Vulcan, God of the Forge

On the summit of Red Mountain, overlooking Birmingham Alabama, there stands a 56-foot tall statue of Vulcan, blacksmith of the Roman Gods. Originally created for the 1904 World’s Fair, he personified Birmingham’s pride in its iron industry, weighed nearly 51 tonnes, and remains the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Those walking USA roads in Alabama will probably be able to spot this pagan landmark from a long way off.

The House of the Temple

Neo-classically majestic and menacing, the House of the Temple in Washington D.C. looks as if it’s stepped straight from the pages of a thriller novel (and indeed makes appearances in several recent Dan Brown thrillers). Modelled after the Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, its guardian sphinx statues (named ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Power’) each weigh 17 tonnes. The House of the Temple is the museum, library, and clubhouse of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. If you’re interested in walking, USA history, and the chance to learn more about a historically semi-secretive organisation, there’s no better place to be.

World War 2 Monument

If you’re walking USA soil with an eye on its military history, it might be worth stopping in Savannah, Georgia, to see their Chatham County World War 2 Monument. Officially titled ‘A World Apart’, it features two halves of a 20-foot-high globe split straight down the middle, to symbolise a world divided by war. The globe is steel, and features bronze oceans, and copper continents.

Unofficial Lego Museum

Here’s one museum to visit to satisfy the child in all of us: originally a school built in 1930, it has since been adapted to become the home of three-and-a-half floors worth of Lego statues. It houses everything from pictures of Harry Potter and the Mona Lisa, to the undeniably awe-inspiring life-sized replica of an eighteen-wheeler truck that was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. Icons such as Darth Vader and Spider-Man can also be found painstakingly reconstructed from millions of Lego bricks within the museum.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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• “I wish I’d met more local people”

• “I don’t know why I didn’t get to see XYZ”

• “we nearly saw that but unfortunately we got lost and couldn’t find it”

• “we were stuck in a huge traffic jam but we did manage to see it several miles away across the countryside as we waited”

• “had we known it was there, we would certainly have visited it”

• “We didn’t get to see it because after a very long journey, we arrived to find that it was closed”

• “We wouldn’t have gone up into that area had anyone told us that it was dangerous to do so”.

Okay, that may be slightly tongue in cheek but many holidaymakers have experienced those sorts of regrets and frustrations. One possible solution to that, when you are visiting the USA, is to base your holiday around walking. USA holidays, because of the excellent infrastructure, may be particularly well suited to that way of getting about.

The limitations of walking

Of course, the USA is a vast country and if you try and do it entirely on foot then the reality is that you’re not going to see very much! That’s why there are specialist USA walking holidays that will move you from one location to another (providing superb accommodation in the process), and which will allow you to follow guided walks to see local sights of interest. One of the most important aspects of this type of holiday is the provision of an expert tour leader who will conduct the walk so as to ensure that you miss nothing and manage to learn about the area and its history, nature, and anything else of interest.

Where you go will be largely up to you as part of choosing your holiday walking. USA tours of this type cover many of the major areas of the USA, ranging from the picturesque charm of New England, to the subtropical natural splendours of Florida and Texas, to the West Coast attractions running from California to Washington State.

The guided walks are defined around a set itinerary and they will fully take into account the physical capabilities of all holidaymakers in the party. There is another big advantage to this type of holiday which involves walking. USA attractions that are ideal for exploration by walking are sometimes based in countryside officially designated as a wilderness – be that desert or mountain terrain. Striking off on your own in these areas may be unwise unless you have extensive experience, local knowledge and are fully equipped. This is not something that you will have to worry about if you are on a guided walk in the company of an expert tour leader.

The Ones That Didn’t Get Away

Perhaps you’re someone that enjoys coming home at the end of a holiday and reflecting ruefully on all the ‘might have beens’ and sharing stories of your disappointments with friends and family but we doubt that! More likely you will be someone that values wonderful memories of a holiday involving your favourite pastime – walking. USA guided walking holidays may offer you the opportunity to achieve that, rather than mastering the art of trying to keep a smile on your face as you relate to others the stories of all the things you missed!

