Tag: http://www.visittheusa.co.uk/

America, Countries

The 150th anniversary of Little Big Horn

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It is, of course, a very big year in American history but what of the First Nations and the 150th anniversary of Little Big Horn?

Away from the ubiquitous Semiquincentennial celebrations, in the Old Wild West they are marking the Sesquicentennial.

See, those conjugations and declensions you mugged up on in Latin at school did come in handy.

Now the Battle of Little Big Horn has been passed down the generations and popularised through Hollywood Western movies.

So that we all know the names and derringer-do of Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall and General George Custer.

Little Big Horn the Sequel

Two tribes: Lakota take on the US troops

And while the silver screen, digital enhancement or AI can ever truly emulate the drama of the battlefield.

And we are not back in the 19th century to see Sitting Bull recreate the battle for Buffalo Bill’s international shows.

We can witness a recreation of the battle from 1pm on June 26-28.

Words for the ages: Sitting Bull

At the Little Bighorn River where Sitting Bull’s Camp was between Crow Agency & Garryowen (only an hour south of Billings).

The 34th reenactment, hosted by the Real Bird Family, you’ll see Native American riders riding bareback.

Portraying warriors of the Souix, Cheyenne and Crow tribes.

And we’re promised no whites riding as braves.

Muster with Custer

By George: Custer’s Last Stand

You’ll see them and Cavalry riders crash across the Little Bighorn River as on June 25.

Some of the riders have been training all week with Custer’s Last Ride 8 day adventure with US Cavalry school.

You’ll witness General George Custer and his 7th US Cavalry Troopers come out of the Medicine Tail Coulee.

And clash with real Indian Braves as they both cross the Little Bighorn River.

Go Native

River crossing: Little Big Horn

The great thing about spectating and remember civilians actually made a day of picnicking at Civil War battles is that you let others do the fighting.

There are Crow Native days including the Pow-Wow, Crow Parade Friday morning, Ultimate Warrior Competition, Indian Rodeo, and more.

Little Bighorn Days celebration week includes a fair, parades, carniv and this year a rodeo.

There is a Cavalry experience training course – Custer’s Last Ride from 20-28 June on site.

At one with nature: Free Lakota

You’ll learn horsemanship, history, and more at http://www.uscavalryschool.com.

Hardin, Montana hosts the Custer’s Last Stand Reenactment.

On a hill west of town, about 20 miles north of the battlefield;

Check out The 8 Day Little Bighorn Cavalry Course and “Custer’s Last Ride” Adventure with the Reenactment on 20-28 June 2026.

Your great trail

Battle of the ages: The reenactment

Your best route if you’re a visitor is fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul and take a two-hour flight to Billings and an hour’s drive south.

Still quicker, and without any of the danger of the combatants back in 1876.

 

 

 

America, Countries

When Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way

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And because Americans have much to thank him for, today we remember when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.

Which, of course, we talked about when we hooked up with Teddy last year in Chicago.

And no, we’re not that old to have been there.

When the US President and the Scots conservationist and explorer made history back in 1903.

Teddy, steady go

Way to go Joe: Today’s Teddy

But we did the next best thing, chewing the fat with Joe Wiegand.

Today’s foremost Teddy Roosevelt, who channels everything there is to be said about the 26th Commander-in-Chief.

And was quick to tell me when he picked up on my accent of his Scottish roots through his mum Mittie Bulloch.

But he had little to say on his friendship with Dunbar, East Lothian-born Muir.

Well, Teddy’s memory may be failing him, being 168 now.

Although Teddy and John went on a three-night camping trip together.

And the Scot took the time to persuade the American how he could help preserved the Great American Outdoors.

The Great Outdoors

During Teddy’s presidency he placed 230 million acres of public land under government protection.

Including the iconic landmarks such as the Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon.

He became a close friend of Muir who had written: “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.

“All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”

Walking in their footsteps

Muir the merrier: John Muir in Dunbar

Now it was always Teddy and John’s earnest hope that we would check out the Yosemite Valley and Grand Canyon for ourselves.

While we can also mark John Muir’s legacy by visiting John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar.

Or walking the 134-mile John Muir Way.

From the east coast of Scotland, past my house in North Berwick, to Helensburgh on the west coast.

While Teddy’s Presidential Library will be in keeping with the Great Man on a different scale when it is opened on June 30.

A 93-acre site, a mile and a half west of Medora, North Dakota and celebrating the Great Outdoors.

And when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.

