Tag: http://www.capitalregionusa.org/

America, Countries, Deals

By train across America’s iconic Eastern Cities

funtime65

It’s taken us four decades and several transatlantic jaunts when we could easily have gone by train across America’s iconic Eastern Cities.

Public transport is much pilloried in the Land of the Car and that extends to travelling between states.

With travel providers assuming that visitors will automatically prefer a self-drive option.

Now, of course, that is not for all of us although I nervously was prepared to go that route in the Florida Keys when Covid struck.

I have, of course, been back to the States many times since and criss-crossed too through New England.

Sitting back in a buffet car, talking to fellow passengers and taking in the world outside your window is the way to go.

Try Freedom

And don’t Freedom Destinations know it as evidenced by their Eastern Cities By Rail package.

You will cover the Big Four, Boston, New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia on your FD tour.

And the beauty of the FD experience is that they will customise your trip with extra nights or destinations.

And the news from the Capitol: In Washington

You will fly into Logan Airport in Bean City, Boston and out of John Dulles which remember is in Virginia.

By train across America’s iconic Eastern CitiesAnd enjoy 11 nights hotel accommodation along the way south.

Pass marks

The Murty and The Donald: In NY

Now we’d always recommend a city travel pass to get around America’s cities.

And FD agree which is why they include a Boston All-Inclusive Pass and New York CityPass for their customers.

And Boston and Washington D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours.

Now they’re not the Big Four for nothing and we’d advise too to walk the cities.

Of course, the Freedom Trail and Harbour in Boston, Greenwich Village and Central Park in NY.

And South Street and any street with a letter or state name intersecting it which is all of them in DC.

Train takes the train

On the Rocky Road: In Philadelphia

The FD package retails at from £1590 or with flights from £2,190.

So that’ll allay your anxiety about jet lag, driving on the other side of the road and getting the vehicle back as you found it.

It’s better by train across America’s iconic Eastern Cities with Freedom Destinations.

 

America, Countries

A heady cocktail in America’s capital region

funtime65

There’s a heady cocktail in America’s capital region but we’re not talking, for now, about Trump 2.0.

Particularly with a bottle of the finest Northern Irish Galgorm gin looking for a mixer for our Christmas party.

And may we suggest the humble Washington DC gin rickey, the juice of the juniper, carbonated water and a squeezed lime?

The tipple which has been loosening the tongues of politicians on the Hill for nearly a century and a half.

Capitals idea

King of the Hill: Bandanaman in DC

It’s how our friends in the Capital Region USA toast this time of year… who are we kidding all times of the year?

Just like Democratic lobbyist Joe Hickey of Missouri was wont to do back in the 1880s.

Now here’s a capital idea that our chum Cass has put together to extend the ‘special relationship’ between the US and Britain.

Man in the know: With George and Issy

With Capital Region working with St Ermin’s Hotel in London to curate a collection of their festive cocktails.

Bringing the region to life through the tastes, smells and sights of Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. 

Now helpfully CRU have opened up their drinks trolley to showcase these other faves.

Virginian territory

Future is orange: In Virginia

Virginia’s Moonshine Mixology: Because the most famous Virginian of them all, George Washington was the largest producer of whiskey in the Commonwealth.

Belle Isle Craft Spirits in Richmond, Virginia, uses its moonshine and mixes it with iced tea and house lemonade. 

St Ermin’s Hotel recipe: 50ml apple and ginger juice, 50ml pomegranate juice, 50ml moonshine and a splash of lemon juice. Shake with ice and serve.

Cherry baby

Cherry oh: And special garnish

DC’s Cherry Blossom Revolution: Antonio Matarazzo’s creation, Cherry Revolution celebrates Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival heritage.

By blending Don Ciccio & Figil Cerasum Aperitivo, an infusion of three different kinds of cherries and Sakura blossoms.

With vodka, orange and Galliano L’Autentico, and Anise and peppermint tasting liquor for a festive explosion.

St Ermin’s recipe: 50ml vodka, 80ml orange juice, 20ml cherry liquor, shot of herbal liquor, shake over ice, serve with cherry and garnish with blossom flower. 

Cooler Mule ah

Rye high: Maryland Mule

Maryland Mule: Traditionally served in a copper mug, this Maryland classic celebrates the state’s love affair with rye whiskey.

Pick award-winning Sagamore Spirits mixed with ginger beer, half a lime, and mint for garnish. 

St Ermin’s recipe: 50ml rye whiskey, 100ml ginger beer, splash of fresh lime over ice, stir and serve. 

 

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

A Tee Party in the Capital Region

funtime65

One thing we can all agree on in this US election cycle is that there’s going to be a Tee Party in the Capital Region when the Solheim Cup rolls in.

Fresh from making my pitch for my local course, Muirfield.

To golfing great Sir Nick Faldo at the Open at Royal Troon I’m looking further afield.

The golf tours move on, to the Olympics in Paris and now the men’s majors are done for the year, the women’s game.

Solheim from home

The Main Course: Gainesville

We have a special interest in my new stomping ground of North Berwick, the best place in Britain to live in.

In Solheim Cup great and proud townswoman Catriona Matthew.

And a special relationship with DC, Maryland and Virginia through family there and friends met at the US Travel Fair, IPW.

All under the umbrella of the Capital Region.

Capital gains

Reflections: After sunset from the edge of the reflecting pool in Washington DC.

I will often advise newbies to travelling in America that if they can’t do it all then the Capital Region is America in a nutshell.

Maryland, in fact, bills itself as America in Miniature while the capital and its Smithsonian Museums, tells the story of the States.

The next President of America: In Washington DC

And Virginia is your entry to the Deep South where the Trump posters we saw in 2016 will have been adapted to replace Pence for Vance.

Now if you think the divisions in American politics and society has reached a new breaking point.

Then it is worth noting that Virginia was the theatre for the first major battle of the US Civil War.

Battleground tourism

Stonewall it: With Stonewall Jackson in Manassas.

And why does this matter? Well, just because, but because you’ll be staying in Manassas for your golf.

Your Golf Travel offers packages to the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Virginia.

All of which takes place from September 10-15, starting from £2215pp including flights.

You’ll get six nights bed and breakfast at the Hampton Inn in Gainesville or the Tru by Hilton in Manassas.

And the news: From the Capitol: In Washington

The practice day and tournament day tickets, Solheim Cup return transfers, 24-hour concierge service and event party.

Visitors wishing to add golfing experiences in the Capital Region USA can add a tailor-made holiday to the package for an additional cost.

Picnic time

Go Europe: The Solheim Cup winners

And if it might seem quirky to be a tourist in a battlefield town then consider this.

Day trippers descended on Manassas, or Bull Run, with picnic blankets to watch the fighting.

We’re hoping and expecting that the two sets of rivals will keep it more gentlewomanly on their field of battle.

And that you can enjoy your Tee Party in the Capital Region.