The Grand Tour

Pacific Coast Highway in California.

From about the 17th to the early 20th century, there was a traditional, extended trip across Europe on which young, upper-class European men would embark. This trip was called a Grand Tour, and it would typically take a young man to several of the major historical and cultural centers of Europe, serving as a both a rite-of-passage and an educational experience. The idea behind the Grand Tour was that after seeing the world first-hand and being immersed in the culture and history of European society (as well as mingling with the European aristocracy), a man would return home more educated, refined, and ready to take his place in the world as a true gentleman.

While the specific locations visited as part of a Grand Tour varied from one individual to another, culturally important cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Prague, Athens, Rome, Florence, Brussels, and Vienna were popular destinations. In addition, visits were often planned around certain events or seasons. While the tradition of a Grand Tour was always distinctly European, I have been wondering what an American Grand Tour would look like. Culture and history were the focus of the traditional Grand Tour, and while much younger than the iconic European locales, America is still rich in both. With that in mind, I set out to identify some of the places of cultural and historical significance (as well as a fun spot or two) that I would like to visit should I ever have the opportunity to embark on a "Grand Tour" of my own.

So, without further ado, I present my American Grand Tour.

The American Grand Tour

Boston - The Birthplace of America

Boston Harbor

Boston is historically important to America for an obvious reason: It's where the American Revolution started. The colonial heritage of America is well-preserved throughout the New England states, but perhaps no single city embodies it as much as Boston. In addition to its historical value, Boston also features a rich seafaring culture, which can best be seen in the cuisine. Besides being the craft beer capital of America, Boston also boasts some of the best seafood around. If you ever find yourself with a craving for colonial history, a good lager, and some Clam Chowder, this is the place to be.

New York - The Empire City

Empire State Building

To the world at large, perhaps no city is as quintessentially "American" as New York. After all, you could argue that New York is a microcosm of the country: A melting pot of cultures and ethnicities that make up the collective American identity. However, New York also has a culture that is all its own, and the best place to see this culture on display is nowhere other than Manhattan itself. In addition to its rich culture, New York also has no shortage of iconic sights (Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, just to name a few), making it a "must" on the Grand Tour of America.

Washington - The Capital

The Capitol Building

Each city on this list possesses both sights and culture, but no locale features quite as many of the former as Washington, D.C. From the National Mall, to the White House, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, Arlington, and others, there is definitely no shortage of places to visit. While I admit that I have personally visited D.C. on three separate occasions and did not take the opportunity to sightsee on any of them (all three trips were for business), the landmarks alone place Washington near the top of my list of "Grand Tour" destinations. 

Savannah - The Hostess City of the South

Forsyth Park

Okay, I'll confess: I have a soft spot for the South. After all, Savannah, Georgia isn't one of the locales that come to mind when considering a "Grand Tour" of America. However, you'll be hard-pressed to find a city that does more to embody the culture and sophistication of the Antebellum South. Plantations, mansions, parks, beaches, and oak trees all combine to immerse you in the wrappings of a simpler, gentler time. If you want to experience the full charm of Southern Culture or just want to step into a scene straight out of Gone with the Wind, Savannah is the place to be.

Orlando - Theme Park Capital of the World

Cinderella Castle

While you're passing through the southern United States, why not drop by the "Happiest Place on Earth"? After all, no city in America is quite the tourist destination that Orlando is. Home to a myriad of theme parks and resorts, including Disney World (the world's #1 theme park and resort), Orlando provides a family-oriented entertainment experience found nowhere else in the world. Besides, who doesn't want a picture with Mickey?

Miami - Gateway to the Caribbean

Miami Beach

Part of me wonders if Spain knew just what they were giving up when they ceded Florida to the Untied States in 1821. Year-round warm weather, long white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, abundant fishing; the list goes on. Today, Miami stands as the crown jewel of the state, serving not only as an amalgamation of the previously listed qualities, but also as a gateway to the rich landscape and culture of the Caribbean. Whether dropping by to enjoy the beaches, the Latin American culture, or just a home port for a cruise of the Caribbean, Miami is a city that you won't soon forget.

New Orleans - The Crescent City

Jackson Square

Perhaps no city on this list has a culture so uniquely its own as New Orleans. Known for the easy-going disposition of its residents and its melting-pot heritage (as well as the revelry of Mardi Gras), the Crescent City is a place quite unlike any other. Rich history, world-class cuisine, and a charm that is sure to leave an impression on anyone combine to make New Orleans a top destination for any trek across the country.

Louisville - Derby City

Churchill Downs

Some cities are on this list for their culture, others for the sights, and some for the unique experiences. As the home of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville is certainly one of the latter. Each year, on the first Saturday of May, tens of thousands of people descend on the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs for the biggest thoroughbred race in the world. Here, the full pomp, pageantry, and glamor of horse racing is put on display for the entire world to see. Whether you attend for the thrill of the "Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" or just to soak up the charm of the sport, a visit at the Kentucky Derby is sure to be a crown jewel in any Grand Tour.

