Ways to tour Washington, D.C

United States Capitol and Capitol Hill  

Recognized around the world as a symbol of the United States, the Capitol is the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings. Like Washington itself, the building has grown over the years since the central portion was built between 1793 and 1812. The last addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the main façade where presidents take the oath. On the other side, a marble terrace offers beautiful views over the mall and the city. The interior is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Beside it is the former Chamber of the House of Representatives, with statues of leading historical figures. The small Senate Rotunda leads into the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber, where the Senate met until 1859, and the Supreme Court until 1935. When free tours resume, they can be reserved online and begin at the visitor center on the lower floor, where there is an interesting exhibition on the building's history. Free tours on weekday afternoons explore the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings of the corridors in the Senate wing, designed by Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. To visit the Senate or House in session, you need to contact your Senator or Representative for a pass; foreign visitors can arrange visits through the visitor center.

Lincoln Memorial 

The best loved of all Washington's memorials, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the far end of the mall, separated from the Washington Monument by the Reflecting Pool. At its center is a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of Lincoln's death. This is the most famous work designed by noted sculptor Daniel Chester French. Jules Guerin painted the murals on the inside walls, showing important events in Lincoln's life. Since its completion in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been the scene of a number of historic events. In 1939, when the all white Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to let celebrated African American singer Marian Anderson perform at a concert in nearby Constitution Hall, President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for her to give an open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people and broadcast to millions of radio listeners.

International Spy Museum

The place for 007 wannabes, the museum covers the techniques, technology, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and throughout the building are actual examples of real espionage equipment (including a poison dart umbrella designed by the KGB), from declassified hardware and captured equipment to movie props used in the James Bond series. Photographs, audio-visual programs, and special effects combine to give a picture of strategies and methods behind secret espionage missions. The collections include historic spy artifacts from the Revolution and Civil War, along with a wealth of ingeniously concealed and disguised cameras and weapons, even the famous Enigma cipher machine that broke the Nazi codes in World War II. The top floor is dedicated to real-life spies Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanson, and John Walker, detailing the actual methods and tools they used to spy on the United States, with videos describing how spies were caught. The lower floor moves from fact to fiction, filled with information and actual props used in James Bond movies. Highlighting these is the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in the 1964 film Goldfinger, equipped with machine guns, oil jets, a dashboard radar screen, an ejector seat, tire slashers, a bulletproof shield, and a rotating license plate. The car actually inspired intelligence agencies to add similar features to their own vehicles.

National Archives 

The National Archives holds permanent records of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, District of Columbia courts, and some federal agencies, as well as pre World War I military service records for U.S. Army and Confederate veterans, and pre 1940 vessel and station logbooks for the U.S. Navy. The records are open to researchers, and in the Rotunda, you can see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Exhibition galleries feature a 1297 Magna Carta and a changing group of other historically significant documents. An exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, includes documents from the suffrage movement, and in other areas are interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

National Gallery of Art

Housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel, the National Gallery of Art is one of the world's premier art museums and one of the most popular in the U.S. Based on the sizable collection of financier and later Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, its large and diverse collection includes masterpieces of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Frequent temporary exhibitions add to this outstanding permanent collection to highlight arts from cultures around the world. Among the highlights is Ginevra de Benci, the only Da Vinci painting in any American museum. Others include works by major French Impressionists  Monet, Degas, and Renoir and other masterpieces by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Vermeer. The newer East Wing features sculptures by Henry Moore, a mobile by Alexander Calder, and other modern works. Free concerts are held at the National Gallery on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora. Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship. Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C. sit-in in 1960, and the aircraft known as the "Spirit of Tuskegee." In World War II, it was used to train African American airmen in the Army Air Forces, men whose work helped trigger the desegregation of the military.

National Museum of Natural History 

One of the most popular things to do with children in Washington, the Museum of Natural History explores the natural world with permanent and changing exhibits to interest all ages. Favorite exhibits include the renowned Hope Diamond and the dazzling collection of gems and minerals around it, and Ocean Hall with its stunning underwater photography and replica of a 45 foot North Atlantic Right Whale. The Hall of Human Origins follows human evolution over six million years in response to a changing world. Children will especially like the dinosaur exhibits and the interactive Discovery Room where they can touch and play with various artifacts.

The Library of Congress An underground passage with historical exhibits leads from the Capitol Building to one of Washington's little-known places to visit, the Library of Congress. It's the world's largest library, modeled on the Opera House in Paris. You can visit portions on your own, but free tours disclose even more of its beautiful interior. Displayed here are one of the three surviving complete Gutenberg Bibles, an earlier hand-printed Bible, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's personal library, and galleries filled with exhibits focusing on topics as varied as the musical careers of the Gershwin brothers and the work of editorial cartoonists and graphic artists.

