Central United States

Travel Guide

the old abandoned "gingerbread house" in carter county, ky.
the old abandoned "gingerbread house" in carter county, ky.
Every time I pass by this place I say I need to stop. The last time I did the gate was closed and locked, so I couldn't get inside, but this time the gate was open. You can see it from the expressway. It used to be a gas station and fireworks store, but now it is just an empty lot with a couple old ferris wheels and other carnival equipment. It is very eerie and beautiful though, if you see it I'd stop and walk around a minute.
Amazing waterfall with a blue hole for swimming located near Stone Door in Gulf Savage State Park. Nice hike but was a little tricky after a recent ice storm. Hike a little further up and there's another set of falls and a swinging bridge. All this found in the Cumberland Gap in TN, believed to be created from a meteor a bazillion years or so ago!
The Gateway Arch, or the St. Luis arch to the West. Part of the Jefferson National Memorial. The observation deck is 630 feet up and is the tallest manmade monument in the United States. It opened in 1967 and you could either walk to the top or take a very interesting elevator to the top, small capsules that fit five people and zig zag their way to the top in four minutes. As I drove into St. Luis it can be seen above the horizon and because it is stainless steel shines bright as you come in. To anyone who can, I would say go, Seeing it in person it is immense! When seeing it form a distance it doesn't really look that big, but up close, looking straight up to the top it is incredible!

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Where to stay in Central United States

Downtown Chicago showing a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views, and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Downtown Nashville which includes a city, a sunset and boating

Downtown Nashville

4/5(5,801 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and great live music are just a few highlights of Downtown Nashville. Make a stop by Broadway or Nissan Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Nashville
Vibrant atmosphere in the French Quarter showcasing culture and community on a sunny day

French Quarter

4.5/5(9,221 area reviews)

Historic buildings and lively atmosphere entice tourists and locals alike, offering live music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. Must-see spots include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Café du Monde.

French Quarter
Illuminated paths and modern buildings create a vibrant atmosphere at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas during the evening

Downtown Houston

4.5/5(2,300 area reviews)

Largest central business district in Texas, this area boasts major league sports venues, a vibrant Theater District, and shopping options like GreenStreet. Easily navigate with public transportation options like METRORail and bus lines.

Downtown Houston
Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative buidling

Downtown Austin

4/5(3,367 area reviews)

Central business district with high-rise buildings, Downtown Austin offers shopping at Second Street District and Sixth Street, art at Contemporary Austin Jones Center, and sights like Texas State Capitol. Accessible via Capital MetroRail.

Downtown Austin
United States of America featuring a bay or harbor, landscape views and a city

Downtown Detroit

4/5(1,947 area reviews)

Central business district meets residential area, Downtown Detroit boasts historic architecture, skyscrapers, and parks. Explore attractions like Campus Martius Park, Fox Theatre, and Detroit Riverwalk, with convenient transport options nearby.

Downtown Detroit
See our Where To Stay guide
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
$101 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
$118 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,894 reviews)
We mainly go to Chicago for medical appointments and it is *so awesome* that you can actually open the windows here.That is the main reason we chose it. Because Dad has cancer we aired it out and then ran our own air purifier. No bad smells or anything, we're just being cautious because of his health. ...

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
$137 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
$161 total
Mar 4 - Mar 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,425 reviews)
Tudo impecável

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria

4 out of 5
5353 Westheimer Rd Houston TX
$118 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
$138 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Houston. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,431 reviews)
The customer service of Michael. Very polite and courteous.

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria
See all 304,922 properties in Central United States
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street Houston TX
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,911 reviews)
Fantastic all around

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Waterfront Lodge - Bowling, Pool, Mtn Views

Waterfront Lodge - Bowling, Pool, Mtn Views

Sevierville TN
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Sevierville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Ober Mountain and Next ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
The host was very welcoming. We had a last minute issue come up and they were very responsive and worked with us on our scheduling.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Waterfront Lodge - Bowling, Pool, Mtn Views
Cubs Corner 2BR w/3 bunks/playground

Cubs Corner 2BR w/3 bunks/playground

Broken Bow OK
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Broken Bow. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Broken Bow Lake and Beavers ...
10/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
Perfect size and location!

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Cubs Corner 2BR w/3 bunks/playground
See all properties in Central United States
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

River Walk featuring night scenes and a river or creek

River Walk

When you visit San Antonio, this neighborhood will keep you entertained for days, from morning coffee to an evening theater performance.

River Walk
Dollywood which includes signage and rides

Dollywood

This amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton lures fans with its roller coasters and children’s rides, museums and live music and theater shows.

Dollywood
Wrigley Field featuring cbd, a sporting event and a city

Wrigley Field

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
The twisted maze of roller coaster track inside the massive Mall Of America unintentionally symbolizes the crazy American "buy an spend" zeitgeist.

Mall of America

You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Mall of America, a favorite shopping spot in Bloomington. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Mall of America
Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Vibrant atmosphere of Bourbon Street with shops, crowds, and greenery in New Orleans

Bourbon Street

The birthplace of jazz is a vibrant city boulevard where the history and music of New Orleans comes to life.

Bourbon Street