Create your USA experience VISIT USA 2024 TRAVEL PLANNER
Welcome kids of all ages Relax and reconnect in a tropical playground unlike any other. From miles of golden beaches and scenic waterways to cosmopolitan dining and nightlife, to the world-famous Everglades, fascinating discoveries await in Greater Fort Lauderdale. And we can’t wait to welcome you. Plan Your Adventure at VisitLauderdale.com
visitusa.org.uk 3 BMI PUBLISHING LTD, 501 THE RESIDENCE, NO.1 ALEXANDER TERRACE, GUILDFORD, GU1 3DA UK. TEL: +44 (0)20 8649 7233 EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: STEVE HARTRIDGE, PUBLISHER: SALLY PARKER, FEATURE WRITERS STEVE HARTRIDGE, PETER ELLEGARD, DESIGNERS: MATT BONNER, CAITLAN FRANCIS, OPERATIONS MANAGER: CLARE HUNTER, PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR: STEVE HUNTER, MANAGING DIRECTOR: MATT BONNER, CEO: MARTIN STEADY | COVER IMAGES: COVER IMAGES: GATEWAY ARCH, ST LOUIS. CREDIT: EXPLORE ST. LOUIS; FREEDOM TRAIL PLAYERS. CREDIT: FREEDOM TRAIL FOUNDATION; COUPLE ENJOYING ICE CREAM ON SEATTLE PIER. CREDIT: ISTOCK.COM/RYANJLANE; THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, NEW YORK. CREDIT: BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM; AMERICAN QUEEN , MISSISSIPPI RIVER. CREDIT: AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES. HIKING IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON. CREDIT: RYANJLANE; HERD OF BISON, CUSTER STATE PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA. CREDIT: BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM. OTHER IMAGES SOURCED FROM VISIT USA (UK) MEMBERS, TOURIST BOARDS, BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM AND UNSPLASH.COM | ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ACHIEVE ACCURACY, THE PUBLISHERS AND VISIT USA ASSOCIATION (UK) DO NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MISTAKES OR OMISSIONS ©BMI PUBLISHING LTD 2024 VisitUSAUK @VisitUSA_UK visitusauk WELCOME TO THE USA YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING THE ULTIMATE USA HOLIDAY Features 4 Towering Icons 6 Food and Drink Trails 10 Accessibility 12 Offbeat Americana 14 Brand New in the USA 18 Diversity and Inclusion 20 Wild and Wonderful 24 Silver Screen Travel 26 Musical Attractions 28 Be a Sport 30 Mountain Adventures 32 Parks and Gardens 34 Walking and Hiking 36 Historic Homes 38 Family Favourites 40 Historic Trails 42 Anniversaries 44 Waterways to Go 46 Scenic Wonders 48 Beach Life 50 Under the Stars 52 On the Rails 54 Finding Space Map 57 Plot your route around the U.S. with highways, gateway cities and train routes marked on this map of the nation Travel Toolkit/ESTA 59 Helpful hints and tips you need to know before you go 60 ESTA - new mobile option Visit USA Members 62 Find out more Contacts to help you plan your perfect U.S. itinerary Be Inspired 8 New Orleans 11 Visit Central Florida 16 Washington State 22 Oklahoma City 23 Oklahoma State 27 Kentucky 37 Maine 43 Cincy Region 51 Birmingham, Alabama
4 visitusa.org.uk TOWERING ICONS EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ISTOCK.COM/ZIGA PLAHUTAR EXPLORE ST. LOUIS RACHAEL-JONES-MEDIA BIG AND BOLD Oversized and over there, impressive man-made structures are towering icons in their own right
visitusa.org.uk 5 TOWERING ICONS ISTOCK.COM/PGIAM ISTOCK.COM/JENNIFER_SHARP Clockwise from top left: Enjoy great views of New York City from the open-air 86th Floor Observatory or indoors from the 102nd Floor Observatory of the Empire State Building. Sail under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and around former maximum-security prison island, Alcatraz, on a Bay Cruise. Get an elevated view of the nation’s capital from the top of 555-foot marble obelisk the Washington Monument, which first opened to the public in 1888. Take a helicopter flight above, drive across or tour inside the imposing Hoover Dam, which spans the Nevada-Arizona border. Gaze up at the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial sculpture in South Dakota’s Black Hills, 75 years in the making and still evolving. See the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina, which will reopen for tours in early 2025 following a major restoration. Take a tram to the summit of the tallest monument in the US, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. Be sleepless in Seattle after enjoying exhilarating 360-degree panoramas from atop the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair.