We’d expect too that there will always be a place for Teddy Bears to have a picnic.

 

America, Countries

When a Maryland town took the Michael out of the British

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And as we send Favourite Cousin and Cousin-in-law back home to the Oo Es Eh we’re as good as our word in sharing the story of when a Maryland town took the Michael out of the British.

A subject that King Charles noticeably decided not to drop into his banter in front of Congress in his speech up the road in Washington DC.

Too busy having a friendly dig at Donald Trump over the burning of the White House… ‘a small attempt at real estate redevelopment.’

Hands across the ocean: The family

St Michaels‘ part in the American story is heralded on the Chesapeake Bay coastline of Maryland but little known across the pond.

But the small Marylander community are rightly proud of their part in protecting the nascent nation as ‘the town that fooled the British.’ in the War of 1812.

All of which you can discover for yourself, and you should as an extension to visiting the US capital 85 miles to the west, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Light the lantern of freedom

America the Brave: St Michaels fights back

The story goes though that in the early morning of August 10, 1813 the citizens reportedly placed lanterns high in the trees, on ships’ mastheads, and on the roofs of buildings.

So that the enemy would be fooled into firing over the town.

And so the British Redcoats rowed their boats along the Miles River, on a dark and stormy night.

The British appeared at Parrot’s Point at 4am, where the Americans had two cannons waiting for them.

As 300 British marines marched on shore, William Dodson and the Marylanders took aim.

Shots heard around the world

Sign of the times: The proud St Michaels boast

The museum’s curators tell us that the Americans “’were able to get maybe two shots. And then they grabbed their flag and ran back to town.’

After the Americans disappeared into the mist, the British got back in their boats, and trained their cannon on St. Michaels.

But they were not successful, shooting over the town.

St Michaels, just like every small town, big city and shotgun shack across the US will celebrate Modern America’s 250th all across the year.

And the good news for us is that they’re not playing Hide and Seek with today’s British visitors.

 

America, Countries

Virginia Beach beat them to it

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So we’ve rewound the clock since the Puritans got a shock when they landed on Plymouth Rock and say… Virginia Beach beat them to it.

And with thanks to Porter and Gershwin and because anything goes we’re retelling the story of New America’s birth.

Because the first landfall of English settlers in the Americas actually took place in what is now Virginia Beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

You’re going to need a bigger boat: Land ahoy

On April 26, 1607, English settlers first came ashore at Cape Henry, in present-day Virginia Beach.

The area was originally home to the Chesepian tribe, who had lived there for generations.

Those same settlers would go on to establish Jamestown, recognised as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Life’s a beach

Beacon of enlightenment: The lighthouse

Today Virginia Beach is a vibrant coastal city just southeast of Washington DC.

Offering 38 miles of Atlantic coastline, more than 200 miles of waterways, and a thriving food and arts scene.

And all that history of more than 250 years… more 419.

With the beacon of hope and Old World meets New World enlightenment centred around Cape Henry Lighthouse

The first public works project authorised by the US government, this landmark marks where English settlers first set foot in 1607.

The First Landing

House about that: Old architecture

Then there’s the First Landing State Park.

This largely untouched park offers miles of trails and waterways through cypress swamps, sand dunes and coastal scenery.

And where there’s parks there’s historic houses, some of the oldest surviving in North America.

The Thoroughgood House, a designated National Historic Landmark, offers insight into early colonial life.

Lynnhaven House, undergoing renovation, with limited preservation tours available, is one of the best-preserved examples.

While the Francis Land House provides another window into 18th-century living.

The Auld Triangle

Jamestown ahoy: The Auld Triangle

History tourists will shape up then for The Historic Triangle.

Around an hour’s drive away, Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown together chart the evolution of early America.

From first settlement to revolution.

Virginia Beach provides an ideal coastal base from which to explore these landmark sites.

The world’s your oyster

Catch of the day: Oyster farm

And eat it all up with a farm visit at the Pleasure House Oyster Farm.

The Lynnhaven oysters, named for the river, have a direct link to early colonial history.

They were among the first foods enjoyed by Captain John Smith and the Jamestown settlers in 1607.

And, of course, visitors from the Old World now arriving by air to Washington Dulles Airport rather than ships.

America, Countries

Who wants to be a ranch hand?

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And when a guy in a Mississippi bar starts up with a lasso you put it on the bucket list for a twirl… so who wants to be a ranch hand?

America is many things to many people but for the post-war Old World generation their first introduction to the US was cowboy movies.

