With its reputation focused on the water, Baltimore – the largest city, although not the capital of Maryland – is a microcosm of the history of the USA’s eastern seaboard. Named after the second Lord Baltimore, George Calvert, the city was founded in 1729 and now calls itself ‘Charm City’, referring to its citizens’ concern for and appreciation of the quality of urban life. Its position on the Patapsco River, at the top of the northwestern fork of the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore gives direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the early days of European settlement, Baltimore was also the westernmost ocean-going harbour, making it invaluable as a link with the railways that reached into the fast-growing agricultural lands of the interior. Cereal mills prospered on the rivers flowing into the Bay, ensuring that industry and shipping were soon established. The successful Revolutionary War against Britain, which Baltimore survived intact, brought not only increased prosperity but also a song that went onto greater heights as the USA’s national anthem, ‘The Star Spangled Banner’, referring to the flag that flew over the city’s Fort McHenry. The Inner Harbor area is representative of the city’s forward-looking attitude. Once the place where the Baltimore Clippers – fast two-mast schooners – were built, after the American Revolution, the area now successfully combines business, shopping, hotels, restaurants and sightseeing. The docklands was subject to a hugely successful urban regeneration scheme and the newly developed Inner Harbor was opened in 1980. The efficient water taxi service, which also provides a good way to view the city’s impressive seafront skyline, enhances the success of the regeneration. An ongoing one billion US Dollar redevelopment will further improve the area. The Inner Harbor’s wealth of seafood also reflects the city’s economy, which has gone from complete reliance on its harbour to encompassing more general financial, banking, insurance and tourism-related industries. The nearby Downtown is centred on thriving Lexington Market, established in 1782, which still houses over 140 merchants – originally solely farmers but now vendors of all kinds. The clear identification of neighbourhoods and districts is a feature of Baltimore, giving a sense of local identity in each one. Historic districts that once would have been decaying inner-city areas, such as Fells Point and Federal Hill, now are bustling communities, home to the businesspeople who work in the nearby Downtown areas. Mount Vernon and Little Italy also both retain the atmosphere of a large village. There is a vitality to the city, stretching out from the campuses of Johns Hopkins University to the north and the University of Maryland near the Downtown. Johns Hopkins himself – whose name is attached to many public buildings – rose from a humble greengrocer in 1819, to a wealthy and philanthropic merchant by 1847. He embodies Baltimore’s work ethic and the American dream. Baltimore has an eclectic range of famous names associated with it. The city was the birthplace of legendary baseball player ‘Babe’ Ruth and of revered literary critic H L Mencken. Writer Edgar Allan Poe and singer Billie Holiday have also left their mark, as has British Royalty. ‘Bessie’ Wallis Warfield – known to the British as the double divorcee, Mrs Simpson, who later married King Edward VIII, causing his abdication – lived for many years in the Mount Vernon section of Baltimore. Whether in its hot, muggy summers or mild, damp and snowy winters, Baltimore is lively and a good base from which to explore rural Maryland. It is a city that is not only proud of its heritage but also confident of the future, preferring to shape the inevitable changes rather than be subject to them. Nonetheless, one thing has never changed – it is considered almost a crime for one to leave the city without tasting Baltimore’s speciality, the abundant Maryland crabs.

Charleston is one of America's favorite destinations. It has beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, with a rich heritage. You will find exciting and educational amusements, museums, great dining, luxurious accommodations, golf, and outdoor recreation second to none. Come see why tons of visitors enjoy Charleston every year. You will find tree lined streets, beautiful homes, and breathtaking parks and gardens when you visit Charleston, South Carolina. Some of the more popular attractions are White Point Gardens, and the Waterfront Park. Some other must see attractions include the new South Carolina Aquarium, Provost Dungeon, Gibbes Museum and the Old Exchange. Visitors are constantly amazed at the quality and variety of attractions, restaurants and shopping that can be enjoyed here We hope you are pleasantly surprised too. Whether you're on budget or not, you should be able to find affordable accommodations in Charleston anytime of the year. All About Charleston's online reservations system offers many hotels & resorts to choose from with discounted rates. You can view individual hotel web pages with pictures and information. Check rates, availability and make secure online reservations. All About Charleston also offers the guaranteed lowest rates on car rentals anywhere in the city from major companies like Budget & Thrifty. Our online services are easy to use and very secure. We provide quality service to all of our customers. While visiting Charleston you'll never go hungry for quality food or shopping. Charleston offers great restaurants that will please anyone's appetite. You can eat everything from seafood to sushi and do it with a fantastic ocean view. Restaurants serving Italian, French, American, and Seafood can all be found close by. If shopping is what you are looking for you are in luck. Charleston has everything from your department store chain to local specialty gift shops. Shopping here is great for everyday items as well as the special gift items you are looking for.

