Discover Colonial America: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Colonial America
Travel back in time to the 1600s and discover the beauty and wonder of Colonial America. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, the Map of Colonial America has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions and hidden gems that you won’t want to miss.
Top Attractions
Start your journey in Boston and explore the iconic Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile trail takes you through 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution Museum.
Next, head to Williamsburg, Virginia, and experience life as it was in the 18th century. Visit Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that features restored buildings, artisans, and reenactors. Don’t miss the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol Building, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Finish your trip in Philadelphia and see the famous Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Take a tour of the National Constitution Center and learn about the history of the United States Constitution.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida. Climb the 219 steps to the top for a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Another hidden gem is the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut. This living history museum showcases life in a 19th-century seaport and features a recreated village, ships, and maritime exhibits. For a unique experience, visit the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia, where you can see a recreation of the first permanent English settlement in America. Watch history come to life with costumed interpreters, replicas of ships, and recreated Native American homes.
Exploring the Food Scene and Budget-Friendly Tips
Food Scene
Colonial America has a rich culinary history, and many restaurants offer traditional dishes that have been passed down through the generations. Try the seafood chowder in Boston, the shrimp and grits in Charleston, and the crab cakes in Maryland.
For a unique dining experience, visit the Colonial Williamsburg taverns. Try the peanut soup, the fried chicken, and the apple pie.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? There are plenty of ways to save money while exploring Colonial America. Visit the free museums and parks, like the National Mall in Washington D.C. and the Freedom Trail in Boston. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations, like hostels or vacation rentals. Take advantage of happy hour specials and lunch deals at restaurants. Use public transportation, like buses and trains, instead of renting a car.
Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders
Outdoor Adventures
Colonial America offers plenty of outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to kayaking and horseback riding. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, which features over 800 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. Take a horseback ride through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, or go kayaking on the Potomac River in Maryland.
Natural Wonders
Discover the natural wonders of Colonial America, like Niagara Falls, which straddles the border between the United States and Canada. Visit Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, the world’s longest cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Experience the beauty of Acadia National Park in Maine, which features rugged coastline, mountains, and forests.
Family-Friendly Activities and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Family-Friendly Activities
Colonial America is a great destination for families, with plenty of educational and entertaining activities for kids. Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C., where you can see the Wright Brothers’ plane and the Apollo 11 command module. Take a family-friendly ghost tour in Williamsburg, Virginia, or go on a scavenger hunt at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique, try these off-the-beaten-path experiences. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, and learn about the life and works of the famous writer. Take a tour of the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which was once one of the most famous and expensive prisons in the world. Explore the spooky Catacombs of Paris exhibit at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore.
Vibrant Nightlife and Local Markets
Vibrant Nightlife
Colonial America may be known for its history, but it also has a vibrant nightlife. Visit the bars and clubs in Charleston, South Carolina, which has a thriving music scene and plenty of craft cocktails. Go to the rooftop bars in Washington D.C., like the POV at the W Hotel or the Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, for stunning views of the city.
Local Markets
Visit the local markets in Colonial America and discover the unique crafts and products of the region. Check out the Charleston City Market in South Carolina, which features handmade baskets, jewelry, and sweetgrass products. Explore the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, which has over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses.
Beaches and Mountains, Cultural Immersion, Art and Music Scene
Beaches and Mountains
Colonial America has something for everyone, whether you prefer the beach or the mountains. Visit the beaches of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, the Outer Banks in North Carolina, or the Gulf Shores in Alabama. Explore the mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, which offer stunning views and plenty of hiking trails.
Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in the culture of Colonial America by attending a festival or event. Go to the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Texas. Visit the Powwow in Cherokee, North Carolina, or the Highland Games in Linville, North Carolina.
Art and Music Scene
Colonial America has a rich art and music scene, with plenty of museums and galleries to explore. Visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., which features works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, which has a collection of over 40,000 works of art. Attend a music festival, like the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island or the MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Walking Tours, Architectural Marvels, Historical Sites, Biking Routes, Wellness Retreats, and Adventure Sports
Walking Tours
Take a walking tour of Colonial America and discover the history and architecture of the region. Explore the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, with its cobblestone streets, oak trees, and antebellum architecture. Visit the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, and see the iconic architecture, like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo.
Architectural Marvels
Colonial America is home to some of the most iconic and beautiful architectural marvels in the world. Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, which features a 250-room mansion and stunning gardens. Explore the Monticello estate in Charlottesville, Virginia, which was designed and built by Thomas Jefferson. Visit the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, which features 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens.
Historical Sites
Explore the historical sites of Colonial America and learn about the people and events that shaped the nation. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, which was the site of one of the most important battles of the Civil War. Explore the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, where a small group of Texans fought against Mexican forces in 1836. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia, which features his birthplace, church, and tomb.
Biking Routes
Colonial America has plenty of scenic biking routes for all skill levels. Explore the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile trail that runs from Jamestown to Richmond. Take the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Massachusetts, a 22-mile trail that runs through forests, salt marshes, and cranberry bogs. Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, a 469-mile scenic road that offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Wellness Retreats
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and visit one of the many wellness retreats in Colonial America. Visit the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, which offers yoga classes, workshops, and wellness programs. Take a wellness retreat at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, which features a spa, fitness center, and outdoor activities.