Weary of an online proliferation of “10 worst” lists, St. Louis broadcaster and national travel writer Bill Clevlen set out to map the best of what our country has to offer – a bucket list of sites and experiences for travelers and vacationers. All underscore the uniqueness of America, from standing in the field in Dayton, Ohio, where the Wright Brothers first tested their planes to taking in the aura of Memphis’ Sun Studio, where a 19-year-old Elvis Presley was discovered in 1954. There are mountains, museums, fried chicken, small towns and, yes, the world’s tallest mailbox.

Clevlen spotlights many of his recommended stops in a discussion of his new book 100 Things to Do in America Before You Die.