Take a Trip Back in Time: Historic Vacation Destinations in the US

Ever get the feeling that your friends and family are constantly finding excuses to get away from your getaway? Maybe it’s time for a different perspective and try something new for the next summer outing. Why not embark on a backpedal journey around the country.

History-themed holidays are a creative way to directly augment your child’s education while inspiring enjoyable family time. Whether they’re as imposing as buildings or as subtle as its markers, coming in contact with historic relics provokes a deeper sense of appreciation for people, places, events, and ideas that shaped who we are today. It yields a better understanding of human values and the part it played in their daily lives. What’s great is you don’t even have to head out far to experience these treasures; just start at your local town square. For those of us up for a road trip, the National Park Service has listed the top 10 most visited national historic parks and their visitor count from 2004.

1. Great Smokey Mountains National Park - 9,167,048 2. World War II Memorial - 5,382,498 3. Grand Canyon National Park - 4,326,234 4. Independence National Historic Park - 4,087,918 5. San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park - 4,055,079 6. Lincoln Memorial - 3,988,650 7. Vietnam Veterans Memorial - 3,789,889 8. Statue of Liberty - 3,618, 053 9. Korean War Memorial - 3,610,796 10. Colonial National Historic Park - 3,327,573

However, to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds, we present a few other interesting historic places worth including on your next vacation itinerary.

Canterbury Shaker Village

In Canterbury, New Hampshire is Canterbury Shaker Village, a 694-acre patch of land with forests, ponds, and grassland. It opened in 1969 with the goal of preserving the customs and traditions of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, more commonly known as Shakers. Restored buildings depict their function and placement within the grounds, just as if one were to visit it a century and a half ago. Guided tours are offered, each tackling a specific subject about the Shakers or a building within the village. Be sure to drop by the Village Farm Stand for in season produce that are always garden-fresh. The Museum Store has books, oval boxes, and many other items showcasing the remarkable Shaker craftsmanship. The village is open daily beginning May 14 through October 30, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas..

Boston National Historic Park

Well-known to be the setting of many important events in American history, Boston is as progressive as it is reverent of its past. In its desire to ensure the public gets the most from visiting this city, the Freedom Trail was established. This walking tour extends 3 miles and takes about 90 minutes, with 16 stops that include Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution-"the oldest commissioned ship afloat." Likewise, don't forget to check out the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6 mile walking tour winding through Beacon Hill and includes 15 sites essaying a 19th century African-American community. In addition, there are special events held from time to time like the Institute of Contemporary Art artist-in-residence program. This is located at the Charleston Navy Yard, part of the Freedom Trail, and is open from noon to 5 PM. Currently featured is "The Secret Ark of Icon Park," an interactive outdoor exhibit running through October 10, 2005. Visitor assistance is available by calling (617) 242-5642 or through the website at http://www.nps.gov/bost

Ellis Island National Monument If the Statue of Liberty is viewed as the shimmering gateway to America, Ellis Island was, from 1892 to 1954, the stern-faced security guard that evaluated immigrants before they're allowed to enter the US. Walking through the rooms of the redbrick building, visitors can follow the immigration procedure step by step which starts at the Great Hall or Registration Room. Photographs, clothes, posters, ship logbooks, and luggage are displayed across three dozen galleries as well as interactive multimedia presentations that tell of the island's history. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor, built behind the Main Building, lists the names of some 600,000 immigrants from various ports of entry. It is said that about 40% of all Americans can trace their family history to a man, woman, or child who entered the United States through Ellis Island. The park has free admission and is open daily except on Christmas day. For park inquiries, call (212)363-3200 or go to http://www.ellisisland.org Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, the Cahokia Mounds located northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, is described as “the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico”. There are over 100 documented mounds built by what are known to be the Woodland Indians around 800 A.D. and was the urban center of Mississippian culture. Monks Mound is the centerpiece of the 14-acre site. It is the largest man-made earth formation in the Western Hemisphere. Public tours last for one hour and available on weekends at 1:30 PM. A good jump-off point would be http://www.cahokiamounds.com which contains extensive information on the site both as a cultural and archeological resource.

There is no shortage of monuments and parks no matter what part of the country you live in. As long as you have a well-planned itinerary, factor in each individual’s interests, and have an appetite for adventure, a vacation with history will be as fresh and exciting. This is going to be more evident when instead of cramming into the station wagon, you find yourself loading up the van!

