by anneh632

From the Windy City to the City of Big Shoulders, there seems to be an endless list of nicknames for Chicago. And this is no wonder: with one of the most competitive economies in the US, a strong musical tradition, remarkable architecture and a mosaic of cultures and ethnic groups, Chicago is one of the prime tourist hotspots in the US. One could spend years just exploring Chicago’s amazing history, its music clubs and legendary restaurants: but with those of you with just a couple of days to spend, here come Chicago’s Top 5 Attractions:

Navy Pier

One of the liveliest areas of Chicago, the Navy pier can be a great way to spend your day, especially when you’re in the company of family or a group of friends. The Pier is famous for its rides and its highly rated Children’s museum, but those looking to take memorable shots of the Lake Michigan shouldn’t really check out this place. Don’t expect the kind of upscale restaurants and shops to be present in this touristy spot, but with this minor inconvenience the place is a magnet for fun.

Sears Tower

by mark.watmough

Once the tallest building in the world, Sears Tower has remained one of Chicago’s landmarks. For a few bucks a fast and accommodating elevator will take you on the tower’s sky deck, where you can admire downtown Chicago. Most of its skyscrapers will then seem like dwarfs compared to the floor 94 view atop Sears Tower. To make the best of your experience, try to go there after nightfall  – the tower stays open till 11 pm.

Field Museum

If you are a fan of natural history museums then you should do all your best and try not to miss this one. The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is known nation-wide for the huge dinosaur skeletons it exhibits. This is also a great place to learn about human evolution and the history of Native Americans.

Shedd Aquarium

Since we’re one the educational chapter, I figured you might enjoy learning a few things about Shedd Aquarium, one of Chicago’s top five attractions. Even though the aquarium is set on the shores of Lake Michigan, visitors are able to explore the depths of the arctic ocean, as well the colourful species living in the Caribbean reefs; the underwater fauna of the Great Lakes was not forgotten, either.

Millennium Park

by Godzillgirl

Chicago is not only famous for its architectonic wonders, but also for some of the nicest city parks in the US. Millennium Park is probably Chicago’s most famous park, and the location for numerous concerts and fairs. A relatively addition to the city scape, the park consist of numerous gardens, pedestrian routes, fountains and monuments, as well as a remarkable rooftop terrace above Millennium Station.

by stephen_d_luke

USA is certainly a nation of sports lovers and sports spectators – no wonder that an event like the Super Bowl is watched every year by tenths of millions of people. But if you think that football reigns supreme in USA just like it does in Europe or South America, you’re wrong. Actually, Americans have their own name for this ‘minor’ sport – they call it soccer. Nevertheless, if you ever travel to the United States with the intention to learn about the country’s sport culture, then attending a football, basketball or baseball game should be among the first things to begin it. For a total immersion, try booking a ticket at one of these popular sports competitions in the US:

Super Bowl

A crucial event in the American pop culture, Super Bowl brings together the best of USA’s football teams. Super Bowl means huge audiences, big stars fighting to get an appearance in the show and lots of emotions. Many see Super Bowl as the biggest sports event in USA, if not for the number of spectators, then definitely for its popularity with advertisers: having one’s product advertised during the break is pure gold. One important thing to remember about Super Bowl  is that the two teams fighting for the titles are the winners of USA’s two major football leagues, the American Football League and the National Football League.

NBA All-Star

by rondostar

What makes this basketball game one of the most popular sports competitions in the US is the unprecedented degree of public involvement. Not an official competition game, the NBA All-Star is a special type of even in which the best basketball players in the States are selected by the public and split in two teams to offer a much celebrated display of their talents.

WrestleMania

Adored by the entertainment hungry crowds and flirting with the hottest celebrities, the Wrestle Mania battle is the event of the spring. While the most famous wrestles hit the ring to show the best of their talents, the attending crowds grow bigger and bigger with each year – more than 100 000 people attended the event live during the 2011 edition.

