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...]

What to do in Texas Hill Country with kids

Spring and fall are perfect times of year to visit the quaint town of Fredericksburg, tucked away in the scenic Hill Country of Texas. The weather is warm but mild, making this an economical spring break getaway for families within driving distance or those wanting to escape colder weather in the north (who want to stay in the States for break). If you aren’t familiar with Fredericksburg, this … [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...]

Exploring California Gold Country and the state capital

For families interested in California history, a trip through Gold Country and Sacramento will hit many highlights, focusing on the Golden State's storied gold rush past.Raft and gold pan in the same river where gold was first discovered in 1848, ride historic steam locomotives, tour the state capital…and visit countless historic museums. Start or end in Sacramento: The state capital is, in … [Read more...]

How to spend three days in SW Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana has something for everyone: families will find rich culinary traditions, incredible wildlife, history, and adventure. Plus, there's plenty in the way of relaxation and play. Whether you come to Louisiana for the cajun cooking, festivals like Mardi Gras, or to glimpse an alligator, here's how to spend three days in SW Louisiana, act like a local, and get (almost) everything … [Read more...]

Paris day trip: Touring Normandy D-Day battlefields

In each major city we visited during our European trip, we opted to take one long day trip outside the city limits. In Paris, many options for day trips vie for attention, but for our family, a tour of the Normandy D-Day battlefields won out. We have two teens who have studied WWII history, and this tour was their pick. Touring Normandy D-Day battlefields: We opted to go through Viator for … [Read more...]

Titanic Branson: Big city museum in a tourist town

Surprised to learn one of the world’s most comprehensive museums on the Titanic disaster docks in Branson, Missouri? So was I. From the outside, Titanic Branson looks suspiciously like any other gimmicky tourist attraction, a la Ripleys Believe It or Not or Madaam Tussauds wax museums. Step inside, however, and it’s an entirely different story. The brainchild and passion of former … [Read more...]

Washington DC with kids: National Museum of American History

After touring history museums from Gettysburg to Williamsburg, I wasn’t sure how enthusiastic my kids would be to check out the National Museum of American History in DC. As usual, they surprised me. As did this museum. It should definitely be on your itinerary while in Washington DC with kids. Think of the National Museum of American History is part history museum, but also part pop culture … [Read more...]