6 visitusa.org.uk From oysters to artichokes to barbecued pork to cheese, perhaps washed down with bourbon and topped off with home-made ice cream, blaze a food and drink trail. OYSTER TRAILS Virginia is the largest producer of farmraised oysters on the U.S. east Coast, its oysters thriving in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Visit the eight regions where they are harvested, taking in restaurants, seafood companies, oyster farms and tours. elsewhere, The Maine Oyster Trail has an interactive guide featuring 80 state oyster businesses that can be incorporated into a tour. MONTEREY ARTICHOKE TRAIL The Monterey Artichoke Trail in California pays homage to this less-celebrated vegetable, with more than 20 stops at restaurants, farm stands, farmers markets and food trucks. Monterey County's Castroville is the “Artichoke Capital of the World”, with the Giant Artichoke restaurant featuring the world’s largest artichoke statue. GREAT WISCONSIN CHEESE TRAIL Wisconsin produces a quarter of all the cheese made in the U.S., with more than 11,000 dairy farms. The Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail is a 200-mile loop starting in Madison and featuring 14 cheese producers and shops where you can taste and buy their cheeses. The National Historic Cheesemaking Centre in Monroe explains the history of America's 'Dairyland'. KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL The trail was created by the kentucky Distillers’ Association as a road trip-style experience for Bourbon lovers. The Bluegrass State’s 46 distilleries offer tours, tastings, activities, Bourbon-themed hotels and historic B&Bs. NORTH CAROLINA HISTORIC BARBECUE TRAIL Savour North Carolina’s two barbecue styles – eastern-style, which uses the whole pig without ketchup, and Western or Lexingtonstyle, which only uses the shoulder – on more than 15 trail stops from Arden to FOOD AND DRINK TRAILS TASTE TESTS Discover an artisanal food trail featuring food and drink produced by local suppliers ISTOCkpHOTO.COM/pASTOrSCOTT ISTOCk.COM/ THepALMer ISTOCk.COM/rYANJLANe ISTOCk.COM/rIGHTDX
Murphy. It was created by the North Carolina Barbecue Society to highlight restaurants and barbecue joints that specialise in roasting pigs the old-fashioned way: slowly over pits of wood or charcoal. NEW HAMPSHIRE ICE CREAM TRAIL Get the scoop on New Hampshire’s Ice Cream Trail, which features 42 ice cream shops across the state. An official map of the trail is available at state rest areas. Pictured Main image: Barbecue grilling in the Mojave Desert, California. Above: The 'Louisiana Oyster Trail has 17 participating restaurants and businesses; Below: An ice cream treat in Seattle; Artichokes in Castroville, California; Beer-battered cheese curds in Wisconsin, the Capital of American Cheesemaking'. istock.com/bhofack2 The 100 stops on Pennsylvania's fermented foods trail feature sauerkraut, kombucha and even fermented tea and chocolate Untitled-2 1 05/12/2023 08:37 istockphoto.com/the palmer
8 visitusa.org.uk BE INSPIRED Experience more than 300 years’ worth of stories, celebrations and one-of-a-kind culture in New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans The highlights of Award-Winning Attractions Get inspired by award-winning museums with subjects ranging from Mardi Gras to World War II. Dive into the city’s rich history with a modern twist at Sazerac House Museum, enjoy interactive story telling with 360-degree views at Vue Orleans, or immerse yourself in a cultural funhouse at JAMNOLA. A City of Festivity With over 100 festivals each year there's a celebration for everything and everyone in New Orleans. The city is home to so many fascinating festivals yearround that celebrate fabulous food, innovative music and cultural diversity. Be sure to check out the festival line-up to plan your visit. Live Music New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music. Today, live music permeates and enriches everyday life in the city. All kinds of musical genres, from traditional jazz to zydeco to rock and the blues can be found here on street corners, in music venues and at world-renowned festivals. Celebrated Cuisine New Orleans’ rich history and cocktail culture have led the city to become one of the most legendary places to eat in the world. With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, you can experience a culinary adventure that spans a wide array of cuisines and atmospheres. Be inspired, visit neworleans.COm
NewOrleans.com
10 visitusa.org.uk BEAUTY FOR ALL TO SEE Special viewers enabling colourblind visitors to see the autumn foliage colours and vibrant hues year round have been installed at scenic lookouts in Tennessee's beauty spots and state parks such as Radnor Lake State Park and Chickasaw State Park. The viewfinders use lenses that alleviate red-green colourblindness. MAKING A SPLASH Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio is an “ultra-accessible” theme park that offers guests with a disability free entrance. Attractions include an accessible Ferris wheel, wheelchair swings and a water park with waterproof wheelchairs. Legoland, Six Flags, Disney and Universal Studios' parks also offer accessible and sensory options. ON THE BEACH Gulf Shores, Alabama, has beach access mats, free manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs to rent. Free wheelchairs are available at Silver Beach, Michigan; Cannon Beach, Oregon; and Hanauma Bay Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. A surfing school in Huntington Beach, California, even has adaptive chair surfboards. CERTIFIED AUTISM DESTINATIONS Mesa, Arizona, America’s first Autism Certified City, has a mobile passport listing Autism Certified Centre attractions. Visit Mesa’s website lists autism-certified hotels and restaurants. Other certified centres include the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. ACCESSIBILITY AT HISTORIC SITES Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial offers free wheelchair rentals, ramps and private tours for visitors with limited mobility. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, has braille brochures, free wheelchairs and accessible trails. San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island has accessible ferry launches, sign language tours and braille wayfinding posts. FOR EVERY BODY AND MIND TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA ROCKY MCKINNON MORGAN'S WONDERLAND ISTOCK.COM/ KHANH NGUYEN ACCESSIBILITY
visitusa.org.uk 11 BE INSPIRED Be inspired, visit VisitCentralFlorida.com Discover Polk County’s amazing attractions, stunning beauty and real Florida charm. Off the beaten path, yet close to it all. Excitement is Here Central Florida LEGOLAND Florida Resort Kids of all ages will love LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s thrilling rides and cool water park. And just next door, Peppa Pig Theme Park lets little ones play with their favorite cartoon character. Legoland.com Safari Wilderness Ranch Craving a truly wild adventure? Safari Wilderness Ranch immerses thrill seekers in a world of exotic animals and outdoor beauty with safari tours on 260 acres of pristine wilderness. SafariWilderness.com Historic Bok Tower Gardens Explore the fascinating Bok Tower Gardens, featuring the 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower carillon (a national historic landmark), 50 acres of gardens, hiking trails and more. BokTowerGardens.org Westgate River Ranch From airboat rides to a real-life rodeo, Westgate River Ranch offers city slickers an authentic dude ranch experience. Luxe teepees and Conestoga wagons offer a stay unlike any other. WestgateResorts.com
