Explore the Cultural History of Memphis with Mojo Buses and Museums!
While you’re in Memphis, explore the city’s rich cultural history. From the blues and rock ‘n’ roll that came from some of the legends of the area, to the Civil Rights Movement that changed America, Memphis has seen a lot and it’s all here to be shared with you. The nostalgia and remembrance will move and inspire you as you journey back to these times of old. Show your young ones the time periods they missed, and let them learn of the origins of things existing today. These attractions will be a great way to combine fun and education for an exciting learning experience. Book a wonderful Memphis hotel and grab your tickets to these fantastic attractions!
From the vintage bus to the professional musician that acts as your guide, the Memphis Mojo Vintage Bus Tour is unlike any other. During your next stay in Tennessee, this tour will take you to all the spots that make Memphis what it is today, including Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Explore the true story of how tragedy inspired greatness at the National Civil Rights Museum. Built around the balcony of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, this museum transformed the infamous location into one of hope and celebration. Exhibits at the museum cover American civil rights from 1619 to the present day, including exhibits on Dr. King, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Little Rock’s school integration and much more. Explore on your own or take an audio-guided tour through this uplifting and emotional museum.
Experience the Mighty Mississippi like no place else can offer! Take in the beautiful sightseeing of the Mississippi River right in the heart of downtown Memphis, then explore the riverfront area on an exciting Swiss monorail ride with the Mud Island River Park tour. Learn more about the great river at the Mississippi River Museum, and then take a guided tour of the unique Mississippi River Walk model replica. You’ll walk along every bend, curve and landmark between Cairo, Illinois and New Orleans in just five blocks! Be sure to bring a camera along for this unique experience along the country’s biggest river!
Williamsburg Gets Better and Better this Summer!
You’ve got to get to Williamsburg soon to experience all that’s going on at the many attractions the historic city holds. From live music to new thrills, there’s a lot happening so you will never run out of fun. Spend a couple of days in the Colonial Williamsburg area, and then check out some of the other exciting places around like Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and the Jamestown Settlement. Just grab a room at a terrific Williamsburg hotel and stay for as long as you would like! Here’s just a few of the many special activities happening soon.
The incredible and beautiful theme park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, is having a summer concert series full of talented performers. After spending a day in the park riding thrill rides, watching fun shows, and looking through wonderful shops, catch a concert as the sun goes down. Colbie Caillat will be there July 23-24, and July 30-31 Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly) will be performing. Purchase some park passes and don’t miss these exclusive events.
Water Country USA has all kinds of slides, rafts, and tubes, but the newest one, Vanish Point, takes it to the top! The drop slide is the most thrilling ride yet, giving you the option of two different wave paths. One path sparks anticipation as you stand in a tube and wait for a surprising platform to drop out from underneath you, sending you soaring down the tube slide. The other is a 300’ speed slide that brings the excitement as soon as you get on. This attraction will probably give you the greatest water ride experience you’ve ever had!
Take in the more historic side of Williamsburg by visiting the Jamestown Settlement, an educational journey through an original Pilgrim area. Throughout the month of August (which is coming soon!) the “Tools of the Trade” exhibition will be taking place. This special event includes programs and activities that allow you to learn and experience skills used by colonial Virginia, such as farming, fishing, hunting, defense, navigation, and building. This is only happening in August so start planning your Williamsburg trip today.
A Guide to Nashville for Those That Love History!
July 15, 2011 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN, VME
Some people are all about history with its important leaders, unforgiving battles, and many outdated ways of doing things. If you’re on of these people, then Nashville has some great attractions for you to experience. Just spend a few days in the city and explore the history it has to offer. We’ll get you outstanding Nashville lodging to make your trip as easy and convenient as possible. From the 19th century to the early 20th century, this destination is entrenched in a deep history that you can’t refuse to uncover.
The Hermitage – Home of President Andrew Jackson is an intriguing look at a presidential estate. This property was purchased by Andrew Jackson in 1804 and it was here that Jackson and his wife, Rachel, lived in a log cabin and learned how to farm. He eventually built more and more buildings which you can take a look in, and the mansion Jackson built in 1820 is here, too. This self-guided tour is perfect for Civil War buffs.
The Belle Meade Plantation Tour takes you on a journey through a historic plantation complete with a restored 1853 antebellum mansion. This plantation was famous for its racing horses, sold around the world! There are 1890s stables and a carriage house along with an antique carriage collection. Seven other historic buildings accompany a 1790s log cabin. See what a plantation was really like.
Want to go on both tours? Well, here’s the perfect option for you. The Historic Tennessee Tour includes both the Hermitage and the Bill Meade Plantation so you’ll get to experience both historic sites. This is a must if you want to get all the history you can on your visit.
Beat the Heat Inside These Memphis Museums!
With the temperature heating up outside, there are plenty of places in Memphis that can offer the weary vacationer a few hours of respite while giving them a lesson on Memphis culture and history. Whether you are interested in music, social activism or just want to provide your kids with some hands-on fun, Memphis has the perfect place for you to visit.
