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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

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

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

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

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

A star in stripes in the US on Flag Day

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And finally, I’m off to Chicago, a star in stripes on Flag Day.

Today, June 15, being the day Americans celebrate ‘Old Glory’ every year.

In honour of Betsy Ross’s drape, marking the 13 founder states in stripes.

And 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing the new constellation which was the new nation.

Flagging up Chicago

United States of AmAerica: My flight providers

That I’ll be spending the next week in The Windy City is apt.

As a major rally featuring 300,000 schoolchildren honoured the Flag here 130 years ago.

In Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks.

Proud nationalist Benjamin J Cigrand had taken up an idea from the Civil War and run with it.

Where Ross is boss

And so we are where we are now.

And for that we are thankful to Philadelphia upholsterer and friend of George Washington Betsy.

Whose story we can follow in the City of Brotherly Love at Betsy Ross’s House where a flag-raising ceremony is held daily.

When in Philly, of course, we gather around a certain cracked bell.

But this Americanophile and revolutionary naturally sought out a flag-raising ceremony myself at the old town hall.

Holding back the civic officers just so I could get my picture for posterity.

Waving the flag

Now wherever I go across the Oo Es of Eh I seek out the flag.

And wrap myself up in it since taking the Atars and Stripes back with me from my first visit as a 17-year-old.

By order of the Flag: In the ‘White House’

Which has been used on a flagpole, as a dinner cloth.

And the least said about what my Best Man Andy used it for the better.

Not, of course, what the founding fathers had in mind.

When they adopted the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

I’d expect though they’d appreciate my devotion.

A star in stripes in the US on Flag Day.

America, Countries

Graffiti of Brotherly Love

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Super Bowl champions, Oscar winners, now add Graffiti of Brotherly Love to the accolades showering on Philadelphia.

The great old city of Pennsylvania has long vied for the biggest prizes in sport.

With the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Travis Kelce and his Pennsylvanian partner Taylor Swift et al, their second title in eight years.

While the architecture of Philly and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are front and centre of Oscar blockbuster The Brutalist.

Eagles soar

Hard on the heels of that is the celebration of America’s first capital as the Best City for Art by USA Today.

It is little surprise then to see the Philadelphians immortalise their beloved Eagles in art on their walls.

Philly’s recognition for its craft will, of course, stick in the craw of its rival New York neighbours’ craw.

The New Yorkers priding themselves on their much-filmed graffiti.

There is, of course, enough spray can paint to go around.

For art’s sake

And the East Coast from New England down through NY and Philly and Pittsburgh and Baltimore and Washington is a riot of colour.

The USA Today accolade is rich reward for the work of Mural Arts Philadelphia over 40 years.

With the creation of 4,000 works of public art.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Mural Capital of the World’s street art on foot, by trolley, or bicycle, on guided or self-guided tours.

And we’d recommend stopping into any of the blue-collar bars in China Town.

Sup any of the great Penn craft beers with your Philly cheesesteak.

And chew the fat about Philadelphians’ favourite subjects, politics and sport.

Coming to an airport near you

The perfect way to spend a day in the Graffiti of Brotherly Love.

Which will, of course, become even more accessible for us here in Scotland.

With the return of the American Airlines summer seasonal flight from Edinburgh from May 24.

America, Countries, Deals

By train across America’s iconic Eastern Cities

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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

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

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, Sport

On the Rocky road to Philly

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As a valued VIP I was naturally met by the man himself on the Rocky road to Philly.

And I didn’t even have to walk, never mind run, up the art museum steps to see him.

It takes something, or someone, to shift the Champ and when that guest is coming all the way from Washington DC…

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I had actually come to Philadelphia to see an old bell.. you know boxers and bells!

Mr Balboa is, of course, long since back in his elevated state on the steps after a brief residency then in Philly’s historic old quarter.

Rocky Fest of fun

Keep on running: Rocky on Philly’s streets

His appeal has, if anything, only grown in the years since we last sparred.

And only last year the greatest Philadelphian who never lived was given his own day, December 3.

And that has only been ratcheted up in the City of Brotherly Glove in the years since.

