As someone born, raised, and still lives in Iowa, I have to tell you, Iowa in August with the blue skies, puffy white clouds, tall green cornfields swaying in the wind, and red barns dotted across the landscape - one of the most beautiful places in the world!! Never believe the tourist ratings...all states have beauty, interesting places to visit, great food, and friendly people.
I used to unfairly assume flat no coasts, no cool sites. But I also hike in FL, so what do I know. Ive realized that every single state has its own awesome hidden natural gems. Some of them are more dramatic if elevation is at play. But its the secret spots that no one is at when you arrive that I like to find. There is a reason we have state and national parks. Whole damn country is beautiful.
Was born and grew up on the Olympic Peninsula in WA. High mountains, rain forests, waterfalls were all the norm for me. Now I live in NE Texas, and the land is much flatter, but I've found other things to appreciate. Texas wildflowers are without compare, the oak and pine groves are beautiful, and though the hills are small, they are still high enough to make hidden valleys whether it's forest or farms, it's very scenic. The sky is also so big.
Iowa has 1/10 of one percent of land that is still in its natural state. Its the most human altered state out of the 50 states. It basically consists of farms and a few cities. I attended Iowa State University and a staff member from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources came to a class I attended and discussed this issue with the class.
And that’s not mentioning the disaster that agriculture has done to the water in our state. We are currently experiencing a spike in cancer rates compared to other states… and the solution is to shut down the few water testing research facilities that we have.… the problem doesn’t exist if we stop looking at it
@@papervans this is something I think about often when driving through your state. I love the rolling hills but immediately worry about the run off from the farming. It would be amazing to see the land when native grasses occupied the space, instead of corn and soybeans. Also, NE Iowa is top notch in my opinion. Maquoketa Caves is amazing.
Truckers seem to complain about trucking, but many of them liked being on their own and hated coming into the same workplace every day. But low pay does not compensate for being away from family and friends.
@@timothykeith1367 For people like me, it's the perfect job. I had a lot of difficulty making new friends after dropping out of college. Always been a solo kinda guy. My options were either going to work manual labor, stocking grocery store shelves, or work in the same office day after day. As a road trip enthusiast, even living out of my truck bed for a few months, life on the road felt like home. These days, I drive trucks while taking online classes during my free time. Someday I'll leave trucking behind for electrical engineering (my true lifelong passion) but I'll never forget the memories I've made driving all over the US, delivering freight. I've been to every US state aside from Alaska. Wherever I go, I feel at home.
Wall Drug used to have signs all over the world with the distance to the place (I saw one in Amsterdam for instance). They might still have them, but I haven't seen any for a long time. Glad you spotlighted these states! I have family in all of them.
They're still all over in SD at least. Even going north to Sioux Falls (i.e. not in the direction of Wall Drug) there are tons of signs. I am somehow not surprised that they managed to get signs up all the way in Amsterdam
@@matthewbless3335 I haven't been to SD in many years. I'm not surprised that they still have bunches of signs up there. There's another called South of the Border in SC that used to have signs for miles along I-95. Still there, less signs these days (it's south of the NC-SC border). NOT as cool as Wall Drug by a long margin!
I saw them all the way through montana and indiana, i did a road trip from seattle to cincinatti 3 times and i always wondered what the wall drug looked like lol.
I just road tripped through SD last summer, and not only are the Wall Drug signs everywhere, you 'll see old firefighting vehicles for Firehouse Brewery in Rapid City.
One of the most awesome experiences of my life was crossing Nebraska at night in a thunderstorm. I grew up in California. The weather in California, though mostly very pleasant (before climate issues), is also BORING. Crossing Nebraska in the dark we had huge lightning bolts crashing all around us, all four sides. We almost never see lightning hit the ground in CA. Though there are places I have been that filled me with awe at the power of nature, nothing came close to equaling what I felt crossing Nebraska. Thank you for this reminder. Very much.
@@ArielStevens-i7d That depends on your definition of Tornado alley! Some definitions have Nebraska in it, and some definitions put Nebraska too far north.
Reminds me of climbing a radio tower when in high school with friends and a sudden tornado warning popped up. We immediately got off the tower and found ourselves outrunning a tornado which had touched down about a half mile away. Man, we were dumb in those days... but good times. Nebraska is great for the people who strike up conversation with strangers about anything everything or nothing, hole-in-the-wall bars, and of course the weather.
I’m always so impressed with how charitable Eva is in her reporting & interviews. In a world of violently partisan reporting, Eva is out there connecting, even with those coming from vastly different perspectives. In doing this she’s able to unlock our common humanity. Thank you, Eva.
Yes, Eva brings a wonderful perspective of innocence and pure joy to such interviews. As a person who has crossed the country, slowly, about six times, starting in 1979 (what I mean by slowly is that in 1980 I took six months, and in 1989 I took two months), I saw in her interview of the bar owner in SD further evidence of what I see as a pretty profound change in the American spirit. Specifically, a wariness, a mistrust, suspicion and general sense of fear of the other side of the political equation coming from what are generally down-to-earth, and traditionally non-political people. I noticed this for the first time in about 2012 but I'm sure it had been trending that way since before that. Now, it's almost impossible to not notice in the most mundane of conversations. If there is a typical source to attribute this to, I would say it's any media channel that relentlessly hammers a stream of grievance politics to its viewers and in the case of radio, it's listeners. When this type of invective is broadcast into every living room every night for more than 30 years years, then the very foundation of a given nation - it's people - can become deeply affected. I see it as a sort of social tragedy , and only because I remember what it was like before. Eva is a delight to watch because she sees the country through a fresh set of eyes.
@@owenbscott - I would argue that you are looking through your telescope backwards. You are confusing cause and effect. When people keep hearing the message from the media that they are ignorant yocals, with backwater ways, and whose values are denigrated - yes, they make statements too the effect of “don’t try and change our things here.” Fourty years ago, no one would have tried, but that’s not the case now. I live in a “flyover state,” and resent people on the coasts who think they know better than we do how to live our lives - and we’ve been hearing that message from the “elites” on the coasts for decades now, the difference being many of them are now fleeing the conditions they’ve created there, and now want to move to these “backwaters” (in their minds) and change them to what they fled. We (the locals) rightfully don’t want that, there is are reasons I (and many others) don’t live in New York or California. I first saw this in about 1996 - Montana natives despised the Californians who were moving there and trying to turn it into California. It’s all about respect (or lack thereof) for the people and the culture of the place, and that’s where Eva did so well - she respects that, and seeks to see things through the eyes of those who live there. As someone else said, THAT is the proper attitude for any traveler - and I say that as one who has been fortunate enough to have travelled much of the world and who has tried to have that attitude while doing so.
@@bradcrosier1332 Thanks, Brad, I appreciate the conversation - it being civil and all. I do have a great deal of respect for local people, and what I was mainly doing was reporting. That is, noticing a trend. I admit, however, that I ended up attempting to attribute it to an onslaught of media over the years, but that's mainly because I figured it was the one variable that had changed since, say, 1978. But that may not be the case. You could be right, in the sense that maybe it was only when people from out of town started actually moving to the middle of America , bringing gentrification, as well as points of views that were different, and which the local people didn't agree with - maybe that's when the attitudes started to change. There is no denying it, though - America is a different place socially than it was forty years ago. I'm not sure it's for the better, to be honest. And however it happened, I still think it's a shame that we got to this place. I'm not sure what would reverse, except perhaps a national extistential threat - but what a lousy way to unite. Hope not. Hope it happens naturally.
@@bradcrosier1332 By and large, the people who are leaving cities like New York and Los Angeles are not going to places that are politically and socially analogous to "fly over" country. If they move to "red" states, mostly they're moving to "blue" parts of those states. Places like Houston, Atlanta, etc. The census data on the nature of the population movements bears this out. The resentment embedded in media messaging cuts all sorts of ways. There are plenty of people who live on the coasts or other urbanized areas who have been told, for decades now, that they are lazy, drugged out welfare queens who are destroying America with their very existence and who produce nothing of substance, and that for a variety of reasons they do not constitute "Real America" (even if relative numbers and regional economic output might suggest otherwise). They'll get this messaging and then hear from the same breath that they're also part of the entitled, sheltered "coastal elite" class, even if they are poor, working class, relatively recent immigrants, or low in educational attainment. If you're someone whose ancestors were kept as property, for example, and you see large sections of Middle America who seem to consider it a core part of their identities to glorify the entity that shed blood to keep things that way, then surely you wouldn't need brainwashing from "the elites" to make you wary of them. The matter makes itself manifest all on its own. In fact, I find that such populations are probably more wary of "elites" (sometimes to pathological degrees) than almost anyone else in the country, albeit in a different way. This isn't to let any of the "elites" off the hook, as I'm sure there are plenty who one could point to as having a sizeable share of the guilt. But responsibility for general attitudes is more widespread than that, and I believe that to lay this at the feet of "the elites," gratifying as it often feels to do so, is much too easy. I'm told that one of the central conservative axioms (at least in America and much of the West) centers on "the sovereignty of the individual". Of treating people as they deserve based on their merits and value as individuals. I don't have all the answers, but this sounds like it would be a good place to start.
