Category Archives: USA

The District: Must Visit Monuments in Washington D.C

The State Capital, Washington DC holds many of the landmarks and monuments that are symbolic of the country’s history as well as freedom. Along with the monuments the district also holds the three branches of government making it a central figure in American politics. Make sure to visit these areas to make the most of your visit to the capital.

  • Lincoln Memorial

Built to honor then president Abraham Lincoln, the memorial is symbolic of the impact that Lincoln was able to give to the United States of America. From the symbolic columns to the inaugural speech one cannot help but feel the amount of history that the monument represents.

Photo credit: Pixabay MonicaVolpin
Photo credit: Pixabay MonicaVolpin
  • The Washington Monument

Erected in commemoration of George Washington the Washington Monument is an obelisk that is considered as the tallest of its kind as well as being the tallest stone structure. With various memorial stones coming from various groups also added to the solemnity of the structure.

Photo credit: Pixabay Swan44
Photo credit: Pixabay Swan44
  • The Three Branches of Government

No visit to the capital is ever complete without visiting the US Capitol, the US Supreme Court, as well as the White House. Make sure to book guided tours to fully enjoy your visit. Some tours (like the case viewing for the Supreme Court) have limited slots so be sure to book in advance.

US Capitol Flickr Nicolas Raymond
US Capitol Photo credit: Flickr Nicolas Raymond
US Supreme Court Flickr www.GlynLowe.com
US Supreme Court Photo credit: Flickr www.GlynLowe.com
White House Flickr www.GlynLowe.com
White House Photo credit: Flickr www.GlynLowe.com
  • The Holocaust Museum

A very solemn memorial, the Holocaust museum is a must visit for anyone who plans to go to Washington DC. The museum provides guided tours that explain the events that led to the holocaust as well as its impact during its time.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
  • National Museum of Natural History

Administered by the Smithsonian Institution, the museum offers various collections of specimens and artifacts from geology to human origins and western cultures.

Photo credit: Flickr www.GlynLowe.com
Photo credit: Flickr www.GlynLowe.com

TIP! Make sure to check out guided tours as well as museum hours for visits! Given that the museum is free of admission more often than not the place is packed with people.

Not the Typical Rodeo: Must See Unusual Places to Visit in Texas

The great state of Texas has a lot to offer. From historical sites to arguably the best barbecue joints, Texas is a must visit place whenever you visit the USA or if you plan on having a road trip with friends and family. Texas has a lot more to offer especially for those who would want to visit offbeat, off the grid, wacky and unique attractions. That’s why here’s a shortlist of must visit wacky and outrageous Texas attractions.

  • Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Relive those old western films in this homage to the “Wild Wild West”. From viewings on collector pieces to interactive cowboy exhibits the Cowboy Hall of Fame has everything for anyone who wants to be like John Wayne.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
  • Stonehenge II and Easter Island heads

A replica monument for those who can’t go to the real thing. This scale replica stands in an empty field which is perfect for a side stop during a road trip.

Stonehenge II Flickr Andrew Nourse
Photo credit: Flickr Andrew Nourse
Easter Island heads Corey Taratuta Flickr
Photo credit: Flickr Corey Taratuta
  • Sparky Park

Another place for eccentric art, this abandoned electric sub-station is now the home of various eccentric pieces of art made from the very same pieces of the station. It’s a quirky place to bring family especially the kids.

Photo credit: Flickr lee leblanc
Photo credit: Flickr lee leblanc
  • Barney Smith’s Toilet Art Museum

I know not the most appealing art museum to visit but then again art is free expression. This is precisely what retired plumber Barney Smith did to express himself through art on toilet lids. Believe us it’s worth it to drop by and enjoy the art work while chit-chatting with the artist himself.

Barney Smiths Toilet Art Museum Flickr juliegomoll
Photo credit: Flickr juliegomoll
  • Starship Pegasus

What better way to cap off a roadtrip than to have a photo op with an intergalactic vessel. This former eatery and entertainment center is perfect for those random stops during a long road trip.

Photo credit: Flickr Beth Felice
Photo credit: Flickr Beth Felice

The Must-Attend U.S. Music Festivals

Being the largest music industrial market, the U.S. is the most chosen place to host numerous music festivals every year. Some of the music festivals become annual events because of their extreme popularity around the world. Whether you like rock, country, R&B, hip-hop or electronic, you can always find the one you want to attend from the following list of the most famous U.S. music festivals with all themes.

Bonnaroo 

Copy of Copy of AKM_Bonnaroo_2015_BestOf-65

Bonnaroo Music Festival was founded by Superfly and AC Entertainment which has been held on a farm in Tennessee every summer lasting 4 days. With jazz rock and folk rock as its base, it has gradually become a diverse music festival. Arctic Monkeys、Elton John、Nine Inch Nails、Paul McCartney、The White Stripes、Metallica、Red Hot Chili Peppers, these familiar names are driving nearly 100 thousand audience to Bonnaroo every year. After experiencing the hot wave of music, you can go to art booths, food stands, the movie tent or the ferris wheel to clear your mind.

BONNAROO_2016_JORGPHOTO_JP2_3022

CMA Music Festival 

Jason Aldean performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 at the 2016 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville.
Jason Aldean performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 at the 2016 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville.

Organized by the Country Music Association, CMA Music Festival is held in Nashville, Tennessee every year. Besides all the fascinating mini concerts, this four-day music festival includes autograph session, meet-and-greet sessions and gatherings of fan clubs. With over 400 musicians attending CMA each year, music lovers from all countries catch the festival to take a close encounter with their favorite musicians.

