Gardens; Photo courtesy of Filoli Mansion and Gardens
Located just south of San Francisco, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Filoli is more than just a historic site—it is a sanctuary of California’s natural and architectural beauty. Situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone, this 20th-century country estate invites visitors to step away from the bustle of modern life and into a world of timeless elegance.
Springtime at Filoli is an invitation to witness California’s natural beauty at its peak. As the estate transitions into a season of renewal, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking feast for the senses—from the delicate fragrance of hundreds of thousands of blooming tulips and daffodils to the vibrant canopy of blossoming fruit trees. The formal English Renaissance garden has always served as a breathtaking focal point. A shared group adventure at Filoli offers a profound sense of wonder through its diverse attractions expanding past the pristine Gardens.
Tour the Grand Mansion: Step inside the 54,000-square-foot Georgian Revival-style manor. Walking through its preserved rooms feels like traveling back to 1917, offering a rare glimpse into the opulent craftsmanship and storied history of one of the finest country estates in America.
Grand Mansion Family Room; Photo courtesy of Filoli Mansion and GardensRose Wonders; Photo courtesy of Filoli Mansion and Gardens
Hike the Natural Lands: Beyond the formal 16-acre English Renaissance gardens, hundreds of acres of wild California await. You can hike through six distinct ecosystems across two scenic trail loops, where the rugged beauty of the landscape provides a striking contrast to the manicured grounds. New in the Natural Lands, meet the monumental masterpiece from Danish artist Thomas Dambo. “Rose Wonders” is a 27-foot gentle giant who has finally found her home among Filoli’s towering redwoods. Carried forward by community support, Rose was born at Burning Man and crafted from reclaimed materials—a true embodiment of creativity, resilience, and humanity.
In addition to the springtime, autumn is another popular time to visit Filoli, when the grounds transform into their signature Halloween event, Nightfall. The estate transforms again in wintertime with Holidays at Filoli, featuring festive experiences just for the holiday season. Filoli is open year-round, offering different ways to enjoy the estate depending on the time of year.
Filoli is off the beaten path, yet still easily accessible from San Francisco, San Jose, and even the Coastal Highway. Free motorcoach parking is available, as are flexible discounts for tour groups who arrive via bus and book in advance. Groups have the option of selecting guided tour times, floral arranging activities, and gift packages. Boxed lunches are available to preorder and enjoy at the picnic tables, or book a private rental that allows more flexible timing, a custom catered menu, and elevated experience. Visits to Filoli are unforgettable—groups are sure to fall in love with the beauty of the blooms, the history of the Estate, and the natural wonder of California.
Filoli Mansion and Gardens (650) 421-7388 filoli.org
Lead Image: Gardens Photo courtesy of Filoli Mansion and Gardens
March 17 may be best known around the United States as St. Patrick’s Day, but in Massachusetts, it’s also known as Evacuation Day, when in 1776 British forces withdrew following the Siege of Boston, signaling a major victory for General George Washington in the Revolutionary War. Boston had been under siege since shortly after war broke out in April 1775, with periodic skirmishes occurring over 11 months. Washington’s decision to fortify an elevated piece of ground at Dorchester Heights, where a 115-foot marble tower stands today in commemoration, helped turn the tide.
With heavy cannons and artillery in place by March 1776, the British increasingly saw their position in the city as indefensible. Wishing to avoid a repeat of the Battle of Bunker Hill—a British victory, but with heavy losses—General William Howe ordered the withdrawal of 11,000 British troops on March 17. The Siege of Boston was finally at an end. Boston remained an important port city in the war effort, but it ceased to be a military target.
Now 250 years later, Evacuation Day continues to carry special significance. It is a symbol of Boston’s spirt of resilience and community when faced with adversity, and also historically significant as a watershed moment in the early years of the war. Evacuation Day became a legal holiday in Suffolk County in 1901, and one year later the Dorchester Heights Monument was completed. It recently underwent a $30 million renovation, reopening to the public in July 2025. The monument is one of several historic sites in and around the city dedicated to victory in the Siege of Boston, including the Bunker Hill Monument and Boston Common.
The National Park Service offers a map of Siege of Boston sites available here.
