Global Wellness Day on 14^th June 2025 offers a reminder on the importance of pausing and carving out time to recharge. Between work demands and daily schedules, life can get busy, and a holiday offers the opportunity to reset and switch off. The destinations we represent offer a diverse variety of immersive wellness experiences that promise to recharge mind, body and spirit. Whether wellness means unrolling a yoga mat, placing cool cucumber slices over your eyes, or simply unwinding with a glass of something, our destinations promise to nourish and rejuvenate.

Meet Boston

Renew yourself at the Mandarin Oriental spa, a Forbes Five-Star award-winning spa in the heart of the city. Constantly evolving with new experiences and tailor-made treatments, this spa offers an unforgettable holistic escape. Relax in the crystal steam room, take a dip in the vitality pools, or enjoy a romantic moment in the couple’s suite. Alternatively, the Miki Sauna Village across from the Boston Harbour Hotel offers wood-fired saunas and cold plunges.

Wellness isn’t just about the body; it’s about expanding the mind too, and in Boston you can do both easily. Start your wellness experience at the Boston Museum of Fine Art, home to nearly 500,000 masterpieces that span various artforms capturing global creativity. With such a diverse collection and every work telling its own story, you’re bound to leave feeling inspired and creatively recharged.

If it’s a touch of peace that you’re craving, stroll over to the Boston Public Library, a sanctuary of quiet in America’s most walkable city. Founded in 1848, the architectural wonder has a long history as one of the first free public libraries in the U.S. It’s also home to the renowned John Singer murals which capture the library’s history. With over 23 million items in its collection, the Library invites you to pick up a volume, take a deep breath and escape into the magic of its iconic reading room.

https://www.meetboston.com/

Explore Louisiana

Louisiana offers a wealth of wellness escapes and experiences, which is fitting for a place where food feeds the body and music feeds the soul. Toledo Bend Lake Country is one of the must visit locations for unclouded breaks. Spanning 186,000 acres, Toledo Bend Lake is the largest man-made lake in the Southern U.S. Known for its calm, peaceful nature and world-class fishing, it doesn’t matter if you’re seeking luxury accommodation or cabins along the shore, the region will have you slowing down and unwinding. Why not take to the water with a houseboat as you gently cruise down the bayou.

For a dose of feel-good wellness, visit Lafayette, which has been named the Happiest City in America. In the heart of Cajun and Creole country, joy is a vital part of life where wellness is a smile. Being in Lafayette also comes with a belly full of food, and as the saying goes – if you’re happy and you know it, an empty plate will show it! With its mixed culture, delicious cuisine, and lively spirit, Lafayette gets that happiness really is the best medicine. Springtime is a particularly lovely time to visit as the city comes alive with vibrant Azaleas in various hues of pinks, whites and reds.

For those seeking deeper solitude yet Tunica Hills provides an untouched outdoor haven. Spanning nearly 6,000 acres, this natural refuge is perfect for reconnecting with nature. Watch as the seasonal colours change creating vibrant backdrops for wildlife migrations. Making it an ideal setting for that much needed digital detox, grounding reflection and peace.

https://www.explorelouisiana.com/

Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters is proud to offer one the most unique wellness experiences in the U.S, heli yoga. The journey begins with a private shuffle from your hotel on the strip to the Maverick terminal. From there, you’ll take to the sky on an unforgettable private flight for up to six guests. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t matter what previous yoga experience you may already have. With custom playlists and noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll be guided through an unparalleled yoga session by one of Maverick’s expert instructors. All while you take in the landscapes of the Valley of Fire and the dramatic Red Rock Canyon, areas which are so remote, they’re only accessible by helicopter. This experience is finished with an aerial tour of the Las Vegas strip making for an unforgettable finale to a 2.5-hour escape that combines serenity, adventure and scenery like nowhere else.

 https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/

Discover New England

 New England is home to some of the most picturesque and restorative wellness experiences in the US. If you are drawn to the tranquillity of wild swimming, across the six states you will find wonderful secret pools, waterfall leaps, swims below covered bridges, quiet lake dips, or bracing ocean plunges. Alternatively, you might prefer a more ‘structured’ spa day or formal wellness retreat, this region offers an abundance.