U.S. Botanic Garden 

At the foot of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Botanic Garden is an oasis of tropical gardens in the center of the city. Surrounded by outdoor gardens, the huge glasshouse is the hub of a museum of living plants. Permanent interior exhibits create environments for plants at home everywhere from the desert to rainforests, while outside is a showcase of plants that thrive in the Middle Atlantic states. The greenhouse contains two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, and the outside displays include a pollinator garden, rose garden, kitchen garden, and water garden. There's always something in bloom, and benches in the vast conservatory invite a stop to enjoy the fragrances and the lush green surroundings.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. 

Near the Smithsonian museums, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents, studies, and interprets the history of the Holocaust with the dual purpose of memorializing the victims and helping the world to confront hatred and prevent genocide. Permanent exhibits examine the rise of the Nazis and the Aryan ideology, the ghettos, key events such as Walpurgisnacht, the concentration camps, and the Nazi atrocities. An exhibit on Americans and the Holocaust examines US reaction to Nazis, the war, and genocide, while another features personal accounts by US soldiers and citizens who witnessed the evidence of Nazi atrocities. The presentations draw on the enormous collections of more than 12,750 artifacts, 85,000 historical photographs, 9,000 oral history testimonies, as well as archival footage and records of survivors and their families. A visit to the museum is a sobering experience.

National Air and Space Museum The National Air and Space Museum is one of the world's most popular museums, with a collection of history-making air and spacecraft that includes the original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the first plane to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. More recent flight history is represented here by the Apollo 11 command module, part of the first manned lunar landing mission. Permanent and changing exhibitions illustrate the science, history, and technology of aviation and space flight, covering topics like the use of air power in both world wars, the space race, flight pioneers, and up to the minute flight and space technology. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and all contain actual historical objects, such as a moon rock you can touch. Not only do permanent exhibits illustrate the history, they show the how and why of flight and space science, explaining how things fly, how jet engines work, and what keeps the International Space Station in orbit.

Washington National Cathedral

The English style, Neo Gothic National Cathedral, one of the world's largest cathedrals, took 83 years to build, from 1907 to 1990. It follows the Gothic building style and techniques, with flying buttresses and solid masonry construction of Indiana limestone. Throughout the cathedral are artistic details to see, from its stained glass windows to the hand embroidered kneelers that commemorate war heroes and historic events. Special tours, reserved in advance, explore hidden parts of the building and its art  families should ask for the brochure Explore the Cathedral with Children for a scavenger hunt to find wrought-iron animals, tiny carvings, and gargoyles. Be sure to look for the gargoyle of Darth Vader high up on the northwest tower. The cathedral is the burial place of President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller, and state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford took place here. The top of the 300 foot central tower is the highest point in Washington.

The Washington Monument 

The 555 foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848. When the tower reached 156 feet in height in 1854, political wrangling and lack of funds stopped the project for several years, and the Civil War caused further interruption so that the tower was not capped until 1885, when it was finally completed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The White House 

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. The home of every president except George Washington, it was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818. Although tours of the interior that include the East, Blue, Green, and Red Rooms; the Ballroom; and the State Dining Room must be reserved well in advance through your Congressional office or embassy, every tourist to Washington will want to see this iconic building, at least from the outside. The free White House Visitor Center, a short distance away, has excellent interactive exhibits, which show details about the White House and the presidential families. It includes furniture of past presidents, a model of the residence, historical changes, and videos with insights from presidents about their time living there. The Ellipse, a 54 acre stretch of lawn stretching to Constitution Avenue, hosts summer concerts by the US Army Band. Next door to the White House are the elaborate 1833 Greek Revival Treasury Building and the 1871 Executive Office Building, one of the most striking old government buildings in Washington. From Lafayette Square, one of the city's best known, statues of Lafayette and others overlook the White House.

National Mall and Veterans Memorials  

The spacious swath of lawns and pools that form a wide greenbelt from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial is also the site of many of Washington's landmark buildings and monuments. Most prominent at its center point is the Washington Monument, and war memorials include those to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a poignant wall inscribed with the names of all American servicemen and women who lost their lives or are missing, is one of Washington's most visited memorials. The nearby Vietnam Women's Memorial has a bronze sculpture of three servicewomen helping a wounded soldier. The Korean War Veterans Memorial contains 19 steel sculptures of soldiers. The newest, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial was dedicated in 2014.

Best Time to Visit Washington, D.C.

Weather wise, the best time of year to travel to Washington, D.C. is between the months of March and May and September to November. You'll hit cherry blossom season (usually from late March to early April), ogle spectacular fall foliage (especially in October through November), and enjoy a long stretch of great weather free from frigid and sweltering temps.

