From hog roasts to haunted houses via Harry Potter and AI, discover this year’s most exciting openings across the US
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1. The Museum of BBQ, Kansas City
Love a barbecue? The world’s first museum dedicated to the art of grilling will open in Kansas City, Missouri, this spring. As they journey through the 10 exhibits, visitors will learn about the history of barbecue – dating from ‘barbecue king’ Harry Perry in the early 1920s – and the different styles of cooking across the US, before having the chance to dive into a ‘barbecued bean’ ball pit or find their perfect seasoning at the sauce bar.
Book it: Gold Medal sells four nights’ room-only at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel from £1,149 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes indirect flights from Heathrow, departing June 10.
goldmedal.co.uk
2. Universal Epic Universe, Orlando
The long-awaited theme park, which is due to open on May 22, will feature five new ‘worlds’, ranging from a detailed replica of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic to a Super Nintendo World packed with Mario Kart joy.
The park will also feature three hotels – an appealing prospect for Florida fans in search of something new.
Book it: Inspiring Travel offers a seven-night room-only stay from £10,699 for a family of four (based on two adults and two under-12s). The price includes indirect flights from Manchester departing August 19, transfers, three-day passes to Universal Orlando and one-day passes to Universal Epic Universe.
inspiringtravel.co.uk
3. Dataland, Los Angeles
The world’s first museum of AI-created art will open in Los Angeles towards the end of this year. The project, spearheaded by media artist Refik Anadol, is next to the Museum of Contemporary Art and will aim to showcase how AI can be used alongside human artists.
Book it: Ocean Florida sells six nights’ room-only at The Garland from £999, based on two sharing. The price includes $100 resort credit and flights from Heathrow in November.
ocean-florida.co.uk
4. World Heritage Center, San Antonio
The Unesco-listed San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is set to open a new visitor centre on February 7, providing a gateway to four of the city’s missions from the Spanish colonial period, including the famous Alamo. Visitors can also learn about the culture and art of the area’s Indigenous communities, with a place for local drum circles to play.
Book it: Newmarket Holidays has a 14-night Texas, Presley’s Memphis and New Orleans tour starting in San Antonio, from £3,641 per person, based on two sharing. Includes excursions, transfers and flights on November 6.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
5. Immersive District, Las Vegas
A major expansion of the Area15 entertainment venue will see it renamed the Vegas Immersive District. It will feature new hair-raising entertainment, including haunted houses themed on classic slashers The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Exorcist. About 200 hotel rooms will also be constructed, offering an alternative to stays on the Strip.
Book it:Tui has seven nights’ room-only at Circus Circus Las Vegas from £939 per person, based on two adults sharing a double room, including 23kg luggage and flights on November 11.
tui.co.uk
PICTURES: Museum of BBQ; Universal Parks; Refik Anadol Studio; Area15; Shutterstock/Ivana Lalicki