Main Image: Dorchester Heights Monument; Credit: National Park Service/P. Boyce
Travel + Leisure has identified some of the best destinations to visit during February, including Quebec City, Canada; Alaska; the Central Coast of California; Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada; Idaho; Tucson, Arizona; and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Take part in the wintertime fun in Quebec City, where tourgoers can enjoy the largest winter festival in the Western Hemisphere. Or, special Alaskan events like the Fur Rendezvous festival and Denali Winterfest also are scheduled for February. Lake Tahoe offers endless opportunity for skiing or simply relaxing amidst the alpine beauty of the area. And in Idaho, treat your tourgoers to a relaxing soak at Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs or Miracle Hot Springs.
Experience wildlife or visit a wine trail along the Central Coast. Enjoy average highs in the low 70s in Tucson, where desert attractions like Saguaro National Park await. February is the time to participate in the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, with music, wine, and—of course—all the seafood you can stomach. travelandleisure.com
Main Image: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Credit: Unsplash/Julie Boulanger
The fabric of the United States is not homogenous. Rather, it is a patchwork quilt of different cultures, ancestries, and ethnicities. The story of the U.S. is a story of immigrants. No matter how far removed it might feel from the arrival of those early settlers, it’s easy to spot evidence of how the past influences life today, from the food we eat to the festivals we celebrate.
In the Midwest, most Americans claim Northern or Eastern European heritage. According to the Statistical Atlas, people of German ancestry make up the largest group in the region, followed by Irish, English, and Polish. Depending on the state you’re visiting, Norwegian, Dutch, and Danish heritage also are commonly centered in the Midwest.
Bring your tourgoers to a little slice of Europe right here in the U.S. by visiting a Midwestern community that preserves and honors that early history. Explore the architecture, foods, handcrafted goods, clothes, and traditions that are kept alive right in the heartland of America—no passport needed.
Michigan is home to two of these can’t-miss destinations. Start in Holland. As the name suggests, this quaint community celebrates all things Dutch right along the shores of Lake Michigan. For an immersive experience, visit Nelis’ Dutch Village, where your tourgoers can witness traditional Dutch dancing, learn about wooden shoe carving, or stroll along a beautiful canal surrounded by European architecture. Holland is home to the Tulip Time festival, which celebrates the bloom of more than 5 million colorful tulips every spring. You won’t want to miss out on a visit to the De Zwaan Windmill, surrounded by a sea of tulips, or the Veldheer Tulip Gardens.
Also in Michigan is Frankenmuth, dubbed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” Tour the city aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, learn about metalworking at the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience, or shop for traditional German goods at Bavarian Clothing & Imports of Frankenmuth. Fans of the holiday season won’t want to skip a visit to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which is the world’s largest Christmas store.
Also honoring Dutch culture in the Midwest is Pella, Iowa. Featuring its own Tulip Time festival, Pella spotlights the blooms of some 300,000 tulips each spring—the ideal time for group visits. Brinkhoff Park features an iconic Dutch-style windmill. Or, visit the Klokkenspel to watch mechanical figures perform to the music of a 147-bell carillon. For more Dutch heritage, consider visiting Frisian Farms Cheese House, Pella Historical Museums & Vermeer Mill, or Sunken Gardens Park.
New Glarus Brewing Co.,New Glarus, Wisconsin; Credit: Adobe/Carrie
For a taste of Swiss culture, New Glarus, Wisconsin, awaits. You’ll want to make New Glarus Brewing Co. your first stop on the itinerary. Here, guests can enjoy free self-guided tours and a tasting garden perfect for relaxing with an iconic beverage in hand. Dig a little deeper into the region’s Swiss heritage with a visit to the Swiss Historical Village & Museum or the Swiss Center of North America.
Dubbed the “Most German City” in America, New Ulm, Minnesota, offers a variety of group-friendly attractions. Go on the August Schell’s Brewery Tour & Tasting for a tour of the brewery and rathskeller, a German-style tavern. Listen to the sounds of 37 bells at the Glockenspiel. Admire German Baroque architecture at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Shop a classic old-world store stocked with German merchandise at Domeier’s German Store.
