It is getting close to that time of year again when many Canadians are making last minute plans for where they’ll spend the winter at the first sign of snow. In fact, many leave cities like Montreal and Toronto even before the first winter weather approaches so that they aren’t traveling in what could be blizzardous conditions. However, winter isn’t the only time of year to take a holiday south of the border, the Canadian border that is! Summer months can be exciting as well and if you’ve never toured your way down the Eastern Seaboard, here are five cities every traveler should put on their list of places to visit at least once in a lifetime.
1. New York City, New York
Is there anyone in the world who hasn’t dreamed of seeing a Broadway show or strolling along Manhattan’s 5th Avenue? In fact, it would be difficult to find anyone who hasn’t at least heard of the largest city in the United States with just over 8.5 million residents, five separate county-like boroughs, and some of the most amazing places to shop, eat, and be entertained. There isn’t another city anywhere on earth quite like the Big Apple. Although it may be quite difficult to find a flight which isn’t overcrowded and underserved any time of year traveling between Canada and the US on the major airlines, there is one airline renowned for superior service.
Many people, having flown on this Canadian-based airline have stated that they felt like they were somehow transported back in time when airlines actually catered to their passengers. Flying to New York City may not be a long trip, but the service is superior and why they recommend their fellow Canadians find a selection of flights on flyporter.com. Not only will every passenger feel like they are flying in first class, this is one airline that still serves a complimentary beer and snacks. That’s something which just isn’t seen anymore! Arrive at the Big Apple relaxed and well cared for so that you have the energy to go exploring. You’ll need that if you are to get enough into just one little trip!
2. Boston, Massachusetts
When it comes to touring the United States, the one city you must visit is Boston, Massachusetts. However, this is perhaps a city you’d like to see in the warmer months of the year. Being a northern city, it can get cold and snowy in the winter months but there is a ton of history interspersed in the very same areas where there is some of the nation’s most innovative modern architecture to be found.
As a matter of fact, two of the nation’s most renowned universities are located in or very near Boston, M.I.T. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Harvard. This is where you’ll find modern architecture situated on grounds that date back centuries. Just don’t forget to leave time to visit the historic site of the Boston Tea Party or the cobblestone streets where Paul Revere lived and helped lead a revolution.
Seafood lovers will delight in the local fare as Boston has some of the world’s finest seafood restaurants including:
- Neptune Oyster – 63 Salem St. #1
- The Daily Catch – 323 Hanover St.
- Legal Harborside – 270 Northern Ave.
- Atlantic Fish Co – 761 Boylston St.
And don’t forget, you really must try a bowl of world-famous New England Clam chowder during your stay! Packed with clams and potatoes, this is one of the most delectable cream soups you’ll ever experience.
3. Washington, D.C.
What can be said about the nation’s capital? Visitors from near and far love to tour as many government buildings as possible including:
- The Capitol Building
- The Library of Congress
- The White House
- The Pentagon
- The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- The Supreme Court
While most of those are self-explanatory, you may really enjoy touring the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. With so many visitors before you, it’s nice to dream of having all those bills and coins in your very own coffers, although you know it is just a dream – but a nice one at that! However, if you really want to see that money up close and personal, don’t forget a visit to the United States Treasury, also located in the nation’s capital.
Other places of interest would include the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Mount Vernon, and the National Cathedral. This is where every president past, present, and future lies in state upon their death as the nation mourns and comes to pay their last respects. There’s nothing like touring a country’s capital if you want to really learn firsthand about the people you are walking amongst.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
As you head further south on your sojourn down the Eastern Seaboard, there’s the popular and quite trendy tourist spot, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Although most tourists enjoy the hotter winter months, many Canadians specifically like to winter here for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most common reason for choosing Myrtle Beach as a winter haven is because the crowds have thinned out and because of this, there is a better assortment of places to stay which are reasonably priced.
Also, those who don’t actually want to get in the ocean but would rather take a walk along the sandy shore or even get in a bit of mid-winter sun especially like beaches which aren’t over-populated. Go any farther south and you’re likely to encounter shoulder to shoulder crowds during what is commonly referred to as “high season,” with nothing higher than the prices!
5. Orlando, Florida
While Orlando, Florida is not exactly on the coast, it is still one popular tourist attractions on the Eastern Seaboard. Being just 42 miles inland from the Atlantic and about 77 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico, visitors can still get in a day or two at some world-famous beaches while taking the bulk of their time to visit attractions like:
- Walt Disney World
- Kennedy Space Center
- Epcot Center
- Universal Studios
- Universal City Walk
- Sea World Orlando
And, that is just a sprinkling of all that there is to see and do in this amazing southern city where the climate is nice throughout the year.
Unlike South Florida, the winter months are a bit cooler, but nonetheless warm enough to take a dip in the ocean or the gulf on either side of the city. There is ample nightlife for the younger crowd, plenty of family-oriented attractions like those mentioned above, and 5-star restaurants that make your mouth water just to think about.
What You Need to Know About the Seasons
So, there you have a sampling of cities along the Eastern Seaboard that will give you a very good idea of what life is like in the eastern third of the nation. These cities are all representative of their respective regions and there is plenty to do and see in any city you book flights to. Each has a regional or international airport that is easy to access and so you’ll find it a fairly simple process to get there and back home again, no matter what time of year you travel.
The one thing you may wish to keep in mind is that both Boston and NYC are cold in the winter and you just might experience as much snow as you would back home. The point is, it may be best to plan your trip according to the weather conditions you are most comfortable with. Even having said that, each of these five cities is an awesome place to visit literally any time of year.