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Boston | The "Athens of America"

A History-Lover’s Paradise

One afternoon exploring Boston is better than a Schoolhouse Rock marathon! Walk along the waterfront where Sam Adams and his Sons of Liberty staged their Boston Tea Party, and board the U.S.S. Constitution, a.k.a."Old Ironsides," the ship that won the War of 1812. Stroll the cobblestone streets and discover celebrated Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s house, and the birthplace of Benjamin Franklin. You might even turn a corner and find yourself in Creek Square, a winding network of streets that have remained virtually unchanged for 350 years. Be sure to ask about the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, when 2 million gallons of the fermenting syrup destroyed the city’s North End.

But the history doesn’t end downtown. The sports faithful should make the pilgrimage to Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox, where legends linger. The legacies of other sports greats like Larry Bird and Bobby Orr live on in the fast-paced competition of a Celtics basketball game or Bruins hockey match at the Fleet Center.

Young at Heart

Bring your inner child (and your real ones) to explore the New England Aquarium, Boston Museum of Science, or the Franklin Park Zoo. If you're feeling plucky (no pun intended), rent a swan boat in the Public Garden lagoon, or meander around the "Emerald Necklace," the longest continuous stretch of parkland in any U.S. city.

Speaking of the outdoors, the Boston area has plenty to satisfy even the most ardent outdoorsperson. Whale-watching is a popular activity from May through October, when humpbacks return to the rich feeding grounds off the coast. Sailing, kayaking, and even windsurfing are popular activities in a city surrounded by water. In the winter, skiing is only 30 minutes away and ice skating on the Frog Pond in Boston Common is a tradition not to be missed.

Culinary adventurers, too, delight in the variety Boston has to offer. While seafood is still king, and nothing beats a bowl of clam "chowdah" on a chilly evening, Italian, Chinese, Greek, and even Ethiopian restaurants are only a few of the authentic cuisines represented in this melting pot of cultures and traditions.

After experiencing this New England gem, you’ll see why Bostonians have come to love their "fair city." It truly has something for everyone.

San Diego | Paradise Found

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

It’s no wonder children’s author Dr. Seuss called this city home�"it resonates with a youthful enthusiasm and playfulness. After all, what other city hosts the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition or an annual Underwater Pumpkin-Carving Contest?

The oldest port on the West Coast, San Diego has a rich seafaring history that is displayed at the Embarcadero’s Maritime Museum. Board the spectacular 139-foot tall ship Star of India to see what sailors’ berths and captains’ quarters were like in the 1800s. Speaking of history, the city’s Spanish-Mexican roots are brought to vivid life in Old Town, with its original adobe buildings, bustling marketplace and authentic artisans who give live demonstrations of their craft. Old Town is the best place to relax with a margarita while enjoying a live mariachi band.

After sunset, stroll through the romantic Gaslamp Quarter -- restored from its infamous days as a slum of opium dens and saloons. Now its brick walkways, gas-fueled streetlights and elegant Victorian houses belie a vibrant modern neighborhood of shops, restaurants, and excellent jazz clubs.

Lions and Tigers and (Polar) Bears

If Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter are the history of San Diego, Balboa Park must surely be its heart and soul. Considered the most beautiful city park in the country, over a dozen museums dot its lovely 14,000 acres, with plenty of open space left over for concerts, picnics, and Frisbee.

Save your shoe leather and take the free tram to Balboa Park’s most popular attraction, the San Diego Zoo. Because animals here are in their natural outdoor habitats, each visit is a thrilling journey of discovery. Walk beneath an Amazon jungle canopy populated with over 200 exotic birds, experience Polar Bear Plunge or brave the mists of Tiger River to spot a big cat eyeing you from the underbrush.

After you’ve “seen the elephant” and put in enough beach time to master your surfing skills or just perfect your tan, you might be in the mood for a little shopping…or a lot. Horton Plaza is a full 11 ½ acres of open-air shopping with 130 stores, five sit-down restaurants and 14 movie screens, all dressed in colorful, whimsical architecture. Or if you’re looking for real bargains, spend an afternoon haggling with the merchants of Tijuana, Mexico, only ten miles south of San Diego.

We humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a Mexican holiday -- make a trip to Loma Point from November to December to see humpback whales on their journey to winter breeding grounds in Baja. For a closer encounter, take advantage of one of the many whale-watching tours available. If you still need more thrills, Shamu the killer whale and company await at SeaWorld.

Dr. Seuss liked to refer to adults as “obsolete children,” but he knew the secret to escaping that fate. With all its history, beauty, whimsy, and non-stop activity, San Diego is the perfect antidote to old age (or at least “old attitude”). In this town, it’s impossible not to feel like a kid again.

