Whether you choose to cruise through the states via road trip or rest in a fab B&B for a weekend, the US has a host of destinations that encompass the diversity of our great land. From landscapes, to accents, to customs, to local cuisine and great shopping, the cities listed below are must –sees.
1. New York City | No matter where in the world you travel….everyone know NYC. Even if you have never been to New York, you’ve still been to New York through numerous movies and television shows. This city was famous long before ‘Sex and the City’ and the likes of Carrie Bradshaw and company called NYC their home. By the 1920’s Times Square had the highest concentration of theaters, and still does today. Known for its Broadway musicals, A-list restaurants, avant guard art museums -art deco art galleries, world class hotels, trendy boutiques, and designer shopping, visiting the Big Apple will keep your days and nights and titanium Visa Card busy. Try catching the Hunt Valley Motor Coach or the Eyre Bus Tour & Travel for inexpensive day trips to city that never sleeps. No matter how you spend your time in NYC, you will come away knowing why Sinatra and others sang the praises of dear “New York, New York”
2. Las Vegas | Sin city has much more to offer than streets lined with casinos and hopefuls in search of winning it big. Even if gambling isn’t your fortay, just a stroll through the imaginatively themed casinos is a great way to spend a day. You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate the ingenuity that went into designing these structures. Only in Vegas can gray-haired grandmothers, dancing fountains, well endowed show girls, professional high rollers, and drive thru- marriage chapels coexist in this 24 hour playground. This town has something for everyone. Vegas - the city that was built in a desert, features ritzy shopping – located in the casinos however, trendy nightclubs – ironically located in the casinos, and caloric restaurants and buffets…also located in the casinos…are you sensing a theme? Las Vegas can be a fun family destination, despite its term Sin City and the commercial mantra of “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas”. Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam, or a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Likewise visit Red Rock Canyon located in the Mojave Desert or the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. These are all great sites to enjoy…VIVA Las Vegas.
3. Florida Keys | Even though the most famous of the Florida Keys are Key West and Key Largo, there is much to see and do in the 5 islands making up The Keys. The area hosts sun and sand, snorkeling/diving, sports fishing, and numerous spas to soak away your stress…not to mention the margaritas at midday and the sunset celebrations at dusk. Listening to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville will get would-be travelers to the area in the right mindset of party party party. Likewise, a liquid lunch at Buffett’s Margaritaville Café located in Old Town Key West is a must while visiting the area. Partake in dessert heaven with the namesake Key Lime Pie. This iconic pie can be found all over the state from diners to restaurants. If you drive along the Key Lime Pie Trail – US 1 From Key Largo to Key West- you will find that no two key lime pies are quite the same. The theory about the pie’s origin is that the town went without a supply of fresh milk since cows weren’t around. So to satisfy their sweet tooth, settlers on the Keys made a pie with lime juice, eggs, and condensed milk….yummy!
4. San Francisco, California| The fun never stops in San Fran. Just like in the iconic Uncle Ben’s commercial – hop on a cable car and ride through the city’s steep streets. Better yet, take a stroll down Lombard Street – the crookedest (most winding) street in the world. This 40 degree sloped street with its 8 hairpin turns is lined with houses and beautifully manicured gardens. Take a step back in time with a day time – or if you don’t scare easily - a night time guided tour of Alcatraz Island. Hear stories about the various wardens and inmates that made Alcatraz famous. If the fog is not too bad, you can’t leave San Fran without a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, which is much more of an orangey-red than golden in color. The $35 million structure of concrete and steel features two twin towers that seem to disappear into the heavens. Finish your trip with shopping and dining in China Town or seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf. This bayside city has a lot to offer.