Whether your group is driven by ancestry, architecture, food, or simple curiosity, these Midwestern communities offer more than themed decor and nods to history—they offer connection. By stepping into bakeries that still knead old-world recipes, strolling through streets lined with European-inspired design, or hearing traditions preserved through music and craft, tourgoers experience a living bridge between past and present. In a country built from many cultures, these towns remind us that heritage is remembered—and celebrated. For planners seeking an itinerary rich in authenticity, charm, and cultural discovery, the heartland’s European enclaves are ready to welcome groups with open arms.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Nelis’ Dutch Village,Holland, Michigan; Credit: Adobe/Nicholas J. Klein
Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden; Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a world-class cultural destination where art, nature, and horticulture come together in a truly immersive way. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this 158-acre campus is home to one of the world’s most significant sculpture and botanic experiences. Meijer Gardens was named the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is consistently listed among the 100 most-visited museums in the world by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication.
“American Horse,” by Nina Akamu; Photo courtesy of Nic Sagodic
At Meijer Gardens, guests can explore unique environments and encounter internationally acclaimed sculptures by world-renowned artists, such as “The American Horse,” one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring attractions at Meijer Gardens. Standing 24 feet tall and weighing more than 15 tons, this monumental bronze sculpture by Nina Akamu brings Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old vision to life. Other highlights include Nick Cave’s first public outdoor sculpture, “Amalgam (Origin),” a 26-foot-tall bronze sculpture evolved from Cave’s Soundsuits series. And the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden offers tranquility, simplicity, and beauty, through an artful design by Hoichi Kurisu, whose work ranks among the finest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. An authentic Japanese teahouse, a featured highlight of the garden, offers traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Groups will also find Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing sculptures and an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. And the James & Shirley Balk Cafe features a rotating menu of seasonal, locally inspired soups, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. In-house group catering and event dining with custom menus can be arranged, and groups can also enjoy casual meals together in designated garden picnic spaces.
Coming May 2 and running through Nov. 1, Meijer Gardens will host one of only two Dale Chihuly exhibitions in the world in 2026, featuring a sweeping collection of his glass works throughout indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. Other upcoming attractions include the annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming (every March and April), bringing over 7,000 butterflies and moths from three continents to the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. And in its third year, ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens (Nov. 23, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027) brings immersive outdoor light installations and interactive experiences throughout the holiday season.
“Mille Fiori,” by Dale Chihuly; Photo courtesy of Chihuly StudiosENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens; Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
A visit to Meijer Gardens is designed to spark curiosity and conversation—about art, nature, creativity, and our relationship to the world around us—while also offering space to slow down and enjoy time spent together. Because Meijer Gardens offers something for every interest level, it’s a great fit for a wide range of people, including art and architecture tours, garden and horticulture groups, senior travel, educational programs, and mixed-interest travelers. Learn more and book a group tour today at meijergardens.org/groups.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 877-975-3171 grouptours@meijergardens.org www.meijergardens.org/
Lead Image: Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Step back in time at Historic London Town & Gardens, where a once-bustling Colonial port town has been brought back to life. Stroll through reconstructed buildings, and wander 10 acres of woodland and gardens. For a deeper dive into the city’s story, join a period-attired guide from Watermark, whose walking tours bring Annapolis’ Revolutionary and maritime history to life—from the Maryland State House to the U.S. Naval Academy, where tomorrow’s leaders begin their service.
After dark, uncover a more mysterious past with Annapolis Ghost Tours & Crawls. Led by spirited guides, these tours mix haunted history with a taste of local nightlife, featuring eerie tales and moonlit strolls.
GET ON THE WATER
Life in Annapolis flows with the tides. Hire a boat from Annapolis Fishing Charters for a classic Chesapeake Bay outing. Or, try light-tackle action with Hookset Guide Service, where anglers enjoy a hands-on experience just south of the city. Prefer to stay dry? Watch the sails drift by from the docks, or take a scenic harbor cruise. However you explore it, the bay is always the main attraction.
TASTE THE BAY
Dining is a celebration of land and sea. Sample legendary crab cakes at Boatyard Bar & Grill, a local favorite known for fresh-caught seafood and “all killer, no filler” crab cakes. O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern serves up oysters, shrimp, and house-made specialties in a warm tavern setting, while Iron Rooster puts a creative twist on comfort food from breakfast through late night.
Beyond downtown, raise a glass at Great Frogs Winery, where rustic charm meets Chesapeake terroir, or visit The Vineyards at Dodon, a sustainable estate where tastings pair perfectly with the peaceful countryside. If craft beer is more your style, Forward Brewing in Annapolis’ Eastport neighborhood offers inventive, small-batch brews with a welcoming community vibe.