Anyone lucky enough to be going to Honolulu doesn't have to give a reason for going. They can just say, "We're going to Honolulu," and imagination will take care of the rest. Moreover, Honolulu can probably live up to and even surpass whatever we imagine. World-famous beaches and tropical weather set the scene for an amazing mix of Pacific cultures in this Hawaiian capital. There is a reason why Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the nation's top travel destinations; in fact, there are several of them. Waikiki Beach is the center of activity for Hawaii's biggest industry: tourism. This is one of the world's greatest resort playgrounds, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in the world. Visitors from all over the world flock here to enjoy the sun, the sand and the incredible nightlife. Besides the beaches, visitors to Honolulu can take tours of the countryside surrounding the downtown area. These tours are amazing, bringing visitors to some of the most beautiful rainforests and volcanoes in the world. Animal and plant life are abundant, and the scenery is unsurpassed. A five-minute car ride from Honolulu brings visitors into some of Nature's most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights. Several museums, including the Bishop Museum, combine exhibits on Hawaiian natural history with lessons about history and culture of its many diverse peoples. The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States, and it features many of Hawaii's most interesting sea animals. The Honolulu Zoo also features some of the unique mammals, birds, and reptiles that inhabit the forests just outside of the city. The history of Hawaii is very rich, as the islands have always attracted many different people. Visitors can tour the Iolani Palace, the residence of the last of the Hawaiian monarchs. They can also visit Honolulu's Chinatown, which is more authentic than many of its mainland counterparts. They can also visit the Arizona Memorial, commemorating the destruction of the battleship Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II. Honolulu exhibits the best of Hawaii in every way. From its famous beaches to its incredible natural preserves, this town has attracted millions of people from around the world. Many of those visitors stayed, helping to make Hawaii one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse places to visit in the United States. Anyone lucky enough to be going to Hawaii knows that he won't be disappointed.

New York City (officially the City of New York) is the largest city in the United States and one of the world's major global cities. Located in the state of New York, the city has a population of over 8.1 million within an area of 321 square miles (approximately 830 square km), making it the most densely populated major city in North America. Its metropolitan area has a population of 18.7 million and is one of the largest urban areas in the world. New York City is an international center for business, finance, fashion, medicine, entertainment, media, and culture, with an extraordinary collection of museums, galleries, performance venues, media outlets, international corporations, and financial markets. The city is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations, and to many of the world's most famous skyscrapers. Popularly known as the "Big Apple", the "City That Never Sleeps", or the "Capital of the World", the city attracts large numbers of immigrants, as well as people from all over the United States who come for its culture, diversity, fast-paced lifestyle, cosmopolitanism, and economic opportunity. The city is also currently distinguished for having the lowest crime rate among major American cities.

Seattle has long had a vibrant Asian and Asian-American population, and well-established communities of Scandinavians, African-Americans, Jews, Native Americans, and Latinos live here, too.A major seaport, the city is a vital link in Pacific Rim trade. Seattle draws visitors with its blend of urban sophistication, easygoing charm, and access to spectacular outdoor recreation. A major cultural center, its sophistication is evident in its architecture, fashion, and arts. Its restaurants -- from tiny International District dumpling stands to posh, first-class dining rooms -- serve a steady supply of visitors, longtime residents, and newcomers, all caught in the act of discovering and celebrating the city. Surrounding Seattle are the glorious mountains of the Olympic and Cascades ranges and the seafood-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean.