Public Servant Lifestyle

There's plenty to see and do across the 'Big Pond' in the good old US of A. We take a sampling of just some of the 'must-see' places while you're there.

The United States of America (USA), being a relatively-young country, the huge numbers of immigrants have left it with a completely unique cultural mix. This is a land where native Indian culture rubs shoulders with the most glitzy of ultra-modern lifestyles.

NEW MEXICO

Arizona

Arizona is home to the most famous of America’s natural landmarks, the Grand Canyon. Four hundred and forty miles long, ten miles wide and a mile deep the sheer size of this multi-layered and multicolored canyon has to be seen to be believed. The ages of the rocks in the canyon are anywhere between 250 and two billion years old. A short hike or donkey-ride up the hill sides are the most visually rewarding, whilst rafting down the white waters of the Colorado River is the most exhilarating of experiences.

Follow this link for more information on New Mexico.

Death Valley

California’s Death Valley is the place to see stark scenery and bask in scorching sunlight. The dunes, craters and mountains are much more inhabitable than the name suggests, and plant and animal life has adapted well to the conditions here. Scenic areas of note include the Ubehebe Crater, Artists Palette, the Eureka Dunes and Dante’s View.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is a fine example of Georgian architecture. This was originally constructed as colony headquarters called Pennsylvania State House, and is the site upon which the Declaration of Independence was approved, the Constitutional Convention was held, and the US flag was designed.

Jamestown

Jamestown, Virginia was founded back in May of 1607 when Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant moored in deep waters off the peninsula between the James and York rivers and 104 men and boys disembarked. It was the first permanent English settlement on the continent but was doomed to failure because of starvation, disease and attacks by Native Americans.

In 1619 the first representative assembly met and Jamestown served as Virginia's capital from then until 1699. When the state house had been burned for a fourth time, the settlers accepted that they had chosen a poor site and they moved inland to what is now Williamsburg. The original Jamestown is now a collection of ruins, historical markers, visitor centres and ongoing archaeological digs.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is arguably the most self-involved of American cities. It is never out of the media, from film to magazine. Navigation of this sprawling area is tricky, as it is a mass of motorways and suburbs. The birthplace of the archetypal American Dream, the atmosphere here is distinctly extrovert.

If star-hunting and media icons thrill you then you are in the right place: Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard are where the rich and famous are to be seen. For the extrovert and film-star-want-to-bees Melrose, Venice Beach, Malibu and Beverly Hills are the places to be. For things to do you will struggle to beat Disneyland or Universal Studios theme parks for glitz and spectacle. For a trip to reality, try Little Tokyo or El Pueblo de Los Angeles.

FLORIDA

Miami

Miami is a city going through a dramatic transitional phase. Gone are the images of drug dealing, street murder and the mid-60s Cuban refugee crisis and in come the art centres and cultural front-runners looking for sanctuary from New York. The city is now declaring itself the most wonderful place in America, and the sight of Miami Beach itself, with clear blue water and white sand, does no harm to the hype. Ocean Drive is the epicentre of this new culture, made up of fashionable cafes to one side and the area's most renowned beach spot on the other. Do not miss the Holocaust Memorial for one of the most exquisite and moving experiences you will ever find.

Florida’s numerous cultural, sporting and dining options make ‘going out’ in the place a question of ‘how much can we do’ rather than ‘what is there to do?’ In fact, there are so many things to do in Florida, you really will be spoilt for choice, no matter how many visits you make.

Here's a handy guide to just a few of the great attractions:

The John F. Kennedy Space Center (formerly 'Cape Canaveral')

An impressive visitor complex of attractions and theme parks close to NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) world-famous launch headquarters. Billed as: “the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.” For once, the hype seems to be true – the exploration of space is such a truly staggering endeavour to catch even a glimpse of this that is a truly out of this world day out.

