How to Visit the Statue of Liberty, NYC’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMOTHER OF EXILES. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied … Read more

How to Visit Independence Hall, Philadelphia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes … Read more

How to Tour the White House

I have had the privilege of getting to tour the White House twice–once when I was 11 on an epic family road trip in a minivan from Oklahoma to Washington and again this week. Both times it was my mother, a lover of all things American history, who put in the ticket applications.   Since … Read more

15 Books about Gettysburg to Inspire Your Civil War Travels

I wrote yesterday about my visit to Gettysburg over the weekend.  While browsing the gift shop at the Visitor’s center, I stopped to check out their extensive selection of Civil War inspired nonfiction and novels.  Between visiting Gettysburg and seeing Margaret Mitchell’s house in May, I’ve spent a lot of time this year thinking about the Civil War and … Read more

How to Go on a Self-Guided Driving Tour of Gettysburg

A Trip I should have Taken Years Ago Living in Philadelphia, I take a lot of trips up and down the Acela/I-95 corridor.  Whether by car, train, plane, or Megabus (RIP Chinatown Bus), I’ve wandered up and down the east coast from Montreal to Florida. Knowing that my long-term plans include leaving the east coast … Read more