Director, Jackie has recently returned from a month-long vacation in USA. A country of endless possibilities, high energy and great diversity. She shares some of her highlights which no doubt will inspire you to book this bucket-list holiday destination!
Many visitors to Las Vegas spend all their time on the Strip, forgetting the incredible landscapes that lie on the city’s doorstep. Jackie, her husband and a small group, booked through Viator headed into the Nevada desert and beyond, visiting such landmarks as Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Zion National Park.
Following this magical scenery, she flew to the Big Apple – New York City. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a theatre lover or just someone who loves a fast-paced life, New York City is the place for you. They loved Hotel Beacon on the Upper West Side. A wonderful fresh food market across the street and a wine shop next door. Central Park was 3 blocks away and the 72nd subway station was very close.
A daytrip to the Hudson Valley, hosted by Dutchess County Tourism, was an eye-opener with so much to see. Travelling by Amtrak train from Penn Station to Poughkeepsie they were personally escorted to some of the areas’ main sights, including a 2km long suspension bridge over the Hudson, the home and Presidential Library and Museum of Franklin D Roosevelt and some of the opulent mansions from the Gilded Age belonging to the Astors and the Vanderbilts.
Then off to Buffalo, to see Niagara Falls. Not only is this charming city the birthplace of instant coffee, air conditioning and Buffalo wings, during the Gilded Age it had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the USA. Many mansions from this era have been lovingly restored and Jackie stayed in one such place.
Late March is a great time to visit New Orleans and Jackie was lucky to be there for the Easter Parade. The celebration started with a hat contest, silent auction and entertainment at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel ballroom and ended with an eggstravagant procession through the historic French Quarter.
Then on to Asheville, North Carolina, on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for a vibrant arts scene, craft breweries and historic architecture. The highlight was a visit to 19th Century Biltmore Estate. America’s largest home, 800 acres, is built by George Vanderbilt and houses artwork by masters like Renoir.
Next on her travels was Savannah, Georgia, a very charming, hip Southern town, and the oldest city in USA. It is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and pre-war architecture.
The last stop on this epic trip, was Charleston, North Carolina, a pretty and historic town delivering Southern hospitality and charm in spades. The neighbourhoods are full of character and Jackie especially loved the old Victorian homes with their flower window boxes.