12 visitusa.org.uk Bizarre, weird and fanciful they may be, but these attentiongrabbing oddities are definitely worth a stop to see and experience. Only in America! TOILET SEAT ART MUSEUM, TEXAS No need to spend a penny when visiting this unusual museum in northern Dallas suburb The Colony – it’s free. Showcasing a collection of 1,400 pieces of art created out of toilet seats by San Antonio plumber and artist Barney Smith during his lifetime, it opened at the Truck Yard bar in 2019 just before he turned 98. Sadly, the King of the Commode, as he was known, died a week after the opening. But his odd art lives on. SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER MUSEUM Spice up a Great Smoky Mountain National Park road trip with a stop at this museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, gateway to the park. Not to be sneezed at, it contains 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world as well as 1,500 pepper mills, the result of 35 years of collecting by founders and owners Rolf and Andrea Ludden. THE PAPER HOUSE Built a century ago by mechanical engineer Elis Stenman as his summer home at Pigeon Cove in Rockport, Massachusetts, not only is the building made entirely out of newspaper but so is all the furniture inside. Among the pieces, all made from varnished newspapers, are a piano, a longcase clock and several desks, one of which has accounts of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927. The museum is open from spring to autumn. LARGEST CHEST OF DRAWERS How else would the city fathers of the 'Furniture Capital of the World' celebrate that designation than by building the world’s largest chest of drawers? That was in 1926 in High Point, North Carolina, where the 40-foot-tall Victorianstyle, four-drawer dresser – the size of a large house – became known as the “Bureau of Information”. Now a popular downtown selfie spot, a giant brightly-coloured pair of odd socks hangs from one of its slightly-open drawers. OFFBEAT AMERICANA Lucy the Elephant is a National Historic Landmark that stands six storeys tall overlooking the beach in Margate City, New Jersey WEIRD BUT WONDERFUL When it comes to odd but fascinating attractions few do it better than the U.S.A. TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA VISIT NC
CORN PALACE, SOUTH DAKOTA Each year the exterior of the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is redecorated with naturally-coloured corn cobs to create huge murals. Similar murals adorning the inside are left in place for 15-20 years. The domed palace dates back to 1921 and is the centrepiece of a fiveday festival each August. It is also a high school basketball arena. Pictured Main image: The Corn Palace in South Dakota is redecorated each year with naturally coloured corn and other grains and native grasses. Above: Salt and pepper shakers come in a multitude of shapes and sizes in Tennessee. Below: See the world's largest chest of drawers in High Point, North Carolina; The Paper House, Rockport, Massachusetts, Lucy the oversized elephant beckons visitors 'inside' in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Gum Wall is a brick wall covered in used chewing gum under Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle, Washington “Sweet Home Alabama” is more than a song. It’s a place where the skies really are so blue – a land of history, culture, music and adventure. Here, gospel is sung in churches, and folks dance to blues, country and jazz in bars. Locally owned restaurants dish up meals of mouth-watering barbecue and fresh seafood from Alabama’s fishing villages. This is Alabama...and when you’re here, you can take it all in. www.Alabama.Travel Untitled-1 1 01/11/2023 14:15
14 visitusa.org.uk A host of new tourism offerings across the U.S. provide even more reasons for a Stateside trip in 2024. CIRCLE OF LIGHT The new $2.3 billion Las Vegas Sphere, at The Venetian resort, is an immersive music and entertainment venue featuring the world’s largest LED screen. The giant spherical dome seats 17,500 people and has an exterior Exosphere dynamic canvas. It launched with a 25-concert residency by rock band U2. TAKE IT TO THE STAGE The Museum of Broadway in New York City is an interactive and experiential museum that celebrates Broadway's rich past and goes behind the scenes of some of its most popular plays and musicals. In the Map Room, visitors experience the history of the city’s theatre district and migration to its present-day location. They can also go behind the curtain into the making of a Broadway show. ARRESTING EXPERIENCE The star-shaped U.S. Marshals Museum on the banks of the Arkansas River in Fort Smith, Arkansas, opened in July 2023 after more than 16 years of fundraising, design, construction and installation. It interactively tells the stories of the marshals who have served the nation from colonial times through to a marshal’s life today. More than 2,000 artefacts include historic journals, memorabilia from the Western Frontier, the Civil Rights era and badges and guns used by the Marshals Service over time. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STORY The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, opened in June 2023 and explores the history, culture, and impact of African Americans on the city, the state and beyond. It highlights the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of enslaved Africans’ descendants. The museum is situated on the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf – the disembarkation point at which an estimated 45% of all African slaves entered America. BRAND NEW IN THE USA At Robbie's Marina in Islamorada, Florida Keys, a new Transparensea glassbottom boat is available for tours of Alligator Reef NEW KIDS IN TOWN Interactive museums, entertainment centres, theme park attractions and much more will wow visitors in 2024 BRIGHTLINE