CMA

Coachella 

Coachella

Coachella Festival is an annual music event hosted in Indio, California lasting 2 to 3 days. As the largest local music festival, Coachella never fails to assemble an amazing lineup. AC/DC and Drake were invited last year. Several stages take turn to host visual and aural feasts, taking audience to the heaven of music. Besides live music, art is another feature of Coachella Festival. Local and international artists are eager to participate and showcase their works in one of the most popular worldwide event. What’s worth mentioning is Coachella uses a different activity to promote environmental friendly initiatives.

Ozzfest

Ozzfest

Centering on heavy metal and hard rock, Ozzfest has a U.S. tour every year. Marilyn Manson, Disturbed and Slipknot are the frequent guests of Ozzfest. Creator of Ozzfest, Ozzy Osburne, has performed at Ozzfest with his wife and son ten times. Since heavy metal and hard rock are the visual pioneer of music industry, Ozzfest no doubt brings massive aural and visual impact. When your soul stirs with the music, you will have the profound feeling of “rock never dies”.

Sasquatch! 

Sasquatch Flickr k.par.photo

Sasquatch! Music Festival takes place on the Memorial Day weekend in Washington, lasting three to four days. Even though Sasquatch! has a focus on indie rock, it covers a wide range of music genres. Because of the high demand on tickets in 2014, the organizer made an exception and extended the event to two weeks. You can choose to camp near the venue to make the most of the festival.

Warped Tour

Warped Tour has toured the U.S. every summer since 1995. It’s a rock music festival with the largest scale and longest history in North America. Rock is Warped Tour’s forever theme. Other music elements have been added gradually. Here is a fun fact about Warped Tour. Each year, there is a designated “BBQ Band” who cooks for other bands and crew in order to have the chance to perform at Warped Tour. Warped Tour rapidly became a hot issue since the first tour. Its fire has spread to Australia, Japan, Europe and other places. Warped Tour will perform in 41 cities in North America with big names like Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, Sum 41 and Yellowcard in the lineup. Rock kids must not miss out!

The scene today at #vanswarpedtour Cuyahoga Falls #warpedtour Photo @dahermike

A photo posted by Vans Warped Tour (@vanswarpedtour) on

The Smoke House: Texas’ Top Barbecue Joints and Restaurants

You may have tasted the best barbecue in your neighborhood and it may be good or great but nothing speaks of original barbecue than good old Texas grillin’. Be it ribs, smoked sausages, or tender brisket nothing beats the Texas grill. Here’s a short list of must try places to get your BBQ fix.

  • Black’s Barbecue, Lockhart 

A Texas treasure. There is no other way to start a list on the best Texan BBQ joints but with the BBQ institution of Texas. Maintained by a single family since its founding, Black’s offers mouth-watering and traditional barbecue that is sure to rival any neighborhood best.

Black's Barbecue

Visit them

215 North Main St Lockhart, Texas 78644

  • La Barbecue, Austin 

This food trailer offers one of the best BBQs and grills in all of Austin with brisket and ribs that are second to none in Austin.

La Barbecue

Visit them

Aztec Food Park 1906 E Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78702

  • Franklin Barbecue, Austin 

Widely considered as the best barbecue in all of Texas, this barbecue institution is a must try for any barbecue junkie out there. Be sure to go early to avoid the avid fans and the lines that follow.

Franklin Barbecue 2

Visit them

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA

  • Cooper’s Old Time Pit Barbecue 

Straight from the pit, Cooper’s values their meat quality whose flavor is only enhanced by the sauce that comes with it.

Cooper's Old Time Pit Barbecue

Visit them

604 West Young Street Llano, TX 78643

  • Corkscrew Barbecue, Spring 

Be early! This is a no frills barbecue joint. Go grab your meat and pick a place to sit so you can enjoy the succulent beef and turkey that this barbecue joints prides itself on.

Corkscrew Barbecue

 Visit them

26608 Keith Street, Spring, 77373

The Thrill Seeker’s Guide to the USA: Bungee Jumping

Let’s kick things off with a short guide for all you adrenaline junkies out there. Here is a short list of the most adrenaline packing, rush-giving, goosebump-inducing… (well you get the point!) bungee jumping sites in the US of A.

TIP! Make sure to contact tour groups in advance so that you can be advised regarding the peak times for bungee jumping as well as the rates for the tour groups!

  • Navajo Bridge, Arizona

Along with a breathtaking view of Arizona, this 467 feet jump is as breathtaking as the surroundings.

Photo Credit: Flickr glynlowe
Photo Credit: Flickr glynlowe
  • Parrots Ferry Bridge, California

What can be considered as a moderate jump (scaling at about 180 feet), this bungee tour is great for beginners as well as jumping veterans.

Photo Credit: Flickr Helen Gordon
Photo Credit: Flickr Helen Gordon
  • Rio Grande Bridge, New Mexico

We have a more experienced jump with the Rio Grande Bridge in New Mexico. Standing at a whopping 680 feet drop this is reserved for the more adventurous among thrill seekers.

Photo Credit: Flickr Doug Kerr
Photo Credit: Flickr Doug Kerr
  • The Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, Colorado

Now if you think that you can handle the rush of a 1053 feet jump then book your trip for September and pay the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge a visit. You need to be registered to be able to jump this bridge but simply watching people take off is enough of a rush for some.

Photo Credit: Flickr joevare
Photo Credit: Flickr joevare
  • High Steel Bridge, Washington

A favorite among experienced jumpers, this 365 feet drop not only satisfies the adrenaline cravings of any adventurer but also provides a breath taking scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

Photo Credit: highestbridges.com
Photo Credit: highestbridges.com