3 Exciting Cities to Consider When Vacationing in the US

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Hey Everyone! Welcome to a new post. This particular post was written by Alex from WonderWithAlex. I hope you find her tips as inspiring as I do.

Austin, Texas: Outdoors, Arts and Live Music

Austin, the state capital of Texas, is a lively city known for its tech jobs, diverse culture, music festivals, art, gourmet cuisine and distinctive history. The unofficial slogan for this fun-filled city is “Keep Austin Weird.” The slogan aims to promote local businesses and preserve Austin’s unique culture. If you’ve never been to Austin, it comes highly recommended as you won’t find any other city like it in the world!

Austin Outdoors

Austin is a dream destination for those who love being outdoors. From hiking, kayaking, boating and beyond, Austin’s beautiful trails and lakes won’t be a disappointment. Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s “Most-Loved Park” offering kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, swimming holes, scenic trails, and a host of other outdoor activities. Looking for a little rock climbing? Check out the Barton Creek Greenbelt! Or maybe you are looking to see a waterfall or two? Then you’ll want to hike River Place Nature Trail or McKinney Falls State Park.

Austin’s Art & Music Scene

Austin is well known for its creativity. If you’re looking for live outdoor music and art festivals, Austin is the city for you. The South by Southwest (SXSW) music and film festivals are a hot topic in Austin—offering film screenings, comedy shows, art galleries, concerts and more. Or if you happen to be in town during the Austin City Limits music festival, be sure to check it out along with 450 thousand other people! Two weekends filled with live music concerts in the middle of Zilker Park.

If you can’t make a festival while you’re in town, don’t worry! Austin’s local art and live music spaces are vast. You can find an art exhibition or live concert just about anywhere, any day of the week.

New Orleans, Louisiana : Culture, Cuisine, and Festivals

New Orleans (NOLA) is the city of music, culture, Cajun food, Creole cuisine, and colonial architecture. From the iconic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest to authentic cuisine, this must-visit city is a melting pot of sounds and flavors.

Experience Cajun & Creole Cuisine

Many people don’t know the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine and use the terms interchangeably. While both cuisines are from New Orleans, they come from very different cultural backgrounds.

Cajun, or “country cooking” is a combination of French Acadian and Southern cuisines typically found along the bayous of Louisiana. Cajun cuisine is typically well seasoned and consists of hearty stews and soups.  Boudin, a Cajun sausage, and Jambalaya are two popular examples of Cajun cuisine. If you’re looking for authentic Cajun cuisine, Mulates, Zydecos Cajun Kitchen, and Cochon Cajun & Southern Cooking are just a few of the famous Cajun eateries in New Orleans.Creole on the other hand, is a blend of European, African, Caribbean, Native American and Hispanic cuisine. Many creole dishes are tomato based, while Cajun food is not. Creole dishes include a version of Jambalaya, authentic red beans and rice, Creole Chicken, crawfish, and more. Wondering where to find these delicious foods? Check out Mr. B’s Bistro, Café Sbisa, Mandina’s, and the bucket-list worthy Commander’s Palace. 

NOLA Festivals

New Orleans loves a good festival! If you’re looking to make your ears happy, then the Jazz and Heritage Festival is for you. People fly in from all over to attend this festival. Interested in learning a little culture through music? Then you’ll want to check out the VooDoo Music and Arts Experience or the Cajun Zydeco Festival. And let us not forget the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival where you can get the best of two worlds in one place– music and food.

Miami, Florida : A Beach-Worthy Vacation

If you’re looking for an entertaining vacation by the beach, then Miami, Florida is the city for you. Miami’s subtropical climate with short, warm winters, make it a highly desirable vacation destination. From islands and water sports to swimming and sunbathing, Miami’s beaches are clean, beautiful, and waiting for you. If you’re seeking a little relaxation in the sun, visit Miami!

Best Beaches

Miami has 20-miles of coastline making for the ideal beach destination. Looking for a family friendly and private beach experience, then you should check out Surfside beach on the North end. Maybe you’re looking for a little “freedom,” then you’ll want to go to Haulover Beach— it’s Miami’s famous nude beach! And of course, there’s always a good time to be had at the famous and iconic South Beach (SoBe)!

Nightlife

Looking for a party and a good time? Miami is filled with dance clubs and bars! Miami’s most popular and famous club is LIV Miami, which is known for celebrity sightings in its VIP section. Looking to be entertained? Then you’ll want to try E11even. This dance club by night, venue by day, is filled with neon lights, trapeze artists, burlesque dances, and celebrity performances. If you’re wanting something a little more seductive, Gold Rush has some of the best cabaret performers Miami has to offer. This is a very short list of your bar and club options, but Miami’s entertainment scene won’t disappoint.

Thank you so much Alex for the wonderful post! You can find more about Alex at WanderWithAlex.com