As the third most populous city in the United States and the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago has long been an important economic and cultural metropolis. Three million people call the city home, and its contribution to the global economy is such that it is classified as an alpha world city.

Until the beginning of the 1800s, Chicago was inhabited by Potawatomi Native Americans. It was then that American settlement of the area began, with the first trading post being constructed in the area in 1803. It was later destroyed in the 1812 Fort Dearborn massacre, marking the hostility between the native people and the colonists, but the land was ceded four years later.

Because of its prime position as a transportation hub between the eastern part of the United States and the western, the population of Chicago exploded, reaching 1 million people by 1890. In the 1920s, the city acquired a reputation for being the base of operations for several gangsters, but the era also brought about great industrial development and economic advancement. Today, the city continues to expand based on a progressive agenda that promotes poor and minority neighborhoods.

Located on the tip of Lake Michigan, Chicago sits on the continental divide. The land on which the city exists is relatively flat, with few minor changes in elevation throughout the city. Lake Michigan has historically been an important part of Chicago’s economy, allowing it to specialize in water transportation. Located in the humid continental zone, Chicago has four distinct seasons, with temperatures reaching 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July and dropping to 17 degrees in January. Annually, Chicago receives about 34 inches of precipitation.

As far as tourism goes, Chicago is a large hub of activity for vacationers who come to experience world-class shopping, fine dining, and a large entertainment district. Chicago’s distinctive architectural beauty also draws many tourists, who come to experience the sights that downtown has to offer. Popular destinations include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Millennium Park, and the historic Chicago Cultural Center.

Attractions in Chicago

As the southernmost part of an island that separates the Atlantic Ocean with Biscayne Bay, South Beach, a neighborhood in Miami, Florida, features all of the qualities that make Miami such an appealing city. It has plenty of characteristics that make it its own place as well.

South Beach was originally farmland until it was purchased in 1870 by Henry and Charles Lum for coconut farming. When the brothers left the area in 1886, they ceded the land to John Collins, who would continue their efforts, expanding the amount of land on their parcel. In 1912, Miami businessmen purchased 400 acres of the land with hopes to build single family residences.

Investments by a wealthy businessman allowed Collins to create a bridge between Miami and Miami Beach. This marked the beginning of the area’s development, which continued during the land boom in the 1920s and the architectural revolution of the 1930s. The area became a popular destination for retired people in the 1970s, and then base of operations for the “cocaine cowboys”, drug dealers dabbling in illicit activities. While the area had long been considered a poor area with a lot of crime, attention from the media dispelled the image, and it is now considered one of the most wealthy and commercial areas on the beach.

Today, the area is a major entertainment district, containing many famous nightclubs, restaurants, and boutique hotels, all of which are geared toward the more wealthy tourists. The nightlife can be especially difficult to break into for non-locals and those who do not plan ahead, because it tends to be expensive and exclusive.

One can usually find something to do, though, given the large number of clubs and restaurants spread throughout the city. A large amount of European tourism accounts for a unique multiculturalism; German is the third most spoken language, behind English and Spanish. The area is also uniquely popular for fashion shoots, with more than 1500 models living in the area.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos or just Cabo as it is known by starry-eyed vacationers, is a popular tourist destination among the wealthy who can afford the increasingly high-end resorts and timeshare clubs. Whether one comes to visit The Corridor, complete with parties and golf courses, or the laidback colonial style of neighboring San Jose, there is much to do in the area.

The first humans came to the southern tip of the peninsula around 14,000 years ago, but the first documented experiences in the area by the Europeans included observations of the native peoples living a subsistence lifestyle. These peoples did not use metals and they gathered roots, fruits, seeds, and shellfish to survive. Many American authors have claimed that the city was founded by Thomas Ritchie who was said to have been in the area from 1828 to 1874, when he supposedly passed away. By the turn of the 20th century, a fishing village had developed, and 1917 marked the arrival of an American country that built a floating tuna platform. Their efforts marked the beginning of development in the city.

Tourism is an important part of the local economy, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the sights as well as the high-end resorts, timeshares, and social scenes. As far as the sights go, many tourists visit Lands End, a stunning rock formation located off the coast of Cabo, which many have argued looks like a Triceratops drinking water from the ocean. The waters off of Cabo are also home to whales in the wintertime, where mothers bear their calves in the warmer water.

Cabo San Lucas is also notorious for its nightlife and vibrant party scene. Places like Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina remain popular spots for the bustling nightlife that often features out-of-control celebrations and revelry. The Corridor is the most popular of these types of tourist destinations, a twenty mile strip resorts, clubs, and residences of Hollywood’s most famous stars. Because of all the wealth in the area, tourist destinations are aimed toward those who have plenty of money to spend.

Situated on the coast of Southern California, San Diego enjoys an ideal climate, its location right on the beach, an advanced economy, and rich multiculturalism. With an economy that is dependant on a vast variety of many different sectors, San Diego is a burgeoning metropolis and a popular tourist destination.

