America Archives - Page 8 of 80 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

So how to afford your big States adventure next year, well, best kick off the World Cup in your Kissimmee vacation home.

Neighbouring Miami Stadium will host seven games, including the third-place game.

And knowing you can beat the football traffic by jumping on the Brightline Train ($32 for a three and a half hour ride).

And be back home quickly makes Florida your ideal base.

Home in on the football

There are more than 30,000 homes in Kissimmee and all at better rates than Miami hotels.

From two-bedroom condos to 15-bedroom mega mansions.

Meaning couples, families and groups of friends will all find the perfect accommodation.

Most vacation homes come with a private pool, and many boast themed rooms, games rooms, hot tubs, cinema rooms and more.

Reunion Resort, Margaritaville Orlando Resort & Championsgate offer facilities including water parks, golf courses, spas and restaurants.

The more the merrier

Of course, the more of you there are the cheaper your deal.

Fill your rooms up, and the fridge to save money on dining out.

Now most management companies also offer welcome packs and can even do food shopping before guests arrive.

On your doorstep

Many resorts also offer free shuttles to the main theme parks for those family members piggybacking your footie trip.

So you’ll save on Uber/taxis, car rental and parking costs, possibly the most stressful part of any Statescation.

And what’s more is that Kissimmee is just 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

So why not kick off the World Cup in your Kissimmee vacation home?

America, Countries

Take it Easy with Amtrak in the Deep South

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And the news we’ve all been waiting for, that we can now take it Easy with Amtrak in the Deep South.

With the launch of a new rail service, for the first time in 20 years.

Linking the Deep South’s two great Mardi Gras towns of New Orleans and Mobile.

With our friends welcoming us to their new service in good ole Deep South fashion.

With a Y’allllllll aboard cry!

Take me to the Mardi Gras

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service connects the jewel of Louisiana, New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama.

With stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

And with Amtrak’s guarantee of a super affordable price point.

You are, of course, only a short walk in New Orleans to the Superdome and Smoothie King Center.

On game days and for concerts.

While it is only a quick taxi or rideshare to the French Quarter.

While you can hop aboard the streetcar, which picks up right across from the entrance.

Coast with the most

This scenic 3hr 45mins coastal journey includes stops in Mississippi‘s Gulf Coast destinations.

And includes Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay Saint Louis.

Now what can we tell you about your stop-offs?

Well, Pascagoula, MS boasts historic architecture or the chance to relax at Beach Park with views of the Mississippi Sound.

While Off the Hook Seafood and Cajun Grille serves up local specialties like po-boys and hushpuppies.

The Gulfport, MS is home to beautiful beaches and the Mississippi Aquarium.

Head to the marina for fishing or dig into Gulf shrimp at spots like Half Shell Oyster House.

A safe bet

You can even win back your fare at the Biloxi, MS casino, although at from $15 each-way that won’t break the bank.

Eat at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, or check out the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum for artsy vibes.

In the artsy fishing village of Bay Saint. Louis, MS you’ll be won over by the seafood joints.

And the famous County Beach.

The final stop features charming architecture, the Historic Mobile Bay, and renowned Southern cuisine.

And our insiders recommend the Mobile Museum of Art or a stroll through the historic districts.

So take it easy with Amtrak in the Deep South.

And having let the train take the strain through New England I’d say it is the most relaxing way to travel.

Easy then just like New Orleans.

America, Countries

A Philly-packed whistle-stop tour

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There’s never enough time for the City of Brotherly love as we found, but come with us now for a Philly-packed whistle-stop tour.

Me, I blame the Greyhound bus driver from Washington DC, and did, which could have cost me ever getting there.

And because of him I only had five hours, or four and a half because you’ll have to wait in line to see their cracking bell.

Of course the thing to do is base yourself in Philly in the first place.

And we were road testing and passing Kimptons in New York and their Philadelphian cousins would treat you just as well.

Ring the bells

So make Billy Penn’s city your home and explore too his state Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, Amish Country et al.

If you’re a history buff then you’ll know already Philadelphia’s place in the American story.

As it’s there that the Declaration of Independence was signed.

But not in the detail obviously as the patriots at Independence Hall.

All of which you can find out for yourself on a guided tour of Independence Hall with the National Park Service.

