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America, Countries

The United Steins of America

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Guten tag und Prost to our German freundes everywhere but a focus today on the United Steins of America.

Where the German diaspora has since 1990 been ranked as the biggest, at 50 million, of all immigrant groups in America.

This time of year Germans and Germanophiles come together to clink steins wherever they are.

Oktoberfest for the senses

With Oktoberfests a fixture of Germanic communities across the country.

In towns and cities well served by airlines from the Old World.

Of course, all boozists should complete a pilgrimage to the Munich Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

And, trust me, you’ll want to go back the next year, and the one after that and that.

Until there are no more halls to get chucked out of.

And you’re searching for another country where there’s not a Wanted poster for you, like, say the United Steins of America.

Freundes across the water

Our freundes in the Oo Es of Eh point us to their biggest.

And Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Ohio, The Denver Oktoberfest in Colorado, and the town of Leavenworth, Washington.

Or Frankenmuth, Michigan, Helen, Georgia, La Crosse, Wisconsin and Fredericksburg, Texas.

While we have alighted on another, and one with a Wiener race (behave!) and much more besides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rally to Raleigh

Which has the added advantage of a new direct route through Ireland, with pre-clearance, with Aer Lingus.

The 11th annual Triangle Oktoberfest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary is a two-day affair.

With plenty of family-friendly activities including live music, storytelling and dancing,

And the beloved wiener dog races involving America’s favourite dog, the daschund.

And traditional Bavarian food and fare from local favorites that include The Butcher’s Market and Annelore’s German Bakery.

So that’ll be strudels, kuchen, bier pretzels, bratwurst, German chocolate and more.

Plus, of course, local and traditional German beers and all-day music from the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band.

Admission to the festival starts at $20 (buy online or at the door).

And food and drinks are purchased separately (a sampler pass for unlimited beer pours can be purchased at the venue).

North Carolina on my mind

And a word to the wise, if you can resist climbing onto the bandstand, grabbing the mic and singing My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean.

Then they might just let you hang around.

Aer Lingus have 26 direct routes to North America with pre-clearance out of Ireland.

The Irish national airline carrier offers Dublin to Raleigh from €1,011.

America, Countries, Deals, Music

The other Aid at 40 in Minnesota

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All eyes this year have been on Band Aid and Live Aid but let’s focus here on Farm Aid, the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

That the Land of 10.000 Lakes is staging this year’s Farm Aid, its 40th, is a homecoming of sorts.

With Minnesota’s favourite son Bob Dylan the inspiration for the charity which has helped out struggling farmers with $80m.

The Bard of Duluth

Because it was the Bard of Duluth who planted the seed for the movement which continues to pull up trees.

When he made a cri de coeur during his performance at the Philadelphia leg of Band Aid.

By exhorting the organisers to use some of the money raised to pay the mortgages on some of the farms in the US.

A clarion call that was taken up by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt annually over four decades.

The Grand Old Men and Women of Country and Americana will gather at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20.

The pre-festival

Making music with my friends: Willie Nelson

A pre-festival event, Color Me Country Takeover at the Fine Line two days before will honour the legacy of diverse musical artists and farmers.

And will feature this year’s Academy of Country Music Lift Every Voice Award recipient, artist Rissi Palmer.

Of course, there is one other who might contest that he is Minnesota’s favourite son, one Prince Rogers Nelson.

And, of course, there is always something new and purple going on in Minnesota.

Prince Rain over us

With Purple Rain, the world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, running October 16-November 16.

At Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre before an anticipated Broadway run.

More Minneapolis stages like the Guthrie, Latte Da, Jungle and others have theatrical productions throughout the fall season.

Jet over to Minnesota

While Sir Paul McCartney will appear at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Got Back Tour on October 17.

So Get Back to Minnesota if you’ve been before or jump on the Jet out there for the first time.

Or if you can turn your mind to those who till the land of this great state and country back in the USA.

And you’ll be doing something for the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

And because we always promote transatlantic travel out of Dublin with Aer Lingus with preclearance.

Dublin to Minneapolis flights from €196.43 as part of an each way flight.

America, Countries

Shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies

6th September 20256th September 2025 funtime65

It wouldn’t have been half as scary with big slobbering St Bernards but that’s how they’re shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies.

Now if Timberline Lodge on Oregon’s mighty Mount Hood looks familiar it’s because it is.

As the exterior shot for the American cult horror movie The Shining.

