Lets face it, most Americans don’t have the funds to travel to far away lands right now. Which makes this a great year to take a local holiday and do some traveling back in the history of our own country.

Many of these towns are popular today, however each one is vaguely reminiscent of an era when their streets were particularly en vogue. Take a trip down memory lane and go back in time to your favorite eras of the late 20th century.

Las Vegas – 1950’s



Then

During the 50’s Vegas was new and exciting, a time of boom for the building of resorts and casinos. This was Liberace’s era, a time of glam, tawdry showgirls and high rolling action. This era gave rise to some of the famous names of the Vegas Strip like the Sands, the Moulin Rouge and the Sahara – not to mention the new singer on the scene – Frank Sinatra.

Now

Some of the iconic names from the 50’s are still there. The ones that are, remain well traveled and include the Tropicana, the Stardust, the Fremont and the Flamingo. All of which still hold notable spots along the strip and bear symbols from their original heyday. The Vegas of today is still as lively, glitzy and exciting as it was in the 50’s.

San Francisco – 1960’s



Then

A groundbreaking era for jam bands and improvisational rock, the "San Francisco Sound" of the 60’s gave birth to the likes of Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Steve Miller Band, and Santana. San Francisco was the west coast mecca of art and music which defined the era.

Now

Many of the bands from those peace-loving days of Northern California are still highly regarded today and their signature sounds created a legacy that continues to grow. San Francisco is charged with an electric feel to this day, the architecture is lovely and the hippie movement can still be found very much alive and well.

New York – 1970’s


Then

Woodstock at the end of the 60’s gave rise to a liberal artistic movement in New York, quickly embraced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. As the decade wore on the glass and gloss of the disco lifestyle gained popularity and left the hippies in its wake by creating unstoppable glamourous trends in music, fashion and lifestyle.

Now

The bohemian art flair is not gone from New York – and neither are the nightclubs. Shopping Soho by day, dining in the park at sunset and clubbing in Manhattan at night isn’t much different than it was in 1979.

Los Angeles – 1980’s



Then

The country was doing well and California was the place to be. An iconic time in hollywood as film quality improved and Hollywood glowed all year round with a golden beach tan. Los Angeles embodied the casual fashion and bright colors of the 80’s and embraced the garish glory of the times.

Now

Hollywood is still the golden child, perhaps a bit more grown up, but still a place where people go to follow their dreams. With miles of coastline, an unlimited amount of entertainment and mild weather year round, Los Angeles can show every visitor a taste of the good old days.

Seattle – 1990’s

Then

The dreary Pacific Northwest of the 90’s brought us grunge and bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. Strong melancholy sounds bred a landscape of shaggy hair, ripped jeans and slouchy posture. This was a highly introspective time in music and fashion and Seattle was instrumental in starting the alternative movement.

Now

The gloomy weather hasn’t changed much, so in many respects this area is a great place to connect to the deep, dirty rock days of the early 90’s. The weather combined with a west coast mentality means that you are sure to still see flannels, shaggy hair and song lyrics being discussed in coffee houses on every corner.

Which Era Are You Going to Visit?

It’s not as hard to travel in time as you might expect. All it takes is the right destinations, a little history and dash of imagination.