Among many other things the complex houses the U.S. 'Astronaut Hall of Fame', The International Space Station Center, the IMAX® Space Films cinema - and of course the world’s largest retail ‘Space Gift Shop’ for those all-important souvenirs! A must for all fans of all things space-age – as well as anyone interested in the modern history, engineering – or just HUGE launch vehicles with MASSIVE engines!

Around 45 minutes drive from most of the other Orlando attractions The John F. Kennedy Space Center is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day and certain launch days) from 9am until 7pm. The Astronaut Hall of Fame is open between 10am and 8pm. Visit the website for admissions charge – which varies from $16.00 to close to $60.00 – depending on what you choose to do on your visit.

Follow this link for a full feature on visiting The John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Alternatively, visit The John F. Kennedy Space Center's own website.

Constitution Convention State Museum

In North Florida, political history enthusiasts and visitors alike can take a step back in time with a visit to the Constitution Convention State Museum in Port St. Joe. Here, you can pay tribute the site of Florida’s first Constitution Convention and learn about the work of the men who wrote Florida’s first constitution in 1838. Their achievements are memorialized in the museum where the convention hall setting is recreated with life-size delegates and where audio-animated mannequins portray the key historical roles.

Continue on your journey of discovering Florida’s past and travel west from Port St. Joe to Tallahassee, Florida, the state’s capital, where Mission San Luis awaits. Mission San Luis functioned as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704 and, at one time, enjoyed a population of more than 1,400 Apalachee Indians. Today, Mission San Luis hosts costumed living history interpreters on the third Saturday of every month, while the visitor centre offers a number of hands-on exhibits and provides an opportunity to examine archaeological collections.

For more information, visit the Florida State Parks website.

Fort Caroline National Memorial

Travel even further back in time with a visit to Jacksonville, Florida, where the Fort Caroline National Memorial commemorates the French effort to establish a permanent colony in Florida in 1564. Since the Spanish settlement to the South (San Agustin) captured Fort Caroline only a year later in 1565, there are no remains from the original settlement.

Today, however, the site offers a near full-scale rendering of the fort and a number of stimulating exhibits in the visitor centre, all of which combine to provide a real-life glimpse of the French colony, their interaction with the native Timucua and the colonists' brief struggle for survival.

While adults peruse the exhibits, kids can delight in the ‘Mystery Box,’ a hands-on activity that provides children the opportunity to discover shells, animal bones and a sampling of local plant life. Both kids and adults alike can also enjoy the Saltmarsh Program, which includes a live demonstration of seine net fishing.

For more information, visit the Fort Caroline National Memorial website.

St. Augustine

To learn more about the Spanish settlement that captured Fort Caroline, travel south to St. Augustine - America’s oldest continually settled municipality - that settled in 1565, 39 years before the first settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.

Walking in St. Augustine is like taking a trip through the pages of history, with its cobbled streets, quaint old-time architecture and live exhibits demonstrating cooking techniques, blacksmithing, candle-making and other crafts. History, not only of Florida but of the United States, comes alive in St. Augustine, where you can visit the Oldest House, the Oldest Wooden School House in the USA, the Oldest Store and the Old Jail.

For the perfect match of history, culture and beauty, travel to Florida’s east coast and experience St. Augustine is hard to beat with the family. As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine amazes visitors with its ancient cobblestone streets and its quaint cafes. Charming bed and breakfasts enchant families with their relaxing atmosphere, and their almost-like-home feeling.

A host of historical landmarks and attractions, such as the 310-year-old Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, allow the kids to travel back to the early Spanish empire in the New World. St. Augustine also offers families a host of contemporary attractions, yet they pride themselves on cherishing the old world. So, whether grandma and grandpa want to dive into the Fountain of Youth, or the kids want to be amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the welcoming walls of this ancient city will leave the whole family pleasantly surprised.

For more information, visit the Old City website.

Ybor City Museum State Park

Voyage forward several centuries in history with a visit to Ybor City and discover the area where Spanish-born Vicente Martinez Ybor arrived in 1886 to establish a centre for cigar manufacturing. Located near Tampa, Ybor City attracted cigar makers from Spain, Cuba and Italy and the colourful culture of these groups remain in tact today.