So when you get the chance to saddle up on the Prairies you take it with both reins.

As I did in Colorado channeling my inner Buffalo Bill.

Ride off: Into the sunset with Izzy

With my fellow congress of rough riders of the world.

Although I’d say that easy-going Issy was made from a different breed from Bill’s steed Brigham.

And Issy would doubtless be happy to leave the other horses to rustle the cows.

The Big Sky

Wild West hero: Channel yours

Having spent five minutes trying to get her to turn round I reckon I’ve some way to go to be much use around a range.

But luckily our old pals at American Sky have the very thing for wannabe cowboys and girls.

A chance to Live the Ranch Life in the Wild West.

Set within 60,000 acres in Arizona’s Rincon Mountains, on the eastern edge of Tucson.

Tanque Verde Ranch offers an authentic yet upscale take on the classic dude ranch experience.

Hit the trail

One of the cowboys: Looking the part

Guests can spend their days riding through desert trails, hiking among cacti or soaking up the scenery.

Before gathering for relaxed, communal evenings.

So get your cowboy boots on for this Wild West itinerary.

The special ranch

The Western Way: With American Sky

The Tanque Verde Ranch Stay is an authentic six-night Western adventure.

Which combines activity, nature and heritage.

From £2,649pp, on a full-board basis, including flights, accommodation and selected activities.

Now American Sky suggest a minimum three- night stay.

But they can tailor-make your holiday to suit you and book any number of nights at the ranch.

 

America, Countries

Florida really does promise the Moon

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Everything they say is possible in the Happiest Place on Earth and America‘s most cosmic state but Florida really does promise the Moon, particularly this weekend.

As the four Artemis II astronauts head home after travelling farther from Earth than anyone in history.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is inviting holidaymakers to enjoy a space adventure of their own – in Florida!

Where their mission started at the start of this month from the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B.

And where we’ve been seeing those out of this world pictures and feeds.

Now Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is, I don’t have to tell you, at an hour’s drive from Orlando, is the closest you can get to space without leaving Earth.

Where you can stand where real missions launch, though obviously not in live time (yet).

Fly me to the moon

Fab four: The cosmic crew

Guests can get a hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.

Through thrilling simulators, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive exhibits, and larger-than-life 3D space films.

From standing nose‑to‑nose with the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis and feeling the rumble of lift‑off on the Shuttle Launch Experience.

To walking beneath the awe‑inspiring Saturn V Moon rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The complex brings NASA’s most iconic achievements to life.

In The Rocket Garden, Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

And the chance too to meet a real NASA astronaut.

The magic bus

Door to other worlds: Kennedy Space Center

Now while the showcase transport at Kennedy is obviously the rocket it is reassuring to see that there will always be a need for the humble bus.

And your Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour will take guests behind the gates of America’s most storied spaceport.

And offer you an up‑close look at the restricted areas where space history has been – and continues to be – made.

Guests travel through NASA’s working launch facilities.

Passing the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Launch Complex 39 – the very site from which Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen left Earth.

For their ten‑day journey around the Moon, complete with their own loo challenges.

Then there is The Gantry at LC‑39, a reimagined observation gantry offering 360° views across active launch pads.

And NASA’s working spaceport, placing guests at the heart of the action.

Build your own rocket

To infinity and beyond: Buzz for kids & big kids

Visitors can design and virtually launch their own rocket at the Rocket Build Interactive, feel the intensity of a Test Fire Simulation.

For a glimpse what lies ahead, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex showcases the spacecraft, missions and innovations defining the next era of exploration.

Guests can explore a range of modern spacecraft, interact with robotic explorers, peer into the James Webb Holotube, and board Spaceport KSC.

For one of four motion‑theatre ‘journeys’ to destinations such as Mars, Saturn and the Horsehead Nebula.

Thrillseekers can push the experience even further with the New Shepard Flight to Space simulator, the and Hyperdeck VR Mission Moon.

Which is a high‑intensity, multi‑sensory virtual reality adventure which sees four players compete with one another in a race across the lunar surface.

And all for very little of your Earth money

One giant leap: And this could be you

And new for 2026 is Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure.

An original live show that brings the Fraggles face-to-face with NASA’s real-life space explorers.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex also offers the closest public viewing of live rocket launches.

Giving guests the chance to witness real spacecraft lift-off from just a few miles away.

And all of this without breaking your piggy bank of earth money, with single-day admission at $77 per adult, $67 per child.

