Browsing individual state websites really is a joy. With the launch of Tour America, which indexes each one, they are easy to find and the amount of information available is vast - although Hawaii's effort could do with a bit more work. If you just want to order a brochure, this is also the place to find them.

Alaska
Go to Alaska now before a Bush administration opens up the state to oil drillers. It's possible to reserve an Anchorage federal cabin - surrounded by blueberries, black bears, bald eagles and river otters - for only $35 a day. Even better, the location is sometimes inaccessible because the neighbouring lake is frozen. Mattresses are not provided and the toilet is outdoors. What more could an environmentally-conscious visitor ask for? The site also explains how to get married in Alaska (a licence costs $25) and provides an excellent journey planner.

New York State
Information about New York City is relatively easy to come by, and the NY State site concentrates on the attractions of the surrounding area instead - including gems such as the Women's Rights National Historical Park. Eight road-trip itineraries, details of canoeing in the Adirondacks and hiring a boat to navigate the extensive NY canal system can also be found here.

Tennessee
Type in the region you want to visit, the season and the activities that interest you, and the Tennessee Trip Planner suggests places to stay and visit. The sections dedicated to African-American culture and heritage is notable, but coverage of the Smoky Mountains is a little disappointing.

Utah
The Beehive State is increasingly popular with skiers and snowboarders, and the 2002 winter Olympics will take place here. But the main highlight of this site is the diary of Jeff Schmerker, a six-foot latterday Jack Kerouac who believes that "despite the state's idiosyncrasies, quirkiness, fair share of weirdoes, oddities, banalities and urban congestion, there are few places more beautiful than Utah".

Rhode Island
The best-designed of all the state sites, Rhode Island's effort is sophisticated and persuasive.

Massachusetts
Next year will be the Year of the Lobster in Boston, and this site includes a thoroughly off-putting guide to eating the crustaceans. Other strengths are the lighthouse and discount shopping sections. All the accommodation listed here can be booked online.

New Hampshire
Small, but perfectly formed.

California
With some excellent maps - including a poster guide to movie locations in the state - and a free California Driving Tours book to print out, this is a basic but informative site.