100 Greatest
WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO EAT, WHERE TO STAY & WHERE TO PLAY IN AIRTRAN AIRWAYS’ VIBRANT DESTINATIONS.
FT. LAUDERDALE
Skim the waves
JET SKI
Those with a yearning for waves should head to the beach at the Marriott Harbor Resort in Fort Lauderdale and jump on a Jet Ski from Aloha Watersports. As long as the weather cooperates, the shop is open seven days a week to rent the vehicles and teach novices how to go with the flow.
FUN WITH FOSSILS
LA BREA TAR PITS
LOS ANGELES
Go back in time to the Ice Age, when saber-toothed cats and mammoths walked the Los Angeles Basin. Rancho La Brea is one of the world’s most famous fossil sites, boasting the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world. Also on site is the Page Museum, home to more than one million fossils recovered from the tar pits. www.tarpits.org
GO FISH
KAYAK FISHING
JACKSONVILLE
Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to access Jacksonville’s plentiful and diverse marine habitats. Drop a line in offshore waters that team with game fish such as tarpon and Spanish mackerel, or paddle up one of the dozens of creeks and hit the tidal marshes for plump redfish and flounder. www.jaxkayakfishing.com
CAPITOL IDEA
UNITED STATES CAPITOL
WASHINGTON, DC
Its cornerstone was laid in 1793, and, in the intervening years, this masterpiece of 19th neoclassical architecture has been burnt, rebuilt, expanded and restored. In addition to its active use by the United States Congress, the building also houses an impressive collection of American art and historical artifacts. Free guided tours are available Monday through Saturday. www.aoc.gov
THE FLUTTER OF WINGS
COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER
HOUSTON
The Houston Museum of Natural Science comes alive in breathtaking color at the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Hundreds of butterflies representing dozens of species flutter and swirl around the three-story glass conservatory, alighting on tropical flowers and visitors’ sleeves alike. www.hmns.org
SAY “ARRRGGHH”
CAPTAIN MEMO’S ORIGINAL PIRATE CRUISE
TAMPA
Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise is a fun-filled family adventure that includes music, games and friendly pirates. The cruise has something for everyone in the fantasy world of swashbucklers and pirates aboard the Pirates Ransom. The two-hour trip along the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico includes complimentary refreshments. www.captainmemo.com
ROOM WITH A VIEW
SPACE NEEDLE
SEATTLE
Built for the 1962 World Expo, this is Seattle’s most famous landmark. Every diner at SkyCity, the rotating restaurant at the top of the Space Needle, enjoys views of mountains, Elliott Bay and Seattle neighborhoods. www.spaceneedle.com
EXPLORE THE HARBOR
INNER HARBOR
BALTIMORE
Spend a day in one of the country’s oldest seaports exploring the Maryland Science Center (www.mdsci.org) and the National Aquarium in Baltimore (www.aqua.org). Also, experience an expansive view of the city by visiting the World Trade Center (www.viewbaltimore.org).
DETROIT
Kings of the road
MOTOR CITY AUTO TOUR
When it comes to cars, all roads lead to Detroit, and any serious auto aficionado ought to take a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the Big Three. Start your tour at the source: The Henry Ford (www.thehenryford.org) in Dearborn. Comprised of five distinct attractions (Greenfield Village, the Henry Ford Museum, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Benson Ford Research Center and the IMAX Theatre), The Henry Ford displays the artifacts of automotive past and unveils the future of America’s first major car company. The Motor City tour continues at the Walter
P. Chrysler Museum(www.chryslerheritage.com), where car enthusiasts can explore a range of Chrysler products from the 1909 Hudson to the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda. Complete the cycle of the vehicle circuit at GM World (www.generalmotors.com), located at General Motor’s headquarters at the Renaissance Center. GM World’s 50,000-square-foot showroom features an intense video system, interactive displays and dozens of display models from America’s largest automaker.
RIDE A BIKE
MOUNTAIN BIKING
DENVER
During the warm months, adrenal junkies take to Colorado’s pristine pistes on bikes, with plenty of high-speed slopes and death-defying jumps for the hardcore. But you don’t have to be an aspiring stuntman to enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery on two wheels; plenty of trails are perfect for families and beginners, and an assortment of guided tours are available at major ski areas during the summer months.
BUY A HOG
THE HOUSE OF HARLEY
MILWAUKEE
The House of Harley is hog heaven, featuring an impressive selection of motorcycles on display, including Sportster, Dyna, Softail, VRSC and more. The 50,000-square-foot venue is also home to plenty of H-D merchandise, parts and accessories. A new feature is the Riders Edge Program, a motorcycle safety training class. And every second Saturday of the month through October, swing in to test-ride the new models to find your perfect Harley-Davidson or Buell bike. www.harley-davidson.com
BIG TIME BARBECUE
CAROLINA STYLE ’CUE
RALEIGH/DURHAM
With its perfection of pulled pork and signature vinegary sauce, North Carolina’s barbecue makes a strong case for itself. Picking a favorite spot is sure to cause debate, but for some standout Carolina barbecue, try the hickory-smoked pig at Wilber’s (919-778-5218) in nearby Goldsboro.
A SIGHT OF STEEL
GATEWAY ARCH
ST. LOUIS
Part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the arch was inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision to spread freedom and democracy from “sea to shining sea.” Designed by Eero Saarinen, the 630-foot, stainless steel structure is the city’s most recognizable symbol. Take a trip to the top for views of the Mississippi River, or stay down below and explore the history of 19th century pioneers at the Museum of Westward Expansion. www.nps.gov/jeff
Bring in the herd
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
For a dose of cowboy culture, there’s nothing like the Fort Worth Historic Stockyards. Every day, two Longhorn cattle drives are herded past the shops, museums and restaurants on Exchange Avenue. The Stockyards were once the central shipping point, when railroads were the order of the day. In the 1920s, there was such a taste for Longhorn beef that the animals were nearly driven to extinction, and by 1960, there were fewer than 1,500 genuine Texas Longhorns left on the planet. Visitors can also head to Cowtown Coliseum for a rodeo, or check out an impressive array of shops, museums, galleries and restaurants (mainly steak and barbecue).
