Independence Day is right around the corner, so why not visit some of America’s most iconic landmarks? No matter where you live in the U.S., take advantage of the long weekend an learn a little more about our history. Here are our suggestions:
Freedom Trail, Boston, MA. Boston played a significant role in our fight for independence. The Freedom Trail in the heart of Boston will take you on a 2.5 mile journey to museums, churches, historic markers and more that tell the story behind the American Revolution. Sites include Boston Common (the oldest public park), the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party began, Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church which is synonymous with his midnight ride, and more. Mount Rushmore. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is truly a national treasure. Carved into the mountains are the faces of 4 presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, felt that these presidents represented some of the most important events in the first 150 years of America’s history. Spend some time in the visitor’s center to understand the history and gain a greater appreciation for the historic monument. Then walk the Presidential Trail to get a closer view. And don’t forget to enjoy learning about each state and territory through the Avenue of Flags. Jamestown, VA. One of the first permanent English colonies in America, Jamestown offers a peek into what life may have been like for colonists in the early 1600s. There are two sites to visit in Jamestown, and both are literally right down the street from each other. The Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that replicates the fort, the nearby Indian village and the ships that the colonists sailed to America in. Historic Jamestowne is the actual site of the original fort where you’ll be able to see what archaeologists have uncovered about the settlement. Make sure you take the guided tours at both sites to get the most out of your trip. Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, PA. In addition to Boston, Philadelphia was central the American Revolution. It’s here that the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the U.S. Constitution was drafted. Take a tour through these historic halls and learn more about our fight for freedom and democracy. Explore the surrounding Independence National Historic Park and stop by the Liberty Bell to learn how it has been used throughout history by abolitionists, the women’s suffrage movement and more. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA. Telling the story of the first English settlements, Plimoth Plantation brings the lives of the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag Indians to life. Learn the traditions of the two cultures, how they interacted with each other. And learn the REAL story behind the first Thanksgiving! Are you ready to plan your trip to these and other historical sites in America? Let Luxury Destinations Concierge be your guide. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re ready to help you create a memorable experience!
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Washington is known as the Evergreen State, and it’s no wonder – lush evergreen forests, beautiful national parks and wildlife preserves and more. Hopefully your trip to Washington will explore some of these wonders as well as the traditional stops in Tacoma and Seattle. Here are some out-of-the-way sights you won’t want to miss:
Port Angeles Underground. While Port Angeles is the headquarters for Olympic National Park, there is so much more to this small town than meets the eye. One of the most interesting sights is the Port Angeles Underground Heritage Tour. At the turn of the 20th century, residents were faced with increased flooding risks in the downtown area. In 1914, they decided to raise the city by about 15 feet, which left a maze of underground tunnels and buried storefronts that are yours to explore during this 2-hour tour. Mount St Helens. On May 18, 1980, this active volcano erupted and made headlines the world over. Today, you can tour the blast zone to see the devastation. Visit the Johnson Ridge Observatory to get an overview of the area and then hike the Eruption Trail to see how this volcano changed the landscape forever. Leavenworth. Tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains is the picturesque Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. After enjoying the old world charm of the city’s restaurants and shops, there are plenty to do to keep you busy. Take a hike along Icicle Ridge, go tubing or white water rafting down the Wenatchee River. Take a tour of the Eagle Creek Winery and do some wine tasting. And when you’re back in town, don’t forget to visit the Nutcracker Museum, home to over 6,000 nutcrackers! Fall City Wallaby Ranch. Ever want to see wallabies and kangaroos up close and personal but didn’t want to go to Australia? Then visit the Wallaby Ranch in Fall City, a USDA-certified breeder of Gray and Albino Bennett’s Wallabies and Red kangaroos. Book an appointment for your tour, learn more about these marsupials and get a chance to play with them at the petting zoo. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Located on the site of a former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum offers visitors a chance to step back to experience life in the 1850s. Yakima Valley. Want to know a secret? Yakima Valley is the #1 hops region in the world, beating out Germany for this important component of beer making. Take a hop tour of the area’s craft breweries, or if wine is more your style, visit some of the areas leading wine cellars for some wine tasting. San Juan Island. If you’re ready for a laid-back trip, then San Juan Island will fit the bill. Walk around the quaint fishing village of Friday Harbor. Explore the nature trails of Lime Kiln Park. Take a whale watching or kayaking tour around the island. Visit the American and English Camps with garrisons left from the Pig War of 1859. Tour the Pelindaba Lavender Farm and immerse yourself in all things lavender. Or visit San Juan Vineyards for some wine tasting. Are you ready to plan your trip to Washington? Give Luxury Destinations concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan your vacation to the Pacific Northwest! Famous for stunning beaches and breathtaking views, a trip along the Oregon Coast is a marvel to explore. Add these to your must-see destinations on your next down Oregon’s Coast Highway:
