Category Archives: Historical Travel

PARENTS LOVE TRAVEL – CLASSIC NYC ITINERARY – Downtown

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Staten Island/ 911/ Wall Street/ Brooklyn Bridge/ Lower East Side

Grab bagel breakfast near Subway (Liberty Bagels – my favorite is their toasted sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese) near 34St. station (on 35th). Liberty Bagels is home to the best bagels in New York. The old-fashioned, hand-rolled, kettle boiled, and baked bagels are a NY staple and is a stop you cannot skip during a trip to NYC.

Take the 1 Downtown to Battery Park/South Ferry (10 min)

Staten Island Ferry (late 1800s)– free ferry past Statue of Liberty. Stay right side Over, left side Back. Departs every 15-30 minutes/20-25 minutes each way.

Subway up to World Trade Center/Oculus station to:

911 Memorial / Museum – 180 Greenwich. Just going close to the twin towers memorial takes your breath away and your heart sinks once you peer into the endless hole in the middle. The design captures your heart, for sure. FDNY Station #10 is right there, too. Stop in Ohara’s Pub for a pint after – 120 Cedar St (one block south of ground zero / 11a-late). The New York Irish pub that became a hub for first responders after 9/11. O’Hara’s walls are covered with police and fire badges from around the world. The pint of Guinness eased our emotions before we ventured on…

Trinity Church – 120 Broadway – Alexander Hamilton grave/Natl Treasure. Dark gothic vibe. Unbelievable architecture.

Wall Street – Bull – NYSE

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern (1762)– 54 Pearl St – Museum on 2nd Fl ($10A/$5C) daily Noon-5pm/ guided tours (60 min) weekends/Lunch daily 11:30am-3:30pm. As you turn a corner south of the Financial District, the historic preservation building begs you to enter. Once inside, you’ll notice all the furnishings are period late 1700s, even the servers are dressed in period costume. This is the oldest building in Manhattan. We really enjoyed the Tavern Burger but next time I’d like to try the Pot Pie. I’d encourage you to visit the museum upstairs. This is the site of George Washington’s emotional farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War win!

Brooklyn Bridge (1883) (Walk or Subway to NY City Hall) – the pedestrian walkway begins just across from the northeast corner of City Hall Park along Centre Street. Walk a little ways towards Brooklyn, turn around, get the photo op or go all the way across, grab a snack in Brooklyn, then walk back over with the Manhattan skyline as your view. We felt walking on the wood-planked path, the bridge is bigger and grander in person. A must do!

Chinatown Wo Hop (1938) – 17 Mott St basement/Marvelous Mrs. Maisel/10:30a-9p – or any of the street vendors. This area encompasses many blocks forming a V shape and the food is fresh and delicious. (cash only in Chinatown)

Tenement Museum – (early 1900s) 103 Orchard St (&Delancey) / reserved tours 60-90 minute ~ $30/ As you explore the Lower East Side neighborhoods, learn how various early 1900s immigrant communities influenced American culture and cuisine. These tours are so authentic – in one tenement, you are touching the same banisters 7,000 immigrants used over the last 100 years!

Dinner: Katz’s Deli (1888) 205 E Houston St 8a-11p/ NYCs Oldest Jewish Deli. OMG! That quote from When Harry Met Sally (filmed here), “I’ll have what she’s having!” – so true! Best Pastrami on Rye! Grab your ticket at the door and line up to your favorite “cutter”. Place your order. While they slice your meat for the thick sandwiches, the cutter may give you a sample and ask if you want more lean or fatty ends? Ask for the deli mustard. It comes with pickles on the side.

Cocktail: The Back Room Speakeasy (1920s) -102 Norfolk St. 6p-2a. This is one of only two speakeasies in NYC that operated during Prohibition and is still in existence today. Once you find the rickety Toy Factory gate, walk down the steps, across the way and then knock at the *unmarked door. The bouncer looks you over and asks the gentlemen to remove their caps. The drinks are prohibition style – beer bottles served in brown paper bags and cocktails in tea cups! So cool! Gangsters once used the space for “business meetings”.

Beer: McSorley’s Old Ale House (1854) – 17 E 7th St / Noon-1am. McSorley’s can boast of being NYC’s oldest continuously operated saloon (everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon). Enter the sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls for a trip back through time. Be prepared: walk thru the swinging doors and you’re asked light or dark and soon after two short mugs of your choice appear. Old-timey, friendly vibe. Daily food specials. Cash only. No draft list here, lol.

