Tour The Library of Congress

A vacation to Washington D.C. is filled with seeing the sites, visiting museums, and taking in some history.   The Smithsonian Museums are a must.   There’s nothing like taking your picture on the steps of the U.S. Capitol or posing next to Honest Abe at The Lincoln Memorial.    But, there are a few less touristy options you may want to consider too.    Here’s one of our favorites.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library and quite possible one of the greatest collections of knowledge known to mankind.   Now, you may be wondering how exciting touring a library could be?   We’re not talking about your local public library here.   The Library of Congress is packed full of history, literally.

Congress established the Library on April 24, 1800.  However, the entire collection of 740 volumes and 3 maps were destroyed during the War of 1812.   Thomas Jefferson came to the rescue and offered to sell Congress his collection of nearly 6,500 books.    Today, the Library has more than 650 miles of bookshelves filled with over 140+ million items.  

Guided and self-guided tours take visitors through the Library’s magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building.   The architecture alone is worth the visit – it’s the most stunning Federal Building ever built.  Stained glass ceilings, marble floors, mosaics, paintings, and sweeping staircases are a few of the highlights.     Visitors get the chance to see George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, drafts of the Declaration of Independence, The Gutenberg Bible, and the 1^st map bearing the name America.

To get the most out of your visit, we highly recommend the (free) Thomas Jefferson Building Tour.  It’s an hour-long walking tour, offered Monday thru Saturday.    Your guide will enthusiastically describe the history, architecture, and the collections available to view.   You’ll walk between the impressive marble columns while seeing some of the country’s most significant documents, look inside the famous Main Reading Room, and explore some of the Library’s special exhibits.   Then, you’ll be free to explore on your own!

 

For more details, visit www.loc.gov/visit/tours/

Looking for more vacation ideas?  Visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride shaped the course of American history. On April 18, 1775, Revere, a silversmith, made a daring ride to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams “The British Are Coming.” That warning prompted America’s Minutemen to stand ready as the British Redcoats approached Lexington. The American Revolution began the next day.

Boston’s famed Freedom Trail is filled with historical buildings, halls, churches, and the U.S.S Constitution. But, one house stands out in particular – that of a true American patriot – The Paul Revere House. The house is the oldest building in downtown Boston, built in 1680. And it’s one of few early colony buildings still in existence. Paul Revere and his family lived here between 1770 and 1800. The two story wooden townhouse was comfortable and the perfect place for Paul and his wife Sara to raise their 5 children.

A visit to The Paul Revere House is a must for all patriots. About 90% of the structure is original. Many of the furnishings belonged to the Revere family at one time. All tours are self-guided, but docents are on hand to answer questions and test your Paul Revere trivia. There are 2 stories to explore, filled with colonial period pieces, fireplaces, and plenty of American history. In the courtyard, a 900 pound bell from the U.S.S. Constitution is displayed. The bell was just one of many pieces made by Revere and Sons.

There is a nominal charge (currently $3.50/person) to tour the home. It’s more than worth it to step inside the house of one of America’s finest patriots. For more information, hours of operations, and details on special events, visit www.paulreverehouse.org.

Looking for more vacation ideas? Visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

See Where the Civil War Began

April 12, 1861 – The Civil War began in Charleston, South Carolina. Union forces were stationed at Fort Sumter, just off the coast of Charleston. General P.G.T. Beauregard, a Confederate, was not going to allow the Union to have a stronghold in the South. At 4:30AM, Beauregard ordered his troops to let the batteries loose. More than 4,000 shells pounded the fort. The barrage was more than the Union could handle. They surrendered. It would be 4 years before the Union would reclaim the Fort.

Today’s Fort Sumter has become one of Charleston’s must-see attractions. Visitors are able to walk the grounds, explore, see 19th century artillery, and learn about Charleston’s role in the Civil War. Rangers are on hand to give guided talks about the Fort’s illustrious history. There’s an air-conditioned museum displaying Civil War artifacts and flags that have flown over the Fort.

However, the only way to reach Fort Sumter is by boat. The National Park Service does have a ferry service that takes visitors back and forth on guided tours. Not only do you get to explore the Fort, but you’ll have the opportunity to take some fantastic pictures too. The ferry passes by Charleston’s famed Battery area and the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriot’s Point. Harbor waters are generally calm, so there’s no fear of getting seasick!

The entire trip takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. You’ll get at least an hour to explore the Fort, which is plenty of time. (We recommend saving the museum for last.) The rest of the time is spent going to and from the Fort. Tours depart daily from Liberty Square at Aquarium Wharf and Patriot’s Point.

For more information and ferry schedules, visit www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm

Looking for more vacation ideas? Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!

Waimea Canyon Overwhelms

Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is quite possibly the most beautiful. Kauai, the oldest of the populated island chain, is more secluded than her sister islands. The crowds tend towards Oahu and Maui, but that’s good news for you - Kauai’s scenery is absolutely spectacular. There are lush tropical valleys to explore. Waterfalls seem to cascade down each mountain side. The stunning cliffs on the Napali Coast are tailored made for photographers. Golden beaches are just waiting for sun worshippers.

Kauai’s most impressive attraction, courtesy of Mother Nature, is Waimea Canyon. Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, it’s more than 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3,000 (plus) feet deep. Formed over a period of 5 million years, volcanic activity and erosion helped create what visitors see today. And, oh what a sight it is! Lush, tropical foliage hug the reddish canyon walls. The Waimea River winds its way deep through the rugged canyon. And Waipo’o Falls thunders down a mountain side.

Visitors can explore Waimea Canyon by car, foot, or by helicopter. If you’re a huge waterfall fan, then a helicopter ride is the way to go. Otherwise, we recommend exploring by car and taking a few hikes along the 40 miles of trails.

•Waimea Canyon Drive: This is a must for every Kauai visitor. Drive this winding road to see stunning vistas and take pictures that are postcard perfect. Plenty of overlooks take you right to the canyon’s edge. Continue on the road to Koke’e State Park to see the famous Napali Coastline.

•Iliau Nature Loop: The Canyon’s easiest hike provides some of the most stunning views! A 0.3 mile easy loop will take hikers to the Western Edge of the Canyon for views of Waimea and Waialee Canyons.

•Kuikui Trail: For hikers, who want a challenge, try this 2.5 mile hike. More scenic vistas await hikers as they drop 2,000 feet down into the valley. The view from the valley floor is simply amazing. It’s easy going down, but quite challenging coming up. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes – the trail can get quite slippery.

Looking for more vacation ideas? Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country.