Downtown Ybor City delights visitors with architecture from the time period, including wrought iron balconies, globe streetlights and brick-lined walkways, while culture and entertainment opportunities abound. The Ybor City Museum State Park covers approximately one-half of a city block and includes an ornamental garden and restored cigar workers’ houses. The Museum also offers authentic cigar rolling demonstrations, where visitors can witness a Cuban cigar roller hand rolling cigars.

For more information visit the Ybor City Museum State Park website.

Fort Myers

South of Ybor City in Fort Myers, visitors can enjoy delights of another era past with visits to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s winter estates. While the Edison home contains many antiques and appliances of years gone by, guests will discover many innovations that aren’t present even in today’s modern homes. In addition to the sprawling homes, the estates are home to one of America’s most exotic gardens, containing many of the same plants that Edison imported from around the world. Visitors to the estate will be amazed by Edison’s lab, which was home to a number of experiments by Edison in his later years.

For more information, visit the Eddison-Ford Estates website.

Gatorland

Seeing is believing with a trip to one of Florida’s variety of attractions and sights. Visitors to Florida often look to see if they can spot one of the infamous alligators roaming around one of Florida’s many lakes and canals, but for a sure sighting head to Gatorland, the alligator capital of the world. This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve is home to more than 1,000 alligators and 200 crocodiles. Filled with educational games for children, endless numbers of ways to view the alligators and a miniature water park, visitors to Gatorland can be assured of an experience like no other.

For more informatrion, visit the Gatorland website.

Apalachicola National Forest

While the Sunshine State is deservedly famous for theme parks and thrilling attractions: the glitz and glamour of the roller coasters and palm trees, this state is also home to approximately 4,000 miles of nature trails - from the depths of the Everglades to the heights of the tallest trees in the Apalachicola National Forest. These parks and trails offer excellent opportunities for discovering the unique natural beauty of Florida's wildlife, by land or sea. Whether your preferred method of transportation along Florida's trails is a horse, a bike, a kayak or your own two feet, an assortment of options exist for the backwoods traveller.

From Pensacola to Key West, a wide variety of nature trails are available for public use across the state of Florida. While the mention of a ‘trail’ often evokes thoughts of hiking tree lined paths with a walking stick, Florida also has many unique water trails twisting throughout the interior of the state.

Though surrounded by water on three sides, Florida's interior is also bathed in water due to ‘Karst topography,’ (this is an irregular situation in which a thin layer of topsoil sits on top of soft limestone). The limestone is continually eroded by groundwater, leaving gaping holes in the rock. These holes collect water resulting in lakes, rivers and springs. This invisible source of water creates a unique condition that provides Florida with 7,800 lakes, 1,700 rivers and creeks, and more than 350 springs. The deepest known spring in the world is located at Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee, Florida!

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Florida's water trails abound in a wide variety of ecological wonders such as mangroves, many different types of birds, sunken rivers, caverns and even the occasional manatee family moseying along. All of Florida's major cities are within one hour of a paddling trail, with plenty of opportunity for kayaking and canoeing. No technical paddling skills are needed, making these water trails appropriate for beginning or recreational kayakers and canoeists.

Another organization providing recreational opportunities through conservation is the Rails to Trails Conservancy. This national effort creates a network of public nature trails from abandoned railway lines. Often times these lines stretch through undeveloped pieces of land, creating an exciting riding surface and an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. More than 30 trails of this type have been created in Florida, offering a multitude of activities such as hiking, biking, rollerblading and horseback riding. With Florida's warm climate and gentle terrain, these trails are suitable for both novice and experienced bikers and hikers.

For more information, visit the Rails to Trails Conservancy website.

