Author: Charlotte Gill

For more than a millennium, the ancient Hohokam tribe tended the desert in which Phoenix now sits, irrigating it with a series of canals bringing water from the rivers running from the White Tank Mountains. Then, in the centuries preceding Columbus, they vanished, leaving their ruined waterways as their only legacy.

Phoenix was born out of the Hohokam ashes and today thrives as America’s fastest growing metropolis. Those same canals have created a landscape both stunning and surprising, as the striking pillars of red desert rock rise out from verdant green lawns and leafy copses, in a true triumph of engineering over nature.

This has all the trappings of Wild West country, yet this is one of the golf capitals of the US and is currently experiencing rapid growth in its fine arts scene.

Where to stay
The Royal Palms excels on every front. The Arizona Grand Resort caters superbly for both business and leisure, with comfortable rooms and a wide range of facilities.

Where to eat
Binkley’s is a great American restaurant serving the latest in molecular gastronomy; for the super-foodie, Bourbon Steak is the brainchild of former Bon Appétit magazine chef of the year Michael Mina. Adventurous, eclectic Tai sources many ingredients from local Native American tribes, combining them to great effect.

What to see
The Desert Botanical Gardens are a great chance to learn about desert flora and a cool contrast to other such gardens elsewhere. Hike up Camelback Mountain to catch the amazing sunshine. Phoenix Zoo is extensive and well-stocked; alternatively, there is an amazing number of local golf courses.

The Independence National Historical Park, quietly ensconced within Philadelphia’s sprawling borders, is widely regarded as the most historically significant square mile in the US; this is, after all, where the country itself was conceived. Indeed, this has been an almost unfortunate adornment for a city that became known as ‘corrupt and contented’ during the early 20th century, when politicians could all too easily hide behind predictable patriotic sympathies.

Even today it is seen more as a city of heritage rather than culture or vision, yet Philadelphia has changed beyond recognition over the last fifty years. The slow process of gentrification that began in the sixties was given a hearty shot in the arm by subsequent radical mayors from the late 1990s; what was just another American metropolis is gaining a growing reputation for artistic endeavour and innovation. There’s plenty of history to explore, of course, but from ranging, open boulevards to eclectic entertainment districts there’s a lot of the here and now, too.

Where to stay
You’ll feel like royalty at the Sofitel Philadelphia from the moment you walk into the impressively expansive lobby to the point where the immense, comfortable bed engulfs you. The Rittenhouse, Penn’s View and The Independent are top alternatives.

Where to eat
Philadelphia has a fantastic gastronomical scene; Gayle, Jake’s and 10 Arts are all top picks for traditional American menus, Susanna Foo serves great Chinese and Osteria similarly superb Italian. The true foodie should head to Lacroix or Fountain, however; both are divine.

What to see
Independence National Historic Park is the star of the show; it includes the Liberty Bell (a key symbol in the abolishment of slavery) and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed). The Reading Terminal Market is another piece of history that’s still alive today.

Pensacola has a claim to be America’s oldest European settlement – however, the initial site colonised by the Spanish in 1559 was decimated by a hurricane weeks later and shortly thereafter abandoned. It was another 135 years before the French arrived here, after which the natural deep water harbour and strategic position close to French, English and Spanish colonies made it a continuous bone of contention that changed hands several times.

As a result, the “City of Five Flags” – named for the five governments who have claimed it – is today known as much for its rich history, varied architecture and colonial heritage as it is for its ivory white beaches, warm seas and subtropical climate. It’s one of Florida’s premier resorts, yet remains far removed from the madness of Miami Beach.

In fact, despite the crowds that throng here during the summer, Pensacola is a great place for some traditional seaside peace and quiet – particularly if you fancy fishing around the smaller islands offshore.

Where to stay
The Courtyard Marriott downtown is a safe option with predictably high standards of service and comfort. The newly renovated Residence Inn is also a great alternative that is both comfortable and clean.

Where to eat
Peg Leg Pete’s has a great atmosphere and serves honest American food. Fish House & Atlas is best for seafood, while Jasmine Fusion has a fantastic Thai menu that offers something a little different. The global grill caters for the large Latin population with some excellent tapas.

What to see
The Pensacola Naval Station and Fort Barrancas, inside, are great places to go for a bit of 19th century history. The National Naval Aviation Museum is equally impressive. Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island is a striking white, formed from local quartz deposits.

New York is about far more than bricks and mortar, or even the people who inhabit it. It’s importance to the nation runs deeper even than its status as the world’s second biggest financial centre. The streets aren’t quite paved with gold, but to some they might as well be; New York is the embodiment of the American Dream.

This is why millions of immigrants have flocked to the city over the last century and why, with 150 recognised nationalities, it remains a contender for the most multicultural city in the world. Anything is possible; your cultural fix in one of the fine museums ends up impulsively in a Broadway theatre; your historical walking tour turns into an opportunistic spending spree in one of the many shopping malls; your quiet afternoon in a city diner becomes an all night bar crawl with three expats and a local taxi driver. Don’t sweat it; just give in to the Big Apple.

Where to stay
The Library Hotel is a paradise for book lovers and even those who aren’t will be impressed by the comfort and service at one of New York’s top hotels. The Casablanca and French Quarters are two more great choices which cater superbly for business and leisure alike.

Where to eat
New York cuisine is as diverse as the population; there’s a particularly strong Italian influence, and Frankie’s Spuntino 457 is perhaps the best place to sample it. The sublime Ouest has a more traditionally American feel, while Aquavit is possibly the best Scandinavian restaurant outside of Scandinavia.

What to see
The Statue of Liberty is easily New York’s most famous landmark. If you prefer to shop than sight-see then head to the world-renowned Fifth Avenue; alternatively, catch a show on Broadway – all the big names are there.