WASHINGTON, DC
Look to the skies
SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
While many of the all-star museums that fill the National Mall in Washington, DC, deserve their own entry, this crowd favorite—it is by far the most-visited museum in the world—has wowed kids of all ages since opening in 1976. The building itself is an impressive feat of architecture, its clean lines in stark contrast to some of the more ornately designed buildings nearby, including the Capitol. It contains both an IMAX theatre and a planetarium, in addition to 22 exhibition galleries housing the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world, including the Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module Columbia, and a dizzying assortment of passenger jets and warplanes.
This is a museum unlike any other, one that entertains, educates, captures the imagination— and sends it soaring. www.nasm.si.edu
ATLANTA
Explore the exhibits
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
Almost two years ago, Atlanta’s High Museum unveiled its 177,000-square-foot expansion, which more than doubled the museum’s size and featured three new buildings designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. The result is a stunning cultural center that encompasses the museum, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, Young Audiences of Atlanta and the 14th Street Playhouse. The High’s permanent collection is nothing short of outstanding, with a wide range of African, European, folk and modern art. The most exciting thing to happen since the museum’s expansion is “Louvre Atlanta,” an unprecedented partnership between the High and Musee du Louvre that will bring hundreds of works of art from Paris to Atlanta over the next three years. Current exhibits (open through Sept. 2) include “The Decorative Art of the Kings” and “Kings as Collectors,” both of which include paintings, sculptures and decorative art commissioned and collected by the French royal court. www.high.org
FIND ASIA IN AMERICA
CHINATOWN
SAN FRANCISCO
Wander the labyrinth of back alleys in North America’s oldest Chinatown, and discover a mix of the old and the new. This city within a city offers a colorful variety of sights, tastes and smells. It offers great food, and it’s the perfect spot for dim sum on a Sunday, or a visit to a tea house any day of the week. www.sanfranciscochinatown.com
CELEBRATE 400 YEARS
JAMESTOWN
SETTLEMENT
NEWPORT NEWS/WILLIAMSBURG
Immerse yourself in this living-history museum of 17th-century Virginia. Discover the hardships the settlers faced, while exploring the nation’s beginnings. Through gallery exhibits and re-created settings, visitors can explore the influence these cultural encounters had on shaping the nation and the world. European, Powhatan Indian and African cultures can all be explored in the indoor theater and gallery exhibits and the outdoor living-history program. www.historyisfun.org
FIND YOUR INNER MAVERICK
PILOT A FIGHTER JET
LAS VEGAS
Striker VIP, a company known for providing the ultimate in elite Las Vegas experiences, goes above and beyond, allowing those with a need for speed to take off in a L39 fighter jet. A mock dogfight is filmed for posterity—putting “Danger Zone” on the soundtrack is completely optional. www.strikervip.com
RUN LIKE ROCKY
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
PHILADELPHIA
This is one of the largest museums in the United States; however, before you venture inside, there’s something else you have to see. Relive the famous scene from Rocky, and mimic Sylvester Stallone’s run up the front steps. While you might feel a bit silly sprinting up to the museum, it’s unlikely that any locals will flinch— you’re not the first. www.philamuseum.org
ENHANCE YOUR MIND
DISCOVERY PLACE
CHARLOTTE
Science-minded visitors will revel in the wonders of Discovery Place. All under one roof, you can immerse yourself in a movie at the IMAX Dome Theatre; experience interactive exhibits in the Charlotte Nature Museum’s children’s activity center, butterfly pavilion and more; and see how life, science and everyday decisions impact the human body at Discovery Halls’ current featured exhibit, “Body Worlds.” www.discoveryplace.org
BURN RUBBER
THE RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE
DAYTONA BEACH
Richard Petty is known as “The King,” and his kingdom is the Daytona International Speedway, where he won the Daytona 500 seven times. Professional instructors at the Richard Petty Driving Experience will strap you in the shotgun seat for a three-lap, 160-mph ride-along on NASCAR’s biggest stage. www.daytonausa.com
AMERICA’S PREMIER ART MUSEUM
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
NEW YORK
With a collection of more than two million works that span 5,000 years of history, the Met is one of the world’s largest and most important art museums. View iconic works by almost every noteworthy artist, along with artifacts from cultures around the globe, including the greatest collection of ancient Egyptian art outside of Cairo. www.metmuseum.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S FAIRWAYS
GINN REUNION RESORT
ORLANDO
The Orlando area is overflowing with year-round golf from the game’s top designers. If you only have time for one resort, visit Ginn Reunion Resort, which boasts the Tom Watson-designed Independence Course, the Legacy Course designed by Arnold Palmer and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Tradition Course. www.reunionresort.com
THE LEGACY OF MLK
MLK HISTORIC SITE
ATLANTA
Get a glimpse into the life of this great leader at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in the Sweet Auburn district. The site includes Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and served as minister until his death; The King Center, started in 1968 by his late wife, Coretta Scott King; and the Visitor Center, where you sign up to see King’s birth home, which can be visited on a park ranger-led tour. www.nps.gov/malu
PHILADELPHIA
End the cheese steak debate
PAT’S KING OF STEAKS & GENO’S STEAKS
Take part in one of the city’s most longstanding debates: Which legendary joint can cook up the best cheese steak? While it seems that everyone in town has an opinion as to where to find the best steak and cheese hoagie, there are two that make it to the top of most people’s lists. Pat’s King of Steaks (www../em>patskingofsteaks.com) opened at the base of the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia in 1930. While many still consider this the best, a competitor opened up next door in 1966: Geno’s Steaks (www.genosteaks.com). Why? Because owner Joe Vento loves a challenge. A quick tip: Go along with a friend and order one from each, then you will have the chance to decide for yourself.