The Great Florida Birding Trail

Closer inspection of the many ecological delights of Florida reveals a total of more than 470 verified species of birds, making Florida something of a giant aviary. Fortunately, many trails in Florida are designed around bird habitats, creating an amazing opportunity to discover and observe Florida's diverse species of birds. The Great Florida Birding Trail unifies birding sites through a series of clusters in different regions of the state.

Each cluster, selected because of its great bird-watching or bird education opportunities, highlights special ecosystems and communities of birds. Florida is home to an incredible variety of birds that are rare and nonexistent in other parts of the United States, including the Florida burrowing owl and the scrub-jay.

For more information, visit the Great Florida Birding Trail website.

Siesta Public Beach

For fun in the sun, Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota is the place. This family-friendly beach has shallow waters for the kiddies and year-round lifeguards. Equipped with plenty of picnic tables, recreational fields, an incredible playground and much more, this ultimate getaway has something for everyone in the family.

While the kids have a ball at the popular Turtle Beach, mom and dad can enjoy some much-deserved R&R on the whitest sands in Florida. If heat is a concern, don’t worry. Grandma and grandpa will never get too hot on this beach. Siesta’s reflective quartz sand will keep the entire family’s feet cool, and its cold drinks, served at its concession stands, will quench your thirst. These sensational shores not only appeal to the eye, but also make huge splashes for beach goers, young and old.

For more informatrion, visit the Siesta Public Beach website.

Everglades National Park

For families seeking to explore the outdoors together, Florida has another great destination awaiting you. The only subtropical preserve in North America, Everglades National Park is nature’s playground. With its luscious wetlands and more than 150 miles of canoeing and walking trials, this reserve will excite a family of nature lovers of all ages. Bring the kids and take part in a slue of outdoor activities, from hiking and bicycling, to camping in the wilderness.

Alternatively, grandparents can simply relax on one of the park’s three boat or tram tours. While on the tour, observe the fascinating bird life, including the wading Wood Storks or Great Blue Herons, or catch a glimpse of the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. With so many things to see and do at the Everglades National Park, plan to stay for more than one night.

For more information, visit the Everglades National Park website.

Walt Disney World

If the family can’t decide between swanky shopping, beautiful beaches, historical highlights or nature at its best, combine them all with a visit to Walt Disney World, where you are bound to find something to please everyone. In the heart of central Florida, this fun-filled themed park is adjacent to one Orlando’s best shopping districts, which includes the Mall at Millenia and the Premium Outlets.

If the kids can’t take their minds off the sandy shores, Blizzard Beach will do the trick. With its slippery slides and its thrilling rides, this water park is sure to make a splash with the whole family. Epcot will have grandma and grandpa enjoying a magnificent cultural experience, as they travel around the globe with its spectacular shows and wondrous attractions.

For more information, visit the Walt Disney World website.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For the nature lovers in the family, Disney’s Animal Kingdom allows visitors to travel to the heart of the African motherland without leaving the country. Plan an evening for the whole family in Downtown Disney, where they can be amazed at the wonders of Cirque de Soleil La Nouba, rock out at the House of Blues or, for the grown-ups, dance the night away at one of the 25 themed clubs in Pleasure Island. If that’s not enough, try one of its fabulous resorts. The family can have a taste of Hawaii at the Polynesian resort or a sense of the outdoors at the Wilderness Lodge. Walt Disney World has everything a family could want for a vacation.

For more information, visit the Disney’s Animal Kingdom website.

Greenways and Trails

Greenways and Trails, a division of Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, is one organization that makes it easy to discover Florida's natural side through a state-wide system of 11 trails and greenways for both recreation and conservation purposes. Greenways and Trails, in conjunction with Florida State Parks, also provides trails through 12 state parks. Many of these parks offer campsites and cabins for overnight stays.

The Florida Trail Association, a non-profit private partner with Greenways and Trails, offers information and guidebooks about the many trails in Florida. The Florida Trail Association also hosts many activities throughout the year, including guided hiking tours and even maintenance hikes to ensure proper upkeep of the trails.

