Blackpool caught my interest after listening to references from the Beatles and Jethro Tull. The Beatles film (and album and song) Magical Mystery Tour was inspired by bus trips to see the Blackpool Illumination each fall in Lancashire, England.
The lead singer from Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson, grew up in Blackpool and makes reference to the seaside town in the song "Up the 'Pool" on the Living in the Past album. This was one of my favorite Jethro Tull songs while I was in college. I didn't know he was referencing Blackpool until years later.
What additionally attracts me to Blackpool is that it seems to be the British version of Las Vegas, but without the garish Americana of course. Las Vegas has never been a destination of mine, but I think Blackpool would provide enough glitz for me. And I think I could tolerate the British version as we Americans find it more difficult to restrain ourselves.
