Why visit 1 great city when you can visit 2? And the Mall of America is almost like adding a third.

It’s not exaggerating when Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and all those lakes mean plenty of outdoor activity and small, charming towns.

Detroit hasn't exactly enjoyed a welcoming reputation over the years. Though still gritty, today, Detroit is a growing hub for artists and entrepreneurs, and visitors can explore its past on an architectural walking tour or at the Henry Ford and Motown museums.

It’s possible that just being in Connecticut will make you smarter. The New England haven, while small, is rich in history and academia. When your mind needs a break, drive aimlessly through the scenic hills, go antiquing in one of many charming villages, or indulge in another kind of vintage on the Connecticut Wine Trail.

Sure, Iowa has notorious presidential caucuses, world-class fishing along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, famed public golf courses and the artsy town of Iowa City. But the state's biggest claim to fame is its cornfields.