History and Travel

Time Travel Without a Machine

Historic America

Escape to the Historical Omni Homestead, Hot Springs, VA

Photo: Omni Homestead Resort

Omni Homestead Hotel

Virginia is home to some of the most historical figures of the United State’s early beginnings. If you love American history, start your historical travel journey in Virginia. One of my favorite aspects of travel, is staying in historical hotels. The Omni Homestead is it, and it is older than our country (Established in 1766).

We booked a 2-night trip during the month of February for a quick winter getaway. Prices can be cheaper during the off season. Visiting this historical gem in the Allegheny mountains feels like stepping back into the early 20th Century. Twenty-four U.S. Presidents have visited the mineral springs and starting with Thomas Jefferson stayed in the hotel. George W. Bush has been the most recent President to have stayed in the hotel.

Omni Homestead Lobby

Stepping Back in Time

The Omni Homestead has so many activities to do while at the resort. They offer winter activities like skiing, ice-skating, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy the warm springs and hiking. The resort boasts beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, and a golf course. There is much more to entice your adventurous side at this spectacular resort. One of the main attractions is getting to swim in the warm springs bath houses. They are owned by the resort and located just ten minutes down the mountain.

Warm Springs Bathhouses -Omni Hotel

For the past eight years, getting to the warm springs has been on my very long bucket list. This by far was the highlight of our trip. The Omni Homestead has restored these very old bathhouses. Early Americans, like Thomas Jefferson, traveled on horse just to sit in this warm spring to heal his arthritis. The warm springs are always at 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit containing many beneficial minerals.

Photo: By Omni Hotel Warm Springs Bathhouse

Ladies Bath House (Family swim)

The Omni Homestead sells tickets for $35 per person to swim 50-minutes in these clear and medicinally beneficial waters. There are two bathhouses, one for adults and one for families. There is limited space in the pools, so you must book your times in advance. By far, this was my family’s favorite activity. We plan on going back for the 4th of July. We will definitely be back for the Thomas Jefferson treatment.

Audubon Dining Room Photo: Omni Homestead Resort

Dining in Luxury

The resort has a total of ten restaurants, from casual to formal dining. We ate breakfast in the Audubon Dining room the first morning and had the buffet.

We opted for the Sunday brunch, which was one of the best I have ever had. It is tied with brunch on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. The brunch is pricey, but totally worth it. It features a mimosa and bloody Mary bar, crab eggs Benedict, mussels, and sliced prime rib. We ate at the Jefferson Restaurant and lunch at Martha’s Market, both had very delicious food.

Omni Homestead Resort Indoor Pool

Rest and Rejuvenation

I don’t think I have ever seen such an elegant indoor pool. It has a gorgeous Art Deco style to it. There are three other pools on the property. The Serenity Garden pool is spring fed and located just outside the spa and is adult only. The hotel charges an extra fee unless you spend over a certain amount in the spa. Allegheny Springs is a two acre water park that is also fed by the springs. There is another large pool next to the water park.

Many of the Activities Available at the Omni Homestead Resort

Adventures Await

There are so many activity options to choose from while visiting the Omni Homestead. The resort has themed events during holidays and other special weekends like Vintage weekend. We loved our stay so much that we already re-booked for the Fourth of July.

And Now for your History Deep Dive…

One thing that draws to me to places like the Omni Homestead is its rich history. The hotel originally opened in 1766 by a Captain Thomas Bullitt. He was given a three hundred acre land grant from the British Crown after the French and Indian War. During the War, Bullitt noticed several mineral springs in the area and that they were very beneficial medicinally.

Bullitt and two militia associates, Charles and Andrews Lewis, moved their military company to the area. As a result, they established the name Homestead. The Bullitt family decided to start a hotel business with the attraction of the mineral springs. Bullitt would end up dying during the American Revolution leaving his family to run the hotel for many decades later.

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson

One of the most famous guests was Thomas Jefferson, who visited the hotel in 1818. He heard of the healing mineral waters at the hotel and came to relieve this rheumatoid arthritis. Jefferson was extremely pleased with his visit. He said it was the best place to vacation in the whole country.

A well respected Doctor by the name of Thomas Goode bought the hotel from the Bullitt family in 1832. Being aware of the natural healing properties of the mineral springs, Goode brought in European spa treatments. The Goode family would go on to own the hotel until 1888, selling it to M.E. Ingalls.

Ingalls originally traveled to the area to do survey work for the C&O Railroad. Immediately, he realized that he wanted the property and so he and other investors to include J.P Morgan raised one million dollars to develop the hotel into a resort. Ingalls would later become the sole owner in 1911 buying out all other investors.

The Ingalls family are the ones who expanded the hotel to what it is today. The hotel was a hangout for presidents, royalty, and movie stars. The Omni Homestead does a history tour every morning at 10:00 am. This is where you get to learn about all the juicy stories about famous visitors of the past.