visitusa.org.uk 15 THE FAST TRAIN TO FUNSVILLE Brightline’s new Orlando International Airport station means high-speed trains now link Central Florida with Miami, taking under three-and-a-half hours for the 235-mile journey, at speeds of up to 125mph. It serves other Atlantic Coast destinations including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. A privately-funded passenger railway, Brightline operates 30 trains a day, with 15 trains daily from both Miami and Orlando. REMEMBERING THE ALAMO New at the Alamo in San Antonio, the Ralston Family Collections Centre is where visitors can see the collection of priceless Alamo artefacts gifted by musician and historian Phil Collins, and the Battle of the Alamo Diorama, which he narrates. Exhibits will move to the planned Alamo Visitor Centre and Museum when it opens in 2027. THRILLS, SPILLS AND SPLASHES Several theme parks have opened new attractions. Among them is Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood featuring the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Serengeti Flyer is a pendulum-style double swing that is the tallest and fastest of its kind. SeaWorld Orlando opened the world’s first surf coaster, a stand-up ride called Pipeline, while in 2024 it will add another coaster, Penguin Trek, with SeaWorld San Antonio opening flume coaster Catapult Falls. KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR Music legend Bob Dylan is behind a project in Louisville’s NuLu neighbourhood that blends American whiskey and creative art. The Last Refuge is a collaboration between the star and the Heaven’s Door whiskey brand he co-created in the 150-year-old former Refuge of Kentucky Church, transforming it into a bar with 1,500 whiskey brands and a retail store. BRAND NEW IN THE USA PICTURED Main image: The International African American Museum, Charleston, South Carolina; Above: The new Las Vegas Sphere, an immersive entertainment venue. Below: New Brightline train services connect several popular South Florida destinations; the new U.S. Marshals Museum in Arkansas features immersive and interactive exhibits; the Museum of Broadway in New York City takes visitors behind the curtains of popular plays and musicals. A new exhibit at Historic Fort Snelling’s Plank Museum & Visitor Center in Minnesota honors Dakota and Ojibwe people USMM GREG-NOIRE-SONY ISTOCK.COM/LPETTET MUSEUM OF BROADWAY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/CZGUR
16 visitusa.org.uk BE INSPIRED Be inspired, visit stateofwatourism.com Rejuvenating Nature Whether you are looking to work up a sweat hiking through one of its beautiful national parks, or your way of taking in the natural world involves more of a 'lay back and watch the waves' approach, the northwest State of Washington allows for immersive and aweinspiring experiences. From its myriad islands to the sun-soaked wine country, there are a variety of experiences to suit every visitor's wanderlust. With three national parks and hundreds of state parks, mountains, lakes and rivers, Washington offers an abundance of natural beauty to help visitors gain a fresh perspective on the world – and they are sure to return home feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Tasty Travels Just as the natural beauty of the State of Washington feeds the soul, the natural variety of harvest in the state feeds creative chefs and hungry travellers alike. Shuck oysters overlooking the ocean or sample apples straight from the orchard while you discover ever-evolving varietals. Savor culinary excellence at restaurants throughout the state’s cities or sip world-class wine from Washington’s wine country, the second-largest producing state in the U.S. Energise your trip at one of Seattle’s many renowned coffee roasters then head straight to the source and let farmers cook up their seasonal bounty fresh from the fields. Authentic Connections While you’re here, don’t miss discovering what really makes this place special – the people who live in the state year-round. Whether you strike up a conversation with a fourthgeneration farmer or an artist who moved here recently, or you visit one of the many cultural centres maintained by the Native Tribal Nations across the state, you’ll come across a common love of this place and will notice a respect for what makes it great. People in Washington care about the quality of what they do and preserving the natural wonder that surrounds them, and they want to share this appreciation with everyone they meet. So share your passions with Washingtonians during your visit. One of the world's most scenic places, Washington offers endless discoveries for people who love natural beauty, urban escapes and everything in between True to Nature State of Washington Savor culinary excellence at restaurants throughout our state's cities or sip world-class wine from Washington's wine country
www.portseattle.org Your adventure begin here . The beating heart of the Paci c Northwest and the natural gateway to Alaska for more than 100 years. Where innovation, art, and co ee culture live in harmony to towering Evergreens, cascading glaciers, and the sparkling shores of the Salish Sea. Seattle The Gateway to Alaska. A MODERN, VIBRANT CITY SURROUNDED BY UNPARALLELED NATURAL BEAUTY. visitseattle.org 1 07/12/2023 09:33
18 visitusa.org.uk DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PRIDE CELEBRATIONS June is the month for many Pride events. San Francisco Pride is America’s largest, attracting more than a million people. NYC Pride in New York City draws the crowds to Manhattan, while Capital Pride in Washington DC, Denver’s PrideFest and Key West Pride in Florida also celebrate diversity and inclusion. GAYBOURHOODS The U.S. has officially-designated gay-friendly neighbourhoods known as 'Gaybourhoods', where restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other businesses cater to LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. These include Chicago’s Boystown, Capitol Hill in Seattle, the Castro District in San Francisco and Philadelphia’s Gaybourhood. LGBTQ+ ATTRACTIONS New York City’s Stonewall National Monument honours the LGBTQ+ equality movement that sprang up following the Stonewall Uprising riots of 1969. A visitor centre opens in 2024. The Stonewall National Museum & Archives in Fort Lauderdale is said to contain America’s largest gay archives. CLUBS AND BARS Notable gay-friendly venues include Mary’s bar in East Atlanta and Lil’ Deb’s Oasis in Hudson, New York City. West Hollywood’s The Abbey attracts celebrity clients while Micky’s West Hollywood is known for its drag shows. Bonham Exchange, in San Antonio, has drag shows and day parties that sweep guests up in 'a happy vibe'. CALIFORNIA CALLING Several U.S. ski resorts host gay ski weeks. Elevation Mammoth in March attracts 2,500 skiers and boarders, with dance parties and events all over the California mountain resort. The White Party in Palm Springs takes place each May, with 20,000 gay men attending and taking part in pool parties and dance events. OUT AND PROUD ISTOCK.COM/ MDOCULUS ISTOCK.COM/LEOPATRIZI
CROSS THE ATLANTIC. TWO HUNDRED REASONS TO The addition of Los Angeles means Delta now serves all its U.S. hubs nonstop from London-Heathrow. Delta’s daily service is operated using Airbus A330-900neo featuring all four of our signature products including Delta One® suites, offering enhanced privacy with full-height doors and optional dividers between the centre suites. With up to 11 daily flights between the U.K. and New York-JFK, Delta and Virgin Atlantic customers can enjoy easy access to the Big Apple and convenient connections to destinations across North America. Daily flights from London-Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester are conveniently timed to arrive early in the U.S. or make the most of a full day in London. A bigger than ever transatlantic schedule means there’s more of America to explore this summer. Delta with partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic are offering a vast choice of more than 120 nonstop transatlantic routes. With up to 40 daily flights between the U.K. and the U.S. and easy, one-stop connections via Delta’s hubs, we have America covered. FLY DELTA AND PARTNER VIRGIN ATLANTIC TO NEW YORK-JFK, LOS ANGELES AND OVER 200 DESTINATIONS BETWEEN. Explore more than 200 destinations across the U.S. with Delta and Virgin Atlantic. LOS ANGELES IS CALLING NEW YORK HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER MORE CHOICES THAN EVER
