Travel Tidbits: How to Spend Your Time in Bar Harbor, Syracuse, and Other Northeastern Cities

This post was originally published on Travel Tidbits on April 7, 2016.

Hipmunk Hotels: How to Spend Your Time in Bar Harbor, Syracuse, and Other Northeastern Cities

Feeling the need for a getaway, but unsure of where to go? Hop in your car or book a flight to the northeastern United States, where you’ll find plenty of activities and adventures to keep you entertained. Cities like Bar Harbor, Syracuse, Long Island City, Roanoke, and Williamsburg are ideal destinations for just about anyone. Check out what each of these cities has to offer!

Bar Harbor, Maine

If you’re looking for a diverse range of activities to keep you entertained, look no further than Bar Harbor, Maine. This popular northeastern destination appeals to tourists from all over the world for its rich culture and picturesque natural scenery. One of the top spots here is Cadillac Mountain, a great place for hiking and other outdoor sports. If this sounds like your kind of place, you should also visit Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center, Asticou Azalea Garden, and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Be sure to start planning by booking a room in one of Bar Harbor’s popular hotels.

Syracuse, New York

Looking to see all that New York has to offer? Head to Syracuse, where you’ll get the chance to experience trendy restaurants and bars, fashion-forward shopping, vibrant nightlife scene, and an overall electric atmosphere that will have you never wanting to leave. Some popular tourist attractions include Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Destiny USA shopping center, Erie Canal Museum, and Everson Museum of Art. If exploring city streets is what you’re interested in, Syracuse is perfect for you. Consider booking a room in one of the city’s most popular budget-friendly hotels.

Long Island City, New York

Another New York location that offers everything you might be looking for, Long Island City is an ideal destination for anyone. Immerse yourself in culture by heading to MoMA PS1 Art Museum, Noguchi Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park, or The Secret Theatre. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Gantry Plaza State Park or Hunter’s Point South Park. In the mood to try some tasty local beers? Check out Rockaway Brewing Center or LIC Beer Project before heading back to one of these affordable Long Island City hotels for a comfortable night’s rest.

Roanoke, Virginia

If experiencing history and culture is your main priority for your trip to the northeast, be sure to visit Roanoke, Virginia. Here you’ll find popular tourist attractions including Mill Mountain Star and Park, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, and O. Winston Link Museum. Roanoke is home to several famous breweries, so consider signing up for a brewery tour throughout the city. If you’re traveling as a family, bring the kids to Mill Mountain Zoo or Splish Splash Valley Water Park.  Start preparing by booking a room in one of the popular Roanoke hotels that won’t break the bank.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Last but not least, Williamsburg is a popular Virginia destination for so many reasons, including its rich cultural and historical significance. Founded in 1632, it makes sense that this town is filled with ancient landmarks, including Historic Jamestowne, Governor’s Palace, and the downtown Historic District. Looking for a place to stay near these popular sites? Consider booking a room in one of these affordable Williamsburg hotels.

Hipmunk Hotels: Historical sites in Lake Placid, Revere, Plymouth, Newport, and Hartford

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.

Image provided by Annie Yao via Trover.com

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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Image provided by Brianna Thome via Trover.com

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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Image provided by Stephanie Sutton via Trover.com 

What historical sites in the United States have you visited?