Top U.S. vacations for Brits
Another Independence Day has come and gone. Regardless of what time of year you read this, America will be celebrating another 4th of July in less than 12 months. One could think that this annual celebration would prolong ill feelings between the U.S. and Great Britain. This notion couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many Americans love vacationing in England. Trying bangers and mash, attempting to make the guards crack a smile, and practicing an English accent are popular activities while visiting. In a similar sense, there are plenty of attractions for Brits to see and do in the U.S. Enjoying a hotdog while watching a baseball is as Americana as it gets. There are hundreds of food options including pizza and engaging in the age-old debate if Chicago or New York City offers a better slice of pizza. There is also history, and lots of it.
You might be surprised at just how much of U.S. history is inextricably linked to Great Britain. The U.S. has a lot to offer historians and curiosity seekers from across the pond. Here are just a few:
Boston
The capital of Massachusetts is rich with history. If you want to see what the US made of itself shortly after declaring independence, Boston is the place to visit. It is the city where America had the first:
- Public library
- Public park
- Subway
- Public school
Boston is the purest expression of what the U.S. wanted to be as a nation: erudite, communal, adventurous, and cultured. The history of the city tells a story about the newly established nation worth experiencing firsthand.
History lovers will find one of the largest collections of historical documents in the country. If you know what you're looking for, you can find just about any government document ever written at the National Archives at Boston.
Those interested in historic document collections like the Raab Collection will be right at home in Boston, a city that honors the preservation of historic documents even more than pop culture. If you are the kind of person that gets excited about seeing a signed letter from George Washington, or the Constitution written in the hand of the signatories, Boston should be your first choice for a Brit-worthy vacation.
Famous Houses
Americans who go to the U.K. typically enjoy seeing castles, old churches, and other historical buildings. Although America doesn't have castles dating back many centuries, we do have our own historical sites -- including antiquated homes where great writers did their best work.
When visiting a certain section of Hartford, Connecticut called Nook Farm, one may find the house of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Once at one of these locations, you may be surprised to see that Twain and Stowe were next-door neighbors separated by only a few yards.
The US Southeast is filled with antebellum homes. However, a much more historical home in that region is the residence of Martin Luther King. It stands out not because it is grand, but because it is humble. Such is the case with much of what passes for US royalty. We tend to celebrate humble beginnings and those who embody the American Dream. These famous homes are great counterpoints to ancient castles.
Outdoor Adventures
Americans have rarely seen a raging river that we didn't want to body surf or a dark cave that we didn't want to spelunk. From paddling into the Yukon's wild rivers and lakes, to jumping headlong from bridges, Americans love the outdoor adventures.
The US and Britain are more than just friends. We're family. Come see our history preserved at Brownstone, our most famous castles, as well as our love for the outdoors.