Are you starting to plan your Summer road trips yet?

No matter which direction you travel, there are plenty of stops you can make along the way.  But not all excursions are created equal.  It's a great feeling to stumble across a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere, but be careful, it might just be another dreaded tourist trap.

But a new report in the Huffington Post, 'This Is The ONE Tourist Trap You're Missing Out On In Each U.S. State', reminds us that each state has at least one 'tourist trap' that is worthy of your time.

Their recommendation for South Dakota is the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills, and while I've seen it from a distance, I have yet to get an up close view.  Someday.

As for the remainder of the list, I've been to three and have plans to cross off number four later this Summer.

Meteor Crater
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I have actually visited Arizona's Meteor Crater twice, once as a kid in the 70's and again as an adult in the 80's.

It's impressive, but it you want to be wowed by a hole in the ground in Arizona, head to the Grand Canyon.

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Six years ago I had a chance to visit one of the eating establishments on the list, Washington DC's Ben's Chili Bowl.  I am always on the lookout for good local food (especially chili) when I travel and Ben's did not disappoint.

This U Street Corridor landmark has been open for business since 1958 and has a great chili cheese dog.  If you're looking for something different, try the chili burger sub sandwich. It's three great tastes that taste great together!

Pro Football Hall of Fame
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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I still can't figure out why the folks at the Huffington Post consider the Pro Football Hall of Fame a tourist trap, but for sports fans, the Canton, Ohio shrine is a must see.

I visited as a kid in the 70's and enjoyed every minute of it, although it's a distant second to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in my book.

Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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So what's next?

Well, the recently opened High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas should get crossed off the list when I head to Sin City this summer.

After that? Who knows.

I may have to actually get off the highway the next time I drive through Blue Earth, Minnesota to see the Jolly Green Giant!

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