Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia. Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities and is recognized as a driving force for the South. Nicknamed ‘The Big Peach’ for its peach cultivation, the city is considered a top single-family housing area. Atlanta has a strong military history. It was a railroad and supply center during the American Civil War. The city has been called ‘the Phoenix’ for its emergence from its many battles. It was also important in the Civil Rights Movement. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site showcases the city’s involvement and impact. Atlanta’s first big population boom is said to have been due to the classic film, Gone with the Wind, which took place within city limits. The Margaret Mitchell House, the author’s house while writing the manuscript, is a major tourist attraction. Atlanta is also home to ‘the world’s largest aquarium’. The Georgia Aquarium holds more than 8 million gallons of marine and fresh water. It features more than 100,000 animals, most notably are the young whale sharks.

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and is independent, meaning it is not part of the local government entity. The city was the second leading port for immigrants in the 1800's and got its name from founding proprietor, Lord Baltimore, who got his name from his originating town in Ireland. Baltimore's port made the city an early thriving center, being more accessible than Boston and New York. During the War of 1812, Fort McHenry played an important role in protecting the port from the British navy. Today, the port is an attraction as well as a seaport. Harborplace is a festival marketplace that helped with the attraction of tourists and revived the downtown harbor area. Baltimore's historical architecture and design can be seen in the city's important buildings. The Baltimore Basilica features classical designs from the 1800's. The basilica is America's oldest Catholic Cathedral and was constructed under the guidance of America's first Bishop, John Carroll. The Baltimore Museum of Art opened in 1914 and holds one the most important art collections in the world, with pieces from Picasso and Matisse.

Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina, with a population of approximately 610,000. It was named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg, wife of King George III of the United Kingdom. It is often referred to as the 'Queen City'. It is also called 'a hornet's nest', as quoted by General Cornwallis during the American Revolution. Charlotte has many neighborhoods. The city center is known as Uptown. It is home to many museums, including the Mint Museum of Craft + Design. The Mint Museum of Art is its sister museum, originally the first branch of the U.S. Mint. Charlotte's downtown area features many businesses and architectural attractions. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is the oldest theatre in Charlotte. It began as the First Baptist Church sanctuary in 1909, and still captures the architecture form that time. Outside the city's center, the atmosphere is very serene and features many recreational areas. Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary is a popular 3 acre park that began as a house garden. The house and garden has remained nearly untouched and is open for touring.

Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio and is considered the first major American boomtown. The city rapidly expanded in the 19th century, which made it the first major inland city. Cincinnati’s cityscape is designed with a focus around Fountain Square, Cincinnati and surrounded by many tall buildings. Downtown Cincinnati is home to many big corporations and is considered the sixth safest region for business in the country. Cincinnati hosts many festivals and events, including the Cincinnati Flower Show, the Festival of Lights, the Tall Stacks Festival and the second largest Oktoberfest in the world, to celebrate the city’s German heritage. The German immigrants in the 19th century also developed the largest National Historic District in the U.S. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Cincinnati contains the largest collection of Italianate and European style architecture in the country. Cincinnati’s Eden Park is home to the city’s cultural attractions. The park covers 186 acres and features the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Playhouse in the Park and the Irwin M. Kron Conservatory. The Kron Conservatory is a top attraction and holds plants from all over the world and hosts six flower shows annually.

Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in Colorado. The city is located more than one mile above sea level and sits at the base of Pikes Peak, one of America’s most famous peaks. The city was founded in 1871 by General William Palmer who wanted to create a resort town. The city went through the Pikes Peak Gold Rush and later became a health Mecca due to its dry climate and high elevation. The high elevation attracts many outdoor competitors. The United States Olympic Training Center made its home here in 1978 as the first of three training centers. The height is still considered to improve training effectiveness. Colorado Springs is home to numerous parks and trails due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and mountain scenery. The most notable feature of the city parks are the geological formations. The combination of natural springs and mountains have created unique red rock structures. The Garden of the Gods is the most visited public park and houses many towering rock formations.

