United States
“The diversity of America is a strength of the country, and I don’t think that we use that. We don’t talk about our strengths. I mean, having so many diverse people in this country from all aspects of all over the world, and we don’t use that. I think we should talk about who we are – that melting pot that we’ve become.”
–Steve Stoute
The lyrics in the anthem America the Beautiful expresses it best–the United States of America really is beautiful.
O beautiful for spacious skies…For amber waves of grain…For purple mountain majesties…Above the fruited plain!…America! America!…God shed His grace on thee…And crown thy good with brotherhood…From sea to shining sea!
The United States really is a beautiful and wonderfully diverse country. When you travel to each of the 50 States and even within each State you will feel as if you’re traveling to another country.
The United States is a country built by immigrants and each corner of this country is influenced by a variety of cultural diasporas including former enslaved people from Africa and the West Indies. Even traces of Native American culture can be found despite earlier efforts to erase them from the narratives of American history.
The United States has not always been the land of the free but it has always been the home of the brave.
As Paul Tsongas said, “America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.”
Historic Brattonsville in South Carolina’s Olde English District is a little-known historic village with a big story. Its history began in the 1760s when three Bratton brothers settled here. The Brattons became wealthy slave owners. The village features over 30 structures, an 800 acre plantation, and a Revolutionary War battlefield site.
A picturesque four-season getaway, Manchester, Vermont (pop 4,500) typifies classic Vermont small-town charm. It possesses an edge that moves it beyond historic architecture in a beautiful mountain setting. All within close proximity, there’s way more to do here than meets the eye. You'll find luxe resort options, fine and healthy dining, wellness offerings, world-class art, beguiling American history, and a new way to interpret off-roading.
The re-election of Donald Trump could bring significant changes to travel trends, both domestically and internationally. With political divides shaping travel behavior, potential policy shifts, and evolving international perceptions, U.S. travelers may encounter new dynamics under a second Trump administration. Here’s how his second term could influence American travel at home and abroad.
Vivian Lee Battle Sims may not be a widely known name, but her impact on Pulaski, Tennessee, is profound. At 96, this retired educator and community activist has redefined the legacy of a town once infamous as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan. Through her vision and personal funds, Sims commissioned the Resurrection of Valor, a statue honoring the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
Phyllis Wilson, a retired Army veteran of 37 years and President of the Military Women’s Memorial Foundation, joins us to talk about the Memorial and two important campaigns to preserve history and honor a group of female veterans.
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.
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.