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.
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.
Now Scotland’s World Cup opener with so-called underdogs Haiti is scary enough but we’d like to avert your eyes away from the football to Bewitching Boston and the Salem witch trials.
Because the beauty of football travel is to drink in the culture (and here it’s Sam Adams) around you when you’re there.
Which, of course, we’ve done during a working summer after uni at the coalface, and 30 years later as guests of the Bostonians.
From the cradle to the grave
Boston, of course, is front and centre this year of the 250-year celebrations, as the birthplace of the American Revolution.
It is tempting to imagine Beantown‘s story beginning in the 1770s with the Boston Tea Party but the great old city dates back to 1630.
And, of course, Boston’s hinterland has always been central to its history which is why you should enjoy the city, yes, but also get out to the hinterland.
Where back in the 17th century, and still, the spirits are still exercised.
With the train from Boston North Station to Salem taking just 35-40 minutes and costing just $20pp round trip.
Going back to Massachussetts
By hook or by crook: The Salem Witch Museum
Our Irish pals Cassidy Travel are offering a three nights in Boston and one night in Salem package for October from €1,999pps with the option of adding nights.
It’s just another staging post on the Tartan Army‘s world tour, and no doubt we’ll be coming down the road singing No Scotland, no Boston Footie Party.
We have, of course, been here before in Beantown, where Scotland’s first two games against Haiti and Morocco will be played.
With Scots early pioneers out to the American colonies.
And obviously being a Scot I got to walk this Son Of Liberty’s footsteps.
A Scot’s Swansong
James, I discovered, was quickly identified by Samuel Adams and the leaders as important to the cause.
Through his work at the mercantile house Thaxter & Son and their dealings with the sale of tea.
James, or Swannie as he was probably never known but would have been if he had been a footballer, brought his Scottish ways with him to New England.
I learned that he became a member of the St. Andrew’s Lodge of Freemasons, the Scots Charitable Society of Boston, and enlisted in the Revolutionary Army.
Ya dancer: The Boys in Blue
Where this Scottish soldier rose to the rank of colonel for the Battle of Bunker Hill.
And also held positions on the Massachusetts Board of War and Legislature.
My own time working as a busboy at Guadalaharry’s in Quincy Market and an ice cream shop in Faneuil Hall.
Stars in Stripes: Boston, cradle of the Revolution
Swannie, of course, would have been too busy fighting the English, and no doubt some Scots with the Brtitish Army, to have concerned himself with such pastimes as football.
Although it was a game, having been played back in the Old World since the 1500s with the oldest ball housed in Stirling Castle, not far from Swannie’s Fife fiefdom, from 1540.
Coming down the road: SuperMac Scott McTominay
Even if organised or Association football, from where we get the word soccer, had not taken hold in Scotland until 1873, 43 years after Swannie’s death in Paris.
Scotland’s famous Tartan Army will, of course, get a warm welcome from Bostonians.
And we will doubtless repay our hosts by supporting the Boys in Stars and Stripes when they play.
Just as Greenock native Ed McIlvenny did when he captained America to victory over England at the 1950 World Cup.
And there’s a trivia question for you and money you can take from your English friends in a bet.
America The Bountiful
In with the bricks: Your bartender
All of which trips down memory lane lead us neatly to our modern-day American friends at Brand USA.
Who hae put together a handy guide for footie fans for next summer.
Which celebrates this sports-mad city’s rich legacy.
Inside TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics.
And would-be sportscasters can sit at a replica New England Sports Network (NESN) desk, where visitors can ‘Be the Broadcaster.’
This time: Scotland’s World Cup odyssey
So you can practise: ‘And Andy Robertson makes history as the first Scot to lift the World Cup.’
For those of who will go native, of course, there is the hub of American soccer fans, The Banshee.
A 14 television sports bar across two floors where the Tartan Army will converge.
Because No Scotland, no Boston Footie Party.
The wailing Banshee
Off your rocker: Boston Airport
This is where, The Banshee, the American Outlaws (supporters of the U.S. national football team) congregate as well as fans of other major sports leagues.
And on special celebrity bartending nights, local athletes pour drinks at this mainstay Dorchester-based Irish pub.
Now what Swannie and his pals would think of the America of today we can only imagine, but we’d say pride would be their foremost emotion.
Particularly as the tournament coincides with America 250, and Brand USA is spotlighting 250 things to do.
Across the US through a themed content series.
And as with all else with transatlantic travel from these islands to the Oo Es of Eh, we always advise travelling through Ireland.
And Aer Lingus with pre-clearance where you can get a sample return flight for a week, covering both matches from £963.58.
IT seems unimaginable now that basketball that has created more Afro-American idols than any other was once a white preserve, so it is worth marking the first black pioneer of the NBA 75 years on.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Cooper may not have the global adulation.
Of a Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Magic Johnson or Shaquille O’Neal.
But were you to ask any one of those black colossuses of sport for his contribution to the sport.
And their passage into it they would as one place him on the highest pedestal.
King James: LeBron James
Because on this day back in 1950 the Pittsburgh native became the first Afro-American to play in the NBA.
We found an Aer Lingus flight from our home airport here in Edinburgh through Dublin with pre-clearance for a sample week’s return dates this month from £668.40.
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?
With the beauty of timeless Boston being that you can return 35 years on and it still feels the same even when they have totally transformed the harbour area.
Of course, once you’ve got a taste for Boston and Massachusetts you’ll want to venture further into New England life.