The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut sits on 58 acres of manicured gardens and woodland. Known as one of the Northeast’s most distinguished hideaways, it provides expert-led health coaching, body work, skin therapies, and immersive seasonal treatments. Each month bringing new instructors specialising in different wellness practices all offering a dynamic and enriching experience.

In Maine, the historic Cliff House overlooking the Atlantic, was established in 1872 and blends coastal charm with luxury. Guests are encouraged to harness the energizing sea air as they relax into sandy beaches, scenic beauty and tailored wellness programmes.

The Inn at Hastings Park, Massachusetts, places personal wellness at the heart of its experience. With access to an award-winning spa offering curated care menus. Whether enjoying workouts from the privacy of your room alongside a trainer, or a culinary education with top chefs. Perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy the farm to vine tasting hosted by winemakers of the region, while taking in the charm of Massachusetts.

The Wentworth in New Hampshire is based near the White Mountains National Forest. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, it offers the perfect blend of escape from everyday stresses with outdoor adventure. After a day of unforgettable hiking to clear the mind, guests will return to countryside style. With an inhouse team of highly trained spa professional, it is the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the hills of Jackson.

Rhode Island’s Ocean House is Forbes Five-Star-rated for its hotel, spa and restaurant. Steeped in the grandeur of New England’s golden age of hospitality, it offers a vast wellness centre. This features a saltwater lap pool with ocean views, yoga and Pilates classes, and an on-site salon. There is even a pampered pooch programmes to spoil your furry friend.

In Vermont, the Woodstock Inn and Resort in the Green Mountains is a timeless four-season retreat which has retained its historical craftsmanship. The spa offers organic and seasonal treatments, featuring a Scandinavian sauna and farm-to-table dining experiences. Including an on-site activity centre which promotes active relaxation and personal growth.

https://discovernewengland.org/

Visit New Orleans

When in New Orleans, indulging in soul-nourishing flavours is a given. But for more of a mindful experience, the Elysian Bar offers a special take on Crescent City cuisine. Self-described as a location which cultivates paradise and exudes bliss, this intimate neighbourhood find features seasonally curated menus and an award-winning bar programme. Each dish and cocktail are crafted with care to delight the senses and elevate your culinary journey – all while taking in the colourful surroundings.

For a peaceful escape where art and nature have harmonised, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden located by the New Orleans Museum of Art is a must-see. Set across 11 acres of City Park, the garden is surrounded by majestic pines, magnolias, and oaks that frame two lagoons. With over 90 sculptures throughout the landscape and the museum just steps away, it’s a sanctuary for reflection as well as inspiration.

To immerse yourself in wellness, the Spyre Centre which was a former Scandinavian jazz church has been transformed into a space which blends architecture, spirituality and healing. Offerings include infrared saunas, hydrotherapy, dry floatation, massage, reiki, red light therapy, IV infusions, Chinese medicine, and rolfing, just to name a few. The on-site nutritional consultant partners with local farms to create clean, nourishing meals that compliments the centre’s holistic approach to wellness.

https://www.neworleans.com/  

Visit Mississippi

Just 25 minutes from the city of Hattiesburg, on 26 acres of rural southern land, you’ll find The Lodge at Sweetwater Studios in Modelle. This glamping paradise was born out of a passion for travel, yoga, art, and of course, the magic of camping. With a variety of tents and cabins overlooking still waters and tucked among peaceful woodlands, it’s the ideal setting for lakeside yoga and forest hikes. The Lodge has hosted an array of events, from ceramic workshops and mushroom foraging to artist mentorship programmes. The retreat is designed for those seeking renewal, peace and a fresh spark of creativity.

