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10 Iconic Things You Can Only Do In America
Take a Road Trip on Route 66
The Made in America stamp applies to more than just clothing. Landmarks and regional cuisines have come to define America's proud culture today. A prime example is historic Route 66–the ultimate American roadtrip. Built in 1926, Route 66 is one of America's original highways, stretching more than 2,000 miles across eight states, starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles. The historic highway was once called the "Main Street of America," running through small towns across the country and serving as the pathway for families heading west to California during the Great Depression. Take a step back in time on a classic cross-country roadtrip passing by beautiful landscapes and classic Americana diners, motels and roadside attractions.
Photo courtesy of Sam Howzit via Flickr
Tour the White House
The White House is one of America's most symbolic landmarks, and while it’s quite a site from outside, it's even more impressive once you step indoors. Take a free tour of one of the most-popular attractions in the capital, exploring the six-level, 132-room home that's housed every U.S. president except for Washington.
Eat a Lobster Roll in Maine
Home to one of New England's famous seafood sandwiches, the Maine lobster roll is a must-eat when visiting the coastal state. The split-top bun is buttered and grilled, filled with fresh lobster chunks and lightly tossed with mayonnaise. Depending on where you go, the sandwich is sometimes spruced up with additions like diced celery and smoked paprika sprinkled on top.
Photo courtesy of Yuri Long via Flickr
Ride Down the Grand Canyon by Mule
One of America's most-attractive features is its national parks, and the Grand Canyon is probably one of the most famous–and stunning–in the American West. Ride along the rim of the canyon in historic fashion on the back of the mule just like travelers did in the late-1800s, taking in vista views of Grand Canyon National Park.
Ride the Cable Car in San Francisco
In the late 1800s, San Francisco had 23 cable car lines, but now there's only three left standing in the city. Hop on one heading from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf and along California Street for an experience you won't find anywhere else in the world, since these are the last manually operated cars still around.
Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis
Watch a Performance on Broadway
The heart of the American theater industry, Broadway's 40 theaters running from 40th to 54th streets draw travelers from around the globe with old and new favorites gracing the stage in Midtown Manhattan. Also called "The Great White Way" since it was one of the first streets in the country with electric lights, Broadway still maintains that title today thanks to the iconic lights on billboards broadcasting Broadway shows throughout Times Square.
Eat Key Lime Pie in Key West
Key lime pie is a rite of passage in South Florida and there's no better place to sample the regional staple than straight from the source in Key West. Dubbed Florida's official state pie in 2006, the dessert dates back to the 1800s and is traditionally made from key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk with whipped cream or meringue topping. Shops on every corner sell their own version claiming to be the best, but Kermit's always ranks high on the list for its famous chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick.
Catch a New York Yankees Game at Yankee Stadium
Baseball is considered to be the national pastime drawing millions of viewers each season, so what would be more quintessentially American than catching a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx? Settle in and watch a team that's won 27 World Series championships and bred legends like Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth while snacking on ballpark favorites like hot dogs and popcorn.
Photo courtesy of m01229 via Flickr
Listen to Jazz in New Orleans
The birthplace of jazz thanks to legends like Irvin Mayfield and Louis Armstrong, New Orleans is teeming with music all year long from Mardi Gras to the annual Jazz Fest. Stroll through the French Quarter and follow the sounds of live music streaming from jazz clubs and street corners, especially along the famous Frenchmen Street, which is home to hotspots like the Spotted Cat.
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau/Chris Granger
Eat BBQ in the South
Barbecue dates back to the time of George Washington, but present-day Southern-style barbecue is just as much a cultural staple as it is a cuisine. Traditions vary from state to state, with regional styles and sauces drawing distinct differences in the South, such as Alabama's white sauce barbecue and Memphis' "wet" and "dry" ribs.
Photo courtesy of Southern Foodways Alliance via Flickr
About Lane Nieset
Lane Nieset is a freelance travel writer, editor and Gator grad from Miami who first made her home in Nice, France in 2011. She splits her time between Miami and Nice covering food, fashion and travel for a variety of magazines, newspapers and websites including AFAR (Miami Local Expert), Women's Health, Town & Country, Frommer’s, Ocean Drive, MyRecipes.com, E! Entertainment and Recommend Magazine. When she's not on the road, she can be found sipping espresso at a cafe, sampling French wine, writing stories or hunting down the perfect vintage bag.
Read more about Lane Nieset here.