You probably don’t need us to tell you about the most iconic destinations to bring your group to in the Midwest. You can easily find your own way to snap selfies in front of Chicago’s Cloud Gate sculpture—even if you only know it as “The Bean”—or recite your favorite lines from “Field of Dreams” in the cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa. There is a certain kind of memory you make at well-known, bucket list-type destinations, where the thrill of being there adds to the experience.
There also is a special kind of memory you make at so-called “hidden gem” destinations, where the surprise and thrill of discovery makes that place stick in your mind for totally different reasons. The Midwest is full of these kinds of destinations, waiting to be found on not only its rural backroads but also on its Great Lakes shores and along its major highways. Even if you have GPS leading you there, you’ll still feel like you discovered something.
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is just a 15-minute drive across the Illinois border from St. Louis, Missouri, but feels like an entirely different world. It’s certainly a place with global significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an interpretive center bringing to life the culture that called the site home from roughly 1000 to 1350. Groups can make the 150-step trek to the top of Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas, according to Site Superintendent Lori Belknap. Guided tours are offered upon request—with interpreters available to speak to groups with advanced notice—and its interpretive center is scheduled to reopen this spring following a renovation.
“[We hope visiting groups realize] the importance of the site to American history,” explains Belknap, “to Native cultures in the past, and the many Native groups alive today that have ancestry and connections to the ancient site.”
Bishop Hill Colony Church,Bishop Hill, Illinois; Credit: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Another place to make connections to the past in Illinois is the village of Bishop Hill, which has a fascinating history for groups to discover. Originally established as a religious colony in 1846 by Swedish Pietist leader Eric Janson, Bishop Hill once had a population of roughly 1,200 colonists. Some of their descendants still linger among the 100 or so residents today, but what the colonists built remains on display for all to see. The state of Illinois oversees the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, where groups can see the colony’s church from 1848, as well as a hotel and dormitory from circa 1850-1860.
“What you see when you drive into town is what many people would have seen as they would have rode into town 100 years ago—or nearly 200 years ago, as we’re approaching the 180th anniversary of Bishop Hill,” says Ryley Lamb, site services specialist for the historic site. “Many of the historic sites across the Midwest feature many reproductions of their buildings, but Bishop Hill still has several of its original structures.”
Art enthusiasts also won’t want to miss the Olof Krans museum, honoring the life and work of this celebrated folk artist. In addition to the historic draws, there are special events throughout the year to experience the site in a new way. Lamb notes that April to December is the best time to visit, with events going on each month. Ag Days—known in Swedish as Jordbruksdagarna—is a popular festival in the fall with hands-on demonstrations and activities based around 19th-century farm life.
Lamb recommends calling ahead to see what special activities might be taking place at the time of your visit. Additionally, you can sometimes arrange special demonstrations for your group such as candle- or brickmaking, depending on the season.
“I hope groups come away from Bishop Hill having experienced a sense of connection to its people, place, or heritage,” says Lamb. “People settled in this village to make a new life for themselves and their families, and the people who live here today—some even descendants of the original colonists—seek to preserve its history and traditions so people from all walks of life can enjoy it now and in the future.”
Much like the time-honored skills of making candles by hand that once drove 19th-century economies, a great way to engage with the culture of a place is through the things they make. Elkhart County, Indiana, for instance, is known for quilting. Each year, the county residents take their love of this art form to new levels with stunning Quilt Gardens found throughout the region.
Quilt Gardens combine the patterns and intricate designs of quilting with floral artistry, creating something entirely new. Each one is unique, and they’re available to view for free along the Heritage Trail, which connects seven communities. While visiting the gardens, groups also will enjoy specialty boutiques, local dining, museums, and artisans, including from the region’s Amish communities.
“Each Quilt Garden tells a story of heritage, creativity, and the local people who bring these living quilts to life,” says Janis Logsdon, director of marketing and sales for the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau and project manager for Quilt Gardens. “It’s more than just flowers; it’s a celebration of community pride and the enduring spirit of the region’s ‘well-crafted’ identity.”
Gardens are in full bloom from approximately late May through mid-September, with each season offering new designs and sometimes new locations. Most sites can accommodate motorcoaches and groups of any size. “The trail itself provides a natural flow for a day trip or multiday tour,” says Logsdon, “and the gardens make excellent photo stops and conversation starters that delight every age group.”