And a two-day ticket available for $91 per adult and $81 per child. For more information on Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

And, of course, Orlando is an airline hub and is well-served with other other-worldly attractions like Pluto who is still miffed that he doesn’t share his name with a planet any more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countries

America250 back to the start and before

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And in the interests of pausing the inter-city rivalry we’re taking you on a special trip… America250 back to the start and before.

Now the East Coast’s great cities all have a claim on driving the Birth of the Nation.

And that has fostered competition that has lasted more than two and a half centuries.

Oft played out on sports fields, courts and rinks.

Better that we stay out of that one and just enjoy all of what Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC have to offer.

Collette you bet

Bustin’ for Boston: The skyline

Enter tour specialist Collette who has put together a nine-night odyssey through American Revolutionary history.

Now our old pals in Boston are full of beans about lighting the torch for the revolution.

Which is why visitors will always find Boston the most historic of American cities.

Going to the Boston party

Your two-night stop-off in the Cradle of Liberty starts at Lexington and Concord.

Where the ‘shot heard round the world’ signalled the start of America’s fight for self-determination.

Now living and working in Boston, as I’ve done, you might be forgiven for seeing the Freedom Trail your journey to work in Faneuil Hall.

A walking route lined with sites that helped catalyse the rebellion.

From the Hall, a hotbed of colonial protest, to the Old North Church, famed for its lanterns that heralded Paul Revere’s midnight ride.

New York, New York

Liberty: On the Hudson

Did you know though that the new nation’s first capital was New York City?

Which we are heading to next for two nights in the metropolis.

Back in 1776 NYC had been a strategic British stranglehold.

Yet colonial remnants remain.

Fraunces Tavern dates back to 1719 and is where George Washington bade farewell to his officers after the war.

You’ll be enlisted too, on a guided tour, showcasing NYC’s dual identity.

Philly loaded

On the Rocky road: In Philly

Before heading for crackin’ Philadelphia.

Where you can walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers in Independence Hall,

The very place where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.

Before the obligatory selfie at the Liberty Bell.

The Museum of the American Revolution. is the catch-all for all things 1776, where interactive exhibits bring to life the personal narratives behind the war.

When you’re ready to dine, step aboard the Tall Ship Moshulu—a majestic vessel docked along the Philadelphia waterfront.

For an unforgettable meal that fuses culinary flair with historic ambiance.

Just capital

The King and I: With MLK

Now as we all know Washington DC was built as a celebration of the first President and to act as a compromise capital.

You’ll venture inside the U.S. Capitol to witness the legislative process and admire the art that honours pivotal figures in American history.

And then stroll along the National Mall, where towering memorials commemorate the nation’s past leaders, from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr.

No visit to Washington would be complete without exploring George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, a picturesque property perched on the banks of the Potomac.

Roam the gardens, outbuildings, and mansion that once belonged to America’s first President.

A special farewell dinner offers a chance to reflect on the historical journey you’ve undertaken.

One that connects Boston’s rebellious spark to the global influence of modern-day Washington, D.C.

Top dollar

Hands across the ocean: With the American family

Collette will put on a variety of properties, from modern hotels near city centres to boutique stays that exude colonial charm.

And along the way, you’ll enjoy curated group meals that highlight each region’s culinary tradition.

Be it fresh seafood in Boston, hearty tavern fare in New York, or upscale dining infused with Revolutionary-era touches in Philadelphia.

And all from $4,499 pp*, with a saving of up to $300, and leaving on time on May 7.

 

America, Countries

Washington deserves a guided tour

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And because Washington deserves a guided tour instead of a dangerous midwinter barge Crossing of the Delaware.

We’d like to take him on a hop-on, hop-off bus around the city which bears his name.

Which, of course, we can do because we have the right connections.

Having bumped into George on the National Mall.

And then having been tour guided around the capital of the US by no less a figure than DC mayor Muriel Bower.

Hot in the City

Hail to the Chief: And Issy and Jimmy

Good luck on topping that but you’ve got more than a fighting chance this USA 250 year on board with City Experiences.

The 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket gives visitors the chance to take in the capital at your leisure.

All the Smithsonians, the Capitol, your must-do selfie in front of the White House, and the monuments, memorials, and parks.

While, DC being the great cycling city that it is City Experiences are giving us a complimentary one-hour bike rental. And all starting from £44pp.

Now to borrow from Aleta Adams a minute.

We really should get there how we can for America 250 and when we do hop on the range of modes of transport and entertainment CE are offering.