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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What you can do though, is to concentrate on a theme or perhaps a geographical region.
Let’s consider one such opportunity – the South. The South of the USA is sometimes called ‘Dixieland’ although not everyone agrees on its exact geographical definition. Broadly speaking, it comprises states running down the eastern seaboard from Virginia (some may say Maryland) to Florida and westward to include states such as Texas up to West Virginia.
This is a vast area, and one that contains many different and diverse US cultures.

Florida – The Sunshine State

For example, Florida has long been known as the ‘sunshine state’ and is a great destination for holidaymakers. However, many of its attractions are really best explored on guided walks, and that may include areas such as the Cape Canaveral Space Centre or the incomparable beauty of the Everglades.

New Orleans

If you like history and want a unique opportunity to explore Creole culture, you may want to try a guided walk around some of the older areas of New Orleans where you can experience superb cuisine and jazz culture.

Texas

Texas was once an independent republic and is a vast area. Many Texans still regard their state as being a little bit different to the rest of the USA. Your holiday can include guided walks that will allow you to see things such as working ranches and desert areas and you can get a real taste of the ‘Old West’.

Go With the Wind

If your idea of the old South is based very heavily on ‘Gone With the Wind’ then you may be able to find examples of magnificent mansions and the 19th-century cotton culture in places such as Alabama and Georgia – often best explored through guided walking. USA walking, by virtue of the size of the country, often involves intermediate transport from site to site and that will certainly be true on some of these itineraries.

A Taste of History

Moving further north, if you like military history there are excellent guided walks around many of the great American Civil War battlefields that can be found in much of the South and particularly in Northern Virginia. You can visit locations such as Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg to see where the major clashes of culture took place which led to the formation of the modern USA.

Your USA Walking Holiday

Although the language of the USA is, of course, English, finding the key locations and making your own logistical arrangements can be time-consuming. If you enjoy walking, USA holidays can be arranged where set itineraries are in place to meet your interests.
For example, if the South appeals to you, you can be assured of excellent accommodation in one or more centres, and the provision of an expert tour leader who will take you on guided walks each day to explore the local attractions. For walking, USA centred holidays offer a huge range of potential experiences within a framework of the ultimate of comfort.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

The Rim Walk

A popular trail to walk is the Rim Trail Walk, which is 9.5 miles long and stretches from Mather Point on the eastern side of the canyon to Hermit’s Rest on the western side. Between the viewpoint stops there are very few hikers, so you will not be jostling for space on the trail. There are plenty of rest stops and the trail is easy enough for anybody to tackle, with only gentle rises.

There are more strenuous hikes that can be undertaken and some have access by helicopter or horseback as well as walking. USA guides trained in the Grand Canyon are experts in the topography and history of the area. They are also qualified in CPR and first aid to assist with any medical emergency that may take place, and will safely guide you through some of the country’s most spectacular sites. Due to the altitude of the trails, it is best if you have a good level of fitness for these and you will need to ensure that you are well equipped with water. If you are planning to walk one of these trails, it is important to take a guide with you.

Descending Into the Canyon

The Grandview Trail starts at the Grandview Viewpoint, which is located on the eastern side of the rim descending around 2600 feet over three miles. This trail was originally used by indigenous people and then it was formalised to resemble what you see today to access the Last Chance Mine in the 19th century. While on the trail you can see ancient rock paintings as well as some of the old mining operation. Bright Angel Trail is a longer hike at 9.3 miles and it descends 4400 feet to the Bright Angel campground. From Hermit’s Rest on the western side of the rim, you can take the Hermit Trail, which descends 4200 feet over 9 miles to end up at Hermit’s Rapid.

Make a Splash

Havasu Falls is a breathtaking site in the Grand Canyon that can be visited on walking tours. This is a 32 kilometre hike that starts at Hualapai Hilltop and descends for 10 miles passing through the Havasu Canyon. When you arrive you are greeted by the whisper of the 100 foot water falls and its turquoise pools below. One quick glance at the falls will be enough to have you stripped down to your swimsuit and ready to bathe in some of the world’s most beautiful and pristine swimming holes.