Omni Homestead Resort: Photo by the Omni hotel

In 2013, the Omni Hotel brand acquired the resort from the Ingalls completing a $150 million renovation in 2023. Some historic hotels show their age. Omni did an amazing job preserving the original beauty of the resort’s architecture. It feels luxurious by modern standards. (1)

We absolutely enjoyed our stay and would recommend this place to families, couples, and history lovers. It has something for everyone and is truly a gem in American History.

If you love staying in historic hotels, check out my blog on The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

Sources

(1). https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/the-omni-homestead-resort/history.php

Discover the Greenbrier Resort: A Hidden Gem in West Virginia

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia / USA – August 8, 2018: The Greenbrier is a luxury resort located in the Allegheny Mountains near White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County, West Virginia.

The Greenbrier Resort

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, you’ll find one of America’s most historically significant hotels – The Greenbrier Resort. It’s located in White Sulphur Springs, in an area that was once home to American Natives who recognized the healing properties of local spring waters.

This luxurious hotel was established in 1854 and was originally known as The White Sulphur Springs Hotel, or “Old White.” During the Civil War, the hotel took turns serving as a headquarters for both the Union and the Confederacy, and also functioned as a hospital. In 1913, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company acquired the Greenbrier Resort and transformed it into a luxurious destination that continues to provide an exceptional experience to visitors today. (1)

Twenty-three U.S. Presidents have stayed at the Greenbrier along with many other famous people such as Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson, who were good friends with the owner of the Hotel . Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco were also frequent guests of the hotel at one time. The list of diplomats, royalty, and hollywood stars who have stayed in the hotel over its long, storied history is pretty extensive. So, why don’t I take you on a journey to see what all the fuss was about?

A Celebration to Remember

It was one of our best friend’s birthday, and our tight-knit troupe planned to drive the 4.5 hours from Baltimore and meet up to celebrate at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Whenever we are together, there are always days of laughter and fun. Great friends are a true treasure in life, and I couldn’t think of better company for a “time travel adventure” to a historic part of the country.

We booked a Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) house just one mile from the Greenbrier Hotel. I will not give you the address, but please just splurge and stay at the Hotel itself instead. The Greenbrier offers a very generous 20% discount for military and other enticing packages for discounts as well. The house we stayed in was charming, but to be honest it’s cleaning standards could have been better. As a result, we spent most of our time hanging out in the Greenbrier.

Dorothy Draper’s signature black and white floor. All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

Dorothy Draper Décor

If I had to describe the décor of this hotel, I would say it’s Bold and Beautiful, but officially it is called “Modern Baroque“. The truth of the matter is, the hotel décor is just exceptionally extravagant. The famous New York City interior designer Dorothy Draper has left her signature style in every nook and cranny of this hotel.

Prepare to be amazed by the unconventional yet stunning color and design combinations that she covered the property with. Those iconic black and white checkered floors? They owe their fame to Draper’s innovative touch!

Wagyu Trio – All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

Prime 44 West

For our first evening, we dined at Prime 44 West located in the Greenbrier Hotel. Hands down, this was one of the best steakhouses I have ever eaten at! The menu had Wagyu trio, three one-ounce filets of this incredible cut of Japanese black cow. Delicious times ten and I highly recommend you try it if you have never tasted this amazing cut of beef!

Did I mention the crusted blue cheese sauce over the filets was absolutely mouthwatering? The French onion soup is also incredibly delicious, among the best I have ever tasted.

All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

The Forum

The Forum is a delicious place to find authentic Italian fare. We thought the food was very impressive, which is high praise coming from a group of seasoned world travelers such as us. We ordered pizzas, chicken piccata, and caprice salad, all of which were super delicious. 

Slammin Sammy’s at the Greenbrier – All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

Slammin Sammy’s

One of the Greenbrier staff members recommended we take the gorgeous walk out of the East entrance of the hotel to Slammin Sammy’s for cocktails and a light lunch. It was lovely to sit and take in cocktails and bites with a gorgeous view overlooking the West Virginian mountains, river, and the golf course. A more formal restaurant right next door which was not opened but came highly recommended was Sam Sneades. We were not able to dine there, but will have to try that one next time.

All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

The Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar located off to the right of the entrance into the Greenbrier was probably our favorite place to hang out. It’s a very intimate space, and great for people watching. The drinks are a bit pricey but they do not skimp on the liquor. Cool Fact: the chandelier hanging in the room is from the movie Gone With the Wind. How cool is that!?

The Spa at the Greenbrier – All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

The Greenbrier Spa

Yes, we definitely had a ladies spa day, even though the prices were a bit on the higher side for my budget. The spa is lovely, and the services come with a steam room, sauna, and access to the pool even if you are not staying in the hotel. The spa is very proud of the mineral water that flows through the hotel, as it’s said to have healing properties.

The Secret Bunker at the Greenbrier – All Greenbrier images courtesy of the Greenbrier.

Shhhh! …Theres a Secret Bunker!

This bunker was classified “Secret” for over three decades. In the wake of the Cold War, the bunker was constructed so that the Congress and Senate would have a place to survive a nuclear emergency. Most of the Greenbrier staff never knew of its existence until 1992, when The Washington Post had enough facts to break the story of the bunker’s existence. Check out the article that broke the Secret here: “The Ultimate Congressional Hideaway.”

