THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 3 страницаCharacteristic dishes such as apple pie, fried chicken, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs derive from the recipes of various immigrants. French fries, Mexican dishes such as burritos and tacos, and pasta dishes freely adapted from Italian sources are widely consumed. Americans generally prefer coffee to tea. Marketing by U.S. industries is largely responsible for making orange juice and milk ubiquitous breakfast beverages. American Cooking is hard to define. Few people in the US could agree on which foods are traditional American cooking. Certain simple dishes like roast beef, fried chicken, grilled steak, stuffed turkey, meatloaf, baked potato, yams, com on the cob, potato salad, apple pie, clam chowder, hamburgers, hotdogs and hot wings would normally be included on most lists of American cooking. Many restaurants and bars in the US serve hot wings or Nachos as snack food. Try them both, but order mild seasoning the first time unless you are accustomed to eating burning coals. The cuisine in different parts of the country developed independently. Each regional style of cooking was influenced by the nationality of the colonists that settled in the area and by the types of ingredients locally available. When traveling across the USA, you might enjoy sampling the special dishes popular in each region. Here are brief descriptions of some regional US cuisine. New England style cooking The northeastern part of the USA, known as the New England states, are renowned for their hearty dishes imported by British colonists and for their cold-water seafood harvested by the local fishing fleet. This is the land of Brunswick stew, Yankee pot roast and Boston baked beans. Be sure to try the New England clam chowder, which is now popular all states and the Maine lobster, usually available in most fine restaurants. When visiting New England, especially the coastal cities like Boston or Providence, sample the seafood. Southern cooking and Soul Food The cuisine of the southeastern states is labeled "southern cooking" or more elaborately, "down home southern cooking". It is characterized by wholesome farm-style cooking with plenty of deep fried foods, heavy sauces and sweet desserts. Elvis Pressley loved southern cooking and it certainly reflected in his growing waistline. Deep-fried chicken is commonly known as southern-fried chicken. Chicken-fried steak is a deep-fried beef cutlet. Both are often served with a thick white sauce known as home-style gravy. Southerners love barbeque, but unlike westerners, they do not favor sweet tomato-based sauces. Eastern barbeque most often means pork; especially pork ribs, well spiced or marinated and slowly cooked over glowing coals. Greens, black-eyed peas and com bread are common side dishes. Pecan pie, peach cobbler, banana pudding and sweet potato pie are some favorite desserts. Soul food is the Afro-American version of southern cooking. It includes the same dishes but prepared with the intensity and love of an African-American mother feeding her family. It is southern cooking with soul. New Orleans Cajun cooking Although in the heart of the south, New Orleans has a distinctly European culture with its own unique cuisine. This city at the mouth of the great Mississippi River was greatly influenced by Spanish and French colonists and by the many African immigrants. It developed some of the finest cuisine in the USA. The Creole and Cajun cuisine in New Orleans is a wonderful mixture of Spanish and French cooking spiced with African and West Indian flavors. Blackened fish or steaks are grilled with coatings of pepper and hot spices. Jambalaya and Gumbo are wonderfully flavored stews of meats, sausage and seafood. A lot of the Cajun cooking is highly spiced with hot pepper and chili, but not all the dishes are fiery. Traditional Spanish and French cooking and local variations of them are available in many fine restaurants throughout the city. Southwestern and Tex-Mex cooking The cuisine in the southwestern states has been greatly influenced by Native Americans and by early Spanish settlers especially via our Mexican neighbors. It is more than just cowboy food and not quite the same as authentic Mexican food. Southwestern cuisine includes a great variety of dishes prepared with local ingredients and liberally sprinkled with Mexican spices. Southwestern restaurants create some interesting variations of familiar dishes by the creative use of unfamiliar ingredients and exotic spices. Tex-Mex is a variant of southwestern cooking that is most popular in Texas and along the Mexican border. It includes barbeque and chili. These cowboy inspired dishes are so popular in the southwest and across the USA that many places have annual chili festivals and barbeque cook offs with prizes for the best recipes. It is also the home of salsa, nachos, tacos and burritos. California Cuisine California is blessed with a bountiful supply of fresh