Although close in proximity to Florida's top tourism spots, the slower pace of Florida's natural side offers a complementary alternative to the bustle of crowds. This creates a unique experience for visitors to observe and experience nature in a temperate and beautiful setting.

Destin Fishing Rodeo

Every October, fishermen flock to Destin - long renowned as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,’ - to participate in the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo and try their luck at searching for king mackerel, marlin, grouper and more. Fishermen compete for daily, weekly and overall prizes in men’s, women’s and junior angler categories throughout the month. For those land dwellers, Destin has an abundance of shops and golf courses to keep you occupied. Don’t miss a visit to AJ’s, a beachfront restaurant and the official weigh-in site for the rodeo, to watch the boats arrive and enjoy the fresh catches.

For more information, visit the Destin Fishing Rodeo website.

Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens

In addition to Florida’s numerous festivals, fall is the perfect season to stroll through Florida’s various scenic gardens. Cool breezes and affordable admission prices make fall the ideal time to treat yourself to a leisurely walk amidst vibrant flowers, soothing waters and native wildlife. Plentiful throughout the state, Florida’s more than 40 luscious gardens can easily be added to your itinerary regardless of your vacation destination.

Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, is home to the tranquil Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens. The heart of these gardens is the lush greenery and leafy foliage arrangements, which stimulate the senses.

The Camellia Walk, one of several paths at Maclay Gardens, displays a striking contrast of dark green leaves and pale blossoms. A sheltered trail leads to the intimate Secret Garden, surrounded by delicate leaves, overgrown trees and a ground sprinkled with pine needles. Enjoy a visit to the gardens for nature’s finest relaxation and serenity.

For more information, visit the Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens website.

Maria Selby Botanical Gardens

For flower fans (and there are plenty about, Florida has it’s own ‘State Flower’ – the Orange Blossom) why not try the Maria Selby Botanical Gardens.

For orchid enthusiasts in particular, the Maria Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota offers a dazzling floral experience. Named one of America’s ‘Top Ten Botanical Gardens’ by Country Living Gardener Magazine in 2003, Selby Gardens has won several international orchid prizes for its collection of 6,000 vibrant orchids displayed in an open-air, under-glass museum. The rich hues of these blooms are most attractive to the colourful at heart and will stop any passers-by in their tracks.

For more information, visit the Maria Selby Botanical Gardens website.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Slightly more exotic is South Florida’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This distinctive 83-acre botanic garden offers a broad assortment of rare tropical plants and is a leader in tropical plant research. Visitors lose themselves in the new Keys Coastal Habitat with mangroves and native Florida species and forget they are near the heart of vibrant Miami. Currently in development is a lush rainforest, which displays labelled tropical plants from around the world that will teach visitors the importance of preserving these unique environments.

For more information, visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden website.

Butterfly World

Enjoy the opportunity to experience life among the tranquil butterflies at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. The world’s largest butterfly habitat, Butterfly World is home to thousands of brilliantly coloured butterflies, eight species of hummingbirds and a wide variety of tropical plants. Guests can explore a Tropical Rain Forest, walk among exotic gardens filled with fluttering butterflies, and hand feed rainbow coloured Lorikeet birds. This natural paradise offers a breathtaking experience you don’t want to miss!

For more information, visit the Butterfly World website.

Daytona International Speedway

For the adventurous (and speed junkies!), visit Daytona USA, the Official Attraction of NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway. Challenge each other to the renowned 16-second pit stop challenge or race each other in one of the Daytona Dream Laps simulator rides. For those lovebirds who aren’t as daring, Daytona USA also offers Speedway tours, the New IMAX NASCAR 3D, Daytona 500: The Movie, and a historic tour of racing in Daytona.

For more information, visit the Daytona International Speedway website.

For more about the rest of the 'Sunshine' State of Florida, follow this link.

Mount Vernon

The second-most-visited historic site in America is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home for many years. The estate has been fully restored to all its former grandeur and gives an insight to life on the plantation. For all the house and grounds' splendour, the sight of farm machinery and history shows remind the visitor of the farm's functional design and purpose.

