#63: The French Quarter (Page 634; 2nd Ed pg 796)

January, 2004: My friend, Lisa and I decided to head to New Orleans for a 3-day weekend. We found a good deal on air fare and neither of us had ever been, so why not?

The famous Cafe du Monde, located on the edge of the French Quarter and famous for it's beignets. It's a great place to soak in the sights, sounds and delicious smells of the city!
Verdict: Admittedly, this was pre-Katrina and I haven't been back post-Katrina, so I'm not entirely sure how much is in tact, but at least pre-Katrina, the French Quarter was fabulous and we loved it! The shops, restaurants and sensory images all around you were so fun!

#62: Superdawg (Page 628)

December 2007: We went to my hometown of Naperville, IL for Christmas and, in looking through my 1000 Places to See Before You Die book, I noticed there was something we could easily squeeze into my week home and get checked off my list: Superdawg!

Verdict: Didn't see what the big fuss was all about. Definitely something you don't need to experience before you die!

#61: Art Institute of Chicago (Page 624; 2nd Ed pg 785)

So, here's the thing. I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, so needless to say, I've seen the Art Institute dozens of times. However, the last time I was actually INSIDE the Art Institute was in High School, I believe. So, if I do have any pictures of it, I have no idea where they are. However, since my husband was just in Chicago a few weeks ago and hit up the Art Institute while he was there, I have pictures for my blog after all! Here is in in front of the lions outside the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue.

Seurat's famous pointillist work: Sunday on La Grande Jatte from 1884.

Grant Wood's American Gothic

Verdict: I remember studying the La Grande in school and being fascinated to see it in "real life." There are numerous very famous works here and it is a fabulous art museum. In fact, we recently went to "The Met" in NYC and my husband said he preferred the Art Institute to The Met. So, if you're an Art Lover, don't miss the Art Institute of Chicago!

Note:  This is no longer a separate entry in the 2nd Edition.  It is simply listed as one of the attractions under "Chicago."  And I can see why.  Chicago is simply a must do before you die experience as a whole.  And this museum, among many other sites, attractions, restaurants etc all rolled into one is the Chicago experience.  

#60: Oahu (Page 618; 2nd Ed pg 775)

I have been to Oahu 3 times: January 2002, January 2006 and September 2006. These pictures are all from the September 2006 trip. Highlights of the trip were the Polynesian Cultural Center, which has natives from many of the islands in the South Pacific demonstrating what is unique to their country. Top off the day with a luau and fabulous show! They do a great job!
Pearl Harbor

Ocean Front Dining

And the North Shore!

Verdict: Hawaii is one of the most fabulous places on Earth, in my opinion and Oahu has a lot to offer. The above are my favorites. However, Waikiki is totally overrated. You don't feel like you're on an island; you just feel like you're in a city by a beach. And the beach is my least favorite of any beach I've been to on any of the Hawaiian islands - rocky and crowded. So, spend a day at Waikiki to see what all the fame and fuss is about, but don't stay there for the week. If you're going to stay in Oahu for more than a day or two, my suggestion is to stay on the beautiful North Shore.

#59: Maui (Page 617; 2nd Ed pg 770)

January and September 2006: Maui. I've been to Maui twice and both visits were in 2006. It was a good year! One of my favorite things we did during our January visit was Whale Watching, which wasn't going on during our September visit, so I'm glad we were able to do that.
Road to Hana. Everybody's got to do this once. And why not do it in style.... rent a convertible!

Here I am with my sister at one of our first stops on the Road to Hana. We had fun jumping into this waterfall. But it was cold!

One of the many beautiful sights....

"Halfway to Hana" is the name of this stop and they have the best shaved ice! In fact, I consider it a highlight and necessary stop on The Road.

Round 2: In September, we traveled "The Road" again with my brother and his wife. She had driven to Hana before and knew about this beautiful black sand beach.

And we visited the grave sight of one of my favorite people, Charles Lindbergh. As you can see, I'm pregnant on Trip Two. So, now I can tell my first born, Lacey, that she's been to Hawaii and loved it!

Verdict: One of the things I don't have pictured here is Kaanapali, which is one of my favorite spots on Maui - great snorkeling, swimming and beach. I LOVE Maui! And yes, it is a must-do before you die! Kaanapali, whale watching and other Maui sights are something I could do over and over again. But the Road to Hana.... do it once and call it good!