The Grand Canyon is home to some of the most spectacular walking the USA has to offer. Hiking the trails around and throughout the canyon has got to be the best way to get to know one of the world’s seven natural wonders

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Where to Start?

Begin your exploration of Sweet Auburn at the corner of Howell and Irwin streets. Head south on Howell Street where you will see a number of renovated historic houses. Take note of number 102. This house, which dates to 1890, and has Corinthian columns and a Palladian window, was once the home of Alexander Hamilton, Jr., Atlanta’s foremost black contractor at the turn of the 20th century. Turn right on Auburn Avenue, and as you proceed, keep an eye open for markers that identify historic homes. Most of those houses are of the Queen Anne or Victorian styles that you will see in many cities walking USA streets.

The King Center

This is one of the highlights you can experience walking USA’s Atlanta, and is the focal point of the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. Admission is free. Here you can see many exhibits from King’s life and from the civil rights movement. Among them are King’s bible, a handwritten sermon, and a clerical robe. One room is dedicated to Rosa Parks, and another to Mahatma Gandhi. This centre houses an organisation that continues King’s work in reducing violence in communities and among nations. King is buried at Freedom Plaza, which is on the premises.

Birthplace of a Hero

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthplace is at 501 Auburn Ave. This is a place of pilgrimage for many people and often a highlight when walking USA’s historical places. King was born in this two-storey, Queen Anne style house on January 15, 1929 and lived here until the age of 12, when the family moved to another nearby house. The furnishings are all original, or are authentic reproductions. There are plenty of photographs and family mementos, and park rangers explain the relevance of each part of the house to King’s boyhood. During the summer, this is an especially popular attraction, so it’s best to try to be here by 9:00 a.m.

Lots to See on Auburn Street

Continue along Auburn Street to one of the favourite sites for kids on a USA walking experience in Atlanta – Fire Station No. 6, which was built in 1896. This was one of Atlanta’s original fire stations and is now a museum. On display are restored antique fire engines and vintage fire-fighting equipment. At 407 Auburn Street is the Ebenezer Baptist Church where King was co-pastor from 1960 to 1968. There are several other historic buildings worthy of visits, but be sure to save some time for the African-American Panoramic Experience Museum (APEX), and the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D Salinger’s classic novel, The Catcher in the Rye, captured a vision of New York like no other. Told through the eyes of Holden Caulfield, the novel was originally published in 1953 and has stood the test of time as an examination of disaffected youth, being included in Time magazine’s 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923. It was named by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best English-Language novels of the 20th century. Following Holden as he journeys through New York on a quest of self-discovery, and featuring a gripping stream-of-consciousness narration, a tour walking USA’s most vibrant city, New York, will allow you to appreciate the personal journey as much as Salinger did.

The Devil Wears Prada

Adapted into a hit movie in 2006, Lauren Weisburger’s successful novel presented the glamorous side of New York City, following central character Andrea Sachs, a graduate hired as a personal assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor in New York, the ironically-named Miranda Priestly. Her job becomes more and more trying as her editor grows more and more demanding. While a walking USA tour of New York won’t bring you to the editorial suites of the city’s glossy magazines, the boutique shopping can provide the ‘Andrea Sachs’ experience.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Another novel adapted into a famous film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s was written by Truman Capote in 1958, and tells the story of a year’s friendship between Holly Golightly and the unnamed narrator of the novel. In 1961, the novel was adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn, and the role of Holly Golightly was considered the actresses most unique and identifiable role. The novel’s language, however, had to be toned down for the screenplay! If you’re walking the USA’s more glamorous side to New York, you will spot some of the film and novel’s iconic locations in Manhattan, such as the ‘Brownstone’ apartments that Holly resided in.

The New York Trilogy

Paul Auster’s famous meta-fictional detective stories, ‘City of Glass’, ‘Ghosts’, and ‘The Locked Room’, form his New York Trilogy – an intricate mixture of detective stories and a postmodernist deconstruction of identity, in which the author appears in his own book (or does he?). Be glad that a tour walking this USA author’s version of New York won’t take you to the depths of madness plumbed by character Peter Stillman, who memorably plans his walks around a New York park so that his route spells out ‘The Tower of Babel’, one letter at a time every day. It’s chilling material – New York has never been so mysterious.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Getting In

There are a few things to consider when you plan to visit America to go walking. USA holiday planners should firstly remember that there are fees for entry to most of the national parks. The entry fees vary per park from $5 to $25 per week for entry with a car, although some of the smaller and lesser-known national parks are free to visit.