Thank you for your kind depiction of our midwest. We don't usually get much love as so called "fly over states" but it's our home & we love it with all our hearts. Come back & visit Iowa again sometime & good luck on your travels. Love the videos. Cheers 🍻
@@johnpaine72 And judging by what's happening to TX right now, I'd be just fine if they keep flying over. Just a bunch of corn and soybeans out here, it's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Probably not even worth visiting. ;)
@@nobodyliar WV native here… tourism is getting huge in WV, there is an unbelievable amount of outdoor recreation in the state. What do coal mines have to do with visiting? Is she supposed to visit and work in a mine? lmao
Having grown up in Iowa and Nebraska and lived most of my life in the midwest, I have to say it is the people that make it so great. The land is beautiful in its own unique way but the people of rural America and the midwest in particular are what make it such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
I’m a South Dakotan! I love it so much, it is such a calm and tranquil place. The second you cross the state line, random people on the highway start waving at you. Thank you for visiting😄
Seems super friendly as long as you don't bring your culture with you and try and change all the "freedoms" and religions as the first gentleman told us. Really great group of people..
Eva, you HAVE to go to Minnesota or Wisconsin! Especially in the northern part. Not only is it beautiful with the great lakes and lakes in general everywhere, but the people are really interesting and have their own distinct culture + accent. I'm from there and I think you'd find it really interesting.
Amazing as always! Still in awe of how you're able to travel with your four legged partner to such far out places.....seemless editing and smooth voice overs. Loved every second.
"Travel isn't just about places, it's about people that you meet along the way". Absolutely! And their unique stories. Thanks for sharing your journey.
It's so nice to see someone else appreciate us "Middle Americans". The upper mid-west and the Ozarks are also GREAT for scenic driving! We can't wait to see your impressions of these areas.
The sign in the bar: "There is no greater wealth in this world - than - Peace of Mind." Love that statement! BTW I went to Yankton College in Yankton, SD and worked as a radio announcer at KQHU, FM the people in South Dakota are wonderful. That truck stop is fantastic. I bet the food was good. Did you try the Apple Pie with Ice Cream?
I don't live in the State, but the northern parts of Nebraska are truly beautiful and diverse. There's canyons and forests and rolling hills, there's prairie and rivers, there's geological monuments. People might think that the wide open spaces are lonely and fearful. Actually they offer peace, serenity, separation from the craziness that's found in urban areas, that you'll never experience anywhere else. I don't feel alone and haunted in the far flung places of the rural central USA, but rather comfort.
If you want to know some of the quirky things about Nebraska look up the following video “Right here in Nebraska with the string beans” It’s fun to learn about aksarben
Another great video as usual. As far as Iowa and Nebraska, you can find beauty everywhere if you just stick your stereotypes in your hip pocket and open your mind in your eyes. You’ve just shown us that.
Every time I visit Nebraska or Iowa, I am impressed by how beautiful and clean the towns are and how friendly the people are. I'll take these states over other plains states (like Texas) anytime!
I'm surprised she's not taking the Route 20 trip. It's the modern day Route 66. It's the longest non-interstate highway in the U.S. It goes from Washington state to Massachusetts.
I've lived on the west coast and spent significant time during my professonal career visiting cities on the east coast, but I think the people in the rural heartland of this country are the most welcoming and friendly people as a whole. Thanks for taking some time to show us a small portion of what most people who don't know it call "flyover country"...
its so boring in the Midwest and the Prairies that you become hospitable automatically same as in Canada, we have No NO TRESSPASS signs up here, people welcome anybody coming...only in New York state people are afraid encountering a Jogger wearing only shorts and t-Shirt...
I'm from ST LOUIS MO and the people from the coast's for the most part consider Missouri to be a flyover State ? I have lived here for 65 yrs and still haven't visited all the beautiful places but hit a lot of them !
I live in Boston and have traveled for work all over the US. I adore the mid-west, and will probably move there when I get around to it. Lovely people there.
Whenever I meet someone looking for the unknown but interesting in the USA, I always tell them about Geocaching. If you plan a trip anywhere and the look for the "favorite" geocaches along that route, you will be taken to places that most others never get to see and miss out on. Read the online logs of the geocache and the reasons the person hid one there and you often find things about the area that sometimes are missing from travel brochures and history books.
Eva, you are one of the few UA-camrs that is creating content in the U.S. from Europe. It's always nice to hear someone outside the country prospective of the U.S. , particularly Middle America. Very insightful. Thank you for taking us along. Sending much love❤ from Richmond, Va. Harriet, Jim and Yuki P.S. We would like to have you here as our guest when you make to Virginia. Lots to see.
There are European UA-camrs with channels about their travels in the U.S. Take the Italian Chris Galbiati for example. It's in Italian but you can turn on English subtitles. It's interesting to read the comments to his videos by Italians who must think Americans can't read them. I find Europeans more aware of what is going on in the U.S. than we are of what's happening in Europe. It's partly because on the European continent everyone understands the importance of learning English, and once they do, they gravitate to the U.S. since it is a major English speaking culture.
@@kennethwdc the cultural influence of the USA over the whole world, especially Europe, is undeniable. As a European I find myself watching USA entertainment, hearing USA music, laughing at USA memes and reading USA news quite often. So, even though I have never set foot in North America (yet), I am subconsciously aware of what's going on over there. And yes, English being a global language helps too. On the other hand, the cultural influence of Europe has diminished a lot, and you guys pretty much produce everything you consume anyway, so it's logical that you are quite disconnected from the rest of us. Can't blame you tbh
@@kennethwdcwell since we are global superpower people all over the world, tend to focus on us more than people who simply live here but that's just my thoughts.
Thank you so much Eva for shining a good light on the Midwest. There are so many stereotypes that out a bad/boring light on these states. As someone born and raised in Iowa there really is a lot of beauty if you know where to find it. Rich history and amazing stories if you take the time to look. Thank you!
This was absolutely terrific. As a Midwestern native and having resided in Flordia for more than half of my life, I forget about the subtle beauty of this area. I also love the soft and gentle accent of the folks who call this home.
I have been to Florida from Pensacola to Key West more than any other state, but have no desire to live there due to too many people, the price of camping, and the cost of most everything. I am from Missouri but have lived 45 years in Tennessee with its low taxes, property prices, as well as groceries. (I have camped in every state though.)
I remember driving through Iowa and thinking it was one of the most beautiful states I'd visited. Between the wild sunflowers growing in the median along the highway, to the vast fields, all plowed with different designs...some straight rows, others in a wave, or a circle...it was beautiful and I hope to go back again. Thank you for reminding me that each of the fifty states holds its own beauty!
Besides of all these great comments about our Midwest, one is missing: it’s being in the heart of US which makes traveling to both coasts and our neighboring countries easy and doable. Love what you are doing Eva! Love and support from another Eva. 😊
Furthermore it's the safest region of the states from climate change, mass migration is expected in the coming decades from coastal areas into states like Vermont.
My husband is a truck driver has has stayed at Walcott countless times. I went with him for two weeks and he was excited to take me there. It is definitely an interesting place lol, but definitely one of his favorite places to stay when he is out that way. I love the time you took to talk to the drivers. I look forward to all your videos. You've inspired me to explore nature and not be afraid to go places alone if my husband is on the road. Take care, be safe, and give Vilk extra love. ❤
I have two daughters that moved from small-town Nebraska to New York city. They moved in August and they are already pining for the wide-open corn fields of Nebraska. I don't see them lasting in NY long. I was raised in Montana and then moved to Missouri and now Nebraska. Always small towns. Always lots of freedom to roam. Love every minute of it. I love to travel but I'm glad the heartland is my home.
Thank you for taking us along on this amazing trip. You’re right, you drove right through the heartland of this country. I love the interview with the trucker and his insight and humility. My favorite line… ‘Just leave your foot prints’. Many people feel that, but they don’t say it out loud. Thanks Eva🦋
I really enjoyed this episode. there are so many misconceptions about US and I loved seeing a different side from the usual touristy spots. This is the side of America I`d enjoy experiencing!
It is true there are misconceptions that MANY people have about Americans. I’d say most of us are kind, friendly, helpful, and intelligent. Most of us may not be as cultured, but part of this has to do with the prohibitive cost of higher education, vs. the cost of education in Europe generally being cheap or free. I’ve traveled to a handful of different countries internationally, and have found that people generally seem normal. It is on the internet they tend to spew out ignorant things based on what they see on their televisions.
I love traveling the USA. However in my opinion I feel it’s not essential and not that necessary because it’s basically culturally the same all over. If you can afford it it’s more interesting traveling internationally
Most Americans are nice kind people, especially to strangers, and foreigners, but there are places you need to avoid, like Colorado City AZ and Hillsdale Ut that are run by a fundamentalist Mormon cult, and Venice, Ca. You really don't want to be there or in any of the other homeless zones like Wall Street in downtown LA, especially after dark. Most Americans are nice and a few are actively dangerous abberations, so don't be naive.
When I was traveling across the US last summer, I was really surprised about the beauty of Arkansas! Such a hidden gem, I don't even want to share it. Love that you're experiencing all the corners of the US. ❤
It’s so funny when people find about Southdakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Arkansas. States that are so disrespected, but have subjectively better scenery than expected.
I guessed it would be Wall Drug and I WAS RIGHT. A real America original, that place. Loved visiting on my way across SD years ago - after seeing the billboards about it for hundreds of miles beforehand I had to check it out.
