A long day doesn't sound like a thing to look forward to unless you're talking about extended sunlight. Ahhhhh, magnificent sun — I think losing an hour today is a small price for more of the stuff going forward. Yeah, I know. It's the Earth's rotation that affects when we see the sun, and the Vernal Equinox is still a week away. But as a resident of the Northern Hemisphere in March, I'm okay with the time change to help the long days along.

So I made a list on this first day of Daylight Savings — Places to celebrate a long day. My selections are limited to the US, but please enlighten us with other suggestions if you'd like to.

Bryce Canyon Sunrise Point Bryce, UT Photo: Picture Taking Fool It's only fitting to start this celebration of sun at first light. Bryce Canyon's famed Sunrise Point is named for its stunning views at dawn. In my opinion, any national park is a reason to celebrate daylight. I have never visited one that I wasn't racing against the sunset to see... do... experience... more of it.

Carlsbad Flower Fields Carlsbad, CA Photo: Bill Gracey Flowers are a pretty phenomenal gift from sunlight, and Carlsbad, CA Flower Fields offer a jaw-dropping display. Fifty acres on a hillside overlooking the Ocean are completely awash with vibrant colors. Located in San Diego's North County, spring comes early — According to their website, twenty acres are now blooming.

Dane County Farmers' Market Madison, WI Photo: beautifulcataya Fruits and veggies like long days. And I like fruits and veggies. So I highlight Wisconsin's Dane County Farmers' Market in this celebration of sunlight. According to Diddit.com, it ranks as the largest producer-only farmers' market in the US. Of course, you don't have to travel to Madison, WI to shop for fresh produce. But in my opinion, if you're visiting somewhere with a good one, it's worth checking out.

Gauley River Rafting Lansing, WV The thing about longer days is that it allows more time to have outdoor fun. That's not news. You know this. Things like hiking, nature watching, and rafting really need natural light. When we rafted the Colorado River last summer, our guide was a lifelong river runner. Though I've never been to The Upper Gauley in West Virginia, I trust his recommendation that it is the wildest, most adventurous white water rafting experience in the country.

Hanalei Bay Kauai, HI Photo: Jeremy Hall It practically goes without saying that time at the beach is a reason to relish longer days. This shot is of Kauai's Hanalei Bay, considered by Petrix to earn top rank among all US beaches. Is it the best spot? That's highly arguable in a category with such tough competition. It just makes me smile and appreciate all the other possibilities.

Rock City Chattanooga, TN Photo: aeu04117 Sunlight gives visibility, and this high altitude spot on the Georgia / Tennessee border punctuates how sunlight is needed for that. This is "Lover's Leap" at Rock City, where visitors can look to the horizon and see seven states at once.

Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel Santa Monica, CA photo: saarinen Visiting the famed Santa Monica Pier is a fun way to spend a day, which is reason enough to mention. But did you know the ferris wheel there is the world's first to run on solar power? At night - still powered by solar reserves - it lights up with LED lights.