20 visitusa.org.uk Florida’s everglades, protected mountain parks, marine life-rich seas and wilderness preserves – nature calls across the u.S. EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK Located on Florida's southernmost tip, Everglades National Park is the largest mangrove ecosystem in North America. This vast subtropical wilderness – a World Heritage Site – is home to 35 wildlife species such as the eastern cottontail bobcat, Florida panther and manatees. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Many visitors explore the park on an airboat that glides over the sawgrass. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE Biodiversity is key to Acadia National Park’s abundant flora and fauna, thanks to landscapes that range from rocky coastline to granite mountains sculpted by glaciers, coniferous and deciduous forests, lakes, streams, heaths and marshes. Set on the Atlantic Flyway, this is a top bird-watching area, with sightings of more than 300 species. Resident mammals include moose and black bears. Explore the park's 33 miles of scenic roads and 150 miles of hiking trails. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO Spectacular mountain peaks and lakes, rivers, forests, alpine tundra and meadows in the park’s 415 square miles are the perfect environment for a host of animals, birds and plants. The best way to see them is to hit some of the 355 miles of hiking trails. Elk, moose and bighorn are frequently seen, while ptarmigan, blue grouse, threetoed woodpecker and mountain chickadee are among the 370-plus species of birds found in the park. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, CALIFORNIA California’s coast-hugging Highway 1 offers great hiking and amazing wildlife viewing. Morro Bay’s sheltered waters are an ideal nursery and refuge for sea otters. From the shore and on kayak trips, see them resting on their backs and sometimes anchored by seaweed fronds. The area is also a haven WILD AND WONDERFUL The Salish Sea surrounding the San Juan Islands in Washington State is one of the best places in the world to see killer whales FORCES OF NATURE From Washington State to Maine, creatures large and small put on a show for visitors ISTOCK.COM/MATT DIRKSEN
visitusa.org.uk 21 for sea lions, while humpback whales can be seen on boat trips off the coast. North of San Simeon, a viewing area allows close-up views of the lumbering elephant seals that haul up onto the area’s sandy beaches. KATMAI NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE, ALASKA Few places in the world can match Katmai for bear spotting. Brooks Camp is famous for the large concentrations of brown bears that descend on a mile-long stretch of river to feast on migrating salmon as they leap up waterfalls. The park is also a protected home for moose, caribou, red foxes, wolves, lynx and other mammals. Its awe-inspiring volcanic terrain harbours more than 700 species of plants. SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION, NEBRASKA Each March sees one of America’s most beautiful natural spectacles, when more than half-a-million sandhill cranes converge on Nebraska’s Platte River Basin to rest and feed before continuing their migration to northern breeding grounds. Some breed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, with others heading to Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Two other sub-populations do not migrate: the Mississippi sandhill crane inhabits the state’s south-east coast while the Florida sandhill crane lives in inland wetland areas. BLACK HILLS AND BADLANDS, SOUTH DAKOTA Wildlife abounds among South Dakota’s Black Hills and Badlands region. Custer State Park has 1,700 free-roaming bison (spotted on a 'wildlife loop'), and resident coyote, prairie dogs, elk, deer, beavers, porcupines and raccoons. Nearby Wind Cave National Park’s 34,000 acres of forest and prairie support similar wildlife, while the cave itself has several bat species. Bison, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope are spotted in the huge Badlands National Park. WILD AND WONDERFUL Pictured Main image: A moose heads for a drink in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Above: A sea otter catches a crab in Morro Bay, on the Central Coast of California. Below: Buffalos are easy to see on the open plains of Custer State Park, South Dakota; Grizzly bears wait for salmon in Katmai National Park, Alaska; An airboat safari in Everglades National Park, Florida. Isle Royale National Park is a remote island cluster in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s border, where moose and wolves roam. istock.com/jeanro istock.com/Ryan McVay
22 visitusa.org.uk BE INSPIRED In OKC, you’ll be greeted with overflowing kindness as you discover the heritage, culture and resiliency of the Modern Frontier The Modern Frontier Visit Oklahoma City Oklahoma City (OKC) is a city rich with opportunity and character. We are a “yes” city where we make things happen. Our collaborative and energetic vision has transformed OKC over the past several decades – and we’re not done yet. Oklahoma City's story began with the several tribal nations who have always inhabited this special place, long before it was officially a city. This complex past has led to OKC residents embracing a history of doing things our own way – and this visionary spirit can be seen today in our people and passion. From the classically trained to the wildly inventive, our city is home to pioneering thinkers, doers and creators. We invite you to experience OKC. Let us welcome you to the Modern Frontier! Discover the fresh perspective of our wonderful city! Be inspired, visit visitokc.com
visitusa.org.uk 23 BE INSPIRED Be inspired, visit TravelOK.com BEAUTIFUL STATE PARKS Oklahoma's 38 State Parks are scattered in 12 distinctly different eco-regions. Five State Parks offer stylish renovated lodges, or stay overnight in a yurt, tiny cabin, or Conestoga wagon. Enjoy abundant wildlife, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and pure serenity. Legendary Route 66 Stretching 4,000 km across eight US states, Route 66 is packed with vintage and quirky sites, especially Oklahoma's original 644-km stretch. Two newly revised self-drive road trips help you to slow down and do more! Choose either Route 66 East (16-days) or West (18-days). URBAN OKLAHOMA Regional gateways, Oklahoma City and Tulsa are urban jewels! The state's capital, Oklahoma City, has a modern western vibe while Tulsa, Oklahoma's 2nd largest city, combines southern comfort with cosmopolitan style. Both offer vibrant nightlife with diverse culinary scenes. CULINARY VIBE Along Route 66, Oklahoma serves up plenty of tasty BBQ, chicken fried steak, broasted chicken, homemade pie, and the famous onion burger. Modern indigenous cuisine is delicious and abundant, while the craft brewery scene is dynamic and fun. Do indulge! American Indian Culture Okla-Homa means `Red People'. Plunge yourself into tribal history, song, art, and culture of 39 American Indian Tribes headquartered in Oklahoma. Truly comprehensive, the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City beautifully presents the sacred traditions of these native people. SIGNIFICANT MUSIC While Oklahoma boasts all types of concerts and annual music festivals, country superstars Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Blake Shelton have called it home! In Tulsa, don't miss the Bob Dylan Center, Woody Guthrie Center, and Leon Russell's Church Studio. One State. Many Nations. Oklahoma The land of a million photo ops. Landscapes of 12 distinct eco-regions, 39 Tribal Nations, and 'one-off' Route 66 roadside oddities