American Players Theatre,Spring Green, Wisconsin; Credit: American Players Theatre
Even without a specific attraction in mind, your group can find hidden delights within many of the small communities found throughout the Midwest. Take Spring Green, Wisconsin, for example. This town of just about 1,500 contains multitudes for groups, whether they’re interested in live stage productions at the American Players Theatre, enjoying the great outdoors on the Wisconsin River, or exploring the nearby driftless area.
“We offer a unique combination of world-class cultural attractions, scenic beauty, and small-town charm,” says Julie Jensen, executive director of the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, “all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area.”
Spring Green offers a variety of experiences to please groups of any interest, but one of its most enduring landmarks is Taliesin, the home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Described as simply “stunning” by Jensen, and translating to “shining brow” in Welsh, Taliesin is both an example of Wright’s iconic style and also a historical artifact of his life and work. Wright lived at Taliesin for nearly 50 years and groups can enjoy soaking up that legacy today.
Taliesin offers guided and custom tours for groups with advanced reservations. Professional guides offer exciting commentary while exploring the property, which totals 800 acres in all. And an on-site cafe—in the Wright-designed Riverview Terrace—offers a convenient dining option.
For a taste of lake life, look no further than Charlevoix, Michigan, occupying a unique geographic position upon an isthmus dividing Lake Michigan from Lake Charlevoix. Here, groups can enjoy lake cruises, wine and history tours, and a picture-perfect downtown with unique shops and restaurants. A group favorite is Earl Young’s Mushroom Houses. Designed by master builder Young over the course of five decades, each house was built for its specific site using native materials, resulting in more than two dozen unique designs.
“Charlevoix makes people slow down, connect, and appreciate the beauty of northern Michigan,” says Amanda Wilkin, Visit Charlevoix executive director. “It’s a hidden gem they’ll want to revisit.” Whichever hidden gem you choose to uncover in the Midwest, you’re sure to find the things that this region is known for: warm hospitality, affordability, and activities that delight in unexpected ways.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Earl Young Mushroom Houses,Charlevoix, Michigan; Credit: Visit Charlevoix
On March 9, 2011, space shuttle Discovery left Earth orbit for the final time, descending through the atmosphere and landing at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, completing its last mission after 27 years of service. Discovery was the third orbiter built and the first one to be retired, preceding Endeavor and Atlantis as the space shuttle program was wound up in 2011. Discovery is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, where visitors can discover more about this complex machine and its history.
Discovery first flew in 1984. Through tragic circumstances, it became the oldest orbiter still in service following the destruction of Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003. Discovery flew 39 missions, cumulatively spending exactly one year in orbit. It flew 150 million miles, carrying a total of 251 astronauts, both the most of any orbiter. After touching down at KSC and completing the 133rd space shuttle mission, Discovery was decommissioned and ferried to its new home on the back of a specially designed Boeing 747 in April 2012.
Discovery now occupies a prominent place in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Udvar-Hazy Center, which is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The orbiter sits on its wheels on the hangar floor, allowing visitors to walk all around the spacecraft and see it from all angles. Other space-related objects in the hangar provide further context, such as the Manned Maneuvering Unit which allowed spacewalking astronauts to move around untethered from the shuttle.
The Udvar-Hazy Center contains more than 200 aircraft and spacecraft in all, with more than 3,000 artifacts on display. Other highlights include an example of the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet-propelled aircraft in history, and an Air France Concorde, the world’s first supersonic airliner in service. Free guided tours are available for groups with advanced reservations, and the facility offers bus parking as well as an on-site Shake Shack location for easy dining.
There are few more quintessentially American experiences than the road trip, where the freedom of an open highway serves as a tidy metaphor for the kind of nomadic spirit of adventure this country was founded upon. They’re immortalized in songs and films, and form core memories—some fond, some not so fond—for generations of children confined to the backseats of station wagons.