With tickets able to be reserved in advance for $1 each.

If you know your history

Explore too the historic district by foot on a walking tour of the Old City with The Constitutional Walking Tour.

The 75-minute tour explores Independence National Historical Park.

Visitors can also explore historic sites with WeVenture’s Philadelphia History Highlights and Revolution Tour.

While Philadelphia has played a pivotal role in Black history which you can track on The Black Journey Tour.

Which offers four themed walking tours that explore different periods of history.

Knockout Rocky tour

Of course, for many the real heavyweight figure in Philly is Rocky Baboa.

Who first smashed his way into our consciousness 50 years ago.

The Philadelphia Visitor Centre’s Rocky Bus Tour running until the end of this month features the Rocky Philadelphia 2025 Summer Tour Series

Where you’ll be able to get your photo with the Rocky statue and jump around at the top of the steps.

Philly, of course, has rightly always been popular with film crews.

And you can explore sites featured in television shows.

Like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Cold Case, Trading Places and Sixth Sence on Viator’s Philadelphia Movie and Television Sites Walking tour.

The Philadelphia Story

Of course, you should give yourself your own time and space to find your own people in the Philadelphia story.

Like the Scots diaspora from the Highland Clearances who the Philadelphians commemorate with a beautiful statue.

All of which you can revel in with a Philly-packed whistle-stop tour.

And, of course, as we all know, flying to the States out of Ireland allows you to avoid pre-clearance.

And Aer Lingus have flights to the City of Brotherly Love from €183.84.

America, Countries, Deals

Swing by Las Vegas and Cancun on honeymoon

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It stands to reason that party people couple them which is why Trailfinders have organised for lovers to swing by Las Vegas and Cancun on honeymoon.

Only you wouldn’t if you’re a Vegas newbie.

And you’re throwing shapes with Cami from Utah, who comes to Vegas at weekends, well because they party differently there.

And you draw the attention of the middle-aged couple at the bar.

He in his golfing gear and she on her twinset and pearls.

Who ask how we’ve been enjoying Vegas.

And I smilingly reply that I’m loving it as a scantily-clad barmaid pours a shot into the mouth of the dude next to me.

Swinging into action

All-American couple suggest I might then like Cancun where they go to party every year.

And with shots on board myself, and energised by the burlesque beats of 70s covers house band The Whip-Its, I prick up my ears.

Only for my drinking companion and Vegas regular Martin to poke me in the ribs.

And ask me that surely I must know that they’re swingers, which wide-eyed wanderer that I am, I didn’t.

Hit the trail

Miss America meets Mr Scotland: In Vegas

No such awkward surprises, you’ll be glad to know, from Trailfinders.

The holiday providers are luring lovers with 12 nights from February 19-March 3 at €2,9999.

With direct Aer Lingus flights to Neon City and the new direct route back from Cancun!

From €2,999pp including economy class flights or r €4,199pp with business class flights.

And because it’s Vegas and Cancun baby, you deserve to go in style.

Go in style

Now you’ll spend five nights at the 4★+ Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Then fly from Vegas to the Mexican hotspot.

For seven nights at 5★ Secrets The Vine, Cancun on an all inclusive basis with private return transfers.

So if you’re setting out on a new life together then leave yourself in the hands of the experts, say the Irish Travel Agents Association.

And swing by Las Vegas and Cancun on honeymoon.

America, Countries

The Mormon conquest and opening up Utah

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Always ready to meet a fellow pilgrim we went along to find out more about the Mormon conquest and opening up Utah.

Particularly as our previous interactions with Utahns had been on the Strip in Las Vegas.

With Cami who takes off to Sin City every weekend because of their alternative lifestyle.

The truth is that most of us outside the Church of the Latter Day Saints will have a fixed idea of Mormons.

And unless you’ve attended a service or met the congregation you’ll still be hung up on the stereotypes.

Probably reinforced too by what you’ve heard, or seen, in the hit satirical musical from the South Park guys, The Book of Mormon Musical.

And that’s where the Utahns are starting to redress the balance.

Spreading the Word

Yes with their pilgrims who you’ll meet in town squares reaching out to you to hear about the Word.

But also in their own back yard, the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah.

Surely the work of God.

