So as I am pre-recording for my summer show which is to be aired 12-2pm on 7th July I thought, considering I have 2 hours to fill, that I would tackle the travelling beast that is the USA. There is no way that I am ever going to be able to recommend and cover every place in the USA, mainly because that would take all day and I haven't been to half the places in the States to adequately cover it. Therefore, today's show is going to focus on the North East corner of the USA, mainly because that is the part of the USA that I have been to, I will dedicate other shows to the South and the West Coast, mainly because there is so much to cover here and they are places on my bucket list too!
Places to Visit in North East:
Places to Visit in North East:
- New York, duh!
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Chicago, Illinois
These are all the places in the States that I have been to and although it is just a tiny portion, and some of the places you wouldn't normally pick to go, I would highly recommend them all.
Easiest way to get there:
- Each of these cities has its own airport (except New Haven) have their own airports so direct flights are readily available from the UK. Peak time is August and Christmas when flights can be up to £900 but at the cheapest time of year which is January you can get flights into New York for as little as £300 return.
- Airlines to look at are: BA (don't forget those airmiles!), American Air, Delta and Norwegian Air have started doing some really sick deals. Keep a look out for the airline sales after Christmas as this is prime time to book, flights to the USA are often some of the most discounted ones.
- Flights leave Heathrow for BA to New York up to 6 times a day.
New York
Realistically New York should have its own show as this place is like no other. I have been there twice for a few days each time and hit up all the tourist places, which of course you have to do the first time you're there.
- Stay in the Doubletree by Hilton for about £100 per night each for a shared room for a luxurious and affordable place to stay, in the area of Chelsea you are right in the heart of Manhattan, in perfect position to see and do everything easily.
Where to go in New York:
- Empire State Building
- Rockefeller Centre
- Times Square
- Ground Zero
- Statue of Liberty
- Take in a Show on Broadway
- Walk down Wall Street
- Central Park - and Central Park Zoo
- Shopping on Fifth Avenue
- Grand Central Station - head to the red-fronted cafe opposite for a cheaper meal and a famous film spot.
TOP TIP: Get the New York City Pass it is quite pricey at $200 for 3 days, (although you can get it for 1, 3, 7, 9 etc. days) but it really does save money for over 90 attractions in New York and fast-tracks you for many of them too!
New Haven, Connecticut
So I've only included New Haven as a stop off along the way to Boston from New York. I would not recommend staying overnight, however, do make it part of your journey if you can. The beautiful campus of Yale university is a must see and the leafy surroundings are worth taking a break to see. Grab a coffee in one of the independent coffee shops that line the streets and wander round the town at leisure.
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| Yale |
Boston, Mass
Boston has so much to offer so take at least a few days to explore Boston as much as possible. On the coast, Boston harbour is the place to find the famous New England Clam Chowder that you have to try whilst in the heart of New England.
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| Yum! |
- Stay in the Ramada Inn, although it is not in the centre of the city, it is only a short walk away from the end of the line of the subway and it is worth staying there for the price, £100 per night between two. It is basic but has a pool and is a good bolt hole whilst exploring Boston.
What to do in Boston:
- Get the Boston Trolley around town
- Visit the 'Cheers' Bar
- Get a boat around the harbour and learn about the Boston Tea Party
- Visit Quincey Market and hit the shops
- Catch a Red Soxs game at the oldest baseball stadium in the US, Fenway Park
- Get a tour of Harvard University
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| Harvard |
Cleveland, Ohio
I only stayed in Ohio for one night but this place is worth a stop on the way to Chicago. Cleveland is a strange place, it is a bit like a wasteland, there are not many people around. However, it is worth stopping off there just for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the biggest collection of Rock and Roll memorabilia in the USA outside of the South.
- Stay in the Comfort Inn Downtown for a comfortable and cheap stay for £90 a room
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| Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame |
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has to be one of my favourite places in the States. There is so much to do here and the city itself is just beautiful. In the summer it is warm but in the winter it is below freezing as the winds coming in from Lake Michigan make it bitterly cold.
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| Home of the Cubs |
- Stay: Grant Park Best Western - at £100 a night this place is comfortable and very central whilst also being on the edge of the beautiful Grant Park.
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| Chicago at Night |
What to do in Chicago:
- Visit a working Amish Community just outside the city
- Eat a deep pan Chicago pizza
- Catch the Cubs at Wrigley Field - now the champions of the league
- Head up the Willis tower for the most amazing views of the city
- Visit the Bean
- Grab Cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory
- Get caught in a Chicago Downpour
- Bike around Lake Michigan
- Take a tour of the old Mafia hotspots of Chicago and learn about Al Capone
- And so much more...!
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| Yum |
Have a good week my loves!
Lots of Love, Kate xxx
Lots of Love, Kate xxx