For a deeper digital detox, Quapaw Canoe Company in Vicksburg and Clarksdale offers immersive experiences on Mississippi’s wild rivers. Canoe through oxbow lakes, river chutes, and seasonal backwater channels as you explore the untamed beauty. Sunset day trips provide views of the city light reflected on the Yazoo River, while extended trips will guide you through winding bayous, encounters native wildlife, and peaceful stops on secluded islands.

On the Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs is home to the nationally accredited Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Dedicated to the life and works of the art-philosopher Walter Anderson, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of paintings, drawings, murals, block prints, sculptures, and carvings. Rooted in Anderson’s connection to nature and understanding of mythology, folklore, and history, the museum offers a fusion of colour, storytelling, and artistic philosophy.

https://visitmississippi.org/

North Carolina

A key element of wellness is nourishing your body with wholesome and delicious foods, and in North Carolina, the Oyster Trail allows you to do just that. Spend an afternoon breathing in the salty sea breeze while getting to enjoy this sustainable delicacy. The oyster from this coast is known for a flavour profile which is both sweet, salty and buttery. As you sip, slurp and snack along the trail, you’ll embark on an adventure through farms and eateries as you indulge in the superfood, trying the many ways oysters can be prepared.

The Charming town of Hendersonville invites travellers to experience gratitude at altitude. Located near Blue Ridge Parkway, Hendersonville is steeped in natural beauty. Its mineral-rich soil, coupled with warm days and cool mountain nights, create the ideal conditions for a growing and diverse range of wines. These wines have earned accolades and whatever your preference, a wine tour through these scenic vineyards offers the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

Known as the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is home to over 250 cascades, each among lush forests and winding rivers. This untouched landscape offers a peaceful escape into nature. No two waterfalls are alike, each inviting you to explore, discover, and even take a refreshing dip in a hidden swimming hole. Brevard is proud to offer adventures for all abilities, with accessible travel guides available. Alternatively, for a different experience, paddle the reflective waters and embrace the thrill of the gentle currents for that extended break of peace and quiet.

https://www.visitnc.com/

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is celebrated for many reasons, its rich architecture, warm climate, and its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy to name but a few. One chef instrumental in earning this title was Elizabeth Johnson, who now leads Pharm Table. The restaurant promotes a farm-to-table cuisine that’s both health-conscious and delicious. Centred on locally sourced ingredients, Pharm Table supports regional farmers while exploring the healing properties of food. For a memorable culinary experience, try the restaurant’s Dining in the Dark, where your senses and tastebuds are challenged and expanded.

Just outside the city, in the scenic Hill Country, lies Loma De Vida Spa and Wellness. Home to a 25,000 square-foot spa perched atop one of the regions highest points, offering majestic views of the Texas sky. This luxurious retreat blends traditional spa treatments with wellness-focused activities designed to encourage mindfulness. From its infinity pool to its award-winning restaurant, every element promises a chic, tranquil stay. For the ultimate wellness experience, why not book one of the decadent private on-site villas that make this destination one of a kind.

To soak in San Antionio’s creative energy, hop on an electric bike to discover the City’s dynamic murals on a guided mural tour. The tour offers a blend of urban culture and light adventure, all while showcasing the colourful street art and landmarks around every block. Perfect for all fitness levels, these tours are a fun, immersive way to explore one of Texas’s most iconic cultural hubs.

www.visitsanantonio.com

Tennessee Vacation

In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is one of America’s hidden treasures. Spanning over 4,200 acres, it has become a haven for those in search of tranquillity. Blackberry Farm is synonymous with luxury, thoughtful cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and a chance to truly disconnect from modern life. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from cozy inns to an elegant chateau, while enjoying a wide range of activities, from horseback riding to leisurely wine tastings.

Southall Farm and Inn, located in Franklin, embodies authentic farmstead experiences. Rooted by its principles of self-sustainability, Southall invites guests to spend time exploring the art of agriculture, beekeeping, and the healing power of nature. Its dining venues showcase produce grown just steps away in on-site orchards and greenhouses. Guests can unwind in the mineral pool, explore medicinal herb gardens, and sink into the rejuvenating energy of nature.