fruits, vegetables and sea foods in all seasons. It has a diverse ethnic population. Californians have developed a refreshingly healthy cuisine that utilizes fresh ingredients flavored with unusual combinations of spices. Fresh green salads topped with avocados and citrus fruits may be served with Asian spiced peanut sauce. Fish can be lightly grilled in salsa and served with Chinese vegetables and Native American fiy bread. Almost any combination of ethnic food styles can be combined in California cooking. This is the home of avant- garde, experimental cuisine. TOURISM, TRAVEL, AND RECREATION Among the most striking scenic attractions in the United States are: the Grand Canyon in Arizona; Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico; Yosemite National Park in California; Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming; Niagara Falls, partly in New York; and the Everglades in Florida. The United States has a total of 49 national parks. Popular coastal resorts include those of Florida, California, and Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Historical attractions include the Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall in Philadelphia; the Statue of Liberty in New York City; the White House, the Capitol, and the monuments to Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln in the District of Columbia; the Williamsburg historical restoration in Virginia; various Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields and monuments in the East and South; the Alamo in San Antonio; and Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. Among many other popular tourist attractions are the movie and television studios in Los Angeles; the cable cars in San Francisco; casino gambling in Las Vegas and in Atlantic City, New Jersey; thoroughbred horse racing in Kentucky; the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee; and such amusement parks as Disneyland (Anaheim, California) and Walt Disney World (near Orlando, Florida). For abundance and diversity of entertainment - theater, movies, music, dance, and sports - New York City has few rivals. In April 1993, Amtrak began the country’s first regularly scheduled transcontinental passenger service, from Los Angeles to Miami. Americans’ recreational activities range from the major spectator sports - professional baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, soccer; and horse racing; and collegiate football and basketball - to home gardening. Participant sports are a favorite form of recreation, including jogging, aerobics, tennis, and golf. Skiing is a popular recreation in New England and the western mountain ranges, while sailing, power boating, rafting, and canoeing are popular water sports. Alaska As the largest state in the Union, you will find no greater stretch of wilderness within the United States than in Alaska. While the state does possess a few cities in Juneau and Anchorage, this isn't one of the best vacation spots in the US because of its bustling metropolises. No, Alaska's first, and best, attraction is its great outdoors. If you long to feel part of the natural world and all of its beauty, then Alaska will be sure to delight. From fishing and hiking in the southlands, to the frozen tundra and Mt. McKinley, there's something for every outdoors enthusiast who pick Alaska as one of their US vacation destinations. Arizona Arid, warm, and marked by miles and miles of spectacular desert. Arizona may not strike you as one of the better US vacation spots, but don't let that fool you - there's a wealth of fantastic options available. The foremost attraction must be the Grand Canyon. No trip to Arizona is complete without paying a visit to this impressive natural wonder. Once you see the sun reflected in its rocks, and gaze down into its depths, you'll understand why when people travel in USA they make a special trip to Arizona. However, there's more to the state than the Grand Canyon. A myriad of outdoor attractions, including Arizona sightseeing tours and many popular golf courses can be found. The state also possesses a rich Native American tradition. The Navajo Nation Council makes its home in Arizona and many Navajo historic sites are located throughout the state. Nevada There's much more to Nevada than its famous city, Las Vegas. While many do plan their travel in USA based around the city, the rest of the state has much to offer. Possessing a beautiful landscape, hiking is always popular for those taking their US vacation in Nevada. Lake Tahoe and Mount Charles are favorites among hikers. Those interested in more secluded areas will have no difficulty finding trails that are off the beaten path. The adventurous will surely want to explore Nevada's beautiful backcountry. Nevada also has an impressive history, hosting many of the old mining towns that arose during the mid-19th and early 20th centuries - including the famous Eureka. Adding to the state's history are multiple museums and other historic