San Francisco | Striking Gold

So Much to See and Do

San Francisco is renowned for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, and eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture, not to mention the famous cable cars, Chinatown, and, of course, Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco’s frequent portrayal in music, film, and popular culture has made the city and its landmarks recognizable worldwide. This is the city where Tony Bennett “left his heart” and where Rice-A-Roni was said to be the favorite treat.

The legacy of the California Gold Rush turned San Francisco into the principal banking and finance center of the West Coast in the early twentieth century.  Today, many seek their fortunes in Silicon Valley and tourism serves as an integral part of the San Francisco economy. Attracting the third-highest number of foreign tourists of any city in the U.S., it is no surprise that Pier 39 near Fisherman’s Wharf boasts the third-most popular tourist attraction in the nation.

A City on the Move

Despite the nearby San Andreas and Hayward Faults being responsible for much earthquake activity, San Francisco is a city on the move in many positive ways. With an ideal climate for outdoor activities, cycling is a popular pastime and mode of transportation in San Francisco, with about 40,000 residents commuting to work regularly on more than 200 miles of bicycle paths and lanes throughout the city.

This climate also attracts visitors and locals alike to the Embarcadero and Marina Green as favored sites for skateboarding and daytime meandering. Extensive public tennis facilities are available in Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park, as well as at smaller neighborhood courts throughout the city. Boating, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are among the most popular activities on San Francisco Bay, and the city maintains a yacht harbor in the Marina District. With so many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, it is no wonder that San Francisco residents have often ranked among the fittest in the U.S., but don’t be fooled. Local movers and shakers know when to stop and smell the freshly baked sourdough bread made famous by eateries throughout the city, and no doubt, a stroll through Ghirardelli Square will lead to a taste of something decadent from the city’s native chocolate and ice cream company.

Just spend a little while in this city and you’ll understand why its allure didn’t fade away with the Gold Rush.

Seattle | Jet City

Seattle Weather: A Bad Rap

They say that if you parachute anywhere into downtown Seattle, you’ll land mere yards away from the nearest espresso stand. This might be an advantage in a city that is considered the wettest spot on the planet, but don't believe the hype. With an average rainfall of approximately 30 inches, Seattle has less precipitation than New York or Miami!

Seattleites are optimists -- more sunglasses per capita are sold here than in any U.S. city and only amateurs carry umbrellas. On a clear day, the views of downtown Seattle, with the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier in the background, are breathtaking. For a special treat, take a ferry from the pier to Bainbridge Island. From the deck you can enjoy unobstructed views of the city, the Needle, and the mountain -- all at once!

The Emerald ’Hoods

North of downtown is Queen Anne Hill, known for its gorgeous homes and stunning views -- don't miss the panorama from Kerry Park. Cross Aurora Bridge into Fremont -- a free-wheeling artists' community where coffee and art houses, vintage clothing, and antique stores abound. But beware the Fremont Troll, who lives beneath the bridge and devours careless Volkswagens that stray too close. The Woodland Park Zoo, one of the best in the country, is in nearby Wallingford, where Green Lake is popular with joggers, cyclists, and in-line skaters.

The neighborhood of Ballard was first settled by Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish immigrants and still retains its heritage with a yearly Scandinavian Festival celebrating traditional costumes, dances, and food. While in Ballard, don't miss the Hiram Chittenden Locks and the fish ladder with its underwater viewing window. Here you can observe both human and salmon travelers coming home from the sea.

In stark contrast to the sleepy character of Queen Anne and Ballard, Capitol Hill is the section of the city that never sleeps. This neighborhood seems to be riding its own caffeine buzz, with enough restaurants, pubs, and dance clubs to keep its denizens out well past most people's bedtime. Volunteer Park is a focal point, featuring the Asian Art Museum and adjoining Conservatory. Climb the historic Water Tower for unbeatable views of Lake Washington to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west.

Given Seattle's rich diversity, there is never a shortage of activity and excitement. Or maybe that’s just the coffee talking.

St. Louis | Gateway to the West

Meet Me in St. Louis

Host of the 1904 World’s Fair, visitors to the River City still enjoy the site of this historic event which produced such American classics as the hot dog bun and the ice cream cone. The 1904 World’s Fair attracted more than 20 million visitors to Forest Park and continues to attract St. Louisians and visitors today.

At 1,371 acres, Forest Park is larger than New York City’s Central Park and includes many appealing attractions. For the museum lovers, there’s the Missouri Historical Society’s History Museum and the St. Louis Art Museum. Forest Park is also home to The Muny, the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre, the award-winning St. Louis Zoo and the Jewel Box, a breathtaking floral conservatory. From ice-skating in the winter to paddle boating in the summer, Forest Park has something to offer everyone.

The Golden Arch

Visitors to the Arch can board an internal tram and climb 603 feet to the observation deck. Overlooking the Mississippi riverfront and Illinois to the east and the St. Louis skyline to the west, the Arch is a constant reminder to residents they are home.