For a more spiritual retreat, the Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences sits atop the Cumberland Plateau overlooking Tennessee’s wilderness. The institute offers a range of programmes designed to cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Created as a sanctuary for deep exploration of the inner mind, it provides visitors with a supportive environment to connect with themselves and the experience of life.

https://www.tnvacation.com

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, is a must-visit destination for wellness seekers, where desert ranches meet world-class spa experiences. Set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, the city offers a blend of restorative retreats and adventure filled escapes, making ranch wellness a must do for anyone looking to relax, recharge and reconnect.

Two family-owned destinations that embody ranch wellness traditions, are the Tanque Verde Ranch and White Stallion Ranch. Tanque Verde Ranch, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, offers an escape from the busyness of everyday life. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, guided hikes, and even rock climbing. All practices designed to reconnect body and mind through movement and nature. The desert landscape enhances the feeling of solitude and stillness, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking a reset. Similarly, the White Stallion Ranch borders the Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Park where visitors can enjoy quiet guided trails among the cactus, archery, e-bike rides into the dessert, and a combination of actives designed to get your body moving.

Tucson is home to one of the world’s renowned wellness destinations, Canyon Ranch. This 80,000 square-foot spa resort has earned titles from the Michelin Guide and is known for its holistic practices. Guests have access to private sunbathing, aquatic therapies, and customised treatments delivered by trained therapists who focus on healing both body and spirit.

Another standout is Miraval Resort and Spa. Designed to restore balance by embracing digital detox philosophy to fully immerse guests in the Miraval experience. A favourite with celebrities, the luxurious setting is perfect for those seeking expansive grounds and mindful programming. The philosophy at the resort invites guests to cultivate self- awareness through boosting mental well-being, improving nutrition and enhancing physical health. Experiences range from sound therapy, crystal workshops, cosmology classes and guided yoga hikes.

https://www.visittucson.org/

The post Wellness Experiences in the USA for 2025 appeared first on TTM World.

Meet Boston

Boston Calling Music Festival is a 3-day music festival taking place in the heart of the city over the Memorial Day Weekend from 23 -25 May 2025. This year an epic weekend awaits along the Charles River at the Harvard Athletic Complex, with more than 50 performances across 4 outdoor stages, the best food in Boston, 100-foot ferris wheel, art installations and life-size games await audiences. The star line up for 2025 includes; Luke Combs, Avril Lavigne, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy and many more.

The 15th annual Boston Jazz Fest, taking place 29-30 August 2025 is a vibrant celebration of America’s musical heritage. This annual event brings together world class jazz musicians for an unforgettable experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich sounds of this timeless art form with performances ranging from classical to contemporary. The festival is ideal for summer visitors to the city who can enjoy the location in Boston’s Maritime Park in the Seaport District. 2025 lineup to be announced soon!

https://www.meetboston.com/events/festivals-and-annual-events/

Maverick Helicopters

Have you ever experienced the buzzing atmosphere of the Electric Daisy Carnival? As North America’s largest festival, drawing in thousands of festivalgoers each year, it’s an experience like no other. For over a decade, Maverick Helicopters has proudly been the exclusive provider of VIP helicopter transfers. From lift off, the experience is nothing short of luxury, setting the tone for guests who are ready to party at one of the most unforgettable festivals in North America.

This year from 16–19 May, Las Vegas will transform into a pulsing, neon-lit playground as the Electric Daisy Carnival takes over, promising musical genius, immense stage design, dazzling pyrotechnics, and larger-than-life performers. The headline includes Afro Jack, Chase & Status, Horsegirl and Mike Posner to name just a handful.

With unrivalled production and a star-studded lineup, EDC is a crown jewel in the Las Vegas festival calendar. So, buckle in and prepare to enjoy your Maverick flight as you soak in the views and get ready to dance until dawn. After all, what flies in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/electric-daisy-carnival

Explore Louisiana

With Louisiana hosting more than 400 festivals each year, covering everything from food and culture to music, it more than justifies its reputation as the Festival State of the U.S. Whatever your interests, there’s a festival for every taste, steeped in local tradition, making Louisiana a festival hub beyond compare.

