Family guide to Deadwood, South Dakota

We love wild west towns, especially those that are more historical than touristy. While Deadwood, South Dakota is decidedly both, there's much to appreciate about this historic town booming in western history. A little background: Deadwood is most famous as the home of Wild Bill Hickok and sheriff Seth Bullock (made even more famous by the HBO series Deadwood). Gold was discovered in the … [Read more...]

Museums and historical travel in Eastern Tennessee

From the Manhattan Project to coal mining and civil rights, Eastern Tennessee offers diverse and rich history lessons for families visiting the region. If you came with your family to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Knoxville, stay an extra few days to explore the history of the area. Historical travel in Eastern Tennessee:   Museum of Appalachia: This living history … [Read more...]

How to visit the Paris catacombs with kids

One attraction near the top of my teen's list of things to do in Paris was the Paris Catacombs. This underground network lies in the heart of the city, spanning two km. It's creepy and fascinating and toured completely on one's own, unless you opt for a guide. We recommend it, as the actual visit only takes about 45 minutes and can easily be added to a Paris itinerary with teens or older kids, but … [Read more...]

Exploring Rome with kids: Overome Colosseum tour review

Touring Rome's Colosseum and Forum is always in the top three attractions for families. This center of ancient Roman history is a must-do, but also big, crowded, and complex. We were very glad we opted to see the Colosseum and Forum with a small group tour. If Rome is in your family travel plans, read on for our Overome Colosseum tour review. We chose to see the Colosseum with Overome based … [Read more...]

Why you should tour Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome with kids

While visiting Rome with kids, the time will come when you’ll face a full-on mutiny if you suggest even one more museum. This is the moment to head to the Castel Sant’Angelo. This underrated and overlooked site in Rome is a must-do. We are so glad we tried it! Unlike the Colosseum, Vatican, and Forum, kids are let loose at Castel Sant’Angelo. This mausoleum turned fortress dates back to AD … [Read more...]

Valley Forge National Historic Park

After three days sightseeing in Philadelphia, I have to admit that I didn’t think Valley Forge could possibly compare. In fact, we nearly skipped this stop en route to Gettysburg, PA. We were so glad to stayed the course! We ended up spending almost three hours at Valley Forge, and could have used more time. The way this national historic park is set up, visitors start at the Visitor’s Center, … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 22): Old Sacramento Historical District

We spent our last day, Day 22, driving from Laguna Beach to Sacramento CA on I-5, visiting Sacramento's historic Old Town and staying our final night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade. Sacramento's Old Town is a state historic park covering 28 acres along the Sacramento River directly opposite from downtown. Wooden sidewalks, false storefronts, and cobblestones … [Read more...]