Nearby, NYU campus/Washington Sq. Subway back to Hotel to refresh and walk or subway to: Times Square nighttime view & Serendipity 3 ice cream, Juniors cheesecake or numerous Times Square rooftop bars.

PARENTS LOVE TRAVEL: EAT N EXPLORE PHILADELPHIA (Chadds Ford / Brandywine Valley)

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Chadds Ford is named after a settler, John Chads, who in 1725 built his home and operated a tavern and ferry on the banks of the Brandywine Creek near a ford, but the community is best known as the home of the famous Wyeth artist family. Three generations of Wyeths have lived in Chadds Ford since 1911. The Brandywine Valley, from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania to Wilmington, was the focus of much of their work. Those collections can be seen today at the Brandywine Museum of Art. The town is also the location for Brandywine Battlefield Park, commemorating the greatest single-day battle of the American Revolution. Just across from the Battlefield is Chadds Ford Tavern, a cozy stop for lunch and dinner. Farther west up the road is the Chaddsford Winery.

BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD PARK – Chadds Ford – 1491 Baltimore Pike (US1, 1 mile east of SR100) 19317. http://brandywinebattlefield.org/  Hours: Friday – Saturday 10am-4pm, (March-November). Closed most federal holidays. Admission. Museum shop. Plenty of picnic areas. The peaceful nature of the Brandywine Valley was shattered in the summer of 1777, when British and Hessian forces fought American Continentals and local militia under George Washington and the young Marquis de Lafayette in the largest land battle of the Revolutionary War. This defeat of American forces (led by George Washington) left the Philadelphia area open to attack and conquest by the British. However, it gave Washington a chance to see his troops were ready for war and Lafayette was a cherished new leader.

This giant park and museum focus on actual Revolutionary War events. Watch the video introduction to the park first, then drive along a tour that includes 28 historic points taking you back to 1777. Even better, catch the house tours given by storytelling guides to really understand the sacrifice of traveling soldiers and the Quaker homes they occupied.

CHADDS FORD TAVERN -1400 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Local chefs have restored the Tavern to its original wonder with a modern touch. The new owner has worked hard to preserve the tavern’s history, especially since the previous owner, Tommy Drane, had made it a gathering spot for artists like the Wyeths and George Weymouth.  https://www.thecftavern.com/  Daily lunch and dinner, happy hour. We thought the portions were huge and really liked the fresh local flavors: homemade chip n dip served instead of bread; rustic furnishings; salads, soups and sandwiches are tasty.

BRANDYWINE MUSEUM OF ART – Chadds Ford – I Hoffman’s Mill Road. US 1 & PA Rte. 100 19317. www.brandywinemuseum.org Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas.  Winters: Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-4pm. Admission. Tours: Kuerner Farm Tours & Studio Reserved tours only. Add $14 to ticket to museum. (April through November). American art in a 19th century gristmill. The historic Kuerner Farm has been a major source of inspiration to Andrew Wyeth. Since his earliest painting of the farm in 1932 at the age of 15, Wyeth has found subjects in its people, animals, buildings and landscapes for more than 1,000 works of art. Known for collections by three generations of Wyeths, the house where N.C. Wyeth raised his extraordinarily creative children and the studio in which he painted many of his memorable works of art have been restored to reflect their character in 1945, the year of the artist’s death. Note: Restaurant open daily 10am-3pm. Moody paintings create a feel that draws you in…

CHADDSFORD WINERY – 632 Baltimore Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317. With a tradition dating back to 1982 and an annual production of over 30,000 cases of wine, Chaddsford Winery is among the oldest, largest, and most acclaimed wineries in Pennsylvania.The iconic farmhouse and bank barn, both built in the 1800s, are quintessential examples of the Brandywine Valley’s rich history in agriculture. While their grapes are grown at several regional vineyards, all aspects of wine production – pressing, fermenting, barrel-aging, and bottling – are achieved onsite, within the thick stone walls of the cellar, which you can tour. Nice spaces indoors and a massive patio. Fruity, sweeter wines. Live on the Lawn, a brand-new seasonal outdoor music series featuring local talent, great wine, and relaxed vibes every Saturday afternoon. Daily Noon-5pm, later on weekend evenings. https://www.chaddsford.com

PHILLY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR by Michele

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PART ONE – Experience Old City Philadelphia!

