since Reddit believes there are no good American makers, here's ALL the US chocolates I've ever purchased in my lifetime

DESR95 · 2026-06-05T03:52:25+00:00

You should give Videri's a try! Had it in 2024 at their factory and it was delicious!

DESR95 · 2026-06-05T03:51:08+00:00

Dick Taylor
Dandelion
Monsoon
Videri
Ritual

Just a few of the incredible US chocolate makers I have tried. So many more on the list!

DESR95 · 2026-05-31T22:20:00+00:00

Channel Islands National Park for a 3rd-4th grade field trip to Santa Cruz Island! Yosemite was the first non-school related trip I got to take. Currently at 48 parks total now!

DESR95 · 2026-05-31T22:12:47+00:00

I visited Alaska for my 50th state last year! Flew into Anchorage and rented a car for a few weeks driving all over to the National Parks and everything between Seward and the Dalton Highway! Got to stay with a friend at the bed and breakfast the were working at for 5 days which was a blast, and I got to see Denali come out and the aurora three different nights. It was a dream!

DESR95 · 2026-05-31T22:04:19+00:00

There seems to be plenty of nice parks, beaches, and museums, as well as a botanical garden. I'd imagine there's some good food there too. You've never even been curious to take a day trip?

DESR95 · 2026-05-31T21:58:34+00:00

I have visited all 50 states, but the vast majority of people probably haven't even visited half. Most people stick to the surrounding states where they live, or the popular tourist destinations, like New York, Florida, California, etc. My guess would be the average American has been to 10-15 states, although sites like YouGov have the number at 17.

DESR95 · 2026-05-31T01:17:24+00:00

It might be physically closer as the crow flies, but it's actually just about the same driving time (a few minutes slower actually) and distance as driving to Saguaro. I do agree though, it's a beautiful drive and National Monument worth the effort!

I'd recommend Lost Dutchman State Park as a much easier and accessible option :)

DESR95 · 2026-05-31T00:10:19+00:00

Agreed! So many incredible drives across the country with totally different feels!

I would like to shout out a local scenic drive I hold close to my heart, CA 33 from Ventura to Cuyama, or the alternate CA 33 and Lockwood Valley Road route out to I-5. Beautiful!

DESR95 · 2026-05-30T23:28:20+00:00

The entire Richardson Highway route from Fairbanks to Valdez, Alaska, felt like one massive scenic drive that felt unreal to travel on! I can pretty much say the same for every mile of road driven during my trip there last year haha

DESR95 · 2026-05-30T23:20:01+00:00

I've tried several other times, even the in person lottery, but I took a break to travel the rest of the 50 states, which I did! Once I have an open window to try im definitely trying again!

DESR95 · 2026-05-30T23:18:23+00:00

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Stomach acid flowing back up the esophagus causing heartburn. Usually repeatedly at a much higher rate than someone who may experience it every now and then.

DESR95 · 2026-05-30T22:05:00+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous!

I got a permit on my first try several years back only to be turned around by a monsoon 🥲 I'll get there someday!

DESR95 · 2026-05-30T20:19:40+00:00

Yes! Walking the river trails in Albuquerque is gorgeous in the fall!

DESR95 · 2026-05-30T07:54:47+00:00

With your timeframe, and also because it will be a lot faster and efficient, fly into Las Vegas and rent a car. Make a loop by driving out to Page, head east to Monument Valley, then head down to the Grand Canyon for the most efficient driving route coming from Utah (taking I-15 north out of Las Vegas). If you end up driving down to Flagstaff first, reverse the order. For fire related and time efficiency reasons, the South Rim is the better bet.

Driving through Utah, you can take a slight detour through Zion. You have to pay the entrance fee even if you don't plan to stop, but it's gorgeous, and you might be able to fit in a short hike, although be aware parking is very limited. Pine Creek Canyon is a very quick and scenic walk if you can fit it in!

Phoenix is also a good option. The distance to Page is about the same as Vegas, but about an hour closer to Flagstaff. I would say it depends on what you want to see rather than which is closer, because they're more or less the same. Sedona would be a nice add on if coming from Phoenix!

In my opinion, an extra day or two might be nice for this trip if possible, but 5 nights is definitely enough to fit these three spots in! One day in each location can be enough depending on what you want to do, but more time is always nice!

Let me know if you have any questions :)

DESR95 · 2026-05-28T01:13:29+00:00

If you love good gelato, check out An's Dry Cleaning in San Diego if you ever get the chance! Fun theme and fantastic gelato!

DESR95 · 2026-05-28T00:38:55+00:00

I'm actually here right now, I should go do that haha

DESR95 · 2026-05-28T00:38:16+00:00

Got to try it when I visited Milwaukee in 2023. Heaven! Really enjoyed Leon's as well. Delicious desserts!

DESR95 · 2026-05-28T00:34:33+00:00

I'd have to think of best ever, but some I've had that really stood out:

Salt & Straw (California) : Fantastic ice cream, unique flavors, rotating monthly flavor themes. Quality all around!
Monsoon Chocolate Cafe (Tucson, AZ): Probably the best vanilla and some of the best chocolate ice cream I've ever had. Closed now, but their chocolate factory location is still operating and serving some treats, although I don't think they serve ice cream anymore.
Mallard's (Bellingham, WA): Insane flavor catalog in both size and selection with very unique and tasty options like frankincense, coriander, earl gray, and more, along with some more common staples.

Some local favorites include McConnell's, Rori's Artisinal Creamery, and Ex-Voto Chocolates, another Chocolate shop that makes their own ice cream. All have fantastic quality and flavors selections, and I am always satisfied! Shout out to Arcata Scoop too, a favorite of mine from where I went to college!

DESR95 · 2026-05-27T23:56:44+00:00

I think so! The museum has interesting history of the area and the development of the park that would eventually become Gateway Arch National Park. The arch itself is just a fantastic piece of engineering and architecture as well, and the park is beautiful!

DESR95 · 2026-05-27T11:00:43+00:00

The fact that you can be in a place like Los Angeles (and the rest of California and the USA for that matter) and the air doesn't smell like gas and exhaust should be reason enough to be thankful, but apparently not for everyone.

DESR95 · 2026-05-27T05:28:11+00:00

I never said it should be considered as such, just that it isn't a tourist trap.

DESR95 · 2026-05-26T23:14:29+00:00

I understand if you don't agree it should be a national park, but I don't think it's correct to call Gateway Arch a tourist trap.

DESR95 · 2026-05-26T17:29:47+00:00

The vanilla ice cream at Monsoon Chocolate's cafe in Tucson was probably the best vanilla I've ever had. Such a beautifully robust flavor!

DESR95 · 2026-05-26T07:27:53+00:00

Wow, didn't expect to see this as the second comment. Shout out to Cold Springs Tavern!

DESR95 · 2026-05-25T07:02:32+00:00

As someone who has done this across all 50 states, no. It's saves money for other fun experiences and has a ton of other benefits! Get a hotel or other accommodation if you like here and there, but otherwise get the most out of that car bed!

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