 

Ways to tour New York City

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to New York 

With so much to see and do in New York, purchasing a couple of tours can really help cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere can be tiring, and figuring out the subway isn't for everyone. There are many tours to choose from, but the following offer a good mix of attractions and experiences, and they are all guaranteed lowest prices.

American Museum of Natural History   

One of New York City's best museums for a family outing, the American Museum of Natural History has always been an important institution, but now it's even more exciting. One of the newest additions to the New York City attraction scene is the recent opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science, in May of 2023. This impressive renovation and expansion is quickly becoming one of the city's top things to see, with a design reminiscent of the imaginative style of Antonio Gaudy. The stunning four story wing features flowing concrete in intriguing formations. Once inside, you can explore the brand new nonsectarian, butterfly conservatory, research library, and a wealth of educational opportunities. It's an exciting addition to the city's cultural landscape that is sure to inspire visitors of all ages.

Memorial and Museum

The World Trade Center's twin 110 story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size. Known as the National September 11 Memorial, this area is a moving tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001, and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest man made waterfalls in North America. Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located in an architecturally stunning, curving glass building, between the two pools. It features displays that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts. The building is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building. The memorial and the museum are located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, on Greenwich Street.

Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline

Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop and many come simply to see the tourist attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums. As someone who visits regularly, I like to come with friends, try new restaurants, and discover new experiences. Many of the best places to visit in New York are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. If you have plenty of time and enjoy the water, touring New York City using the NYC Ferry System offers a unique way to see the sights. Any time of year and any time of day or night there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

Brooklyn Bridge 

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic shaped arches and suspension cables, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has inspired generations of poets, songwriters, and painters. This historic bridge, spanning the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge. You can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. A wood plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists, runs above the lanes of traffic. If you are not up for walking the whole distance, at least go as far as the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform, and you can see one of the granite towers up close. From the bridge are beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty. Biking over the bridge is another option, but pedestrian traffic is often very heavy, and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Be aware that the access to the bridge begins well back from the water's edge.

Central Park 

An oasis of green amongst New York's concrete canyons, Central Park is a sanctuary of peace and quiet for visitors and locals alike. A walk, pedal, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink. This huge park in the city center, a half mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city. Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake. If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your route. Central Park also offers activities throughout the year, from 5km runs and yoga classes to penguin feeding at the Central Park Zoo. Have a look at the park's events schedule for details on what's happening during your visit. If you're visiting during the summer months, you may want to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is a relaxing way to spend an evening in New York City and performances are free.

Empire State Building 

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings and key tourist attractions. The 381 meter tall, 102 story building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931. There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building, both offering astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open air observation deck, and what most people are expecting to find when they go up the Empire State Building. If it feels familiar, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows. Reached by high speed, automatic elevators, it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. The views are incredible. The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While you are 16 stories higher, the viewing area here is enclosed.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carr ere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years. Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarz man building. It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast, to say the least.

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Observation Deck   

When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourists' itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan is home to NBC TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70 story 30 Rockefeller Plaza, an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The "deck," as it's known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance. These tickets come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn't cooperate. Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The rink is typically open from October to April. If you aren't a strong skater, don't worry, the rink is tiny, and for many people, this is their first time on skates, so the skill level is pretty low. After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site. Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It's a popular subject for photographers.

St. Patrick's Cathedral 

Is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble façade, 330 foot spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike. The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200 million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Statue of Liberty 

America's most iconic sight, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of every first time visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a world symbol of freedom and is one of the top attractions in America. It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park, on the southern tip of Manhattan. To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Take a pleasant stroll around the base, and if you have reservations, enter the pedestal or the crown. The crown is open for tours, but book well in advance if you want to enjoy this special experience. On a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to stop at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum. This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States. Displays focus on the process, the experiences, and the stories of the people who came through here on their journey to the United States. You can even search the on-site computer database to see a record of immigrants who came through here. Tickets to go inside the statue sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is a must during the high season and a good idea at any time of year. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows reserved access to board the ferry and includes access to the Museum at Ellis Island. Author's Tip: Buying tickets near the ferry can be tricky, with hawkers swarming you as you exit the subway claiming to be "official representatives" and trying to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket booth. Be sure to buy in advance at the link above or ignore the hawkers until you reach the booth in Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

American Museum of Natural History 

The museum's permanent exhibit halls showcase all that's interesting about the natural environment of our planet, from science and the environment to animals and fossils. It also hosts special exhibits that run for a set block of time. Some of the current exhibits that are well worth seeing include one on sharks, featuring models of these amazing creatures that you can actually touch. Another fascinating display is the rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond.