LOS ANGELES
Shop ’til you drop
SHOPPING ON RODEO DRIVE
One of the most celebrated and exclusive (read: expensive) shopping streets known to humankind, Rodeo Drive typically refers to the three-block area between Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards. For those with deep pockets, upscale stores include Giorgio Armani, Cartier, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Harry Winston, Prada, Versace and Yves Saint-Laurent. Window-shopping and people-watching are also highly entertaining activities. Or, take a 40-minute narrated trolley tour through Beverly Hills (including Rodeo Drive), and learn about the area’s art, architecture and history. Other area sites include the Anderton Court Shops, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the historic Regent Beverly Wilshire (where Julia Roberts and Richard Gere found love in Pretty Woman). www.beverlyhills.org
ENJOY THE SHOW
THE BYRD THEATRE
RICHMOND
Experience history—and a movie—all for a mere $1.99. The Byrd Theatre, with 1,392 seats, opened in 1928. The old-fashioned balconies and theater boxes, along with the original red velvet drapes and crystal chandelier, provide an atmosphere with personality and class that is usually left out of today’s movie-magic mix. To top things off, the theater’s organ rises out of the pit majestically, providing music before each show. www.byrdtheatre.com
GO NUTS
BEER NUTS COMPANY STORE
BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL
Bloomington is the birthplace of that sweet, salty and satisfying snack that makes you feel at home in any airport bar. Stop by one of the two Beer Nuts company stores in Bloomington for a video tour of the plant and a chance to sample a fresh batch of America’s favorite nut. www.beernuts.com
PARK LIFE
LUCAYAN NATIONAL PARK
GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
This 40-acre park is made up of all six of the island’s ecosystems, and is home to white sand beaches, pine forests and one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. Explore the caves, stroll along a boardwalk over a tidal creek and take a swim at Gold Rock Beach. www.bahamas.com
WET & WILD
JET BOATING THE NIAGARA GORGE
BUFFALO/NIAGARA
You don’t have to go over the edge in a barrel to experience an amazing view from the base of Niagara Falls. High-speed jet boats race 65 mph upriver, zipping past the 200 foot cliffs of Niagara Gorge, dousing riders with spray from the whitewater, and ultimately arriving at the whirlpool below the falls. www.whirlpooljet.com
SMELL THE ROSES
DALLAS ARBORETUM
DALLAS
One of the finest show gardens in the Southwest— not to mention a research organization—this 66-acre assortment of flora on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake contains stunning displays of color set within a backdrop that features the downtown Dallas skyline. The year-round warm weather allows the flowers—including 2,000 varieties of azaleas—to bloom through all four seasons. www.dallasarboretum.org
STEAK YOUR TERRITORY
POWER LUNCH
WASHINGTON, DC
Whether they’ve been casting votes on the floor of the House or trying on clothes in Georgetown, there is no restaurant experience more quintessentially DC than the power lunch. You’ll probably find your representative at The Palm (www.thepalm.com), the aptly named Oval Room (www.. ovalroom.com) or The Capital Grille (www.thecapitalgrille.com), which boasts an incredible view of the Capitol.
Live history
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Take a trip more than 220 years back in time to the nation’s largest living history museum. Colonial Williamsburg provides the landing pad for a time capsule, where passengers arrive on the eve of the American Revolution. Britain’s largest colony in the New World has kept the old spirit alive. Guests can observe skilled workers using colonial period tools, blacksmiths and shoemakers plying their handicrafts, and locals dressed in historical attire. Among 301 acres and 500 buildings, homes, stores and taverns, all of which have all been reconstructed to maintain the 18th-century appearance, this town provides an exciting history lesson for the entire family, all without a textbook in sight. www.cwf.org
SEE THE SURREAL
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM
TAMPA
Seeing reproductions in a coffee table book is one thing, but it takes a trip to this museum to really appreciate this surrealist artist—explore an artist who was not limited to a particular style. About 30 minutes from Tampa, the museum holds a comprehensive collection of works by the mustached one. See why the Michelin Guide gave the venue the only three-star rating on Florida’s west coast. www.salvadordalimuseum.org
BRAVE WHITE WATER
SALT RIVER RAFTING
PHOENIX
On the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau lies Salt River. This whitewater river—filled with a wide range of plants, animals and birds—drops through rocky canyons, perfect for adventure seekers. It flows through oak and juniper woodlands down into striking lower Sonoran Desert vegetation. www.phoenixrafting.com
ATLANTA
Underwater Oasis
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
Eight million gallons of water filled with more aquatic life than any other aquarium in the world make a trip to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta more than worthwhile. Each of the aquarium’s galleries— Cold Water Quest, Georgia Explorer, Ocean Voyager, Tropical Diver and River Scout—reveals a different kind of water life, from the cool ocean inhabitants like beluga whales and African blackfooted penguins to the Asian small-clawed otters and diverse freshwater fish of the world’s rivers. Youngsters will go crazy for Deepo’s Undersea Wondershow, an interactive animated show presented in the aquarium’s 4-D theater. Plan ahead by making advanced reservations and purchasing tickets via the website.