Dallas is the third largest city in Texas and the ninth largest in the U.S., housing more than 1.2 million residents. The city was founded in 1841 and was incorporated in 1856. The city became a booming location due to its use of railroads. The Museum of the American Railroad features the history of Dallas' growth. The city plays a historically important role in the production of oil and cotton, and remains a powerful industrial city. Dallas' history is prominent throughout the city through its architecture and numerous museums. The Art District, located downtown, is a hub for many institutions, like the Dallas Museum of Art. Another, darker historical event is given its own museum. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy is dedicated to the life and assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, which occurred on the museum's street corner. Dallas is also home to many parks and recreation centers. The city operates more than 400 parks, covering over 20,000 acres. The largest park is Fair Park, which was built to host the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. Fair Park features many attractions, like the Dallas Aquarium, and holds multiple events and festivities.

Detroit is the largest city in the state of Michigan and is recognized as the world's center for automobile production. It is referred to as 'Motor City' for housing three of the top auto manufacturers, known as the 'Big Three' (GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler). Another popular nickname is 'Motown', as this was the birthplace for the Motown style of music. The history of the music is showcased at the Hitsville building, which was converted into the Motown Historical Museum. Most museums are located in the historic cultural center. Among these is the Detroit Historical Museum, which preserves the city's heritage. Eastern Market is also in this cultural center. The market covers more than 40 acres and includes the farmer's distribution market, the largest open-air flower market in the U.S. Detroit is also home to a 982 acre island called Belle Isle. The island features yacht and boat clubs, a golf course and museums. It is also the site for the Coast Guard post and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. The most visited attraction on the island was America's oldest public aquarium, which was closed in 2005.

Fort Worth was founded in 1849 as a military camp named after General Jenkins Worth. The city's nickname is 'Cowtown' due to its large part in the cattle industry. Fort Worth has strong influences in the South and proclaims the motto 'where the west begins'. This is true, for the city is literally the gateway into the southwestern areas of Texas. Fort Worth is known as cowboy country. Most notably, the city is recognized for its Stockyards. This historical district was at the center of the cattle industry until the late 1960's. Today, it is a tourist attraction and home to many western themed shops and bars like Billy Bob's Texas. Fort Worth's downtown area shows a city side apart from the cowboy way. The city holds many attractions. Sundance Square is the city entertainment center named after the infamous Sundance Kid. Also in the downtown area is the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a 4.3 acre park featuring pools and water structures. The Fort Worth cultural district is home to many exquisite museums, including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. This museum is the oldest art museum in Texas and features more than 2,600 pieces of post-war art.

Honolulu is the capital and most populous city of the islands that make up Hawaii. Honolulu is located on the southeastern coast on the island of Oahu. The name Honolulu means ‘sheltered bay’, which refers to the area’s natural harbor. Honolulu was first settled by Polynesian migrants in the 12th century. In 1845, the ruler, Kamehameha III, transitioned the small village into a modern port city and was annexed in 1898 by the U.S. Honolulu continued its turbulent past with the attacks at Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941 Japan launched an attack that resulted in nearly 2,500 deaths. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific honors those that served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The cemetery contains more than 63 separate memorials, most commemorating those killed at Pearl Harbor. Honolulu is also a popular tourist destination. Waikiki is at the center of tourism. World famous Waikiki Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and houses many five star resorts. Kapiolani Park is another popular spot. It is the oldest park in Hawaii and features the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell. Honolulu’s cultural center is The Arts District Honolulu located downtown, near Chinatown. The area is home to many art galleries, including the Honolulu Academy of Arts, which has the largest presenter of visual arts in Hawaii.

Indianapolis became the capital of Indiana in 1821 and is now the fastest growing city in the Midwest. Indianapolis is translated in Greek to mean 'Indiana City', which was thought to prove its significance as a capital city. Indianapolis is also called the 'Circle City', as having many circular featues throughout the city. The most prominent circle is Monument Circle, which is located in the center of the city. Here, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is displayed, which honors all soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. A circular structure, the Hilbert Circle Theatre was the first grand movie palace in the U.S. It is now home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The city also has a 250 acre park called the White River State Park. It was established in 1979 and features the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo and many botanic gardens. Indianapolis is also well known for its sports and sport complexes. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the most famous for being the home to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, commonly called the Indy 500.

