Oh the places you'll go...

For this week's list, I humbly submit the Top Ten places every American should visit in this great land. Please offer your thoughts and add (or give reason for the removal of) places, monuments, sites, or cities you believe belong.

1. The National Archives in Washington DC


2. The National Mall in Washington DC


3. The Alamo-San Antonio TX


4. Mount Vernon-VA


5. Gettysburg Battle Field-Gettysburg PA


6. Arlington National Cemetery-VA


7. Independence Hall-Philadelphia PA


8. The USS Arizona Memorial-HA


9. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello-VA


10. The Statue of Liberty-NY

I have left off some of the more obvious sites such as Mt. Rushmore. I believe that there is little historical significance and the reason for its creation was to attract tourism to South Dakota-a fine business ploy, but not worth travelling across the country for. For those residing relatively close by, it makes for a great trip, but unless I have another reason to pass through the Dakotas, I probably would not be there. It is a great feat I do not wish to detract from. It just fails to make the cut here. No offense Mr. Borglum!

The Archives are listed separately here though they are just off of the National Mall because I believe this is the number one site to visit. Contained in the walls of the Archives are the Magna Carta, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights and the Constitution as the centerpiece. There are exhibitions and more to see as well, but the main draw are these crucial, beautiful documents. The Archives of the United States belongs on a world list.

The majority of this list could be accomplished within 10 days in Washington, Virginia, and Pennsylvania-with the Liberty Bell to boot. The trip to San Antonio is not out of anyone's way-the food, the Riverwalk, the Tower of the Americas (a space needle 87 ft taller than Seattle's), Sea World, and more. San Antonio is a great town.

Which from the list have you been to?

And now for The Picture of the Week...