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What better way to celebrate the nation's heritage than by enjoying a road trip to some of America's oldest and most historic landmarks? From the country's humble beginnings at Jamestown to the birthplace of democracy in Philadelphia, the Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time for the family to gather together for a journey across early America.
Day One: Williamsburg, Virginia
Start your three-day journey in Williamsburg, home to Jamestown - America's first permanent settlement.
Jamestown Settlement
The story of the people who founded Jamestown, and the Virginia Indians that they encountered, is told through this re-created settlement. Gallery exhibits and a new introductory film trace Jamestown's beginnings in England as well as the first 100 years of this Virginia colony.
Outdoors, visitors can board replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607, explore a life-size re-creation of the colonists' fort, and tour a Powhatan village. A riverfront discovery area provides visitors with a look at European, Powhatan and African economic activities. Costumed historical interpreters describe and demonstrate daily life in the early 17th century.
Colonial Williamsburg
The world’s largest living history museum, Williamsburg is the restored 18th-century capital of Britain’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous outpost in the New World.
This 301-acre historic area includes hundreds of restored, reconstructed, and historically furnished buildings. Costumed interpreters tell the stories of the men and women of the 18th-century city -- black, white, and Native American, slave, indentured, and free -- and the challenges they faced. November 20 kicks off Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season, featuring special programs, dining, entertainment and events for children.
Day Two: Charlottesville and Mount Vernon, Virginia
A tour of American history isn't complete without a trip to Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello, located just outside Charlottesville. This short detour will take you westward before heading up north to Mount Vernon, home to George Washington.
To reach Charlottesville/Monticello from Williamsburg, take I-64 East through Richmond, the state capital. The distance between Williamsburg and Charlottesville is approximately 120 miles.
Jefferson's Monticello Estate
The residence of the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, the third President of the United States and the founder of the University of Virginia is a brick octagon, constructed in the Roman neoclassic style with terraces extending to the north and south wings. Signature tours include an hour-long guided exploration of Monticello's first floor, with access to the grounds.
In November, Monticello begins its annual Wreath Workshop - a three-hour lesson that promises to transform any artistic novice into a wreath-making pro.
To reach Mount Vernon from Monticello, consider taking highway 20 East to 3 West, which will connect you with I-95. About an hour later, you will arrive at the home of America's first hero.
Mount Vernon Mansion
Located on the shore of the Potomac River, Washington's home features many of its original furnishings, a museum, 50 acres of gardens and grounds, as well as the tombs of George and his wife, Martha.
Beginning in late November, visitors can take the "Mount Vernon by Candlelight" Tour, where guests will learn about the Washington family's Christmas traditions, and tour the mansion's rarely-seen third floor.
Woodlawn Plantation
Originally part of the Mount Vernon estate until 1799, the property features a Georgian-style mansion with formal gardens that has been fully restored to reflect the lives of its original inhabitants.
Piscataway Park
A place of great natural beauty, Piscataway Park is home to bald eagles, beaver, deer, fox and osprey, among others. In addition to a public fishing pier and two boardwalks over fresh-water tidal wetlands, the park has a variety of nature trails, meadows and woodland areas, each with unique features.
Where to Stay :
- 8751 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, Virginia
- This four-story hotel is just three miles from historic Mount Vernon and 15 miles from the nation's capital. Complimentary amenities include continental breakfast and pick-up for local tours.
Day Three: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The final day of this educational and entertaining road trip will take you to Philadelphia - the City of Brotherly Love and one of the most historically significant cities in the United States.
Philadelphia is located about 160 miles from Mount Vernon, Va. To get there, just follow I-95 North, which will take you through Baltimore, Md. and Wilmington, Del. After reaching Philadelphia, spend some time visiting these attractions:
The Liberty Bell
Perhaps one of the most prominent symbols of the American Revolution, the Liberty Bell is not only an icon of independence, but an international emblem of freedom.
Independence Hall
Officially known as the Pennsylvania State House, this U.S. national landmark is where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775, and where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. It was also here that the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777, the Articles of Confederation uniting the 13 colonies were ratified in 1781 and the U. S. Constitution was adopted in 1787. The building, inside and out, has been restored to its original late18th century appearance.
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia's number-one family attraction and America's first zoo is one of the region's foremost conservation organizations with more than 1,600 animals.
The new, $20 million Bank of America Big Cat Falls offers a breathtaking landscape where guests can get an up-close look at 12 endangered big cats from around the world.
One of only two pairs of giant river otters on display in North American zoos can be found in Carnivore Kingdom. The duo is part of a special breeding program to help this endangered species. The exhibit also houses snow leopards, red pandas and clouded leopards in a unique and naturalistic environment.
This zoo was the first in North America to open a special section just for kids. Today's Tastykake Children's Zoo features a petting yard and daily live animal shows.
Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a memorial to Benjamin Franklin that serves to perpetuate his legacy. Its most recognizable division is the Franklin Institute Science Museum, which aims to inspire an understanding of and passion for science and technology learning. Exhibits on display cover several subjects, such as science and industry, physics, astronomy and history.
Where to Stay :
- 235 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Located in historic Old City Philadelphia near multiple attractions, this pet-friendly hotel is listed on the national register of historic places. Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast complete with make-your-own Belgian waffles, afternoon tea and cookies, as well as a wine reception on Wednesday nights.
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