Stanley Cup

by scazon

There’s no bigger honour for a North American hockey team than adding the Stanley Cup in their collection of trophies. The Stanley Cup tradition goes back to the late 18^th century, and since then the cup has managed to create a whole myth around it. Even though there are still many disputes around this competition, it remains of America’s favourites.

by Smart Destinations

There are few other places in the world where shopping seems more natural than in New York. With its classy boutiques, historic department stores, underground labels and outlets New York makes the ultimate shopping destination in the US. The great thing about New York shopping is that you don’t necessarily to be Paris Hilton in order to dress fashionable: there will be plenty of brand outlets and US and European labels offering trendy outfits for bargain prices. The only problem is to know where to look for. So here comes my bargain hunter’s guide to NYC outlets:

Filene’s Basement, Manhattan

Filene’s basement is a chain of outlet stores that has become a true legend among US bargain hunters. The company was started years and years ago and today it owns two huge shops in Manhattan alone. The great thing about this kind of store is that you are very likely to find some of the most famous designer brands among the numerous racks of clothes, shoes and accessories. With a little patience, you’ll go at home with a fancy new wardrobe at the price of 50$.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Central Valley

At 1h drive out of the big city, this outlet mall might be a little out of your way. But don’t let yourself mislead into believing that it is not worth the trip. With a couple of hundred shops, this mall is big enough to have its own public transportation system. The merchandise offered is very varied, from furniture and house appliances to jewellery and high street designer brands.

Century 21

by Chor Ip

With a nice location close top Broadway, this store seems stuck in a never-ending discount season. Here you have a chance to indulge on designer items at almost half their original price. The department store in downtown Manhattan is huge, with 3 levels and a great variety of products that also includes sportswear, electronics, luggage, gifts and watches.

TJ Maxx, Avenue of the Americas/Wall Street

by crazytales562

Another favourite department store with NYC shoppers is the TJ Maxx. There are several such stores in Manhattan alone. So even if you are just wondering around you are likely to find one of these discount heavens. Like the above mentioned stores, TJ Maxx also specializes and reselling leftover designer products at discounted prices. The only disadvantage with this kind of shops is that you might go in at mid-day and realize it’s already dark outside when you and your several shopping bags get outside.

by jeffreyw

Like the rest of Louisiana, New Orleans is famous for its Cajun cuisine, with its notorious grills and aromatic stews and sea food dishes. Although the Cajun cuisine shows a lot of French influences, it evolved into a very distinct style – a mix of spices and cooking method that blends perfectly into the bohemian atmosphere of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The ongoing Mardi Gras carnival sounds like the perfect occasion to indulge on some of these New Orleans Cajun Cuisine Top Favorites:

Chicken Gumbo

Gumbo is a widely used term in the Cajun cuisine – however chicken gumbo is the most popular variety. A gumbo is basically a stew (others might call it a thick soup, although okra is used as a thickening agent), served over boiled rice. Except for chicken – or other types of meat – the gumbo also contains celery, onions, and peppers, which are the essential ingredients, plus any vegetable you might find in your freezer.

Jambalaya

by Swift Benjamin

A very popular dish in Southern USA, jambalaya is the Cajun correspondent of the Spanish paella. The main ingredients in this dish are seafood, different types of meat or sausage and, of course, rice. Unlike in the case of paella, however, all the ingredients in jambalaya are boiled together in a rich stew – using a Dutch oven will get you ever closer to the original recipe.

Beignets

No New Orleans trip should ever lack a tasting session in one of the city’s legendary French bakeries. Unlike croissants and home baked baguettes, the sweets known as beignets are typically creole. Basically a donut dough fried in oil and powdered in confectioner’s sugar, beignets  are omnipresent in New Orleans.

King Cakes

by NatalieMaynor

The kings and queens of New Orleans cuisine, especially during festival times are King Cakes. Imported from Europe where it is still a traditional Christmas dish, the Kind Cake has become of the Mardi Gras Carnival symbols. The cake consists of a rink shaped bake covered in icing and multi-coloured sugar sprinkles.