GRIDIRON HONORS
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMEAKRON/CANTON
If the names Joe Montana, Joe Namath, and Jim Thorpe conjure up dramatic, slo-mo images of pigskins arcing through the air and steam rising from the shoulders of exhausted players, then you owe it to yourself to make a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. www.profootballhof.com
LOBSTER LOVIN’
CHAUNCEY CREEK LOBSTER PIER
PORTLAND
For most of us, lobster is a rare delicacy reserved for fancy occasions, but, in Maine, it’s a down-home affair. This rustic, BYOB riverside deck, located about an hour from Portland, is the perfect place to crack some claws, Maine style. www.chaunceycreek.com
VIEW OF A LIFETIME
SEARS TOWER SKYDECK
CHICAGO
The ceiling of the elevator that brings you to the Skydeck is covered by a flat-screen monitor, which has passengers “blasting off” into outer space through the roof of the Sears Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. At 103 stories up—or 1,353 feet—views from the Skydeck on a clear day extend for 40 to 50 miles. www.the-skydeck.com
ALL ABOUT ART
THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART
KANSAS CITY
There’s always something new to discover at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In fact, its growing collection of treasures has fascinated, illuminated and exhilarated people since 1933. New this year is the enormous Bloch Building, which not only holds an impressive collection of contemporary art, but also is a work of art itself. www.nelson-atkins.org
FISH TALES
GULF FISHING
GULFPORT/BILOXI
No avid angler visits the Gulf Coast without casting his line into its fish-rich waters. Troll for Spanish mackerel, bonito and tarpon; bottom fish for trout, flounder and croaker; or head out to the oil rigs in search of red snapper, grouper and amberjack. Look to the Mississippi Charter Boat Captain’s Association for charters from a few hours to all day long. www.mscharterboats.org
NOTEWORTHY NEIGHBORS
EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES
FT. MYERS
The neighboring winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford offer a glimpse into the lives of two of America’s most innovative entrepreneurs. Highlights include one of the most diverse tropical botanical gardens in the country, and Edison’s quintessential chemical laboratory. www.efwefla.org
PUTT LIKE THE PROS
GOLF AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
PHOENIX
Lush fairways surrounded by desert vegetation and breathtaking mountain views make for an ideal golf setting. The Spanish Colonial architecture of this 651-room resort provides the perfect base for people looking to indulge in the exceptional golf facilities. A perfect climate can be found all year, along with a challenging and awe-inspiring landscape. www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.com
INDIANAPOLIS
Action-packed park
WHITE RIVER STATE PARK
Indianapolis’ recently completed White River State Park brings together the city’s top attractions in a scenic downtown setting. See the elephants, visit the botanical gardens and get an underwater view of the dolphins at the Indianapolis Zoo (www.indyzoo.com). The Eiteljorg Museum (www.eiteljorg.org) specializes in Native American and Western art, with historic artifacts displayed alongside relevant artwork from the likes of T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. Learn about everything from dinosaurs to Indiana’s state history at the beautifully constructed Indiana State Museum (www.in.gov/ism). Sports fans won’t want to miss the NCAA Hall of Champions (www.ncaa.org/hall_of_champions), where collegiate athletes are celebrated and visitors can try a few of the sports firsthand. Catch a summer concert at the 6,000-seat Lawn, rated as one of the country’s top outdoor venues. Or, just take a leisurely walk, bike ride or paddle down the park’s canal. www.in.gov/whiteriver
LAS VEGAS
Liverpool meets Las Vegas
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S LOVE
Looking for a live event that combines timeless rock ’n’ roll, psychedelic circus-style imagery, dazzling costumes and spectacular choreography? If so, all you need is LOVE, the sensational hit that took Las Vegas by storm in 2006 and continues to leave audiences breathless. Audience members can’t help but hum the tunes of the show’s inspiration, The Beatles; in fact, the project was born out of the friendship between the late George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. Presented at The Mirage, LOVE explores the content of The Beatles’ songs in a series of scenes inhabited by real and imaginary people, using aerial performance, extreme sports and dance. It is a truly spectacular performance done as only Cirque du Soleil knows how, and may require a drink afterwards. For that, theater-goers should head to the adjacent Revolution Lounge, which takes its design cues from the show, with pink beanbag chairs, light shows and floor-to-ceiling letters that spell out “Revolution” in colorful neon. www.cirquedusoleil.com
EAT RIBS
BBQ
KANSAS CITY
Kansas City is known for its sweet, spicy and oh-so-gooey barbecue. Restaurants run the gamut from roadside stands to four-star fine dining establishments. Better known eateries include Jake’s Smokehouse (816-444-1517), Oklahoma Joe’s (www.. oklahomajoesbbq.com) and LC’s (www.lcsbbq.com).