I love how Gary and Cristal tried to be as politely as he can to describe/warn people with different attitude and life style coming to their beloved Dakota ;)
I saw it as the small town, small minded attitudes of the area. You ever lived in a small town, like less than 2,000 people? Its just an echo chamber and they have the "right" way of living. They're out of touch and generally not too big on inclusion of any sorts if you catch my drift. Don't believe me tell those people anything they don't want to hear and they'll boot you out of the bar. They preach "freedom" and "values" yet warn people not to have any while their there. Typical small town "nice" lol wait till you hear the rumor mills in these places or if someone is receiving government assistance ( if your a farmer or rancher then that assistance isn't welfare its "earned") Hypocrites, double standards and missed the part of the bible about jesus loving everyone SMH saddest part of the video for me as a someone who was raised in these communities my entire childhood. Another small town feature is the majority of the adults know nothing different and have never tried understanding anything different. Generally intolerant folk where slurs are still the norm, Eva is lucky shes a pretty European woman going through these areas.
@@sillybirdy1994 The first guy was being very political, basically saying he didn't want any coastal liberals moving here. For the woman it was unclear, the video didn't have enough context to say for sure what she meant.
I am from Mexico, born and raised. I'm living near Seattle, Washington, these days. When I visited South Dakota, I felt that that could be my home. Amazingly beautiful, peaceful and cozy place, full of very kind people.
Great visit to a part of the country that doesn't get much fanfare, but deserves more love. I absolutely love the vast and open beauty of our Great Plains and grasslands.
I moved from So Cal to Iowa 28 years ago. I still love the desert but have come to really appreciate the beauty of the Midwest. One thing I've learned is that with both the desert and the rolling prairie you can't experience them zipping by on the big highways. You need to be on the back roads and moving at a much slower pace. Even better on a bike or hiking a trail. You can find astonishing beauty and wonderful people all over this country. Thanks for a great video.
Well done again Eva, it was a pleasure to watch this video, I like it that you are also showing the 'normal' sights & sounds of travels. That allows me to think that there is definitely beauty to be found in the Mid-West, it is all towards to the personal preferences. Happy travels & stay safe!
As a PNW resident, I always love driving through the plains states. Something very peaceful about it and although I wouldn’t live there, it’s great knowing that type of life still exists.
Of course it still exists. The vast majority of domestic food products in our country(unfortunately) are derived from corn and soy. These are the places that grow the corn and soy. It's not some backward, old-world life style. About half of all Americans live in rural parts of the country, mostly by choice.
What a like about your channel is you give everything to it , real life stories and information but the places hardly anyone goes too. You are an awesome woman Eva.
Dear Eva, thank you for showing us the Heartland of North America….places so little known to most. I was lucky enough to get yo know some of those places and I found they are full of sturdy, decent, warm and hard working….people…..what a great video you have shown us, and yess the big cities might be beautiful, but these places in the USA, makes that country, greater….I wish more people would travel around and not only center their attention on the big cities…. Loved the video, thanks!
My grandpa was a truck driver for 30 years. I once rode from North Carolina to Texas as an adolescent. He lost his vision about 20 years ago & was forced to turn in his license & basically retired early bc of the condition. He drove back from California to NC with vision only in one eye. Safe travels ma'am!
My dad long-hauled most of his life, and even ran with a wink and nod from his doctor about being blind and deaf on one side from a motorcycle accident, over 20 years in that condition because he was careful and never had an accident. He had to retire after hitting black ice on the PA turnpike and his trailer didn't follow when he moved over to clear another semi in the ditch. Dislocated both shoulders and spent many months recovering, by which time his doc retired and he couldn't re-cert. He never found anything to keep him busy and wasted away. He had his stories and I'm sure Iowa-80 was one of the places he'd seen a number of times.
Growing up and living most of my life in fly over country (middle america/heartland) I love the big skyscrapers and rolling terrain. I've spent a lot of time working in and moving about some of our large urban centers. Coming home really gave me an even greater appreciation for our small towns and rural way of life. Fortunately I can also see how similar life in niche areas of our urban centers have similar characteristics. There are so many beautiful places to see here in the states, as long as we can keep from over commercializing them. Wish you'd have had more time to get to travel.
I was going to make a comment but I realized after reading through the previous comments, everyone had pretty much touched on everything I was going to say. Thanks for sharing your journey
The beauty and diversity of this country is endless. Most of the rural areas are so interesting because not of the sites to see but the people you meet. We are truly a melting pot. Great video young lady thank you for sharing.👍♥️
I'm from Nebraska and I'm glad you found it pretty. Funny thing is, you didn't even go to the area that us Nebraskans call "The pretty part of Nebraska"! The panhandle of Nebraska is GORGEOUS
I love the American Culture and thier people.This vidoe just cleared my mind that i had so many questions about the american culture and people.The way you are making vlog's it's on of my favourite thing,whenever you went to anyplace I noticed a lot of things about you no fear,and living in remote places which could be so threatful.But you know what,Always you figured it out so that's why i support you on youtube and also facebook.A lot of love from one of your greatest fan from pakistan.....🥰🥰
Nice video my parents lived in a school bus for 22 years full-time on the road. I was a teenager when they started. I’ve watched a lot of videos. It was nice to see the special states in the middle. Nice job.
If you love South Dakota, please come explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! It’s so vast, void, but so naturally rich. Forest, mountain, lakeshore, and more. You’ll love it!
Based on your little map route it looks like you may have driven through the tiny Nebraska town that I grew up in. With all of your amazing worldly travels it was fun to see you pass through here. You're right, Nebraska doesn't get much fanfare. Hope you had a beautiful trip! 🌸🧡
As a relatively new subscriber, I think what people mostly like about you is that your open mind and positive attitude about how you view the world brings people together instead of dividing us.
You missed the most unique part of Nebraska, the sandhills region. The largest sand dunes area in the western hemisphere, one of the largest grass stabilized dune regions of the world. Mount Rushmore is worth a visit. The vast size of the sculptures is hard to imagine until you are there. The vision and determination of the Borglum family is inspiring.
Eva, I was born and raised on a dairy farm roughly 60 miles east of O'Neil Nebraska. I'm so glad to hear your take on my home state and how it reminded you of home. It is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, "thank goodness." But for those of us who live here, and know everything it has to offer, it is like a comfortable warm fire on a cold bitter night. It is home.
I've made my living in big cities and am very happy that I retired almost 5 years ago and landed in the sticks of Southern Illinois. It's a safe place to be.
I’m so glad she got to experience these states. When our family visited the badlands when I was as a kid, I thought I was on another planet. It is very unique. I also remember Wall Drug was absolutely packed with tourists - unlike what was shown in this video.
We went to Wall as a family 1980's. Had a great breakfast everyday in Wall Drug, before heading out to see sites around Rapid City, Deadwood, Sturgis, etc.
As someone who grew up in South Dakota and later started my career and raised a family in Iowa but now live in Connecticut I respect your view of life and the land even more I.m so glad you saw that beauty. I have followed your travels and adventures as a subscriber for several years. I learned so much from you. I even have inspirational quotes from you on my bathroom mirror and on my refrigerator. I always link forward to you videos. You are one of the best on UA-cam
Thank you for showing a little bit of the midwest/great plains. I have lived in the capital of Nebraska all my life and I used to hate it but as I've gotten older, I have grown to love many aspects of it. There are pros and cons of living in all places across the country. Whats most important is determining which area meets more of your needs. For some, what the Midwest has to offer does just that.
20 years ago I drove from NC to a amateur astronomy "star party" near Valentine Nebraska. I found Nebraska wonderful and loved the open skies, prairies and foothills. And of course the skies were dark!! Saw buffalo at a refuge and visited a isolated National Forest in central Nebraska. From your map I think you may have driven south through Valentine? Another wonderful post Eva!☺❤
@@bruceevans9664 Thanks for your comment, I did not phrase my question clearly or completely explain my trip. I meant that she went south from South Dakota into Valentine and then east. The other part of the trip to the national forest was the Halsey unit area of the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. 😊 I had gone north to Valentine from Grand Island and came back south via Hwy 83 to I-80 to leave.
One of my Dad's goals in life - was to visit every State in the Union. He was a career Marine and during WWII - he had staged through Hawaii going to duty in Alaska so - after that start - all he had to do was drive from one state to another. Being Career Military - he was transferred every few years from one base to the next. Once - we moved from Southern California to New England. Each time he was transferred - he would plot out a route that would take him through States he hadn't been through yet. The other thing was that every now and again we would visit his or my mother's families and that involved another trip - plotted out so as to take him through states he hadn't been through. I was born in North Carolina and 3 weeks later - we moved to Iowa. So I got an early start on Wander Lust. One of my earliest memories is playing in a box in the back seat of a car. I don't do it often - as I don't have a reason too but I've never thought anything at all of hopping in a care and driving a thousand miles. Not a big deal. Been there - done that - more than once. My Dad didn't make a big deal about doing this. I didn't know for years that he was doing it - but - when he did casually mention it one day, not making a thing about it, I remembered those trips through all those States. He never mentioned if he'd done it - but I'm pretty sure he did - and I'm certain that I've been through a lot of those States myself. I've never been to Alaska but I did have a stop over in Hawaii. Whenever I hear a States name - I feel that I've been there. I just never made a list. I guess I've got the same casual attitude towards it that my Dad did. So - when I see you driving through these States - I can't help but think ... _"I've been there ..."_ . .
I'm living in Omaha now, born here but we left when I was very young. I've now been back since 96. I've lived in Austin, Corpus Chrstie & Seattle also. Although I love those places Omaha will always have an extremely special place in my heart. It's affordable, quiet, still fun even without all the normal things to do, and a great place to raise a kid. Awesome to see you driving through! Great video!
I live right there in Rapid City! Been here for almost 3 years now and absolutely love it. I moved here because of the military but I’m so glad I did. It’s just so quiet and free with SO much to do! Hoping to stay here as long as I can.