(Morning tour starts at hotel lobby at 10am and ends at 12:30pm for lunch)

Come explore the Philadelphia of the people caught up in the world changing events of 1776. Wander through Old City Philadelphia, including: Independence Mall, home of the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall to learn about the people shaping our early republic. We will then continue to Benjamin Franklin’s grave to learn about the famous Philadelphian, Arch Street Meeting House to explore the role of the Quakers, Betsy Ross’ House where we get insight into the role of women, Elfreth’s Alley to meet the everyday people of revolutionary Philadelphia and Christ Church, the place of worship for many prominent Philadelphians. We’ll grab lunch at an original cheesesteak place, Campos.

Independence Hall requires timed tickets reserved well in advance. Betsy Ross House is $10.00. Others free or donation. This walking tour is within 6 blocks of the hotel. We’ll stop back at the Hotel to freshen.

Campo’s Steak & Hoagies  Campo’s is a family run sandwich shop that has been making Philly’s best cheesesteaks, hoagies, and specialty sandwiches since 1947. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. Campo’s is proudly served at Citizens Bank Park and is the official cheesesteak of the Philadelphia Flyers. 214 Market Street (2nd & Market)

PART TWO – Experience Center City Philly LOVE! (Tour starts at hotel lobby at 1:15pm and ends about 3:15pm)

LOVE Park is most famously the home of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue, which has resided in the space almost continuously since 1976. The park is located near City Hall, offering views of the architectural treasure, including William Penn’s statue. Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination. Those interested can trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesey? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely!

On the way to/from the Rocky photo ops, we’ll grab an iced coffee and a treat from Federal Donuts. We’ll end our Highlights tour with a cold one at Independence Beer Garden and a view of where we started, Independence Park. The afternoon tour is a lot of city and parkway walking. If it’s too hot or stormy, we’ll take a PHLASH bus or modify the plan.

Federal Donuts – People come here for one thing: deep-fried joy! It’s delivered in the form of Korean-style chicken, with a variety of rubs and glazes, and hot fresh or fancy doughnuts in constantly changing flavors like cinnamon brown sugar, blueberry pancake, strawberry lavender and chocolate éclair — and coffee, of course. 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway or 1632 Sansom Street, https://federaldonuts.com/

Independence Beer Garden, is an expansive, all-American beer garden overlooking Independence National Historic Park. The Beer Garden is a lovely spot to sit back and enjoy a cold beer on a warm summer day. They also offer a great Happy Hour with items like tasty Sliders and fresh chips and guacamole. HAPPY HOUR | WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY | 3PM – 7PM (everything $5-$7.00). https://www.phlbeergarden.com/

Lunch/Shopping/Snacking suggestion (7 blocks from hotel): Reading Terminal Market – Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh food for locals. The public space provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch and sandwich slingers like DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more. There’s a gift shop selling Philly LOVE souvenirs and a Philly Pretzel shop, too. 51 N. 12th Street https://readingterminalmarket.org/

Happy Hour or Dinner suggestion (Uber, near walkable Rittenhouse Square):  Harp & Crown – Its glass-façade, 24-foot ceilings, and chandeliers are glamorous pieces balanced with funky vintage wallpaper and leather club chairs, millwork and natural tones throughout the space. Guests enjoy new-American dishes amongst the space including a 32-seat bar. Featured here: pizzas, small plates and seasonal fare — and a two-lane bowling alley tucked in the basement called Elbow Lane (reservations required for groups of nine or more; based on availability, smaller parties can walk in). Happy Hour | Walk-In @ Bar + Lounge: 4:00pm – 7:00pm. 1525 Sansom Street, http://harpcrown.com

Base Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phlpr-renaissance-philadelphia-downtown-hotel/overview/. Wonderful hotel to choose if you want to walk the sites (next to Independence National Park).

PHLASH Purple tourism buses: https://ridephillyphlash.com/ $5.00 for all day pass (exact cash or online)

Maps and Directions: https://www.visitphilly.com/maps-directions/#downloadable-maps

Suggested blog: https://parentslovetravel.com/blog/a-fresh-look-at-revolution

New, Updated Kids Love Pennsylvania is here!

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Just in time for spring and summer travels…

KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA

An Organized Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Friendly” Pennsylvania – 600 Fun Stops & Unique Spots

Your kids will love finding where to discover Oil and take a tram ride deep into Coal Mines…hike along tall trees, great lakes, waterfalls and grand canyons…tour fun Snack Food Factories…twist your own Pretzel…take a peak at Polar Bears and Groundhogs…travel around Train Curves and Inclines…or, “meet” Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and even see some real Christopher Columbus stuff!