American food 12 Greatest Dishes

1. New Mexican flat enchiladas

It was the pre Columbian Maya who invented tortillas, and apparently the Aztecs who started wrapping them around bits of fish and meat. You have only to go to any Mexican or Tex Mex place to see what those ancients wrought when someone dipped tortillas “en chile” (hence, the name). “Flat” (the stacked New Mexico style) or rolled, smothered in red chili sauce or green (or both, for “Christmas” style), enchiladas are the source of much cultural pride in the Land of Enchantment they’re particularly enchanting made with the state’s famed blue corn tortillas fried egg on top optional.

2. Fajitas

Take some vaqueros working on the range and the cattle slaughtered to feed them. Throw in the throwaway cuts of meat as part of the hands’ take home pay, and let cowboy ingenuity go to work. Grill skirt steak (faja in Spanish) over the campfire, wrap in a tortilla, and you’ve got the beginning of a Rio Grande region tradition. The fajita is thought to have come off the range and into popular culture when a certain Sonny Falcon began operating fajita taco stands at outdoor events and rodeos in Texas beginning in 1969. It wasn’t long before the dish was making its way onto menus in the Lone Star State and spreading with its beloved array of condiments grilled onions and green pepper, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and sour cream across the country. Don’t forget the Altoids.

3. Baked beans

It’s not a cookout, potluck, or the end of a long day in the saddle without a bubbling pot full of them. Just ask the Pioneer Woman, who waxes rhapsodic about the baked bean recipe on her site (not a version with little weenies, but how fun are they?). Yummy and plenty historical. Long before Bostonians were baking their navy beans for hours in molasses and earning the nickname Beantown in the process New England Native Americans were mixing beans with maple syrup and bear fat and putting them in a hole in the ground for slow cooking. Favored on the frontier for being cheap and portable, chuck wagon, or cowboy, beans will forever live hilariously in popular culture as the catalyst behind the “Blazing Saddles” campfire scene, which you can review in unabashed immaturity on YouTube.

4. Wild Alaska salmon

Guys risk life and limb fishing for this delish superfood. Unlike Atlantic salmon, which is 99.8% farmed, Alaska salmon is wild, which means the fish live free and eat clean all the better to glaze with Dijon mustard or real maple syrup. Alaska salmon season coincides with their return to spawning streams (guided by an amazing sense of smell to the exact spot where they were born). Worry not: before fishing season, state biologists ensure that plenty of salmon have already passed upstream to lay eggs. But let’s get to that cedar plank, the preferred method of cooking for the many Pacific Northwest Indian tribes whose mythologies and diets include salmon.

5. Banana split 

Like the banana makes it good for you. Still, kudos to whoever invented the variation of the sundae known as the banana split. There’s the 1904 Latrobe, Pennsylvania, story, in which future optometrist David Strickler was experimenting with sundaes at a pharmacy soda fountain, split a banana lengthwise, and put it in a long boat dish. And the 1907 Wilmington, Ohio, story, wherein restaurant owner Ernest Hazard came up with it to draw students from a nearby college. Fame spread after a Walgreens in Chicago made the split its signature dessert in the 1920s. Whatever the history, you’ll find plenty food for thought at the annual Banana Split Festival, which takes place on the second weekend in June in Wilmington.

6. Cobb salad 

The chef’s salad originated back East, but American food innovators working with lettuce out West weren’t going to be outdone. In 1937, Bob Cobb, the owner of The Brown Derby, was scrounging around at the restaurant’s North Vine location for a meal for Sid Grauman of Grauman’s Theater when he put together a salad with what he found in the fridge: a head of lettuce, an avocado, some romaine, watercress, tomatoes, some cold chicken breast, a hard boiled egg, chives, cheese, and some old fashioned French dressing. Brown Derby lore says, “He started chopping. Added some crisp bacon, swiped from a busy chef.” The salad went onto the menu and straight into the heart of Hollywood.

7. Key lime pie 

If life gives you limes, don’t make limeade, make a Key lime pie. The official state pie of Florida, this sassy tart has made herself a worldwide reputation, which started in where else. the Florida Keys, from whence come the tiny limes that gave the pie its name. Aunt Sally, a cook for Florida’s first self-made millionaire, ship salvager William Curry, gets the credit for making the first Key lime pie in the late 1800s. But you might also thank Florida sponge fisherman for likely originating the concoction of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, which could be “cooked” (by a thickening chemical reaction of the ingredients) at sea.

8. Jambalaya

what dish could be so evocative that it inspired Hank Williams to write a party song for it in 1952 and dozens more to cover it (including everyone from Jo Stafford to Credence Clearwater Revival to Emmylou Harris) The sweep upthe kitchen cousin of Spanish paella, jambalaya comes in red (Creole, with tomatoes) and brown (Cajun, without). Made with meat, vegetables (a trinity of celery, peppers, and onions), and rice, Louisiana’s signature dish might be most memorable when made with shrimp and andouille sausage. Whatever the color and secret ingredients, you can be sure of one thing when you sit down with friends to a big bowlful: son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou.