Take downtown Lafayette where the Festival International from 23-27 April is set to play on all your senses, promising a gourmet culinary experience, music from across the globe, handcrafted artworks, and much more besides. Best of all, admission is free.

Chuck Fest on 18 October is one of Lake Charles’ must-visit festival experiences. Organised by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, it has grown into one of the city’s largest free annual festivals, with five stages across downtown delivering a mix of music, art markets, beer tents, and kids’ zones.

Ponchatoula, the Strawberry capital of Louisiana, is home to the annual Strawberry Festival taking place from 11-13 April, is the largest free harvest festival in the state. Since the festival was first held back in 1972, the event has blossomed into something much bigger, and it now draws in over 30,000 people annually as visitors flock to enjoy the rich mix of parades, stalls and live music, not forgetting the seemingly endless supply of delicious strawberries.

https://www.explorelouisiana.com/festivals-events-louisiana

Visit New Orleans

From 24 April – 4 May, New Orleans ushers in the renowned Jazz and Heritage Festival, a time-honoured event that has become a crown jewel in the city’s festival scene. Dating back to 1970, Jazz Fest’s origins can be traced to a moment when Mahalia Jackson, often hailed the greatest gospel singer, was handed a microphone and spontaneously joined in with a passing brass band. It was here, in this pivotal moment that the spirit of Jazz Fest was born. Over the decades, Jazz fest has seen performances from musical legends such as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Lenny Kravitz, Bob Dylan and countless others. With multiple stages every year, music swings in every direction, stretching beyond jazz to include blues, funk, Cajun, gospel and Latin. It’s no wonder Life Magazine dubbed it as “the country’s very best music festival”, while the New York Times called it an “an institution, inseparable from the city”. Headliners this year include Lil Wayne, Burna Boy, Lenny Kravitz, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Patti LaBelle to name just a few.

Every year, around the birthday of Louis Armstrong, New Orleans also plays host to Satchmo Summer Fest, dedicated solely to honouring the legendary performer, one of the founding fathers of jazz. This year from 2–3 August the lineup includes musical talent guaranteed to leave you in awe. However, the experience goes beyond music, for example, festivalgoers can indulge in a culinary experience showcasing some of the finest Louisianan restaurants or attend lectures that evaluate Armstrong’s enduring impact on music, the city of New Orleans and its cultural fabric. Best of all? the festival is free to attend.

https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/festivals/music-festivals/

Tennessee Vacation

Bonnaroo is a mammoth festival set on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee from 12–15 June. Featuring an epic line up of musicians each year, this year will include acts such as Glass Animals, Tyler the Creator, Avril Lavigne and Olivia Rodrigo. Bonnaroo offers so much more than just a musical experience though, from dressing up and joining one of the vibrant parades to testing your stamina in the 5k run around the farm, or rolling out your yoga mat for a free class under the open sky. Beyond the giant stages that host some of the biggest names in music, Bonnaroo fosters a deep sense of connection, creativity, and community, leaving festivalgoers with a sense of having been inspired. There are interactive spaces to learn to grow food, plus workshops on songwriting, upcycling, and even instrument-building.

Meanwhile in Memphis, from 3-5 October, Mempho music festival returns to the urban oasis that is the Radians Amphitheatre, tucked inside the 96-acre Memphis Botanic Garden. Spanning multiple musical genres, Mempho promises an unbeatable few days under the stars, and has been voted the best place to see live music in the heart of Memphis. Standout features include the Incendia Dome whose flames illuminate, or the night sky as feverish festivalgoers pulsate to the music amidst the heat and light. With a mix of natural beauty and dazzling performances, Mempho does a great job of capturing the city’s soulful energy.

https://www.tnvacation.com/articles/add-these-tennessee-music-festivals-your-calendar

Discover New England

New England is the hot spot for summer Jazz Festivals. Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island all boast a variety of summer music festivals.