Don’t let the entry fee decide which is the best park to visit though as some of the lesser-known parks provide a fantastic experience to get away into the wild. However, special passes are available for year-round access to provide you with even more opportunities for some great walking. USA park authorities should be able to provide these to you if you want to visit more than one.

Finding Information

Normally the best places to get information about the national parks are in the visitors’ centres. Most parks will have well-equipped visitors’ centres where you can find out about weather conditions for your visit, discover what activities are available, and learn more about the wildlife of the park. When you first arrive at a park to start walking, USA national park rangers are your best bet for a whole wealth of expert knowledge. They will also be able to provide you with information on the various hiking trails as well as up-to-date advice on any situations on the park you need to know about.

Plan in Advance

It’s important to plan your trip in advance when you head to a national park to go walking. USA national parks can be very popular, especially some of the more famous ones, so if you are planning to camp it can be worth booking your camping spot months in advance. The same is true if you are hoping to experience backcountry hiking and camping, for which you will often need a special permit. These can be very popular so get one early to avoid disappointment. However, for the less-visited parks you can generally just turn up and go ahead with your trip.

Enjoy Your Walking Holiday
Walking holidays in the USA are a great way of enjoying a great-value and exciting holiday. Just make sure you do some planning before you go and you’ll have a fantastic walking experience to remember.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Coney Island, located in the New York suburb of Brooklyn is a stereotypical American seaside resort that’s perfect for both adults and children alike. Even better you can get to the resort by the New York City subway – now how convenient is that? There’s no admission cost for sightseeing New York’s seaside town, although if you like your roller coasters you’re probably better off buying a wristband entitling you to unlimited rides, but you can pay on a ride to ride basis.

Luna Park

The original Luna Park was ruined in 1944 after a pair of fires destroyed the attraction. However, the building reopened in May 2010 and is said to bear an uncanny resemblance to the original that first opened for business in 1903. The new park is set to be the first step towards re-establishing Coney Island as a top entertainment and amusement destination. One of Luna Park’s most popular attractions is called ‘air race’ and allows up to 24 people at a time to simulate the experience of a fighter pilot.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel

If you’re looking for an iconic Coney Island attraction to photograph when sightseeing New York, how about Deno’s Wonder Wheel? Deno’s Wonder Wheel is as synonymous with Coney Island as the Ferris wheel is with Santa Monica. The wheel is over 90 years old and can hold up to 144 people at a time. In the entire 90 years that it’s been running it’s only stopped running once and that was during the great New York City blackout of 1977.

Spook-a-rama

If you like ghosts and ghouls then you’ll love Spook-a-Rama, the kitsch ghost train experience. The ride once took over ten minutes and was billed the longest spook ride in the world, however the current affair only takes 45 seconds and during that time zombies, ogres and the Grim Reaper all make an appearance.

Nathan’s Famous

A spot of New York sightseeing just isn’t complete without grabbing a hot-dog en-route and of all the New York hot-dog vendors, Nathan’s is perhaps the most famous. The original Nathan’s opened in Coney Island with a small hot-dog stand in 1916 and now the brand has over 20,000 outlets worldwide. Nathan’s hot-dogs have been eaten by US presidents, movie stars and even the King and Queen of England, so while in Coney Island an original Nathan’s hot-dog is a must.

The Original Freak Show

In this time of political correctness, most circus freak-shows have died out. However, that isn’t the case in Coney Island and when sightseeing New York you can visit one of the last true sideshows. With exhibits such as Donny Vomit, a snake-charming contortionist, a two-headed man and a man that eats lit cigarettes this isn’t one for the faint-hearted; and with some x-rated acts appearing on the schedule it perhaps isn’t one for the children either.

Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.com.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Our walk begins at the Michigan Avenue Bridge and across the Chicago River. The flow of this river was famously reversed in 1900 to keep sewage from flowing into Lake Michigan, then source of the city’s drinking water.

Almost immediately you will come across two important buildings: The Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower. Both of these buildings are completely different and, whilst The Wrigley Building is 1920s in appearance with its terracotta tiles, the Tribune Tower is a gothic building that mimics the Rouen Cathedral in France. You may want to take some time from your America walk to view this beautiful building, which is embedded with 120 stones from famous sites all over the world, including sites from all of America’s 50 states.

From the tower, take a staircase that leads into Lower Michigan Avenue and a bar called The Billy Goat Tavern. This bar is often frequented by local journalists and is famous for its ‘cheezborger’ skit that appeared on Saturday Night Live. You may want to halt your USA walking tour and try one of these famous ‘cheezborgers’ but make sure you tip well, as the pub is also famous for a curse that the Billy Goat Tavern placed on the Chicago Cubs.

Continue north and you will soon encounter a street of luxury designer shops. Female walkers may be tempted to make the most of the tax-free shopping opportunities that this street has to offer, from Ralph Lauren to Neiman Marcus. Across the street at Chicago Avenue are the few buildings that survived the Great Fire of 1871. Two of these buildings are the pumping station and the controversial water tower. The tower has been kept standing as a testament to the city’s determination but many, including Oscar Wilde, have criticised the aesthetic value of the building.

Your USA walking tour of the windy city continues to the nearby John Hancock Centre, which was built in the 1970s. The building is 100 storeys tall and from the 94^th floor observatory you can see across to the states of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. The price of a cocktail will allow you access to a further two storeys up, to the Signature Bar on the 96^th floor, where the views are even more spectacular.

After downing Cosmopolitans and looking out across America’s Great Plains you should feel inspired enough to continue with your America walk. The route proceeds onwards to the end of the Magnificent Mile and to Oak Street Beach.  From Oak Street Beach you can take an underground passageway that takes you onto the shores of Lake Michigan and to the end of your USA walking adventure in Chicago.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. On a holiday with Ramblers you can walk America’s most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.

The Yankee Stadium

The iconic original Yankee Stadium still stands, although a brand spanking new one opened adjacent to the site in 2009. The old stadium is now earmarked for demolition but throughout its impressive 85-year history it hosted over 6,500 baseball games. For a sports fan, sightseeing New York would not be complete without a visit to the new Yankee Stadium and, with a bit of planning and foresight, you could secure tickets to a game in what is one of America’s favourite sports. New Yorkers are mad about baseball and which team they support plays a large part in the family lives of the locals.

Meadowlands Stadium

Different game, different ball, but still garnering as much enthusiasm, the New York Jets and the New York Giants have, in the past, battled out their National League football games in nearby New Jersey at the Giants Stadium. Nowadays, their new home is the magnificent Meadowlands Stadium (adjacent to the old Giants site) which, at a cost of $1.6 billion is the most expensive sports arena ever built. With a capacity of 82,000 it is, in itself, an attraction for sightseeing. New York is deservedly proud of its new football stadium and the experience of attending a National League American football game is one not be missed.

New York Marathon

Although usually a holiday is for relaxing and sightseeing, New York’s famous marathon could be a tempting lure to combine a challenge with your culture. The world’s largest marathon attracts around 40,000 runners and up to two million people line the streets to cheer and encourage them to the finish. While the race is popular with elite athletes hoping to break records and secure a place in history, the beauty of the New York Marathon is that it is still a race for the everyman too. Anyone can enter and it is not unusual to see the old, the young, the fat, the thin, the fit and the not so fit, united in their attempts to complete the 26 mile course. Even if you don’t enter and you’re just there for the sightseeing, New York’s marathon creates an amazing atmosphere you will never forget.

Madison Square Garden

Given the title in 2007 as “The World’s Busiest Sports Stadium”, Madison Square Garden hosts over 300 events annually. Basketball, baseball, tennis and hockey are amongst them but the venue is also home to many other forms of entertainment as well. Most of the big names in music have played concerts there, with American singer-songwriter Billy Joel stating that, as far as he was concerned, Madison Square Garden was the centre of the universe. The Garden (as it is known by locals) has also featured in many films and TV shows and when sightseeing New York’s most high profile venue, you are truly seeing a piece of urban history.