As with many cities throughout the country, San Diego began as a European claim staked because of an advantageous natural location—in this case, it was the defensible natural harbor. It later was the sight of a Christian mission, evolving into a city in the 1850s after the Mexican-American war and the gold rush of 1848. Today, San Diego is in touch with its historical roots and actively maintains many of the buildings that the city was composed of many years ago.

Several deep canyons created a low-density, segmented area that necessitates the use of cars. Downtown San Diego sits on the bay and Balboa Park on a mesa to the northeast, surrounded by dense urban communities. The Point Loma and Coronado Peninsulas separate San Diego from the ocean. To the east of the city are mountains, and beyond the mountains, desert areas. The Mediterranean climate is mild and dry throughout the year. Rainfall is rare, mostly concentrated on the cooler part of the year.

San Diego is about half white, with large minority groups, such as Hispanics and African Americans. The largest age group is those from 25 to 44 years old, composing 34% of San Diego’s population.

Defense, manufacturing, and tourism are the largest components of San Diego’s economy. Tourism is especially popular because of the many historical sites, national parks, museums, world-class dining spots, resorts, and beaches. The climate has much to do with this, allowing people to escape from their undesirable climates.

Attractions in San Diego

Santa Fe is located in scenic northern New Mexico, a state known for its rich Native American culture, love of the outdoors, and beautiful environment, all of which Santa Fe has in spades.

New Mexico is part of the country’s culturally-rich Southwest region, and Santa Fe epitomizes this richness. With authentic adobe buildings comprising much of the city’s architecture and an increased amount of attention given to visitors from other parts of the world, Santa Fe is a premium tourist destination as well as an artistic and cultural capital of the region.

Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the United States in terms of altitude. The weather is generally cool in the winters and warm in the summer, only reaching extreme temperature levels rarely.

Historic downtown Santa Fe attracts much tourism because of the history, art, and culture that is displayed regularly by many events downtown. The Plaza, adjacent to the Palace of the Governors, is especially popular during the summer months because the fair weather allows a comfortable environment to browse the many shops, art galleries, and museums.

Outdoor sports are popular for visitors for this area and include skiing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and other popular outdoor activities. Santa Fe has many sports outfitters that can tell you a great location for your excursion.

Multiculturalism is a very important part of Santa Fe, as it has become a common ground for whites, Latin Americans, and Native Americans. Much of the art reflects this multiculturalism and it is an important part of the city’s heritage.

When visiting Santa Fe, you have your choice of luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels or quaint bed and breakfast inns. From golf to skiing, from museums to spas, you will find it all in amazing Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Attractions in Santa Fe, NM

The largest and most populous of the islands of the state of Hawaii, Oahu is a very popular tourist destination, taking on a connotation of the dream destination for a vacation.

The island has historically been the center of Hawaiian culture. The Iolani Palace, the only palace on American soil, still stands as a testament to the culture that has been there for centuries. As the location for the attack on Pearl Harbor, the entire area has a certain patriotic aura about it because of the events that transpired on its soil.

Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii, is located on the southeastern part of Oahu. As the largest city in Hawaii and the main deepwater marine port for the area, it is a very important part of the state’s activities. Traditionally, Oahu has been known as “The Gathering Place”, the phrase stemming from the name’s meaning in the original tongue. That is reflected by the fact that Oahu is the center of population for Hawaii.

Although Oahu is located in the tropics, its location and the California Current are responsible for cooling it off, compared to other tropical areas. The temperature rarely breaks 90 degrees Fahrenheit, hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for much of the summer. The winter cools things off slightly, reducing the average temperature several degrees.

Over five million visitors flock to Oahu every year to enjoy the climate as well as the entire holiday experience, with hospitality and accommodations of legendary proportions. Some of the most important sights on the island are Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the North Shore.

Water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and boating, are all very popular. Beach sports are similarly enjoyed by the visitors. Other tourists enjoy shopping and fine dining in Honolulu. If you are coming to Hawaii on vacation and can only visit one island, make it Oahu.

Located in the beautiful, sunny state of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular tourist destination for those who want to enjoy the weather, the location, and the variety of things to do within the city limits.

The city is named after one of the forts built by the United States during the Second Seminole War. Originally inhabited by Native Americans for more than a thousand years, Fort Lauderdale started to develop into the city it is today in the 1920s because of Florida’s land boom. Although hurricanes and the Great Depression slowed its development, it has now become one of the most recognizable cities on the East Coast.

A tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm winters is what Fort Lauderdale exists under. Temperatures during the summer rarely exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winter temperatures loom in the high 60s and low 70s for much of the day. Adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, there are seven miles of beaches, very popular with the tourists.

Fort Lauderdale relies on tourism for its economy to succeed. Although it historically was a Spring Break destination for college students, it has now become a haven for the wealthy, sophisticated tourist.

