Brand USA Destination Immersion 2026 Fam Trip Review
A Journey Through Cities, Coastlines and Culture
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to join a fantastic fam trip exploring some of the Carolinas’ most exciting destinations before finishing in the vibrant city of Seattle. Travelling with industry partners and local tourism representatives, the itinerary showcased a diverse mix of luxury accommodation, outdoor adventure, culinary experiences, cultural attractions and unique local experiences that would appeal to a wide range of travellers planning American holidays.
From the Southern charm and thriving food scene of Raleigh to the coastal appeal of Myrtle Beach, the energetic neighbourhoods of Charlotte and the iconic waterfront landmarks of Seattle, this trip highlighted just how much variety can be found beyond the traditional US gateway cities.
For anyone considering USA holidays, city breaks, fly-drive adventures or multi-centre itineraries, these destinations offer an excellent opportunity to experience a different side of America.
Flight Details
EI 85
Depart Dublin (DUB): 15:30
Arrive Raleigh-Durham (RDU): 18:55
EI52
Depart Seattle (SEA): 19:10
Arrive Dublin (DUB): 12:20
Carolinas & Seattle Fam Trip Highlights
This fam trip showcased four very different destinations, each offering unique experiences and strong selling points for Irish travellers looking to explore beyond the traditional US gateways.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh was one of the biggest surprises of the trip, combining Southern hospitality, excellent dining, cultural attractions and luxury accommodation in an easy-to-explore city.
Highlights
• Direct Aer Lingus flights from Dublin
• Stay at The Umstead Hotel & Spa, a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond property in Cary
• Fine dining at Herons Restaurant
• Artisan baking at La Farm Bakery
• Authentic barbecue at Sam Jones BBQ
• Visits to the North Carolina Museum of Art and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
• Interactive cocktail experience at Crude Bitters
• Local craft beer scene at Burial Beer Co.
Why I’d Recommend Raleigh
Raleigh appeals to luxury travellers, food lovers and anyone seeking an authentic American city break. It offers a fantastic mix of culture, dining and Southern hospitality without the crowds of larger US cities.
Myrtle Beach & Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
After Raleigh, we headed south to Myrtle Beach, a destination that offers much more than just beaches. The area combines family attractions, outdoor activities, seafood, entertainment and coastal charm.
Highlights
• Stop at Jones Lake State Park, one of North Carolina’s unique Carolina Bays
• Stay at SpringHill Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
• Shopping at Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach
• Sustainable seafood dining at Hook & Barrel
• Live entertainment at Broadway Theater’s Disco Fever
• Evening fun at Crocodile Rocks Dueling Piano Bar
• Explore Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
• Eco-tour of the local waterways and wildlife
• Waterfront dining at Wicked Tuna
• Visit to Brookgreen Gardens
• Cultural experience at Charlie’s Place
• Dinner at Big Chill Island House
• Live music and desserts at LuLu’s North Myrtle Beach
Why I’d Recommend Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is ideal for families, golfers, beach lovers and multi-generational groups. Beyond the beach, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, shopping, live entertainment and excellent seafood throughout the region.
Charlotte, North Carolina
After Myrtle Beach, we travelled approximately four hours north to Charlotte, a vibrant city that perfectly blends outdoor adventure, motorsport heritage, food, culture and nightlife.
Outdoor Adventure
One of Charlotte’s standout attractions is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a 400-acre outdoor recreation complex and Olympic training facility. Home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river, the centre offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, climbing, biking trails, ropes courses and ziplining.
Our group experienced a guided zipline adventure through the woodland canopy, providing a unique perspective of the facility and highlighting Charlotte’s appeal for active travellers and families.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte South End
• Located in the heart of Charlotte’s trendy South End district
• Walking distance to restaurants, breweries, galleries and shops
• Easy access to Uptown Charlotte via the LYNX Light Rail
• Convenient base for exploring the city
Food & Drink
Charlotte’s culinary scene proved diverse and impressive throughout our stay.