My family traveled from Rockford, IL to Seattle, WA every couple of years as our family vacation. We always stopped at Wall Drug. How fun that you stopped there! And, I also find the endless fields of growing things to be beautiful in their own ways. -- Love your videos!
Eastern SD was my home as a child. It left a huge impression on me - wide open spaces, meadowlarks, picking wild pasque flowers in Spring, etc, Then and over the years I've gone back many times to enjoy the state and it's people: Custer State Park, Reptile Gardens in Rapid, the Badlands, Mystic in the Hills. Not kidding about Reptile Gardens! It looks like a trap but has the largest collection of reptiles in the world, I believe. And the grounds are well done. Who knew?! And when you go to Custer, SD check out the Purple Pie Place :) And from the eastern part? Well, if you want kitsch, check out the World Famous Corn Palace in Mitchell - where my mom's family is from. And don't forget to get out of a town, roll down the window, feel the breeze at sunset and listen to the birds. Hope you get to go back! Renée
Thank you for showing the beauty of the plains states. Grade school in Nebraska and graduated High school about half and hour from Wasta SD. I'm on the west coast now, but did drag my teens back to South Dakota during the pandemic for a sanity break. Love the unique people and vastness of it all.
Great video. I think you interviewed the perfect people who represent the middle of the USA. I also think you summarized what the middle of the country means to people in such a succinct manner. Thank you for your beautiful videos and your perspective.
Nice to see you traveling across the less talked about states. There's lots to do and see. I drove 18 wheeler so I could see what was out there. Now I have a family so I'm looking at a different way to travel and show my family what's out there.
It's wonderful to see you highlight the beauty of the so called "fly-over states." I hope you find your way to the South along tour travels here, as well! I've traveled a lot in Europe, and it's so wonderful and interesting to see a European do likewise here in the States. Often it isn't what you expected it to be...
I recently traveled through south dakota and ended up stopping at mount rushmore. It was more amazing than thought it would be, but also the black hills forest surrounding it absolutely blew my mind!
Another great video Eva. Someone else said it, down the list, "Your videos are more enjoyable to watch than TV'. If I had known you were heading east I would have invited you up to Minnesota and Wisconsin... there's a whole lot to see up here along your way; however, maybe you are pressed for time. Someone else mentioned "Setting down roots here in the states", you would be very welcomed, I'm sure. I hope you can get to see more of the country and continue to make great videos.
I have enjoyed watching your content on USA travel. My travel in USA, Canada, and Europe has been extensive on business and it is so interesting to see your perspective.
I traveled East to West last summer in my van and was honestly shocked by how gorgeous, friendly and fun states like Ohio and South Dakota were. I would go back to SD in a heartbeat! But I still have yet to see Nebraska or Kansas, so maybe those need a little love on my next trip across the country lol
There’s lots to see if you do some Google searches before you start driving , lots of space between attractions when your out side of Lincoln and Omaha
I have yet to find a way to make Kansas interesting (I have tried…) but Nebraska is fantastic…Hwy 12 & US 20 in the North is my favorite route (there are numerous state parks), Hwy 2 is great too (there’s actually a national forest along the way), and US 26 from Ogalala through the Wildcat Hills is awesome too (serious Oregon Trail Country…extremely scenic too).
Love your video content Eva, I envy your travels throughout the US in particular. In 1972, I was in Sioux Falls in South Dakota on business from the UK. I visited sites that used to belong to the famous Sioux Indian tribes, such a rich history that sadly now seems almost forgotten.
NE Iowa and the driftless area of the state are beautiful!! Highly recommend checking out Yellow River State Park and the town of Decorah next time you’re in the state!
I'm an American currently living in Europe but I've travelled around the US by car extensively, this video is making me homesick! and its also such a joy to see these things that I've come to appreciate about the US from an outsider's perspective.
Great video Eva. South Dakota is beautiful but some crazy mid west weather (Tornadoes, Hail storms and massive snow during the winter) If ever in the area again check out Devil's tower in Wyoming and also Mt Rushmore. Side note and scary/interesting tidbit is that stretch of I90 used to house ICBM missles during the Cold War. They also had various different launch facilities that controlled groups of the missles. I hope one day you put down roots and become an American.
Going through the less visited states does help get how people out there live. I kinda live in that forgotten region in the Midwest and yeah I agree its very much how we live out here. We like our peace in our small towns but we also like to see people visit. Its always a mutual respect out there. Just treat each other with respect and everyone has a good time. I've visited Wall Drug twice when my family went on a trip out west and I have never seen anything like it. I'm glad you took this way because it helped you get a few more of the types of people from here it helps people see just how diverse of a country the U.S. is.
Eva, I grew up in Tennessee and had only heard of Nebraska when “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” came on TV once a week; however, it wasn’t a state that I thought about and I certainly didn’t think I’d ever live here. I ended up in Omaha in 1981 and was supposed to move to Germany in May of 1986. I met my husband (a native of Pennsylvania) and ended up staying in Nebraska. We’ve lived on the Nebraska prairie for the past 25 years but in 2019 we bought an apartment back in Omaha so we make the 3 hour drive once or twice a month to go there. We both think of Omaha as home because we both like it better than any place we’ve ever lived. The Midwest is the best kept secret in the U.S. you can get to other places like NYC on a direct flight out of Omaha that takes a couple of hours, and my son and dil have gone for two years in a row. Nebraska looks very different than Pennsylvania and Tennessee but we love it here. I’m so glad you liked your trek through the Midwest. -- BTW, we have a German shepherd and he loves our road trips.
As someone born, raised, and still lives in Iowa, I have to tell you, Iowa in August with the blue skies, puffy white clouds, tall green cornfields swaying in the wind, and red barns dotted across the landscape - one of the most beautiful places in the world!! Never believe the tourist ratings...all states have beauty, interesting places to visit, great food, and friendly people.
I was there in November a few years ago. The afternoon light is amazing. It is a beautiful place.
MN > IOWA
I used to unfairly assume flat no coasts, no cool sites. But I also hike in FL, so what do I know. Ive realized that every single state has its own awesome hidden natural gems. Some of them are more dramatic if elevation is at play. But its the secret spots that no one is at when you arrive that I like to find. There is a reason we have state and national parks. Whole damn country is beautiful.
Decorah, Pella, the Maquoketa Caves.... I moved from Satan's armpit (Louisiana) to Iowa 5 years ago. I love it here.
Was born and grew up on the Olympic Peninsula in WA. High mountains, rain forests, waterfalls were all the norm for me. Now I live in NE Texas, and the land is much flatter, but I've found other things to appreciate. Texas wildflowers are without compare, the oak and pine groves are beautiful, and though the hills are small, they are still high enough to make hidden valleys whether it's forest or farms, it's very scenic. The sky is also so big.
You know Eva has been in the USA for a while now. She actually called it gas station and not petrol station.
You are so respectful of America, its history, and its diversity. Thank You.
yess it's so nice not seeing an European being uptight and act like America is just filled with hillbilly idiots in the rural areas
Iowa has 1/10 of one percent of land that is still in its natural state. Its the most human altered state out of the 50 states. It basically consists of farms and a few cities. I attended Iowa State University and a staff member from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources came to a class I attended and discussed this issue with the class.
And that’s not mentioning the disaster that agriculture has done to the water in our state. We are currently experiencing a spike in cancer rates compared to other states… and the solution is to shut down the few water testing research facilities that we have.… the problem doesn’t exist if we stop looking at it
I would like to see more prairie grass as well. We have enough corn and beans
Do you live in or near Iowa?
Then maybe feed less people?
@@papervans this is something I think about often when driving through your state. I love the rolling hills but immediately worry about the run off from the farming. It would be amazing to see the land when native grasses occupied the space, instead of corn and soybeans. Also, NE Iowa is top notch in my opinion. Maquoketa Caves is amazing.
After 18 years of driving truck, it is nice to hear someone talk about it in a good way. Thank you.
I used to be a freight broker. Thank you for everything you do.
Truckers seem to complain about trucking, but many of them liked being on their own and hated coming into the same workplace every day. But low pay does not compensate for being away from family and friends.
@@timothykeith1367 For people like me, it's the perfect job. I had a lot of difficulty making new friends after dropping out of college. Always been a solo kinda guy. My options were either going to work manual labor, stocking grocery store shelves, or work in the same office day after day. As a road trip enthusiast, even living out of my truck bed for a few months, life on the road felt like home. These days, I drive trucks while taking online classes during my free time. Someday I'll leave trucking behind for electrical engineering (my true lifelong passion) but I'll never forget the memories I've made driving all over the US, delivering freight. I've been to every US state aside from Alaska. Wherever I go, I feel at home.
Wall Drug used to have signs all over the world with the distance to the place (I saw one in Amsterdam for instance). They might still have them, but I haven't seen any for a long time. Glad you spotlighted these states! I have family in all of them.
They're still all over in SD at least. Even going north to Sioux Falls (i.e. not in the direction of Wall Drug) there are tons of signs. I am somehow not surprised that they managed to get signs up all the way in Amsterdam
@@matthewbless3335 I haven't been to SD in many years. I'm not surprised that they still have bunches of signs up there. There's another called South of the Border in SC that used to have signs for miles along I-95. Still there, less signs these days (it's south of the NC-SC border). NOT as cool as Wall Drug by a long margin!
I saw them all the way through montana and indiana, i did a road trip from seattle to cincinatti 3 times and i always wondered what the wall drug looked like lol.