attractions. You can find these from Reno to Las Vegas and make for excellent stops during your US travel. Texas The Lone Star State and has many attractive options for those that travel USA. Indeed, Texas has much to offer when it comes to vacations in the US. A large number of cities are located across the state, each offering a different flavor. From San Antonio, to Dallas, to Austin, to Houston - you'll find plenty to do and see. When you think of Texas, you might think of great open spaces with cattle and cowboys. What you might not think of are the beaches. The Texas coast boasts over 600 miles of sand and surf. Galveston Island is just an hour from Houston. Meanwhile, Corpus Christi offers naval tours of the USS Lexington in addition to its soft beaches. Camping is also another popular pastime. Spending a few nights in the Panhandle Plains or Big Bend National Park are excellent ideas for US vacation destinations. Other popular choices are Enchanted Rock State Park, Davis Mountains State Park, and Gamer State Park. Texas food is some of the best you'll find in any of the US vacation destinations. The Barbeque was invented there and has been refined into an art form. Each of the hundreds of places has their own secrets and styles to marinating and spicing the meat. You can't go wrong sampling the fine barbeque in Texas. However, that's not all there is. Chili is always popular and a yearly Chili Cook-Off is held in Terlingua. Tex-Mex is unique to Texas. It blends Mexican dishes with Texas style for a truly tasty experience. Florida When Juan Ponce de Leon set foot on the sandy coast in search of the fountain of youth, he named the land "La Florida" after Spain's Easter celebration "Pascua Florida" (Feast of Flowers) and the fact that it was covered in flowers. Florida has changed a bit since Ponce de Leon's day, but it still retains a strong draw for millions of people each year who travel in USA. Of course, Florida is famous for its beaches: Daytona Beach, South Beach, Miami Beach, Fort De Soto, beach, and so forth. Whether you're on the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, on your US vacations in Florida, you'll be able to bask in the warm sun and enjoy the gentle surf. If you enjoy nature then you absolutely must take an eco-tour of the Everglades while you're here on your travel USA. Meanwhile, Orlando is always a draw for those fond of the numerous family-friendly theme parks; from Universal Studies to Walt Disney World to Sea World, there's something for everyone. Maine Tucked in the upper right comer of the nation, Maine is easily one of the best vacation spots in the US. Its summers are hot without being unbearable and its autumns are crisp and full of beauty as the leaves turn in color. Maine is most known for its outdoor attractions - featuring skiing, skating, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, and many more. If you love the great outdoors, then you'll love Maine. Many select Maine as part of their US vacations because of its long coastline. Stretching for hundreds of miles, one can find both sandy and rocky beaches. The most popular of these tend, places like Old Orchard Beach, to be crowded during the summer, but if you're willing to do a little walking, you'll be able to reach some beaches that quite secluded. But there's more to Maine's US vacation spots than the outdoors. There are also plenty of musical and cultural attractions in Maine, including: two symphonies, multiple theater groups, and art and history museums. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuous orchestra in the nation, having performed since 1986. Shopping is also a popular activity with many going to Portland, Kittery, and Freeport. New York As one of the original thirteen colonies, and once hosting the nation's capital, New York has a rich and varied history. Of course, the state is one of the most popular US vacation spots because of New York City. This city is truly like no other on the planet. It's the city that never sleeps, and while you're visiting it’s very easy to become caught up in the plethora of things to do and see. Each season offers something different. During the winter, go skating in lovely Central Park. Spring and summer bring the Yankees and multiple parades celebrating all manner of holidays and cultures. In autumn, New York hosts numerous art exhibits, Broadway musicals, as well as even more festive parades. With the bustle of New York City, it might be easy to forget that the rest of the state has much to offer for US travel. Culinary delights can be found in food and wine festivals located throughout the state. Interested in culture? New York has a rich heritage featuring many museums and celebrations - from the Underground Railroad to the Iroquois Nation to the French and Indian War. Outdoors activities are also popular with hikes in the Adirondacks. Washington, DC Our nation's capital city has much to offer those who travel USA. Washington, DC is vibrant with the