 Crawfish Boil

The crawfish boil can be anything from a simple to a very aromatic dish. In addition to crawfish and sausage, the crawfish boil usually contains a mix of over 10 spices, from black pepper and bay leaves to chilli and oregano. Although this can be cooked home with some time and proper equipment, it’s the kind of dishes that are better served in one of New Orleans’ famed Cajun restaurants.

by pschultz

If you ever find yourself in Washington DC with a few hours top spare, then my suggestion would be to make the best use of that precious time and pay a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – you are not going to be disappointed! One of USA’s most visited natural history museums, the Smithsonian is well known for its huge number of artefacts but also for the always exciting and innovative ways in which its displays are presented. This short visitor’s guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will give you an idea about what to see here, as well as some practical information on when the museum is open and how to get there:

How to get there

Like many other Washington attractions, the Smithsonian NMNH is located in the most touristic area of the capital, close to the Capitol and the Department of Treasury. The huge building occupies and entire block, between Constitution Street and 10^th avenue. The easiest way to get here is probably the metro – the Smithsonian has its own designated station. There is also a special bus line serving the Smithsonian complex.

Museum hours and entrance fees

by angela n.

The Museum is open daily between 10 am and 5.50 pm, 364(5) days a year. The only day in the year when the museum is not open is Christmas day. As for entrance fee, here comes the great news, cause many Washington museums and the Smithsonian in particular have free admission for all categories of visitors.

Collections and exhibits

The Smithsonian NMNH is huge so a day might not be enough to see all the rooms and exhibitions in detail. The best thing would be to decide what exactly are you interested in and visit those sections first. Two of the most popular permanent exhibitions are those dedicated to the origins of human kind and oceanography – but in addition to these you’ll be able to see lots of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, documentaries, photographs etc.

Activities

by dctim1

A visit at the Smithsonian NMHN is by no means boring. Some of the exhibitions can be quite engaging and interactive, but you still feel bored you can also try the Butterfly Pavilion, with lots of exotic plants and live, colourful butterfly species or maybe watch a documentary on the huge screen of the IMAX theatre. The museum also has two cafes and a coffee and ice cream bar, usually serving snacks and light meals like salads and sandwiches.

by ttarasiuk

The United States are just as famous for their natural beauties as there are for the amazing cities like New York, San Francisco or Las Vegas. But in addition to nature and cityscapes, the Americans can pride themselves with some of the best museums in the world. In one of our previous posts we presented you with some truly remarkable arts museums that can be found in USA. Today, however, I will address the geeks rather than the art buffs and make a brief inventory of the top five science museums in the US:

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Allegedly the nation’s most prestigious science institution, the Smithsonian has reached universal fame with the Hollywood blockbuster comedy ‘A Night at the Museum’.  The National Air and Space Museum is only one of the institutions in Washington DC that are part of the Smithsonian. The museum is particularly famous for its displays of the original pieces that took part in USA’s space programs (like the Apollo 11 command module or the space shuttle Enterprise.)

Exploratorium, San Francisco

The Exploratorium in San Francisco might not host the same valuable pieces like the Smithsonian, but has hardly any rival in terms of user friendliness. Dedicated to the understanding of physics and the rules that govern the human perception, the museum is an interesting mix or curiosities, basic physics experiments and state of the art installations that make science both accessible and fun.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

by Marcin Wichary

This museum in Oregon is one of great interests for families, as many of its interactive exhibits and workshops are addressing kids. The museum also features a state of the art planetarium, as well as the last non-nuclear submarine in the US fleet, which visitors can see as part of a special tour.

The Franklin, Philadelphia

This museum in Pennsylvania honours one of the most innovative minds in the history of the Americas – Benjamin Franklin. The museum is organized in several sections, containing permanent exhibitions from various domains such as technology, anatomy, aviation or chemistry. Some of the highlights of the museum are the moving steam engine, the real-life satellite tracking system, the Giant Heart, as well as a unique collection of authentic airplanes created by the Wright Brothers.

