Welcome to New Orleans, the Crescent City—where history, culture, and music flow together like the mighty Mississippi itself. I’m your guide today, and we’re about to take a driving journey through one of the most unique cities in the world. As we make our way through town, you’ll see the French Quarter with its colorful balconies, hear echoes of jazz from Tremé, and roll past grand oak-lined avenues where streetcars still clatter along. We’ll discover elegant mansions in the Garden District, stroll in spirit through historic cemeteries, and enjoy the calm beauty of City Park and the lakefront. This city is more than Mardi Gras and beignets—though you’ll catch a glimpse of those too. New Orleans is about resilience, creativity, and a rhythm that never stops, no matter what life throws its way. Every neighborhood has a story, every street corner hums with tradition, and every stop on this tour will help you understand why locals say New Orleans isn’t just a place—it’s a way of life. So, buckle up, keep your eyes open, and get ready to experience the Big Easy from behind the wheel. Our journey begins in the heart of it all, the French Quarter.
Welcome to Atlanta, Georgia — a city of history, culture, and constant reinvention. Known as the “City in a Forest” for its canopy of trees, Atlanta blends Civil War history, the Civil Rights Movement, Olympic legacy, and a modern skyline into one dynamic story. The name Atlanta itself comes from the Western & Atlantic Railroad, with the city growing first as a rail hub and later as a crossroads for business, music, and culture. Today, it’s the capital of the New South — a place that honors its past while embracing the future. On this tour, we’ll guide you through some of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks: the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park, world-class attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, historic sites such as the Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center, cultural destinations like the Fox Theatre and the High Museum of Art, and green escapes from Piedmont Park to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. As you drive, you’ll hear stories that connect Atlanta’s history, architecture, and culture, and we’ll point out the best spots to stop, look around, and experience the city. So buckle up and get ready to explore Atlanta — a city that’s always moving forward, but never forgets where it came from.
Welcome to Minneapolis, the City of Lakes — and the start of your self-guided driving tour through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The name “Minneapolis” blends the Dakota Sioux word mní, meaning “water,” with the Greek word polis, meaning “city.” Together, it means City of Water — a fitting name for a place defined by its rivers, waterfalls, and more than 20 lakes. As you drive, you’ll discover how Minneapolis grew from a riverside milling town into a modern cultural hub. We’ll pass historic sites like the Foshay Tower and Stone Arch Bridge, cultural landmarks such as the Guthrie Theater and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and outdoor gems like Minnehaha Park and the Chain of Lakes. You’ll also see stadiums, neighborhoods, and riverfront views that showcase the character of this great river city. Take your time, follow along at your own pace, and enjoy exploring Minneapolis from behind the wheel.
Welcome to Sacramento, California’s capital city, and to your UCPlaces driving tour! Today, we’ll explore a city where Gold Rush history, political power, and cultural landmarks all come together. Sacramento was born in 1848 at the height of the Gold Rush and quickly grew into the western terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. By 1854 it was chosen as the state capital, a role it still plays today, shaping decisions for nearly 40 million Californians. But Sacramento isn’t just about politics — it’s a city of stories, art, and everyday charm. Along the way, we’ll see Victorian mansions, historic parks, and world-class museums, as well as the riverfront where fortune-seekers once arrived by the thousands. This driving tour will take you from the Governor’s Mansion to the California State Capitol, through the lively Old Sacramento Waterfront, past landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Crocker Art Museum, and more, ending with a perfect photo opportunity at the Capitol itself. So buckle up and get ready — we’re about to experience Sacramento’s history, culture, and hidden gems, all from the comfort of your car.
Welcome to Portland, Oregon—the City of Roses! Today, we’ll guide you through a driving tour that blends the historic, the scenic, and the wonderfully weird sides of this city. As you follow along, you’ll pass elegant landmarks, lush parks, iconic bridges, and neighborhoods that each tell their own story. Along the way, you’ll hear about Portland’s past, meet some colorful characters, and discover why this city is loved for its creativity, charm, and just the right touch of quirk. From rose gardens and river views to hidden corners and record-setting oddities, this tour is your chance to see Portland the way locals know it—layered, lively, and always a little surprising. So when you’re ready, start your engine and let’s hit the road. Portland has plenty of stories waiting for you.
Welcome to Detroit! Welcome to Detroit, the Motor City! I’m excited to take you on a drive through one of America’s most storied cities — a place where innovation, music, sports, and culture have all made their mark. On this tour, we’ll explore the very heart of downtown, starting with the lively Campus Martius Park, the stunning Art Deco masterpiece of the Guardian Building, and the inspiring Spirit of Detroit statue. We’ll roll by the Philip A. Hart Plaza and the towering General Motors Renaissance Center, a modern landmark on the riverfront. Sports fans, get ready — you’ll see Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, and the legendary Fox Theatre, a crown jewel of live entertainment. We’ll also stop at the iconic Michigan Central Station, a powerful symbol of Detroit’s comeback story. Of course, no visit would be complete without paying tribute to Detroit’s musical soul. We’ll visit Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of Motown, before moving on to the majestic Fisher Building, the historic Detroit Public Library, and the world-class Detroit Institute of Arts. We’ll also celebrate the city’s cultural legacy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. To round things out, we’ll explore the flavors and energy of Eastern Market, and finally, relax with some natural beauty at Belle Isle Park, Detroit’s island gem in the river. So buckle up — this tour will give you a taste of Detroit’s past, present, and future. By the time we’re done, you’ll see why this city is not just about cars — it’s about resilience, creativity, and spirit.
Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona! Get ready for a journey through the vibrant heart of the Valley of the Sun. This tour will take you through a blend of Native American heritage, modern culture, stunning architecture, and the desert beauty that makes Phoenix so unique. We’ll start with the Heard Museum, internationally renowned for its dedication to Native American art and history. From there, we’ll dive into Phoenix’s cultural pulse at the Phoenix Art Museum and cruise through the Arts District. As we move downtown, you’ll see architectural gems like the Orpheum Theatre and City Hall, before pausing to honor history at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza and the Arizona State Capitol Museum. Sports fans will love seeing the homes of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks at the Footprint Center and Chase Field. We’ll also pass the serene St. Mary’s Basilica, explore the charming Heritage Square, and step back in time at the Pueblo Grande Museum. Finally, we’ll cap off the tour with one of Phoenix’s most iconic natural landmarks — Papago Park’s Hole-in-the-Rock, where the city meets the desert in breathtaking fashion. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s explore Phoenix together — a city where history, culture, and desert landscapes create an unforgettable ride.
Welcome to Milwaukee, Wisconsin — the Cream City and the Brew City! On this tour, we’ll explore a city with deep roots on the western shore of Lake Michigan, where Native peoples, French traders, German immigrants, and modern makers have all left their mark. The name “Milwaukee” comes from Native American languages — most often said to mean “good land” or “gathering place by the water.” It’s an appropriate name, because for centuries people have gathered right here at the confluence of three rivers: the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic. Milwaukee boomed in the 19th century, thanks to its breweries, tanneries, and factories, fueled by waves of German immigrants who brought with them traditions of beer, music, and sausage-making. That’s how the city earned its other nickname, “Brew City.” By the late 1800s, Milwaukee was home to some of the biggest beer dynasties in America — names like Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, and Blatz. Another fun fact? Milwaukee is sometimes called the “Cream City” — not for dairy, but for the creamy, golden-colored bricks made from local clay, which give many historic buildings their distinctive look. And if you’ve ever tuned into Happy Days or watched Laverne & Shirley, you’ve already had a pop-culture taste of Milwaukee’s spirit. Today, Milwaukee is a city of festivals, lakefront beauty, iconic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods that celebrate its past while creating new stories. From world-class museums and music halls to cozy taverns and lively markets, Milwaukee is a city that knows how to work hard, play hard, and welcome you in. So buckle up — we’re about to discover the good land together, one stop at a time.
Alright folks, welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio — the Queen City! We’re about to take a self-guided driving adventure through one of America’s most historic and scenic river cities. Sitting proudly on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city that’s always been about connections — north and south, old and new, tradition and innovation. Cincinnati was founded in 1788, making it one of the first major American cities west of the Alleghenies. In the 19th century, it grew so quickly it earned the nickname “Queen City of the West.” This was a powerhouse of river commerce, pork packing, brewing, and German immigration. Fun fact: by 1850, Cincinnati was America’s sixth-largest city. Another claim to fame? The world’s very first professional baseball team — the Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 — played right here. It’s also a city of “firsts.” The first reinforced concrete skyscraper, the Ingalls Building, rose here in 1903. The Roebling Suspension Bridge — the very one we’ll cross later — was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1867, and it served as the prototype for New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a scoop of Graeter’s ice cream or a plate of Cincinnati chili, you’ve already tasted some of its unique traditions. On this tour, we’ll take you from the heart of downtown at Fountain Square to cultural treasures like Music Hall and the Cincinnati Art Museum, through the bustling Findlay Market and the historic streets of Over-the-Rhine, then up to the hilltop views of Eden Park and Mount Adams. Finally, we’ll circle back to the river and finish where it all comes together — at the graceful span of the Roebling Suspension Bridge. So buckle up, relax, and get ready. Cincinnati has stories, flavors, and views you won’t forget. Let’s hit the road and explore the Queen City together!
Alright folks, welcome to Columbus, Ohio! We’re about to take a self-guided driving adventure through the heart of the Buckeye State’s capital city. Columbus is a place where history and innovation sit side by side — from its roots as a frontier town to its rise as a modern hub for education, technology, and culture. On this tour, we’ll explore everything that makes Columbus special. You’ll see the stately Ohio Statehouse, wander through neighborhoods like the charming German Village and the artsy Short North, and cruise past the vibrant Scioto Mile with its riverside parks and fountains. We’ll also swing by the Ohio State University campus — home of the Buckeyes — and stop at cultural gems like the Franklin Park Conservatory. Columbus is full of surprises, and along the way you’ll get a taste of its history, its people, and its one-of-a-kind character. Best of all, you set the pace: stop when you like, linger where it feels right, and let this city reveal itself to you. So buckle up, get ready to roll, and let’s dive into Columbus — a city that’s proud of where it’s been, and even more excited about where it’s going.