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It depends. Are you interested in thermal soaring? Then head to the southwest, where sunny days and warm temperatures create thermals that can top out at 15,000 feet. Has ridge soaring captured your interest? Pennsylvania and the Appalachians are a mecca for the modern breed of "ridge runner." Or perhaps wave soaring, with visions of jetliners passing far below? The mountain states are your goal, with future visits to New Zealand and South America.
For the rest us with job and family responsibilities, however, the best place to fly is "at home." Soaring is done in all 50 states; most individuals can find a club or organization to join within an easy drive. And don't think you're missing out by staying in your backyard — the challenges to be found 20 miles from home can be greater than those 2,000 miles away! (And we'd be remiss if we didn't suggest Sandhill as the best place to fly, either.)