Around the USA

A must-visit stop for every fan of baseball. The Museum gives you a chance to learn more about the game we love, while surrounded by images of -- and bats once used by -- some of the most legendary figures to ever step inside a batter's box (think Ruth & Mantle, among others). The Factory (there are public tours available) gives you a chance to see firsthand how the bats are made for the stars of today and tomorrow. Even if you have never played or watched the game, it is a fascinating place to visit. You will still appreciate the Willy Wonka-esque experience of seeing something special created right before your eyes. - WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

With a mountain-filled backdrop straight out of a postcard, one is not entirely sure what to expect when entering the tunnel that descends into the Cave of the Winds.  It does not take long, however, to figure out that it surpasses whatever those expectations may be.   Led by an experienced tour guide, visitors have a chance to explore this more than 100-year-old cave that descends 80 feet below the surface -- and learn a great deal in the process.  It is an especially valuable, real-life way to introduce students to the wondrous abilities of Mother Nature and spur their interest in fields like geology.  When you visit Colorado, the mountains are a must-see...but they are even more appreciated if you start your visit from the ground up.  (Make that 80 feet below the ground).  -- WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

If one wonders about the true appreciation that St. Louis natives (and others) have for this iconic location, all one needs to do is wear one of TD's trademark yellow shirts just about anywhere else in the country.  People will smile, wave and even honk horns at the familiar reminder of this well-known spot.  Particularly popular when the weather heats up and everybody in town is excited about the Cardinals' shot at the pennant,  Ted Drewes' frozen custard comes in just about every flavor (and combination of flavors) imaginable.  Given its popularity, you may well find yourself waiting in a short line before you can place your order -- and that's a good thing.  The line at Ted Drewes is a place where people of all stripes and backgrounds congregate around a shared interest.  And their conversations while waiting oftentimes lead them to realize they have other things in common, too -- above and beyond frozen custard and their beloved Cardinals, In the process, Ted Drewes does more than just satisfy their custard craving. It brings a community that much closer together. -- WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

Consider this less of a review and more of a scavenger hunt -- with a sweetly discreet reward at the end. Here are the instructions: Go to Maui with your significant other. Take a taxi to Ka'anapali Beach. Check into the Hyatt Regency Maui. Change into a bathing suit. Head down to the pool (it's a half-acre in size - not too hard to find). Get in. Look for the waterfalls. Swim into the cave in between them. Find the underwater secret hole on the ocean's side of the cave's wall. Take a deep breath, swim into the hole and come up in the secret hideaway for two. Just remember: (1) Be careful when you do it, and (2) At some point, sadly, you do have to leave the hideaway and come back to reality. Of course, you are in Maui. Reality is still pretty good." - www.WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

With venues stretching across the United States -- from Las Vegas to New York and points in between -- as well as others around the globe, Blue Man Group has proven that walking to the beat of a different drum (and pounding that drum with sticks while dressed in black and covered in paint) can electrify and entertain people of all races, cultures and backgrounds.  A performance absent any dialogue, Blue Man Group personifies that popular philosophy -- actions speak louder than words. And it's hard to imagine better seats than the 20th row -- close enough to see and experience every little movement, but far enough to ensure you don't need a poncho to stay dry!    -- WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

THE SKY

A match made in country music heaven, these two married stars know how to put on a concert the whole family can attend.    And make no mistake, as popular as they are among the country faithful, Tim & Faith -- long ago -- transcended that label and struck a chord with diverse audiences around the country, evidenced by collaborations such as the one between McGraw and hip-hop star, Nellie. Still, as much as their concerts leave the fans by the thousands going home happy, there are few things quite like hearing them play in a private informal environment.  Before many of their large concerts, they put on a private show of sorts backstage for sponsors and friends.  A chance for them to warm up a bit, and a chance for a select few to eavesdrop as they do.  Tim playing with his dog in between songs, Faith laughing with the guys in the band, one comes to realize they not only have a special talent -- but truly, truly love what they do...and the people with whom they have spent their lives doing it. The surest sign?  Virtually everyone in the crew who joins them on the road has been doing so for at least a dozen years. - WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

There is nothing quite like being present when a world-class artist like pianist Julius Drake spends 45 minutes honing his craft, in advance of a Celebrity Series of Boston recital later that evening --- especially when that rehearsal is taking place in Jordan Hall.  Found at the New England Conservatory of Music, Jordan Hall is a 1000+ seat concert hall, a National Historic Landmark, and considered one of the world's most acoustically perfect performance spaces.  Its events include the Celebrity Series (whose past performances have featured the likes of the Joffrey Ballet, Yo-Yo Ma and Luciano Pavarotti). When Drake begins to practice and the sounds rise up into the massive space around him, everything else stops.  There are no phone calls to make, no emails to return, no planes to catch.  There is, simply, his music.  The result of an incredible gift, years of refining it, and the perfect stage from which to share it. - www.WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

Readers are being given a chance to submit American entries for consideration as one of the WorldsGreatestPlaces.  Want to submit one of your own?  Email the photo, your name, the name and location of the place, and the reason why your favorite Place is one of the WorldsGreatestPlaces in 50 words or less.  Please be sure to read Terms of Use page before doing so. 

More than any other city in the United States, New Orleans embodies a unique culture. While the culture is on display all year long, Mardi Gras is the ultimate New Orleans experience. Filled with amazing food, music and fun, it is the perfect get together for a group of friends. The locals are some of the friendliest people and their passion to remain there despite the hurricanes they endured and may endure speaks to the city's greatness."  - Josh, Maryland

There is no better time in our nation's capital than early spring when the cherry blossoms arrive. For visitors, it's often hard to predict when the blossoms will arrive. They are temperamental and only last about a week. However, if you can be there at that time, you will not regret it. When the blossoms are out, it looks as though you are walking through a pink cloud..." -- Meaghan, Washington DC

Where better to enjoy the taste of local grapes that sitting on the lawn of the home of one of our founding fathers. At Mt. Vernon, former home of George Washington, there was the semi-annual wine festival where local vineyards bring the fruits of their labors for a tasting. On a mid October evening, locals gather to enjoy the view, the company, and the wine of local vineyards. If you are lucky, there may even be a visit from George and Martha.  - MH

If one wanted to experience the ultimate paradise, they would have to look no farther. With a slight breeze in the air and the waves splashing up on the rocks, the feeling is surreal. The reflection of the sunset on the water is breathtaking. In the distance are the shadows of the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Turtles are also a frequent friend of the water below the rocks. When the waves are very calm, the turtles will poke their heads out of the water very close to people. The rocks can be a place of pure intimacy, or a friendly gathering for friends and family. The true beauty is not to be missed by any Maui vacationer!

THE GREAT ROOM at THE TOP OF THE HILL on DUKE-UNC BASKETBALL NIGHT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

There are few places in the world of sport that can compare to the historic home of the Boston Red Sox.   And there are few experiences quite like the chance to walk around its outfield when nobody else is around.  On a winter day, with tens of thousands of empty seats patiently awaiting spring to arrive, you will see a falling snowflake and imagine it is a Yankee fastball sailing over the Green Monster. You will hear the howling wind and swear you have heard the roar of the Fenway Park crowd from seasons past. - www.WorldsGreatestPlaces.com