DESTINATION • November 2015
Five US cities we bet you haven’t been to
The joint business agreement between British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia and Finnair, means customers get access to a greater range of fares and more destinations. To celebrate the partnership’s fifth anniversary, The Club asked US writer Evelyn Torres to share the American cities you should be adding to your must-visit list
Savannah, Georgia
The hotel to stay at: The sweet-talking Southern belles of Savannah are known for their hospitality, so choose bed and breakfast accommodation for the full experience. Historic Galloway House was built in 1895 and retains its original charm.
Must-eat: Enjoy home-cooked comfort food at Elizabeth’s on 37th. Dishes such as spicy red rice and creamy sage grits have been known to give diners a new Southern accent.
Photo opportunity: Take a stroll around Bonaventure Cemetery. The 160 acres have inspired many photographers and writers, including Pulitzer-nominated novelist John Berendt.
Portland, Oregon
The hotel to stay at: Portland is the destination for nature lovers and beer connoisseurs. After a hard day exploring the former, enjoy some of the latter at The McMenamin’s Kennedy School. It’s an old elementary school transformed into a brewery and hotel.
Must-eat: Breakfast at Blossoming Lotus will energise you for a day of exploration. Try the spinach and mushroom scramble, or a chai-spiced cinnamon roll.
Photo opportunity: Take a trek to the Columbia River Gorge, which runs from the mouth of the Sandy River to the Deschutes. There are more than 90 impressive waterfalls, which make for beautiful pictures.
Park City, Utah
The hotel to stay at: Embrace your inner child at The Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort. It boasts a 50,000sqft indoor waterpark to ensure your entertainment is taken care of.
Must-eat: Get cosy at Fletcher’s with its decadent, short-rib, grilled cheese bites and naked chocolate crème brûlée.
Photo opportunity: Lush greenery and mountainous backdrops make Park City the place to see. It has played host to the Sundance Film Festival and the 2002 Olympic Games.
San Juan (the enchanted Island), Puerto Rico
The hotel to stay at: Those looking to dance the night away before falling into bed should check out La Concha Resort. After dark the lobby comes alive with live music and salsa dancing.
Must-eat:The Isla del Encanto and its capital, San Juan, is foodie heaven. The renowned Jose Enrique is famous for using local, organic ingredients, so fresh that the restaurant adapts its menu daily.
Photo opportunity: The historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro is strikingly beautiful.
Nashville, Tennessee
The hotel to stay at: The Hermitage Hotel is known for its authentic Southern hospitality and luxurious spa. Try the revitalising Honey and Almond Scrub, and enjoy the resulting glow.
Must-eat: Singer Taylor Swift grew up here, and regularly raves about Etch. It’s known for eclectic upscale fare: try a gin martini with orange juice and thyme, and the octopus and shrimp bruschetta.
Photo opportunity: People say country music first became popular in 1925 at the Grand Ole Opry. Learn more on a backstage tour and get a different perspective by standing on stage and looking out toward the stands.
This article has been tagged BA, Destination