With its Rocky Fest 2024 in full swing like a Sylvester Stallone haymaker.

Rocky by numbers

Rocky Fest will run from Rocky Day on December 3 through December 8, 2024.

With new moves from the PHLVisitorCenter… the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tours, a Rocky Movie Marathon.

And recreated Rocky Date Nights at The University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink and The Philadelphia Zoo.

The Rocky Bus Tour and Philly PHLASH is a 90-minute deep dive into the different neighbourhoods where the movies were filmed.

Tour de force

And for Rockyphiles that means Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine blesses Rocky, the Italian Market, and many others.

The tours will run between November 29, and December 8.

You’ll kick off at The Parkway Visitor Centre and Rocky Shop. Individual tickets $49, Senior/student tickets $42; Available here.

A Rocky date

And because among all the fighting there was a lot of loving too then Philly takes us by the hand through Rocky and Adrian’s love story.

On their choice of Date Nights at the Penn Ice Rink and The Zoo.

Recreate their first date and Rocky’s stumbling around on the ice.

With signature drink specials, a Rocky and Adrian lookalike contest, film recreation photo ops, and speed dating for singles.

And individual tickets $25, student tickets $12.50; Available here.

Tickets include skate rental and 20% discount at the Rocky Shop, valid for purchases made during RockyFest.

Or during the Zoo’s LumiNature event with a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones at the Philadelphia Zoo.

And channel Rocky’s proposal to Adrian in front of Big Cat Falls, Rocky proposed, and maybe have your own moment.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Two-ticket package for $75; Available here

A Rocky marathon

Of course, Rocky starts, continues and finishes with the movies, all of which you can merch up on at the Sly Stallone Shop.

And while we know you’ve watched and rewatched them all then if you want to test yourself over the equivalent of 15 rounds…

With the Philadelphia Film Centre running anything from single viewings to the full bundle over the Fest days.

Full Screening Schedule Available Here.

Single screening: $14 general admission, $9 PFS member; Bundle: $48 general admission, $42 PFS members. Available here.

And, of course, flying out of Ireland comes to the USA with pre-clearance and Aer Lingus and Philly are old pals with prices from €258.44.

America, Countries, Food

A bite of Philly Cheesesteak Day

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And I feel like licking the sides of my mouth right now and taking a bite of Philly Cheesesteak Day.

Only in my little corner of this British island I can’t find a restaurant to serve one.

Never a problem in the City of Brotherly Love.

Where there’s even a restaurant with my name on it… no, not Bandanaman Beef although that’s what I’d call mine.

But Jim’s South Street Steaks which dates back to the Thirties.

When the proprietors sold sandwiches out of their house before opening a restaurant on the same spot.

Paté off Pat

Now in the beginning which is a very good place to start there was hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri.

Who was grilling his own lunch by slicing up some beef and throwing it on an Italian bun with some grilled onions.

When one of his patrons stopped by, asked what he was eating and suggested he start selling them.

In blue-collar Philly the new sandwich soon took off.

Visitors can eat too at the original Cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks, owned by the family.

Take it to the Max

And any number of other establishments including the bar where I whiled away an afternoon with the locals.

Spitballing about sport and politics, Philadelphians’ favourite subjects.

Or Max’s takeaway/restaurant with its huge neon sign out front.

Open until late where you can chew the fat with the punters.

Eating your fave sizzling steak and gooey provolone cheese and all the onion, pepper and mushroom fittings.

Proper Charlie

Such is the popularity of the Philly Cheesesteak that its been syndicated right across the country by Charlie Shin.

Who, whisper it, started out in Columbus, Ohio.

Charley’s Philly Steaks chain now serves around 700 different restaurant locations.

In 46 U.S. states as well as 17 countries throughout the globe.

Though not as yet Scotland which is another of my excuses for getting back out to the States in May.

Where it is tradition for me to eat one of my fave American takeaways in whichever US airport I’m in with an Arnold Palmer.

Which brings me to the other day celebrated today World Cocktail (Mocktail) Day.