Each chapter is a day trip zone including points of interest, events and suggested lodging and dining options.

Save Time. New features include QUICK TOURS and web resources to quickly help you make the most of a short trip in each chapter. Searching countless hours on the internet? We give you fast travel facts, prices, and our kid-tested reviews for every listing. We did the work so you don’t have to.

Save Money. Once you purchase the book you’ll have access to a special page of online updates that keeps your book FRESH for years. Plus, we’ve found many places to visit for little or no charge.

The books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Happy Valentine’s Day – Kids Love Virginia!

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Virginia is for family love…

UPDATED Edition

Virginia is for love and February 14th is the perfect time to introduce a new edition of KIDS LOVE VIRGINIA, An Organized Family Travel Guide to Kid-Friendly Virginia! All the listings have been UPDATED, about a dozen places closed (mostly little museums that didn’t survive the pandemic shutdown), yet a handful of new places opened or added significant new attractions.

The print books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. NOTE: Amazon often runs sales on our best selling titles each season. Our travel guides are best suited to print books so you can easily mark and highlight places you want to visit next!

Museum of American Revolution – Stories and Play for Kids

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Board a ship

Museum visitors explore the personal Revolution stories of the diverse range of individuals who were part of establishing our nation. Here’s some highlights for kids:

Revolution THEATER EXPERIENCES:

Revolution brewing?

Families are swept up in the heart-pounding drama of the Revolution.

  • In a theater that recreates Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, visitors follow  — from their own Windsor chair — as delegates to the Continental Congress passionately debate whether to declare American independence.
  • Another theater puts visitors on the front lines of the Battle of Brandywine, with a rumbling floor, smoke effects, and the smell of gunpowder.

Revolution INTERACTIVE PLAY:

  • Dress up. Kids can mix-and-match pieces of a soldier’s uniform.
  • Play games. Learn about how the common soldiers and their families lived and played to pass the time.
  • Assume George Washington’s role as President by sitting in a reproduction of the “Rising Sun” chair.
  • Be sure to climb aboard a privateer ship like the one on which 14-year-old James Forten volunteered.
  • Don’t forget to pick up a scavenger hunt at the front desk!
Play games
Scavenger Hunt
Dress up

WASHINGTON’S WAR TENT

A dedicated theater houses one of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution: General Washington’s War Tent, which served as both his office and his sleeping quarters through much of the war. It was within this tent that key decisions were made that changed the course of history. The tent is presented as part of a multi-layered, mixed media presentation, followed by a dramatic reveal.

George Washington’s War Tent

My Take: There are plenty of battle scenes, some with lifelike soldiers, but the heart of the museum appealing to kids are stimulating shows and interactives. I thought it was clever how they recreate common colonial activities in Revolution Place so engaging even adults want to participate. Every space is full of storytelling. My absolute favorite space is Washington’s Tent – truly takes your breath away and think about all the intel and brilliant decisions shared under that tent!

LOCATION 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Corner of Third and Chestnut Streets) MUSEUM HOURS Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. GENERAL ADMISSION Admission is $13-$21.00. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Tickets can be purchased at www.AmRevMuseum.org

The Great Locomotive Chase! Train Play for Kids

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The General

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History – Kennesaw, Georgia

The true story behind the old Disney movie, “The Great Locomotive Chase,” is what the Southern Museum is all about. The museum’s star attraction is The General, a steam locomotive nabbed by Yankee raiders in 1862 just 100 yards from where it stands today. The daring band of 22 planned to drive The General north to Chattanooga and destroy Confederate supply lines along the way. Rebels manned a locomotive of their own and chased The General, full throttle, for 100 miles until the raiders were forced to abandon ship. Most were captured.

But the Museum doesn’t end there. Peek into Glover Machine Works: An interactive presentation detailing the train building process, from metallurgy and patterns to casting and construction helps visitors experience life as a factory worker. Kids can etch a pattern on paper and touch wooden molds. Their giant displays of how to build train parts engage kids, too.

Molds and Casting
Rubbing

The Education Center is a highlight! Child play interactives include tapping out Morse Code; driving a simulated train; a giant toy engine; and multiple train tables.

