Ohio

In many ways, Ohio is an absolutely average state. It has a few well-developed cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus, with crowded centers and nice suburbs. It has some heavy industrial centers. And it has hundreds of miles of rural farmland. Its residents tend to have 'middle-American' values that most people in the country agree with. In fact, the state is so normal that it has voted for the winning presidential candidate more than any other state in recent years.

Cleveland and Cincinnati are the two most popular destinations for tourists. Cleveland has transformed its old industrial waterfront areas beside Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River into busy shopping and restaurant centers, and the brand-new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame draws many visitors to its multi-media exhibits. Cincinnati is a serene city, offering fine architecture and numerous cultural resources.

Beyond the cities, various attractions present themselves. Any fan of amusement park rides must head to Cedar Point Amusement Park, west of Cleveland, which has the world's highest and fastest roller coasters, and to Paramount's Kings Island near Cincinnati, which has The Beast, the world's longest wooden roller coaster. Visit Amish country in eastern Ohio -- more Amish people live this state than any other -- to see how a group of people live without computers or any other modern technology. The Lake Erie Islands offer a relaxing time, with wineries, beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife areas.