The legendary Newport Jazz Festival returns from 1–3 August at Fort Adams State Park. It has been held every summer in Rhode Island for over 60 years, always featuring jazz’s a selection of the genre’s greatest stars. Past performers include legendary musicians like Led Zeppelin and Ella Fitzgerald. This year’s headline acts are yet to be announced.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1881 is the largest orchestral organization in the world. The Orchestra’s world famous summer concert series; Tanglewood, held in its beautiful summer home in the Berkshires will this year see collaborations with John Legend, Jon Baptiste, Nas, Barenaked Ladies, Emmylou Harris and Lynyrd Skynyrd amongst others, as the orchestra demonstrates its extraordinary range.  Tickets are on sale now for these concerts across the summer, beginning 21 June with A Prairie Home Companion followed by Nas with the Boston Pops on 27 June.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival celebrates Salem’s rich Jazz legacy featuring regional and national jazz and soul artists and interactive musical educational sessions along with a curated Artisan Marketplace.

The Hillsboro Summer Festival in New Hampshire takes places 10 -13 July 2025 and features live music, fireworks, a 5k road race and a hometown parade too. The fireworks extravaganza is one of the premier fireworks displays in all of New Hampshire.

Connecticut’s Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz in July offers a weekend of live music in Bushnell Park. It’s the largest free jazz festival in New England and the 2025 lineup includes artists Michelle Coltrane and Alexander Claffy performing over the 3 day festival taking place from 18-20 July 2025.

The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in Vermont is one of the biggest in the region with thousands attending the festival. The 2025 festival takes place from 4-8 June with the opening and closing acts soon to be announced.

Maine is renowned for its summertime chamber music and classical festivals. In addition to hearing live performances with some of the finest chamber musicians in the world, audiences get to mingle with the artists in an informal setting and share musical insights and personal connections. The Bar Harbour Music Festival and Portland Chamber Music Festival are some of the Chamber Music festivals to check out in Maine.

https://discovernewengland.org/world-cultures/

Visit Mississippi

Mississippi is home to America’s largest block party, the renowned Cruisin’ The Coast. The festival began in 1996 as a celebration of classic cars and music from bygone eras. Every year, car enthusiasts from across the globe descend upon the Mississippi Gulf Coast to showcase exceptional antique vehicles as they cruise along the 30-mile beach-side highways. This year’s block party will be from 5–12 October. Each stop along the highway transforms to become its own mini festival, with live music which fills the coastline, and vendors serving up mouthwatering Mississippi cuisine, giving visitors the chance to taste the Deep South whilst enjoying that world-famous Southern hospitality. Spectators to the block party can expect an array of events, from car auctions to a mirage of vibrant parades, Cruisin the Coast isn’t just a celebration of chrome, but of a strong sense of community on the block.

Set in the historical college town of Oxford, Mississippi, the Double Decker Arts Festival is gearing up to celebrate its 28^th annual festival this year from 25-26 April. The festival, as you may have guessed, has its own double decker bus imported straight from the UK in 1994, along with an iconic red telephone box, adding a touch of British charm to the aptly named town of Oxford. What started with a humble gathering of old pickup trucks repurposed as makeshift stages has since become something else entirely. It has blossomed with age into a beloved celebration of art, music and local flavour.

https://visitmississippi.org/experiences/blues-jukes-and-tunes-must-see-music-festivals-in-mississippi/

The post The Best Music Festivals in the USA for 2025 appeared first on TTM World.

MISSISSIPPI

“To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi” – William Faulkner

Mississippi is home to some of the world’s most iconic authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Tennessee Williams. There are several literary landmarks throughout the state paying homage to these icons. To commemorate the wildly successful career of William Faulkner and great novels like The Sound and the Fury, visitors can visit his Oxford estate Rowan Oak. Faulkner spent most of his time creating his literary masterpieces here. The house sits on 29 acres and guests are welcome to tour the grounds, as well as the home.

​​The Mississippi Writers Trail pays tribute to a host of literary heroes from the Magnolia State. Visitors can follow book themed markers to locations throughout the State to learn about these well-known wordsmiths and the places that inspired their work.