BED DOWN IN STYLE
DELANO HOTEL
MIAMI
Hotel bars have become a vital component of South Beach’s nightlife, each one attempting to outdo the next. One spot that has yet to be one-upped is the Delano Hotel. The poolside bar provides a romantic setting for post-dinner cocktails, and large beds and cabanas offer space for friends to lounge and listen to the sounds of the nearby beach. www.delano-hotel.com
HORSE-DRAWN HISTORY
CARRIAGE TOUR
CHARLESTON
Discover the story of this charming Southern town on a one-hour carriage tour from Palmetto Carriage Works. Travel down 20 to 30 blocks of Charleston’s historic downtown district while learning about the mansions, gardens, churches and parks that surround you. Evening tours also cover historic churches, public buildings and the Cooper River Waterfront. www.carriagetour.com
TOY STORY
NATIONAL TOY HALL OF FAME
ROCHESTER
From Lincoln Logs and Silly Putty to Easy-Bake Ovens, the National Toy Hall of Fame (located at the Strong National Museum of Play) has America’s childhood covered. Boasting more than 70,000 items, every adult is sure to have a “Rosebud” moment. www.strongmuseum.org
THE BEAUTY OF BLOOMS
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
ST. LOUIS
Founded in 1859 and a National Historic Landmark, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the country. Its 79 acres are overflowing with beautiful and lush plants and flowers, including the 14-acre Japanese Garden, the Climatron Conservatory and the new Children’s Garden. On view until October 31, “Chapungu: Nature, Man and Myth” features hand-carved sculptures from Zimbabwe placed throughout the gardens. www.mobot.org
MUSEUM MIX
THE NEWARK MUSEUM
NEWARK, NJ
The largest museum in New Jersey, this hidden gem contains 80 galleries devoted to natural science, art and archeology. Among other things, visitors will find works of art by John Singer Sargent, Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe; a planetarium; a mini-zoo; a beautiful sculpture garden; and the largest collection of Tibetan art this side of the Himalayas. www.newarkmuseum.org
SHOP YOURSELF SILLY
THE MALL OF AMERICA
MINNEAPOLIS
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, this $650 million masterpiece of a mall in Bloomington has more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants and 14 movie theaters. It’s the most-visited shopping mall in the world, with more than 40 million visitors annually. After shopping, check out simulated scuba diving and virtual submarine rides at Underwater Adventures Aquarium. www.mallofamerica.com
ANIMAL MANIA
SAN DIEGO ZOO
SAN DIEGO
See the amazing animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo in California’s Balboa Park. The park is one of the largest and most progressive zoos in the world, with more than 4,000 animals on 100 acres. Visitors can hop on the guided tour bus that traverses 75% of the park or ride the overhead Skyfari Aerial Tram that provides an airborne view of the landscape. www.sandiegozoo.org
ORLANDO’S OTHER MEGA-THEME PARK
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
ORLANDO
Bringing television and the movies to life, Universal Orlando Resort proves there’s more than mouse ears in Orlando. With two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure); a Wet ‘n Wild water park; a diverse entertainment area (Universal CityWalk); and top-notch hotels, the resort offers days of action-packed fun. Enjoy The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Islands of Adventure, and be the first in line for next year’s The Simpsons ride at Universal Studios Florida. www.universalorlando.com
NATURE AND CULTURE
BLACK HAWK STATE HISTORIC SITE
MOLINE/QUAD CITIES
These 208 acres of wildflower-covered meadows and undisturbed woodlands have been voted one of the seven wonders of Illinois. The nature areas are home to 175 bird and 30 wildflower species, while the Hauberg Indian Museum honors the Sauk and Mesquakie tribes, the area’s original inhabitants. www.blackhawkpark.org
Baltimore’s best crab cakes
OBRYCKI’S CRAB HOUSE AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
While crab cakes have crawled onto menus all across the country, people are still quick to associate them with the state of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay. Obrycki’s Crab House and Seafood Restaurant, the oldest crab house in Baltimore, was established in 1944. Famous for its original—and secret—seasoning, this restaurant made it into Patricia Schultz’s New York Times No. 1 Best Seller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List. In 2006, the restaurant opened a location at BWI Airport, providing a chance for visitors to grab a cup of crab soup, hot crab dip or stick with the famous crab cakes before boarding. www.obryckis.com
NEW YORK CITY
Restaurant Capital of the World
FINE DINING IN NYC
For a dining experience that will live on in your memory for years to come, visit one of the top-rated eateries in this food-obsessed town. Daniel (www.danielnyc.com) presents classic French cuisine made to perfection. Get pampered by a cadre of waiters and wine staff as you work your way through an ever-changing menu full of fine dining staples like foie gras, truffles and caviar, and a list of more than 1,600 wine choices. Jean Georges (www.jean-georges.com) earned the highest honors from Michelin’s food bible, adding American and Indochinese flare to traditional French masterpieces. Le Bernardin (www.le-bernardin.com) is quite possibly the globe’s best seafood restaurant, while the mega-expensive Masa (www.masanyc.com) stands out with its awe-inspiring sushi. Complete your food tour with meals at Thomas Keller’s ultra-exclusive Per Se (www.perseny.com) and the world-renowned Bouley (www.bouley.net).
DANCE TO THE MUSIC
BEALE STREET
MEMPHIS
As the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, it’s no surprise Memphis—and the world-famous Beale Street—is a haven for live music. After massive redevelopment in the late ’70s, Beale Street has become the city’s most vibrant street. Head to B.B. King’s Blues Club, EP Delta Kitchen, Rum Boogie Café and Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall for some tunes and Southern cuisine. www.bealestreet.com
FIND THE RHYTHM
MOTOWN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
DETROIT
More than 40 years before the ubiquity of MP3s and digital home studios, Berry Gordy, Jr. founded a record label in a residential Detroit house he dubbed Hitsville USA.
