement park that is extremely fun. It’s just a fun place to go and visit with family and friends.

Michael said...

OOPS! I forgot we also have the Yankees and the Mets. I am a Met fan myself. "GO METS". What other state can build 2 brand new stadiums at the same time????

Anonymous said...

Hi, Tera here...

I think that Julie already posted so her vote doesn't count again...watch out for her...she's a sneeky one!

Ok, I'm done! Julie, I love you!

Anonymous said...

I'm proud to call myself a resident of Pennsylvania, home to:
- the first college in the US (Dickinson)
- the first Zoo in the US (Philly)
- the oldest beer brewery in the US (Yuengling)
- the Liberty Bell
- birthplace of the US Constitution

Kat said...

I have to vote for Arkansas. We have lots of cool caves, diamond mines where you can keep what you find, and any outdoor activity you could think of. Eureka Springs is a fun little town that has spas and a large art community.

Anonymous said...

Pennsylvania rocks -- especially in the summer!

Presque Isle State Park, blue moon ice cream, free concerts at the beach, free concerts on the waterfront, street parties. Parties everywhere, frankly.

Anonymous said...

I live in Louisville KY and I have to say it is really nice here. It is apparent that the state tries to keep everything looking beautiful with lots of greenspace, even in and near the city.

Even though Louisville is in the top 10 of the largest US cities it feels much smaller than that because everyone is very nice here. Here its not 6 degrees of seperation but 3-4. But at the same time no one is nosy about your business like a small town.

Kentucky has the only Moonbow in the western hemisphere. At certain times of the month you can go there and see the moonbow very clearly. It is in a beautiful park so it is a great getaway.

Unknown said...

CA has so many cool places to visit...one of my favorite place is Lake Tahoe...the 72 mile drive around the lake is absolutely beautiful!

Cheryl Houston said...

It's still anyones game here. It's so exciting watching all of you comment on your states! I just want to add that we, as all Americans, are so lucky to live in the US. I'm so thankful to have the opportunities that I have here.

Even though I don't want Texas to win so Claudia and I can go somewhere with a change of scenery I have to vote for Texas because I absolutely love it here. I love the hot, hot summers and the mild, mild winters. I love that I can wear sandles almost all year long. I love that I don't need a big bulky coat in the winter. I love the rivers and the beaches and the hill country. I love the cities here- Austin, Houston, San Antonio, DFW, Corpus Christi. I love the people. It's home and I guess that's why I love it most.

Anonymous said...

I'll go with my home state...PA!
There is a lot to do and see during all four great seasons. I would
start with the Peninsula in Erie and probably stop and see the new Mrs.
Johnson because she can bake a mean cake/cookies...just let her know
what you like:) Then I would recommend checking out some other things
that people have already mentioned.

Anonymous said...

I already voted for IN, but can I also make a vote for KY...I only live 7 miles from KY into IN, and I go to school in KY (louisville!). eventually i might move from southern IN over to louisville. thunder over louisville, look it up people, its amazing!

Anonymous said...

I am voting for Louisville KY!
I have to tout a couple of cool items related to Louisville.
First and foremost Old Louisville, which is where I live. Every year there is the St. James art show, which is really cool.
One visiting KY must take in the events of derby and sample a mint julep.
We are also the home of the hot brown, which is pretty darn yummy.
Louisville has a great Arts scene and there is everything from Broadway, dance, opera, orchestra, and much much more.
-Patrick Englert

Anonymous said...

One the great things about Pennsylvania is the city of Pittsburgh and
the surrounding area. Many people who have never visited Pittsburgh
think about the dark, dirty steel town that it once was. Over the last
25 years Pittsburgh has transformed itself into the perfect blend of big
city with a real mid-western small town feel. We are home to the Andy
Warhol Museum (yes, he was a Pittsburgher), the Carnegie Museum of
Natural History (with one of the largest dinosaur collections in the
country), the Carnegie Science Center (an interactive center to engage
kids of all ages in science), and Kennywood Park ( a great old style
amusement park -- the Thunderbolt is consistently rated one of the best
wooden coasters in the country). We also offer world class cultural
activities including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh
Opera, the Pittsburgh Ballet and the Civic Light Opera. The urban
neighborhoods surrounding downtown Pittsburgh offer old world charm. My
favorite neighborhood is the Strip District. Imagine buying food
products from all over the world, shopping at funky art galleries,
eating in any number of different restaurants and hearing dozens of
languages being spoken, that's the Strip. In my travels all over the
world I have never encountered any neighborhood like it.

Outside of the city, you can find great outdoor activities in a variety
of state and local parks. There is amazing hiking at Moraine State Park
and McConnell's Mills. In the fall, the trees put on an incredible show
of color.

Last but not least, we are home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and
Pittsburgh Penguins. The town comes alive and everyone bleeds black and
gold during football & hockey seasons. There is probably not a better
sports town in the world then Pittsburgh with a great football stadium,
the best baseball stadium in the country and a new hockey arena on the
way. If you love sports it just doesn't get any better the "burgh.

I could go on & on about what a great place Pittsburgh, PA is but see
for yourself, come visit us!

Anonymous said...

Rollerblading and running the trails at Presque Isle in Erie, PA.

Riding the ferris wheel at Waldameer because you get to see basically all of Presque Isle and even Canada on a clear day.

"8 Great Tuesdays" are always fun as are concerts on the beach on Wednesday nights.

Sara's ice cream...but just before sunset!

Anonymous said...

TEXAS, who doesn't love the 103 degree days in the summer?

Anonymous said...

chaotic,
What is swap partner?
And I love the naked mail. They look cool!

Anonymous said...