The Pink Palace Museum is as unique as the city it makes its home in, featuring exhibits that cover everything from dinosaurs to the Piggly Wiggly grocery chain. The museum offers patrons a historical look at Memphis through interesting collections, exhibitions and programs. Current exhibits include the Cultural History of the Mid-South, the Natural History of the Mid-South and The Mansion, which offers a glimpse into 20th century Memphis.
The Children’s Museum of Memphis
A great museum for kids and their parents is The Children’s Museum of Memphis. Kids can experience hands-on, interactive exhibits that will stimulate their imagination, like the Growing Healthy exhibit where they can learn about human anatomy or Art Smart exhibit which allows kids to paint, sculpt or perform. Traveling exhibits rotate every few months, and there is a snack area inside the museum so you can visit a few times each and spend the whole day.
Built as a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement, the National Civil Rights Museum features stunning exhibits chronicling events from pre-Revolutionary times to the present day, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn the stories of people who have helped shape our world with their struggle for equality and fairness.
Get in Touch with Your Scottish Roots in Savannah!
While in Savannah this May, why not head over to the Bethesda Home for Boys to experience the 35th Annual Savannah Scottish Games. This wonderful Celtic event will feature a piping competition, bagpipe bands, a highland dancing competition, Scottish heavy athletics, Scottish immigrant reenactors, modern Celtic music, border-collie herding, and children’s events, including an athletic competition for the little ones. There will also be delicious Scottish and American foods, Celtic arts, crafts and clothing, genealogists, and clan tents that offer information about their clans. The entire event will be held on May 7 overlooking the Moon River, which was made famous in the theme song for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. If you plan on traveling to the Savannah area to attend the Scottish Games or just want to take an exciting vacation, we offer several fabulous hotels in the area to perfectly accommodate your needs.
While in the area, make sure a book your spot on the Walking History Savannah Squared Tour. During the tour, you will visit or pass by many famous sights, such as filming locations for the movies Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You will also visit famous landmarks and historical sights from the Civil War, and gorgeous antebellum homes known for their beautiful architecture. This tour is a great way to learn more about the city’s unique culture and rich history in a lively and interesting way, and is a ‘must’ for any trip to Savannah.
For those who want to experience more of the culinary side of Savannah, what better way to get acquainted with delicious Georgia cuisine then to go on the Paula Deen Culinary Tour. Visit several of the restaurants where Paula Deen honed her cooking skills, and then visit her own restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, for lunch. For those hard-core Paula Deen fans, you will get the chance to visit locations that have played a significant role in Food Network star’s personal life, such as Bethesda, where she was married. This tour books up really fast so you will want to make your reservations today!
Fall in Love with Boston this Fall
Boston is a beautiful place to visit when the leaves are changing to their vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows during autumn. Come and experience it first hand, and explore the many exciting attractions and activities Boston has to offer during your next getaway. The history, beauty, and relaxation that you can experience in this city are too good to pass up!
USS Constitution and Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
Do some sighting in unique fashion with the USS Constitution and Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. This cruise takes place aboard a classic ship with full sails and beautiful decks, so you will enjoy sights of your ship almost as much as you enjoy your narrated tour along the harbors of Boston. Your tour stops at the Charleston Navy Yard where you can relax and explore some of the vessels before getting back on the cruise for more scenic views of Boston. If you want fantastic views of Boston in the fall, this is a great option.
Old Town Trolley Narrated Tour
For more lovely views of Boston during autumn as well a chance to learn some of the city’s fascinating history, take the Old Town Trolley Narrated Tour. This fully narrated tour allows you to hop off and hop on the bus at various attractions throughout the city. Some of the places you can choose to stop at include the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Historic North End, Beacon Hill, and Newbury Street. You can spend an entire day enjoying the city with this tour option.
New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise
Of course it’s not just the gorgeous fall foliage and history that brings visitors to Boston. Many visitors come to the area to see whales on the New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise. This cruise is designed to take you to places where whale sightings are common. You may see many different types of whales including the famous humpback whale as well as other marine life like dolphins while you’re on this cruise. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Boston.
Experience Diverse History in Mount Rushmore
Guests who come to Mount Rushmore will find that the area has a diverse history to share with visitors. With everything from a mine dating back to the gold rush to the National Presidential Wax Museum which chronicles the history of the United States’ presidents, there is no end to the history you can explore. Come and see it all for yourself before summer ends!
Visitors to the Mount Rushmore area should not miss out on their chance to see Mount Rushmore. This impressive monument stands over 5,000 feet tall and has the faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into a mountain. This representation of the first 150 years of America is impressive to say the least. The audio tour of Mount Rushmore gives you the chance to study the area at your leisure while listening to narration, music, and interviews about the making of Mount Rushmore.
For a look at history that dates back to the Ice Age, check out Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. This site is a fascinating place to explore. You will start out with a guided tour of a working paleontology lab where you can see fossils of the mighty mammoth and then relax for a video presentation. Your time at the site can also be spent exploring the many exhibits and excavations taking place. This is a step back in time that proves fascinating for people of all ages.