That label became Motown, and the Motown Historical Museum (located in the original building) celebrates the music and history of Detroit’s signature sound. www.motownmuseum.com
HOME RUN
DURHAM BULLS ATHLETIC PARK
DURHAM
The movie Bull Durham may have put Minor League Baseball’s Durham Bulls on the international sports map, but their ballpark has more to offer than Hollywood nostalgia. The brick architecture and manual scoreboard make Durham Bulls Athletic Park an excellent example of classic stadium style. www.durhambulls.com
LIFE AS A ROCKEFELLER
KYKUIT
WHITE PLAINS
Kykuit, a spectacular stone mansion, belonged to the richest man in America—John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil. Visitors to this expansive six-story historic landmark in Pocantico Hills have the opportunity to check out the gardens, horse-drawn carriages and vintage cars. Also, take in the outdoor scenery with a hike around quiet trails that will evoke the family’s legacy. www.hudsonvalley.org
GO FOR THE GREEN
PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA
WEST PALM BEACH
With five stunning 18-hole courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, the PGA National Resort & Spa has an unassailable golf pedigree. After a round, soak in one of the spa’s collection of outdoor mineral pools, where extreme relaxation is par for the course. www.pgaresort.com
MORE THAN MARDI GRAS
FRENCH QUARTER
NEW ORLEANS
The French Quarter is the Crescent City’s oldest neighborhood. Take a stroll down the streets, and soak in the Spanish, French, Creole and American architecture; Gallier House is one of the best examples of this fusion style. Around every corner of the area’s 100 blocks, there’s something to see or do: French Market, Jackson Square, Central Grocery, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and more. (If you feel overwhelmed, sign up for a guided tour..) www.frenchquarter.com
DISCOVER SEATTLE’S FIRST DISTRICT
PIONEER SQUARE
SEATTLE
Seattle’s first neighborhood, with more than 20 city blocks of Victorian Romanesque architecture, is just minutes from the city center. Explore this historic area’s art galleries, specialty shops, cafés and more on a guided walking tour, by horse-drawn buggy or from a distance on a ferry from the water. www.pioneersquare.org
GET YOUR 15 MINUTES
ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM
PITTSBURGH
You can find more than just pop art at the Andy Warhol Museum, located on the city’s North Shore. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, it is a collaborative project of the Carnegie Institute, the Dia Center for the Arts and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Opened in 1994, the venue features extensive permanent collections of art and has become a primary resource for anyone with an interest in contemporary art and popular culture. www.warhol.org
NEW ORLEANS
Authentic flavors
CAJUN & CREOLE CUISINE
New Orleans is home to two distinct types of cuisine: Cajun and Creole. So, what’s the difference? Cajun food is a combo of French and Southern cuisines; think heavy, one-pot dishes like jambalaya. Creole food, on the other hand, was created right in New Orleans. With European (namely French) and African influences, it is more refined: rich gumbo and plenty of seafood. A few choices for authentic dining:
Mulate’s (www../em>mulates.com), Olivier’s Restaurant(www.olivierscreole.com), Dooky Chase’s (www.dookychaserestaurant.com) and Cochon ( www.cochonrestaurant.com).
WHERE BLUE BIRDS FLY
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NAVAL AVIATIONPENSACOLA
Pensacola has special appeal for Top Gun fans: the Navy’s iconic Blue Angels make their home there, as does the National Museum of Naval Aviation. The museum houses more than 160 restored aircraft dating back to World War I, an exhilarating IMAX theater, and an F/A-18 flight simulator that is sure to thrill. www.navalaviationmuseum.org
CALL THE BLUFF
POKER AT THE BELLAGIOLAS VEGAS
Ante up, if poker’s your game. Whether it’s Texas Hold ’Em or Seven Card Stud, no trip to the gambling capital of the world would be complete without a few hands at the Bellagio poker room. A wide variety of games are available at low and high stakes. www.bellagio.com
DECO DELIGHTS
STROLL OCEAN DRIVE
MIAMI
Taking a walk down Ocean Drive is an essential part of the South Beach experience. It is here where you will find the highest concentration of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. The pastel buildings stand under the spotlight of Miami’s sun, and the set is also decorated with perfect palm trees and old-fashioned cars—all providing an ideal backdrop for the cafés and bars that line the street. www.gmcvb.com
CURTAIN CALL
ATTEND THE THEATRE
MINNEAPOLIS
Minneapolis has more theatre seats per capita than any other city aside from New York. Catch a show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (www.ordway.org), showing Monty Python’s SPAMALOT through August 12. During the Royal Shakespeare Company tour October 5-14, King Lear and The Seagull will take the stage at The Guthrie Theater (www.guthrietheater.org). While these theaters alone sport an impressive roster, there are 100-plus other stage companies working in the Twin Cities area, so there’s never a shortage of must-see shows.
TAKE A LAP
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
INDIANAPOLIS
Experience the banked turns and high-speed straights that have made the Indy 500 the world’s most famous race. At the Indy Racing Experience, get in the back of a two-seater driven by a genuine Indy driver, and see the scenery fly by at 180 mph. You can even get behind the wheel of a car that has actually competed at the race and follow a certified instructor around the course. www.indyracingexperience.com
THE PERFECT PARK
EXPLORE CENTRAL PARK
NEW YORK
From ice skating in the winter to roller skating in the summer, 843-acre Central Park is a hotbed of activities. See a rock concert at SummerStage, a play at Shakespeare in the Park or a symphony on the Great Lawn. Get lost in the wooded Rambles, visit the animals in the zoo, climb the heights of Belvedere Castle or relax while controlling a remote control sailboat at Conservatory Water. www.centralparknyc.org
RIDE THE RAILS
HUCKLEBERRY RAILROAD AT CROSSROADS VILLAGE
FLINT
It might not be the fastest way to get where you’re going, but the Huckleberry Railroad makes up in charm what it lacks in speed. Hop aboard a historic coach as the antique Baldwin steam locomotive chugs its way along the shores of scenic Mott Lake. www.geneseecountyparks.org/ crossroadsvillage.htm
SURVEY THE SLAMMER
ALCATRAZ
SAN FRANCISCO
Take a close-up look at a federal penitentiary— something that is not often included in a typical travel itinerary. While off-limits to the public for many years, Alcatraz has become a must-see destination for many visitors to San Francisco. In addition to former cells, there are also gardens, tide pools and bird colonies that can be viewed from the island. www.alcatraz.us
A CITY WITHIN A CITY
ATLANTIC STATION
ATLANTA
One of the city’s newest attractions is the 138-acre environmental redevelopment of the former Atlantic Steel Mill in Midtown. A live-work-play community, Atlantic Station is chock-full of retail (from Dillard’s and upscale boutiques to the Southeast’s first Ikea), entertainment (Ten Pin Alley, 16-screen movie theater), restaurants and nightlife (Geisha House, Rosa Mexicano, The Grape). www.atlanticstation.com
STROLL THROUGH HISTORY
MONUMENT AVENUE
RICHMOND
Many consider this the most beautiful street in the country; in fact, it is the only avenue in the United States that has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Walk or drive down this cobblestoned street, and learn about various heroes from the past. The newest addition is Richmond native and tennis great Arthur Ashe, who was added in 1996. www.monumenthouse.com
BLAST OFF
SPACE CENTER
HOUSTON
The Space Center is the last stop before the final frontier. Through a series of interactive theaters and hands-on galleries, visitors will experience what it’s like to be an astronaut, from qualification, to blast off, to life in space. www.spacecenter.org
DOUBLE THE ART
MINT MUSEUMS
CHARLOTTE
Open since 1936, the Mint Museum of Art is North Carolina’s first art museum. Its permanent collection boasts more than 27,000 pieces.
