The American Alternative

The Seattle skyline

It seems a little sad that we are showing such a distinct lack of adventure in the land of the free, and perhaps the common perception of America does not extend beyond McDonalds, the Statue of Liberty and Mickey Mouse. But before you reach for those foam mouse ears, perhaps you will take the time to consider these two excellent alternatives.

Nashville

Known as the “Athens of the South” to some and “Music City USA” to others, there is much going on in the capital of Tennessee. Music is a huge influence in this city, and a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame will inspire even the most ardent hater of country music to don their boots and Stetson.

A street in Nashville

Around town you can see the studios where greats such as Johnny Cash started their careers. And as the cliché goes, everyone in the city is either in a band, or knows someone who is trying to make it big in the music industry.

The comparison to Athens is indeed not a vain one, as the city hosts a full scale replica of the Parthanon in its Centennial Park. The city is home to Vanderbilt University, one of the leading universities in the country, and several other top rate institutions. As a result, Nashville hums with a young, vibrant feel of a student population, and the shops and bars reflect this.

A motorcyclist takes a nap in Nashville

Advantages

• Go to the right places and you can party with rock stars (do the Kings of Leon count?)
• You won't look out of place in a cowboy hat, if that's what floats your boat

Disadvantages

• Temperatures can reach 40C in summer, it's better to go in spring or autumn

Day tripping

• Get your feet tapping at “Dollywood”, Dolly Parton's very own theme park
• Visit the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchberg, TN, but remember, you have to be 21 or over to enjoy that old time mellow taste
• Stunning scenery is on offer at Fall Creek Falls, a state park with waterfalls, gorges and dense forests

Seattle

If you've ever watched Frasier, that's the Seattle skyline in the opening credits. Seattle's iconic Space Needle is certainly worth seeing, and if money is no object, go up there and feast in the revolving restaurant.

Seattle's iconic space needle

However, this city is a living breathing attraction in itself, certainly far from tourist fodder. Pike Place market is a great place to wander around, getting lost in the sights and smells, and watching the fishmongers show off their mad fish throwing skills, reminiscent of Tom Cruise in Cocktail. While you're on that side of town, there's a great photo opportunity by the first ever Starbucks store, still fully operating.

If history is your thing, be sure to head underground on Bill Speidel's Underground Tour. Despite the guides showcasing their undiscovered stand-up comic potential, they will take you on an adventure you through the old streets of Seattle... underground. It's a wonderfully different experience.

Seattle is a relatively small city, with a city population of 582,000 and it has a slightly European feel due to the liberal attitudes and the pedestrian and bike friendly streets. It is also one of the most educated cities in North America, with 48% of residents over 25 years old having a bachelors degree.

As a result, the city is full of culture, ranging from internationally renowned film festivals, to live music (the city was originally home to Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles), and professional theatres aplenty.

Advantages

• A somewhat European city with a modern, intellectual feel
• Close enough to Canada to fit in a trip to Vancouver, BC while you're at it

Disadvantages

• Tends to rain a lot
• The 8 hour time difference makes short trips hard on the sleep cycle

Day tripping

• A variety of awe inspiring national parks within easy reach, including the Mt St Helens National Monument and the Olympic National Park.

Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park

• Leavenworth, “Washington's Bavarian village”, is like a little taste of Germany, more Bavarian than Bavaria itself. 135 miles from Seattle
• In April, Skagit Valley's tulip festival is in full swing, with rolling hills covered in tulips of all the colours of the rainbow

These two destinations are just the tip of the iceberg of interesting and unusual cities that the USA has to offer. Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, was brought up in Portland, Oregon, and based his characters and the town of Springfield on his life there.

Hence, Flanders Street, a second grade teacher called Miss Hoover and the real life Evergreen Terrace. Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful colonnial city with 18th century homes and plantations, and some excellent coastal areas, Dawson's Creek style. And who could forget the majestic New Orleans?

It may still be in the wake of hurricane Katrina, but it has stubbornly retained its exotic blend of jazz, cajun food and Mardi Gras celebrations. Sadly, the legendary “Streetcar named Desire", of Tennessee Williams fame, is no longer.

So for your next trip across the pond, tear yourself away from the stereotypes and dive into unchartered territory if you dare. You might just have to try a little harder to find a decent guide book.

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