Things to Do in North America

Just south of the cathedral and facing the pretty Plaza de Armas, you’ll find the imposing governor’s palace. The two-story building is massive, baroque, and beset with snarling gargoyles, but the façade is far less interesting than the building’s illustrious history and unique interior.

The palace was completed in 1790. Father Miguel Hidalgo occupied the building in 1810, during the Mexican War of Independence. A radical priest with a taste for wine and women, Hidalgo crusaded for human rights; it was here in the governor’s palace that he issued his famous proclamation to abolish slavery. Later, during one of Mexico’s numerous small civil wars, Benito Juarez, “Mexico’s Abraham Lincoln,” also occupied the building. When opposing forces entered the city, Juarez was captured outside the palace and very nearly executed. The guns of a firing squad were lined upon him when the novelist Guillermo Prieto jumped forth to shield Juarez. Supposedly he cried “los valientes no asesinan,” (the brave don’t murder) and the soldiers lowered their rifles.

The interior of the Palacio de Gobierno reflects the building’s storied past. The principal stairwell is emblazoned with a dramatic image of Father Miguel Hidalgo, backlit by the fires of revolution. The mural wraps up the stairs, depicting the history and imagined future of Mexico. The paintings are the work of one of the world’s preeminent muralists, Jose Clemente Orozco, and offer a good crash course in Mexican history. A smaller upstairs mural depicts Hidalgo signing the decree to abolish slavery—this mural was Orozco’s last work.

The South Rim is the most popular area of Grand Canyon National Park, boasting easy access to the canyon, the bulk of available amenities and services, and the panoramic vistas for which the natural wonder is famous. One of the most famous attractions in the American Southwest, the area offers breathtaking views over the Colorado River and the chance to immerse yourself in Native American culture.

The Grand Ole Opry began as a radio broadcast in 1925 and is now a world-renowned stage show in Nashville, Tennessee, where hundreds of stars have begun their careers. It’s the longest-running radio show in the US, showcasing the genres of country, bluegrass, folk, comedy, and gospel both live and on the radio. Unlike a typical concert, the Grand Ole Opry presents six or more artists during each show, giving the audience a variety of great music to enjoy at one event. Superstars who have performed here include Patsy Cline, Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, and Carrie Underwood.

The Basics

Taking in a show at the Opry house is a bucket-list item for not only fans of country music, but music lovers in general. A guided tour of the Opry may give you the opportunity to step on stage, into the famed wooden circle, as countless musicians have done for many years, while a backstage tour is a great way to hear stories about the music venue. You can take a peek inside the dressing rooms and get an exclusive look at other backstage areas.

Things to Know Before You Go

• FM Assistive Listening Devices are available to borrow during the shows.
• A combo tour of the Opry and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is a popular way to visit two of Nashville's must-see attractions—the lifelike figures of greats such as Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, and Reba McEntire will leave you guessing at the wax museum.
  
• You can also listen to the Opry live on the radio by streaming 650 AM WSM The Legend.

How to Get There

The Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Entertainment Complex are located just off Briley Parkway at 2804 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tennessee. Most tours include transportation from your downtown Nashville hotel.

When to Get There

The days and hours of the Opry House and its ticketed shows vary. The Opry show is presented at the nearby Ryman Auditorium during the months of November, December, and January.

The Westside Road slices its way through the temperate Russian River Valley, and a stretch that runs parallel to the river is so valued for its grape-growing conditions that it has become known as the Miracle Mile. Make the drive here to find Gracianna Winery, a family-owned vineyard that produces some of the region’s best Pinot Noir. Owned and operated by the Amanda family, the winery produces a handful of award-winning varieties, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, however, the Pinot Noirs are a consistent favorite with wine critics and visitors alike.

Manhattan's truly wonderful Grand Central Station (meticulously restored in the 1990s) is a train terminal in the grand tradition from the glory days of the nation's railroads.

Built for the New York Central Railroad between 1903 and 1913, Grand Central is the world's largest train station and a vital New York attraction (even if catching a train is the last thing on your mind).

The main features of the lofty, opulent Main Concourse are its huge arched windows, ticket booths, the famous four-faced clock, grand staircases, chandeliers and, up above, the cerulean blue ceiling gilded with astronomical details. Statues and a Tiffany glass clock dominate the Beaux Arts exterior.

Join a public or private tour of the terminal's highlights, drop into the famous Oyster Bar while you're here, grab a snack at any number of food outlets, or join the 125,000 commuters who pick up a train or subway from Grand Central every day.

Although a completely separate island that needs to be reached by way of ferry, Governors Island is technically part of the borough of Manhattan. To reach the destination -- which is open from late May through the end of September and is less than a half mile away from Lower Manhattan -- you can take a free ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. Originally a military outpost, Governors Island began allowing warm-weather visitors in 2006. The island features 172 acres of history and tranquility through heritage sites, biking, picnicking, art and culture. Two remaining 19th-century forts, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, take visitors back to when the island was used for inner harbor defense. Additionally, because there are no cars or motorized vehicles allowed on the island, visitors enjoy renting bikes and cycling along the island’s 2.2-mile Great Promenade or to Picnic Point for some lunch and a direct view of the Statue of Liberty. There are also many art and culture attractions and events on the island, like outdoor art installations, music concerts and the Governors Island annual Governors Island Art Fair which showcases works from over 100 artists.