I was first at Wall Drug in 1952 when I was 5. Never forgot the animated cowboy band.
I just road tripped through SD last summer, and not only are the Wall Drug signs everywhere, you 'll see old firefighting vehicles for Firehouse Brewery in Rapid City.
One of the most awesome experiences of my life was crossing Nebraska at night in a thunderstorm. I grew up in California. The weather in California, though mostly very pleasant (before climate issues), is also BORING. Crossing Nebraska in the dark we had huge lightning bolts crashing all around us, all four sides. We almost never see lightning hit the ground in CA. Though there are places I have been that filled me with awe at the power of nature, nothing came close to equaling what I felt crossing Nebraska. Thank you for this reminder. Very much.
Nebraska is also the windiest state in the country!
Nebraska thunderstorms are truly amazing! It is in Tornado alley after all.
@@ArielStevens-i7d That depends on your definition of Tornado alley!
Some definitions have Nebraska in it, and some definitions put Nebraska too far north.
No climate issues in San Diego so far.
Reminds me of climbing a radio tower when in high school with friends and a sudden tornado warning popped up. We immediately got off the tower and found ourselves outrunning a tornado which had touched down about a half mile away. Man, we were dumb in those days... but good times. Nebraska is great for the people who strike up conversation with strangers about anything everything or nothing, hole-in-the-wall bars, and of course the weather.
I’m always so impressed with how charitable Eva is in her reporting & interviews. In a world of violently partisan reporting, Eva is out there connecting, even with those coming from vastly different perspectives. In doing this she’s able to unlock our common humanity. Thank you, Eva.
I’d say it’s the mark of a proper traveler.
Yes, Eva brings a wonderful perspective of innocence and pure joy to such interviews. As a person who has crossed the country, slowly, about six times, starting in 1979 (what I mean by slowly is that in 1980 I took six months, and in 1989 I took two months), I saw in her interview of the bar owner in SD further evidence of what I see as a pretty profound change in the American spirit. Specifically, a wariness, a mistrust, suspicion and general sense of fear of the other side of the political equation coming from what are generally down-to-earth, and traditionally non-political people. I noticed this for the first time in about 2012 but I'm sure it had been trending that way since before that. Now, it's almost impossible to not notice in the most mundane of conversations. If there is a typical source to attribute this to, I would say it's any media channel that relentlessly hammers a stream of grievance politics to its viewers and in the case of radio, it's listeners. When this type of invective is broadcast into every living room every night for more than 30 years years, then the very foundation of a given nation - it's people - can become deeply affected. I see it as a sort of social tragedy , and only because I remember what it was like before. Eva is a delight to watch because she sees the country through a fresh set of eyes.
@@owenbscott - I would argue that you are looking through your telescope backwards. You are confusing cause and effect. When people keep hearing the message from the media that they are ignorant yocals, with backwater ways, and whose values are denigrated - yes, they make statements too the effect of “don’t try and change our things here.” Fourty years ago, no one would have tried, but that’s not the case now. I live in a “flyover state,” and resent people on the coasts who think they know better than we do how to live our lives - and we’ve been hearing that message from the “elites” on the coasts for decades now, the difference being many of them are now fleeing the conditions they’ve created there, and now want to move to these “backwaters” (in their minds) and change them to what they fled. We (the locals) rightfully don’t want that, there is are reasons I (and many others) don’t live in New York or California. I first saw this in about 1996 - Montana natives despised the Californians who were moving there and trying to turn it into California. It’s all about respect (or lack thereof) for the people and the culture of the place, and that’s where Eva did so well - she respects that, and seeks to see things through the eyes of those who live there. As someone else said, THAT is the proper attitude for any traveler - and I say that as one who has been fortunate enough to have travelled much of the world and who has tried to have that attitude while doing so.
@@bradcrosier1332 Thanks, Brad, I appreciate the conversation - it being civil and all. I do have a great deal of respect for local people, and what I was mainly doing was reporting. That is, noticing a trend. I admit, however, that I ended up attempting to attribute it to an onslaught of media over the years, but that's mainly because I figured it was the one variable that had changed since, say, 1978. But that may not be the case. You could be right, in the sense that maybe it was only when people from out of town started actually moving to the middle of America , bringing gentrification, as well as points of views that were different, and which the local people didn't agree with - maybe that's when the attitudes started to change. There is no denying it, though - America is a different place socially than it was forty years ago. I'm not sure it's for the better, to be honest. And however it happened, I still think it's a shame that we got to this place. I'm not sure what would reverse, except perhaps a national extistential threat - but what a lousy way to unite. Hope not. Hope it happens naturally.
@@bradcrosier1332 By and large, the people who are leaving cities like New York and Los Angeles are not going to places that are politically and socially analogous to "fly over" country. If they move to "red" states, mostly they're moving to "blue" parts of those states. Places like Houston, Atlanta, etc. The census data on the nature of the population movements bears this out.
The resentment embedded in media messaging cuts all sorts of ways. There are plenty of people who live on the coasts or other urbanized areas who have been told, for decades now, that they are lazy, drugged out welfare queens who are destroying America with their very existence and who produce nothing of substance, and that for a variety of reasons they do not constitute "Real America" (even if relative numbers and regional economic output might suggest otherwise). They'll get this messaging and then hear from the same breath that they're also part of the entitled, sheltered "coastal elite" class, even if they are poor, working class, relatively recent immigrants, or low in educational attainment.
If you're someone whose ancestors were kept as property, for example, and you see large sections of Middle America who seem to consider it a core part of their identities to glorify the entity that shed blood to keep things that way, then surely you wouldn't need brainwashing from "the elites" to make you wary of them. The matter makes itself manifest all on its own. In fact, I find that such populations are probably more wary of "elites" (sometimes to pathological degrees) than almost anyone else in the country, albeit in a different way.
This isn't to let any of the "elites" off the hook, as I'm sure there are plenty who one could point to as having a sizeable share of the guilt. But responsibility for general attitudes is more widespread than that, and I believe that to lay this at the feet of "the elites," gratifying as it often feels to do so, is much too easy.
I'm told that one of the central conservative axioms (at least in America and much of the West) centers on "the sovereignty of the individual". Of treating people as they deserve based on their merits and value as individuals.
I don't have all the answers, but this sounds like it would be a good place to start.
Thank you for your kind depiction of our midwest. We don't usually get much love as so called "fly over states" but it's our home & we love it with all our hearts. Come back & visit Iowa again sometime & good luck on your travels. Love the videos. Cheers 🍻
Field of Dreams said it best. Is this heaven ?
Been seeing this term,"Flyover country" they don't know what they're missing. Stunning,beautiful peaceful and tranquil what more could you want.
@@johnpaine72 And judging by what's happening to TX right now, I'd be just fine if they keep flying over. Just a bunch of corn and soybeans out here, it's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Probably not even worth visiting. ;)
@@piquat1haha yes, nothing to see here, just keep driving through 😂
@@jameschristiansson3137 No, it's Iowa.
You should visit the South. Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Alabama are very beautiful states. Great food, culture, and scenery.
i love west virginia but there really aint much to do since the coal economy has been declining
@@nobodyliar WV native here… tourism is getting huge in WV, there is an unbelievable amount of outdoor recreation in the state. What do coal mines have to do with visiting? Is she supposed to visit and work in a mine? lmao
@@nobodyliar what does coal mining have to do with tourism?
As a Pennsylvania resident myself, I can vouch for West Virginia--it is absolutely gorgeous.
@@nobodyliar true but you can visit the moth man statue
Having grown up in Iowa and Nebraska and lived most of my life in the midwest, I have to say it is the people that make it so great. The land is beautiful in its own unique way but the people of rural America and the midwest in particular are what make it such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
I’m a South Dakotan! I love it so much, it is such a calm and tranquil place. The second you cross the state line, random people on the highway start waving at you. Thank you for visiting😄
Seems super friendly as long as you don't bring your culture with you and try and change all the "freedoms" and religions as the first gentleman told us. Really great group of people..
Eva, you HAVE to go to Minnesota or Wisconsin! Especially in the northern part. Not only is it beautiful with the great lakes and lakes in general everywhere, but the people are really interesting and have their own distinct culture + accent. I'm from there and I think you'd find it really interesting.
Everyone hopes she visits where they live but she can't go everywhere. Northern Minn and Wisconsin seem out of the way for her on her way east.
@@rascal211 I’m appalled that you would butt in. Let the creators exchange a few comments
Agreed, Michigan dunes would be cool too, could hit it all starting from north shore Minnesota and driving through Wisconsin into the UP
@@billynitrus ive done that drive once and it was truly magnificent
@@averagejoe2307 I'm jealous, still on the bucket list for me
Amazing as always! Still in awe of how you're able to travel with your four legged partner to such far out places.....seemless editing and smooth voice overs. Loved every second.
She sounds Irish not European.
@@mugsofmirth8101 Doesn't sound Irish at all. 🤣
@@mugsofmirth8101 Ireland is a part of Europe though. Either way, the comment said nothing about her accent
I know, right? It's almost like people in those far out places have pets and know how to provide lodging and things for traveling with them.
"Travel isn't just about places, it's about people that you meet along the way". Absolutely! And their unique stories. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Eva is a breath of fresh air! I think the mainstream media can learn a lot from her.
It's so nice to see someone else appreciate us "Middle Americans". The upper mid-west and the Ozarks are also GREAT for scenic driving! We can't wait to see your impressions of these areas.