The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose

by rstephemi

Silicon Valley has certainly been the major source of scientific innovation in the latest decades, so it’s understandable how the region also got one of the top five science museums in the US.  Here is the place to explore virtual worlds and the technologies that make them possible, as well as getting up to date with the latest technological trends in Silicon Valley.

by david berkowitz

The last official month of winter but not necessarily the last of the cold months, February is a great time to visit the Southern USA. This part of the country gets particularly hot in summer, so tourists will only care for the beaches and often totally ignore the distinct atmosphere of the old South.  A weekend city break in some southern city can bring the much wanted variation of your week end routine, not to mention a well-deserved break for the snow and cold in the north. Hence, today I give you five great candidates for some memorable city breaks in Southern USA:

New Orleans, Mississippi

A chameleonic city, New Orleans is always likely to surprise you with some exotic and undiscovered side of it. The months of January and February usually mark the peak touristic for New Orleans: this is the time for feasts, parties and excesses. We’ve already posted an article about the New Orleans carnival on our blog son and don’t feel like repeating just how even more colourful and lively New Orleans becomes during carnival time.

Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina’s most populous city has built a reputation as a major economic hub, but it is not just business attracting people to Charlotte. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is probably the best known attraction in Charlotte, but this particular southern city has proved to be quite skilled in diversifying its attractions. The historic Bill Graham Library, the lovely Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and the US National Whitewater center are just few examples of fabulous Charlotte attractions.

Houston, Texas

by billjacobs1

A modern city in the heart of the often unfairly characterized ‘rural’ Texas, Houston will please both the sports person and the music lover within you. Huston’s night club’s affinity for great bands and musicians (especially in terms of blues, country or jazz) is well known, and so are its parks and green surroundings.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond has played a decisive role in the history of the United States so museums and historical attractions are the keywords here. The Capitol building (designed by Thomas Jefferson himself!), the Museum and White House of Confederacy and Richmond National Battlefield Park make the top of the list, but there are plenty of other non-historical attractions to enjoy as well, as Children’s Museum or Bird Theatre.

Memphis, Tennessee

by ianloic

The city’s motto kind of says it all: “City of Blues”, “Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll”. After bringing the usual tribute to the King of Rock’n’roll and roll Elvis Presley by visiting his Graceland Mansion and the Sun Studio where the king did his recordings, you are free to explore the city’s fabulous music clubs, museums and restaurants – not necessarily in this order.

by PhelanRiessen

Travellers and party-goers all over the world, be ready to face a new edition of New Orleans’ famous carnival. The 2012 edition debuts on the 4^th of February, with the usual  Krewe de Vieux parade. (For those of you who don’t know,’ krewe’ is a name used to designate the organizations who participate in the carnival parade, similar to the samba schools at the carnival in Rio de Janeiro). Across the next couple of weeks, the city will be the host of numerous parades, parties and events. Its display of costumes, music, art and cheerfulness will culminate on Mardi Grass, with a flamboyant parade and firework show. This means you still have 2 weeks to prepare your tip and learn some useful tips for attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans:

Getting there and accommodation

As one might expect, New Orleans gets really crowded during carnival time, so for those who plan to stay there for the whole 2 weeks very early reservations are strongly advised. In the eventuality that you’ll find a free hotel room, expect to pay double or triple the price, as well. You can also choose to fly/drive there just for the weekend. As for getting around New Orleans, the best thing would be to use the public transportation system or even walk – driving is not an option with all the floats and restricted traffic.

What to do/see

by PhelanRiessen

There will be plenty to do/see in New Orleans during carnival time – so much that you’ll hardly get time to catch your breath. There’s basically a parade in every day and since these manifestations take place in different parts of the town, you’ll have a chance to explore the beautiful city of New Orleans as well. Keep in mind that food is an important part of the whole carnival experience so most people will end their day with a nice Cajun dinner. But do your best at reserving a table at the restaurant (even in the less central ones), otherwise you might end up hungry and frustrated.

How to dress

…as colourful as you can, of course. However, the official colors of the festival are purple, green and golden. There is now restriction in terms of costumes, actually the more original, the better! You might even get a prize if your costume is original and eye-catching enough.