9. Macaroni and cheese

The ultimate comfort food, macaroni and cheese is also the salvation of many a mom placating a finicky toddler. Nothing particularly American about pasta and cheese except for the fact that on a European trip, Thomas Jefferson liked a certain noodle dish so much he took notes and had it served back home at a state dinner as “macaroni pie.” Jefferson’s cousin Mary Randolph included a recipe for “macaroni and cheese” in her 1824 cookbook “The Virginia Housewife.” So whether you’re eating a gourmet version by one of the countless chefs who’ve put their own spin on it, or just digging like a desperado in the pantry for that box of Kraft, give mac and cheese its patriotic props

10. Maryland crabcakes

The Chesapeake Bay yields more than just the regatta loving suntanned class in their sock free topsiders. It’s the home habitat of the blue crab, which both Maryland and Virginia claim as their own. Boardwalk style (mixed with fillers and served on a bun) or restaurant/gourmet style; fried, broiled, or baked, crab cakes can be made with any kind of crab, but the blue crabs of Chesapeake Bay are preferred for both tradition and taste. When Baltimore magazine rounded up the best places to get the city’s signature food, editors declared simplicity the key, while lamenting the fact that most crabmeat doesn’t even come from home turf these days. Kind of makes you crabby, doesn’t it

11. Cioppino

San Francisco’s answer to French bouillabaisse, cioppino (cho pea no) is fish stew with an Italian flair. It’s an American food that’s been around since the late 1800s, when Portuguese and Italian fishermen who settled the North Beach section of the city brought their on board catch of the day stew back to land and area restaurants picked up on it. Cooked in a tomato base with wine and spices and chopped fish (whatever was plentiful, but almost always crab), cioppino probably takes its name from the classic fish stew of Italy’s Liguria region, where many Gold Rush era fishermen came from. Get a memorable bowl at Sotto Mare in North Beach, Scoma’s on Fisherman’s Wharf, and Anchor Oyster Bar in the Castro District. Don’t feel bad about going with the “lazy man’s” cioppino it only means you’re not going to spend half the meal cracking shellfish.

12. GORP

“Good Old Raisins and Peanuts,” GORP is the energy salvation of backpackers everywhere. Centuries before trail mix came by the bag and the bin, it was eaten in Europe, where hiking is practically a national pastime. The thing to remember here is that the stuff is American food rocket fuel. Add all the granola, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, candied ginger, and M&Ms you want. Just be sure to store in a bear proof canister because suspending from a branch in a nylon sack isn’t going to do it.

Ground rules: acknowledge that even trying to define American food is tough; further acknowledge that picking favorite American items inevitably means leaving out or accidentally overlooking some much loved regional specialties.

America's 12 Best Coffee Shops

America is one caffeinated nation. A whopping 83 percent of us drink coffee, at a cost of $30 billion a year. What was once a bitter utilitarian draft meant to kick-start the day has been transformed over the past two decades into a nuanced beverage with a story behind it. Your average barista these days can talk about origin, acidity, and terroir with the poetry once reserved for sommeliers. And coffeehouses themselves have morphed from scruffy dens of laptop toting hip kids to sophisticated tasting bars with edgy design, creative food pairings, and environmental savvy. But with shops shilling everything from chicory cold brew to $30 a cup coffee plucked from civet poop, it's hard to separate the real deal java joints from the flash in the pan trendsters. "What I look for is good coffee from good people who make you feel good when you walk in the door, no matter who you are," Matt Lounsbury, vice president of cult coffee company Stumptown, says. "I distill it down to that." We tend to agree. So we've combed the country for the coffee shops that combine craft with hospitality, for inviting spaces that spark creativity, and for roasters who know how to make your morning brew tell a story. These are our picks for the USA's top 25 coffee shops.

Daylight Mind 75-5770 Ali'i Drive Kailua Kona, HawaiiHawaii is the only state in the U.S. to commercially grow coffee. And the opening of Daylight Mind this fall in Kona now means coffee fans can go from farm to roaster to cup in a matter of days. Helmed by Shawn Steiman, who has a Ph.D. in coffee studies, the complex houses a roastery, farm to table restaurant, and coffee school with everything from afternoon cuppings to a two and a half day crash course on coffee farming, roasting, brewing, and tasting. But the real joy here is in grabbing an oceanfront seat and whiling away a few hours sipping freshly brewed Papa Kona coffee while tucking into hearty locavore fare like pork waffles with toasted local macadamia nuts and Maui pineapple, or a Kiawe smoked pork po'boy with Kona coffee BBQ sauce.