24 visitusa.org.uk Places seen in Sex in the City, Ghostbusters, Friends, Seinfeld and many other shows can be seen on a TV and Movie sites tour in NyC Whether immersed in a world of pink fabulousness or running up the rocky Steps, visitors can go 'on location' in states across the u.S. IN ThE PINK wITh BARBIE Barbie fans can follow in her pink stiletto footsteps at u.S. locations where the movie was shot, including California’s Malibu and Venice Beach, where Barbie and Ken go rollerblading. The Mattel Adventure Park theme park opening in Glendale, Arizona, in 2024 will feature a Barbie zone including a rooftop bar on the Barbie Beach House. hOLLywOOD'S SIGN OF ThE TIMES Built to advertise real estate and originally spelling out Hollywoodland, the famous Hollywood sign in the Santa Monica Mountains reached its 100th anniversary at the end of 2023. A two-and-a-half-hour walking tour of the hills above los Angeles includes hiking up to the sign as well as to the Griffith Observatory, which has appeared in films such as la la land (2016), The Terminator (1984) and, perhaps most famously, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. ROCKy IN PhILADELPhIA Sylvester Stallone's Rocky film series has ties to two must-visit sites in Philadelphia: the 'Rocky Steps' and the larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Rocky Balboa. Stallone's charge up the 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which has come to symbolise that an underdog can become a champion through hard work and hustle, is repeated daily by visitors. The 'Rocky Statue' features in the third Rocky film. DINO TOURS explore locations that feature in the Jurassic Park movie series and other Hollywood blockbusters on an off-road ATV Raptor Adventure Tour of Kualoa Ranch on Hawaii’s Oahu island. The ranch is a private nature reserve and cattle station on Oahu’s east side, an hour from Waikiki, and its northern half is the Kaaawa Valley, otherwise known as Jurassic Valley. A family-friendly adventure, the self-drive ATVs take five passengers. Tours last two hours. SILVER SCREEN TRAVEL ON LOCATION From Barbie to dinosaurs to witches, visitors can put themselves in the frame at places where popular movies and TV series were filmed ISTOCK.COM/Dell640 PeTeR elleGARD
TOTAL STRANGER Science fiction horror drama Stranger Things comes to life on a walking tour of filming locations for the hit show. Although set in the fictional small Indiana town of Hawkins, the 90-minute tours take place in Jackson, Georgia, and visit locations such as the library, Melvald’s general store and the Radio Shack shop. where harry Met sally Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City is accustomed to film-lovers stopping by to eat their famous pastrami on rye in the very booth where Meg Ryan’s Sally shows Billy Crystal’s Harry how easy it is for women to fake it. Untitled-2 1 23/11/2023 09:42 Pictured Main image: View of the valley and mountain range at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, Hawaii, where Jurassic Park was filmed; Above: Rocky fights on in Philadelphia; Below: The famous Hollywood sign has been looking down on Los Angeles for 100 years; New York City has provided the backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows; Step into a Barbie Dreamhouse vibe at the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, California K Huff for PHLCVB istock.com/monkeybusinessimages TRIXIE MOTEL, CALIFORNIA/FACEBOOK
26 visitusa.org.uk MUSICAL ATTRACTIONS PAISLEY PARK, MINNEAPOLIS Purple reigns at Prince’s former home and studio 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Used by the artist and the likes of Madonna and REM to record and mix albums, it is now an active museum that is open to the public for concerts, festivals and special events. Tours are available five days a week all year. PUNK ROCK MUSEUM, LAS VEGAS Fans of punk rock can pogo their way through the history, fashion and culture of the style that took the music world by storm more than 45 years ago. The museum houses the biggest collection of punk artefacts, photographs, clothing, instruments, lyrics and artwork. Visitors can shred punk riffs on guitars donated by artists. SINGING THE BLUES At the National Blues Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, view exhibits then record your own blues song. Take the Mississippi Blues Trail to the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, and visit Indianola’s BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre. In Memphis, perhaps the “Home of the Blues”, visit the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. MUSIC ON THE STREETS, AUSTIN Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World” for good reason. Its 6th Street literally rocks with the sounds of live music of all genres coming from clubs, bars and restaurants. The city also offers plenty more music venues in other areas, notably Rainey Street, the Red River Cultural District and 2nd Street. ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, CLEVELAND Rock on down to explore rock ‘n’ roll history and see memorabilia from some of music’s greats at 'Rock Hall'. Opened in 1995, it has been visited by 14 million people and displays over 50 exhibits and hosts live music. Work has begun on an expansion project that will increase the museum’s size by around a third. HIT THE HIGH NOTES PAISLEY PARK ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME THE VOX AGENCY
visitusa.org.uk 27 BE INSPIRED Be inspired, visit kentuckytourism.com Where racing legends, bourbon bliss, and Southern charm converge for an unforgettable escape Kentucky Unveiled Explore equine traditions, world-class distilleries and authentic cuisine in Kentucky The Bluegrass State Discover the allure of Kentucky, where iconic racehorses and world-renowned bourbon distilleries await. Embrace the Southern charm and cuisine that defines the local way of life. Travel alongside thoroughbreds – maybe destined for the Kentucky Derby – at picturesque horse farms. Unravel the secrets behind 95% of the world's bourbon and try some tastings. Explore Mammoth Cave, the world's largest cave system, and delve into America's love affair with sports cars at the National Corvette Museum. Enjoy the great outdoors and breathtaking landscapes and the blend of tradition and adventure that makes Kentucky an unforgettable destination.
