With America in the midst of its Fourth of July celebrations, we thought we’d get in the Independence day spirit and give you some quirky ideas of how you could embark on your own unique American experience…
1. Tornado Chasing on the East Coast of America
Fancy yourself as a bit of an adrenaline junky? Why not go on a storm chasing tour with Violent Skies Tours in Tornado Alley, located between the Rocky Mountains and Appalachian Mountains. Expect to be at a 45 degree angle to the ground, while fighting the wind to stay standing. Personally, we would rather keep our feet firmly on the ground, but if this is your thing we would strongly recommend travel insurance.
2. Route 66
Take a drive of a lifetime down one of the most famous roads in America, which spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Travel through 8 states and 3 time zones whilst stopping at amazing places such as the Grand Canyon, Chicago Blues clubs and the Las Vegas strip.
3. Graceland
You couldn’t visit America without walking in the steps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Graceland gives you the opportunity to chill in his mansion, ogle at his cars and even stay in the legendary Heartbreak Hotel.
4. Rusty and Bettys Cowboy Camp, nr Phoenix, Arizona
If you have always dreamt of becoming a real life cowboy, this is the perfect experience for you. Based near Phoenix in Arizona, Rusty and Betty will teach you to throw a lasso and line dance before tucking down to an authentic chuck wagon dinner round an open fire.
5. Alcatraz Tour, San Francisco
Delve into the depths of some unbelievable history at this Civil War fortress near San Francisco, which was once a maximum security prison. You can teach your children a lesson and give them the real experience of being behind bars.. you may even be tempted to leave them there!
6. Grand Canyon Skywalk
Test your nerves by stepping onto the glass-floored Skywalk bridge. Suspended 4,000 feet over the cavernous gorge of the Grand Canyon, higher than the tallest skyscraper, this is certain to get your blood pumping. It can hold the weight of 71 Boeing 747 passenger jets so there’s no worries of it falling through beneath your feet!
7. Extra-terrestrial Highway, New Mexico
Do you believe in aliens? Well a trip to the extra-terrestrial highway in Roswell, New Mexico may challenge those sceptics out there. The home of UFO’s and the famous “Crash Site Café” is mean to be out of this world. The Little A’Le’Inn Café and Motel serves as a UFO information centre where you can also grab an “Alien Burger” or a “Beam Me Up, Scotty” cocktail.
8. Venice Beach, California
California is definitely on my must-go places list. Venice Beach is a virtual circus with something for everyone. From street performers to the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, this spot will never cease to amaze.
9. Wildlife Watching in Alaska
Calling all nature lovers out there, Alaska gives you the chance to get up close and personal to wonders such as humpback whales, sea lions, polar bears, eagles and moose.
10. Zero Gravity Flights
This is the only way to experience zero gravity without going in to space. Float, flip and soar in a specially modified Boeing 727 during a parabolic flight, taking off from the Kennedy Space Centre, near Orlando.
Hopefully this list of quirky things to do has inspired you for your next trip to America! Or maybe you have already experienced one of these, if so, get in touch and let us know the best bits!