The sign in the bar: "There is no greater wealth in this world - than - Peace of Mind." Love that statement! BTW I went to Yankton College in Yankton, SD and worked as a radio announcer at KQHU, FM the people in South Dakota are wonderful. That truck stop is fantastic. I bet the food was good. Did you try the Apple Pie with Ice Cream?
You're such a great story teller!
In enjoy this more than most syndicated shows on cable tv. She is a gem. So glad a ran across her channel.
I don't live in the State, but the northern parts of Nebraska are truly beautiful and diverse. There's canyons and forests and rolling hills, there's prairie and rivers, there's geological monuments. People might think that the wide open spaces are lonely and fearful. Actually they offer peace, serenity, separation from the craziness that's found in urban areas, that you'll never experience anywhere else. I don't feel alone and haunted in the far flung places of the rural central USA, but rather comfort.
I LOVE Northern Nebraska! Went through there once a few years ago, and I was smitten. I keep looking for excuses to go through there again.
It really was an eye opener compared to just traversing the interstate across the southern 1/3.
If you want to know some of the quirky things about Nebraska look up the following video
“Right here in Nebraska with the string beans”
It’s fun to learn about aksarben
@@heartland96a Pretty comical song, thank you!
@@exothermal.sprocket your welcome by the way aksarben that’s used frequently in many things in the sate is the reversed name
Another great video as usual. As far as Iowa and Nebraska, you can find beauty everywhere if you just stick your stereotypes in your hip pocket and open your mind in your eyes. You’ve just shown us that.
Should have added South Dakota to that as well
Every time I visit Nebraska or Iowa, I am impressed by how beautiful and clean the towns are and how friendly the people are. I'll take these states over other plains states (like Texas) anytime!
Nope they suck
@@ef5huntertoo boring
I'm surprised she's not taking the Route 20 trip. It's the modern day Route 66. It's the longest non-interstate highway in the U.S. It goes from Washington state to Massachusetts.
The US of A is such a vast beautiful country!
So glad you are experiencing it Eva.
I've lived on the west coast and spent significant time during my professonal career visiting cities on the east coast, but I think the people in the rural heartland of this country are the most welcoming and friendly people as a whole. Thanks for taking some time to show us a small portion of what most people who don't know it call "flyover country"...
its so boring in the Midwest and the Prairies that you become hospitable automatically same as in Canada, we have No NO TRESSPASS signs up here, people welcome anybody coming...only in New York state people are afraid encountering a Jogger wearing only shorts and t-Shirt...
I'm from ST LOUIS MO and the people from the coast's for the most part consider Missouri to be a flyover State ?
I have lived here for 65 yrs and still haven't visited all the beautiful places but hit a lot of them !
Our cross country road trip taught us that the "flyover" states are the true heart of America.
@@oldguy7402 I truly hope the true heart of America is Vermont and not the red necks and religious zealouts in the Prairies
I live in Boston and have traveled for work all over the US. I adore the mid-west, and will probably move there when I get around to it. Lovely people there.
Whenever I meet someone looking for the unknown but interesting in the USA, I always tell them about Geocaching. If you plan a trip anywhere and the look for the "favorite" geocaches along that route, you will be taken to places that most others never get to see and miss out on. Read the online logs of the geocache and the reasons the person hid one there and you often find things about the area that sometimes are missing from travel brochures and history books.
Eva, you are one of the few UA-camrs that is creating content in the U.S. from Europe. It's always nice to hear someone outside the country prospective of the U.S. , particularly Middle America. Very insightful. Thank you for taking us along. Sending much love❤ from Richmond, Va. Harriet, Jim and Yuki P.S. We would like to have you here as our guest when you make
to Virginia. Lots to see.
@@ryanmorgan5677 would you mind sharing the names of some good ones ?
There are European UA-camrs with channels about their travels in the U.S. Take the Italian Chris Galbiati for example. It's in Italian but you can turn on English subtitles. It's interesting to read the comments to his videos by Italians who must think Americans can't read them. I find Europeans more aware of what is going on in the U.S. than we are of what's happening in Europe. It's partly because on the European continent everyone understands the importance of learning English, and once they do, they gravitate to the U.S. since it is a major English speaking culture.
@@kennethwdc the cultural influence of the USA over the whole world, especially Europe, is undeniable. As a European I find myself watching USA entertainment, hearing USA music, laughing at USA memes and reading USA news quite often.
So, even though I have never set foot in North America (yet), I am subconsciously aware of what's going on over there. And yes, English being a global language helps too.
On the other hand, the cultural influence of Europe has diminished a lot, and you guys pretty much produce everything you consume anyway, so it's logical that you are quite disconnected from the rest of us. Can't blame you tbh
@@kennethwdcwell since we are global superpower people all over the world, tend to focus on us more than people who simply live here but that's just my thoughts.
Thank you so much Eva for shining a good light on the Midwest. There are so many stereotypes that out a bad/boring light on these states. As someone born and raised in Iowa there really is a lot of beauty if you know where to find it. Rich history and amazing stories if you take the time to look. Thank you!
This was absolutely terrific. As a Midwestern native and having resided in Flordia for more than half of my life, I forget about the subtle beauty of this area. I also love the soft and gentle accent of the folks who call this home.
@gregbromberg5427, they don't have an accent! They talk like me.😉😀
I have been to Florida from Pensacola to Key West more than any other state, but have no desire to live there due to too many people, the price of camping, and the cost of most everything. I am from Missouri but have lived 45 years in Tennessee with its low taxes, property prices, as well as groceries. (I have camped in every state though.)
You are the man with Big Balls !
@@vonheiseyou have withheld too much scorn. They are mean and rampallians in Florida. However, Tennessee is beautiful with welcoming folks.
I should clarify, based on the incoherency of my writing, that when I referenced “this area” I meant the Midwest and NOT Florida.
I remember driving through Iowa and thinking it was one of the most beautiful states I'd visited. Between the wild sunflowers growing in the median along the highway, to the vast fields, all plowed with different designs...some straight rows, others in a wave, or a circle...it was beautiful and I hope to go back again. Thank you for reminding me that each of the fifty states holds its own beauty!
Try tubing down the upper Iowa river in NE Iowa, Decorah is a pretty cool place to visit.
There is a serene beauty in the breadbasket of America that many others under-appreciate. It's bucolic as heck around here.
I was a driver for many years, Iowa 80 was always my favorite spot to stop and relax
I'm from DC, but went to the University of Nebraska. Omaha and Lincoln are awesome cities and total hidden gems. I miss Nebraska.
Besides of all these great comments about our Midwest, one is missing: it’s being in the heart of US which makes traveling to both coasts and our neighboring countries easy and doable. Love what you are doing Eva! Love and support from another Eva. 😊
Furthermore it's the safest region of the states from climate change, mass migration is expected in the coming decades from coastal areas into states like Vermont.
@@Anonymoose66G It's already happening big time in Minneapolis.
My husband is a truck driver has has stayed at Walcott countless times. I went with him for two weeks and he was excited to take me there. It is definitely an interesting place lol, but definitely one of his favorite places to stay when he is out that way. I love the time you took to talk to the drivers. I look forward to all your videos. You've inspired me to explore nature and not be afraid to go places alone if my husband is on the road. Take care, be safe, and give Vilk extra love. ❤
I have two daughters that moved from small-town Nebraska to New York city. They moved in August and they are already pining for the wide-open corn fields of Nebraska. I don't see them lasting in NY long. I was raised in Montana and then moved to Missouri and now Nebraska. Always small towns. Always lots of freedom to roam. Love every minute of it. I love to travel but I'm glad the heartland is my home.
While they are there, they should check out the rest of the state when they have the chance! It's not what people think it is.
Thank you for taking us along on this amazing trip. You’re right, you drove right through the heartland of this country. I love the interview with the trucker and his insight and humility.
My favorite line… ‘Just leave your foot prints’. Many people feel that, but they don’t say it out loud. Thanks Eva🦋
I really enjoyed this episode. there are so many misconceptions about US and I loved seeing a different side from the usual touristy spots. This is the side of America I`d enjoy experiencing!
It is true there are misconceptions that MANY people have about Americans. I’d say most of us are kind, friendly, helpful, and intelligent. Most of us may not be as cultured, but part of this has to do with the prohibitive cost of higher education, vs. the cost of education in Europe generally being cheap or free. I’ve traveled to a handful of different countries internationally, and have found that people generally seem normal. It is on the internet they tend to spew out ignorant things based on what they see on their televisions.
@@J_Trask worst part is that many people see 1 American and think we are some sort og gun weilding selfish monsters
I love traveling the USA. However in my opinion I feel it’s not essential and not that necessary because it’s basically culturally the same all over. If you can afford it it’s more interesting traveling internationally
@@ramencurry6672 I’d still like to see New York, Montana, and a few other states, but I like visiting other countries with different cultures.
Most Americans are nice kind people, especially to strangers, and foreigners, but there are places you need to avoid, like Colorado City AZ and Hillsdale Ut that are run by a fundamentalist Mormon cult, and Venice, Ca. You really don't want to be there or in any of the other homeless zones like Wall Street in downtown LA, especially after dark. Most Americans are nice and a few are actively dangerous abberations, so don't be naive.
When I was traveling across the US last summer, I was really surprised about the beauty of Arkansas! Such a hidden gem, I don't even want to share it. Love that you're experiencing all the corners of the US. ❤
Shhhhh! 🤫😉😁
It’s so funny when people find about Southdakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Arkansas. States that are so disrespected, but have subjectively better scenery than expected.
I've heard that too!