 This is a Snippet   Read More

More Articles

 

Top 10 Vacations To Meet A Mate
1. Winter Park, Colorado has everything you need for the perfect ski vacation. A sybaritic h...
top-10-vacations-to-meet-a-mate.php

Top 10 Winter Getaways
1. Hershey. If you are traveling before or during the Christmas season, consider Hershey, P...
top-10-winter-getaways.php

Amtrak A New Adventure
During your trip by train, you will likely find that traveling by train is far easier than traveling ...
amtrak--a-new-adventure.php

Airport Security Tips For Getting In And Out Quickly
Here are five easy tips for getting through airport security with time to spare. ...
airport-security-tips-for-getting-in-and-out-quickly.php

The Great Outdoors Best Campsites In The Us
Camping can be enjoyed as an individual or as a family. Campsites are ...
the-great-outdoors-best-campsites-in-the-us.php

So You Wanna See A Volcano
Visiting Stromboli...
so-you-wanna-see-a-volcano.php

Whadya Bring Me Souvenirs That Everyone Will Love
If you drive yourself or your family to your...
whadya-bring-me-souvenirs-that-everyone-will-love.php

Vacation In 4 Hours How To Getaway In Your Hometown
The Hometown Getaway...
vacation-in-4-hours-how-to-getaway-in-your-hometown.php

Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations In The Us
1. The top honeymoon destination in the United States has l...
top-5-honeymoon-destinations-in-the-us.php

Cheap Seats How To Get A Great Price On Airline Tickets
JetBlue Airlines is one airline built on the goal of creating affordable travel. ...
cheap-seats--how-to-get-a-great-price-on-airline-tickets.php

Plan The Perfect Vacation Getaway Tips For Making Your Vacation Stressless
First off, make sure you have planned your vacation well. Most stressful vacation scenarios arise because ...
plan-the-perfect-vacation-getaway-tips-for-making-your-vacation-stressless.php

The Perfect Spa Getaway 5 Places To Go
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa...
the-perfect-spa-getaway-5-places-to-go.php

Pony Up Vacations For The Cowboy In All Of Us
The Hartley Guest Ranch located in Northeastern New Mexico bordering the Canadian River is a f...
pony-up-vacations-for-the-cowboy-in-all-of-us.php

Traveling The Us What To Do And Where To Go
New York City is perhaps the most divers...
traveling-the-us--what-to-do-and-where-to-go.php

Sailing Skiing And Surfing Best Vacations For The Water Sports Enthusiast
Set your sails for adventure and prepare your body, mind and soul for paradise when you vis...
sailing-skiing-and-surfing-best-vacations-for-the-water-sports-enthusiast.php

Ten Vacations For Under 100000
1. Take a family of four camping for a week at a State Forest or National Park. Camping ge...
ten-vacations-for-under-100000.php

A Whole New World Things To See And Do In Disney World
The average vacation to Disney World is five to seven days. This...
a-whole-new-world-things-to-see-and-do-in-disney-world.php

Travel Insurance Necessity Or Not
There are a number of unexpected circumstances that could arise prior to your trip that would make travel insurance...
travel-insurance-necessity-or-not.php

Two If By Sea How To Plan Your Cruise
The first step to planning your cruise is to decide where you want to cruise...
two-if-by-sea-how-to-plan-your-cruise.php

Tips For Choosing A Travel Agent
Using a travel agent can provide you with a number of benefits you would otherwise miss out on if you were to pla...
tips-for-choosing-a-travel-agent.php

Are We There Yet A Travel Guide For Parents
For kids, going away on a family vacation can be the highlight of their summer. No wonder they can be restl...
are-we-there-yet--a-travel-guide-for-parents.php

Top 5 International Honeymoon Destinations
1. While planning your honeymoon you will undoubtedly find limitless honeymoon destination around the world. Pe...
top-5-international-honeymoon-destinations.php

Best Theme Park Destinations
1. The Magic Kingdom at Disney World (FL)...
best-theme-park-destinations.php

The Ancient City Ten Things To See And Do In Greece
1. Visit the Acropolis. The most recognized symbol of the Greek nat...
the-ancient-city--ten-things-to-see-and-do-in-greece.php

The Grand Canyon 10 Things To Know Before You Go
1. You must decide how you will get there. Will you drive across country a...
the-grand-canyon-10-things-to-know-before-you-go.php

