Virginia

Blue Ridge Mountains

Virginia is the next stop after the Carolinas and the beginning of the last leg of our trip. The invisible line between the North and South is drawn here and every acre is packed with some saga of national significance, be it the USA’s colonization, Revolution or Civil War.

Jefferson Davis Monument - Richmond

According to the Lonely Planet "Richmond is welcoming, warm and offers the chance to witness an almost unique phenomenon: the gradual absorption of a traditional Southern city into the international milieu of the Northeast Corridor".

 

Richmond

Richmond is home to many significant structures, including some designed by notable architects. The city contains diverse styles, including significant examples of Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, among others.

Virginia State Capitol

The Landmark Theater

Lutheran Church - Richmond

Main Street Station - Richmond

Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. The city's tourism-based economy is driven by Colonial Williamsburg, an open-air, living history museum in the restored Historic Area of the city.

Governors Palace - Williamsburg

Historic District - Williamsburg

The Carolinas

At this stage of our trip we might be running out of time and gas. Every time I start researching another state there is so much to see and do that I want to squeeze in as much as possible.

On one hand it's good as we might not have the opportunity to do a trip like this again but on the other hand I don't want to rush things and get exhausted before completing the 2 months. If only we had more time!

With this in mind we are considering driving through Virginia all the way to the Carolinas. A good friend of mine called Bryan Calloway, who is from Charlotte, always said that Charlotte is one of the prettiest town in the world and I must go and visit it one day.

Charlotte skyline

North Carolina is famous for the business-oriented urban centres of the central Piedmont as well as for the scenic routes along the coast and those through the Appalachian Mountains, especially along the unforgettable Blue Ridge Parkway.

Cullasaja falls - Nantahala National Forest

Appalachian Mountains

Reading about the Carolinas I came across this description from the Lonely Planet: "Cross the border of South Carolina and plunge back in time. For a traveler heading down the eastern seaboard, venturing into South Carolina marks the beginning of the Deep South, where the air is hotter, the accents are thicker and traditions are clung to with even more fervor"

Charleston

The cradle of the Civil War, Charleston is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southeast. Charleston is also a city for strolling, for admiring the architecture, for stopping to smell the blooming jasmine, the gardenia and honeysuckle.

Residential garden in Charleston

Time permitting we can start to make our way up to Washington DC through Virginia and perhaps stop in Williamsburg to recharge our batteries.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Online help

Last month The Guardian started a six-part series exploring the USA. I was very excited about it and will be looking out for it every month. I will be able to get fantastic travel tips and will certainly add it to my entries from now on. They will be "Note to self" entries so I won't forget it when I'm there.

There is an online contribution page for people who have been to where Jacob Steinberg is going. I will be dipping in and out for tips on where to stay, eat, visit etc. The website is https://witness.guardian.co.uk 

The Guardian website

West Virginia

Charleston

If you were born in the sixties like me you will probably remember the American series Daniel Boone. Charleston was featured in the series as it was home to the frontier hero who gave his name to the series. Charleston has changed a lot since then and is today the modern and sophisticated capital of West Virginia.

Daniel Boone TV series

The State Capitol, with its gleaming 23-karat gold dome and classic 20th-century architecture, is very impressive. Most of the city's major landmarks are located right around the Capitol, making it easy to see everything.

Charleston State Capitol

I was told that If you are into history and culture you will want to spend some time at the Cultural Centre, which includes a state museum, reference and archive libraries, a theatre and plays host to special events throughout the year.

The Cultural Centre

For those who prefer outdoor endeavours, more than a hundred miles of spectacular scenery await you on the Midland Trail scenic highway, also known as U.S. Route 60.

Midland Trail

Time permitting, I would like to check out the Kanawha Forest with more than 9,000 acres of exploration and recreation just south of town.

Kanawha Falls

Initially we would only go to Charleston on our way to the Carolinas but while I was doing some research I came across Harpers Ferry. The place looked so beautiful that I wanted to include it in our trip while in West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry

From their official website I found this description of Harpers Ferry: "A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past. Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and battlefields. Spend a day or a weekend. We have something for everyone, so come and discover Harpers Ferry!"

National Historic Park

Shenandoah Street

St Peter's Church

Dry Goods Store

However, it might be easier and quicker to go there once we reach Washington. We might even be able to drive along the Potomac river all the way there.

Potomac River

Ohio

Roebling Suspension Bridge

Ohio will be our next stop and I do hope we are not too tired by then to enjoy the lovely walks and interesting places that I found when researching attractions in Ohio.

Washington Park

Cincinnati can be the perfect place to recharge our batteries after busy Chicago. We can always chill out in Washington Park, listen to some fantastic music at the Cincinnati Music Hall and go for a stroll by the Riverwalk.

Cincinnati Music Hall

Cincinnati Music Hall

Riverwalk

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is a gothic cathedral that has a design similar to Notre Dame in Paris.

Cathedral of the Assumption

The American Sign Museum is the home to a visual history of American Signage from 1870 through 1970. Hand carved wooden signs, gold leaf, electric light bulbs, and neon all grace the walls and tell amazing stories.

American Sign Museum

If we have time I would like to go to The Cincinnati Observatory Centre- a nineteenth-century observatory, designated as a National Historic Landmark, also known as the "Birthplace of American Astronomy."