Officially the bunker is no longer designated under Congressional control and was turned back over to the Greenbrier Hotel in 1995. We took a tour of the bunker, which took about an hour and a half. The tickets are $48.00 per person unless you are active duty military, in which case they are free. The tour is well worth it, and all of us ladies really enjoyed it. Check out the video below for more information about the bunker.

Soldiers being treated in the Whirlpool Room at the Ashford Hospital – Photo Public domain. Courtesy of the National Library of Medicine.

And Now for your History DEEP DIVE!!

During World War Two, the Greenbrier Hotel was purchased for $3.3 million by the U.S. Government to become an Army hospital known as Ashford General Hospital. Initially, the Resort became a “prison” for diplomats from Japan, Germany, and Italy in 1942. In November of that same year, the hospital would house just over two thousand American Veterans with a total of 24,148 patients over four years of its service. (2)

The Ashford Hospital was a beautiful place for Veterans to get well. During their stay, they could use all the facilities, including the golf course. General Dwight D. Eisenhower would be a notable patient at the military hospital and spent much time getting better on the golf course. The grounds are a whopping 7,000 acres which required a lot of upkeep, so the U.S. Government utilized one thousand German prisoners of war to keep the grounds manicured. (3)

Uncle Sam would end up closing the hospital in 1946, selling it back to the original owners the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company. (2) The history of this hotel is so fascinating, and who knows what other secrets it’s walls could tell. It is an experience of a time past that you will never forget- and a destination you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.

Sources

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/White-Sulphur-Springs

(2). https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/places-of-healing-hotels-join-the-world-war-ii-home-front-effort.htm#:~:text=Ashford%20General%20Hospital%3A%20White%20Sulphur%20Springs%2C%20WV&text=The%20Greenbrier%20Resort%2C%20first%20established,Ashford.

(3). https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-greenbrier-goes-to-war.htm

Experience the Charm of St. Augustine, Florida: A Captivating Destination

Flagler College – St Augustine, Floridia

St Augustine – The Oldest City in America

St. Augustine is my favorite city in the entire United States. It’s so charming you might forget what country you’re in as it looks just like an old, beautiful European city. A city so coveted it was fought over for hundreds of years, eventually becoming part of the U.S. in 1821.

St. Augustine is not only spectacular and adorable but also the oldest city in American history, settled in 1565. I have zero recollection of learning about St. Augustine in school. Truly, I didn’t even learn of its importance until I was working on my Master’s in American History. The Spanish settled St. Augustine at least forty years before the Jamestown settlement.

St. Augustine began its colonial history with Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival to what was known as Timucua Village in 1513. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés would establish the Colony of St. Augustine for Spain in 1565. Henry Flagler (Standard Oil Partner of John D. Rockefeller) is responsible for developing St. Augustine to look like an old European city in the late 1800s, making it an old money winter vacation destination. (1) This city has some serious history and beauty you won’t want to miss visiting. There is so much to do and see; one visit will not be enough. I promise you will fall in love, so let’s get started!

Driving on the A1A – To St Augustine

Our drive started in Maryland as we headed south to Florida. This would be our first time on the historical A1A; the highway which winds through all the coastal towns from Fernandina Beach to Key West.

Our all time favorite travel book is “The Most Scenic Drives in America” as it gives you the best scenic routes to take and where you should stop along the way. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone who loves road trips or has a recreational vehicle. Check out it out here: “The Most Scenic Drives in America” 

Anastasia Island

St. Augustine Beach is located on Anastasia Island, just ten minutes away from the city. We took a trip at the end of February and chose to stay on the Island, mixing together a few beach days with sightseeing days. The weather was absolutely glorious, with 75 degrees and the perfect amount of wind all the time.

We stayed at two different hotels across the street from the beach. One we were highly impressed with and will stay at again is the Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach. I also recommend staying at Embassy Suites By Hilton St Augustine Beach-Oceanfront Resort, as we spent some time at it’s restaurant and poolside and will stay here next time.

Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach

Want more places to stay in St. Augustine?

I would also highly recommend the two hotels below:

Casa Monica Resort and Spa

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection or the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Local Flavors you Must Try on Anastasia Island

Mango Mango’s Caribbean Grill and Bar – Mango’s famous Corn Cakes – Oh my goodness, they are so delicious!

Sunset Grille – We sat on the second floor, which has semi-outdoor seating, and it was the best place to watch the sunset with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Kookaburra—Every morning I would walk to the cutest coffee shop to grab a cup of joe. The kookaburra is a local favorite and quickly became my guilty pleasure as well. I would grab my coffee every morning and then take a relaxing stroll on the beach.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 5, 2015: Shops and inns line St. George.

Exploring Historic St. Augustine

St. Augustine is one of those towns you will enjoy walking through, as it is aesthetically pleasing. As I said, it feels like you are in an old European city, which is understandable since this town was built almost five hundred years ago. We spent our days moseying through the shops and checking out historic sites. There are many amazing things to do, whether it is your first or tenth visit.

