2019 East Coast: 25-Day Heritage Adventure
Our family embarked on an epic 25-day journey exploring America's East Coast from the Outer Banks to Canada. From historic battlefields and national monuments to coastal wildlife and urban adventures, we experienced the rich cultural and natural treasures across the eastern seaboard. Our adventure took us to over 30 national parks and historic sites, creating unforgettable family memories while completing numerous Junior Ranger programs along the way.
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Began our journey in Rocky Mount before heading to the Outer Banks
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Explored Fort Raleigh (the first British settlement in America), Wright Brothers Memorial, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where the kids enjoyed beach time and running on the sand
Historic Triangle, Virginia
Visited Fort Monroe, Yorktown, Jamestown, Petersburg Battlefield, Richmond National Battlefield, Fort Harrison, and Maggie L. Walker sites, exploring America's early colonial and Civil War history
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia/West Virginia
Discovered Shenandoah National Park with its wildlife (including a black bear), enjoyed fishing in Luray, explored Cedar Creek and Belle National Park, and spent time at Harper's Ferry and Antietam National Battlefield
Gettysburg / Baltimore, Maryland/Delaware
Toured Gettysburg National Battlefield, Hampton National Historic Site, Fort McHenry (where the girls helped catch the flag during the ceremony), and First State National Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/New Jersey
Explored Valley Forge National Battlefield and Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other historic sites before heading to New Jersey
New York City, New York
Visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, navigating through the bustling streets of New York City
New England Coast, Connecticut/Rhode Island/Massachusetts
Explored Mystic CT, Roger Williams National Historic Site, New Bedford Whaling National Park, and Cape Cod National Seashore where we spotted seals and marine life
Acadia Region, New Hampshire/Maine
Enjoyed Maine's aquarium and wildlife center, spent multiple days at Acadia National Park, took a puffin tour, and explored Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Vermont, New Hampshire/Vermont
Visited Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, Joseph Smith Birthplace, Marsh-Billings-Rockerfeller National Historic Park, and enjoyed stops at Ben & Jerry's, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and Sugarbush Farm for local specialties
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Explored Montreal, including Notre Dame Cathedral and Mount Royal Park for spectacular city views
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Visited Ottawa's Parliament and War Museum, the Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma castle, Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, and the aquarium
Niagara Falls, Canada/Ohio
Experienced Niagara Falls by boat before crossing back into the US to visit Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration National Historic Site and James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Ohio National Parks
Explored Cuyahoga Valley National Park with its beautiful 'Ledges' hike, First Ladies National Historic Site, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Kentucky/Tennessee Final Stops
Toured the Louisville Slugger Factory, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, and Mammoth Cave National Park before completing our journey