imagery of patriotism. There are plenty of free sights to see, and attractions to experience. Many of our most famous historic landmarks reside in Washington: the White House, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Library of Congress, and so on. Beyond the historic buildings like the Jefferson Memorial, there is a wealth of museums to visit. The first and foremost among these are the Smithsonian Museums. You won't be able to visit all fifteen of them in one visit, so it's a wise idea to pick the ones that interest you the most and save the rest for your next US travel. Another museum of interest is the International Spy Museum - featuring the role of espionage in both history and modem times. Those with a love of culture will want to pay a visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as well as Ford's Theater. Las Vegas When it comes to entertainment Las Vegas is one of the best vacation spots in the US. There's a wide variety of things to do in this Nevada City, nightclubs, restaurants, museums, shopping, and, of course, the casinos. The Las Vegas Strip is the heart of the city and no US travel here is complete without paying it a visit. It's on the Strip that you’ll find many of Vegas’ famous shows. The Blue Man Group is often found performing at the Luxor while Elton John can sometimes be seen performing at Caesar's Palace. All manner of adult entertainment can be found too, from events at the Rio to the Planet Hollywood. Another fantastic part of Las Vegas to visit is Freemont Street. Ten casinos, a free lightshow, and numerous hotels and restaurants make this one of the most popular places to visit in Vegas. Another nearby attraction is the Bellagio Fountains, located outside of the Bellagio Hotel. The USA Top Attractions Magical Mecca: Orlando, Florida Orlando combines such an incredible wealth of great attractions that the entire city made number one on our list. Between Universal Studios, Sea World, Discovery Cove and the home of a particularly famous mouse, Orlando is the Mecca of attractions. Circus Atmosphere: Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas, Nevada A contemporary and hip circus, sans animals, Cirque du Soleil combines highly skilled contortionists, acrobats and trapeze artists to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Hailed by some as the modem circus, new shows are frequently added on the Strip, bringing the crowds back for more. Hawaii: Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii A 60-mile stretch connecting Hana to Maui, Hana Highway stuns with its spectacular views and natural adornments, including magnificent waterfalls, beaches and the “Seven Sacred Pools” - just make sure to keep your eyes on the road. Grand Plans: Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona One of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” the Grand Canyon is perhaps the most famous hiking destination in the U.S., with outstanding hiking trails to the base of the canyon. Theodore Roosevelt summed it up, declaring the Grand Canyon the “one site every American should see.” Park Place: Central Park, New York City, New York One of the nation’s first landscaped public parks, Central Park covers 843 acres or six percent of Manhattan. Central Park has several interesting attractions and activities, including a zoo, carousel, reservoir, and boathouse, not to mention some of the best people watching in the world. Rock Show: Alcatraz, San Francisco, California Notorious for housing some of the country’s most infamous criminals, including A1 Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, until it was closed in 1963, Alcatraz Island or “The Rock” now exists as an attraction in the middle of San Francisco Bay. For an eerie visit, take the night tour and listen to the sounds of disgruntled inmates banging their cups against cells. Perch Above the Peacock: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York, New York One of the Big Apple’s newest and coolest attractions, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center offers phenomenal views of New York City. With glass partitions, the observation deck offers unobstructed panoramic views, and an amazing vantage point for gazing at the Empire State Building. Seaing is Believing: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay, California The largest marine sanctuary in America, Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in a former brewery and sardine cannery. View stunning California Giant Kelp that reside in the first tank in the world to simulate tidal currents on a large scale. Waterful: Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada For a peaceful attraction on the Strip, head to the Bellagio Fountains and appreciate the synchronization of the music and the water as it changes color to familiar tunes from musicals and movies. With a vibrant display every 15-30 minutes, the Bellagio Fountains are the most affordable show in Las Vegas. Animal