Check out this really cool tour while in St. Augustine: Step back in time with pastime private historical tours

St. Augustine, Florida. January 26 , 2019. Trolley Tour, Casa Monica Hotel and Lightner Museum on lightblue cloudy sky background at Old Town in Florida’s Historic Coast (3)
 — Photo by VIAVAL

Jump on the Trolley

The Old Town Trolley is the best way to get around historic St. Augustine. My family had so much fun jumping on and off all day. The trolley is not free, so you will need to buy a ticket, but it is totally worth it and you can check out Old Town Trolley Tours Here. You also get a little bit of a history tour while you are riding.

Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest Fort built in the United States. It was built between 1672 and 1695 to protect the city of St. Augustine from the British. The Fort would serve as a prison for Native Americans during the Seminole Wars and also a prison for Confederate Soldiers during the Civil War. It is now a U.S. National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Check out the Castillo de San Marcos historical tours.

St. Augustine Pirate Museum

St. Augustine celebrates pirates several times throughout the year, which may lead you to believe there is a rich history of pirates here. (In reality, there was only one pirate raid…) Sir Francis Drake, a privateer for the British Empire, was commissioned to plunder and attack the Spanish Colony. Drake was highly successful in his raid, but there were no other pirate attacks, and they also didn’t hang out in St. Augustine’s ports. (1)

Despite this scant brush with piracy, St. Augustine has the best pirate museum I have ever been to by far. Here’s an anecdotal testament to it’s greatness: at first, my husband was not thrilled to check it out. Like I said however, this is the most excellent pirate museum we have ever been to—so much so that afterwards he wanted to go back again the next day! (Have you ever been to a museum you wanted to see twice in two days!?) Their collection is impressive and the presentation is engaging, even better than the museum at the pirate capital of the world in Nassau, Bahamas.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum Castle (The Original)

I am not a big Ripley’s museum fan, but this is where he housed his first collections which are still there on display. The castle has quite the history in itself and is believed to be haunted. It was originally built by one of the original Standard Oil partners, William G. Warden. My whole family enjoyed this museum and I would highly recommend a visit.

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

The myth of Ponce de Leon’s search for the famous Fountain of Youth is nothing more than a long-continuing tall tale that continues to be believed. Historians have been unable to find any record of Ponce de Leon ever mentioning or writing about the Fountain. In fact, the Fountain of Youth only began to become popularly associated with Ponce De Leon’s name ten years after he passed! (2)

A woman by the name of Dr. Luella MacConnell purchased what is now known as the Ponce De Leon Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in 1900. She found several springs on the property and began marketing it as the Fountain of Youth. Wealthy vacationers would come from afar to drink of its promise to make them youthful.

The property was then purchased by Walter Fraser who recognized its historical value. The Ponce De Leon Archeological Park even contains the original settlement of St. Augustine as well as some Native cultural heritage going back three thousand years. (3)

Statue of Henry M. Flagler outside the centerpiece building of Flagler College, a liberal-arts college founded in 1968 in St. Augustine, Florida
Original public domain image from Library of Congress

Flagler College

Flagler College was once the old money “Hotel Ponce de Leon” built by Standard Oil Tycoon Henry Flagler. He would discover this beautiful town when his wife’s doctor prescribed that they go South for the winter to make her feel better. While in town during the late 1800s, Flagler stayed in a hotel that he thought could be better. So, he decided to build a Spanish-style luxury hotel, the Hotel Ponce de Leon. As a result, this grand hotel opened its doors 1887 to the wealthy as a winter vacation hotel.

Today, the hotel exists as a Liberal Arts campus called Flagler College. They give historical tours incorporating how the hotel once operated in the late 19th Century. Many famous Presidents stayed in the hotel when it was in operation. By the 1920s as Florida continued to be explored, the hotel became less and less occupied, primarily due to Flagler’s railroad being constructed down to Key West. 

The hotel would stay in operation during World War II. Eventually, it would be closed due to the Federal Government taking it over to use as the Coast Guard Reserve Training Center. Then in 1968, the hotel would become what it is today: Flagler College. I highly recommend taking this tour and walking around the college; it is gorgeous.

Flagler also built two other successful hotels, the Alcazar (Now the Lightner Museum) and the Casa Monica Hotel, which is still open today, and the one I mentioned staying at while in St. Augustine above. Make sure you check them out on your next visit.

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés -Image extracted from page 136 of The History and Antiquities of … St. Augustine, Florida, by FAIRBANKS, George Rainsford. Original held and digitized by the British Library. Copied from Flickr.

And Now for your History Deep Dive…

Pedro Menendez de Aviles is not only the founder of the oldest settlement in the United States but also a seriously adventurous badass. He mastered traveling across the Atlantic Ocean- accomplishing the feat approximately fifty times throughout his lifetime. The fastest he accomplished crossing from St. Augustine to the Canary Islands in a small chalupa (small boat) was eighteen days!

