The Facts:
Capital: Washington DC
Currency: US Dollar
Time Zone: GMT -5 to -10
www.discoveramerica.com
Introduction:
It can be big, bewildering, brash and brawny full of curiosity and contradictions. This a country where skyscrapers soar and cities never sleep, where national parks preserve, deserts dominate and cowboys still ride on. A country of 50 different states, where the iconic Statue of Liberty presides over this legendary 'land of the free', Las Vegas glitters, Hollywood rules and yellow cabs and hamburger joints are emblems of the nation. Ever since Columbus discovered the New World, America has been attracting travellers in search of their own 'American Dream'.
Where To Go:
The USA is definitely big; a vast 3.79 million square miles and 305 million people make it the third largest country in the world, with the third largest population. Flanked by the Atlantic to the east and the Pacific to the west this massive landscape is divided into 48 different continuous mainland states each brimming with their own unique characters, traditions and culture, making America as different as it is huge. With Alaska in the north and the pacific archipelago of Hawaii you can throw in an additional two states to explore.
The east coast offers lobsters and lighthouses, clapperboard houses and coastal retreats, the history of the Boston Tea Party as well as unmissable buzzing New York. Mid-America contrasts sharply with it great swathes of open grain land and roads that seem to stretch forever. Swing south and you find the soul and sounds of the Mississippi and New Orleans whilst the southwest brings the stillness of the desert. The towering Rocky Mountains, surf lashed beaches and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood dominate the west.
What To Eat & Drink:
- New England clam chowder. No trip to Boston is complete without a steaming bowl.
- In Pennsylvania dig into a slice of shoofly, a molasses pie of Dutch origin.
- Grab a Hot dog at a baseball game. It was at the New York Yankees ground that the first American wiener was ever sold.
- A thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November this classic meal includes turkey and a variety of side dishes like cornbread, sweet potato, pumpkin & pecan pie.
- You don't have to go to Mississippi to enjoy its mud pie. Originally associated with Southern United States cuisine, the dish gained international reputation, owing in large part to the sheer amount of chocolate in each serving.
- Try Root beer, a carbonated drink originally created from sassafras. It seems to have a love hate appeal.
Unmissable USA:
5 things you really should do in the USA
1. Get some kicks
Follow in the words of the famous song and head out onto route 66 for an iconic road trip across America from Chicago to LA.
www.historic66.com
2. See a natural wonder of the world
Head for the Grand Canyon, one of the great 7 wonders of the world. Not only is its size staggering (its 446 km long, ranges in width from 6.4 to 29 km and is up to 1.83 km deep), so is its beauty, resulting in over four million visitors each year. The new skywalk will add to the exhilaration.
www.allgrandcanyontours.com
3. Take a bite out of the big apple
Make the most of city break deals and explore New York. From classic attractions like the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, to admiring the ornate interior of Central Station, New York glitters, glows and has a coffee shop on almost every corner.
www.mynewyork.co.uk
4. Suspend yourself
Take a tour of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. This colossal suspension bridge spans the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean with views across to the infamous island prison of Alcatraz.
www.buysanfranciscotours.com
5. Saddle Up
Riding rodeo has got to be one of the classic American experiences. Get your Stetson on and saddle up to learn the tricks of the trade from some of the real cowboys from the ring.
www.greatamericandays.com/adventure.php?adventure_id=42