Visitors though expecting a manic Jack Nicholson breaking through the door or eerie twins will have to use their imagination.

Because it’s more fur than fear at Timberline Lodge where the VIPs, yourself included, of course, are its mascot puppies.

And we do love a mascot puppy, like Yale’s Handsome Dan.

Oregon’s mascots

Heidi and Bruno are the latest in a line of esteemed St Bernards to take up residence at the ski lodge.

H&B are the 10th and 12th dogs to join the historic, decades long tradition at Timberline Lodge.

When the lodge opened in 1937, St. Bernards were chosen because of their long association with mountain rescues in the Swiss Alps.

They symbolise safety, loyalty, and mountain heritage.

Hansel and Gretel were the first puppies, followed by Lady and Bruel.

For decades, these dogs lived at Timberline, roaming the lodge freely and greeting countless visitors, skiers, and climbers.

Not to be overlooked

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

And famously used by Stanley Kubrick for the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining.

Timberline Lodge draws nearly two million visitors every year.

Considered an architectural wonder, it’s still being used for its original intent—ski lodge and mountain retreat.

Winter wonderland

Timberline is home to North America’s longest ski season.

In the height of winter in this great outdoorsy state, the ground floor is typically fully buried in snow.

With entry through a snow tunnel, or directly into the second floor.

The specs from our Oregon pals reveal that the lodge has, get this, a pub and restaurant.

And, of course, the St. Bernards and how better to be greeted by these cuddles after a full day on the slopes.

Those pleading puppy eyes

It is the only resort too in North America with lift-served skiing available throughout the summer should you wish to visit then.

Which will offer summer skiing and snowboarding on its high-altitude snowfield.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing during the warmer months.

So that Timberline Lodge is an all-year destination.

And we’re happy to be shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies.

And who can resist those wet noses and pleading St Bernards puppy eyes?

What’s the deal?

All mod cons: And a pub and a restaurant

Portland International Airport is the nearest airport, 60 miles north-west of the lodge.

Average nightly rates from $242.86 to $377.86.

America, Countries

Kick off the World Cup in your Kissimmee vacation home

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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

A Philly-packed whistle-stop tour

18th August 202518th August 2025 funtime65

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

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, 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

Start the USA’s 250th party early

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Paul Revere has long completed his Midnight Ride and the first shots have been fired at Lexington and Concord, so we can start the USA’s 250th party early, right?

The USA is in full excited preparation mode for next year’s Semiquincentennial celebrations as we discovered at its travel fair in Chicago.

Quite a mouthful, although the Classics-loving Founding Fathers would no doubt have approved.

The veritas est (that’s one for my old Latin teacher ‘Weed’ McCafferty) America’s revolution is played out daily across the old 13 colonies.

The Cradle of the Revolution

And nowhere more so than in the Cradle of the Revolution Boston.

Where visitors are invited to channel their inner Patriots, holler Huzzah and throw a crate of tea (on a pulley) into the harbour.

At the award-winning Boston Tea Party Museum.

Or walk the 2.5kms Freedom Trail to take in 16 of the sites critical to that first year of the Revolutionary War.

That there isn’t a plaque marking my time working in Faneuil Hall, or the Irish bar institution that is The Black Rose, is probably an oversight.

But we’re sure that our friends in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will have that rectified.

By the time they invite us out for the 250th anniversary of the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Bustin’ for Boston 250

Boston will, of course, do American proud as it did back then and has been ever since.

It has an ongoing hub to curate projects aligned to Boston 250.

And the city’s enduring contribution to Freedom.

With Martin Luther King’s rally in Boston in 1965, a momentous year for the world with the birth of one very important travel blogger, commemorated.

With the dedication of Freedom March Square at the entrance to Boston Common.

A Common purpose

The Common is the oldest (and Boston has a lot of those firsts) public green space in America, dating back to 1634.

And Bostonians are rightly proud of their playground which will be central to next year’s festivities.

Our Beantown Buddies, of course, have proved with blood, bravuro and beer that they will defend their liberties to the hilt.

But that respect, of course, is twofold, particularly when you’re a visitor from its old overlords.

Which is why we observed the no unlicensed drinking of cans on the Common or outside at all.

But Nick the #&%*, a randomer on our plane who had attached himself to us, arrogantly ignored the rules and landed himself a fine.

A mistake we won’t ever be making. Because Bostonians still live out their Patriot days daily here.

Which is why they would every right to start the USA’s 250th party early because this is where it all started.

