Around 2019, Tom and I decided we wanted to visit a new state every year. I got the idea from a coworker. She was in my cube talking about something and randomly said her grandparents visit a new state each year on their anniversary. I loved that idea, and since we didn't have kids yet, and at that point we weren't planning to, I thought it would be a great goal for us.
But then, covid hit. And then, we got pregnant and had Zack. The year we found out we were pregnant we HAD been planning to go to Arizona. But I decided flying to a state we didn't know, in really hot weather, WHILE being 6 months pregnant was not the best choice.
So...let's dive in
Why are we doing this?
Tom grew up in Japan and Hawaii. He didn't move to Michigan until he was a teenager, and has not seen a lot of the United States. I grew up basically going two places for our family vacations- either Fort Walton Beach, FL (more on that in a minute), or Northern Michigan. Oh, and Cedar Point. I have gone to a handful of other states by chance, mostly for work though, and not able to see a lot of those states. Also, one of our favorite things to do as a couple is to explore downtown areas- ESPECIALLY if there are little small towns with unique offerings.
What states HAVE we visited?
We visited Illinois when we were dating, and were able to spend time with my friend Alicia. Although that was years before we decided to do this trek, I'm still counting it. I'm sure we will take Zack to Chicago for a long weekend at some point.
We've been to Florida three times now. Once, for our honeymoon. We took a trip to Fort Walton Beach, FL. This is the place I grew up going to every spring break. It has a deep history within my family- my dad's family had been going there since he was 2. He and my mom met there, when she was on a spring break trip with friends and he was there with his family. Every single year around Easter, my family packed up and drove to Fort Walton. I think I know the route by heart. Tom and I LOVED our honeymoon there- we went during the "off season".
We also randomly went to Disney World in 2018. I say random because we had no intention of going to DIsney. It just so happened Tom was supposed to have a work training in Orlando on Disney property. Since neither of us had never been to Disney World before, we took the opportunity to plan a trip. Tom ended up leaving that job before the conference- but our trip was all planned so we went anyways, and were able to see every single park. We had a BLAST. I am so glad we were able to have that experience before having a kid. I am a huge Disney fan and I truly just let myself enjoy every dorky moment.
Our last trip to Florida was spring 2023- we brought Zack to Fort Walton Beach to have a vacation with the rest of my family. I was reluctant at first because I really wanted to get going on our other states, but, also wasn't sure when we'd have the chance again to go with my family. We had so much fun and it was very special to show Zack my very special place.
We have also been to Indiana-actually now I've personally been there more times than I can count. During Covid times, Tom and I spent some time in Indy. It was an easy place to travel to. We wore masks a lot of the trip and were very aware of social distancing. Indy is a cool city, and we also explored a lot of small towns around Indy.
In September 2022, we visited Tennessee. This was sort of the official new state we visited as a family. It wasn't new for me, I've had been to Nashville many times. But it was new for Tom and of course new for Zack. It was a great trip- we did some of the traditional touristy things but also some unqiue to us things. And, as a bonus, I got to see my pals Melinda and Kate.
And lastly, we've been to Ohio. In 2021, for Tom's birthday weekend and to knock off another state off our list, we visited Ohio. We went to the Toledo Zoo, and a few of the downtown areas near Toledo. I legit cannot find any photo evidence. We also went to Hocking Hills last fall. I also have zero pictures of this but here's Zack at our Airbnb.
Do we have any traditions or must do's?
I always like to find a local coffee shop and try one of their signature lattes. We also like to find bookstores and comic bookstores. Finally, we try to get an ornament from every state we visit. I am planning to get a small tableside Christmas tree where we can display all of our state ornaments.
How do we decide where to go?
Well, again, Covid and Zack have changed things. We probably would have visited some cooler, further away states by now. We had decided a few things early on- like, Alaska would probably be a cruise, and we wouldn't do that until we were older. That Hawaii would be a big expense and maybe we'd do it for a milestone anniversary. And now, we have other things to consider, like- do we want to fly with all the gear we have to bring for Zack? If we drive, how long of a car ride can he handle? What states would be better when he's older? (New York and California fall into this category). Etc. After this year's trip, what we will probably do is put all the states that are "eligible" in a random spinner on the internet and let fate decide.
Speaking of "after this year", where are you going this year?
Wisconsin! We're going to the Milwaukee area in a few weeks. I have been to Madison before, but very briefly. It's about a 6 hour drive so very doable, we're near the water, and our Airbnb has everything we need for a toddler. We are looking forward to it and I have gotten a lot of recommendations from co-workers that live there.
How are you going to see ALL that a state has to offer?
I mean the real answer is we're probably not going to. Some of the states are so vast and dense. Others, like Texas or California, have several big cities and we're going to have to decie which city we want to spend time in. MAYBE we'll get to other ones too, but with Zack in tow and unsure what our method of transportation will be, it may not be possible. But that's okay. The goal is to have fun and see as much of the US as we can.
Since you've been to Florida three times now, are you going back?
Yes. I never got to go to Disney World as a kid and I really want to bring Zack and see it through his eyes. We're going to go in 2027, when it's our 10 year anniversary. Tom and I both happen to also turn 40 that year, and Zack will be 6 come December 2021. I am unsure what time of year we will go, but thinking the fall, just before he turns 6. But after THAT? We'll see. I can't imagine never going back to Fort Walton again.
And now for some rapid fire questions...
Favorite Airbnb/Condo
We both agree that the Indy Airbnb was the best! It was right on the canal which was fun to walk around, super clean Airbnb inside a swanky apartment building.
Favorite meal
Megan: Bru Burger in Indy. It's been 4 years and I am still thinking about it.
Tom: the Hawaiian food place in Fort Walton (Maui Bus Stop!)
Zack "Happy"
Favorite thing we've done/seen
Megan: I mean...all of Disney World. But I also adore Franklin, TN.
Tom: Indiana was interesting because of Covid, but I like just seeing all of the other states. Downtown Nashville was cool with all the music. Just walking around and exploring all the states.
Zack: "food"
Favorite state overall, so far
Megan: I guess I have to say Florida but I don't want to because I dislike their Governor.
Tom: Pre Zack, it was Indiana- liked the overall experience. With Zack, it was Florida.
Zack: Florida (he really did say that)
State we're looking forward to most:
Megan: Maine
Tom: New York
Zack: Utah ( I started listing a bunch of states and he repeated this one, so we're going with it
We are excited for many more adventures to come!
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