The great American playwright, Thomas “Tennessee” Williams, was born in Columbus, Mississippi and first lived in a colourful Victorian-style home that now serves as the Columbus Welcome Center. The house is not in its original location. It was moved to Main Street in 1993 and restored there.

Square Books located in the historic town square of Oxford, is a nationally famous independent bookstore founded in 1979. The store hosts the popular Thacker Mountain radio show and over 150 author events each year.

More information at visitmississippi.org/go/literary

NEW ENGLAND

“Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable” – Norman Rockwell

New England has been the home and inspiration to many literary greats including Mark Twain (Huckleberry Finn) and Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin), as well as several best-selling modern-day authors including Stephen King, John Irving, and Dan Brown.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was written in Concord, Massachusetts. This town is also home to  Henry David Thoreau’s birthplace, Thoreau Farm, and Walden Pond; Louisa May Alcott’s home, Orchard House; and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of Thoreau, Alcott, Emerson, and Hawthorne, among others.

In Hartford, Connecticut, literary fans can explore the Mark Twain House & Museum, which preserves the 25-room Victorian mansion that was once home to the famous writer.  September 2024 marked the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Clemens family in their newly built Hartford home and 50 years since the Mark Twain House formally opened as a Museum. The Museum is celebrating these important milestones over the next year in a number of ways, including a special exhibition, a community history project, and an education initiative.

Still in Hartford, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center provides information on the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Both Twain and Stowe frequented Bushnell Park, which was established in 1850. The park has a carousel which has been delighting visitors since 1914 and is still available for rides.

Rhode Island is a book lover’s haven, with a variety of charming bookstores and cafes. Tucked away in Providence lies Riffraff Bookstore + Bar. This bookstore-bar invites visitors to explore shelves of carefully curated titles before unwinding with a perfectly mixed drink at the bar.

Fifty years ago, in 1975, Stephen King published his second novel, Salem’s Lot, which was set it Maine.  Maine’s most famous modern author is Stephen King, whose mind-bogglingly prolific works are often based in fictional Maine towns. You can visit his hometown of Bangor (known as Derry in his stories) and enjoy a delightful and captivating tour of 30 sites found in his books.

More information at discovernewengland.org

BOSTON

“Boston is a state of mind” – Thomas Gold Appleton

Known as the first published African-American poet, Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was born in Africa and sold into slavery as a child, coming to live with the Wheatley family in Boston. She learned to read and write while with the family, and wrote her first poem, “To the University of Cambridge, in New England,” at age fourteen. Her 1773 book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral brought her renown, as she wrote about contemporary events and people, including George Washington

America’s walking city, Boston, has many significant literary sites and unique bookstores. The Boston Athenaeum is a library, museum, and cultural centre. It houses over half a million books, including published works from the 1800s, the latest best-sellers, and around 100,000 rare books.

Beacon Hill Books & Café is a newly opened bookstore in Boston’s iconic Beacon Hill neighbourhood. The shop pairs a curated selection of books with a warm atmosphere. Located Downtown, Commonwealth Books is a must-visit for all literary and history lovers. Along with its expansive book collection which holds an emphasis with the arts, architecture, history, literature, philosophy and religion, the bookstore also offers a large selection of antique prints and maps.

More information at meetboston.com/blog/post/bookstores-in-boston/

TUCSON

“Life is good, and the sunlight warming my lap and the pages of a book remind me of Tucson.”

 – David Dominguez, University of Arizona alumnus

Tucson is just the right place for lovers of literature with the desert city offering a book festival and eclectic selection of indie bookstores. Jack Kerouac was one of the writers charmed by this Southern Arizona city. This Spring, head to the Tucson Festival of Books, a two-day bestseller for all ages.

Explore the Bohemian atmosphere of  Fourth Avenue District and discover hidden gems such as Antigone Books, which is a beloved destination for independent literature enthusiasts. The Poetry Center is a leading literary institution founded in 1960, which saw the likes of Robert Frost reading at the dedication. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of poetry.