Kingdom: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California Featuring more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, the San Diego Zoo has the largest collection of Grant Pandas outside of mainland China. To explore the zoo, take a guided bus tour or ride on the overhead gondola, providing an aerial view of the natural and cage-free settings. TOURIST DESTINATIONS Florida When Juan Ponce de Leon set foot on the sandy coast in search of the fountain of youth, he named the land "La Florida" after Spain's Easter celebration "Pascua Florida" (Feast of Flowers) and the fact that it was'covered in flowers. Florida has changed a bit since Ponce de Leon's day, but it still retains a strong draw for millions of people each year who travel in USA. Of course, Florida is famous for its beaches: Daytona Beach, South Beach, Miami Beach, Fort De Soto, beach, and so forth. Whether you're on the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, on your US vacations in Florida, you'll be able to bask in the warm sun and enjoy the gentle surf. If you enjoy nature then you absolutely must take an eco-tour of the Everglades while you're here on your travel USA. Meanwhile, Orlando is always a draw for those fond of the numerous family-friendly theme parks; from Universal Studies to Walt Disney World to Sea World, there's something for everyone. Florida is a bouquet of contrasts. Where, but in Florida, can you see both the Jurassic-era reptiles of the Everglades and the sci-fi futurism of Epcot Center? Once the home to The Old Man and the Sea author Ernest Hemingway, Key West now harbors the world's most glamorous yachts and cruise ships. Florida architecture ranges from Key West Conch to Miami Art Deco and Orlando Postmodern. But perhaps Florida's greatest contrast is with the rest of America in winter: despite the impact of hurricanes like Wilma, the "Sunshine State" averages 300 full days of sunshine a year. All that sunshine makes Florida beaches the place to be. From the Atlantic, to the Gulf, to Caribbean Key West, no other state offers more walks along the sand at sunset or sunrise. The shell- strewn beaches of Captiva and Sanibel islands are beachcombers' heaven. Or perhaps you'd rather spy for diamonds and pearls among the bikinied glitterati on Naples Beach along Millionaire's Row. Miami's clothing-optional Haul over Beach also frequently rates as one of the top - or, if you prefer, topless - Florida beaches. An active Florida vacation might include swimming with Crystal River manatees, jet-boating in the Everglades, or casting for Wahoo off Key Largo. Or simply sit back and root for your favorite among Florida's nine major league sports teams or eighteen MLB teams who visit for Spring Training. Each year millions make their dream of a Florida vacation come true, whether it is to push the family-fun envelope in Orlando, or to savor la vida loca in Miami. Orlando is home to America's greatest theme park resorts, and can turn a family Florida vacation into a trip around the world: take a savanna safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom; linger at a Parisian cafe in Epcot, or get splashed by a whale at Sea World. Add the movie magic of Universal and MGM, mix in the g-force thrills of Busch Gardens, and you get family memories to last a lifetime. Miami is a world unto itself. Miami's South Beach is home to the supermodel fashion scene and ultra-exclusive nightclubs-within-nightclubs where the in-crowd parties all night and all day. But whether it's the scent of fine cigar tobacco along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, or a hint of Chanel wafting amid the elaborately expensive Bal Harbour Shops, a Florida vacation in Miami can literally take your breath away. The clean architectural lines of restored mid-century hotels like the Fontainbleu and Eden Roc can be viewed from a convertible cruising up Collins Avenue (A1A). Continuing north, dress way up at the exclusive boutiques of Bar Harbor, or dress way down at the clothing-optional Haulover Beach. Downtown Miami is home to a number of uniquely Miami Florida attractions, including the blue-and-white mosaic tile tower of the Bacardi Building, and the Miami Art Museum, which showcases the city's artistic multiculturalism. South of downtown in Coconut Grove is the spectacular Renaissance-style estate of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Miami’s significant Cuban community is centered downtown in Little Havana, which radiates from S.W. Eighth Street, or Calle Ocho, as the neighborhood is otherwise known. Challenge an old- timer to a game at Domino Park, then top off a meal at the mirrored Cuban diner Versailles with flan de turron and cafe cubanos, and lend and ear as the locals complain about Castro. Just north of downtown, you'll find the Design District, home to dozens of leading-edge furnishing showrooms like Holly Hunt and Odegard. This 18-block neighborhood of old warehouses was redeveloped in the mid-nineties, and has become