North America

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.

  • In Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood, Filipino restaurant Kaya — which means “capable” — rarely uses an ingredient just once. The bar repurposes the fatty excess of pork belly to fat wash bourbon for cocktails, while the kitchen utilizes vegetable trimmings for vinegars. It’s this resourcefulness that earned Kaya one of Florida’s first-ever Michelin Green Stars this spring, alongside Miami's Los Félix and Krüs Kitchen.

  • Somewhat of an enigma, George Eastman moved the photography world ahead with amazing inventions. He was a philanthropist, second only to Rockefeller and Carnegie. Yet, the artifacts in his museum include the mounted head of an elephant he traveled to Africa to kill. Even his death by suicide seems odd—although his death certificate adds additional information. He left a note saying, “To my friends, my work is done—Why wait?”

  • Lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails is hands-down the best way to immerse yourself in autumn's dazzling display. Whether you're conquering a mountain summit in Virginia or meandering through geologic history in Wisconsin, trails offer a front-row seat to nature's most spectacular show. These overlooked destinations have the perfect trails for leaf-peeping.

  • A New York state of mind can mean many things. In the case of Rochester, think of a vastly underrated city with vintage hospitality, fantastic under-the-radar attractions, and an annual world-class fringe festival. Let’s get right to a few of my favorite moments in “ROC.”

  • Do you believe in ghosts? If you live in the mid-Atlantic you don't have to wait for Halloween to come in order to have ghost sighting because sightings (or at least great ghost stories) are abundant in the region. From haunted pub crawl crawls to ghost walks and haunted inns you can be sure to have a ghostly encounter at any time of the year.

  • Virgin Forest. Bridge over Little Santeetlah Creek at trailhead

    We were rafting down the Nantahala River in North Carolina, soon to brave my first Class III rapid. As I chatted with our guide about the flora visible on the riverbanks, she said, “You know there’s a stand of virgin forest less than an hour from here.” My companions and I would be homeward-bound the next day, but I felt deeply compelled to see that forest. I’ve long held a love for ancient trees.

  • In this episode of World Footprints, hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick take you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most poignant chapters of history—the liberation at the end of World War II. Joined by special guest Michael Bell, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, the Fitzpatricks delve deep into the newly opened Liberation Pavilion at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

  • In this video, hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick lead you on a powerful exploration of history as they visit the Liberation Pavilion at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

  • In death, Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass share a cemetery. In life, they both lived in Rochester, NY, for many years. Susan B. Anthony's former home now serves as a museum telling her life story. In nearby Susan B. Anthony Square Park, a bronze sculpture called Let's Have Tea, created by local artist Pepsy Kettavong, shows Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass sipping cups of tea. Rochester's pride in these two outstanding residents shines bright.

  • Benjamin Franklin gestured dramatically toward the moldering gravestone of the Revolutionary War soldier. “And then,” he proclaimed, pausing for effect, “He killed ‘im dead!”.

  • Utah beckons nature lovers from around the globe with its five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, and Zion. From towering hoodoos to deep canyons and otherworldly landscapes, each park offers something unique. While Utah's capital, Salt Lake City is often considered an ideal basecamp for exploring the state's abundance of natural wonders, the city itself enjoys its own treasures of nature.  Ideally situated between the spectacular Wasatch Mountains to the east and the glistening waters of the Great Salt Lake to the west, nature surrounds the city. With plentiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and the Great Salt Lake folded into the city, outdoor pursuits abound.

  • For many people, travel consists of marking off a checklist of famous places. I can’t count the number of times I’ve observed people driving up to a beautiful or thought-provoking site, snapping a photo, and driving away. I’ve done that myself a few times.