Natural disasters have a way of forcing you to appreciate the best things in life; though to be fair, that was never a problem for citizens of the ‘Big Easy’, the fun-time, happy-go-lucky former French colony on the banks of the Mississippi. Reconstruction works after the widespread destruction of 2005 and Hurricane Katrina is well under-way and the party capital of the continent is already getting its groove on again.

This is where the Old World meets the New in explosive style, where the rich aromas of worldly cuisine bearing influences from all corners of the globe drift through vibrant streets filled with the rich sounds of jazz, bluegrass and R&B. The annual Mardi Gras, eulogised in popular songs in both the US and abroad, is a part of international folklore and ranks as one of the most kicking carnivals in the world.

Where to stay
International House Boutique Hotel combines a cool and trendy vibe with a great downtown location in one of the premier business districts. Le Pavilion is over a century old and has maintained the charm that has made it one of the world’s most widely-renowned hotels.

Where to eat
Even after Katrina, New Orleans is fast re-establishing itself as one of America’s culinary capitals. Choose from Creole at Cuvee, Iberian at Lola’s or a diverse international menu at Upperline – they’re all top class. However, one of the trendiest venues and most desirable menus can be found at Emeril’s.

What to see
The French Quarter largely escaped the wrath of Katrina and the architect’s Gallic influence remains clear to see. Along with nearby Bourbon Street it was marked as the entertainment quarter in the 19th century; the heart of the contemporary party scene this area is also the birthplace of Jazz.

The sight of half ton trucks and bands of ice fisherman parked in the middle of Lake Harriet at 6am on a winter’s morning can seem bizarre at first, but it’s quintessential Minneapolis in its demonstration of simpler pleasures; most of the fish that get caught are thrown straight back in.

One end of the sprawling Twin Cities metropolis, you can easily imagine Minneapolis as the setting for Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Quieter St Paul’s has a slightly older feel, having retained more of its heritage, but the charitable attitude and friendly appreciation for the good things in life are just as ever-present.

Renowned for their charitable nature, the three million inhabitants make this far from a small town backwater. There’s a high concentration of universities and colleges and an equally high per capita attendance of theatre, comedy and musical events, in what has long been recognised as the cultural capital of the Midwest.

Where to stay
The simply named Hotel Minneapolis is a trendy establishment with plenty of character and a boutique vibe. Le Meridien Chambers combines a modern, contemporary design with personalised service and an intimate feel.

Where to eat
Hell’s Kitchen has an atmospheric theme matched by a great American seafood menu in a prime downtown location. Lucia’s is more reserved but equally good for food and has a fantastic wine menu that should satisfy even the connoisseurs.

What to see
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an artistically crafted mini paradise typical of the city as a whole. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has more than 80,000 works of sculpture, paintings and photography spanning over four millennia. If you’re there during the winter, head out onto the ice and get a demonstration in ice fishery on the beautifully pristine Lake Harriet.

The name Mackinaw City is a bit of a misnomer; with a population of just 859 in the 2000 census, it is little more than a village. Positioned at the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge – one of the longest suspension bridges in the world that bridges two of the great lakes at the narrowest point to connect to the Upper Michigan Peninsula – Mackinaw is brimming with cultural delights.

Every year its ranks are swelled by hordes of seasonal workers and travellers who come to relax on the shores of Lake Huron and take in some heritage at Fort Michilimackinac. That fort was abandoned during the American Revolution by the British, who fled to nearby Mackinac Island, just a short distance offshore. Two battles were later fought there and it remains a National Historic landmark, with famed local fudge and a vehicle ban that keeps it beautifully preserved.

Where to stay
Mackinaw City is great for budget, family establishments but there is a paucity of top class hotels. That said, the rooms Mackinaw Beach-Bay are spacious, clean and provide for all of your likely needs, while the Clarion Hotel is probably the best of the rest.

Where to eat
Restaurants in Mackinaw City tend to be family-oriented and specialise in seafood dishes. Audie’s restaurant is one of the best, with some great wild game selections on top of more standard fare, while Key Hole Bar combines a great pub atmosphere with a good local menu.

What to see
Fort Michilimackinac was reconstructed during the late 1950s and is a great place to explore the rich history of this site. Mackinac Island is a vehicle-free National Historic Landmark famous for its fudge and a great place to escape for a day or two.

The founding of the Ford Motor Company in 1904 changed the course of history, as far as Detroit was concerned. Already a prominent manufacturing base, it was to become a boom-town that doubled in size over the next two decades, with tens of thousands of immigrant workers flocking to fill the factories of the new auto industry capital of America.

The descendants of those immigrants today make it one of the most diverse cities in the US, while from its working class roots have spawned numerous popular artists such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, spawning the Motown music of Motor City. The manufacturing base has long been on the decline but the city continues to burn with a fizzing urban energy as music remains at the forefront of its cultural contributions. This is not a city to stand back and admire, but one to dive into head first and enjoy the experience of getting down and dirty with the locals.

Where to stay
The MGM Grand is high-tech, comfortable and well-designed; there’s no evidence of the adjoining casino once you’re through the lobby. The newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac combines historic chic and elegance with a range of modern comforts.

Where to eat
The Rattlesnake Club is the top venue for riverside dining and serves some of the finest food in the region. Giovanni’s is less romantic but more lively and has an excellent Italian menu to boot. Pi has one of the most eclectic choices in the city, with everything from Irish stew to Greek lamb.

What to see
The Motown Historical Museum should be your first stop, particularly if you’re old enough to remember the music scene in its heyday. The Charles Wright Museum of African-American History is an equally unmissable counterpoint with a rich and fascinating collection.