the center of hip Miami style. The district comes alive after dark at cool lounges, bars, restaurants, along with gallery events like Art Basel and Art Night events held the second Saturday of each month. With architectural-revival-themed neighborhoods and the one-of-a-kind Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables expresses the epitome of Roaring Twenties elegance. Put on your diving cap and pretend you're Esther Williams or Johnny Weissmuller at the grandly opulent Venetian Pool. Visitors will find a healthy array of things to do in Miami Florida, involving both the great outdoors and the hip trappings of the big city. Miami's South Beach-Miami Beach district continues to be one of the larger draws for this hip and scintillating southern city, offering some of the best Miami hotels and Miami beaches. Miami attractions have something for everyone, from marine activities to exciting shopping and cultural opportunities. Consider these suggestions for things to do in Miami on your upcoming southern Florida vacation. The Miami area boasts some of the best Florida beaches, with ideal sandy stretches where a myriad of recreational activities can be enjoyed. The Miami Beach-South Beach shores offer up the most trendy Miami beaches where people watching is at a premium. Along Miami Beach, cafes and other eateries line the strip and each area features different facilities and amenities. You'll also find some of the city's best beaches on Key Biscayne, some ideal for water sports and others offering relaxing seclusion. Miami's beaches have something for everyone and enjoying them is among the top things to do in Miami Florida. Things to do in Miami: Miami Metrozoo. Found at 1 Zoo Boulevard, The Miami Metrozoo is quite large, its 81 exhibits set on 740 total acres. The zoo's new "Amazon and Beyond" exhibit itself will top the average American zoo in size. A shoe in for family things to do in Miami FL, this zoo offers wonderful educational programs and is dedicated to the overall conservation of the world's natural wildlife species. Cape Florida Lighthouse. Part of beautiful Key Biscayne's Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, this picturesque lighthouse is a welcome visit for maritime enthusiasts looking for things to do in Miami Florida. It was built in 1825, making it the oldest building found in southern Florida. Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. One of the most popular things to do in Miami FL for visitors is hang out at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, where miles of beaches and walking trails allow for relaxing strolls, bike rides and hours of people watching. Find a mix of cafes and bars, and dine at one of the boardwalk's restaurants. There is a thriving beach theatre at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, featuring the "Theatre under the Stars" concert series on Monday nights. Hollywood is located between North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale along Highway 1. Recreational Possibilities at Tropical Park. Conveniently located at 7900 SW 40th Street, just off the Palmetto Parkway and minutes from the Miami airport, Tropical Park is one of the city’s largest parks and offers a wealth of things to do in Miami. You will find a number of athletic facilities and fields where you can enjoy just about every sport, and anglers can spend hours freshwater fishing. If you are looking for a great spot to celebrate a birthday party or lay out an afternoon picnic spread, Tropical Park offers the ideal settings. The park has four lakes where you can swim, canoe or go paddle boating. View native wildlife like lizards, birds, iguanas, squirrels, ducks and alligators, among others. Miami's Nightlife. South Beach is the undisputed king of Miami nightlife, offering some of the hippest bars and clubs anywhere on the planet. Nightlife revelers will also find exciting Miami nightlife in the Design District and in Downtown Miami, where new hot spots continue to emerge. You can also find plenty of evening adventure in Coconut Grove, and nearby Coral Cables boasts a more relaxed overall scene. Enjoy the sophistication of a downtown jazz and blues bar, or seek out the sultry Afro-Cuban rhythms in Little Havana. For a change of pace, head to dinner and follow up with a flamenco dancing performance, or head to a cabaret show. Get your fill of laughs at Miami's comedy clubs or duck into a sports bar for the big game. Any way you slice it, going out on the town is a top draw among things to do in Miami. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was formerly a vacation estate built in 1916 by the wealthy agricultural industrialist, John Deering. The main house was designed to mimic an Italian villa that had been lived in for generations. Its interior rivals that of the finest European castles and housed inside its walls are an extraordinary assembly of fine art and luxurious furnishings.
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