Useful tips for attending the parade

by infrogmation

Attending the parade is fun if done with the right precautions. Study the parade locations and be there early if you want to catch the best places. Many people bring chairs and ladders, especially for the use of kids. A seat in the front row will often bring you a reward, as the float riders are always throwing prizes like sweets or stuffed animals at the public.

by http2007

Fancy an early vacation in the US? If this is the case, you should think well whether you’d like to hit the slopes while it’s still peak season or warm up somewhere in California or Florida. No matter what your choice, chances are high that you will spend less money than in other months, as January is not a common month to go on vacation – which also means you won’t be bothered by the crowds, if I come to think about it. Take a look at these 2012 early bird vacation destinations in the US and see what appeals to you:

Los Angeles, California

There are several reasons why one would want to travel to California in the middle of winter: escape snow and freezing, enjoy some sun and most importantly, beat the summer crowds. There’s plenty to do around Los Angeles at this time of the year, from visiting attractions such as Universal Studios, Getty Museum or Magic Mountain to strolling the high street shops in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills in search for discounted designer clothes and accessories.

Denver, Colorado

by i2n2

Denver is often regarded as a terminal rather than a touristic city itself: summer or winter, millions of tourists pass through Denver in their way towards the Rockies and the famous Colorado resorts. Spending a weekend in Denver might prove to be the most inspired decision you made this winter: the city is famous for its clubs, awarded restaurants and as well as its theme parks and museums.

Austin, Texas

Those with an interest in live music will be surprised to discover Austin’ s music scene. It’s hard to imagine a better place for jazz, blues and even soul fans to get totally absorbed in a jam session and listen to some of the best bands in the US play in the cosy atmosphere of a Texan club.

Key West, Florida

by sarah_sarita2

A favourite vacation destination for writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, Key West is part American, part Caribbean. This is one of the warmest and sunniest places in the US at wintertime – and, due to its historic centre and literary past, a destination with a heavy historical and artistic load. January gives the start for the Key West Literary Seminar, a great chance to meet some really famous authors of the moment.

Maui, Hawaii

It’s peak season in Hawaii which means that the weather, water temperature and nature are at their best. Maui is famous for its diving and snorkelling spots, but also for the beauty of its tropical forests, numerous waterfalls and black-sand beaches.

by NOOA's National Ocean Service

In the sunny and eventful Orlando, January is one of the busiest months of the year. Even though January is not traditionally considered as a month suited for holidays, it might be the perfect time to visit Orlando. Orlando is among those places that gets crazy busy during summer, so an early 2012 visit will let you enjoy more of its attractions and good weather without having to worry about the crowds and queues. If you are planning to take a tour of Orlando’s fabulous theme parks, you should know that January marks one of those rare moments when the queues are almost non-existent! With this important consideration in the back of your mind, here’s a list of a few January holiday events in Orlando – just to give you an idea about the activities and the fun you can get out of an early vacation in Florida’s entertainment capital:

Blue Spring Manatee Festival

Just a short drive from Orlando, Orange City is the host of a very unique event, the Blue Spring Manatee Festival. As the festival’s name suggests, this festival is dedicated to the manatees, which are a highly endangered species. The festival has a strong educational and awareness raising orientation, but it doesn’t mean that it’s less fun, especially for kids. Usual activities include free coach excursions to Blue Spring State Park, concerts, workshops and exhibitions.

Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza

by jepoirrier

Orlando is a favourite destination for families with kids, but adults who are less fond of Mickey Mouse or rollercoasters should know that Orlando is not the kind of place where they can get bored. January is when one of the biggest antique markets in the US takes place in Orlando. A great occasion to admire some really precious objects and crafts and, why not, a possible incentive to redecorate your house.

Walt Disney World Marathon

by jeffchristainsen

Running the marathon and enjoying the Walt Disney World in the same time? Sounds like a very crazy idea, yet we can only assume it’s a very fun thing to do since thousands of people join the race every year!  Even though the event is generally referred to as the marathon, it actually includes a whole week or races and competitions. You’ll get a chance to prove your endurance, meet some of Disney’s beloved characters and enjoy numerous other connected events on the way. Plus, every participant gets a Mickey Mouse medal at the end!