SPRINGFIELD

Abraham Lincoln's HOMETOWN

Springfield, the iconic heart of America, the capital of Illinois, and the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, is filled with treasures, authentic experiences and nostalgia for days gone by. It's also a nostalgic cruise in a classic car along historic Route 66, with roadside diners and drive-in movies. Springfield of today - filled of charming historic neighborhoods, lots to see and do, and friendly, welcoming people - the perfect hometown experience.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Step back in time as you enter the only home the Lincolns ever owned. Set in a neighborhood restored to its 1860s appearance.

The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of  Illinois' fifth statehouse. The building served as the seat of state government from 1839-1876.

Lincoln Tomb - within the walls of this stunning granite monument is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mead, this beautiful landmark is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

 

 

Visitor Information:

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau 

HOBART

Hobart is an enchanting city built around a beautiful harbour and under the spell of nearby majestic Mount Wellington. A strong seafaring flavour and sense of the past give Hobart an almost European air. This feeling heightened in winter when Mount Wellington is snow-capped and temperatures dropped to a crisp 5C. It has an incredible waterfront location, similar to that of her “big sister”, Sydney.

The deepwater harbour on the broad estuary of the Dervent River is Hobart's lifeblood and the port is always busy. The suburbs nestle right up to the lower slopes of Mount Wellington and the city's population spreads both side of the graceful Tasman Bridge. Australia's second oldest capital, Hobart has a wealth of beautiful Georgian buildings. It is the centre of attention in late December every year as the finish line of the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

PAARL

The Pearl of South Africa

PAARL lies less than an hour's drive from Cape Town and the golden beaches of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is renowned for its illustrious past, unrivalled natural beauty, its flourishing wine industry and gracious architecture. The rich heritage of its buildings, interspersed with tablegrape vineyards and rose gardens along its 11 km long Main Street, excellent restaurants and attractive accommodation in lush green surroundings, create a unique tourist mecca.

Paarl's scenic splendour is enhanced by five mountain passes and the majestic Berg River flowing through the heart of the town. The Mediterranean climate yields warm summers, heavenly spring days and mild autumn and winter months - a perfect vacation destination all year round! 

 

MADISON

Madison, Wisconsin is known as a don't-miss destination because of its amazing attractions. The city center is dominated by Capitol Square, which includes the majestic State Capitol and its 200-foot dome, plus museums and architectural wonders. The University of Wisconsin campus is a great place for a leisurely stroll. The city is also a perfect jumping-off point for day trips to communities in the surrounding countryside. With 200 miles of trails and 5 sparkling lakes Madison has a reputation as top destination for canoeing and bicycling.

Vibrant and unexpected. Where tradition meets innovation. 

 

For more information, log on to visitmadison.com

HAMILTON

Situated at the western end of Lake Ontario, in the heart of the area known as the Golden Horseshoe, Hamilton is a city of contrasts - it is  both the Steel Capital of Canada and a home of a 1,000 ha botanical garden, as well as major arts and cultural facilities. Amidst clamorous steel mills of Hamilton stands one of North America's finest concert halls.

 

Dundurn Castle. This 19-th century, 35-room mansion is restored to its former splendor as the home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Prime Minister of the United Provinces of Canada, 1854-56. Various Special events and exhibits are featured throughout the year. (Dundurn Park on York Blvd.: all year, daily, afternoons. Extended hours June - Labour Day).

 

Hamilton Military Museum. Displays uniforms, equipments and weapons of war, dating from the War of 1812 onwards. (Grounds of Dundurn Castle: all year, daily, afternoons.)

Art Gallery of Hamilton. This impressively designed structure contains a fine collection of paintings, sculptures and graphics by Canadian, American and European artists and features an extensive exhibition program.

 

Tourism Hamilton

 

PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island's capital city, is a hotbed of history, culture, art and food. Frequently mentioned in major publications as the next must-visit destination, it has the cosmopolitan vibe of a major city with the intimate feel of a New England town. Providence  provides an assortment of activities for foodies, leisure-mongers and history buffs. If you crave a quality latte, Providence boasts a dazzling array of options. It's a small city with big inspirations.

