George Clarke heads to the US in search of the best of American architecture and life, starting in Louisiana and Texas. He learns how waves of immigration from Europe over 300 years has shaped the different styles of architecture in these two states.

In California, George visits a filmmaker's retreat turned into a wacky hotel and a town that was once a cowboy film set. He also walks in the footsteps of the Rat Pack, drinking in their lounge bar and visiting their playground of Palm Springs.

In Florida, George visits NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, and discovers how storms created the opportunity to build over 800 Art Deco buildings in Miami.

George visits New Jersey and Connecticut. He checks out the neon signs and doo-wop-inspired diners at the holiday resort of Wildwood, and a broken-down zoo that's been brought back to life as a quirky hotel.