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American East Coast Heritage/History based holiday.

Last post 05-11-2009 12:45 PM by Michelle Leco. 4 replies.
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  • 01-07-2009 3:38 PM

    • Jimmy
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 01-07-2009
    • Posts 1

    American East Coast Heritage/History based holiday.

    Hello,

    I'm a 17 year old student from the United Kingdom and as i'm taking up an American Studies university course this year in 2009 I would love to have the chance to experience American history in another form other than books and documentaries.

     Basically I want to take an approximately 2 week holiday in the states along the East Coast where I can get a feel for as much American history regarding colonisation, the War of Independence and the American Civil War as possible (real culture is a fine addition, too). However, due to many other plans and commitments I am constrained to July 2009 in which to take this holiday and I am not having much luck in finding a company that offers this type of vacation in this month.

    If anyone has the details of any tour services that will provide me with this fantastic experience I would be extremely greatful. Boston, Colonial Williamsburg, Gettysburg, Washington D.C, Lexington, and mainly battlefield sights and places of historic interest etc, are the highlights I am after. I'm sorry if I am being naive in expecting this kind of holiday.

     Thanks,

           Jimmy.

  • 01-13-2009 11:23 AM In reply to

    Re: American East Coast Heritage/History based holiday.

    Usually, I would advise someone to hire a car for such a vacation.  Most of the early US heritage sites are clustered around several areas in the Northeastern USA.  Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Richmond are the major centers of the historical locales.  The major battlefields of the revolutionary war and the civil war are located in the vicinity of these cities.  If you have a car, you can easily explore the countryside and visit the historical sites surrounding each city.

    Unfortunately, it will be nearly impossible for you to rent a car due to your youthful age.

    There are, no doubt, some tours that specialize in the historical sites of Northeastern USA.  Since they cater only to a small segment of the tourist market, namely the history buffs, such tours are not likely to be abundant.  It might be very difficult to find one that meets your schedule.

    I suggest you divide your trip into several more manageable segments and search for tours on each segment.  In Boston, you can undoubtedly find a local tour company that offers historical heritage tours of the Revolutionary War sites in and around the city.  From Philadelphia, there are likely to be tours to Valley Forge and Gettysburg.  From Washinfton DC there are likely to be tours to the local Civil War sites.

     Sorry that I can not offer you more useful advice.  Good Luck on your historical adventure.

  • 01-13-2009 1:54 PM In reply to

    Re: American East Coast Heritage/History based holiday.

    You can search our affiliate site with Viator for tours in the areas you will be visiting. 

    http://www.partner.viator.com/en/5185/USA/d77-vd

    You can select a city in the left column to see all the tours available for that destination.  If you search the keyword "historic" you will see tours with historic in their description from all of the Viator destinations around the world.

    These tours are for the general public rather than a true history buff.  But I think that you can find some things that will really enjoyable anyway. 

    Also, they offer tours for some surrounding historical attractions.  For example, in Boston there is a tour that will take you to Plimonth Plantation, which is south of the city.  Tith that tour, you do not need to worry about finding transportation to get yourself there. 

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  • 05-11-2009 9:42 AM In reply to

    Re: American East Coast Heritage/History based holiday.

     Pick one city you'd really love to see and spend a few days there--you will have a much, much better time.

    For things to do – Boston has a ton – it all depends on what you are looking to do. I would first suggest that you take a tour or trolley; it’ll give you great insight as to where ‘touristy’ things are located. Please note, that Boston is considered a ‘walking city,’ which means, that even though things may look very far apart on map, in actuality, the probably aren’t. There are several tours/trolleys to choose from. One unique tour is the Boston Duck Tour. These tours sell out quickly, so you’ll have to take advantage of this when you first arrive to Boston.

    You’ll more than likely want to partake in the Freedom Trail walk.

    If you are looking for ‘greener’ pastures, check out the Boston Common and Children’s Garden, as well as take a stroll along the Charles River.

    Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market are another good stop. Usually there are street performers and music going on.

    The Boston Aquarium is another great stop and near the Fanueil Marketplace. While here, you can also sign up to do a whale watch out of the Boston Harbor.

    There are plenty of college campuses to check out – MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University, Boston College, etc.

    If shopping is your thing, check out Newbury Street.

    If you’d like to see a show – check out Blue Man Group. It’s a complete one-of-a-kind show. There is nothing like it.

    Other things to check out are: Cheers, Christian Science Reflecting Pool, Copley Square, Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Science Museum, Isabella Stuart Gardner Art Museum (there are many museums in Boston), etc.

    Best places to eat - The Chart House, The Black Rose, The Purple Shamrock, Tia, Legal Seafoods - just to name a few.

    Have a great time.

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  • 05-11-2009 12:45 PM In reply to

    Re: American East Coast Heritage/History based holiday.

    Great suggestions Travelster.  Boston is an amazing city - especially for anyone interested in American History.  It seems like every corner you turn there's another historic landmark.

    One thing that I'd add to your list of attractions is to go to the top of the Prudential Building.  It's a great way to get yourself oriented to the city.  As I recall, the Ride the Ducks depart from next to the Prudential and the tickets are sold inside.  I also recommend this Duck Tour as a good way to familiarize yourself to the city.  It's also nice because it's a tour that will take you on the water as well. 

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