America represents such an overwhelmingly vast patchwork of often wildly disparate possibilities for the prospective visitor that deciding where to start really can be an intimidating prospect. In the end it probably comes down to what you want from your visit because this epic nation really does have it all. The multiplicity of subcultures crammed into this vast land means that even a single state can offer as much variety as some countries can muster in their entirety. Take California, a state which contains within its boundaries such remarkable diversity, both cultural and physical, that a thorough tour taking in everything from the arid deserts of the south to the brisk, verdant terrain bordering Washington State might not feel too dissimilar to a round the world trip. We’ve compiled a summary of three of our favourite cities in the hope of providing some sort of entree into this mind bogglingly varied nation: Las Vegas On visiting Vegas for the first time it quickly dawns on you that it really is exactly how you imagined it would be - a huge plastic tribute to American consumerism and shallow cultural simulation. Money is in gaudy evidence everywhere, from the quarters silver haired gambling addicts pump blankly into the millions of slot machines to the brazenly unsubtle displays of wealth favoured by the hordes of Prada clad nouveau rich to the stupefying excess of the casinos themselves. Take The Venetian, a $1.5 billion casino/resort that attempts to recreate the streets of Venice, complete with a canal that winds through the casino and shopping mall and is (inevitably) traversed by singing gondoliers. There is surprisingly convincing mock Venetian architecture, a Titian-esque sky painted on the vast ceiling for that Truman Show fake environment vibe and a liberal sprinkling of Renaissance style frescos. Whatever your take on the Vegas experience it’s hard not to be awed by the overwhelming spectacle of it all and, for a few days at least (anymore and you may find your grasp on reality is beginning to slip), there really are few more fun and exciting cities to visit. Chicago You might say that Chicagoans have a bit of a chip on their collective shoulder with regards the global perception of the Windy City’s ‘greatness’ relative to the limelight stealing metropolises on either coast. But then you can hardly blame them – Chicago, as visitors will very quickly recognise, simply doesn’t deserve the frankly rather galling ‘second city’ tag it’s often given. In pretty much every respect this is as rewarding and wholly incomparable a city as America has to offer. So, how does Chicago measure up in comparison with America’s more frequently visited metropolitan centres (I’m talking about New York and LA by the way)? Well, it has culture by the bucket load: For a start its justly celebrated musical riches run from the legendary blues scene that gave the world the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Bo Diddley (check out still thriving clubs like the Checkerboard and Lee's Unleaded Blues for an authentic taste of Chicago Blues and don’t miss Blues Fest in June) to consistently innovative and soulful Jazz to more contemporary sounds (notably, Kanye West emerged from Chicago and the city plays host to a thriving Indie rock scene). Chicago also boasts a diverse array of museums that can hold its own next to any city in the world. In particular, the Art Institute of Chicago which houses a spectacular collection that spans classical, impressionist and Modern art, and the Museum of Science and Industry are must-visit attractions. Washington Washington, DC, the home of US government, is a fascinating city and a must-see for anyone interested in politics and the progenitors of American democracy. Many of the places of interest are free, including what must surely be the first stop for any visitor to DC - the White House. The tours operate every day except Sunday, and bookings must be made well in advance. The Smithsonian is a remarkable achievement, comprising sixteen museums including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History, whose dinosaur and wild animal exhibits are a perennial favourite with children of all ages. As well as free admission, all of the Smithsonian museums are linked to the metro system, ensuring that budget travellers can still have a real experience in the city without spending too much. The National Zoo is hugely popular with children, and is also linked to the metro. It's newest addition, baby panda cub Tai Shan, is sure to be a huge draw for the Zoo - another attraction which the city offers free of charge. Washington DC offers a genuinely educational experience for all who come to visit.
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America represents such an overwhelmingly vast patchwork of often wildly disparate possibilities for the prospective visitor that deciding where to start really can be an intimidating prospect. In the end it probably comes down to what you want from your visit because this epic nation really does have it all.
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