Category: Teenagers

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown (Virginia)

You know Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!" speech, made at Richmond’s Historic St. John’s Church in 1775. You may not know, however, that the home where he lived while crafting that historic speech is open for visitors and is celebrating its 300th year! Nestled in the rolling hills of western Hanover County, just 30 minutes north of Richmond, his home, called Scotchtown, is an atmospheric place to visit, especially during the month of October. Read my new review today and plan an autumn visit with your family!

Rock of Cashel (Ireland)

In thinking of atmospheric places abroad to write about for this month’s review, I immediately thought about the Rock of Cashel in Ireland, which we visited in the summer of 2019. While we may not currently be able to travel to Ireland without a quarantine, hopefully regular trips can resume by summer of 2021. If you are thinking about planning a trip to Ireland, the Rock of Cashel should be on your list! read my new review today!

Kings Mountain National Military Park (South Carolina)

Today is the 240th anniversary of the Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain that Thomas Jefferson called, “The turn of the tide of success.” However, many people have not heard of the battle or why it was so pivotal for the American Revolution. Located on the boundary between North and South Carolina, Kings Mountain National Military Park is a great place to visit with your family to learn about its important role in the fight for American independence. Read my new review today!

Sherwood Forest (Virginia)

After writing about the Virginia Capital Trail last week, I’ll be reviewing many of the stops along the trail in the coming months. Several battlefields and historic homes are along the route, including the home of our nation’s 10th President, John Tyler. In my quest to visit all of the Presidential and First Lady historic sites, I knew I had to see it in conjunction with the Capital Trail. His home, named Sherwood Forest, is a peaceful place for your family to take a break while on a bike trip. Read my new review today!

Virginia Capital Trail

In Virginia, history is literally around every corner. The James River, which flows from the Chesapeake Bay to western Virginia, is the “road” along which Virginia’s history, and thereby America’s history, was founded. Beginning with Jamestown in 1607, this river and the land surrounding it has been the site of many significant historical events, including Native American villages, Colonial towns, and battles from 3 wars. A unique and socially-distanced way to view this historical area with your family is to bike or walk along the Virginia Capital Trail. It is the perfect place to have a family-friendly outing, especially during the cooler fall months. Read my new review today! Don't forget to sign up for my new newsletter - follow the "newsletter" link on my website!

Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania)

The small town of Gettysburg, near Pennsylvania’s border with Maryland, seems an unlikely spot for a battle of significance. However, in the summer of 1863, Union and Confederate forces clashed here, in what is called by some historians as the turning point of the Civil War. Whether you agree with that statement or not, there is no doubt of the battle’s effect on history. Now a National Military Park, Gettysburg’s location in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania makes it the perfect place to take a fall socially-distanced educational trip with your family.

First Landing State Park (Virginia)

Did you know that many historic sites have outdoor camping and walking trails that are especially appealing during this time of social distancing? One of the most historic sites in Virginia is First Landing State Park, where the English colonists first landed in 1607 before settling at Jamestown. This location in Virginia Beach is now a huge state park with trails, camping sites, a beach, and more. This is a perfect site for a fall family outing that is socially distanced and historically significant!

Civil War Trails

If you live in the mid-Atlantic region, you may not realize that you are probably within a few miles of a historic Civil War battleground or site. With hundreds of battles fought in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Tennessee, almost every county or city has a Civil War historical site. As we are all doing more staycations thanks to the travel restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, this might be a perfect time to check out these historical sites in your own backyard!

Presidential sites on Virginia’s Northern Neck

Did you know that within a one-hour drive on Virginia’s Northern Neck, you can visit 3 different Presidential birthplaces?  Virginia is called the Mother of Presidents for a reason!  These mostly outdoor sites make great places to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, when families are looking for safe places to social distance.  From nature walks to beach fun, these sites are a good place to let your kids run and play while learning more about Presidents George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe! Read my new review today!