Vacation With The Stars Where Hollywood Goes To Relax
For an exotic getaway fit for a star try the S...
vacation-with-the-stars-where-hollywood-goes-to-relax.php

Condos And Time Shares How Does It All Work
Once purchasing a timeshare, these are owned by a number of people who spilt time at the p...
condos-and-time-shares--how-does-it-all-work.php

On The Road Again Money Savers For Car Trips
One of the biggest areas where money can be sa...
on-the-road-again-money-savers-for-car-trips.php

Top Ten Places To Get A Tan
1. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Copacabana Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches...
top-ten-places-to-get-a-tan.php

International Cruises What To Expect When You Get Off The Boat
When traveling internationally on a cruise it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Not only do...
international-cruises--what-to-expect-when-you-get-off-the-boat.php

Shop Til You Drop The Ultimate Shopping Vacations
Camp Snoopy is the largest indoor family theme park in...
shop-til-you-drop-the-ultimate-shopping-vacations.php

Your Fantasy Trip To Europe Must See Attractions
Tower of London...
your-fantasy-trip-to-europe--must-see-attractions.php

Bargain Vacations Your Dream Getaway On Ebay
Stay at a bed & breakfast, a hotel, or rent a house or condo. Purchase a t...
bargain-vacations-your-dream-getaway-on-ebay.php

Top Of The Mornin To Ya Ten Reasons To Visit Ireland
1. Once in Ireland the first thing you will notice is the breat...
top-of-the-mornin-to-ya-ten-reasons-to-visit-ireland.php

Cold Hard Cash A Guide To Currency Conversion
The world currencies started to measure their economies in accordance to supply and demand, rousing unlimited profit ...
cold-hard-cash-a-guide-to-currency-conversion.php

Top 5 Kid Friendly Vacation Spots
1. The top family vacation destination in the world has long been located in central Flo...
top-5-kid-friendly-vacation-spots.php

Kissimmee Ten Attractions That Arent Disney World
Kissimmee has its own popular and family oriented attractions that entice thousands...
kissimmee-ten-attractions-that-arent-disney-world.php

Budget Busters When You Want To Splurge
Why not start your vacation off on the right foot by flying to your vacation destin...
budget-busters-when-you-want-to-splurge.php

Air Hotel Rental Car Best Buys In Travel
JetBlue Airlines is one airline built on the goal of creating affordable travel. JetBlue was created as a low-fare ...
air-hotel--rental-car-best-buys-in-travel.php

5 Bad Vacation Destinations And Why You Dont Want To Go There
In order to prevent one bad vacation turning into two, let me give you a list ...
5-bad-vacation-destinations-and-why-you-dont-want-to-go-there.php

Rving A Vacation Worth Taking
RVs of all sizes are available for purchase. Depending on the number of people you typically travel with and ...
rving--a-vacation-worth-taking.php

Top 5 Hotels In The Us
1. Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is, without question, one of the best. Gu...
top-5-hotels-in-the-us.php

A Christmas Gift To Yourself Best Places To Travel During The Holidays
What better place to visit during the holiday season than the North Pole – North Pole...
a-christmas-gift-to-yourself--best-places-to-travel-during-the-holidays.php

Rome If You Want To A Travelers Guide To Rome
Rome has a population of about 2.7 million people. Climate is mild to rainy in winter while hot and dry in the...
rome-if-you-want-to--a-travelers-guide-to-rome.php

Top 6 Getaway Spots You Havent Thought Of
1. For a historical, scenic vacation spot away from it all, try Quebec City. ...
top-6-getaway-spots-you-havent-thought-of.php

Tips For Making Vacation Reservations Online
Before booking your vacation, make sure to do your research. If you are smart you will want to get yourself the be...
tips-for-making-vacation-reservations-online.php

Passport Please Tips For International Travel
When traveling internationally it might be a good idea to i...
passport-please-tips-for-international-travel.php

Call Of The Wild Best Safari Vacations
The Serengeti is well known for the wildebeest migration. Every year two million animals move clockwise around this 14...
call-of-the-wild-best-safari-vacations.php

Frequent Flyer Miles How Does It All Work
Frequent flyer programs are somewhat easy to understand. For each mile that frequent flyer custome...
frequent-flyer-miles-how-does-it-all-work.php