About The Author:

Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.com.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts. 

You will begin your journey in the vibrant and glitzy Las Vegas in Nevada, then continue through another three states – Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Hiking the USA through this region is the trip of a lifetime, and you can truly immerse yourself in the history and spirit of these vast heartlands. When explored on foot you can appreciate the harsh and unforgiving nature of the deserts, and the awe-inspiring raw beauty of such a timeless land. There can be no favourites when exploring the Canyonland region, as each location has its own distinct and unique elements. But the strangely familiar silhouettes of Monument Valley and the primitive panorama of the Grand Canyon will be a definite highlight of your USA hiking adventure.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley lies within a Navajo Indian Reservation on the Utah and Arizona border.  The iconic vision of this area is the sculptural forms of the sandstone buttes and mesas emerging from the desolate desert floor. In reality, the scene is even more breathtaking. Evoking scenes from a Wild West movie, some of these incredible forms rise up to three hundred feet in the air. They are all that remains of the layers of sandstone which once covered the entire area. You will enter the valley on the long, straight, endless road featured in thousands of photographs, and the scene before you will simply take your breath away. But the real secrets lie off the main road in places like Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which you can visit when hiking. USA Native American culture is greatly preserved and respected in Monument Valley, and you can observe their fascinating culture first-hand.

Grand Canyon

The epic landscape of the Grand Canyon has been carved out of ancient rock over millions of years.  Rushing waters and harsh desert winds have written their history large on the ravaged sandstone walls, and your first sight of the Grand Canyon cannot help but captivate you. Hiking the USA’s most famous trail is an awe-inspiring reminder of Mother Nature’s power and beauty. The Rim Trail will take you around the top edges of the Canyon to viewing sites with the best possible vantage. You can hover over sweeping panoramas of the huge chasm below, and see the pin pricks of hikers as they wend their way to the valley floor; or follow the line of the snaking silver ribbon of the Colorado River. Trekking down into the canyon itself is an unforgettable experience and the climax of your hiking USA holiday. As you trek the well worn path, moving ever lower to the canyon floor, you will enjoy uninterrupted views to the East and West with a seemingly never-ending vista beyond. USA hiking trips can take you the length and breadth of this amazing country, but the grace and beauty of the Grand Canyon will be forever etched in your memory.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest hiking USA holidays at the best value prices.

This is the real Florida – close to the bustling tourist hubs and crowded beaches, and yet seemingly a whole world away. Florida is the perfect escape for some winter sun, and the best way to uncover her hidden charms is by walking. The USA has many well- travelled routes for walking and hiking holidays, but Florida is a less visited secret that is just begging to be explored.

Mount Dora

One of the first spots to visit on your USA walking holiday in Florida should definitely be the quaint town of Mount Dora. It is only a short drive from Orlando, nestled on the oak lined banks of Lake Dora. Around the region there are many easy walking and cycling trails, and from Mount Dora you can explore much of the area around the lake. The area is teeming with wildlife and this region is known as one of the best places in the USA for bird-watching.

One of the most rewarding things you can do in Mount Dora is to take a scenic boat tour along one of the canals or natural waterways which network the area. You can glide peacefully through the channels and spot an incredible array of river-life including Otters, Blue Herons, Alligators, Bald Eagles and many other fascinating species. The Dora Canal which flows off the lake has been called “the most beautiful mile of water in the world”, and the banks are well worth exploring further if you don’t mind a bit of walking. USA Southern states have many areas that contain complex eco-systems unique to this part of the world, and the opportunity to explore them up close should not be missed.

Blue Springs

Just a short distance from Mount Dora is the stunning natural attraction of Blue Springs. Set in a State Park, it is a ‘first magnitude’ spring, pumping out hundreds of thousands of gallons into St John’s River. It is almost a fairytale sight to explore the entrance to the spring, which is actually a large underground cave – some of the braver visitors use scuba equipment to dive in this cave.

