Around the USA

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY - Louisville, Kentucky:    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

CAVE OF THE WINDS  - Colorado Springs, CO:   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

IN LINE at TED DREWES FROZEN CUSTARD - St. Louis, MO:   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,  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

HIDDEN HIDEAWAY IN HAWAII: 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

20th ROW at a PERFORMANCE by BLUE MAN GROUP:    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:    Any list of the greatest places in the world would not be complete without The Sky.   And there's no greater way to truly appreciate being 12,000 feet above the ground until you jump from it. Skydiving is, perhaps, the closest feeling a human being can experience to actual flight.   It's also an unforgettable way to bond with some friends if you make it a group activity.  Having said that...unless you want your first jump to be your last...it's essential to sign up with a company that knows what they're doing.  We went with Skydive Midwest (www.SkydiveMidwest.com).  As first-timers, our jumps were 'tandem' -- each of us attached to an instructor who has jumped regularly -- in some cases, for as many as 25 years.   By the time we went through the training session, met our assigned Tandem partner/instructor, had been shown the ropes and boarded the plane, the nerves had been replaced by excitement and a rush of adrenaline.  The rest of the day was filled with laughs and jokes and good times -- our primary responsibilities were to follow some easy instructions, suit up, and enjoy the ride of a lifetime.   [Editor's Note: If you want to do it...make sure it's okay to do in your individual case...and if you do take the leap, it's highly recommended you consider spending extra to get the jump documented by video and photo - a service offered by a place like Skydive Midwest.  As you can see, the images can be as memorable as the experience.]  -- WorldsGreatestPlaces.com

BACKSTAGE with TIM McGRAW & FAITH HILL AND THEIR CREW (United Center - Chicago, IL) :   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

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THE FRENCH QUARTER DURING MARDI GRAS - New Orleans, Louisiana:  "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

STANDING AMONG THE TREES DURING CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON (Washington D.C.):  "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

MT. VERNON: 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

SITTING ON THE ROCKS OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN - KAPALUA, MAUI