Observatory Centre

We are planning to stop in Columbus before heading to West Virginia.

Short North

The Short North is THE neighbourhood to visit when you’re in Columbus. Apparently there’s a Gallery Hop first Saturday of every month. I was told to be sure to hit a few of the art galleries, a few of the stores, and a few of the restaurants and bars. Note to self: Go to Betty’s Fine Food and Spirits, The Surly Girl Saloon, the Bristol Bar, Skully’s Music Diner, Rosendale’s, and Goodale Park.

Short North

The North Market is a great spot to shop for food, gifts, and try a variety of ethnic foods for lunch or to go.

North Market

North Market

The German Village is a historic community on the southern end of downtown Columbus and it is filled with beautifully restored homes as well as a few well placed shops, stores, restaurants and more. Note to self: Go to The Book Loft, Schiller Park, Banana Bean Cafe, Schmidt's, Thurman Café and First Watch.

German Village

If we get to Columbus in the beginning of summer we should go to the Franklin Park Conservatory for the annual butterfly exhibit as well as the botanical exhibits.

Franklin Park Observatory

Easton Town Center has a mix of dining options, entertainment venues, and outdoor performance art.

Easton Town Center

Dining in Columbus gets its own special mention. M, Cap City, Spagio, Basi Italia, Northstar Cafe, Jack & Benny’s, Due Amici, and Latitude 41 are worth checking out I was told.

Illinois

Springfield State Capitol

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the home to former President Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln Tomb

Major tourist attractions include a multitude of historic sites connected with Lincoln. These include the Lincoln Home, a National Historical Park, the Lincoln Tomb, the Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Old State Capitol

Senate Chamber

I guess that after the success of Spielberg’s film – Lincoln, many people will be heading to Springfield.

Chicago skyline

There’s so much to do and see in Chicago that we would need at least a month to see it all. From fantastic skyscrapers to magnificent parks and museums you are spoilt for choice in Chicago.We will have to pick a few of the most popular sites to visit as we also want to enjoy the food, music and sports that the city offers in abundance. I have done an internet search to get the top 10 attractions in Chicago and the entries below are the ones we most definitely would like to see.

Willis Tower (former Sears Tower)

The Sears Tower or Willis Tower as it is called now, is the tallest Chicago skyscraper, 442 meter (1451ft).The Sears Tower's observation deck - known as the Skydeck - is one of Chicago's most popular attractions. At 1,353 ft or 412 m, it's Chicago's highest observatory. The most spectacular attraction at the skydeck is 'the ledge', a glass balcony extending 4.3 ft where you can look straight down. The balconies offer spectacular views over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.

Skydeck

In 1927 the pier was renamed Navy Pier in honour of World War I veterans. After the war it served as the Chicago branch of the University of Illinois. In 1965 the university moved to its new location and the Navy Pier started to decay. A renovation project started in 1992.The result is a very successful recreational centre next to Chicago's downtown area. Thanks to its many attractions and 50 acres of parks and gardens it attracts more than 8 million visitors each year.

Navy Pier

Millennium Park is seen by many Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The 24.5 acre (10 ha) Millennium Park is a magnificent modern park with state of the art facilities, unique public artwork and beautiful gardens. The Cloud Gate, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor is a bean-shaped structure inspired by liquid mercury and is among the largest sculpture of its kind in the world, measuring 66-feet long by 33-feet high (20 x 10 meter). The shiny material reflects the magnificent Chicago skyline. The 12-foot-high arch (3.7m) in the middle of the sculpture serves as a gate and welcomes visitors to walk under the structure, touch the steel, and view the distorted reflections of themselves and their companions.

Millennium Park

Chicago's Field Museum is considered one of the finest natural history museums in the U.S. It even gained national acclaim when Steven Spielberg made it the home base for the esteemed archaeologist in his Indiana Jones movies.

Field Museum

The Art Institute is one of the most photographed landmarks in Chicago. The two huge lions that greet visitors at the entrance to the museum were designed and crafted by sculptor Edward Kemeys in 1894. The museum's collection of Impressionist Art is certainly one of the finest in the country and lovers of Claude Monet will be especially thrilled. Also highly acclaimed is the Art Institute's exhibit of contemporary American and European works in the Modern Wing, where you'll find stunning works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.

The Art Institute

If we are in Chicago during the American football season we will probably try to get tickets to see the Chicago Bears at the Soldier Field.

Soldier Field

True Blues fans know - There is only one place in Chicago to experience the finest Blues seven nights a week, enjoy southern Cajun soul food, and behold a major archive of Blues memorabilia. That place is Buddy Guy's Legends. That is according to their official website and we are sure to check it out.

Buddy Guy's Legends

Note to self:
Chicago
 
Music: Cubby Bear - www.cubbybear.com, Kingston Mines - www.kingstonmines.com, Dusty Groove - www.dustygroove.com, Chess Records - www.bluesheaven.com, Lincoln Hall - www.lincolnhallchicago.com

Food: Mr. Beef - www.mrbeefonorleans.com, Big Star - www.bigstarchicago.com, Taco Joint - 1969 North Halsted, Antique Taco - www.antiquetaco.com