Yachting is especially popular, as are luxury cruises. With 120 nightclubs and over 4,000 restaurants, there is much to do in Fort Lauderdale in the realm of dining and nightlife. Beach and water sports are very popular and draw much of the tourist crowd, as does the convention center.

There is a strong fine arts contingent in Fort Lauderdale, based on Las Olas Boulevard. Sports are also an important part of the city, although they do not host any professional teams. Many professional teams, though, do train in Fort Lauderdale during the off-season.

Whether you are looking for a place to party or a place to relax, Ft. Lauderdale is a fantastic choice.

Nightlife in Ft. Lauderdale

Despite the name of its famed football team, Dallas is not a city of cowboys.  You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in a cowboy hat unless you went to a country music concert.  Dallas is, and always has been, a center of business and cosmopolitan culture.  The city has some characteristics that are typically Texan but others that are quite unique.

Downtown Dallas has a glut of museums and activities. Dallas World Aquarium is probably one of the more interesting zoos in the country.  It features aquatic life, but also plenty of animals that live above the waves and even in the air. Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture is an exhibit that traces the history of the area from ancient times to present day.  The name might brand this as a tourist trap, but it is quite informative and gives some good insights into Dallas’ founding and where the unique, rather brash, culture of the area came from.  Dallas has a highbrow side as well. Nasher Sculpture Center features both indoor and outdoor galleries.  It is one of the most spectacular collections in the country. 

There is a surprising array of eateries and nightspots in the Dallas area.  Whether you are looking for typical Tex-Mex fare or something a little edgier, Dallas has it covered.  Greenville Avenue is one of the best places to drink the night away.  The revelry spills out onto the streets, especially on weekends. 

Dallas sprawls out in every direction; suburbs are their own microcosms.  Arlington features amusement parks, while Irving is home to the Dallas Cowboys.  The city itself is packed with residential areas, many with strips of restaurants and bars.  To explain all that Dallas has to offer would take an entire guidebook.  I’ll just have to say that, whatever you might have heard about it before, Dallas is definitely worth a closer look.  

Tex-Mex Restaurants in Dallas

Boulder has moved from being one of the largest University towns west of the Mississippi to being a hub of high tech industry and cutting edge Midwestern culture. Boulder is consistently ranked as one of the nicest places in the U.S. to live. Surprisingly, the vibe is not as quiet and “suburban” as those accolades might suggest. Boulder is a happening place, though its personality is decidedly laid-back. Denver is near enough to offer all the trappings of a conventional big city, but, in terms of culture, Boulder might as well be a thousand miles away from the Mile High City.

Aside from the cultural activities (see below) Boulder is an outdoor sports enthusiast’s fantasy come true. Hiking, climbing, rafting, skiing, and anything else that would fit into the category of “outdoor adventure” can be found without much effort.

Boulder’s rapid growth and penchant for alternative culture brings to mind the similarly rising metropolis of Austin, Texas. Though Boulder is smaller in size than its up-and-coming brethren, it is no shorter on culture. Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrian friendly area with plenty of boutiques and eateries as well as offbeat details, like street performers and trinket shops.

Boulder is the stopping point for music acts on their way to the big time. The collegiate atmosphere at some of the venues around University of Colorado’s campus can be fun, as can the fact that, like most places frequented by college students, prices are quite reasonable.

Boulder is also home to a disproportionate amount of meditation centers, alternative medicine practitioners, and new age culture. Even at these places, the aura is more modern than the “aged hippie mecca” that might come to mind.

Boulder is a pleasant place to visit. People are friendly, there’s always something going on, but nothing proves overwhelming.

Many people are surprised to hear that Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the U.S. How could anything located in the middle of the desert be so popular? A thriving tourist industry as well as agriculture, supported by nearby rivers has made Phoenix one of America’s fastest growing cities. Add to that a rapidly growing high-tech sector and Phoenix has all that it needs to thrive.

Summer in Phoenix means temperatures topping 100 degrees. However, the air lacks a great deal of humidity, meaning that it does not feel quite as hot as it sounds. Winter in the city, however, is quite comfortable. Temperatures are in the sixties and seventies during the daytime and dip to the fifties or even forties at night. Spring is the best time to visit. Highs in the eighties and lows in the sixties mean visitors will never run into uncomfortable temperatures.

Phoenix boasts a professional team in every major sports league. It also has a world-class symphony, a professional theater troupe, and plenty of galleries and museums featuring the Southwest’s trademark style of art.

The Sonoran Desert offers a unique landscape unfamiliar to many visitors. Desert Botanical Garden is a one of a kind park with a collection of plant life from the world’s most arid regions. There are also several outfits that offer Humvee tours into the desert itself.

Native American culture is alive and well in Phoenix. The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is a working archeological site and The Heard Museum has many world-class exhibits featuring Native American art and culture. There are galleries scattered throughout the city offering a look at Native American arts and crafts.

Phoenix is more than a pleasant place to escape the cold of a northern winter. It is alive with culture and excitement year round.

Shopping in Phoenix