Highlights included:
• Seoul Food Meat Co. – Korean-inspired dining combined with private karaoke rooms
• Community Matters Café – elevated comfort food with a community-focused mission
• Optimist Hall – one of Charlotte’s most popular food halls
• Lorem Ipsum – a cocktail and vinyl listening bar
• Sixty Vines – relaxed dining with an extensive wine selection
NASCAR Heritage
Charlotte is often considered the home of NASCAR, making the NASCAR Hall of Fame a must-visit attraction.
Interactive exhibits, racing simulators and fascinating displays showcase the history and evolution of one of America’s most popular motorsports.
Exploring Charlotte
One of the most memorable experiences was a city tour with Charlotte NC Tours, using electric animal scooters known as “Rydeables.” This unique experience offered a fun way to explore some of Charlotte’s most recognisable landmarks and neighbourhoods.
Camp North End
A visit to Camp North End showcased Charlotte’s innovative side.
Once a historic industrial site that manufactured Model Ts and military equipment, it has been transformed into one of the country’s largest adaptive reuse projects. Today it serves as a creative hub filled with local businesses, restaurants, public art and over 50 murals.
South End & Nightlife
Charlotte’s South End district stood out as one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Visitors can enjoy:
• The Rail Trail
• Atherton Mill
• Charlotte Beer Garden
• Lenny Boy Brewing
• Pins Mechanical Co.
• Hawkers Asian Street Food
• Jeni’s Ice Cream
For those wanting to explore further:
• NoDa offers live music, breweries and local art
• Plaza Midwood is known for colourful murals, bars and independent businesses
Why I’d Recommend Charlotte
Charlotte offers something for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, sports fans, foodies, families and couples looking for a lively city break. The city combines modern urban development with genuine Southern hospitality.
Seattle, Washington
Our final stop was Seattle, offering a completely different experience from the Carolinas with its waterfront setting, iconic landmarks, thriving music scene and stunning natural surroundings.
Accommodation
Residence Inn Seattle Downtown Convention Center
• Centrally located
• Spacious suites ideal for leisure and extended stays
• Excellent base for exploring downtown Seattle
Hotel Inspections
The Westin Seattle
• Strong option for conference and leisure travellers
• Excellent downtown location and city views
Thompson Seattle
• Boutique luxury property overlooking Pike Place Market and Elliott Bay
• Popular with upscale travellers
Attractions & Experiences
Argosy Cruises Ballard Locks Tour
A fantastic introduction to Seattle’s maritime heritage, offering views of floating homes, marinas, the skyline and Mount Rainier.
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Explores Seattle’s transformation into a global centre for innovation, technology and trade.
Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic attraction, offering spectacular views across Puget Sound, downtown Seattle and the surrounding mountains.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
One of Seattle’s most impressive attractions, showcasing stunning glass art installations.
Pike Place Market
One of the city’s most famous attractions and a must-visit for visitors to Seattle.
The market showcases:
• Local food vendors
• Independent businesses
• Artisans and craftspeople
• Authentic Seattle culture
Music & Pop Culture
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Celebrates Seattle’s incredible music legacy with exhibits dedicated to Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam alongside interactive experiences suitable for all ages.
Why I’d Recommend Seattle
Seattle appeals to city break travellers, food and coffee lovers, music enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers and Alaska cruise passengers. Its mix of iconic attractions, waterfront scenery and creative atmosphere makes it one of the most appealing destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary highlighted four distinct destinations that together showcase the diversity of American holidays.
Raleigh offers luxury hotels, exceptional dining, museums and Southern hospitality.
Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet combine beaches, family attractions, seafood and coastal charm.
Charlotte delivers outdoor adventure, NASCAR heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods and an exciting food scene.
Seattle provides iconic landmarks, waterfront experiences, music history and Pacific Northwest culture.
Together they create excellent opportunities for city breaks, twin-centre stays, fly-drive holidays and travellers looking to experience a different side of the United States beyond the traditional gateway cities.