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and is famous for having more boulevards and fountains than any other city in the world, with the exception of Paris’s boulevards and Rome’s fountains. The city sits across the Missouri and Kansas Rivers from Kansas City, Kansas, which together form the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Kansas City contains more than 200 fountains and is nicknamed ‘The City of Fountains’. The most prominent fountain is the J. C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, which has been a longtime symbol of Kansas City. The fountain is located in the Country Club Plaza, which was the first shopping plaza able to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile. The plaza also crosses the widely popular Ward Parkway. This boulevard is recognized for its beautiful fountains, statues and historic homes. Kansas City is also famous for its steak and barbecue. Every year, the American Royal rodeo hosts the largest barbecue contest in the world. The city contains more than 90 barbecue establishments and is labeled a ‘world capital of barbecue’. The most famous restaurant is Fiorella’s Jack Stack Restaurant, which began in 1957 and was the first to offer hickory smoked meat.

Long Beach is located in southern Los Angeles County. It has been nicknamed ‘The International City’ for being one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S. The city was incorporated in 1888 and is named for the Long Beach Land and Water Company, which owned 4,000 acres of the city’s land. Long Beach is home to world class shopping, beaches, and unique structures. The city is home to structures like the Museum of Latin American Art, the only U.S. museum dedicated to Latin American art, and the Long Beach Sports Arena, which holds the record for the largest mural, at 116,000 square feet. The mural, named the Whaling Walls, was designed by environmental artist, Wyland. Long Beach manages 92 parks covering over 3,000 acres. The largest city park is El Dorado Regional Park, which features an archery range, fishing lakes and picnic areas. The Port of Long Beach, in the Long Beach Harbor, is the second busiest seaport in the U.S., with routes to the Pacific Rim. It is also a large player in the oil industry, with oil underground and offshore.

Louisville is the largest city in the state of Kentucky. The land was founded in 1778 by George Clark and named after King Louis XVI of France. The city sits on the Kentucky-Indiana border, and is sometimes referred to as ‘Kentuckiana’. The city’s nicknames include ‘Falls City’ and ‘River City’. Louisville is the only obstruction in the Ohio River, forming the rapids known as the Falls of Ohio. Louisville features many museums, all located along ‘Museum Row’. Some prominent museums include the Frazier International History Museum and the Louisville Science Center. Louisville contains 123 public parks. One of the most visited parks in the nation is Cherokee Park. The park features numerous landmarks like Lover’s Lane and Nettleroth Bird Sanctuary. Louisville’s most famous sporting event is the Kentucky Derby, often called the ‘Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’. The race is held at the Churchill Downs Station, a thoroughbred racetrack that opened in 1875.

Miami is the second largest city in Florida and is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades in South Florida. Miami is nicknamed ‘The Magic City’ for its quick expansion in population and economic activity. It is the second ranked city worldwide for having the most building construction over 500 feet tall. It has become a large finance and international commerce center. Miami is widely known as being the ‘gateway of the Americas’. It is an international and cultural center, with large populations of South Americans and Islanders. Many of the nearly 400,000 residents are bilingual. This cultural melting pot is located along the Biscayne Bay, which covers 35 miles and houses many attractions. Bayside Marketplace offers amazing views of the bay and the Miami Beach skyline. Across the bay is Miami Beach. Although not truly distinguishable, they are separate cities. Miami Beach is famous for its pristine beaches and nightlife entertainment. World renowned South Beach is recognized as a tourist attraction for its art deco architecture and nighttime entertainment.

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and is located on both banks of the Mississippi River. The city got its name from the city’s first schoolteacher, who used the two Dakota tribe words ‘Minnehaha’ for city and ‘mni’ for water. Minneapolis is nicknamed the ‘City of Lakes’. All city lakes are connected by bike, running and walking paths. The city park system is considered one of the best park systems in the U.S. The Minnehaha Park is one of the city’s oldest parks and is home to the Minnehaha Falls. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a unique park with the largest urban sculpture garden in the U.S. Minneapolis has the third largest theatre district in the nation and is second to New York City in live theatres per capita. The Guthrie Theatre is now the largest theatre in the city, with three stages. Minneapolis is also home to the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Although it has never been the largest, it ranks in the top globally. The mall features numerous retail shops, an indoor theme park, an aquarium, a wedding chapel and a church.