Travel Tips

History Travels May 13, 2005

America has a rich culture unique to itself. Just because it's a younger nation than most doesn't mean you can't find a lot of history around this country.

Should you go in search of history on your travels, you won't be alone. Last year, 84 million adults packed history into their vacations. And year after year, cultural activities rate as one of the most popular things to do on vacation. One great way to add culture to your trip is by visiting someplace historical.

Nearly every town in this country has a story. It's your job to uncover it! Some are more obvious, you may have visited the charming city of Charleston, which was founded in 1670. Heavily influenced by Europe, this was once a major port city. The first shots of the Civil War started at Fort Sumter, which continues to guard Charleston's harbor today. The Battery on the peninsula is filled with magnificent antebellum homes, and Marion Square still has a piece of the Tabby wall belonging to the fort that was once there. Visit plantations and get a feel for what life was like for our ancestors. The city's heritage is also found in the Low Country fare influenced by the Spanish, French, African, and Caribbean settlers-sample it in the local restaurants or take a cooking class at Cook's Crossing. The city is an excellent example of living history, and you can't help but learn about it as you wander.

Philadelphia was once the most important city in this country, acting as our capital, and to this day, the work of the Founding Fathers is apparent. The historic district is partly made up of Independence National Historic Park, where the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, and more are located. Visit the new interactive exhibit that lets both expert and novice dig into American history at every level. Listen to The Benstitute's informed storytellers as they regale visitors and "set the scene" with true stories of life in the late 1700s. Be sure to check out the Declaration of Independence while there too. It's no wonder that Philadelphia has reported an impressive 12 percent occupancy increase recently--and that's not all the city has to gain visitors' interest. As an early city, there is an amazing blend of architecture; it's a city that embodies the opulence of earlier eras. Walk Spruce Street and witness over 300 years of American Architecture. Additionally, Mom & Pop shops that still exist in Philadelphia make it fun to browse--meander the streets and choose from culinary standouts like Le Bec-Fin, Vault, Buddakan, Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, or one of the plentiful outdoor cafes (there are over 149!). Note that many are BYOB. Museums abound as well: there are over 75 and that's not counting any of the house library collections.

If you're heading to the West, history tells a very different story. In California, twenty-one missions dotted the way from present San Diego to north of San Francisco along "El Camino Real." These missions, built in the Spanish style along the first road, date back to over 200 years when the Spaniards tried to settle California. The Franciscan missionaries, led by Father Serra wanted to teach the Native Americans religion and culture. While many of the missions fell into a state of disrepair, some still stand today. San Juan Baptiste, in San Juan Bautista, 13 miles South of Gilroy, is a mission that was never abandoned and is used by a local parish to this day. You can even stay at a reconstruction of one-it's the famed Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, which has a long history of catering to the gentry.

Very often a colorful past makes the present even more vibrant. You can celebrate American history all the way from Newport, Rhode Island to San Antonio, Texas, or even all the way to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

If you're not sure where to start, click on "historical places to stay." Also try the National Trust for Historic Preservation (http://www.nationaltrust.org), or the Website for historic hotels, which may point you in the right direction (www.historichotels.org). Our nation may be younger than most, but don't miss out on the living history that stands all around us.