With soaring skyscrappers and the calm waters of Lake Michigan, Chicago has something for everyone. Fantastic panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan can be experienced from the top of Willis Tower.

Known as the ‘Windy City’, Chicago is the home of jazz and blues. The city plays host to three music festivals every year, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz festival and the Chicago Gospel Festival, making it a haven for music lovers.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs classical music at the Symphony Centre while jazz, blues and dance music can be enjoyed in Chicago’s Near North.

The city offers plenty of shopping opportunities with the Magnificent Mile (part of Michigan Avenue) being a shoppers paradise with every type of store from designer shops to bargain outlets.

Then there is the beautiful Lake Michigan where visitors can swim in the clear waters, sail and canoe.

Lake Michigan

For those looking for some less hectic activities there is  Grant Park where you will find the Buckingham Fountain which puts on magnificent water, light and music shows in the summer and also the Navy Pier with restaurants, shops and amusement rides (including a ferris wheel).

There are some great restaurants and bars around Michigan Avenue and, for some international cusine there is Chinatown, Little Italy and Greektown.

Other city attractions include Adler Planetarium, one of the oldest in the world, and the Field Museum of Natural History which is home to some huge dinosaur skeletons.

Nappanee

Interesting daytrips include the suburb of Oak Park where you can see the home of Ernest Hemmingway and learn about his life at the local museum. For an insight into the Amish way of life, a visit to Nappanee is a must. Here it is like time has stood still with working farms and quaint little stores where they sell cheeses and handmade basket work.

For a great evening out why not take in a baseball game and cheer on the local teams, the White Sox and the Chicago Cubs.

When on your family holidays to Chicago, the whole family will enjoy a great day out at the Brookfield Zoo which covers about 216 acres just outside of Chicago.

Great holiday packages to America are always available throughout the internet.

Located on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana.

New Orleans

The city is renowned for its music (it is the birthplace of jazz), celebrations and festivals (Mardi Gras) and its cuisine.

Things to Do and Places to Visit

Music and Dining
There are many clubs and eateries here in New Orleans where you can relax and listen to some Jazz, enjoy some authentic dining and even try your hand at a spot of Cajun dancing. The following are just a few of the many establishments worth visiting Tipitinas (live performances), Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (live music and regional cusine), Club 300 Jazz Bistro (jazz and gourmet cusine), Melange (jazz and fine dining), House of Blues (live music and gospel brunch on Sundays), Michaul’s Live Cajun Music Restaurant (Cajun and Zydeco music, Cajun food and dancing), The Funky Pirate 727 Bourbon (Blues Club).

Visit The French Quarter
Here you will find many restaurants serving traditional New Orleans dishes. You will also find the St Louis Cathedral, art galleries, magnificent architecture, street artists, antique shops and boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife. The most relaxing way to tour the area is by a horse-drawn carriage.

Mardi Gras

Blain Kern’s Mardi Gras World
Here you can see how the floats for the world’s largest carnival are made by the artists and sculptors.

The Presbytere State Museum
The museum displays the history of Mardi Gras, from its origins up to the present, including everything that happens behind the scenes.

You can also visiting the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium, take in a basketball match at the New Orleans Arena, ride the St Charles Avenue Street Car for fantastic views of the city, take a relaxing riverboat ride on the Mississippi, take a ride through the swamps. There is so much to do and see in this vibrant city, far too many to mention!

Mississippi river boat

Climate

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and mild winters. In January daytime temperatures average 17C and in July they average 33C.
Rain is common in New Orleans, with a monthly average of 5 inches.

To enjoy the rich culture of New Orleans why not book one of the many holiday packages to America that are always available on the internet.

Look out for, and take advantage of the great late deals that are always on offer.