How about those cyclone games in CONEY ISLAND. Coney Island another great amusement park and guess what else NEW YORK has ---- We have the ORIGINAL "NATHANS" in CONEY ISLAND we know NEW YORK is the best!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I missed both of "my states" Texas happened before I moved here and Kentucky happened after I moved out.
Can I cast a vote for KY though? Since Claudia and Cheryl are already in Texas so we get them everyday I want to vote for my fun hometown of Louisville.
What is great about there EVERYTHING! Especially all the fun people Cassie, Melanie, Patrick, Stacie and others who I miss dearly!

Anonymous said...

I was born in BROOKLYN, NY raised in ASTORIA, QUEENS until I was 5 yrs old and now i am in HICKSVILLE, LONG ISLAND can't beat that. I am a native NEW YORKER and I love it. LOVIN' NEW YORK. GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

GO NEW YORK YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NEW YORK METS and NEW YORK YANKEES!!!!!! It's all good it's all NEW YORK!!!! what more can you ask for!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow...a lot of love from both NY and PA. Maybe you, Claudia & Cheryl, should go visit both states...they ARE neighbors :)

I do have to give a shout-out to PA though! It's a wonderful, wonderful state. There are so many things to do across the state I don't even know where to begin.

Since a lot of people have listed places, I'll skip that and talk about the wonderful landscape. You've got everything from country to big city, from lakes to mountains. Driving across the state, or up and down the state, provides wonderful scenery.

Come check us out!

Brian K. Root said...

PENNSYLVANIA here

There are so many reasons to visit Pennsylvania.

I mean, the fact that we can lay claim to two of the best sandwiches in the U.S. - the Primanti's sandwich and the Philly Cheesesteak - is in itself worth the visit.

Anonymous said...

I grew up in PA and did both of my degrees here, I vote for PA !
The chocolate is good in Hershey!

Anonymous said...

new york has the best food like in little italy "the best italian food in new york", chinatown can't beat their chinese food, soho, the village sooooo much to do in NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK ONE HECK OF TOWN goooooooooooo new york!!!!!!!!!! i HAVE BEEN TO ALMOST ALL THE RESTAURANTS AND DINERS I AM PRACTICALLY A FOOD CRITIC AND YOU CAN'T BEAT NEW YORK FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

BORN IN AND RAISED IN NEW YORK AND I WOULDN'T LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE. BORN IN HARLEM AND RAISED IN THE BRONX BACK IN THE DAY. I HAVE BEEN JUST ABOUT ALL OVER NEW YORK CITY AND NEW YORK STATE VACATIONING DURING MY LIFE TIME AND I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IF I COULD.!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

PA is the place to be vote for me!

Anonymous said...

PA from Philly to Pittsburgh from the Poconos to Harrisburg Pennsylvania wants Claudia to come visit

Anonymous said...

I just love new york. broadway lights, shows, stores, madison square garden, beaches, museums, empire state building, the intrepid, just a most wonderful place to live.

Anonymous said...

Have you ever had a Philly Cheesesteak? If the answer is yes then you know that PA has to win!

Anonymous said...

Pittsburgh is such an international city and Claudia has traveled all over the world so she would feel right at home in PA, we vote for PA

Anonymous said...

The weather is great in California and theres so much to see here. Another vote for CA!

Anonymous said...

What do the rules say about ANONYMOUS posts? It seems only votes where a specific name is entered at the end should count...or ones with sign-in names. Otherwise...how is it possible to tell who posted? Not that there would ever be any HIGHLOWAHA cheating. The stakes are high!

Anonymous said...

PA all the way baby!!

Unknown said...

There is pretty much something for everyone in California. In fact, I challenge anyone name something that can't be found in Cali! (something general, of course we won't have the Eiffel Tower here).

Brad & Tarrah said...

CALIFORNIA!

WE HAVE SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY & QUYNH! :)

Anonymous said...

PA, PA, PA!! Does that only count for 1 vote?? I know, fair is fair.
Hope Claudia gets to visit this awesome state!!

Anonymous said...

There is nowhere like NYC at Christmas time. Rockefellar Center is so much fun. You can see that largest tree you have ever seen and you can ice skate./ NY is so much fun.

Anonymous said...

PA is known for it's history, soft pretzels, Amish country, Philly cheese steaks, Ben Franklin and William Penn...just to name a few.

PA is my vote!!

CONNIE O. said...

I think NY is the best state to live in. I have lived in several states across the country. I raise my kids here because it is the most diverse state. It is a home for everyone. Where else could you get ice cream after midnight?

Anonymous said...

Upstate New York is beautiful in the fall. I love to go just to look at the foliage. The mountains are so serene. It is my favorite time of year in New York. I also love the food in New York. Some of the worlds finest restaurants are in Manhattan.

Anonymous said...

Go NY Go Giants "Super Bowl Champs"!!!

Anonymous said...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, NEW YORK

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE VINEYARDS IN EAST HAMPTON? THEY SHOULD NOT BE MISSED!!!!

Anonymous said...

If you ask me I have to say New York has the best bagels and pizza. Its all in the water I have been told.

Anonymous said...

So many places so little time:

1. Fifth Avenue in Manhattan
2. NY Aquarium
3. Central Park
4. St. Patricks Cathedral
5. Montauk Lighthouse

Brittany O. said...

New York has to win. I love New York. I love going to the parks most. I also love going to the water park Splish Splash in Riverhead. I hope we go again this summer.

Anonymous said...

PA all the way!
I love Philly with all its history.

Anonymous said...

CA!! Beautiful mountains and beaches.

Brian K. Root said...

haha, kinda odd that we have all these anonymous posts