My father is a history buff and a former history teacher. We both love historical novels and movies. A historically themed trip isn’t far-fetched in our family, and you can’t get more historical than a trip to the Northeast.

Lake Placid, New York

What’s the only US city to host two Olympics? Lake Placid, New York. It hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The small village has a lot of cool activities no matter what time of the year you visit. You can sail, swim, and fish in the summer time, or ice skate, play hockey, ski, and sled in the winter. You can’t stay in the Olympic Village; they have turned it into a museum. But luckily, there are plenty of hotels in the area to make a stay at Lake Placid a pleasure.

Revere, Massachusetts

A visit to Revere, Massachusetts fits the bill for the dual vacation spot. With Boston so close, you get the best of city and sea in a five miles radius. This small city is located on the Atlantic Ocean. Named after Paul Revere, the city captures the historical significance of the area with museums and historical architecture in the store fronts and the hotels. I have it on my list to stop at Revere Beach, the oldest in the United States.

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Plymouth, Massachusetts

Founded in 1620, Plymouth was the first stop on the “discover the new world” tour. You can’t get any more historical in the U.S. This is where it all begin. The Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the original ship, has been restored and turned into a museum. Spend a few days in Plymouth and make sure you see all the other “first” sites, such as Plymouth Rock and the site of the first Thanksgiving. Hotels like the Mirbeau Inn & Spa will make your stay in Plymouth a treat.

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Newport, Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a typical vacation resort. It has historical significance due to its location. Incorporated in 1639, it lagged behind Plymouth by 19 years. Most of the historical buildings, restaurants and hotels in Newport have been restored and look like they did back in the 1700s. Another of its beautiful historical sites, The Breakers Mansion, is on my list. This stunning estate looks like Downton Abbey. Built in 1893, the mansion was originally commissioned and owned by Anderson Cooper’s ancestors, the Vanderbilts.

Hartford, Connecticut

While discovered in 1637, Hartford Connecticut wasn’t incorporated until the late 1700s.  The literary significance of Hartford starts and stops with the awesome Mark Twain. You can visit the home where he wrote his greatest work. Mark Twain House is cool, but the Old State House is even more amazing. It is a great example of Eastlake architecture, an architectural style inspired by Victorian England. You can soak in the best of new and old at a Hartford hotel like the Oakwood At Hartford 21.

 

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What historical sites in the United States have you visited?