The Contract with the Spanish Crown

Menendez de Aviles would sign a contract with the Spanish Crown, allowing him to fund his colony in what is known as present-day St. Augustine. He was granted one month and a half to load ten ships vessels with weapons and supplies to live on. He would employ a total of 500 men alongside him, including sailors, farmers, men of war, clerics, blacksmiths, stone masons, surgeons, and master beer brewers. According to the contract, two hundred men he had to take along had to be family men: they were required to be married and take their wives on the journey too so that they would desire to stay settled in the new colony and not leave in search of a woman elsewhere.

In this contract, the Spanish Crown also required all these people to be religiously clean. Menendez de Aviles knew there was no way he could find that many religiously clean people for this expedition. So, he would convince the Crown that he could wait, but if he did Spain would lose out on claiming this territory. By putting fear into the Monarch, he would convince them to allow him to take a multicultural group of people to settle in this new colony. Approximately thirty percent of the entire colony is not Spanish.

In this contract, he was also required to settle two to three towns in the first year of arriving in St. Augustine and place five hundred slaves to grow sugar cane. Menendez knew he was not going to have slaves grow sugar, so he took the 500 slave licenses that he was granted and sold them in the Caribbean for money.

St. Augustine Colony Survives

In the first three years, he established not three but fifteen towns and made it all the way West to Tennessee in the mid-1500s. As he continues to make his way through North America, he begins to run into Natives who are not happy to meet with him. Due in large part to these conflicts by the end of 1587, only St. Augustine survives. (4)

Sadly it is Ponce de Leon who gets the credit for discovering St. Augustine. However, it is genuinely Menendez de Aviles who is responsible for the beginnings of this beautiful city that we still enjoy today. Henry Flagler would be the next pioneer to architecturally develop St. Augustine. He is responsible for paving the wilderness of Florida with railroads and making it what it is today.

Source:

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Augustine-Florida-United-States

(2). https://myfloridahistory.org/preservation/ponce-de-leon-and-florida%E2%80%99s-fountain-youth

(3). https://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/history/

(4). https://www.loc.gov/item/2021689909/

(5). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw7FGZrf7WA

Experience the Magic of Maine: A Journey of Adventure and Beauty

Acadia National Park – View from Cadillac Mountain

Experience the Magic of Maine

Growing up in Colorado, Texas, and Michigan, Maine always seemed like a far away place to me. However, after moving to the East Coast, I developed a desire to explore its coastlines. So, I decided to embark on a road trip to experience this beauty firsthand.

In 2011, I purchased a motorhome with the intention of traveling through the US National Parks. At the time, my boyfriend, who is now my husband, gifted me a book that has since led to countless adventures. This book is ideal for anyone who enjoys road trips, as it provides information on where to stop and the best scenic spots to visit along the way. I really can’t recommend it enough!

The Most Scenic Drives in America, Newly Revised and Updated: 120 Spectacular Road Trips (Reader’s Digest)

Starting our Journey at Bar Harbor on Mt Desert Island

Our journey began in Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island. The picture above doesn’t do justice to how adorable this town is. The maple and blueberry coffee for sale in the coffee shops is so delicious that I brought home a bag to savor the taste and memory of our trip.

Be sure to check out the low tide times and walk across to Bar Island. For 1.5 hours before and after low tide, a gravel bar is exposed connecting the town of Bar Harbor and Bar Island. We did almost get caught marooned on the island by the tide coming in, but it was fun to beat the water as it began to rise.

Check out the low tide and high tide details before heading over. Bar Island Trail

Acadia National Park is also located on Mt. Desert Island. It’s only a 15-minute drive, but once you hit Park Loop, south of Bar Harbor, you’re in for a one-way 20-mile road around the Island and Acadia. To drive all the way around Mt. Desert Island it is 70 miles in total. The traffic moves slowly because most people are there to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain towers above Maine at its highest point on the Eastern Coast. On the day of our visit, we had some fog and light showers, which is actually pretty typical weather. (So, don’t forget your raincoats!) We hiked up to the tippy-top, and from the views that we could see, it was spectacular. We always travel with our bicycles and found Acadia to be absolutely stunning for a bicycle ride.

Jordan Pond House

While in Acadia you will see signs for Jordan Pond House. Make sure to stop by the famous historic tea house and restaurant to order a basket of popovers. This really was a fun experience and the popovers were super delicious, served alongside honey and jams.

Best Place to Get Lobster Rolls

Before leaving Bar Harbor don’t forget to stop by C-Rays which was highly recommend by local Bar Harborites. Let me tell you their lobster rolls were absolutely to die for, and no one in my family was disappointed when we left. 

Heading South Down the Coast

The second part of our journey was down the Coast of Maine starting at Ellsworth, home of the flagship store for L.L. Bean. We went into the store to check it out just for fun. Making our way down the coast and to all of the scenic points is almost 300 miles.

Camden

Camden is my second favorite town in Maine and it is extremely adorable, Bar Harbor being my first. We had the most delicious lobster dinner right in the harbor at sunset and even saw a seal swimming through all the anchored sail boats.

Just south of Camden is Rockport: the home of the famous seal named Andre. In the park there you will find a statue dedicated to this adorable seal. (If you have never seen the movie Andre you are definitely missing out, it’s a true story and unforgettable.) I re-watched this movie with my daughter and she fell in love, so we had to visit.

