When is the last time you did an errand or task based on the surrounding scenery? Most likely never; it gets selected for its location, location, location convenience. Ford has taken what could be a mundane task – charging your electric vehicle – and compiled a list of the 20 coolest places to charge in the U.S. Ford is tracking more than 3,000 public charge stations in 2011, and expects that figure to quadruple by the end of 2013. However, these are ones we dig based on nearby landmarks and attractions.

So, when it comes time to to recharge your Focus Electric or C-MAX Energi, check out these hot spots, listed in alphabetical order (not by favorite!). Also, is there a place where you would like to see an EV charging station installed? Near Mt. Rushmore, for example? If you have a setting in mind, Ford wants to know! Go to the Ford Electric Vehicles Facebook page (facebook.com/fordelectricvehicles) and print out the picture of the EV charging station under the “Show Us Your Station” tab. Then, take a photo of you with the charging station at the place you would like to charge and post the image to the Facebook page. Ford will review all the submissions and list the 10 coolest places submitted!

And now, ready, set…charge:

Edison Park Fast Lot, New York City: Charge near Times Square and Broadway? You’ll be at the epicenter of hustle and bustle

Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California: Yes, Island. That’s what you call a 1.5-million-square-foot mall with a 20,000-galllon koi pond and endless shops and eateries

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco: Oh, darn, time to charge. Guess you’ll have to hang out on the waterfront, shopping and eating

Give Kids the World, Kissimmee, Florida: This 70-acre resort with all sorts of attractions is a nonprofit that helps children with life-threatening illnesses

Greenville Zoo, Greenville, South Carolina: Zoo you need to charge your Ford? Zoo it here

Hall Wines and Clif Family Winery, St. Helena, California: Charging stations at wineries? Doesn’t get more 21^st century than this

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, Hawaii: Finally, someone has combined sun, relaxation and charging

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Houston: HANC is a nature sanctuary. Speaking of charge, walk the trails free of charge

Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles: Heading to a Star Trek convention or a Lakers game at Staples? Charge here

Magnificent Mile, Downtown Chicago: One of the neatest places to hang out in Chicago is on Michigan Avenue; there’s a charging station there

Malibu Country Mart, Malibu, California: Hit the hip shops of the ‘Bu and keep your eyes peeled for celebs

Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota: Oh, it’s big all right. Rides? Attractions? Shopping? Restaurants? Barely scratches the surface

Mint Street Parking Garage, Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina: The glitz and glamour of the city are yours to behold

NFL Stadiums: CenturyLink Field in Seattle/M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore: Go Baltimore Ravens! Go Seattle Seahawks! Paint your face, charge your Ford, cheer your team

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee: ORNL hosts public tours, but what stands out is the solar-panel–powered charging station

Peaches Bed & Breakfast, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Recharge while your Ford recharges with a stay at this historic Georgian manor

Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, Tennessee: Here’s your chance to visit the country’s highest underground waterfalls

Santa Monica Plaza Shopping Center, Santa Monica, California: Life’s a beach and then you charge. The Santa Monica Pier is a must-see

Science Museum of Richmond and Children’s Museum of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia: You might actually wish it took much longer for your Ford to charge so you didn’t have to pick just one to visit

Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, Leavenworth, Washington: Time for a charge? Guess you have no choice but to ski while you wait