The Mint Museum of Craft + Design, which opened in 1999, features ceramics, furniture, jewelry, fiber, wood and more. Admission is good for both museums on the same day; they are located less than five miles apart. www.mintmuseum.org
SEE RARE ORCHIDS
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
SARASOTA
Perched atop Sarasota Bay, the
9.5-acre Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an emerald oasis teaming with more than 20,000 plants. Amid the stunning variety of flora, the crown jewel is the orchid display house, which features 6,000 specimens including some of the rarest orchids in the world. www.selby.org
HIT THE TRAIL
WESTERN HERITAGE TOUR
WICHITA
This self-guided series of checkpoints is designed to take you back to life on the Great Plains in the 1880s. Highlights include browsing the boots at Sheplers, the world’s largest Western store, and immersing yourself in the living history at the Old Cowtown Museum. www.visitwichita.com
AT THE OLD BALL GAME
CUBS GAME AT WRIGLEY FIELD
CHICAGO
The ivy along the outfield wall is as much a part of a Cubs game as the peanuts and Cracker Jack—and the stadium itself (MLB’s 2nd oldest ballpark still in use) is as much a part of Chicago’s cultural landscape as blues joints and deep-dish pizza. Head to “The Friendly Confines” (a phrase popularized by Hall of Famer Ernie Banks), grab a beer and hot dog, and root, root, root for the home team. www.cubs.mlb.com
ORLANDO
Ski Bums
SKI & SNOWBOARD
Colorado is certainly the epicenter of American ski-ing, and for good reason. Within a two-hour radius of the Denver airport, snow enthusiasts can experience long, perfectly groomed mountains and vibrant ski towns, packed full of fine dining, great shopping and bustling nightlife. Keystone (www.keystone.snow.com) features three mountains with more than 3,000 feet and 3,000 acres making up 121 trails. The resort is especially popular with families looking for a vacation that all members can enjoy. Breckenridge (www.breckenridge.snow.com) and Copper Mountain (www../em>coppercolorado.com) are the best places for beginners, while providing plenty of thrills for experts. At these mountains, novices can enjoy long, scenic trails, instead of being stuck on the bunny slope. Finally, no trip to Colorado would be complete without visiting the glamorous slopes of Vail (www.vail.com), where the rich and famous come to ski, board and party in style.
I’m going to Disney World
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Whether you’ve just won the Super Bowl, are ready to tie the knot or simply want to make your children’s dreams come true, there’s no place as magical as the Orlando area’s Walt Disney World Resort. Made up of four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park), alongside two water parks, six golf courses, 20 hotels and a sports complex, the resort offers a rich diversity of entertainment that has made it one of the world’s greatest getaways. Opened in 1971, the resort continues to add rides, attractions and special celebrations to ensure that even repeat visitors will always experience something new. Ride through an underwater world at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, race down the mountain on a runaway-train roller coaster at Expedition Everest, and watch as children delight at meeting their cartoon heroes in front of Cinderella Castle.
MANSIONS AND MORE
WALKING TOURS
SAVANNAH
A colonial historian’s paradise, Savannah’s downtown is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country. A variety of guided and personalized walking tours are available, highlighting the historic locales, architectural gems and haunted spirits of America’s most charming city. www.savannahtours.us
ELVIS LIVES ON
GRACELAND
MEMPHIS
Journey through the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 14-acre estate, including his mansion, filled with personal mementos; the Elvis Automobile Museum for a look at his famous 1955 pink Cadillac; and “All Access Elvis Jumpsuits,” the largest-ever exhibit of his iconic costumes. Plan your visit during Elvis Week (Aug. 11-19), and take part in a variety of events that commemorate the music, magic and memories associated with his legacy. (For more on Elvis Week, see page 57.) www.elvis.com
FROLIC WITH FLIPPER
UNEXSO DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE
GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
In the protected waters of the Dolphin Experience Lagoon, visitors can wade into shallow water or jump in and swim with trained Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Those with a taste for adventure can choose to go out in a boat, followed by dolphins, and swim in the open ocean—and get the dolphins to do tricks using hand signals. www.unexso.com
SEARCH A SWAMP
BIG CYPRESS RESERVATION
FT. LAUDERDALE
Billie Swamp Safari sits on 2,200 lush acres of the Seminole Indians’ Big Cypress Reservation and offers daily tours into reservation wetlands, hardwood hammocks and sloughs. Sightings of deer, water buffalo, bison, wild hogs, hawks, eagles, other rare birds and alligators are common— and there are even Florida panthers in the area. www.seminoletribe.com/safari
PET A BIRD
THE NATIONAL AVIARY
PITTSBURGH
Let your love of feathered friends take flight at the National Aviary, America’s only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. Located on the North Side, the Aviary’s collection includes 600 birds from more than 200 species from around the world, many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild. Its large walk-through exhibits create an experience unlike any other—an intimate, interaction between visitors and free-flying birds. Visitors are offered the opportunity to hand-feed many species rarely found anywhere else in the world. www.aviary.org
TIP YOUR HAT & DIG IN YOUR HEELS
SHOPPING FOR COWBOY BOOTS AND HATS
DALLAS/FT. WORTH
For the modern cowboy or cowgirl, there’s no better place to find quality western wear than in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Custom-fitted hats and boots are available at a number of places, including Boot Town (972-385-3053), Wild Bill’s (www.wildbillswestern. com) and Cowboy Cool (www.. cowboycool.com).