Blue Bottle Coffee  They just might have been created by engineers hepped up on Blue Bottle, the tech industry's caffeination station of choice. The appeal (beyond several locations throughout the Bay Area and NYC) comes from the meticulous care taken from bean to cup. Coffee is roasted on vintage gear and served within 48 hours of roasting. Iced coffee is courtesy of mad-scientist-style contraptions imported from Kyoto. And even your standard cup of joe takes a minimum of five minutes, as the beans are ground and individually filtered when you order. But all that care has paid off. In January the company scored $25.75 million in funding from techy A listers like Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom and Twitter cofounder Evan Williams, as well as Google Ventures, to open new shops throughout the country. Watch out, Starbucks.

Verve Coffee Roasters  When people think coffee culture, they tend to think of cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and New York. But this Santa Cruz roaster has been steadily building a coffee company that ranks among the best of the best in the USA. Their largely single origin brews change seasonally depending on what's coming in from the farms they work with in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Staff often spend their mornings surfing and mountain biking before rolling into Verve's flagship café and roastery, an industrial space wrapped in reclaimed wood and aged metals. An in house designer makes the packaging along with slick skate decks and tees. But for all their laid back Cali cool, the staff are exacting, constantly experimenting to produce drinks that stay true to the origins of their beans, using a vintage 1965 Probat roaster. In 2014, they'll be adding an L.A. outpost in the hip downtown arts district.

Toby's Estate 125 North 6th St., Brooklyn, New York160 5th Ave., New YorkThink Italy is our only rival for most caffeinated nation? Then you've never been to Australia. Australians buy more than 2 billion cups per year and are such coffee snobs that they basically sent Starbucks packing when the company attempted to expand its chain there. That's why the U.S. is lucky to have stolen Oz roaster Toby Smith. After working on coffee plantations in Brazil and Guatemala, he started roasting beans in his mom's garage in Sydney. Now he's got two shops in New York an old school boîte of an espresso bar on 5th Avenue and an airy living-room-like space of reclaimed wood and tufted sofas in a former meat-provisioning house in Williamsburg. Head to the latter, where the beans are roasted on site, and get some Down Under cred by ordering a flat white (basically a smaller, stronger latte) that's made with the city's first La Marzocco Strada machine (the Cadillac of coffee equipment).

Oddly Correct 3940 Main St., Kansas City, MissouriKansas City, Missouri, has the best U.S. coffee scene you've never heard of. And Oddly Correct is its punk-rock older brother. Owner Gregory Kolsto learned his craft traveling to Central and South America buying beans for Krispy Kreme's coffee program. But he fled the corporate life to work for a Kansas City roaster before starting his own business out of a friend's garage. The shop now occupies a spot on gentrifying Main Street. Reclaimed wood from old coffee pallets and poured concrete form the counters; DJs pop in on occasion to spin records during the morning rush; and coffees roasted in their facility down the street are sold in bags with funky letterpressed illustrations. The shop serves three new coffees weekly no sugar or milk allowed and a selection of espresso drinks made with local whole milk. Watch for innovative experiments like their Hop! Toddi, a cold-brew coffee with hops

Trailhead Coffee Roasters 1847 E. Burnside St., Portland, OregonTrailhead Coffee Roasters couldn't be more Portland unless you put a bird on it. Owner Charlie Wicker has been pedalinghis fai rtrade, locally roasted brews from a traveling bike coffee bar that he modeled after Art Deco trains. The beans are grown by a cooperative of female farmers in Central/South America and Africa, and the entire company is carbon-neutral, with wholesale bean deliveries made locally by you guessed it bike. Buy a cup of caramel-y medium-roasted pour-over made off the back of Wicker's bike at a local farmers' market. Or head to his new brick-and-mortar shop, the Accidental Café, where you can do side by side tastings or buy a bag of beans still warm from the roaster.

Peregrine Espresso Peregrine Espresso certainly has coffee cred. Owner Ryan Jensen has won regional barista competitions and the shop took top East Coast honors at the America's Best Coffeehouse competition. But what we love about Peregrine is that they're using their skills for the powers of good, with friendly baristas serving as coffee ambassadors, doling out tasting notes or suggesting brews in a pretension-free environment. They also offer local coffeehounds bike delivery service, showing up regularly to drop off bags of the best in-season, single origin coffees.

Four Barrel Coffee Though it's located just a mile from the offices of Twitter and Zynga, Four Barrel is a decidedly unplugged coffee shop. There's no Wi-Fi, no outlets, and Instagramming might earn you some raised eyebrows. In its place? Conversation over reclaimed wood beam tables, jokes about the shop's boar's head taxidermy, the occasional appearance of a brass band, and pure, unadulterated enjoyment of high quality coffee, sourced and roasted by Four Barrel founder and Ritual Roasters cofounder Jeremy Tooker. A new location in Portola, opened in fall 2013, plans to add a small outdoor park to further the playful vibe.