Port Clyde and the Marshall Point Lighthouse

We drove down to Port Clyde, which is the tiny quaint town on a peninsula and then took a bicycle ride down to Marshall Point Lighthouse. I would absolutely recommend you bicycle to the lighthouse, the road flows along with the sea. Do not miss stopping by this beautiful point.

Fun Fact: This lighthouse is also featured in the move Forrest Gump. The scene shows Forrest running to the end of the pier pictured above.

Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor was the last stop on our coastal Maine tour. The quaint town of Boothbay is adorable and there are many lovely shops to spend the day checking out. Do not miss out on this cute town if you have time, even if you just want to stop for lunch.

Boothbay has the most gorgeous Botanical Gardens I have ever seen. I am a huge fan of visiting botanical gardens and this one does NOT disappoint. We spent half of the day wandering through the different trails. Of note: Maine is famous for “fairy houses” in the forest, and these gardens are full of them! Also, the giant forest troll sculptures add a bit of whimsy to the whole affair too.

Where to Stay

During our trip we were pulling our travel trailer. We stayed at three very lovely campgrounds, but our absolute favorite was the one in Rockport listed below.

  1. Bar Harbor – Timberland Acres RV Park
  2. Rockport – Sea Swell Megunticook Campground
  3. Boothbay Harbor – Shore Hills and Campground

No camper, no problem – Check out great hotel rates in Maine here

And Now for a History Deep Dive….

The history of Maine is far from dull and is, in fact, incredibly interesting, with a story that is as fascinating as that of any other state. However, the history prior to the territory becoming the twenty-third state on March 15, 1820, did not come without its challenges.

Maine was originally home to the Algonquian speaking Natives. Unfortunately, when European settlers arrived, about ninety percent of these natives fell victim to foreign diseases. The French settlers are the first to arrive in the Acadia in 1604. From 1615 to 1675, Maine became a hotly contested battleground for its abundant resources between the French, English, and Native populations.

Royal Patents

Initially Maine was given a special status as a Royal Patent (A legal right given to an individual as an exclusive right or privilege) by Charles I. After the Revolutionary War, many English Loyalists who were proprietors (those awarded land by the King) of Maine left to go back to England. The legal right of the land was no longer owned by England and the proprietors lost their right to own it.

Major General Henry Knox, known as the first Secretary of War under George Washington during the American Revolution, would petition to inherit the land owned by his wife’s family who had gone back to England after the war.

Normally, the loyalist land of Maine should have been confiscated by Massachusetts. However, Knox’s plan was to have the patents/land ownership transferred to him through legislation. His plan was to make his fortune by selling small plots to settlers. Thus, he brought in a large number of laborers to Thomaston to build up the community. Most of these laborers were veterans of the American Revolution from New England. (1)

After the war, the Continental Army promised land to these veterans, and the people of New England were not happy to find out that the land promised was located in Ohio. This was too far and expensive to move for those who were already struggling financially. As an alternative, many of the New England Revolutionary War veterans believed that Maine was the cheapest and closest place for them to establish themselves.

Land and Liberty for Revolutionary Veterans

Land and Liberty were inseparable for these veterans, and ultimately it represented independence to them. They believed land was the way for them to provide for their families and make a good living. However, Knox and the other proprietors were unsuccessful in their attempts to sell plots to these veterans. Instead, the veterans banded together in several different extreme situations to scare Knox and proprietors off!

In 1805, the people of Maine ousted Knox from the Massachusetts legislature in the voting polls. The veterans of the American Revolution became a force to recon with and ultimately won their liberty (and land!) in the end. (2)

Sources

(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/Maine-state/Health-and-welfare

(2). https://www.mainepublic.org/history

Explore Abraham Lincoln Landmarks: A Journey Through History

Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site

Abraham Lincoln Landmarks

Today, Abraham Lincoln is regarded as a hero of freedom and the emancipator of slavery in the United States. But during his lifetime, he was not as well loved and received. In fact, his Presidency would mirror a political divide in the country that would ultimately lead to the Civil War, killing an estimated 750,000 Americans.

Most people today agree that Lincoln was a great leader, and his contribution to this country as President was bold. If you are a fan, visiting these Lincoln Landmarks is a must. Two of my favorite books on Lincoln are….

Bloody Crimes: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Chase for Jefferson Davis

And

Abraham Lincoln: A Life from Beginning to End

I became interested in traveling to the Lincoln landmarks after reading both books. There are quite a few landmarks that I may not mention here, but I will mention the ones I believe to be most important.

The National Park Service Site of Lincoln’s Boyhood home
The National Park Service Site of Lincoln’s Boyhood home

Lincoln’s Boyhood Home in Kentucky

Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky on February 12th, 1809. Kentucky maintains two sites, one a memorial of his birth place and the other his boyhood home from ages two to eight just 7 miles down the street in Knob Creek.

