The United States is a big, bold and beautiful land with plenty of places to visit.
Here’s a sampling of some great things to see and do during the coming months. Whether you’re planning to play a little golf, take in art and culture or enjoy holiday traditions, it’s an ideal time to discover America.
St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Perhaps you’ve had a chance to see the movie, Dolphin Tale, about a dolphin with a prosthetic tale. The real dolphin named Winter, who plays herself in the movie, lives at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and you can visit her. Based on Winter’s true story, the movie follows what happened when, at just three months old, she was found tangled in a crab trap line off Florida’s east coast. Due to serious injuries, she lost her tail and two vertebrae, however through rehabilitation and her own amazing spirit she is thriving at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. visitstpeteclearwater.com
Detroit
As the birthplace of the car, Detroit is naturally home to the North American International Auto Show, January 9–22, 2012. Plus, there are plenty of automotive activities throughout the year. Watch a Ford F-150 being assembled at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour at The Henry Ford. See what it was like to live as an auto baron at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Meadow Brook Hall. And check out hot rods and cool cars at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. detroit3point0.com
Denver
There’s much to see and do in Denver, which features one of the most walkable downtowns anywhere. Two buildings make up the Denver Art Museum—one a fortress-like structure by Italian architect Gio Ponti; the other, a titanium crystal designed by Daniel Libeskind. Inside, the world’s greatest collection of native American art and 68,000 other art objects includes works from European masters and Old West classics. Two major shows for 2012 are Yves Saint Laurent: A Retrospective(March 25–July 8) and Becoming Van Gogh(October 21–January 20, 2013). And LoDo Historic District is filled with turn-of-the-century warehouses, which now house 90 brew pubs, sports bars, restaurants and rooftop cafés. Luckily for Canadians, getting there is easy. Air Canada, in collaboration with United Airlines, offers non-stop service between Canada and Denver, with daily service from Montréal, Toronto, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Vancouver. denver.org
Dallas
The Dallas Museum of Art (dm-art.org) hosts the U.S. debut of The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk exhibit until February 12, 2012. The exhibition showcases about 140 haute-couture dresses and ready-to-wear pieces made by the world-renowned French couturier from the early 1970s to 2010. Thirty animated, talking mannequins, including one of Gaultier, add a lively dimension to the experience. visitdallas.com
Virginia
Historic Garden Week in Virginia celebrates its 79th season, April 21–28 throughout the state. The week-long touring event has been dubbed “America’s Largest Open House” and is the one time of the year when nearly 250 of Virginia’s grand southern homes open their doors to showcase beautiful gardens, stunning architecture and an appreciation of history. Travel packages at select hotels and historic inns are available. vagardenweek.org
South Carolina
With more than 360 courses in play, South Carolina is a favourite for golfers. Take in the River Falls Plantation for breathtaking views and elevation changes on its mountain course, or try the lakeside layout at Cheraw State Park or the beachside Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach. Book a round at famous Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, home to the PGA Tour Heritage Tournament. Or test your skills on what Golf Digestmagazine calls the “toughest course in America” at the Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, home to the 2012 PGA Championship. discoversouthcarolina.ca