I guessed it would be Wall Drug and I WAS RIGHT. A real America original, that place. Loved visiting on my way across SD years ago - after seeing the billboards about it for hundreds of miles beforehand I had to check it out.
I love how Gary and Cristal tried to be as politely as he can to describe/warn people with different attitude and life style coming to their beloved Dakota ;)
it makes me wonder exactly what they meant by that.....
I saw it as the small town, small minded attitudes of the area. You ever lived in a small town, like less than 2,000 people? Its just an echo chamber and they have the "right" way of living. They're out of touch and generally not too big on inclusion of any sorts if you catch my drift. Don't believe me tell those people anything they don't want to hear and they'll boot you out of the bar. They preach "freedom" and "values" yet warn people not to have any while their there. Typical small town "nice" lol wait till you hear the rumor mills in these places or if someone is receiving government assistance ( if your a farmer or rancher then that assistance isn't welfare its "earned") Hypocrites, double standards and missed the part of the bible about jesus loving everyone SMH saddest part of the video for me as a someone who was raised in these communities my entire childhood. Another small town feature is the majority of the adults know nothing different and have never tried understanding anything different. Generally intolerant folk where slurs are still the norm, Eva is lucky shes a pretty European woman going through these areas.
@@sillybirdy1994 It means that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Don't be disrespectful of local customs and values.
@@sillybirdy1994 The first guy was being very political, basically saying he didn't want any coastal liberals moving here. For the woman it was unclear, the video didn't have enough context to say for sure what she meant.
@@EtanoS24 Lol. So hes probably a racist homophobe then? What if you're black, gay or trans? Just don't go there? What a stupid thing to say.
💜As a Female Truck Driver who went at some of those places, I'm profoundly thankful for this video!💜😍
I am from Mexico, born and raised. I'm living near Seattle, Washington, these days. When I visited South Dakota, I felt that that could be my home. Amazingly beautiful, peaceful and cozy place, full of very kind people.
Great visit to a part of the country that doesn't get much fanfare, but deserves more love. I absolutely love the vast and open beauty of our Great Plains and grasslands.
I moved from So Cal to Iowa 28 years ago. I still love the desert but have come to really appreciate the beauty of the Midwest. One thing I've learned is that with both the desert and the rolling prairie you can't experience them zipping by on the big highways. You need to be on the back roads and moving at a much slower pace. Even better on a bike or hiking a trail. You can find astonishing beauty and wonderful people all over this country. Thanks for a great video.
really?@official-_EvazuBeck
Well done again Eva, it was a pleasure to watch this video, I like it that you are also showing the 'normal' sights & sounds of travels. That allows me to think that there is definitely beauty to be found in the Mid-West, it is all towards to the personal preferences. Happy travels & stay safe!
As a PNW resident, I always love driving through the plains states. Something very peaceful about it and although I wouldn’t live there, it’s great knowing that type of life still exists.
Of course it still exists. The vast majority of domestic food products in our country(unfortunately) are derived from corn and soy. These are the places that grow the corn and soy. It's not some backward, old-world life style. About half of all Americans live in rural parts of the country, mostly by choice.
@@charlesbrown4483they were giving you a compliment.
@@dktk540 I don’t live in the “plains states,” I live in the south, and intentional or not it was a backhanded compliment.
The nomadic movement was just visiting Wall Drug a couple days ago, would've been so cool if you all accidentally ran into each other 😂💜💙🧡
Yep - LOL!!
I was just thinking the same thing.😅
Good job Eva!! The Midwest has some of the best people you can ever meet. Salt of the earth.
What a like about your channel is you give everything to it , real life stories and information but the places hardly anyone goes too. You are an awesome woman Eva.
Dear Eva, thank you for showing us the Heartland of North America….places so little known to most.
I was lucky enough to get yo know some of those places and I found they are full of sturdy, decent, warm and hard working….people…..what a great video you have shown us, and yess the big cities might be beautiful, but these places in the USA, makes that country, greater….I wish more people would travel around and not only center their attention on the big cities….
Loved the video, thanks!
I agree there is more to America then just the big cities.
My grandpa was a truck driver for 30 years. I once rode from North Carolina to Texas as an adolescent. He lost his vision about 20 years ago & was forced to turn in his license & basically retired early bc of the condition. He drove back from California to NC with vision only in one eye. Safe travels ma'am!
My dad long-hauled most of his life, and even ran with a wink and nod from his doctor about being blind and deaf on one side from a motorcycle accident, over 20 years in that condition because he was careful and never had an accident. He had to retire after hitting black ice on the PA turnpike and his trailer didn't follow when he moved over to clear another semi in the ditch. Dislocated both shoulders and spent many months recovering, by which time his doc retired and he couldn't re-cert. He never found anything to keep him busy and wasted away. He had his stories and I'm sure Iowa-80 was one of the places he'd seen a number of times.
Growing up and living most of my life in fly over country (middle america/heartland) I love the big skyscrapers and rolling terrain. I've spent a lot of time working in and moving about some of our large urban centers. Coming home really gave me an even greater appreciation for our small towns and rural way of life. Fortunately I can also see how similar life in niche areas of our urban centers have similar characteristics. There are so many beautiful places to see here in the states, as long as we can keep from over commercializing them. Wish you'd have had more time to get to travel.
I love your videos but you should visit some indigenous communities. As a Native American I would love to see you experience native culture
I was going to make a comment but I realized after reading through the previous comments, everyone had pretty much touched on everything I was going to say. Thanks for sharing your journey
The beauty and diversity of this country is endless. Most of the rural areas are so interesting because not of the sites to see but the people you meet. We are truly a melting pot. Great video young lady thank you for sharing.👍♥️
I'm from Nebraska and I'm glad you found it pretty. Funny thing is, you didn't even go to the area that us Nebraskans call "The pretty part of Nebraska"! The panhandle of Nebraska is GORGEOUS
Long ago, I took a bus trip through Iowa and Nebraska. Endless small-town stops, and great beauty.
I love the American Culture and thier people.This vidoe just cleared my mind that i had so many questions about the american culture and people.The way you are making vlog's it's on of my favourite thing,whenever you went to anyplace I noticed a lot of things about you
no fear,and living in remote places which could be so threatful.But you know what,Always you figured it out so that's why i support you on youtube and also facebook.A lot of love from one of your greatest fan from pakistan.....🥰🥰
Nice video my parents lived in a school bus for 22 years full-time on the road. I was a teenager when they started. I’ve watched a lot of videos. It was nice to see the special states in the middle. Nice job.
The respect snd openmindedness with which you approach all people is amazing. 😊
I love South Dakota, especially the Black Hills. I have been to Wall Drugs several times and the Badlands are amazing!
If you love South Dakota, please come explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! It’s so vast, void, but so naturally rich. Forest, mountain, lakeshore, and more. You’ll love it!
Based on your little map route it looks like you may have driven through the tiny Nebraska town that I grew up in. With all of your amazing worldly travels it was fun to see you pass through here. You're right, Nebraska doesn't get much fanfare. Hope you had a beautiful trip! 🌸🧡
It’s so dumb too, because Nebraska has more diverse beauty than most Midwest states.
As a relatively new subscriber, I think what people mostly like about you is that your open mind and positive attitude about how you view the world brings people together instead of dividing us.
You missed the most unique part of Nebraska, the sandhills region. The largest sand dunes area in the western hemisphere, one of the largest grass stabilized dune regions of the world. Mount Rushmore is worth a visit. The vast size of the sculptures is hard to imagine until you are there. The vision and determination of the Borglum family is inspiring.
Eva, I was born and raised on a dairy farm roughly 60 miles east of O'Neil Nebraska. I'm so glad to hear your take on my home state and how it reminded you of home. It is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, "thank goodness." But for those of us who live here, and know everything it has to offer, it is like a comfortable warm fire on a cold bitter night. It is home.
I've made my living in big cities and am very happy that I retired almost 5 years ago and landed in the sticks of Southern Illinois. It's a safe place to be.
My favourite traveling channel. dear Eva go ahead, don't stop
I’m so glad she got to experience these states. When our family visited the badlands when I was as a kid, I thought I was on another planet. It is very unique. I also remember Wall Drug was absolutely packed with tourists - unlike what was shown in this video.
We went to Wall as a family 1980's. Had a great breakfast everyday in Wall Drug, before heading out to see sites around Rapid City, Deadwood, Sturgis, etc.
Was at Wall Drug this summer and it was packed!
That's exactly what I felt in the badlands. It was almost eerie.
Eva zu Beck, you and your travel company Vilk are a gift to humanity. Thanks for who you are and what you do.
As someone who grew up in South Dakota and later started my career and raised a family in Iowa but now live in Connecticut I respect your view of life and the land even more I.m so glad you saw that beauty. I have followed your travels and adventures as a subscriber for several years. I learned so much from you. I even have inspirational quotes from you on my bathroom mirror and on my refrigerator. I always link forward to you videos. You are one of the best on UA-cam
Totally agreed!
And to add to UA-camrs doing USA at the moment Kara and Nate cycling from coast to coast would be fun if they crossed paths together too with Eva 😊
Thank you for visiting Nebraska! I hope you enjoyed the nature and talking to our people ! ❤️🌽😊
She did? Didn't she skip Nebraska and went to iowa?
Thank you for showing a little bit of the midwest/great plains. I have lived in the capital of Nebraska all my life and I used to hate it but as I've gotten older, I have grown to love many aspects of it. There are pros and cons of living in all places across the country. Whats most important is determining which area meets more of your needs. For some, what the Midwest has to offer does
just that.