Embraced by lush, dense forest, the crystal clear waters of the spring stay at a constant year-round temperature of 73 degrees farenheit. They make a perfect natural swimming pool and are a popular place to stop off after a stroll along one of the many trails. There is also a boardwalk built over the spring, which snakes along for a quarter of a mile before leading out to the river beyond and is perfect for some gentle walking. USA wildlife in this area is particularly diverse, and one of the main attractions of Blue Springs is the arrival (during the winter months) of a growing community of Manatees. The springs are a designated Manatee refuge, and to see these wonderful endangered creatures at such close quarters, with their gentle faces poking from the water, is a real treat.  Although visitors are prohibited from approaching the Manatees, it is not uncommon for an inquisitive one to approach a swimmer and give them a gentle nudge!

On your USA walking holiday to Florida you will experience a natural beauty that is both awesome and unexpected, and you will be inspired to return to the area again and again.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking USA holidays at the best value prices.

Glacier Park

This USA walk begins in a region of spectacular scenery on the border of Canada and the USA, a hiking paradise of stunning mountains, pine forests, and glassy lakes. True to its name, Glacier Park’s landscape was carved by huge masses of ice that, unfortunately, are now receding. Scientists have predicted that by 2020 there will be no more glaciers in the park owing to global climate change.

Walkers new to America will be excited to know Glacier Park is home to grizzly bears. Although it can be a treat to see them from a distance, walkers should take care not to disturb them suddenly while hiking. The USA’s bears are easily spooked, so it’s best to stay upwind, and call out at regular intervals so that they have a warning of your approach. This is especially important when mother bears have their children in tow, because they will protect their young aggressively.

Besides the bears there about sixty other kinds of mammal living in Glacier National Park. These include mysterious creatures like the northern bog lemming, elk, grey wolf, lynx, cougar, wolverine and mountain goat in a mix of animals that is unique in the USA. Walking here is a privilege because of the chance to see these wonderful animals and this amazing environment.

Yellowstone National Park

Four hundred miles to the south is the world’s first National Park. It was brought into being by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872 having only been properly explored twelve years previously. Because of the size of the territory it covers, the park overlaps Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. This means you can cross the borders of three northern states of the USA, hiking the whole time in Yellowstone National Park.

Old Faithful

The National Park features the dramatic Yellowstone Canyon, with its waterfall and river coursing through it, and also one the most famous natural landmarks in the USA. Walking in Yellowstone will put you in a region of three hundred geysers, which includes Old Faithful, the one that can be relied upon to erupt about once every two hours. Geysers spout when hot spring water is superheated by underground magma, and as the water rises to the surface it is constricted to create a pressure capable of blowing steam and water about forty metres into the air.

As well as hot springs and swirling mud-pots, Yellowstone boasts wildlife such as moose, chipmunks, marmots, and eagles to name a few. There are also between two and three thousand bison living here, their population having recovered to healthy numbers.

Grand Teton Park

The tour closes with some hiking in USA’s Grand Teton Park, where there are also herds of bison. The Tetons is the name of the mountain range in the park, a series of peaks that dominate the skyline of the park. No doubt you’ll continue to take some great photographs here, more mementos of amazing walking in USA’s National Parks.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. They are dedicated to providing the very finest hiking USA can offer at the best value prices.

Palm Springs

The affluent area of Palm Springs is an oasis in the midst of the desert, decked out with boutique bars and family restaurants it provides the perfect base in which to start your USA walking holiday. Elvis was certainly impressed with the location and chose it to be his and Priscilla’s secret honeymoon hideaway. But with the secret now out, you can take a walk around America’s greatest singer’s private boudoir, in which amongst other sights you will be shown the escape route that Elvis and Priscilla used to flee to their wedding in Las Vegas.

Whilst here you may also want to take a trip in a traditional 1940s’ Stearman aircraft, which offers unparalleled views over Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. You’ll definitely feel the wind in your face as you travel back in time to the Cowboy-days of 1943; you can even purchase a DVD of your flight to show to your friends and family when you get back home.