New Orleans

New Orleans has an 'untamed' feel about it and it is this atmosphere that makes it so appealing. It is a place you will either loathe or adore.

The mix of voodoo and western culture combine to make this a party area. The fabled parties of Bourbon Street to the colourful sights, sounds and smells of the annual Mardi Gras are all alcohol-induced affairs that typify recreation in New Orleans.

For those more refined, the French Quarter or the Garden District offer fantastic architecture, whilst the antique shops of Royal Street enable you to buy your own slice of local history. Try one of the crawfish restaurants, appreciate some jazz, or while away the time on a cruise of the Mississippi – New Orleans is an experience you will never forget.

San Francisco

For a truly different experience, San Francisco is essential. The fast tempo and hurried atmosphere that is evident in Los Angeles and New York is surpassed by one of understated chic and quiet innovation.

The home of the hippies, the Beat poets, marches and protests, the sights and the history are delightful.

The San Francisco Bay and bridges are a marvel from wherever viewed. The main composite areas of the city are the Latino Mission, Chinatown, the gay Castro area, the club capital Soma and the Italian North Beach area. Fisherman’s Wharf is the central tourist magnet where you can organise your trip to Alcatraz, or go shopping in the designer stores of Union Square.

New York

One of the most impressive cities in America is New York: “The City so big they had to name it twice!” The density of people concentrated here – in excess of 7 million in around 800 square kilometres in Manhattan alone – gives the New Yorker special qualities of resilience and hyperactivity.

The famous sights are so frequently seen in the media worldwide, you almost get the feeling of déjà vu when you see them, but for sentimental value and stature you cannot beat the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park or Times Square. Whatever you desire from food and drink to books, theatre and the arts, New York delivers with a flourish.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is the most endearing sight in America. The statue is the concept of two Parisian designers who felt that the American ideal of political freedom should be honoured. Modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes and finally erected in 1886, this 354-step statue will not disappoint.

Times Square

New York’s Times Square is the place to see huge TV screens, message boards and vibrant colour. It becomes crammed with over one million people on New Years Eve to welcome in the New Year as the brightly lit ball descends from the roof of One Times Square at midnight.

Washington DC

The capital of America, Washington DC is a wonder in itself. The Capitol Building has been constructed in stages. The house and senate wings, the 9-million pound iron dome and the east face, all cobbled together over 60 years, mean that this current attraction is over twice as big as originally planned. It is the most prominent of Washington’s landmarks and is also the centre of the city’s major roads and avenues.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most-visited place in the whole of Washington DC The black marble walls name the 58,202 killed or missing as a result of the conflict. The most moving sight are the mementos and messages left by survivors as a tribute to the dead.

The White House

Number 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the most famous address in the world. Every president since 1800 has inhabited the classical manor we all know as the White House. Additions have tended to be internal, toilets, a swimming pool, a horseshoe-throwing lane and (former US President) Bill Clinton's jogging track and hot-tub mean that this is a place of constantly changing character. Daily tours are organised through eight of the interior rooms, but don’t go expecting a sight of the president!

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming was the first National Park in the world. For sheer size, it is larger than Puerto Rico and is the home to over 250 active geysers. The cornucopia of wildlife here is unbelievable, from Grizzly and Black bear to Bison, Mountain Elk, Timber Wolves and Bighorn Sheep. The park’s most famous sights are still the hot springs and geysers, which are a product of the area’s close proximity to the Earth’s molten core. This area gets over 30,000 visitors per day.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the biggest visitor attractions in America – sweeping meadows, crashing waterfalls and the groves surrounding the river Merced are evidence that it is not only the man-made sights of America that can take the breath away. The many miles of trails and open land mean that despite the amount of visitors it is still possible to have a truly unique experience. Yosemite Falls is the park’s most famous sight followed by El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the world.

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