Indianapolis - The Birthplace of Speed

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Detroit may be the birthplace of the auto industry, but Indianapolis is the cradle of auto racing. The centerpiece of American motorsport, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, stands as a testament to the vision, courage, sacrifice, and triumph of the trailblazers of the sport. This spirit has become synonymous with Indianapolis; from the racing-themed establishments around the city, the murals to racing heroes of the past and present at the city's airport, and even the image of an Indy racecar engraved in the Indiana state quarter, it's easy to see how closely the city identifies with the sport. Each year, you can see this spirit on full display when IMS hosts the biggest race in the world, the Indianapolis 500. Whether you're an auto enthusiast or simply in the market for a world-class spectacle, a stop by Indianapolis for the Indy 500 is an easy call to make.

San Antonio - Alamo City

The Alamo

The legend of the American Old West is known around the world. The stories of cowboys, Indians, outlaws, and damsels in distress have held a special place in the collective imagination of people everywhere. San Antonio embodies this spirit, and not just because of its location deep inside of Texas. Truth be told, the city is home to perhaps the biggest story to ever come out of the Old West: The Battle of the Alamo. The legend of that battle and those who fought in it have intrigued people for well over a century, and the old Spanish mission itself still stands today, ready for anyone interested to visit and learn of its history. If you have ever been fascinated by the legends of the Old West, a visit to San Antonio would be well worth your time.

Las Vegas - City of Lights

Las Vegas Strip

It's entirely possible that of all the cities on this list, Las Vegas needs the least introduction. As the world's leading gaming and entertainment destination, the City of Lights is a place quite unlike any other. Despite its reputation for adult-centric thrills (and there are plenty of those to be had), Las Vegas actually does offer a wide variety of attractions that appeal to a broader consumer base, including world-class resorts, shows of every kind, and some of the best dining around. If you're not afraid to take a chance or two, Vegas might be the place for you.

Los Angeles - Home of the Stars

Hollywood Sign

It's my sincere belief that at some point in their lives, everyone dreams of being a star. Whether it's for fame, fortune, or fun, the allure of Hollywood is something that everyone understands. And while not all of us make it on the A-list, there's still plenty of fun to be had when taking a trip down Hollywood Boulevard. The Walk of Fame, Hollywood Wax Museum, Chinese Theatre, and the Musso & Frank Grill are all worth a visit. And who knows? You may even run into a real star or two taking their own stroll down the Boulevard...

Napa Valley - America's Vineyard

Napa Valley Vineyard

I've always thought that in a broad sense, vacations fall into one of two categories: Exciting and Relaxing, and anyone interested in the latter would do well to stop by Napa Valley. While California may be known as fast and fun playground, Napa Valley shows that the West Coast has a lot more to offer than adrenaline-fueled thrills. Here, you can take the opportunity to slow down and enjoy life at a more intentional pace. Featuring world-class wine, breathtaking scenery, and the charm of a good ol' Bed & Breakfast, Napa Valley puts the allure of a relaxing getaway on full display.

Honolulu - Crossroads of the Pacific

USS Arizona Memorial

As one of the world's top tourist destinations, there's a little for everyone in Honolulu. Whether you'd like to hike a volcano, catch some waves, or soak up some sun, there's always something to do at the Crossroads of the Pacific. However, I have a very different, personal reason for wanting to visit: My grandfather served in the Navy during World War II. As a kid, I was fascinated by the stories he would tell and of all the places he visited. At a young age, this instilled within me an interest in the events of the second World War and a profound respect for those who served in it. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a stop by the USS Arizona Memorial is on my bucket list. I know that solemn reflection is rarely what people have in mind when it comes to a vacation (especially in a tourist hotbed like Honolulu), but in this case, it means everything to me.

Looking Back

The early 20th century saw the demise of the traditional Grand Tour. At the time, the development of commercial railways and the rise of the modern middle-class meant that long-distance travel was now easy, affordable, and practical for the common man. This, combined with the gradual dissolution of the aristocracy, meant that an elaborate, formalized "Grand Tour" was no longer the grand statement that it once was. Still, I believe that even today, a Grand Tour (or something like it) can serve as an important instructional and/or educational experience that could help anyone develop into a more well-rounded individual. Today's interconnected media may make the world seem like a small place, but the experience of seeing it first hand cannot be undervalued. Whether it's sights, sounds, experiences, or even simple peace and quite, I believe that each location on this list has something meaningful to offer.

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading about my American Grand Tour! To close, let me leave you with this parting question: Where would your Grand Tour take you?