Savannah
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Savannah blends Southern charm with historical grandeur. Its architectural marvels span three centuries and showcase America’s colonial past.
Historic Savannah Sites
The city’s Historic District covers 22 beautiful squares that tell unique stories through their monuments and architecture. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, known as the ‘Sistine of the South,’ ranks as Savannah’s most photographed landmark. The First African Baptist Church holds North America’s oldest black congregation and showcases original pews crafted by enslaved people with African Cursive Hebrew markings.
Savannah Food Scene
The city’s food scene thrives with a mix of traditional and creative dishes. Notable restaurants include:
- The Gray – a transformed art deco Greyhound bus station serving progressive Southern cooking
- Brochu’s Family Tradition – famous for its chamomile tea-brined chicken
- Saint Bibiana – serves modern Italian dishes near Forsyth Park
Savannah Travel Tips
The Historic District packs its charm into a walkable two-square-mile area. Spring weather makes it perfect to explore and enjoy outdoor dining. Local farmers markets run daily, and the Forsyth Farmers Market draws the biggest crowds every Saturday. Ghost tours ended up as popular evening entertainment that attract even skeptics who experience the haunting silence of historic squares at night.
Washington DC
Image Source: Washington DC
Washington DC (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) draws visitors with its mix of political history and cultural wealth. Iconic monuments stand as evidence of American democracy.
DC Monuments Guide
The National Mall runs from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Visitors can explore many monuments around the clock. The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial welcome visitors without reservations. All the same, some attractions just need advance planning. The Washington Monument asks for tickets up to 90 days in advance. The U.S. Capitol welcomes visitors with free guided tours through its Visitor Center. Tours include stops at the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.
DC Restaurant Scene
DC’s food scene thrives in 2025. Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week serves pre-fixe menus from USD 25.00 to USD 65.00. Local dining highlights include:
- MITA, where Chef Tatiana Mora makes history as the first Venezuelan female chef to earn a Michelin star
- Oyster Oyster earned a Michelin green star for its outstanding sustainability
- Albi’s chef won the James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Outstanding Chef Award
DC Visitor Tips
Early morning visits work best before museums open at 10:00 a.m. The National Mall stretches three miles, so comfortable shoes are a must. DC Circulator busses provide budget-friendly rides with stops at major spots like Union Station and the Jefferson Memorial. The city buzzes with events year-round, from WorldPride celebrations to the return of giant pandas.
Philadelphia
Image Source: Visit Philadelphia
America’s first World Heritage City, Philadelphia combines its colonial heritage with modern urban vibrancy.
Historic Philly Sites
Independence Hall serves as the life-blood of American democracy where leaders signed both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. The Liberty Bell Center displays the iconic 2,080-pound symbol of freedom that once marked important historic events. The President’s House site honors the nation’s first executive mansion and tells the stories of nine enslaved Africans who lived there during Washington’s presidency.
Philly Food Guide
The historic Reading Terminal Market, a 127-year-old institution, shapes the city’s culinary identity with over 80 vendors. The market explains its offerings through:
- Pennsylvania Dutch specialties
- DiNic’s acclaimed roast pork sandwiches
- Fresh produce and seafood
- Local artisanal goods
Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks dominate the cheesesteak conversation, but locals prefer alternatives like John’s Roast Pork for authentic flavors.
Philadelphia Travel Tips
Spring offers the best time to visit, when you can explore the city’s 300+ historic sites on foot. The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop connects 20 stops at USD 2.00 per ride. Guided tours ended up being valuable since they gave an explanation of America’s most historic square mile.
Phoenix
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Phoenix (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) fascinates visitors with its unique blend of outdoor adventures and urban sophistication. The dramatic Sonoran Desert surrounds this vibrant city.
Phoenix Attractions
Camelback Mountain challenges hikers with two trails – Echo Canyon and Cholla. These paths lead to breathtaking city views from 1,200 feet up. Papago Park stands as a natural oasis near downtown. This park features the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation and seven acres of fishing lagoons that stay stocked year-round. The Desert Botanical Garden houses the region’s most complete collection of arid plants across 50 acres. Special events like Las Noches de Las Luminarias add magic to this space throughout the year.
Phoenix Dining Scene
Several local establishments earned James Beard nominations in 2025, which shows the city’s evolving food culture. Notable restaurants include:
- Valentine – known for creative American dishes and award-finalist pastry chef Crystal Kass
- Bacanora – Chef Rene Andrade serves Sonoran comfort food from his custom-designed mesquite grill
- Kai – stands alone as Phoenix’s only restaurant with five diamonds from AAA and five stars from Forbes
Best Time to Visit Phoenix
The best months to visit are November through April. Temperatures stay pleasant with highs in the upper 60s, 70s, and low 80s. Summer brings temperatures above 100 degrees, but low humidity makes the heat more manageable. Events fill the calendar year-round. Visitors can enjoy Arizona Beer Week in February and the Arizona State Fair in October.
San Antonio
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San Antonio (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) stands out as one of just two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States, blending its colonial roots with modern energy.
San Antonio Attractions
The San Antonio River Walk flows through downtown’s core with 15 miles of waterside paths where restaurants and shops line the banks. The city’s Spanish colonial heritage lives on through five historic missions, and the legendary Alamo dates back to 1718. Brackenridge Park stretches across 343 acres and delights visitors with its rustic stone bridges, shaded paths, and beautiful Japanese Tea Garden.
San Antonio Food Scene
The city’s UNESCO status shines through its rich food culture. Local favorites include:
- Cured – James Beard Award finalist Chef Steve McHugh’s New American cuisine
- Dough Pizzeria Napoletana – known for authentic Neapolitan pizza
- Garcia’s Mexican Food – beloved for traditional Tex-Mex dishes
San Antonio Travel Guide
Spring is the best time to visit, when the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo brings performances by Keith Urban and Dwight Yoakam. Winter visitors can enjoy mild temperatures and check out SeaWorld San Antonio’s newest addition, the Rescue Jr. attraction. The city never sleeps with year-round events from Monster Jam at the Alamodome to shows at the historic Aztec Theater.
Portland, Maine
Image Source: Visit Portland
Portland, Maine blends maritime heritage with modern sophistication. Its cobblestone streets and scenic working waterfront still reflect its trading settlement roots from 1632.
Portland Maine Highlights
The Old Port district fascinates visitors with its 19th-century architecture and vibrant urban atmosphere. The city stays true to its fishing port character as boats dock daily at the working waterfront. More than 18,000 artworks fill the Portland Museum of Art. The Maine Historical Society’s interactive exhibits tell stories of the state’s maritime history and Native American heritage.
Seafood Restaurant Guide
Portland’s seafood scene stands among America’s finest, featuring these acclaimed establishments:
- Eventide Oyster Company – serves fresh oysters with creative seafood dishes
- Luke’s Lobster – delivers boat-to-table dining on Portland Pier
- Scales – combines exceptional seafood with stunning harbor views
Best Time to Visit
Summer months from June through August are perfect, and temperatures rarely reach 80 degrees. September and October bring fewer tourists and pleasant weather. Hotel deals attract winter visitors from December through February, though temperatures can drop into the teens. The city comes alive with events year-round, including Portland Wine Week in June and the Maine Lobster Festival in August.
