USA Archives - Page 4 of 15

Why visit the Back Bay neighbourhood in Boston?

The Back Bay neighbourhood shows a more modern side to Boston, but there’s still considerable charm down Newbury Street. What’s Back Bay all about? Back Bay is where Boston drops the act of being some sort of prim Olde Worlde historic theme park of breeches,…

Boston, Massachusetts, neighbourhoods, USA

Guide to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for first time visitors

Two of the world’s great universities – Harvard and MIT – shape the character and appeal of Cambridge, Massachusetts. What makes Cambridge, Massachusetts, unique? To all intents and purposes a suburb of Boston, just on the north side of the Charles River, Cambridge is technically…

Boston, city guides, Massachusetts, neighbourhoods, USA

One of many witches in Salem, Massachusetts.

A first time visitor’s guide to Salem, Massachusetts

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 have given way to a city obsessed with Halloween. What makes Salem unique? In 1692, Salem went very dark indeed. The strange behaviour of a few children descended into a blizzard of accusations of witchcraft. Neighbours turned on each…

city guides, Massachusetts, Salem, USA

Kayaks lined up by the Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga.

Is there a direct flight from Los Angeles to the Cook Islands?

Covid put paid to Air New Zealand’s direct weekly Los Angeles to Rarotonga flight. What’s the best route to the Cook Islands from the Northern Hemisphere now? The direct flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga I am fortunate enough to have been to the Cook…

California, Cook Islands, flights, Los Angeles, Rarotonga, USA

Plan your visit to Mary Todd Lincoln House: Opening hours, ticket prices and parking

First time visiting Mary Todd Lincoln House? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. History and overview of Mary Todd Lincoln House Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, Kentucky was built between 1803 and 1806 and originally served…

Kentucky, Lexington, presidents, USA

The Tiffany glass dome inside the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall.

Preston Bradley Hall: The Tiffany Dome at Chicago’s most underrated attraction

Preston Bradley Hall inside the Chicago Cultural Center is home to the world’s largest Tiffany Glass Dome. The mosaics are hugely impressive, too. Chicago brims with top quality attractions. The public art in Millennium Park has become legendary, the Art Institute of Chicago has a…

architecture, art, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Five reasons to route your flights via Dallas

The JFK assassination site, Fort Worth Stockyards and onward flights to Australia are among the reasons to consider an stopover in Fort Worth. The worst big US city? Of the big US cities I’ve visited, Dallas is my least favourite. And by a fairly long…

Dallas, Texas, USA

Plan your visit to Miller Park Zoo: Opening hours, ticket prices and parking

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois offers a wide range of animal habitats, indoor and outdoor, and is well suited for a relaxed but engaging family outing. Below are all the practical details first-time visitors need to know: how to book, verified opening hours,…

Illinois, USA, zoos

Lion statue outside the Art Institute of Chicago.

Do I need to buy Art Institute of Chicago tickets in advance?

Book Art Institute of Chicago tickets in advance to dodge queues – but don’t fret about not getting in. Art Institute of Chicago visitor numbers The Art Institute of Chicago is justifiably one of Chicago’s top attractions. The city’s premier art institution welcomes more than…

art, Chicago, Illinois, museums, USA

The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle, California.

Inside Hearst Castle, California: The most expensive home ever built

David Whitley is hit by surprise after surprise when he visits Hearst Castle, a publishing magnate’s dream house overlooking the Central California coast. Hearst Castle, in summary Hearst Castle is arguably the world’s most extravagant private home, overlooking California’s coast. It was the pet project…

architecture, California, USA