Prospect Terrace Park Founded in 1867, park with statue of theologian Roger Williams. Incredible view of downtown Providence. It overlooks the skyline of Providence's downtown and the First Baptist Church in the United States, founded by Roger Williams in 1638. 

As Rhode Island's capital, Providence has thrived in the arts and continues to build on an emerging food scene.

 

 

For more information:

Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau

QUÉBEC CITY

Founded in 1608, this romantic walled city spectacularly set on the cliffs of Cape Diamant is more than the cradle of French civilisation in North America. Quebec is summer street festivals of mime and music and Winter escapades with fairy ice castles and crazy canoe races across the frozen St. Lawrence. It is strolling chansonniers on the Dufferin Terrace, the elegant wide pedestrian boardwalk under the fabled towers of Chateau Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River. From intimate cafes to grand restaurants, Québec is the home of exquisite cuisine.

VIEW OF CHATEAU FRONTENAC 

More than a hotel, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a Québec City icon. For over a century, it has perched atop Cape Diamond overlooking Dufferin Terrace and the St. Lawrence River. The Château Frontenac is said to be the world’s most photographed hotel. Québec City: a city of European charm with the Great Canadian Outdoors at its backdrop! Québec City and the surrounding area will charm and surprise you!

 

 

For more information on the city contact Québec City Tourism

 

STATEN ISLAND

 Staten Island, island and borough, New York City, southeastern New York state. The island lies in New York Harbor south of Manhattan and between New Jersey and Brooklyn. Roughly triangular, the island has about 35 miles (56 km) of waterfront and an area of almost 60 square miles (155 square km). It is connected with Manhattan by the Staten Island Ferry - the most budget-friendly and certainly the most scenic way to reach Staten Island. 

View from 8,000 feet above sea level toward Manhattan Island in the north.

Like the rest of NYC, the first Western settlers on Staten Island were Dutch. When they first purchased the island from the Munsee tribe in 1630, they named it after the Staten-Generaal. Staten Island is an island of adventure, curiosities, great food, cultural attractions, world-class shopping and natural spaces. It's renowned for its museums, historic landmarks, beaches and parkland.

REGINA

Rising out of the prairie like a mirage, this city of 180,000 is the capital of Saskatchewan. Originally called Oscana (pile of bones in Cree: Indians once dried buffalo meat on the banks of Wascana Creek), it was rechristened in 1882 by Princess Louise after her mother, Queen Victoria. When Regina became the capital of the newly-created province of Saskatchewan in 1905, Wascana Creek was dammed to help solve the city's water problem. Today, Wascana Centre is the city's crown jewel that is highlighted by the graceful Legislative Building, one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Overlooking Wascana Park to downtown Regina

Its builders fashioned a modern city that pulses with energy of dynamic business leaders and progressive legislators. And with a man-made lake and a quarter-million hand-planted trees, the city is featureless no longer.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

People who know nothing else about Canada have heard of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This famous police force's academy is located in Regina. At any one time, some 250 men and women are studying, practising their marksmanship and marching on the parade square. The RCMP Centennial Museum is one of the most heavily visited ones in western Canada.

Tourism Regina

SACRAMENTO

 

California begins here...

Sacramento is the capital of California. It is located 90 miles northeast of San Francisco, 383 miles north of Los Angeles. One of the most historic cities in California, Sacramento boasts an impressive array of landmarks, parks, amenities and other must-see points of interest. Sacramento has some unique nicknames, including "The River City," "The Camellia Capital of the World," "City of Trees," and "The Big Tomato." Natives often refer to it as Sactown. Hailed as one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in America, Sacramento got its start as a supply center for prospectors from around the globe during the 1849 Gold Rush.

SUTTER'S FORT
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA  

Sutter’s Fort is located in the heart of Northern California and the Midtown Sacramento grid. John A. Sutter came to this site in 1839. He completed the fort in a few years. Sutter obtained the land he had from the Mexican Governor of California. The fort was an important trading post and was a goal for covered wagon pioneers. Many gold seekers came here on their way to the diggings. The fort was restored in 1892.

Visit California and Sacramento