For many, the image of an American road trip is backdropped by palm trees, deserts, mountains, or oceans—iconography of the West. And indeed, many of the great scenic drives in the nation are found here. Just ask the National Scenic Byway Association, which presents a list of the 10 most popular scenic drives in America. Right at the top is California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
Officially California State Route 1, the road known simply as PCH represents the classic coastal road trip, passing through all the Golden State’s major cities and many of its iconic attractions. The Big Sur region between San Luis Obispo and Monterey is routinely ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, a cliff-hugging cruise with views of crashing Pacific waves and pristine redwood forests. Groups can choose any number of scenic waypoints and also enjoy quaint seaside communities like Carmel-by-the-Sea for art gallery browsing, wine tasting, and more.
Groups that arrive in Monterey will find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they can see animal feedings, get hands-on in the touch pools, and watch sea otters play. Monterey also is home to the internationally known Monterey Jazz Festival, held each September. Nearby Pebble Beach is well known to golfers, but it’s also home to the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road—note a toll is required—that serves as a relaxing overview of the area.
California State Route 1 runs concurrently with U.S. Highway 101, which continues out of California into Oregon and Washington. This section of highway is equally beautiful, passing through unique landscapes such as Oregon’s “Dune Country.” The U.S. Forest Service operates a visitors center for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Reedsport, where groups can chart a course for hiking, biking, camping, and more. For the thrill-seekers, companies in the area also rent off-road vehicles to further explore the dunes.
A bit to the east, U.S. Route 89 from Montana to Arizona is best known as the National Park Highway, due to the fact that it links seven national parks, 14 national monuments, and three heritage areas. Stretching from border to border, the route was once named the No. 1 “Drivers’ Drive” in the world by National Geographic. The stretch in southern Utah and northern Arizona is particularly packed with parks, as Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon are all within this section of the Colorado Plateau.
If touring Colorado, be sure to carve out some time to explore the 236-mile San Juan Skyway. Designated an All-American Road, which requires an abundance of both natural resources and recreational opportunities, the Skyway passes through some of Colorado’s most iconic small towns. There’s the preserved Wild West of Durango, the world-class skiing in Telluride, the mining history of Silverton, and more. Groups also can dive into the unmatched natural history of Mesa Verde National Park, home to nearly 5,000 archeological sites—with many more yet to be discovered.
Last, but certainly not least, is the “mother” of all road trip highways, historic Route 66, which stretches from Illinois to California. America’s Mother Road turns 100 this year, though it is no longer contiguous and was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985. The history found here hasn’t changed, however, and groups can explore that story at engrossing museums, quirky roadside stops, and along scenic byways.
Out West is where you’ll find many of the road’s major attractions and landmark cities. For some under-the-radar destinations, explore Glenrio, a ghost town straddling the border of New Mexico and Texas. Go on a walking tour of the quirky town of Madrid, New Mexico, once a coal mining hub now filled with unique shops and art galleries. And get your fill of one-of-a-kind gifts and fun photo opportunities at the Hackberry General Store in Kingman, Arizona. You could even close the loop and visit the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, then take a right turn and hop on PCH to keep your magical Western road trip going.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Big Sur,Pacific Coast Highway, California; Credit: Visit California/Max Whittaker
Every American remembers the date July 4, 1776, 250 years ago this summer. But while the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on that day set the course for the future of a nascent country, it wasn’t until this day in 1789 when the United States became a functioning government. On March 4, 1789, the first-ever United States Congress met at Federal Hall in New York City, formally adopting the U.S. Constitution.
Long before Wall Street was a global center of finance, it was home to the first structure known as Federal Hall, completed in 1703. It was remodeled in 1789, with the intent that it would become the nation’s permanent capital. While that of course instead became Washington, D.C., Federal Hall did become the nation’s first capitol building. In April 1789, it was where George Washington took the oath of office in the first presidential inauguration. As the first seat of Congress, Federal Hall was the site of significant landmark decisions such as the adoption of the Bill of Rights and the Judiciary Act of 1789, which formed the basis of the country’s federal court system.
By the time of the third meeting of Congress in 1790, the capital had moved to Philadelphia. Federal Hall was later demolished, with a new one completed on the same site in 1842, which still stands today. It initially served as a customs house, safeguarding millions of dollars worth of precious metals until 1920. The building now is administered by the National Park Service as a national memorial and it is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday. Permanent exhibitions include a museum on Washington’s inauguration, including the Bible he was sworn in on. Ranger-guided tours are available, with reservations recommended for groups of 10 or more.
For more information, visit the National Park Service website.
Main Image: Federal Hall, New York City, New York; Credit: Adobe/Kathy Images
