Head to Upper Manhattan for a real taste of New York, writes Charlotte McDonald-Gibson.

This week in America, one of the contenders most likely to be the 2016 Republican presidential candidate defiantly ate a doughnut on late night television; it was a glazed and jelly-filled two-fingered salute to his critics.

When in LA, join the beautiful people and head to one of the many rooftop bars for a cheeky cocktail or two. Here are five that should be on your to-do list.

Ringing in the New Year at the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is special, but the truly classic place to celebrate remains Times Square in New York City.

The landmark sign brings Los Angeles shame and fame, writes John Buck.

A starstruck Andrew Potter visits the twin space museums of Washington DC.

Major breweries are battling for market share as the taste for "quality" beer takes hold in supermarkets and pubs. Geoff Cumming follows the consumer-led revolution.

Terri Judd finds a city with small-town heart.

America has long produced great artists and glorious art. Chris Leadbeater rounds up some of the best places to see their work.

Ahead of the US election Carroll du Chateau visits her daughter in democratic Minnesota and marvels at its progressive ways.

The continuing obstinacy of courts, police and government is thankfully no match for the determination of Joe Karam, writes Sir Bob Jones.

A road trip along the shore of Lake Michigan reveals a world of beauty, says Chris Leadbeater.

The motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee where US civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated on 4 April 1968 is being opened to the public.

For years Forks was just another remote American small town in the northern state of Washington with often inclement weather. But thanks to its association with the Twilight vampire films, the town has now become a popular tourist destination.

Jennifer Ennion goes walking in Jasper's winter wonderland, a playground for those accustomed to the finer things in life.