Despite how long people have lived in their hometown, there are likely hidden treasures that they have not yet uncovered. As part of the United States Department of Interior, the National Register of Historic Places list sites across the country that are worthy of historic preservation. Currently there are over 80,000 historic sites listed in the national registry.
Nearby Historic Locations Worthy of a Vacation
National parks are good vacation spots because they offer entertainment, education and rest. Parks that people can visit without traveling far from home are diverse and varied. There are parks that offer horseback riding, fishing, boating, arts and crafts and camping.
Even if families have not vacationed outdoors beneath the starry sky, they can check with national park advisors and find out the best places to camp for beginners. They can also check with the park’s rangers to discover the best foods, clothing items and entertainment gear to pack before they arrive at the park.
A few notable national parks are the Boston African American National Historic Site, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. The Boston African American National Historic Site has about 24 individual structures including schools, businesses and historic homes to visit, experience, learn about and explore. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal stretches across 184 miles of land. The Canal offers educational programs for children, camping, horseback riding, fishing and walking nature trails.
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States. It is located between North Carolina and Tennessee. Popular locations to enjoy while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains are Gatlinburg with its miles of shops, stores and attractions and Pigeon Forge. The Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains are two of the Western portion of the United States most visited national parks. Events and activities are available for families who live close to the parks to enjoy throughout much of the year.
Vacation at Museums, Amusement Parks and in the Great Outdoors
Families who live in Philadelphia can drive into Center City and visit the Liberty Bell, the Franklin Institute, the Betsy Ross House and the Museum of Art. They can also take a short trek to Amish country in Lancaster County. While there, consider traveling a little further up the road and spending a day at Hershey Park where children can enjoy rides, tasty chocolate treats and fireworks on America’s birthday.
Ohio residents can enjoy a stay at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, Wilberforce’s African American Historic Museum, Patterson Homestead Historic Museum, King’s Island, Sun Watch Indian Village and the Paul Laurence Dunbar House. They can also drive less than an hour up the road to Cincinnati and visit the Arts Consortium, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Rockwood Commons, Coney Island or enjoy a ride on a riverboat that offers a meal and a talking tour.
The Shore is a Great Place to Vacation
The shore offers loads of fun with its boardwalks, shops, restaurants and water sports. Pack enough clothes to spend an entire week. Rent a house with other relatives to lower expenses. Collect seashells, get out in the warm sun, make new friends, explore the ocean and barbecue under the light of the sun.
Save money this summer by vacationing close to home. But don’t skip on the fun. Remember to check with the National Registry of Historic Places, the local visitors’ bureau and convention center. To get away from home consider camping out at a nearby national park or campgrounds for three to four days.
For those who prefer not to camp outdoors, consider staying at a nearby hotel with a pool, spa and lots of room service that specializes in pampering its guests, near or far. Focus on enjoying being together as a family. Let each member of the family pick a fun place to visit each day. Watch hilarious movies at night and make this one of the most fun, enjoyable and memorable vacations any family could take close to home for minimal costs.
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