Although we’ve down that highway before which is why today we’re concentrating on food.

With a bite of Philly Cheesesteak Day.

America, Countries

Gettysburg… you know the address

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And yes, Gettysburg… you know the address. Though probably most don’t know where it is.

The site of Abraham Lincoln’s finest hour in Pennsylvania in fact only lasted two minutes.

But it resounds 160 years on today, November 19, and will do so for 1,600 to come.

In the most deprecating manner the Union’s Commander-in-Chief opined on this day in 1863: ‘The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here.’

And peers noted that the Union’s leader was worried that his tribute would be overshadowed by Edward Everett’s two-hour speech.

Let battle begin

The good news for us is that the National Park Service, as they do across America, ‘have come to dedicate a portion of that field’ for us to pay our respects.

Gettysburg, as General George E Meade and General Robert E. Lee knew only too well, was a pivotal crossroads (aren’t they all?)

On the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania which made the battle, between July 1-3, Lee’s last excursion into the North.

Now where Meade and Lee had maps and compasses, these days we have GPS.

And Gettysburg lies an hour and a half north of Washington DC, two hours and ten minutes west of Philadelphia and an hour and ten to Baltimore.

Now while you can, and should, visit the battlefield and it will take three to five hours.

A day in history

Today it is all about Lincoln’s address.

And we are encouraged to kick off our trip through history at the home of attorney David Wills.

Where Abe stayed and perfected his speech the night before.

An annual parade of Civil War living history groups is held with the Gettysburg Address anniversary.

While there will be a commemoration day illumination which will feature a luminary candle on each of the 3,512 Civil War soldiers’ graves.

Now if you can’t get to Gettysburg today the National Parks Service give us a virtual tour, complete with the full speech.

Gettysburg… you know the address. Now look up the postal address on your next trip to the east coast.

Calling culture vultures

Now the Cultural Experience will give you a full day at Gettysburg in their 14-day American Civil War: Eastern Theater Tour.

And throw in Manassas (we were there), Fredericksburg and Appomattox among the highlights.

You’ll get return flights from London and will stay in 3 and 4 star hotels. See site for prices and conditions.

America, Countries

Inner Rocky and Philly fit

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You gotta do it when you’re in the City of Brotherly Love… channel your inner Rocky and prove you’re Philly fit.

That’s running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and waving your arms around.

We wouldn’t put it past Mr Balboa to be able to sprint up those steps even now at 73.

Although maybe he’s off with the other Seventysomething Snowbirds down in Florida now.

As Creed 3 is the first of the 47-year-old Rocky franchise where he doesn’t appear.

It’s no accident that Rocky was set in Philly, with its history in the fight game with Sonny Liston and Smokin’ Joe Frazier both fighting out of Pennsylvania’s biggest city.

Philly’s Big Four

Philly is in truth one of America’s great sporting cities.

Boasting as it does champions in the US’s Big Four team sports, the Eagles (American Football), the Phillies (baseball), the Flyers (ice hockey) and the 76ers (basketball).

And a great historical city and arts hub which they all roll in together with tourists obliged to run up the 72 Rocky steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Our friends in Philly package it all up with a nice bow for us as they bring us up to date with what’s going on in the city.

Keep on running

And point us in the right direction to See PhillyRun‘s tours.

Tour groups follow the guide on all-levels running trails throughout the city.

Stopping along the way to learn more about Philly’s historical sites, cultural institutions and public art.

Of course for more serious runners you probably want to step up to the Philadelphia Marathon.

It includes a full marathon, half marathon, 8K and kids’ fun run. This year’s events are between November 17 and 19.

And all of that will help you channel your inner Rocky and stay Philly fit.

All major airlines fly out to Philly but as ever we like the look of the pre-clearance from Dublin Airport with our old friends Aer Lingus.

Countries

The world comes to Ireland

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And in the week we learned that Éire is set to become the richest country on Earth it’s apt that today the world comes to Ireland.

This old sod returned to the (well, you know the rest) for what is always a highlight of the year, the Irish Travel Fair in Dublin.

When we travel professionals all hook up with our trade partners.

