It’s the Year of the Pig – according to the Chinese calendar, so why not celebrate with a visit to some of the best Chinatowns in the US.
Houston, Texas
Also referred to as Asiatown, this neighborhood of Houston has plenty of shops and restaurants. Hong Kong City Mall is an indoor mall with more than 100 shops where you can find anything from fresh produce to toys and clothes. A great way to explore is an Asian Heritage Tour offered through the Chinese Community Center. Choose from bus or walking tours. Visit www.ccchouston.org/tour.
Lake Conroe RV Campground is less than one hour from Houston.
Portland, Oregon
Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown is considered one of the most authentic Chinese gardens in the country. The garden features native Chinese planting and an authentic teahouse, where you can enjoy tea and musical performances of traditional Chinese music daily (admission fee applies.) Portland’s oldest Chinese restaurant, Republic Café, which opened in 1922, still serves traditional Chinese favorites. Beginning March 1, the Portland Saturday Market welcomes visitors to an open-air market where they can listen to music and browse handcrafted items from more than 250 vendors.
Both the Mt. Hood RV Campground and Portland Fairview RV Campground are close to Portland.
San Francisco, California
More than 20 blocks comprise San Francisco’s Chinatown, which was the country’s first as it was a popular port for immigrants in the mid-1800s. Take your picture at the famous Dragon Gate, visit the many herbal shops or learn about the culture and history of the Chinese at the Chinese Historical Society. And of course, eat! From dim sum to baked goods, this is a culinary treasure! Consider a food tour – check out www.wokwiz.com.
San Francisco RV Campground is less than 15 miles to San Francisco.
Seattle, Washington
The Chinatown-International District is home to not only Seattle’s oldest Chinese restaurant, Tai Tung but also the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. Bruce Lee fans will appreciate the museum’s A Dragon Lives Here exhibit which focuses on Lee’s Seattle roots, as well as the walking tour, Bruce Lee’s Chinatown Tour. The exhibit Portrait of a Community explores the history of the district. Shoppers will enjoy the 100-year-plus Sun May store and the Uwajimaya, a 66,000 square foot mall with a variety of Asian goods as well as a food court. Check out Hing Hay Park, which actually translates to “Park for Pleasurable Gatherings” and enjoy the Asian influences on this beautiful outdoor space.
Tall Chief RV Campground is less than 30 minutes hour from Seattle.