North America
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.
Martin Shore and Ian Neville explore the music, history and living cultural legacy behind Take Me to the River: New Orleans—and the Grammy-winning recording that followed their World Footprints conversation.
New Windsor, Maryland, may not be a trendy tourist destination. But that’s the entire point for travelers like me who seek solace and quiet connection.
The 24th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival returns to Oak Bluffs August 7–15, 2026, with an exclusive look at Children of Blood and Bone, major documentaries, independent films, cultural conversations and additional surprises still to be announced.
If walls could talk, some very famous voices would be echoing throughout the Newberry Opera House, where legendary entertainers like Tex Ritter, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd, and Jefferson Airplane performed.
Barberville Pioneer Settlement feels like stepping straight into Florida’s frontier days. On my most recent visit, Associate Director Gudrun Benson walked me through the village’s history.
Beverly Hills needs no introduction. The small but swanky city in the greater Los Angeles area boasts one of the country’s most recognizable zip codes, with equally identifiable landmarks in Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Sign — often visible from the 90210’s sleekest, chicest rooftop bars.
Stepping foot onto Horn Island, we pulled the pirogue onto the sand and squinted into the horizon. Behind us gently rocked THE LILY FAITH, our transportation from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, now anchored in deeper water.
By the time the morning fog begins lifting over Port Frederick, the outline of a massive cruise ship is already visible beyond the trees. It moves slowly through the gray water, dwarfing the fishing boats and wooden houses along the shoreline of Hoonah, a small Alaska Native community on Chichagof Island with fewer than 900 residents.
In Southern Louisiana, French Canadian migrants settled and intermingled with the existing community to create a unique ethnic group, the Cajuns, whose culture continues to thrive today. Visitors can learn more about the Cajuns through a visit to Lafayette Parish, where they can explore their history, customs, music and food.
Hear about the initiative Franklin has launched to preserve and share a fuller and accurate truth about its place in American history.
One of Florida’s most unusual and misunderstood places, Cassadaga, isn’t a city or a town but a 57‑acre Spiritualist camp. Many of the 55 homes in the camp remain occupied by mediums who offer readings from their living rooms. In Cassadaga, mediums are the norm, and communicating with your loved ones who have passed on is an everyday event.
Mention Alaska, and images of vast wilderness, rugged beauty, and epic outdoor adventures quickly come to mind. Yet beyond its scenery and adventurous spirit, Alaska’s culture and history have stories of their own to tell, and one of them comes alive each summer in Fairbanks.