This is the place that would shape Lincoln’s early years of life. Most importantly it is amazing to see that this boy of humble origins would one day become one of the most important Presidents to ever have served the United States. (1)

Check out the National Park Service on Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace

Lincoln Family Home in Springfield, Illinois

Springfield, IL is one of the most important places that would shape Lincoln’s legal and political life. In 1837 Lincoln would arrive to Springfield just after having passed the Bar in hopes of one day becoming a lawyer.

The National Park Service maintains Lincoln’s home that he and his family lived in for the seventeen years prior to him becoming the sixteenth President of the United States. This tour is one that you will not want to miss out on. (2)

Check out the National Park Service Lincoln Home in Springfield, IL

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois

The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is absolutely a must for anyone who loves Lincoln history. The curators have done a fantastic job designing an exhibit that displays the family items and retelling the story of Lincoln’s life.

My husband and I got there a bit late on the day we were visiting and had to rush through it all, but just know that you could spend at least half of the day or longer in this museum. We were very impressed with it and I will definitely go back for a visit the next time I drive through Springfield. (3)

Check out the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum here

Tomb of Abraham Lincoln located in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois

The Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, IL

The history of Lincoln’s tomb is quite interesting. In 1876 crime boss Jame “Big Jim” Kinealy talked two of his men into acting in a plot to steal the remains of Lincoln for a large ransom. A third man was asked to assist who would become an informant to the newly formed Secret Service.

The Secret Service was able to scare the thieves off before they got away with Lincoln’s remains. The men would be tracked and found ten days after they broke into the grave.(4) Since then, Lincoln’s remains have been heavily buried under cement since 1901. (5)

Check out Lincoln’s Tomb and Take a Virtual Tour here

The Lincoln’s Stay in the Willard Hotel, Washington DC

The Willard is one of the famous hotels in DC that holds immense history. When Lincoln first arrived to DC prior to his inauguration he made this gorgeous hotel his home for ten days prior to moving into the White House. (6)

The Willard Hotel is one my favorite hotels in DC. Not just because of how beautiful the architecture or décor is, but because of the beauty of its history. If you have a chance to step into the Willard there is a beautiful painting of Lincoln in one of their sitting rooms.

Check out my previous article on The Ultimate Guide to the Best Historical Bar Tour in DC. I mention the famous Round Robbin Bar located inside of the Willard Hotel.

The Old Soldiers Home – Lincoln’s Cottage, Washington DC

The Old Soldiers Home in Washington DC is a lesser known landmark, but it is my absolute favorite out of all of the Lincoln landmarks.

This home was occupied by Lincoln and his family as a retreat during the hot sweltering summers in DC. In fact, four US Presidents used this cottage to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. He would write the final draft of the emancipation proclamation in this house and was there the day before he was shot.

When I took the tour our guide was a local history student who was working her internship. What is so different and amazing about this tour is that it is given from the first person perspective, almost as if you are visiting Lincoln through the eyes of a “primary source” (a term in the history business meaning “someone who saw it first-hand”). (7)

Do not miss out on the landmark if you are in Washington DC. President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home

WASHINGTON – APRIL 12, 2015: Stage and seating of Ford’s Theatre. The theater is infamous as the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination by John Wilkes Booth in 1865.

Ford Theater and the Peterson House

The Ford Theater and the Peterson house are located in Washington DC. You must purchase a ticket to go through the museum, as due to the small space they have to limit traffic through the building. I absolutely enjoyed this tour, and this is my second favorite Lincoln landmark behind Lincoln’s Cottage (my husband says this one is his favorite though, so it’s a close race!)

The balcony booth in the theater where Lincoln was shot is preserved with the bullet holes in the wall and decorated just the way it was the fateful night of April 14, 1865. (8)

The ticket you buy to visit Ford Theater is also good for the Peterson House, which is across the street. This is where Lincoln was taken after he was assassinated. Here you will see the bedroom that he would ultimately pass away in. (9)

Check for tickets and times here: Fords Theater and the Peterson House

WASHINGTON DC, USA – MARCH 29, 2020: Abraham Lincoln statue inside Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, USA

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

The National Mall in Washington DC is obviously a must for anyone on their visit, and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Memorials in all of the capital. For the most impactful atmosphere you won’t forget, make sure to visit the Lincoln Memorial right at sunrise, right at sunset, or anytime at night. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Sources

(1). https://www.nps.gov/abli/index.htm

(2). https://www.nps.gov/liho/planyourvisit/lincoln-home-tour.htm

(3) https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/

(4). https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/a-plot-to-steal-the-remains-of-president-lincoln.htm

(5). https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/central/lincoln-tomb.html

(6). https://washington.intercontinental.com/history/

(7). https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/lincoln_cottage.html

(8). https://fords.org/visit-us/historic-site-visit/#theatre

(9). https://www.nps.gov/foth/the-petersen-house.htm

Exploring Mackinac Island, Michigan: A Look Inside Grand Hotel

Mackinac Island, Michigan, August 8, 2016: Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The hotel was built in 1887 and designated as a State Historical Building. Photo by Alexeys.

Where Exactly is Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island sits off the lower right side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, located on Lake Huron. It is an 8-mile long island that is mostly visited in the summer as a resort. The island is also open through the winter as long as the the Lake is not frozen and the ferry is running.