My sister lives in Nebraska. Some of the nicest people in the united states live in Nebraska truly a wonderful place.
20 years ago I drove from NC to a amateur astronomy "star party" near Valentine Nebraska. I found Nebraska wonderful and loved the open skies, prairies and foothills. And of course the skies were dark!! Saw buffalo at a refuge and visited a isolated National Forest in central Nebraska. From your map I think you may have driven south through Valentine? Another wonderful post Eva!☺❤
Your star party was at McKelvie National forest, Near Merritt reservoir. From her map she didn't go south of Valentine but east.
The Sandhills are very remote and rugged
@@bruceevans9664 Thanks for your comment, I did not phrase my question clearly or completely explain my trip. I meant that she went south from South Dakota into Valentine and then east.
The other part of the trip to the national forest was the Halsey unit area of the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. 😊
I had gone north to Valentine from Grand Island and came back south via Hwy 83 to I-80 to leave.
One of my Dad's goals in life - was to visit every State in the Union.
He was a career Marine and during WWII - he had staged through Hawaii going to duty in Alaska so - after that start - all he had to do was drive from one state to another.
Being Career Military - he was transferred every few years from one base to the next. Once - we moved from Southern California to New England.
Each time he was transferred - he would plot out a route that would take him through States he hadn't been through yet.
The other thing was that every now and again we would visit his or my mother's families and that involved another trip - plotted out so as to take him through states he hadn't been through.
I was born in North Carolina and 3 weeks later - we moved to Iowa. So I got an early start on Wander Lust. One of my earliest memories is playing in a box in the back seat of a car.
I don't do it often - as I don't have a reason too but I've never thought anything at all of hopping in a care and driving a thousand miles. Not a big deal. Been there - done that - more than once.
My Dad didn't make a big deal about doing this. I didn't know for years that he was doing it - but - when he did casually mention it one day, not making a thing about it, I remembered those trips through all those States.
He never mentioned if he'd done it - but I'm pretty sure he did - and I'm certain that I've been through a lot of those States myself. I've never been to Alaska but I did have a stop over in Hawaii. Whenever I hear a States name - I feel that I've been there. I just never made a list. I guess I've got the same casual attitude towards it that my Dad did.
So - when I see you driving through these States - I can't help but think ... _"I've been there ..."_ .
.
I'm living in Omaha now, born here but we left when I was very young. I've now been back since 96. I've lived in Austin, Corpus Chrstie & Seattle also. Although I love those places Omaha will always have an extremely special place in my heart. It's affordable, quiet, still fun even without all the normal things to do, and a great place to raise a kid. Awesome to see you driving through! Great video!
I live right there in Rapid City! Been here for almost 3 years now and absolutely love it. I moved here because of the military but I’m so glad I did. It’s just so quiet and free with SO much to do! Hoping to stay here as long as I can.
Sometimes your videos evoke emotions in me that I don't experience often enough anymore.
My family traveled from Rockford, IL to Seattle, WA every couple of years as our family vacation. We always stopped at Wall Drug. How fun that you stopped there! And, I also find the endless fields of growing things to be beautiful in their own ways. -- Love your videos!
Eastern SD was my home as a child. It left a huge impression on me - wide open spaces, meadowlarks, picking wild pasque flowers in Spring, etc, Then and over the years I've gone back many times to enjoy the state and it's people: Custer State Park, Reptile Gardens in Rapid, the Badlands, Mystic in the Hills. Not kidding about Reptile Gardens! It looks like a trap but has the largest collection of reptiles in the world, I believe. And the grounds are well done. Who knew?! And when you go to Custer, SD check out the Purple Pie Place :) And from the eastern part? Well, if you want kitsch, check out the World Famous Corn Palace in Mitchell - where my mom's family is from. And don't forget to get out of a town, roll down the window, feel the breeze at sunset and listen to the birds. Hope you get to go back! Renée
Thank you for showing the beauty of the plains states. Grade school in Nebraska and graduated High school about half and hour from Wasta SD. I'm on the west coast now, but did drag my teens back to South Dakota during the pandemic for a sanity break. Love the unique people and vastness of it all.
Eva, your unique video and observations about places and people are appreciated.
Great video. I think you interviewed the perfect people who represent the middle of the USA. I also think you summarized what the middle of the country means to people in such a succinct manner. Thank you for your beautiful videos and your perspective.
Nice to see you traveling across the less talked about states. There's lots to do and see. I drove 18 wheeler so I could see what was out there. Now I have a family so I'm looking at a different way to travel and show my family what's out there.
It's wonderful to see you highlight the beauty of the so called "fly-over states." I hope you find your way to the South along tour travels here, as well! I've traveled a lot in Europe, and it's so wonderful and interesting to see a European do likewise here in the States. Often it isn't what you expected it to be...
Parts of Nebraska remind me of the journey from Opole to Wrocław. Nice countryside and truly calming. A good choice to visit more serene places, Eva.
Totally agree have you driven through the Sandhills?
I recently traveled through south dakota and ended up stopping at mount rushmore. It was more amazing than thought it would be, but also the black hills forest surrounding it absolutely blew my mind!
Back hills and Custer state park
Another great video Eva. Someone else said it, down the list, "Your videos are more enjoyable to watch than TV'. If I had known you were heading east I would have invited you up to Minnesota and Wisconsin... there's a whole lot to see up here along your way; however, maybe you are pressed for time. Someone else mentioned "Setting down roots here in the states", you would be very welcomed, I'm sure. I hope you can get to see more of the country and continue to make great videos.
I have enjoyed watching your content on USA travel. My travel in USA, Canada, and Europe has been extensive on business and it is so interesting to see your perspective.
I live here in northern Iowa and I love grown up here... so many small towns and friendly ppl:) hope you enjoyed your Midwest experience!!
I traveled East to West last summer in my van and was honestly shocked by how gorgeous, friendly and fun states like Ohio and South Dakota were. I would go back to SD in a heartbeat! But I still have yet to see Nebraska or Kansas, so maybe those need a little love on my next trip across the country lol
There’s lots to see if you do some Google searches before you start driving , lots of space between attractions when your out side of Lincoln and Omaha
I have yet to find a way to make Kansas interesting (I have tried…) but Nebraska is fantastic…Hwy 12 & US 20 in the North is my favorite route (there are numerous state parks), Hwy 2 is great too (there’s actually a national forest along the way), and US 26 from Ogalala through the Wildcat Hills is awesome too (serious Oregon Trail Country…extremely scenic too).
Love your video content Eva, I envy your travels throughout the US in particular. In 1972, I was in Sioux Falls in South Dakota on business from the UK. I visited sites that used to belong to the famous Sioux Indian tribes, such a rich history that sadly now seems almost forgotten.
NE Iowa and the driftless area of the state are beautiful!! Highly recommend checking out Yellow River State Park and the town of Decorah next time you’re in the state!
nice video again, I love the USA i have travelled nearly all the states, especially NW and MW, i was a truck driver too ,i regret coming back to EU.
I'm an American currently living in Europe but I've travelled around the US by car extensively, this video is making me homesick! and its also such a joy to see these things that I've come to appreciate about the US from an outsider's perspective.
The beauty of Iowa and Nebraska is its people , some of the nicest in the USA
Western Nebraska has some areas of very cool landscape.....Iowa has some caves & parts with nice landscape and scenery.
Eva - you are so gracious and generous to everyone you meet. Obviously, this is the "secret" to your channel's succes.
Great video Eva. South Dakota is beautiful but some crazy mid west weather (Tornadoes, Hail storms and massive snow during the winter) If ever in the area again check out Devil's tower in Wyoming and also Mt Rushmore. Side note and scary/interesting tidbit is that stretch of I90 used to house ICBM missles during the Cold War. They also had various different launch facilities that controlled groups of the missles. I hope one day you put down roots and become an American.
Going through the less visited states does help get how people out there live. I kinda live in that forgotten region in the Midwest and yeah I agree its very much how we live out here. We like our peace in our small towns but we also like to see people visit. Its always a mutual respect out there. Just treat each other with respect and everyone has a good time. I've visited Wall Drug twice when my family went on a trip out west and I have never seen anything like it. I'm glad you took this way because it helped you get a few more of the types of people from here it helps people see just how diverse of a country the U.S. is.
Is it already 1.5 year of you in America 😮 time flies.. Visiting these kinda off beat places is a vibe.. it was amazing video as usual. Eva ❤
Eva, I grew up in Tennessee and had only heard of Nebraska when “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” came on TV once a week; however, it wasn’t a state that I thought about and I certainly didn’t think I’d ever live here. I ended up in Omaha in 1981 and was supposed to move to Germany in May of 1986. I met my husband (a native of Pennsylvania) and ended up staying in Nebraska. We’ve lived on the Nebraska prairie for the past 25 years but in 2019 we bought an apartment back in Omaha so we make the 3 hour drive once or twice a month to go there. We both think of Omaha as home because we both like it better than any place we’ve ever lived. The Midwest is the best kept secret in the U.S. you can get to other places like NYC on a direct flight out of Omaha that takes a couple of hours, and my son and dil have gone for two years in a row. Nebraska looks very different than Pennsylvania and Tennessee but we love it here. I’m so glad you liked your trek through the Midwest. -- BTW, we have a German shepherd and he loves our road trips.
i remember Marlin Perkins. He died of cancer around 1986.
Three words that make Omaha one of my favorite vacation spots: Henry Doorly Zoo.