New York, New York

Statue no limitations: Lady Liberty

Now one of the best ways to take in New York is on the Hudson and East Rivers.

And CE will take you on a signature dinner and dance cruise.

Where you can take in views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Centre.

The two-and-a-half-hour cruise features a chef-prepared buffet, live DJ entertainment, a fully stocked bar, and open-air rooftop decks. Prices start from £63pp. 

Out on the Great Lakes

Chicago-go-go: Taking in the Second City

If that whets your appetite, and you are in some of these other great American cities, be our guests and go cruising.

On Lake Michigan, with a chef-prepared buffet on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise taking in panoramic views.

Of the orginal American Skyscraper City, or the Second City Chicago, including the Willis Tower and Adler Planetarium. Prices start from £47pp.

Frisco dancing

Golden trip: San Francisco

Or wine, dine and cruise for two and a half hours in Frisco.

In San Francisco Bay in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Prices start from £99pp.

San Diego chargers

Whale of a time: San Diego

While if you want to enjoy too those who live in the seas, then City Experiences put on a San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure.

Where your three-and-a-half to four-hour adventure will give you the chance to spot Grey, Blue, Minke, and Fin Whales, along with dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds.

Expert narrators from the San Diego Natural History Museum provide live commentary. Prices start from £50pp.

And again we say Washington deserves a guided tour and so do you, and particularly this America 250 year.

 

 
Countries

Hold a torch for all our Statues of Liberty

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Lady down, but after the collapse of an 80ft Brazilian replica in a storm a celebration here of the others, as we hold a torch for all our Statues of Liberty.

Particularly with 2026 in the Oo Es of Eh marking 140 years.

Since the erection of the first and most famous on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

Army of Ladies

Picture time: With Lady Liberty

The enfant of French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel, mais oui, that one.

Back in the days when the Americans and the French were the best of amis.

Now, we’re not sure if the 305ft Statue of Liberty is the most replicated statue in the world.

But there are hundreds of them. 

And wouldn’t it be a great game to go around getting selfies at all, or as many as we can, of them?

But clearly not when it’s stormy.

Two for the price of one

Buffalo fits the bill: Upstate New York

Now somebody’s obviously done it before and if they haven’t I’ve just blown it by giving them the idea.

But how about ticking off the two hundred or so in the Oo Es of Eh, with one Coloradan chum telling us of two in the Centenary State.

Of course, there is none quite like Lady Liberty, whose torch was a beacon of hope for millions.

Sailing in from the Old World, like my four uncles.

And the sight of which for any flyer on their first visit to New York, and I was just 17, is also truly stirring.

Stormy weather: In Brazil

Did you know though that upstate there are two Lady Liberties in the one monument and that they are 100 years old this year?

The two Liberties stand 333ft above downtown Buffalo.

On top of step pyramids at either end of a block-long building.

Each is 30ft tall and has an interior ladder that can be climbed to its torch.

Although disappointingly we aren’t allowed to do that any more.

Though disclaimer we were never up there to get into trouble, honest!

Get an eyeful of Paris

Paris match:With the Eiffel Tower

 

Now, it’s as it should be that Paris should have its own Statue of Liberty, but eight?

A present from the Americans in Paris to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, this one sits on its own island too.

And it’s the biggest too, at 37ft 9ins), a quarter as big as the one in New York.

Originally facing the Eiffel Tower it was turned around in 1937 to face the Big Apple.

The Lady and I: In New York Harbor

While among the others the Left Bank has its very own.

In the grand central aisle on the ground floor of the Musee d’Orsay on the Left Bank.

And, naturellement, the land of Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite there’s a a 40ft high version in Colmar and a terracotta replica in Lyon.

And one in Bordeaux, seized by Nazis in World War Two (and replaced many years later).

Been there, seen that

Yes we can: The Can of Beans statue


Now, it will come as little surprise to those who know and love the museum-loving Dutch that they will have their own kooky version of the Statue of Liberty.

With a 33ft replica of Lady Liberty holding a can of beans in Assen, which we’re reliably told is a thing in the region.

Or that in the village of Cadaqués in Spain which Salvador Dali called home, there is an unusual version on top of a small tourism office.

Arms and the Lady: In Spain

With both arms and hands up holding torches.

That Lady Liberty has spread her arms around the world obviously pleases this wide-eyed adventurer and idealist.

We expect the boys (and girls) from Brazil will get Lady Liberty back on the plinth in Guaiba, Rio Grande do Sul.

And were we there we’d be putting our hand up to help too.