Peter Iredale and Fort Stevens State Park. The Northern coast of Oregon is infamously known as the Graveyard of the Pacific due to over 2,000 shipwrecks off its shores. While most are still under water, the Peter Iredale – a 275-foot sailing ship – sits along the shore near Fort Stevens exactly where ran aground in 1906 and was abandoned. During low tide, you can walk right up to it. While there, take time to explore the beaches, hiking and biking trails and historic Fort Stevens at the Fort Stevens State Park. Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Named as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, no trip along Oregon’s coast is complete without a stop at Cannon Beach. While there, make a point to visit Haystack Rock – one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks. Formed millions of years ago by lava flows, this 235-foot rock is home to a variety of wildlife that can be seen at low tide – everything from colorful sea stars and other tidepool creatures to puffins. For movie buffs, this is where The Goonies was filmed. Hug Point. Before Highway 101 was completed in the 1920s, beaches were the main way to travel the Oregon Coast. For obvious reasons, this was a challenge even at low tide. Today, you can walk along the old road that stagecoaches took and see the wheel ruts left from their trips carved in the ruts. While there, visit the beautiful waterfall at Adair Point. Depoe Bay. Besides being the Whale Watching Capital of Oregon, Depoe Bay is also the world’s smallest natural navigable harbor. If you don’t want to go out in a boat to see the whales (which we highly recommend), head over to Boiler Bay to see migrating and resident gray whales, oceangoing birds or just take in the spectacular panoramic view. Devil’s Punchbowl. Devil’s Punchbowl began as a sea cave created over hundreds of years by the ocean. At some point, the cave’s ceiling collapsed and exposed the sea’s undercurrents you see today. Visitors can stand by the edge and observe this site, and perhaps glimpse the frequent groups of seals and sea lions congregated nearby. If you are brave enough, you can take a short hike down into Devil’s Puchbowl itself during low tide and explore the tidepools and the various sea creatures that live there. Tillamook Cheese Factory. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory on your trip down the Oregon Coast. The self-guided tour of this dairy farm gives a close-up view of the cheese-making process and draws more than one million visitors each year. While Tillamook is best-known for its cheese, try some of its other products too – yogurt, ice cream, sour cream and butter. Yaquina Head Lighthouse. At 93-feet tall, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest along the Oregon Coast. Take a tour of this lighthouse that’s been active since 1873, or walk along the rocky shore to explore the tide pools, see bald eagles, the resident peregrine falcons and other sea and wildlife. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. This 12-mile corridor encompasses high cliffs, stunning seastacks, beautiful beaches and secret coves. Take time to get out and explore the area as you pass through. Visit the Natural Bridges and Thunder Rock Cove, picnic at Arch Rock, or hike around Cape Ferrelo. These are just some of the highlights for a trip up the Oregon Coast. Looking for a more extensive itinerary? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan your next vacation! When you think of planning a cruise – whether it’s a big ocean cruise or a river cruise – I’m pretty sure your first thoughts are somewhere exotic or at least out of the country. But have you considered seeing the United States from a river boat? Probably one of the best-kept secrets in the travel industry, river cruising through our own waterways is a great way to see the beauty and majesty – and history – of America.
Think about it…our history is steeped in travelling up the Mississippi, crossing New England on the Hudson River, and exploring the Pacific Northwest by way of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. On a river boat, you can make those same journeys while also experiencing the modern culture that has built up around these ports of call. Most US river boats resemble the historic paddle wheel boats that we associate with the Mississippi River. All have been updated with modern amenities, and usually hold under 200 passengers. While there are several cruise lines dedicated to exploring America’s rivers, our favorite is American Cruise Lines. Here are some of our favorite trips for you to consider: Highlights of the Mississippi is a wonderful cruise if you only have a few days. This 5-day journey takes you to New Orleans, where you will enjoy the melting pot of French, African, and American cultures. You’ll journey to the nearby Houmas House to explore this old sugar plantation and its spectacular gardens, and on to see the sites at the state capital of Baton Rouge. You’ll sail onto Oak Alley Plantation to explore this “Grande Dame of The Great River Road” before finally returning to New Orleans. The Great Rivers of Florida is one of American Cruise Lines’ most memorable trips. This 8-day cruise takes you along the route that travelers followed in the 19th century in search of a tropical paradise. You’ll sail the St. Johns River, and stop at places such as Palatka, FL, where the rich came in search of a warmer climate, Lake George in the Ocala National Forest, Green Cove Springs, FL, where people flocked to take advantage of its mineral springs, and St. Augustine and Amelia Island to enjoy the historic ambience of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hudson River Cruises is the one to take if you want to see New England in all its fall splendor. From New York City to the Catskills, Hyde Park and Sleepy Hollow, you’ll see the beauty of New England and have an opportunity to tour such historic sites as West Point Military Academy, the Vanderbuilt Mansion, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home and more. These are just a sampling of what the world of river cruising in America has to offer. Luxury Destinations Concierge is happy to help you plan your river boat cruise. Give us a call at 805-236-4437 to get started. |
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