Indian Canyons

Palm Springs is the gateway to the Indian Canyons, an area which simply must be experienced on a USA walking holiday. Although it is lesser known than some of the larger National Parks, such as Yosemite and Sequoia, the destination offers plenty to see and do. Many people travel here to visit the 15 mile long Palm Canyon, with its own indigenous flora and fauna. The rugged canyon is flanked by beautiful Californian fan palms, which provide the perfect contrasts to the barren landscapes below.

The Andreas Canyon is just a short walk away, and the trek here takes in 150 different species of plants and many more unusual rock formations. However, the highlight of this American walk is likely to be the metates and bedrock mortars which you will see carved into the rocks of this region. Centuries ago, these were used for preparing food, but from looking at the glorious, unspoilt landscape of the Indian Canyons it would appear that very little has changed since then.

Yosemite National Park

When you take a walk in America’s most renowned National Park you will be rewarded with breathtaking views out over the High Sierra Mountains. Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls and the largest of these is the Upper Yosemite Falls at 1430 feet. The waterfall is the most powerful during the spring months when it can be heard thundering throughout the valley. The giant Sequoia trees are almost a must see whilst on your USA walking holiday and the largest in Yosemite is a lofty 600 foot high There are three separate Sequoia groves within the National Park; the biggest of which is the Mariposa Grove, which contains 500 trees. If the Sequoias particularly interest you then you may want to take a tour with a specialised guide in order to discover more about the planet’s tallest life form.

With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an incredible time whilst on a USA walking holiday and with all the contrasts that the region offers a walk in America’s Golden State certainly has something for everyone.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. They are dedicated to providing the very finest walks America can offer at the best value prices.

A USA Walking Holiday in Chicago

“The Windy City” on the shores of Lake Michigan has a rich mix of cultures and a history of music, being famous for its Blues. Chicago has a dramatic skyline which includes the neck-achingly high Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower. This was once the tallest building in the world, and remains the tallest in the USA. Walking in Chicago’s streets, you will be struck by the number and scale of the skyscrapers here, in a city which invented the skyscraper.

The city’s good public transport will help with your sightseeing, which should include a visit to some of the many museums here. One of the finest is the Art Institute of Chicago, which has an amazing collection of paintings. Some of its notable acquisitions include Edward Hopper’s hazy, night time image of “Nighthawks” in a lonely bar, and Vincent Van Gogh’s colourful “Bedroom in Arles.”

A Walk in New York

The Statue of Liberty is a popular attraction and an unmistakable icon of the USA. Walking around its base on Liberty Island, you will appreciate the lady’s sheer size. From the ground to the tip of her torch is 93 metres, and her standing height from her sandals to her crown (not including her plinth) is 34 metres. Visitors can walk up inside Liberty’s structure and look out from her crown, but you should expect to queue for a few hours because of the attraction’s popularity.

The statue was a symbol of hope and welcome to immigrants arriving by boat and preparing to walk on American soil for the first time. Their first port of call though was Ellis Island. For sixty years, Ellis Island was the gateway for all immigrants arriving in America. Walking around the museum you will get a sense of the variety of the immigrants’ origins, and the desperation and aspirations that brought them to the New World.

You can get a wonderful view of New York City walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. When the bridge was built in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and there was nothing taller in the USA. Walking across the East River, you can get a good vantage point of Manhattan, seeing as far as Wall Street and the museums of Upper East Side.

You won’t believe the bright lights of Times Square. The huge neon advertisements are a spectacle to see, especially at night. This is a vibrant part of the city with the sidewalks and pedestrian area thronging with tourists and street vendors. New York City is so rich with culture that you may struggle to fit in everything you want to see. As well as other sightseeing favourites such as the Staten Island Ferry, Central Park and the Rockefeller Center, there are many world-famous museums, Broadway’s shows, and miles of shops to explore while walking in America.

For a very different atmosphere, a train ride out of the city to the New York State countryside will introduce you to rural USA, walking in the historic colonial villages that were settled by Europeans when America was young. You can see some of the oldest buildings in the country and the picturesque villages of the Hudson River Valley.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking USA can offer at the best value prices.