 

Best Picnic in New Zealand

Went on a road trip all around South Island but one of our highlights is definitely Lake Tekapo. These pics were taken during Dec (summertime in NZ, but for a tropical berry like me the winds can be a little startling). Best hour to visit Sunset/Sunrise (timing dependent on season of travel) Ideal for those who are looking for scenic spots in NZ. Would not recommend for individuals who require mobility aid as the ground can be rocky.

Seaside town of Oamaru, New Zealand Oamaru, the largest town in North Otago, is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is the main town of the Waitaki District, 120 kilometers south of Dunedin. City highlights: Blue Penguin Habitat, historic Victoria District, Steampunk Headquarters. To see the little blue penguins return to their nests, this is the right place. You can also see many little sea lions basking in the sun on the shore. Accommodation chose a retro and artistic hotel located in the city center.

Life advice! You must take the amazing journey to New Zealand's South Island Here, you'll be captivated every day by the beauty of the lakes and mountains, snow capped glaciers, azure seas and skies, and vast grasslands! ❤️ I've just finished a half month self drive tour of New Zealand's South Island, and now I'm sharing my 9 favorite places with you all 

1.  Lake Tekapo This place is where you'll fall in love at first sight, with the milk blue waters of the lake set against the snow mountains, and the lupins blooming along the shore, so beautiful it moves you to tears  In my heart, this is the ultimate beauty spot of New Zealand! 
2. Dunedin·Tunnel Beach This is a beautiful coastal walk, somewhat like the White Cliffs of Dover in England, with majestic rocks rising from the sea, spectacular to behold. Sitting on the cliff edge gazing out to sea, enjoying the undisturbed tranquility, is just too pleasant! 
3. Wanaka·The Lone Tree I absolutely love Wanaka, where life moves at a leisurely pace: strolling by the lake, feeding seagulls, sunbathing, enjoying the gentle breeze, and feeling relaxed and happy, it's just too enjoyable! 
4. Akaroa Sharma Alpaca Farm Located in a French town in the bay, it's very peaceful and pleasant. Even on cloudy days, the sea is a beautiful blue-green. Spend the morning wandering around town, and the afternoon feeding alpacas at the farm, those freshly sheared alpacas look both ugly and cute 
5. Kookaburra Here you'll find a magnificent coastline, with snow capped mountains and the sea complementing each other, the milk blue sea water, the sky full of seagulls, and seals playing along the shore, it's truly unforgettable. 
6. Wanaka Commander Peak A popular spot for wedding photos in New Zealand, accessible by helicopter, with grand mountain views. Compared to the 16 km hike to Roys Peak, this is more friendly for the lazy. 
7. Mount Cook National Park Definitely worth the hike in New Zealand, super impressive, and you can get up close to glaciers. Even on cloudy days, it's breathtakingly beautiful. 
8. Queensland Park Heights This is a self-service entry private farm, one of my favorite places. Each car ticket is $55, and you can drive right up to the top of the mountain to overlook the whole of Queens town. There are many animals and few tourists, so you can play here all day. 
9. Queens town Skyline Take the cable car to the top of the mountain to overlook Queenstown. Although the scenery and value for money are not as good as Deer Park Heights, it's very fun to play on the mountain luge, and taking photos of the cable car and lake together on the mountain is incredibly beautiful.

Hamilton Gardens Highlights Tour Enjoy a guided tour of Hamilton Gardens, a 133 acre (54 hectare) site located along the Waikato River. Stroll among 18 themed gardens that exemplify botanical history and style. You’ll explore museum style exhibitions of garden collections that represent civilizations throughout the world, from a Chinese dynasty to the Italian Renaissance. Learn from your docent how the garden was transformed from a garbage dump to this international treasure and popular attraction.

Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years. Throughout history, gardens have been a way of expressing the important philosophical ideas of their time. In some respects the story of gardens reflects the story of civilisation and attitudes to the natural world. The collections of gardens at Hamilton Gardens explore the history, context and meaning of gardens. Each tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilisation. The 18 themed gardens range from the 4000 year old themed Ancient Egyptian Garden to the Italian Renaissance Garden, and the Te Para para traditional Maaori productive garden to the mind bending Surrealist garden.

The garden comprises of more than 600 glass sculptures, set in an acre of manicured grounds in an idyllic rural setting.  A boardwalk takes you on a 500 metre amble around ponds, through fields of glass flowers, and amongst stunning sculptures. You can sit and enjoy the water tumbling down the fifteen piece glass waterfall, then continue your browse through a native tree bird area. The newest additions to the garden are New Zealand themed, with giant cast glass korus and three colourful glass lancewoods. The glass sculptures have been designed and created by award winning master glass artist Lynden Over, co-owner of Lava Glass Christine Robb, and their team of accomplished glass workers. Some of the sculptures are the largest works of glass ever blown in New Zealand. They are bursting with colour and creativity.