28 visitusa.org.uk BE A SPORT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL KENTUCKY TOURISM LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Cities large and small across the U.S. offer visitors an unrivalled range of great sporting events, occasions and arenas
visitusa.org.uk 29 BE A SPORT Clockwise from top left: Watch a baseball game at America’s oldest ballpark and home of the Boston Red Sox, Boston’s Fenway Park. See an NFL match involving the Minnesota Vikings at the US Bank Stadium. Catch an NBA basketball game in several cities across the U.S., such as in Orlando, home of the Orlando Magic. For high-speed action, Formula 1 races are now held in three U.S. cities: Miami, Austin and Las Vegas. One of the hottest tickets in golf is to be a patron (as spectators at Augusta National Golf Club are called) at the annual Masters tournament. Join up to 135,000 NASCAR fans watching the annual Daytona 500 race at the Daytona International Speedway. Visit one of America’s coolest stadiums, the Big Apple’s iconic Madison Square Garden, to experience an NHL ice hockey game with home team the New York Rangers. Catch one of the country's four classic horse race meetings: Kentucky Derby (Louisville), which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2024; Preakness Stakes (Baltimore); Breeders Cup (alternating racecourses); and Belmont Stakes (Elmont, New York). ORLANDO MAGIC ISTOCK.COM/ KENLH PETER ELLEGARD
30 visitusa.org.uk From coast to coast, the u.S.'s mountain stawtes offer a range of year-round activities that guarantee adventure and family fun. BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NORTH CAROLINA The Blue Ridge Mountains span most of western North Carolina; at 6,684 feet, Mt Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Drive the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee, ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad from Bryson City, enjoy views from atop Chimney Rock, cross a swinging bridge on Grandfather Mountain, explore arty Asheville and visit the 250-room Biltmore House. JACKSON, WYOMING year-round mountain town Jackson delights adventure seekers, snow hounds and nature lovers. Set in 50-mile-long Jackson Hole valley, the town sits 12 miles south of Grand Teton National Park. For skiers and snowboarders, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has more than 130 trails, ten lifts, two gondolas and an Aerial Tram. The tram and gondolas also operate in summer, when activities include hiking, biking, rafting, paragliding and wildlife viewing. STOWE, VERMONT Nestled alongside Vermont’s highest mountain, Stowe is a true four-seasons resort. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and ice fishing. in spring, there’s maple sugaring, fishing plus spring skiing and snowboarding. Summer activities include hiking, road and mountain biking, zip lining, golf and dips in swimming holes. And in autumn you can enjoy the dazzling fall foliage colours while paddling, hiking, biking or taking scenic drives. POCONOS, PENNSYLVANIA The Pocono Mountains encompass 2,400 square miles of mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and woodlands in north-eastern Pennsylvania. The region is a playground throughout the year, with downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snow tubing in winter. in summer, its 150 lakes and 170 miles of rivers offer swimming, MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES Hot air balloon flights, mountain trails, golfing, fishing, an alpine slide and a mountain coaster are on offer at Park City, Utah PEAK PERFORMERS From the Appalachians in the east to the Rockies in the west, slope off for some mountain highs whatever the season iSToCk.CoM/BeNeDek iSToCk.CoM/CHRiSTiANNAFZGeR PARk CiTy CHAMBeR/ BUReAU
white-water rafting, kayaking and boating. Golf, antique stores, scenic railways, hiking and biking are also popular. SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost part of the Rocky Mountains, stretch 230 miles across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Santa Fe, America’s highest state capital, is located in the foothills. Taos Ski Valley has New Mexico’s highest peak. Popular in summer, the Wheeler Peak Trail (13,161ft), is an eight- mile round-trip trek. Horse riding, biking, hot springs and winter sports are family options at Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain, California THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN DESTINATION FOR EVERY SEASON Pictured Main image: Cycling among summer blooms in Park City, Utah; Above: Winter family fun in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Below: Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington; Chimney Rock, overlooking the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina; There are 15 ski resorts in California's Lake Tahoe region. istock.com/Alex Potemkin
32 visitusa.org.uk PARKS AND GARDENS PRINCEVILLE BOTANICAL GARDENS, KAUAI After starting life in 2001 as a 'hobby', this family-owned corner of Kauai’s jungle-covered North Shore is now one of Hawaii’s most beautiful botanical gardens, a tropical paradise of native plants and rare and endangered flowers. Mandatory guided tours include tastings of chocolate and honey produced on-site. LONGWOOD GARDENS, PENNSYLVANIA Located west of Philadelphia, one of the USA's top horticultural attractions features 1,050 acres of woodlands, gardens, conservatories, fountains and 10,000 plant species. Originally a Quaker farm and arboretum, there are seasonal displays, exhibitions, live music and theatre performances. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN, ST. LOUIS Founded in 1859, America’s oldest botanical garden has quadrupled in size and now spans 79 acres in the heart of St. Louis. Major attractions include one of North America’s largest traditional Japanese gardens and the Climatron geodesic dome conservatory, with 2,800 plants, half of them tropical species. BELLAGIO BOTANICAL GARDENS, LAS VEGAS Each new season sees the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens inside the Bellagio’s Conservatory transformed into a floral fairyland tableau complete with plants, flowers, trees, figures, animals and accompanying sounds. A fifth display marks the Lunar New Year. Open 24 hours, the gardens are free to enter. DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN, PHOENIX The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, shows just how rich in plant life and biodiverse deserts are. The 55 acres of Sonoran Desert under cultivation are home to around 55,000 desert plants that range from succulents and multi-coloured wildflowers to giant saguaro cacti and verdant trees. COMING UP SMELLING OF ROSES
USA Unwind on the Jersey Shore’s beautiful beaches and boardwalks. Be dazzled by Atlantic City’s casinos, live shows and nightlife. Enjoy shopping meccas and theme parks like those at American Dream. Visit Victorian Cape May, American Revolution landmarks and more! Explore & get your free travel guide at VisitNJ.org/UK. NEW JERSEY WELCOMES YOU GET THE MOBILE APP #visitnj titled-2 1 07/12/2023 09:25