Where the Mormons are set to open up their HQ, the fascinating Temple Square in Salt Lake City between April and October, 2027.

Temple Square, for those who haven’t been, is a five-block community that includes historic buildings.

Salt Lake of the Earth

The Salt Lake Temple, gardens, museums, monuments, libraries, and pavilions.

The square’s renovation project started in 2029 and is now in its final stage.

Once the temple has been re-dedicated, it will only be open to members of the LDS church.

However, leading up to the open house, all visitors (including non-LDS members) are invited to visit the west side of Temple Square.

Including areas surrounding the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the FamilySearch Library and the Church History Museum.

As well as the recently re-opened Assembly Hall found in the southwest corner of the square.

Now if you’re like us and like to explore a destination by going to where the locals play and pray.

Then find out for yourself about the Mormon conquest and opening up Utah and get out to a very different part of the Oo Es of Eh.

America, Countries

Harry Birthday to JK Rowling, happy birthday to you

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And because Potterheads always make me smile we raise a glass on your 60th birthday and say Harry Birthday to JK Rowling, happy birthday to you.

Now we imagine that JK gets whatever she wants around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

And would have no need for a birthday pin announcing to everybody that it was her special day, and a very good number 60 is too.

But you should as it will afford you extra good will going around Universal Studios and even a sprinkling of magic.

Such as when you visit Ollivanders Wand Shop on Diagon Alley.

And you catch the eye of Ollivander himself as he encourages the wand to find you as its owner, in front of the gathered shoppers.

Just like my old colleague Emma Jane, now an esteemed political editor, but then, and probably still a Potterhead first.

Whose mouth fell when Ollivander chose her, or rather the wand did.

And all without it being her birthday too.

Be our guest

Now Emma Jane being the honest journo that she is would never have thought of blagging her birthday date anyway.

And nor would you because we’re the good guys here.

So when you visit Guest Services inside of either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure be honest with them if it actually is your special day.

As they won’t check your driving licence or passport.

Let Universal entertain you

Check out your hotel: The Loews Portofino

Birthday boys and girls (of all ages) will also be spoiled in any of the restaurants in CityWalk but carry age verification here.

Some outlets have birthday clubs where you could get a discount or freebie that you can use on or around your birthday.

But be sure to send an email you can print out or show on your phone to get your deal.

While it is also letting your Orlando hotel know that it’s your special day.

Drink up: And Emma Jane is ready to get her sip

Now today’s birthday heroine never needs to worry about a dime or a penny again.

But still her memory of her hardships, trying to make ends meet as a single mother while inventing a boy wizard in an Edinburgh cafe to magic her up in the world have never left her.

So Harry Birthday to JK Rowling, happy birthday to you.

America, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, UK

Hungry and Thursday… National Ice Cream Month

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You know how it goes, I scream, you scream, we all scream, and a reason presents itself now to revive our occasional series. Hungry and Thursday… National Ice Cream Month.

There are few foods which conjure up summer and holidays more than the frozen milk or cream dessert which crosses the social divide.

With King Charles (the first one who lost his head) gorging in ice cream which Marco Polo had brought from China, and was scooped up by European courts.

While the First Fathers were known to dig in with George Washington recorded as spending $200 on ice cream in the summer of 1790.

While Thomas Jefferson brought vanilla into the country and had an 18-step recipe for ice cream.

That ice cream kick

Of course one of the secret joys of ice cream has always been that it can carry an alcohol kick for curious kiddies.

And so it is with rum and raisin though we’re not always sure how much distilled molasses goes into your local scoop.

Unless that is you live in the Caribbean.

Where rum is laced through every breakfast, lunch or dinner, particularly over carnival.

And while we lap up every morsel of Bajan culture our favourite rum and raisin ice cream is in Tobago.

Sitting in the treetops bar at Castara Retreats with Porridge and Jeanelle.

Perhaps because we weren’t nursing a monster hangover from Bajan Foreday Morning, although the hair of the dog is always the best way to cure a sore head.

Il gelato

For many of us, of course, Italia, Il Bel Paese, is the home of the ice cream.

Il gelato conjures up the freshest fruits which brings all our senses alive.

Limone, frutti di bosco or even mandarino all have their takers but for us it has to be La Fragola.

