Chicago, Illinois
Where else in the world can you skate 1,000 feet in the air, dance to the blues and sing your heart out where Michael Jackson started out? The Great Lakes of North America is not only renowned for the breathtaking countryside and wilderness, but also for some fascinating multicultural cities.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, or the Big D as the locals call it, is a city bursting with world music and American black history. Motown legends Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Jackson 5 all started from Berry Gordy’s small recording studio in Detroit, which visitors can explore today with cult memorabilia including one of Michael Jackson’s famous white gloves, little Stevie Wonder’s keyboard and walls adorned with original LPs from yesteryear. If Motown isn’t to your taste, check our the jazz, blues, gospel and rock live music venues across the city that belt out tune after tune once the sun sets over the city.
For more history, the Henry Ford Museum located just outside the city is home to trains, planes and automobiles. Guests can not only look but can touch and experience some of the greatest inventions such as The Goldenrod, The Tucker '48 automobile and other iconic vehicles that have ever been made.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago attracts foodies from the world over. Visitors can dine in a different restaurant every day for 20 years and never eat at the same one twice! With more than 7,300 restaurants, Chicago is one of the most gastronomically friendly cities in the world with something to suit ever taste, budget and mood. Whether you’re looking for Chicago-style hot dogs or French haute cuisine, steaks or seafood, pierogi or pizza, in Chicago you will be spoilt for choice.
Chicago is also the starting point for the Mother Road – America’s famed Route 66. Route 66 runs from Chicago cross country to Los Angeles over a picturesque 2,448 miles.
Take advantage of the beauty of Chicago and the four neighbouring Great Lakes states - Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, pay a visit to John Hancock Observatory. It'll literally take your breath away - experience the one-of-a-kind open-air skywalk that takes you 94 stories high above The Magnificent Mile® or for those brave enough, John Hancock Observatory will be launching ‘Skating in the Sky’ from January 2011, the highest ice rink in the world will top a staggering 1,000 feet!
Minneapolis St Paul, Minnesota
Minneapolis St Paul is nicknamed the Twin Cities, for its two largest cities within close proximity to one another. Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the former the larger; and the latter the state capital.
For those after retail therapy, downtown Minneapolis is home to Macy’s, Saks Off Fifth, Target’s flagship store and Neiman Marcus or you’d just like to explore the city, there’s a full schedule of free walking tours led by expert guides. The tours include the Victorian neighbourhoods, NicolletIsland and the historic Warehouse District.
A short drive and you’ll find yourself at Bloomington’s Mall of America - the largest shopping mall in the US – that has over 520 stores. Even more impressive is that the Mall recently completed a $5 million facelift on its South side that now caters to the extravagant shopper with new upmarket boutiques Hugo Boss and Betsey Johnson in addition to 15 further stores.
What sets this fabulous destination apart from its American counterparts is that ALL clothing and shoe purchases are tax free, meaning you get even more for your money and walk away with a great bargain!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is home to many national historical sites that relate to the founding of the United States. For those interested in American history, Independence National Historical Park is the centre of these historical landmarks. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell are amongst some of the city's most famous attractions.
Sporting fans will not be disappointed, Philadelphia is one of a small handful of US cities that has all four major sports, the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League; the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League; the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League of Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association so it’s well worth checking out a game or two while you are there.
If you can’t decide which Great Lake city to explore why not make a road trip and take in some of the small town culture in between for that ultimate all-American holiday.
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