34 visitusa.org.uk Walking and hiking trails that criss-cross the country offer the chance to get away from it all amidst bountiful nature. TRIPLE CROWN TRAILS For hikers who enjoy long trails, the ultimate test is the Triple Crown of through-hikes – the Appalachian Trail stretching from northern Georgia to Maine, the Continental Divide Trail along the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to Montana and the Pacific Crest Trail through California, Oregon and Washington. Together they span 7,785 miles and 22 states – but short sections can be tackled in a much more leisurely fashion from many trailheads. GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE Started in 1978 with a section of an abandoned railway corridor, the Great Allegheny Passage was completed in 2013. The trail starts in Cumberland, Maryland, and ends in downtown Pittsburgh, running for 150 miles across forest-swathed valleys, snaking around mountains and skirting three rivers. Along the way it crests the 2,392-ft Eastern Continental Divide and passes through around a dozen towns. ICE AGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Stretching nearly 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, the trail’s western end is located in Interstate State Park on the St Croix River, bordering Minnesota, while its eastern end is in Potawatomi State Park on Green Bay. It is so named because it traces the edge of a retreating Ice Age glacier from the time of mammoths and sabretooth cats 15,000 years ago. More than 2.3 million people a year use the trail, hiking in spring, summer and autumn, and snowshoeing in winter. LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL The trail commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803 to 1806, who explored the land the U.S. had recently acquired. It follows the expedition’s outbound and inbound routes for 4,900 miles from Pittsburgh to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon where it meets the Pacific Ocean, connecting 16 states. WALKING AND HIKING With over 800 miles of hiking trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina is home to exquisite natural beauty TAKE TO THE HILLS Put your best foot forward to explore some of the USA's most beautiful walking and hiking trails ISTOCk.COM/MICHAEL VER SPRILL
visitusa.org.uk 35 SILVER LAKE TRAIL, PARK CITY Enjoy panoramic views of Utah’s Park City and surrounding mountainous countryside on Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Lake Trail. Classed as a moderate hiking trail, the 4.7mile route is for foot traffic only, helping to preserve its tranquil atmosphere. It starts at the bottom of the Deer Valley Silver Lake chairlift, and heads up through aspen groves and ending at the top of Bald Mountain. You can hike back down or take the chairlift. CADILLAC NORTH RIDGE TRAIL, MAINE Hike this trail to the top of Acadia National Park’s highest peak and the highest point on the U.S. east coast, 1,530-ft Cadillac Mountain, for sweeping vistas of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and the Schoodic Peninsula. From September to mid-March it is the first place in America to see the sunrise. The trail is 2.2 miles long to the top. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK One of America’s prime wilderness areas, covering 2.2 million acres that are mostly in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park has more than 900 miles of hiking trails to explore. Day hikes do not require a permit, although hikes should be planned in advance as trails can be snow-covered until June or July and some involve fording swiftrunning rivers. Enjoy day hikes in areas around Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Geyser and the canyons and mountains in the centre of the park, amongst others. WONDERLAND TRAIL, MOUNT RAINIER Encircling Mount Rainier in Washington State, the 93-mile Wonderland Trail is a strenuous hike featuring a lot of elevation changes as it goes through lowland forests and valleys and up into high alpine and subalpine areas. A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping in the park. There are 18 trailside wilderness camps and three non-wilderness camps. WALKING AND HIKING Pictured Main image: Hiking on a mountain ridge in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, Oregon; Above: Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante National Park, Utah; Unusual colourful sandstone formations in the deserts of Utah are popular among hikers.; Bottom: Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Louisiana; Salt crust in Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America; A mother and baby setting out on a walk in Yellowstone National Park. In Minnesota, the Superior Hiking Trail, an easy to moderate trail with bite-size sections, hugs the ridgeline of Lake Superior istock.com/RyanJLane istock.com/BirdofPrey
36 visitusa.org.uk HISTORIC HOUSES SLAVE HAVEN, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE This 19th Century home was once a secret sanctuary for escaping slaves. Tour guides at this 'Underground Railway' site discuss the secret signals slaves used to coordinate their escapes and show you the cellar and tunnels where slaves were sheltered before they made a dash to the Mississippi and the perilous voyage to Canada. BILTMORE ESTATE, ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA This Châteauesque-style mansion, built for George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895, is America's largest home. A self-guided tour tells the story of the Vanderbilt family through displays of vintage clothing, art and furniture. The gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind Central Park, New York. CLINTON HOUSE MUSEUM, FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS This small house, on the National Register of Historic Places, was the only home that future President Bill Clinton and Presidential hopeful, Hilary Clinton, lived in together in 1975 before entering the public eye. They were married in the living room. Photographs, documents, videos and more chart their early life together. FALLINGWATER, NR PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Located about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh in the picturesque Laurel Highlands, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (1935) is one of the famous architect's most widely acclaimed works. Built over a waterfall, the home is said to best exemplify his philosophy of organic architecture: the harmonious union of art and nature. HEARST CASTLE, SAN SIMEON, CALIFORNIA Publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst's castle-like estate, built in 1919, features 165 rooms with lavish furnishings. Also seen on the Grand Tour is an extensive art and antiques collection, centuries-old sculptures, paintings, tapestries — even an ancient Roman sarcophagus dating back to about 320 A.D. NO PLACE LIKE THESE HOMES
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