After a day jostling through the alleyways of Venice, in the beating heat of the Roman Forum.

At the end of your Via Francigena into the Eternal City or at the foot of the funiculare in Bergamo.

Where for those who like their gelati extra milky.

Then La Marianna specialises in its signature milky scoop of ice cream heaven, stracciatella.

Our Scottish take with a little Italian

Now we all have our own variation to others’ ice cream.

In our own wee bit of Northern Europe, Italian influences are to the fore.

Because the story goes that when Italians were emigrating to America the ships would stop off in Glasgow for refuelling.

And the passengers who pre-Internet didn’t know what New York looked like got off thinking this was The Big Apple, and never got back on.

And so grew Scottish and Italian fusion with a particular favourite Irn-Bru, our vivid orange soft drink, ice cream a unique experience.

Now whatever, or wherever, you most like to be with your bowl, cone or wafer.

You’ll not be alone because somewhere in the world it’s Ice Cream O’Clock.

So just enjoy it, it’s Hungry and Thursday… National Ice Cream Month.

America, Countries, Sport

Take me out to the ball game

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No marks for originality here but don’t tell me the song hasn’t been going through your head… take me out to the ball game.

A lot has been going on in the world in the last seven days.

But the one thing everyone has been talking about is the Coldplay Couple.

Caught on a kisscam in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Not that the kisscam originated to expose amorous astronaut company CEOs but sneaky Pete’s and Petras will be extra-wary now.

Kisscam has become part and parcel of the American stadium experience, now extended to music concerts.

And, of course, the first thing humiliated Mrs Astro will have said to Bad Boy Businessman will be ‘I will fix you’.

When it was my first rodeo

The truth is that none of us are safe from the prying lens so just be sure you’ve nothing to hide.

As I discovered at the Coors Field in Denver… and I was indoors at the time.

Practising my rodeo skills on the electronic bull.

Only for it to be shot up on the big screen.

Now entertainment in the Oo Es of Eh has always been even-handed with the fan as valued as the athlete.

And even if you’re not clued up on the intricacies.

And it took two quarters for The Scary One to work out that in American Football you pass the ball forward.

Fly balls and podgy presidents

There is always plenty going on in the crowd.

Whether it’s having your hot dog thrown along the row of seats to you.

Trying to catch a fly ball and fans will push their grandparents outta the way for these lucrative artefacts.

While the Seventh Innings Stretch transcends sport.

Dating as far back as the 1860s with Brother Jasper, who brought baseball to Manhattan University.

And started the practice when he called for a break in the game to catch breath.

Where it really takes off is in 1910 when the portly President Howard Taft took time out to stand and stretch his legs.

During a Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics match.

And the crowd followed suit in respect.

A date at the game

Duck stops here: The Anaheim Ducks hockey team

The Seventh Innings Stretch now being a thing all that was needed was a song to sing along with.

And so the legend of the baseball anthem Take Me Out To The Ball Game written a few years earlier by Jack Norworth.

Who the story goes was riding a subway in New York.

When he saw a sign that read Baseball Today –Polo Grounds.

In Polworth’s room, Katie’s (and later Nelly’s) fella calls to ask her out to see a show.

To which she agrees but only if he takes her out to the baseball game.

The tradition, of course, has been built upon over the years.

Harry’s game

And if there is one figure most associated with it in modern days it is Chicago sportscaster Harry Caray.

Who any visitor to Wrigley Park, the second oldest ballpark in the country will recognise from his statue.

And who we all honoured in the Windy City at the American Travel Fair, IPW, last month.

Though on this occasion my antics weren’t captured on the big screen.

Not that I ever would but certainly not if I ever want these, or future hosts, to take me out to the ball game.

America, Countries

Take your Teddy on an RV tour of the US National Parks

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And inspired by the Great Man himself the drive is on to take your Teddy on an RV tour of the US National Parks this year.

Particularly with the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the first US National Monument hoving into view next year.

Now dinner party bores will tell you that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure you can see from space.

So why then did aliens alight on the Devils Tower monolith in Wyoming in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Teddy’s Trail

Now no president championed the Great American Outdoors more than its 26th, Teddy Roosevelt.

While nobody had his ear more than John Muir, the legendary Scots conservationist.