5. Sedona, Arizona| This city embodies the rugged character and rough terrain of the west. Its landscape is beautiful – filled with its gargantuan canyons and dramatic sandstone towers. This is a Mecca for New Age spiritualists and those coming for relaxation, tranquility, and renewal. From the numerous spas and centers for spiritual and personal enrichment to camping, fishing, bird watching, star gazing, hiking, or riding horseback….…Sedona is truly the spirit of adventure.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana| Despite devastating hurricanes in the last couple of years to the area, and the wrath of Hurricane Katrina…the Big Easy is back. From the spicy Creole/ Cajun meals, to the syncopated jazz music…you will find plenty to do in this southern city. Popular attractions include the French Quarter (the oldest part of the city) and the hedonistic Bourbon Street, trolley rides through the Garden District, or hear haunting tales about Lafayette Cemetery No 1. and its above ground tombs and vaults – made famous by Anne Rice in Interview with the Vampire. The host of Mardi Gras and the home of take out margaritas, this city encompasses modern beauty with old world charm and is known for its intricately crafted iron balconies – which can be observed from all over the city. For a bit more of the macabre – take a voodoo tour through this city of black magic. We all have Napoleon to thank for selling the previously owned French territory to the US in the Louisiana purchase (Vente de la Louisiane ) for $15 million in 1803 (equivalent to about $213 million in present day terms). So much to see and do, its hard to take it easy in the Big Easy…so let the good times roll.
7. Napa Valley, California| Even if you are on a budget, tasting room visits and winery tours are usually inexpensive and occasionally free. Worried about drinking and driving… many hotels now feature wine tour shuttle buses that take you on a guided tour of the vineyards. If you are a high roller – try the limousine chauffeured wine tours. Napa is where Old World meets New World…literally speaking since many of the vines were transplants from France. The views and landscape are a must see when traveling to the west coast. While in Napa, take a drive down California’s Route1- the Pacific Coast Highway for the scenic coastal views. To further excite your palate, try a succulent dinner at Chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry restaurant in Napa. If you are lucky enough to get moved to the top of their two - three month waiting list, you can sample wines ranging from $25 to $2500. The restaurant is known for its fine dining and hefty price tag!
8. Kauai, Hawaii| This city is the true meaning of paradise. Featuring sandy beaches, volcanic peaks, coral reefs, one can not help but be totally transformed by the sheer beauty of the Na Pali coast. One can hike along the Kalalau Trail or swim in the Hanakapi’ai Falls. Loose yourself in sheer nature in this tropical paradise. Despite the smallness of the island, there is beauty and diversity abounding, from the national botanical gardens on the south shore, to the Fern Grotto and Wailua Falls in Kalapaki, to hiking the Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) on the Coconut Coast, to touring the Waikanaloa and Waikapalae Wet Caves or Kilauea wildlife refuge on the north shore. Try your hand at the ancient Hawaiian art of salt making at the salt pond on the West side of the island. This island is just a small glimpse of the rich Hawaiian culture….Aloha.
9. Grafton, Vermont| Vermont was named by French explorer Samuel de Champlain because of its green foothills visible in the summer months…thus Vert Mont. The states namesake “Green Mountains” feature a variety of colors in the fall- from oranges to reds, to yellows. Grafton is one of the premier spots for nature lovers because of its picturesque hamlets, due to non profit foundations that have pushed to have much of the area preserved. While there, check out the numerous museums, art galleries, and charming New England churches. The city is known for its Grafton Village Cheese factory and covered bridges. This town boasts the best of past and present.
10. Washington, DC| Since the 2009 inauguration, which virtually transformed the city, D.C. has not lost its popularity. It’s the best of both history and big city cosmopolitan charm. Visiting the nation’s capital, one can learn a lot about the various monuments and museums, like the Capitol, the Smithsonian, and the symbolic White House- home of the Obamas. Not only is there history to be learned in this city, it has a fabulous nightlife and a must see theater selection. Do some shopping in Georgetown, and then hit the tapas bars and all the rage hangouts on M Street and in DuPont Circle. If it’s good enough for our top leaders…then its good enough for you.
If you have already visited all ten cities on the list – excellent – you have been bitten by the wanderlust bug. If you visited 5 or more good for you - keep up the spirit of traveling and seeing the sites that America has to offer. If you have visited 4 or less – get packing - there’s a whole big country out there waiting to be seen. Get ready for some good old fashion fun!
Trenessa Coffey Annibal is owner and tour operator of Parlez-Vous Français Tours (specializing in guided tours to the French Rivera). www.pvftours.com; 410.342.0575.
