Authentic America: 250 Distinctly American Places to Explore

by Cheryl M. Hargrove

Overview

In commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, this book explores what makes America distinctive from other countries–its ideals, ingenuity, culture, and creativity. Through experiences at 250 places and events across the U.S., readers can discover the country's authentic attributes and inventions that inspire visitors worldwide. Rather than a historical timeline or collection of sites to visit, this book uses places to tell America's story. Where to learn about the birth of jazz in New Orleans, how the first shopping mall changed our retail habits, how the chocolate chip cookie was invented in a Massachusetts restaurant, and where to explore the evolution of architecture–from Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style to the modern skyscraper. Some places and events are well known, while others are quirky, off-the-beaten-path locations worth a detour. Our country was founded on revolutionary ideas; delve into this exploration of how to experience them still today across authentic America.

The book includes 100 photographs and directory information for all sites covered.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798216368564
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/08/2026
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Cheryl Hargrove is best known as the National Trust for Historic Preservation's first Director of Heritage Tourism. During her tenure with the organization, Hargrove developed the key steps and principles for sustainable tourism, focusing on historic, cultural, and nature-based assets. Hargrove also served as Associate Director of National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations, assisting destinations in protecting, developing, and marketing their place-based experiences.

Hargrove authored Cultural Heritage Tourism: Five Steps for Success and Sustainability (Rowman & Littlefield, May 2017) as part of the American Association for State & Local History book series. She is frequently recruited to present at conferences and facilitate workshops on industry trends, partnerships, professional development, and technical applications for cultural heritage tourism and asset-based economic development. She is an instructor/facilitator for the Gateway Communities Initiative, managed by The Conservation Fund in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

She is a Certified Interpretive Guide (by the National Association of Interpretation) and an associate member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Hargrove serves on the Coastal Georgia Historical Society Board of Directors and the Georgia Sea Grant Advisory Council. She was recently named an expert member of the International Cultural Tourism Committee for ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). Hargrove holds a Master of Tourism Administration from The George Washington University and a Certificate for Tourism & International Cooperation for Development from the UNWTO Themis Foundation/ The George Washington University. She is also a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady School of Journalism. She is a former Cultural Tourism Instructor for the University of British Columbia, an Adjunct Professor in Sustainable Tourism for The George Washington University, and a Marketing/Promotions Instructor for the College of Coastal Georgia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction: We the People
Chapter 1: Revolutionary Ideals
Chapter 2: Forging New Frontiers
Chapter 3: Invention and Ingenuity
Chapter 4: Designing America
Chapter 5: American Flavors
Chapter 6: Authors and Artists
Chapter 7: American Soundtrack
Chapter 8: Entertaining America
Chapter 9: Great American Pastimes
Chapter 10: Industry, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Chapter 11: Conserving America
Chapter 12: Iconic America
Chapter 13: US Global Icons
Index
About the Author