My first visit to the island was when my Grandparents took my cousin and I to this magical place at the age of ten. We walked around the island that first time, and boy, were we ever tired. Since then I’ve learned to rent bikes, which is much less exhausting.

Mackinac Island, Michigan, August 8, 2016: Vacationers take on Market Street on Mackinac Island that is lined with shops and restaurants. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. Photo by Alexeys.

19th Century Feel

What is so special about this town? Not only do you need to take a ferry to get there, but no automobiles are allowed on this island. It is as if you are going back in time. The architecture of the town and the homes boast their original 18th and 19th Century aesthetic, and it is absolutely so historically cool.

See Mackinac Island Ferry Schedule Here

The only way to get around the island is by foot, bicycle, horse, or horse-drawn carriage. My next favorite thing about the island is that the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed here. The famous cast of the movie is Jane Seymour and the handsome Christopher Reeves.

Somewhere in Time (1980) Flim

Somewhere in Time

I remember watching this movie when I was seventeen and fell in love with it. It is one of my all-time favorite films that made me love the island even more. The film is about two people who fall in love despite being in different periods. A love story with time travel- who could resist? (I may or may not I cry every time I watch it…)

In fact every year the island has a themed Somewhere in Time Festival. Jane Seymore does show up as well as any other cast member that may still be alive. I will eventually make it to this festival, it is on my bucket list and the Grand Hotel offers this really neat Somewhere in Time package for the weekend.

The Grand Hotel purchased the red phonebooth in the (1978) Superman film with Christopher Reeves as a tribute. It is a fun to take a photo of the booth while you visit the island.

Mackinac Island, Michigan. USA. July 6, 2015. The beautiful Grand Hotel located on Mackinac Island opened in 1887. At 660 feet long the hotel boasts of having the largest front porch in the world.
— Photo by Ehrlif

The Grand Hotel

This Victorian style hotel is just gorgeous! There is something extraordinary about walking through historical hotels that I absolutely appreciate and love. The hotel opened in 1887 and is registered under the Historic Hotels of America. You can find many excellent historic hotels across the United States on this list of course, and I recommend if you like them like I do you should give the list a peek. (1)

Check out rates for The Grand Hotel here

The hotel is pretty pricey, but for a small fee you are able to explore the property as a visitor. Though for sure MY favorite, it’s not the only location that you might want to stay at on your next visit. Check out Expedia.com for a full list of accommodations and the best deal on your northern island adventure.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

The Island holds its annual lilac festival in June. If you love lilacs, the Island is covered with them, and wow, does it smell amazing! For a whole ten days, they celebrate with a Lilac parade crowning a Queen Lilac, a 10K walk/run, and lilac planting seminars. (2)

Mackinaw Island Lilac Festival – Check it out here.

Fort-Mackinac Photo by Mike.

The History of the Island

Mackinac Island was originally an ancient burial ground for the Odawa Indians, who named the Island Michilimackinac, which means “Great Turtle.” In the 1600s, the French utilized the Island as a trading post and set up Jesuit Missions in the area. In 1715 the French built Fort Michilimachinac. (3)

The British would take over the Fort after the 7 Year War ended in 1763. The Island would then again be used by the British during the American Revolutionary War. The British would then re-occupy the Island in the War of 1812 and then lose it back to the U.S. in 1815. 

The Island would then become the headquarters of the famous John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company in 1822. Then, he eventually would turn it into a resort. The Astors are one of the founding financial men who built America. Interesting fact: His great-grandson John Jacob Astor IV would later go down on the Titanic alongside Benjamin Guggenheim. (4)

The Island is now to be enjoyed by all and is considered a State Park of Michigan. So, you should absolutely add this gem to your bucket list. 

What to Do on the Island

(1). Bicycle around the Island – You can bring your bicycle over on the ferry or you can rent bicycles on the island. Check out all bike rentals here.

(2) Horseback ride around the Island or jump on a old fashioned carriage tour. Check out all horse and buggy reservations here.

(3) Check out Arch Rock – by bicycle or on a walking tour. Check out all walking tours here.

(4). The Island has a gorgeous golf course for avid golf lovers. Check it out here.

(5) Book a Spa Weekend. Check out all spas on the Island here.

(6). Find a great hotel deal on Expedia.com whether or not you plan on staying at the Grand Hotel.

No matter what you decide to do, I guarantee you to have a wonderful time.

Give the perfect gift to anyone who loves to travel and see the United States through the most scenic drives in America. The Most Scenic Drives in America, Newly Revised and Updated: 120 Spectacular Road Trips (Reader’s Digest) My husband and I have used this book for the past twelve years and cannot praise it enough for how amazing it is. In fact, it has a perfectly laid-out tour of the West Coast of Michigan and it ends your trip right at Mackinac Island- it’s perfect!

Sources:

(1). https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/grand-hotel

(2). https://www.mackinacisland.org/

(3) https://nmgl.org/michilimackinac-winter-1958/

(4). https://www.britannica.com/place/Mackinac-Island