A visit to the Arch should also include the St. Louis Riverfront and Laclede’s Landing, a 22-acre, nationally recognized historic district with cobblestone streets and cast iron street lamps. During the day you can peruse the unique shops and attractions or take a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi. At night, Laclede’s Landing comes alive with its unique restaurants and nightclubs. You can even take in downtown from a horse-drawn carriage.

Small Town With Big City Appeal

When two St. Louisians meet, they have to ask, “Where did you go to high school?” To St. Louisians, this is one of the things that make St. Louis uniquely wonderful and defines their role in the universe; another is St. Louis’ distinctive neighborhoods.

The Hill: One of the most famous St. Louis neighborhoods is The Hill. The Hill has been called America’s other “Little Italy.” This tight-knit Italian neighborhood was established in the early 1900s. Today it is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in America. Be sure and sample toasted ravioli, a classic St. Louis original recipe.

Soulard: Another one of St. Louis’ iconic neighborhoods is Soulard. Initially a home to immigrants from all over the world, Soulard’s appealing architecture and public market continue to attract people from throughout the region. Today Soulard welcomes thousands to its nationally recognized annual Mardi Gras celebration, billed as the third largest Mardi Gras parade in the world.

The Loop: The University City Loop is another distinct destination -- a six block mix of cultures. Strolling the sidewalks, you’ll find the St. Louis Walk of Fame, honoring St. Louis greats like Chuck Berry, Betty Grable, John Goodman, Bob Costas, and 106 others. The sidewalks of the Loop offer a cultural adventure, with restaurants serving cuisine from Lebanese to Thai and Ethiopian to Chinese. You can even enjoy American classics and Korean dishes under one roof. Amid the The Loop’s variety of restaurants is an impressive mix of art galleries, a tattoo shop, and several specialty stores. The sights and sounds of the Loop are a must on your St. Lou’ To Do List!

The Central West End: Eagerly anticipating an espresso? Craving a perfect cosmopolitan? How about fresh bagels? Chicken wings? Then don’t pass the Central West End! Café seating umbrellas decorate the sidewalks and streetscapes of this quaint St. Louis neighborhood like polka dots. Walk-able storefronts offer a quixotic collection of collectibles and trendy new treasures just waiting for you to take home with you.

With all of its neighborhood vibes and metro culture, St. Louis is a great place to call home.

Washington, D.C. | Local Bog Makes Good

Thinking Outside the “Box”

In addition to political influence, Washington is also home to a world-class scientific community. British scientist John Smithson paved the way for the incredible store of knowledge that’s the Smithsonian Institute, comprising fourteen museums and galleries. Admission to all is free, so don’t miss the Institute’s three crown jewels -- the museums of American History, Air and Space, and Natural History (the latter featuring its own crown jewels, including the “cursed” Hope diamond). Finally, no visit to the Mall would be complete without a stop at the National Aquarium. The popular daily feeding of the sharks and piranhas might be an apt metaphor for American politics -- not pretty perhaps, but all part of the food chain.

If you venture beyond the intensity of the Mall, you find that the District is a city of surprising charm and unexpected treasures. Witness the Cherry Blossom Festival, when thousands of blooming trees drape the shores of the Potomac like a pink feather boa. Children and adults alike marvel as giant butterflies, dragons, and unicorns take wing at the Smithsonian Kite Festival in early September. Spend a lunch hour exploring Theodore Roosevelt Island, or weeks exploring Rock Creek Park -- with over 1700 acres of hiking and cross-country ski trails, a planetarium, tennis courts, and even an 18-hole golf course. Rent a canoe for a relaxing afternoon paddle or board a white-water raft for a thrilling ride down the Potomac as it tumbles toward Great Falls.

Once you tire of the District’s great outdoors, the U.S. Botanic Garden lets you experience various exotic microclimates indoors. Do you prefer the lush humidity of the Palm House jungle canopy or the arid beauty of the World Desert? Maybe you’d like to travel back in time to the Garden Primeval and see plants that thrived during the age of dinosaurs, millions of years before man.

D.C. Culture: Highbrow and Down-Home

If it’s culture you crave, view the notable collections of master works at the National Gallery of Art or enjoy a performance at Kennedy Center. Tour the stunning National Cathedral and stay for high tea. As the birthplace of both Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye, Washington’s unique musical culture is still vibrant in the nightclubs along the U Street corridor (dubbed “Black Broadway”) and celebrated yearly at the D.C. Blues Festival.

Congenial Washingtonians, despite their sophistication, haven’t forgotten their Southern down-home roots. As you savor delicious barbecue or blue crab at the end of the day and consider everything this city has to offer, you might conclude that maybe, just maybe, Jefferson had it all wrong.