DRINK BEER
MILLER BREWING COMPANY TOUR
MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee is synonymous with beer, so you’ve got to take the one-hour guided tour of Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee’s only large-scale brewery. Get an up-close-and-personal look at the brew house and Caves Museum, a small showcase of brewery memorabilia housed in hand-dug tunnels once used to store beer. At the completion of the tour, adults receive free beer samples while kids get root beer at the historic Miller Inn or Beer Garden (seasonal), and everyone gets a packet of pretzels and a postcard. www.millerbrewing.com
Magnificent museum
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Best known for its collection of Impressionist and American art, the Art Institute of Chicago is, quite simply, one of the greatest art museums in the world. Walk up the steps past the two bronze lions at the entrance—which are dressed up in local sports teams’ colors when they win championships—and decide what school of art you’d like to examine. In addition to classic works by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne and Hopper (to name a few), upcoming exhibitions will include everything from 16th century Indian art (“Splendor and Intimacy: Mughal and Rajput Courtly Life,” through February 3) to innovative modern photography (an exhibition of the work of Jeff Wall, on display through September
23). The impossible task of taking in the whole museum in one day will be pushed even further out of reach when the new Renzo Piano-designed Modern Wing, which will house the museums modern and contemporary collections, is completed. The expansion is currently scheduled to open in 2009. www.artic.edu
Island hop
BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Some of the East Coast’s best slate beaches can be found among Boston Harbor Islands National Park area, located just 45 minutes by ferry from downtown Boston. Six of the 17 islands, along with Webb Memorial State Park—a 36-acre peninsula in Weymouth—are staffed and open to the public during the summer and weekends in the spring and fall. Choose from a host of harbor vistas, including Boston Harbor, and Dorchester, Quincy and Hingham bays. For those who enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors, camping is allowed on several of the islands—including Grape, Bumpkin, Lovells and Peddocks—from late June to early September. Keep in mind that you will need to make a reservation with the park. Also, there is no water or food available, so you’ll need to bring your own. www.bostonislands.org
RIDE THE WAVES
MENEHUNE SURFSAN DIEGO
Learn to hang 10 at Menehune Surf, which offers complete surf instruction, from children’s day camps to advanced surf clinics. The highly skilled instructors are dedicated to providing safe, quality surf lessons that meet the needs of each participant. The school’s goal is to educate and inspire people while sharing a passion for surfing and love of the ocean. Surf’s up, dude! www.menehunesurf.com
LANDSCAPE DESIGNS
STORM KING ART CENTERNEWBURGH, NY
Surrounded by the Hudson Highlands, the Storm King Art Center is technically a museum, but its 500 acres of landscaped lawns, fields and woodlands dotted with postwar sculptures by renowned artists allow visitors to connect art and environment in a way you won’t find anywhere else. www.stormking.org
HIT THE JACKPOT
BILOXI’S CASINOS
GULFPORT/BILOXI
Leading the way during post-Hurricane Katrina cleanup, casinos like Beau Rivage (www.. beaurivage.com), Boomtown Casino (www.boomtownbiloxi. com) and IP Casino, Resort & Spa (www.ipbiloxi.com) have been rebuilt and remodeled for guests looking to win the big one. The newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi (www.hardrockbiloxi.com) features leading musical acts, rock memorabilia, fine dining, a spa and much more, in addition to gaming.
EAT YOUR HEART OUT
CULINARY TOUR
CHARLESTON
This charming city has many culinary institutions beloved to locals: Magnolia’s (www.. magnolias-blossom-cypress. com), famous for its Low Country cuisine; the Four-Diamond Award winner and recently renovated Charleston Grill (www.charlestongrill. com); F.I.G. (www.eatatfig. com), whose chef, Mike Lata, was recently nominated for the James Beard Award; Slightly North of Broad (www.mavericksouthernkitchens. com/snob), “Restaurant of the Year” in 2006 by The Post and Courier; and Peninsula Grill (www.peninsulagrill.com), one of only three Mobil Four-Star restaurants in the state.
TAKE FLIGHT
JOHN W. BERRY SR. WRIGHT BROTHERS AVIATION CENTER
DAYTON
Located in the leafy and calm Carillon Historical Park and part of the National Aviation Heritage Area, the center tells the story of the Wright brothers’ lives and their incredible achievements.
At the center, patrons can examine the original 1905 Wright Flyer III and visit the Object Theater, where they can watch a multimedia presentation of artifacts associated with the Wright brothers, including the original Van Cleve bicycle. www.aviationheritagearea.org
GO STARGAZING
CHARLES HAYDEN PLANETARIUM
BOSTON
Since 1958, when it opened as part of the Museum of Science, the Charles Hayden Planetarium has been educating children and adults in a way that is truly out of this world. Patrons get comfy as they gaze at the dome above and watch the Milky Way twinkle, discover the rules of gravity, and learn to identify the stars and planets in the night sky. Beyond astronomy, the attraction hosts evening laser light shows choreographed to popular music. Also running through October 31 is the show Into the Unknown. www.mos.org
SAN FRANCISCO
Sipping sensations
NAPA VALLEY
Napa Valley, about an hour north of San Francisco, is the Mecca for wine lovers and wine makers in America. A visit to the vineyards is best in the spring and fall, when the skies are at their bluest. Sip your way through the vineyards, many of which offer guided tours. However, a trip to Napa does not need to be confined to the fruit of the vine. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the area’s top-ranked resorts, indulge in a meal at a fine restaurant or float over the vineyards in a hot air balloon. One thing’s for sure: Napa Valley is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway. www.napavalley.com
Brent MIller photographer, WineCountry.com
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