The United States of America is a large area.
The US is the third largest in land mass in the world, second only to
It is also the third largest in population, behind China (2nd) and India (1st).
There are so many influences that can be discovered and seen. When one considers the short history of the US, it can be surprising how much opportunity that can be found. From the original Native Americans, to European occupation, the neighbors to the north and south, with even eastern cultures affecting the growth and cultures of the nation.
Architecture
Obviously historic architecture does not have the same depth as would a mediterranean country, however, there are still some interesting creations that are well worth the effort of seeing/visiting.
There’s still a lot of colonial architecture that is prominent throughout the east coast. It can be seen throughout the 13 original colonies. In Harper’s Ferry, WV, you can enjoy colonial architecture and do some hiking at the same time.
Frank Lloyd Wright has given the US some striking buildings. The rebuilding of the World Trade Center and the memorial in New York City highlights more contemporary designs.
Open Space
In exchange for history architecture, the US has a vast array of parks. There are national, state and local parks.
There are national parks almost everywhere, including cities. From Washington, DC with its National Mall and Cherry Blossom Festival, to The Historic American Revolution Trail of Philadelphia, to The Freedom Trail in Boston.
There is a seemlingly endless supply of exploration opportunity available. Nature-Hiking alone offers trails to enjoy no mattter where you are in the country. Viewscapes are amazing. Something as simple as the leaves in the fall to the Grand Canyon can leave you breathless. The Armstrong Redwoods is not too far off the beaten path, and is a good day hike.
Geography can change dramatically fairly quickly. Near where we live alone in the Mid-Atlantic region of the east coast, there are beaches with their quaint coastal towns, the Chesapeake Bay with fishing and sailing, and within an hour or two, you can be hiking the Appalachian Mountains or skiing in the Poconos.
West Rim Trail in the Appalachian Mountains
Further away are the Rocky Mountains (younger and taller than the Appalachian Mountains), the Grand Canyon, and California Redwoods.
Open space doesn’t have to be full of trees. You could be watching the bride and groom having a literal wedding march in a parade in downtown New Orleans,
Wedding Celebration in New Orleans, LA.
catching the sunset in Fort Lauderdale,
Intracoastal Waterway in Ft Lauderdale, FL.
running along the river in Portland,
River Trail – Portland, OR
checking out the Golden Gate bridge with friends on the Moore Road Pier on Fort Baker,
Fort Baker – Sausalito, CA
or visiting the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.
Arizona Memorial – Honolulu, HI
Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries
In the last few years, Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries have been crashing on the scene. There are boutique places like 1723 Vineyards and Rocket Frog Brewing Company that have a great following. There are also the larger wineries in California, like Ledson Winery and Vineyards. Many people are beginning the journey, and there are new places popping up all the time.
For wineries, California itself has several regions. Paso Robles, Santa Nyez, Somona County and the famous Napa Valley. Don’t forget Oregon and Washington State on the west coast. Of course on the east coast from Northern Virginia (see our write ups on Stone Tower Winery and Two Twisted Posts) to the Finger Lake region.
We’ve even found wine in Hawaii!
Restaurants and Foods
It’s not surprising there are restaurants that have classic food from almost every country.
These however, are located in mostly metropolitan regions. For example you can find even the most obscure dishes in the mid-Atlantic (from Washington, DC to New York City). From upscale Michelin star restaurants like Vetri Cucina to awesome local places like Ravenisi Pizzeria Napolitania, from classic British pubs like The Whip versus US pubs like Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, you can find it all. There’s pretty much a restaurant for every country’s cuisine.
Wrap up
There are so many great places to journey within the US, it is truly the epitome of “there’s something for everyone”. With so many choices, it’s sometimes difficult to figure out what your best options are.
Essentially there’s quite a lot to do across the country.