We heard first hand from the immortal Teddy at IPW, the American Travel Fair, in Chicago.

With the Great Raconteur waxing lyrical about the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library next year in North Dakota.

And alighting on a Scotlander about his own Scottish roots through his mother Martha.

Which mirrors another future NY President though Manhattan Man Teddy was quick to point out Donald Trump is a Queens Man.

Devil of a good time

Every June, the Devils Tower closes to rock climbers so that the tribes can celebrate their spiritual practices.

To truly appreciate the Tower, take the 1.3-mile Tower Trail, winding around the base for the best chance to see the rock from all sides.

Devils Tower National Monument is open for visitors year-round, and admission is $25/£19 per vehicle.

The West is best

RV specialists Journeyscape have picked out The Close Encounters landmark as a topical highlight.

Of its Icons and National Parks of the Great American West by Motorhome.

The 15-day holiday costs from £2,950pp including motorhome rental (but excluding international flights).

Traditionally, of course, pioneers would reach the Wild West by wagon, stagecoach and through the grand Denver Union Station.

And we’d certainly recommend that as we would flying into Denver International Airport, in the apron of the Rockies.

The open road

Your Journeyscape tour will take in five states, your launch pad, Colorado and taking in four of the five states under the Great American West umbrella.

That’ll be Wyoming, Montana and North and South Dakota… you’ll arrange your own private Idaho in your own time.

But for a starter Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon, Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Salt Lake City ain’t bad, eh?

So take your Teddy on an RV tour of the US National Parks.

America, Countries, Sport

Sugar the surfur of Huntington Beach

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And as the drums roll to induct the legends into Surf City’s Hall of Fame let’s paws to celebrate Sugar the surfur of Huntington Beach.

Sugar, a Collie mix, holds a unique position in the surfing world.

As the first, and as yet, only mutt to be enlisted in the Californian town’s Surfing Home of Fame.

Huntington Beach’s status as the centre of the surfing world is assured.

Though maybe not mention that in rival claimant Santa Cruz, who claim they’re the birthplace of the sport.

But all disputes aside, and my friends in SC were keen to play that down.

As they promoted their fares to me at the American Travel Fair in Chicago last month, everyone can sing Sugar’s praises.

Herein hangs a tail

Because as they say in Sugar the Surfing Dog’s case, herein hangs a tail.

And one that in the land of the moving picture ought really to be a Hollywood blockbuster.

Because Sugar, much like Bob in the British true story A Streetcat Named Bob, turned her owner’s life around full circle.

HB native Ryan Rustan had been battling mental health and drug issues.

But he cleaned up in his 20s when Oakland rescue dog Sugar came into his life.

And she went on to wing 19 surfing titles across her career including multiple World Dog Surfing Championships, Surf City Surf Dog and Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge titles.

Because as all you devoted readers here know and I found out one spring morning over breakfast in Ballsbridge, Dublin with our HB visitors dog surfing is definitely a thang.

And on that occasion it was labrador Bono whose achievements we were recognising.

With, of course, me being professionally incapable of avoiding asking if Bono surfed the waves in his shades.

Follow in Sugar’s pawsteps

Chairmutt of the Board: Outside the museum

We do hope that Sugar’s elevation to Hall of Fame status will push on other surfing dogs to follow in her pawsteps.

And we’ll be following Sugar’s progress and our other pooch pals on SURFER website.

Not that 14-year-old Sugar’s surfing days are behind her with Ryan promising his pooch .

That he will take her to Waikiki, the real birthplace of surfing, as a treat.

‘She does a lot of surf therapy for lots of kids,’ he said.

‘It’s not just [about] surfing against people but also putting smiles on the little kids’ faces and the athletes that are disabled. She gets to ride with them.’

Dogg days

This year’s deserving inductees into the Surf City Hall of Fame are world champion and Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks.

Outstanding surf photographer Tom Servais and HB local standout surfer Dwight Dunn.

All taking their place alongside Sugar the surfur of Huntington Beach.

HB, of course, ought to be on everyone’s to-do list when in Los Angeles, just an hour north of Surf City USA.

And, if you are lucky enough, you might see another famous Dogg down there doing one of his sets.

And you thought I make all this stuff, well here are the pictures to prove it.