If you’re interested in the history of the Gold Rush, you will definitely want to visit the Big Thunder Gold Mine while you’re in the Mount Rushmore area. Big Thunder Gold Mine is an authentic gold mine that dates back to 1882. A tour guide will lead you around to various sites in the mine to tell you what it was like to work in the gold mine back in the 1800s. For those interested, there is even an opportunity to pan for gold just like miners used to in the old days.
The Journey Museum – Rapid City
For a museum that will take you on an adventure through many pieces of American history, check out The Journey Museum. This museum has exhibits featuring geology, archeology, Native Americans, and pioneers. This museum clearly chronicles the history of South Dakota so you can see a timeline of how the area developed. It’s a fascinating way of learning that is fun for people of all ages!
National Presidential Wax Museum
If you’re more interested in the history of the United States and its presidents, you’re going to want to visit the National Presidential Wax Museum. This museum has a collection of incredible wax figures resembling past presidents. You can have your picture taken with George Washington as you learn about him. In addition, this museum has fine sculptures, presidential china, and other collectables for guests to view while they’re visiting.
Under the Redcoat Event Brings History to Life in Williamsburg, VA
Experience history in an entirely unique way with the Under the Redcoat event in Williamsburg, VA. This event takes place June 29th and 30th to commemorate the British takeover of Williamsburg through “martial law.” The main portion of this event takes place at Colonial Williamsburg where you will see more than 250 re-enactors drilling and working together toward making this event as close to the original takeover as possible. With admission to Colonial Williamsburg you can be a part of this event and see history played out for you in a fascinating way.
Once you’ve gotten to see the many interesting sights playing out in Colonial Williamsburg, take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Williamsburg with one of the Spirit of Norfolk Cruises. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner as you glide down the shimmering Elizabeth River. See the beautiful skylines of Norfolk, Virginia while you eat and listen to music. Your meal on the dinner cruise will be accompanied by live performances while your lunch cruise will feature a mix played by a DJ. Either way, you’re sure to find this activity to be the perfect way to unwind on your vacation.
When you’re done relaxing on the cruise, it’s time to explore more of the fantastic history of the area at the Yorktown Victory Center. The Yorktown Victory Center will give you more information on the events that led up to America declaring its independence from Britain. Film, gallery exhibits, and live interpretation will help you see how America struggled for the freedom we maintain today from the very beginning of its existence. You will feel more patriotism and more admiration for this great country than ever before by the time you leave Williamsburg.
“Tools of the Trade” Theme Month at Jamestown Settlement
June 1st through June the 30th, you get the chance to explore “Tools of the Trade” throughout the 17th and 18th century at Jamestown Settlement. Learn about the advancement of farming equipment, navigation tools, and other tools that were used in the 17th and 18th century through demonstrations, live interpretations, and even activities that you get to do yourself. It’s a fun way to learn, and a great way to spend some quality time with your family or friends.
While you’re in Williamsburg for the “Tools of the Trade” event, make sure you don’t miss out on any of the exciting activities that the city has to offer. The popular Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park is a great place to visit for people of all ages. The whole park has a European theme representing countries like Ireland and Italy with great authentic food and fantastic rides. It is one of the premier theme parks to visit this summer!
Another great Williamsburg activity that should not be missed is the Mystery Dinner Playhouse. Enjoy a four course meal and a murder mystery with this fun activity. You can interact with the various characters and bribe them for clues throughout the night in order to decide which character committed the murder. Test your sleuthing skills, and see if you’re fit to be an amateur detective this fun murder mystery dinner.
Washington DC Jazz Festival
Come to Washington DC between June 1 and June 13 for the DC Jazz Festival and enjoy more than 100 performances in dozens of venues all over the city. The DC Jazz Festival is by far the biggest music festival in Washington DC. It is also a very highly anticipated cultural event in the nation. The festival presents music education throughout the year, and concerts for DC residents and students. The Festival is held at venues across DC by talent that is locally, nationally, and internationally-known. Artists at the Festival will include Paquito D’Rivera, Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove, the Berklee College All-Stars, and many more.
The DC Jazz Festival’s mission is to help boost tourism and economic development, and provide entertaining and enriching jazz programs for everyone. Also they aim to continue to highlight the legacy of Duke Ellington and other great jazz musicians, and show Washington DC to have a vibrant culture. The Jazz Festival establishes itself as being one of the finest jazz festivals in the world with its year round programming. If you plan on attending the DC Jazz Festival and need a hotel, browse through our great selection of hotels in the Washington DC area.
While you are in DC enjoying the history of jazz, you may wish to experience the rich history of our country. We offer several informative and interesting activities in Washington DC. For example, enjoy the City Sightseeing Double Decker Hop On/Off Pass and tour major DC attractions. You will receive a hop on/off pass that allows you to tour the city at your own pace.
If you want to experience even more exciting history, see the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. This dinner and show takes you back in time to witness six knights compete in high speed jousts and sword fights to prove their chivalry and valor.
