Author: Charlotte Gill

Tampa has been blessed with one of the best year round climates on the American continent, attracting a host of outgoing twenty-somethings from across the US. There are over 160 parks and plenty of beaches in which to enjoy the weather, while the youthful citizenry have generated a fantastic cultural scene replete with innovative arts and excellent nightlife opportunities.

They’re bringing money with them too. Traditionally a strong phosphate exporter and a key player in the manufacture and distribution of Cuban cigars, the service sector in the city is booming as international companies seek to tap the young and educated populace. The downtown cityscape is impressive and there’s an air of refinement about much of the city, despite the cost of living remaining below the national average. Forbes rate it as one of America’s most liveable cities; it’s not hard to see why its one of the fastest growing.

Where to stay
A haven for wildlife and businessmen alike, the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay has a stunning backdrop and the Renaissance International Plaza blends perfect service with a grand piece of architecture. The Wingate hotels are also favourites with business visitors.

Where to eat
The stylish Catch Twenty Three, in West Park Village, serves only the freshest seafood. Donatello is a great Italian and has become something of a local institution; Mise en Place bistro is held in similarly high regard, with a fresh daily menu that combines traditional comfort with eclectic creativity.

What to see
Tampa has a host of wildlife attractions, including the excellent zoo in Busch Gardens, the Big Cat Rescue Centre, a superb Aquarium and an Electric Manatee Viewing Centre. Busch Gardens itself is something of a theme park; if that’s not your thing, Ybor City State Museum has some excellent exhibitions relating to the region’s history.

You may think you don’t know St Louis, but you probably do; the iconic Gateway Arch is one of the most photographed buildings in America. This charming American city has a happy knack for feeling like home and you could easily mistake the guy in the street for your next door neighbour. Most citizens love nothing more than a beer and a ball game; baseball is the local favourite but almost any sport will do. Even the St Louis Art Museum feels familiar, if impressive, which has a collection of international favourites by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Picasso.

The iconic arch, though, is more than just a monument; it’s a tribute to St Louis’ history as the ‘Gateway to the West’. Named for Louis IX, taken by the Spanish during the Seven Years War, transferred back to France and then sold to the United States, it played a key role in the country’s westward expansion. There’s plenty of heritage and history to explore here beside being a great place to experience everyday US.

Where to stay
Marriott’s Renaissance Grand lives is as comfortable inside as it is visually impressive from without. The Frontenac Hilton is also a great choice for its colonial style trappings. Some great local alternatives are Beall Mansion and the MoonRise Hotel.

Where to eat
The oak-fired oven at Eleven Eleven Mississippi produces some top class food in a renovated old factory. Big Sky Cafe, Niche and Harvest are all great alternatives that devote themselves to serving the freshest food.

What to see
The soaring Gateway Arch is likely to attract several photo opportunities, but there’s plenty more here; The Contemporary Mildred Lane Kemper art museums are well worth a visit, as is the more broadly focussed city musuem; Missouri Botanical Gardens are a picturesque, tranquil retreat.

It can be a challenge to sit still in Seattle. Flanked by the Olympic and Cascade mountains and pressed up against the shores of two great lakes, not to mention the verdant forest that has given it the nickname ‘Emerald City’, it can be hard to fight the urge to get out an explore.

Yet equally the city lends itself to lazy afternoons spent in philosophical discussion in one of its famous coffee houses, or perusing the latest in contemporary art at a new gallery opening in Belltown. There are more university graduates in Seattle than any other city in the US, and the liberal, forward-thinking culture it is famed for can be intoxicating from the first few tastes.

This is also a city of neighbourhoods, one where urban planning has long since taken a back seat to the natural expression of its distinct and varied localities; from the teeming fish markets on the Puget Sound waterfront to the refined nightlife of Georgetown there’s plenty to experience and explore.

Where to stay
Pan-Pacific Seattle is a Travellers’ Choice award winning hotel which has a perfect set-up for business travellers with a great central location. Hotel 1000 is another great downtown option with superb levels of service and comfort.

Where to eat
Canlis has been around since the 1950s yet remains as fashionable with foodies today as it was then. Quinns is more informal, with a vibrant atmosphere and a great menu that mixes traditional comfort food with more creative American fare.

What to see
A ferry to Bainbridge makes for an excellent afternoon’s diversion; Seattle’s dramatic geography is best viewed from the water. Washington Park Arboretum showcases more of nature’s finest and can be explored by footpath or canal. The Museum of Flight is just one of many superb museums.

While the rest of California reeled in the aftermath of the dotcom crash, San Diego continued to quietly get on with business. Though it lacks the wow factor of Los Angeles or the angelic beauty of San Francisco, the pleasant moderation of this green and open city can be a welcome breath of fresh air. There’s little glamour or ostentation, despite a host of beautiful sandy beaches, modern skyscrapers and a rapidly regenerating downtown. Even the weather is overwhelmingly understated.

Which is probably why this is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country; much of California can leave you with that ‘nice place to visit’ taste on your tongue, but there’s such a laid back quality and ease of living to San Diego that this is somewhere you’ll genuinely want to stay. The people are far more concerned with how they feel than how they look – fitness is the local obsession – and public spaces are always full of beautiful, smiling faces, with much of life being lived outdoors.