There is something for everyone at Rapaura Water gardens including native trees, ferns, rhododendrons, orchids, irises and bog plants while scores of hydrangeas feature in the summer. There is a magnificent display of water lilies in many colors in season in the 14 ponds, and sculptures by an award winning artist are placed throughout the garden. Monarch and Red Admiral butterflies are encouraged with some success by growing swan plants and nettles. Meandering walks across lawns over bridges and streams and through native bush lead to a cascading waterfall. A mandala vegetable garden is planted with garlic along with vegetables and flowers against a background of orange canvas. Chickens and ducks range freely in an adjoining area.

Pleasantly situated just across from the lake, this garden is unexpected in such a locality. A children's railway runs through one part and it also includes a much-used playground and Superloo. The lake side portion is devoted entirely to a well-chosen and well cared for selection of native trees ornamented by stone sculptures. A long mixed border leads along the far perimeter where a fine selection of plant material can be seen. An excellent and quite large rose garden well labelled and well tended can be found on the other side of the museum building. Maintenance throughout is of a high standard. Noteworthy too is the Ora Garden (gold award at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show) which has been faithfully recreated within the Museum complex. It is permanently on view.

The remarkable gold medal winning New Zealand entry to the world famous Chelsea Flower Show in May 2004 has been rebuilt and replanted at the Taupo Museum on a central site close to the main Taupo shops. Known as the '100% Pure New Zealand Ora Garden of Well being' it is the result of the combined creative energy of six talented New Zealanders who were delighted when a permanent home in a secure courtyard was offered. The original creators rebuilt and replanted this unique native bush garden with its geothermal landscape and bird song sound track - a living exhibit. There are close to 1000 plants in Ora, all are native, some are endangered or species of significance to this region. Others have been chosen for their medicinal, culinary and bird attracting qualities. Maori cultural aspects are an integral part of the design and give the garden its special magic. Explore the relationship between nature and Maori; each feature of the garden has a Maori name and has strong links to the local environment.

Hamilton Botanical Gardens Take the scenic route from Auckland to New Plymouth and stop off in Hamilton along the way. Stock up on picnic supplies at the Hamilton Markets, held every Sunday at the Te Rapa Racecourse, just a 10-minute drive away from the famous Hamilton Botanical Gardens. This garden is Waikato’s most popular tourist attraction and a top thing to do in New Zealand. The gardens are located in the heart of the city. Spend a few hours exploring the extensive gardens. Stop and smell the roses at Rogers Rose Garden and roam through the Italian Renaissance Garden. Then pick the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a picturesque picnic.

Make the most of New Zealand’s epic scenery and embark on the great kiwi road trip. Hit the open road in a Britz camper and enjoy the freedom of being your own tour guide, travelling at your own pace. New Zealand’s most famous driving routes will get you where you want to go and provide you with some dazzling scenery along the way. Some of our favourite driving routes in the North and South Islands are chock-a-block with brilliant backdrops and lend themselves perfectly to parking up to appreciate the views. And, as the weather turns warmer, what better time to park up your Britz camper and enjoy a picnic. Remember to leave the land as you found it and dispose of any rubbish properly. It’s also a good idea to keep some paper towels and hand sanitizer in your camper so you can clean your hands before you tuck in.

Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay Visit Hawkes Bay and enjoy the mild climate, local apples and delicious wine. Venture up Te Mata Peak, a short 10-minute drive from Havelock North. If you don’t feel like hiking the summit, you can drive your camper to the top. The road is open from 5.30 am until 9.59 pm. Pack a breakfast picnic and enjoy the stunning sunrise over the rolling hills. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Ruapehu in the distance. If you want to treat yourself, head across the road to the Craggy Range Winery for a little slice of luxury. Don’t forget to grab a bottle for the road!

Make the most of New Zealand’s epic scenery and embark on the great kiwi road trip. Hit the open road in a Britz camper and enjoy the freedom of being your own tour guide, travelling at your own pace. New Zealand’s most famous driving routes will get you where you want to go and provide you with some dazzling scenery along the way. Some of our favourite driving routes in the North and South Islands are chock-a-block with brilliant backdrops and lend themselves perfectly to parking up to appreciate the views. And, as the weather turns warmer, what better time to park up your Britz camper and enjoy a picnic. Remember to leave the land as you found it and dispose of any rubbish properly. It’s also a good idea to keep some paper towels and hand sanitizer in your camper so you can clean your hands before you tuck in.