Things to Do in Usa

A gracefully gentrified neighborhood in South Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens was originally considered part of more working-class Red Hook, just a few blocks to the south across the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. First settled by Dutch farmers, then Irish, Italian and Norwegian merchants, and now a combination of French immigrants, American yuppies and aging couples, this evolving area retains traces of all its past inhabitants. Most renowned for what it has preserved, Carroll Gardens today is increasingly full of independent-owned cafes, boutiques and antique stores, most set along Smith Street.

Named for Charles Carroll, a Revolutionary War hero and senator from Maryland and the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, the neighborhood is centered on tree-lined Carroll Park. Around and near the park is the Carroll Gardens Historic District, comprised of 19th-century brownstones with elaborate gardens out front.

Located at 881 Seventh Avenue in Midtown West, Carnegie Hall is a prestigious concert venue known for being an important cultural institution as well as a space where many notable musicians were able to break out. Opened in 1891, it is the place where Judy Garland made an album that won five Grammys in 1961, Benny Goodman elevated the status of swing music and produced one of history’s greatest-selling jazz albums in 1938, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his last major public address of all time in 1968. Today, Carnegie Hall puts on about 250 high-quality classical and popular music performances each season. The architecture is another draw to the attraction, as it is one of the city’s last large buildings built entirely of masonry without a steel frame. Moreover, its Italian Renaissance design, eclectic international accents, intricate carvings, brick-insulated walls and high-ceilings allow for an elegant space with first-rate acoustics.

Along with seeing the show and touring the building visitors can peruse the Rose Museum, which tells the story of Carnegie Hall’s history and showcases artifacts like photographs, concert programs, manuscripts and more. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs like apparel, posters, CDs, DVDs and books.

Ticket prices vary by show, although you can tour the building without seeing a performance. To reach Carnegie Hall by subway, take the N, Q, R to 57th Street-Seventh Avenue; F to 57th Street; B, D, E to Seventh Avenue.

Urban centers like New York and Chicago tend to get the most cred for their scenic skylines, but Cathedral Rock, in the heart of Arizona’s peaceful Sedona, has inched towards fame with its picturesque natural skyline, where towering vibrant red rocks meet clear blue sky.

Located in Coconino National Forest, the steep ascent to this famous land formation draws travelers in search of a challenging hike, clear desert air, breathtaking views and wide-open space. And while the trail is only a short 1.5 miles, a quick 600-feet elevation change means parts of the passage can be a real scramble. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a serious climb with views that are truly worth it.

Set on the east corner of Logan Circle, this elegant 1864 cathedral is the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and the largest brownstone structure in Philadelphia. Built at the height of anti-Catholic fervor in the city, the unusually high windows of this Roman-Corinthian church were designed to discourage stone-throwing and other acts of vandalism. 

Prominent local architect Napoleon LeBrun designed the 2,000-seat basilica and its Palladian facade, and interior frescoes were painted by Constantino Brumidi, an artist famous for his work in the U.S. Capitol Building.  The crypt beneath the main altar contains the remains of Philadelphia’s bishops and archbishops, the first of whom died in 1810.

The oldest masonry fort in the United States, the Castillo de San Marcos has exchanged many hands and undergone many name changes throughout the years, but has evolved into a symbol of the cultural clashes that ultimately unify the United States today. Occupying 2.5 acres (101 km²) in downtown St. Augustine, it was first constructed by the Spanish starting in 1672 in order to protect Spanish territories in the New World. Over the next 23 years, the fort was fashioned from a stone called coquina (Spanish for "little shells"), made of ancient shells that have bonded together.

Throughout the years, the fort changed hands between Spanish, British, and American owners, changing its name each time. It also played a vital role in many famous conflicts, from the Civil War to the Spanish-American War. Today, it is a site worth visiting because of its storied history and impressive stature. Walk among the 30 foot (9 m) stone walls and admire the site that was at the center of many of the greatest conflicts in the history of numerous nations.

Talk to a local about Carrollton and they’ll give you directions to one of New Orleans’s signature neighborhoods in the Garden District. Because while Carrollton is commonly known as a street, it was once its very own town, completely independent of the greater city of New Orleans. Yes, Carrollton was destined to be annexed by New Orleans in the early 20th century, but the Carrollton of yesteryear and the Carrollton of today both boast the picturesque Oak Street as its “Main Street” and offer guests a unique view into one of the beating hearts of New Orleans’s cultural hotbeds.

With a laid-back feel and beautiful architecture throughout, Carrollton is an attraction just walking through – though you needn’t take the sidewalk if you don’t want to: The St. Charles Line Street Car takes you into Carrollton by way of St. Charles Ave. Exploring Carrollton means discovering Queen-Anne and Victorian homes, oak-lined streets, and restaurants catering to all budgets. While you’re here, don’t miss Riverbend, Audubon Park, or the Maple Street Bookshop – these are some New Orleans favorites.