During my childhood I was lucky enough to explore the country not once but twice. Once in Fifth Grade where we explored the upper half of the country. Last time in Ninth grade exploring the bottom half of the country. If I ever had the opportunity, I would love to explore some places again. These are my top 10 favorite places.

10. THE GRAND CANYON

Now most people just say, “it’s just a hole in the ground.” Well, yeah it is. When we first got there it was five in the morning and there was no one in the park but us. To watch the sunrise over a place like that is truly breath taking. You never appreciate something so truly beautiful until you witness it first hand.

9. Yellowstone National Park

Now this place is huge! We drove through miles and miles of this park in our little travel trailer. Saw Old Faithful and lots of bison. In the middle of summer it is cold the higher you go (obviously) and lots of open fields. However, you can see so many different kinds of wildlife. You see the colors of the rainbow in the sulfur springs. You can even soak yourself in your own hot springs. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

8. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Now this is like a desert without the heat. My brother and I climbed 3 miles to the top and slid down each dune to the little river at the bottom. For the adventurer it is pretty cool place.

7. National Softball Hall of Fame

Any girl who has ever played or watched college softball, this is your dream. Home to the Women's College World Series this is a place to see. Whether exploring the gift shop, walking through the hall of fame, or catching a softball game, I am already picking my time to go back.

6.Appomattox Court House

Now this is for all you history buffs out there. This is the house where the document was signed that ended the Civil War. If you enjoy any kind of history like me, you will truly enjoy this little piece of American History.

5. The Pacific Coast

My brief experience was standing in the ocean taking in the scenery during a family reunion in Oregon. I want to spend more time on the West Coast. See the ocean and sites. I've never been to California before, but the Pacific Coast is somewhere I'd like to go back to.

4. Blue Ridge Parkway

I drove through the Blue Ridge Mountains as I moved down to South Carolina. It is a trek, but man are they beautiful. As a family we have driven through them once before. We did the college road trip my sophomore year of high school. I fell in love with the scenery. My photographers out there would too.

3. Fryeburg Fair in Fryeburg, Maine

I am not a huge fan of the cold, but if you are up north in October, the Fryeburg Fair is definitely the place to see. It is huge! There are so many things to see, treasures to buy and delicious food to eat. They have their own horse racing if you're into gambling. They have rides for every thrill seeker and so many cute animals. If you have anyone in your family under ten and would like a pig, you have the opportunity to also catch your own. Our family camped a few miles down the road. It was great family fun, but not for the average tenter.

2. Masons Island Mystic, Connecticut

This place hits very close to home. I lived about a half hour away, but worked for six years right in Mystic. During the summer it is a true tourist trap. There are restaurants, shops and hotels all along the water, but look at that view. I was lucky enough to work by the beach, and before each shift I would sit on a bench along the water and take the sights, smells, sounds. It was a little time away from reality when things were a little tough. Something anyone would appreciate.

AND OF COURSE

1. Disney World

I will forever be a Disney kid. This past may our family of eleven crammed into a 3 bedroom condo and spent a week together. I'll be the first person to tell you it wasn't easy. Once you pass the welcome sign your mindset completely changes. You have the wonder and excitement you remember having when you were little. You looked forward to riding the Haunted Mansion ride and getting soaked on Splash Mountain. If you're lucky enough don't ever visit this place once.

I'm always one that looks for adventure. If you're someone like me, these places would definitely fill that void.