More information at visittucson.org/blog/post/the-written-word/

LOUISIANA

“Whatever story you’re telling in Louisiana, the landscape is going to become a character in it”

 – Nic Pizzolato

Over centuries, the spicy, rich gumbo of culture, people, languages, foods, and traditions bubbling up in Louisiana have inspired countless writers and poets. A walking tour in New Iberia explores the setting of James Lee Burke’s famous detective series.

The Louisiana Book Festival is an annual event, that celebrates a authors from Louisiana and those inspired by Louisiana. The festival features more than 200 authors, scholars, poets, and panellists and more than 100 programs and exhibitors throughout the day in downtown Baton Rouge.

More information at explorelouisiana.com/articles/famous-authors-louisiana-literary-lovers-guide

NEW ORLEANS

“An American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi Gras in New Orleans”

– Mark Twain

New Orleans is filled with stories and numerous small independent book shops that have special events and author signings nightly. Another great source for books is the museum shops in town, including the Historic New Orleans Collection, which speaks volumes to lovers of local lore.

The city exerted an influence on Tennessee Williams who lived for a time in New Orleans and used it as the setting for “A Streetcar Named Desire” and other short stories. Stay in the Tennessee Williams Suite at Hotel Monteleone, which featured in Williams’ play The Rose Tattoo, and hop on a streetcar you can temporarily name ‘Desire’ down to Saint Charles. Then pay tribute to the great American playwright at the annual Tennessee Williams Festival in March. Don’t miss the festival’s dramatic closing act, the Stanley and Stella shouting contest inspired by A Streetcar Named Desire.

More information at neworleans.com/things-to-do/shopping/bookstores/

TENNESSEE

“Just as soon as I can, I’m gonna head back to the Tennessee hills, and it better be soon”

– Dolly Parton

 The Volunteer State has been home to literary stars such as Cormac McCarthy, James Agee, Nikki Giovanni, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Alex Roots Haley. All of whom called the Tennessee City of Knoxville home for a spell. Visit the places that inspired these literary legends and walk in the footsteps of their characters, courtesy of the Literary Knox Walking Tour.

The boyhood home of famed author Alex Haley, who penned the groundbreaking novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, is in Henning, a town in Tennessee. “Roots,” which was also made into a landmark TV miniseries in 1977, was inspired by family stories a young Alex heard on the porch of his childhood residence. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Haley is buried on the grounds. The inside of the home has been restored to the way it looked in 1921 when Haley was born with exhibits featuring his work and childhood memorabilia.

Elsewhere in the state, the power of words is celebrated at the International Storytelling Centre in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. The International Storytelling Centre is the world’s premier institution dedicated to the art of storytelling.

More information at tnvacation.com

SAN ANTONIO

“Beautiful San Antonio… here in my youth, my heart did long to be… in my old age, her beauty and her glory mine eyes do see”

– Sidney C. Tapp

Spring makes way for the San Antonio Book Festival in downtown San Antonio. Visitors can enjoy author presentations, panel discussions, book signings and sales, activities, food trucks and more in the Alamo City.

The Guadalupe Cultural Art Centre’s Latino Bookstore and Gift Shop is the epicentre of the West Side Art District in San Antonio. It is also a foundation for the community’s heart, soul, and voice. The selection of books ranges from best sellers and icons, to self-published authors from the community.

More information at visitsanantonio.com/

Here is a link to images for any of the above articles – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/YW76aSmicH

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

 Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR Account Director: caroline@ttmworld.co.uk

For Meet Boston, Discover New England and Visit San Antonio

David Venables, Senior PR Account Manager: david@ttmworld.co.uk

For Explore Louisiana and Tennessee Tourism

Jennie Jordan, Senior PR Account Manager: jennie@ttmworld.co.uk

For Visit Mississippi

Anisha Hegde, PR Account Executive: anisha@ttmworld.co.uk

For Visit Tucson and New Orleans & Company

Kirsty Dillury, Owner / Chief Communications Officer kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Literary America – Chapter 2025 appeared first on TTM World.