Living It Up: How To Be A Brit On The U.S. East Coast
New England and other parts of the East Coast were founded mainly by the British. Many people living there were descendants of people who lived in England, Wales, and parts of Scotland between 1700 and 1900.
Even so, for Brits, going to this part of the world feels quite different from their home country. America is just so much bigger and extroverted.
But what if you want to be a Brit for the day (or week) on the U.S. East Coast? Where should you go? What should you do?
That’s the topic we answer in this post. We look at how to be British in this strange half-way land.
Celebrate British Holidays
One of the first things you could do is start celebrating British holidays. Some are shared between the cultures, but the UK also has rituals of its own that don’t apply Stateside.
For example, you could indulge in Bonfire night where you set off fireworks and then burn a giant effigy of Guy Fawkes, the man who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in the seventeenth century. Or you could arrange a Queen’s Birthday gathering of fellow expats where you all get together and eat a traditional British roast dinner and watch soccer on the TV.
Use Public Transport
Londoners love their public transport and most of them don’t have a car. Therefore, you could relive this tradition on the East Coast, especially in cities like New York and Boston that have public transit systems.
You can also try to take journeys between cities on public transport using Amtrak’s network. It’s not quite the same as the British equivalent, but it’s doable with enough persistence.
Visit Surviving British Estates
You could also visit surviving British and Old World-styled estates, like the Rockwood Park and Museum. These make you feel like you’re walking about Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire or the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire. These locations often have traditional gardens in the British style and have cafés offering conventional fare from across the pond to enjoy.
Go To A Pub
Yes, conventional pubs are rare in the U.S. But you can find them in parts of the East Coast. These offer much of the historic charm of the public houses you can find in every city in Britain and Ireland.
Pubs aren’t bars, so you’ll want to get that straight before you walk in. These venues are more for hanging out, chilling with friends, and getting beer on tap. They also feel different when you walk in. Most are converted homes, not commercial units that serve liquor.
Get Into Tea Culture
Lastly, you can become a Brit for the day on the East Coast by embracing tea culture (and ignoring coffee). Numerous cafés around Boston, New York and Washington offer these experiences.
Essentially, you’re looking for something similar to what the Ritz might serve in London, or Betty’s Tea Rooms in York. These venues have mastered the 19th-century art and serve Earl Grey, breakfast tea, cucumber sandwiches, and fluffy miniature tea cakes.