Where to stay
Omni San Diego caters for business with class and views of the Petco Park baseball stadium are a bonus. The stylish ‘W’ has a great reputation for service, while the Hotel del Coronado takes full advantage of its stunning beach-front location.

Where to eat
Bertrand at Mister A’s is an excellent American restaurant that boasts superb views of the city skyline. Baci Ristorante has a superb modern Italian menu in the old town, while Milles Fleurs is top for French cuisine.

What to see
San Diego has some excellent animal attractions, from the impressive Sea World and San Diego Zoo to whale watching tours at sea. There’s also a great deal of gorgeous Spanish heritage to be found in the old town.

From rather modest beginnings in 1847, when it was founded as a Mormon retreat by the prophet Brigham Young, Salt Lake City boomed with the laying of the first transcontinental railway through the town. Originally populated by religious converts, the discovery of mineral wealth in the surrounding country brought greater economic prosperity, and today the greater metropolitan area is home to over one million people.

It’s still home to a strong Mormon contingent, not to mention the head of the Mormon Church, but the stunning highland setting and economic prosperity has attracted a diverse range of immigrants and thrill-seekers that have made it remarkably progressive. The Wasatch Mountains in its back yard are a world class arena for hiking and climbing, while the 2002 Winter Olympics brought the city greater prominence as a centre for sports on snow and ice. The event also seemed to serve as a springboard for the city’s creativity; the art scene is thriving and there are plenty of talented young chefs.

Where to stay
The Goldener Hirsch Inn has a distinctly alpine feel and the cosy rooms are warm and welcoming at the end of a long day. The delicious décor at Hotel Monaco is just one reason to stay; great service and facilities are two more.

Where to eat
Bambara serves a top class, creative menu in an atmospheric dining room pulsing with life and energy; the fine dining experience at Tuscany is more refined and sedate, with some classic scenery to enjoy with the food.

What to see
The Renaissance Capitol building is a great place to start, while Clark Planetarium is a fantastic window to the stars. This is a great base for a variety of winter sports, too; if you’re not the active type there’s a great theatrical scene to enjoy.

“Give me liberty or give me death!” Thus spoke Patrick Henry at the 1775 Virginia convention in Richmond, attended by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, seen by historians as one of the key moments in the early days of the Revolutionary War. This is a former capital of the Confederacy on the site where John Smith met Pocahontas, the first ironclad war vessel was built and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed, among many other key moments in American history.

There’s plenty of heritage to explore, but Richmond also has some stunning natural wealth and beautiful parks in which to lose yourself. This is also one of the most multicultural cities in the US and despite inevitable inequalities the largely harmonious racial relations make for a diverse and interesting cultural scene. So whether it’s colonial heritage and ancient battlefields, the peace and tranquillity of botanical gardens or a swinging city scene that makes you tick, you’ll find a little bit of Richmond to call your own.

Where to stay
There are some great views of the river, particularly from the upper floor suites, at the Omni Richmond; the rooms are also comfortable and service exceptional. The Westin is extremely well-appointed and carries a commitment to customer service that goes above and beyond.

Where to eat
Comfort lives up to its name; if you want something warm and filling to leave a glow on your cheeks, this is your place. Renovated Millie’s has kept the old American diner feel, complete with jukebox, but in truth this is one of Richmond’s finest dining experiences.

What to see
Besides being an impressive building with beautiful grounds, the Virginia State Capitol is also a piece of American history. Maymont gardens are stunning in spring, summer or autumn.

Colloquially known as “The Steel City” due to the former prominence of the industry, Pittsburgh has successfully reinvented itself as a diverse centre for sectors such as healthcare, technology and financial services. There’s a fresh and refined feel that belies its industrial reputation; in many ways, it’s one of America’s best kept secrets.

Sat snugly astride the confluence of two major rivers running into a third, with the picturesque wallpaper of the Allegheny Mountains on the horizon, the steely smog of the past has lifted to reveal a striking natural setting. An architectural renaissance has created a city replete with retro chic and postmodern vision, not to mention an appreciation for open space that goes far beyond the green and plentiful parks. It may lack the glamour and wow factor of many other American cities, but its understated charm is part of the attraction; it’s a very difficult city to dislike.

Where to stay
The Hampton Inn & Suites is unpretentious and friendly, with spacious rooms and free parking, though it might be slightly out of the way. The four-star Renaissance has a more central location and a great range of amenities in comfortable rooms.

Where to eat
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is one of the best for locally sourced fresh fish; Dish Osteria is another top name on the seafood scene, though the influences are more Italian than American. The original Primanti Brothers is a local institution for its large and unusual sandwiches.

What to see
The Andy Warhol Museum has a great collection by Pittsburgh’s most famous artist and pop art pioneer, while the Carnegie Museum of Art has a more classical collection. The Carnegie Science centre will bring out your inner child. The tram at Monongahela Incline has been carrying passengers up Mount Washington since 1870.