To catch up on what’s happening around the world from Philadelphia to Port Aventura World, Seattle to Switzerland.

Although we didn’t dwell on the Eagles losing in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chefs with our old pal Greg.

Preferring to push everything else that’s going on in the City of Brotherly Love.

Cities of brotherly love

Philly and Dublin have a lot in common and not just because of the large number of Irish emigres who made Pennsylvania their home.

And whose voyage is commemorated in the Irish Famine memorial there.

They share too a revolutionary history, a love of sport, food and drink’ music and a big bell!

Dublin’s The Diving Bell, used in the building of the Port’s quay walls from the Victorian era.

While Philly’s is cracking.

I got the music in me

And so as is often the way we got talking music, blue-eyed Hall & Oates soul.

Before swinging over to New Jersey… the next table to be fair.

Where another chum Julie was glad to chat Jersey boys and girls.

Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen.

And Whitney Houston and Debbie Harry.

Greetings from Astbury Park

Bobbing along: Whitney

And she came, of course, with greetings from Asbury Park.

Where the Foo Fighters and the world’s greatest band The Killers will headline the Sea Hear Now Festival on September 17 and 18.

And the first of those dates being somebody’s wedding anniversary I may be pressed into action.

Must fly though because as the world comes to Ireland I must get back to the world.

America, Central America, Countries, Europe, UK

Out the box pugilist statues

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And ahead of the unveiling of the Ken Buchanan statue in Edinburgh we’re thinking today. Out the box pugilist statues.

Rock’n’roll in Philly

Rocky, Philadelphia: And with apologies to Tim Witherspoon, Bernard Hopkins and Philadelphia Jack O’Brien (the clue is in the title…

It’s all about Rocky Balboa… and you can get your selfie with the Great Man at the top of his steps in Philly and you don’t have to the run.

On a pedestAli

Muhammad Ali: And the best Ali statue is in sports-mad Philly which immortalises the great duel with adopted Philadelphian, Joe Frazier at the Joe Hand Gym.

Being Ali, we’ve counted 85 statues of Ali around the world, and of course you’ll want to see him in his hometown of Louisville.

And that means the Muhammad Ali Center in the Kentuckian town.

Alexis the Great

On the shoulders of giants: Alexis in Nicaragua

Alexis Arguello, Managua, Nicaragua: And the late great Nicaraguan was a man difficult to worked up to dislike.

No trashtalking here with Alexis always making a point of asking his opponents how their family is… before beating them up.

And on one occasion, Glasgow’s own, Jim Watt, who I’d fanboyed in a record store and wished good luck for his next fight.

Which was… Alexis Aguero.

The Merthyr Matchstick

Johnny Owen, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales: And we’d probably never have heard of Merthyr Tydfil, 23 miles north of Cardiff, were it not for one brave Welsh fighter.

Owen was given his idiosyncratic nickname on account of him being 5ft 8ins and 8st.

And his courage was his undoing when he was knocked unconscious in a world bantamweight title fight in LA and died from his injuries.

Johnny though lives for ever in the hearts of Merthyr (population 50,000) where he shares centre stage with Howard Winstone and Eddie Thomas.

Classical fighters

Boxer at Rest, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Rome: And, of course, we’ve been boxing the ears off each other since when Cain struck Abel.

And our Greek (Olympics) and Roman friends loved their prize fighters.

With the statue Boxer at Rest still captivating and informing us about the ancient Romans.

Of course, the Romans were bare-knuckled fighters and it’s how we all start in the playground.

Knuckle down: The Bareknuckle Hall of Fame in NY

Of all places Belfast is where you’ll find the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame… Belfast, New York, that is.

The most famous stock of bare-knuckled boxers on the planet are, of course, the Fighting Furys.

Now it’ll probably take years to sculpt a 6ft 9ins and 20st statue.

But we rather like this interpretative statue of the Gipsy King in his hometown of coastal Morecambe in Lancashire.

Just a sample then of our faves. Out the box pugilist statues.

And remember none of us are free of anachronistic statues until all of us are free of anachronistic statues and we get the icons we want.