My take: The best part of this Smithsonian Affiliate museum is the layout. The education center is in the middle, at just the right point where kids get antsy. The interactives are easy to understand and it’s roomy. Also, most museums show the introduction video at the beginning, before you tour. The Southern Museum chose to have showings near the end, for impact. After you leave the theater, you pass a “depot” and go under “Tunnel Hill” to have your eyes wide open to the General, larger than life! The gift shop is right after that display and it’s big and wondrous! You will be tempted…

SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR AND LOCOMOTIVE HISTORY
Kennesaw – 2829 Cherokee Street NW (I-75 exit 273 west) 30144. Phone: (770) 427-2117. www.southernmuseum.org. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Admission: $10.00 adult, $8.00 senior (65+), $5.00 active military/students w/ID, child (3-17). FREEBIES: ask for scavenger hunt.

Free or Cheap Philadelphia

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Some of the best things do in the Philadelphia region are free, or close to it. The city’s many low-cost or no-cost attractions include historic Independence Hall, student recitals at the esteemed Curtis Institute of Music, monthly Sunday mornings at the Barnes Foundation and a $5 dinner-and-a-show series at FringeArts. Here’s a list of great Philly experiences for visitors on a budget. https://www.visitphilly.com/media-center/press-releases/affordable-free-attractions-in-philly/

America’s oldest—and possibly most charming—continuously inhabited street, is perfect for tiptoeing along the cobblestones and exploring its quaint museum. Weekend tours of Elfreth’s Alley (above) are available Friday through Sunday. Credit: photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

MIDWEST HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION in Cincinnati is hosting a workshop about Family Field Trips on a Budget

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COME TO booth #1621 – KIDS LOVE TRAVEL at the Midwest Homeschool Convention and check out our books and show specials. (http://midwesthomeschoolconvention.com ).

ONE of the authors will be there so think of a QUESTION or two to get a JUMPSTART on your next trip!

AND, take a fun break and listen in on one of our convention workshops:

Kids Love Travel – Let’s Plan an Affordable Family Day Trip!

Family Field Trips with kids can be a delight or a disaster. Two things that make a homeschool trip great: low-cost and educational fun.

INSIDE SCOOPS. What are some secrets to get the most value for your money. Where to sit to get best value? what to bring? why to get there early? Examples: on Tours-why standing in the first two rows is beneficial. What about having a picnic at a castle? Why go early to outdoor dramas?

EDUCATORS? There’s suggestions for finding FREE lesson plans embedded in many listings as helpful notes for educators.

Marriage of guidebook and the Internet.

Guidebook= organic – highlight it, dog ear pages, write notes, already organized and filtered for kids, unbiased (no fee), and accessible without a wireless connection.
Internet=  the newest discounts, web updates, extra insights can be found at the links provided on every page.

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDES can save you $$ in just 20 minutes reading just one chapter in one book! We can save you dozens of hours on the internet, too.

Gettysburg to kick off 150th anniversary – April 2011

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Gettysburg – the only major battle fought on Union soil – is most remembered as being the turning point of the American Civil War. Two years into the war, thousands of soldiers lost their lives in Gettysburg, which ultimately led President Abraham Lincoln to stand on its hallowed ground and deliver what would later be known as the Gettysburg Address, one of the most remembered speeches in world history.

“The 150th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on this nation’s past – particularly this seminal event that shaped who America is today,” said J. David Petruzzi, a renowned historian and author of the Civil War. “We have the opportunity to look back to learn from the past, celebrate the dedication of all those who served, and be thankful that America is a united country.”

Gettysburg’s April kick-off is part of a four-week series of events held in Pennsylvania that outline Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of northern territory.

The event in Gettysburg will include a march by Union and Confederate troops into Gettysburg, living history encampments at historic locations throughout the town of Gettysburg, re-enacted skirmishes, and capped off with 150 cannon shots along with the playing of “Taps.”

“This kick-off is just the beginning,” said Flowers. “Over the next five years, we expect many more events, special observances, expanded programs and tours, and large battle re-enactments – a commemoration few will forget.”

For a list of events planned for Gettysburg’s 150th anniversary commemoration, call (800) 337-5015 or visit www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is located on the East Coast of the United States, about two hours from both Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, and four hours from New York City.

As always, we think strong historical towns are best to visit during events like this.

And, if your kids might be overwhelmed by too much history, try an apple farm, a mini-horse farm or a snack food factory tour or two nearby. Need details?

(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)