America, Countries, Food

Hot Dog… Chicago’s is dragged through the garden

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And something to line my stomach before my flight back to Scotland. Hot Dog Chicago’s is dragged through the garden.

On account of its green add-ons and more later.

For many of us Europeans, and other types, the hot dog is our gateway to street food Stateside.

So if you got your first taste of a dwaaag from a Manhattan vendor you might imagine that they’re uniform across the country.

Hot Dog years

Check in: Skyscrapers in Chicago Airport

Wrong, there’s a pack of dogs out there.

While we’re road testing the two best known here, New York and Chicago.

Our source, or should that be sauce, are hot dogoligists (OK, we made that up).

At the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (and we didn’t make that up).

They run us through a history of the wiener and the origin claims of Frankfurt and Vienna.

With even Homer and the Ancient Greeks thrown in for good measure.

New York on a roll

Now, just like the hamburger, there is consensus that German immigrants took their sausages with them to the States.

And their first port of passage was naturally New York.

Where inevitably there are rival claims for who was the first to make a buck out of the-then dachshund sausage.

Either an immigrant in the Bowery district, along with milk rolls and sauerkraut in the 1860s.

Or more specifically baker Charles Feltman, who in 1871 opened up the first Coney Island stand.

Selling 3,684 dachshund sausages in a milk roll during his first year in business.

Hot stuff

How the sausages came to be known as hot dogs is also shrouded in mystery and mythology.

With one version crediting a vendor at the New York Polo Grounds on a cold April day.

Shouting ‘Get your dachshund sausages while they’re red hot!’

And sports cartoonist Tad Dorgan taking the story and running with it with a sketch.

Of barking dachshund sausages nestled warmly in rolls.

And because he couldn’t spell dachshund he wrote hot dog instead.

A tale of two US sittings

All of which is filling, albeit pretty interesting, in the discussion around the NY and Chicago hot dogs.

The NY offering leans heavily on the sauerkraut and brown mustard with onions^.

While the Chicago dog which really took off with the World Fair in 1893 packs in a lot more.

Served on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, tomatoes, onions, sport peppers, green relish, dill pickles and celery salt.

Which I slurp down at the airport bar with a Boston Sam Adams in the company of Hawaiian Chase.

Because hot dogs are a communal event I’ve enjoyed from Washington and Ben’s Chilli Bowl to Venice Beach.

And Hot Dog Chicago’s is dragged through the garden. And me after it.

America, Countries

Holidos and Don’t sensors working overtime in the US

15th June 202515th June 2025 funtime65

You can look but don’t touch. This is Holidos and Don’ts sensors working overtime in the US.

Now, despite being a seasoned traveller I am always learning and even the stuff I know I have to remind myself.

Particularly when you arrive in the country jet-lagged and travel-weary at Stupid O’Clock.

And more about my journey to Chicago, which like every trip I do was an odyssey, in due course.

Follow the Dorothy road

Over the Rainbow: Hilton Palmer House Hotel

But back to the iconic Hilton Palmer House Hotel on E Monroe Street in Downtown.

You are reminded of the area’s rich theatre history.

By the framed pictures of the greats who have stayed and played the hotel.

And there are few bigger than Judy Garland, whose Wizard of Oz tour stopped off here.

I doubt mind that Judy, who is waiting for me outside my room had to fuss herself.

With negotiating the snacks and water tray atop the mini-bar.

Look but don’t touch

Look carefully, and again no touching, and you’ll see a small note on said tray.

Saying that it is sensory and if your curiosity, hunger, thirst, or all three get the better of you.

You will be billed.

Magic water in Orlando

Drink up: This one was free with our party

Which many moons ago cost me while staying at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando Universal.

And I had innocently and noisily reached for the Fiji water only to change my mind about drinking it when I saw the price.

The thrills, spills and entertainment of Universal soon took over.

And I put it out of my mind until I was informed on check-out that I had drunk said water virtually and would have to pay.

Fear not, of course, the trick is to ask at the desk for bottled water which the kindly staff will gladly provide.

And so refreshed after a sleep of sorts with my body clock all over the shop.

Chicago-go-go

I’m channeling my inner Judy Garland/Dorothy and exploring Gay Chicago on an LGBTQ+ tour.

Satisfied to have avoided and able to share the first in this Chicago series.

Of Holidos and Don’ts sensors working overtime in the US.

I travelled with Aer Lingus through Edinburgh and Dublin with pre-clearance to attend the American Travel Fair IPW.