History from the past and present

America As You Like It • 8 February 2024

Comprising Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the Capital Region boasts some of the nation's most cherished historic sites, spectacular national parks, and stunning beaches. Explore unforgettable museums, indulge in shopping experiences, and savour delicious dining options.

Museums 

Museums are wonderful places that engage the creative mind and unlock the imagination to the past. The Capital Region has a range of museums that showcase American and world history to captivate you. Beginning in the nation’s capital city, Washington, DC is home to more than 70 museums including 17 from the renowned Smithsonian Institution. Highlights include the National Air & Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of the American Indian. In Virginia, art lovers should visit the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke to see art come to life through visual effects and take classes to create their own masterpieces. The glass collection at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk offers studios and workshops where you can even create your own glassware. Richmond’s American Civil War Museum offers an amazing perspective on the Civil War that altered American society while the expansive Virginia Museum of Fine Arts features everything from ancient Egyptian works to Fabergé eggs. Baltimore, Maryland is home to several must-see art museums including the Walters Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art (home to the largest collection of Henri Matisse in the world), and the American Visionary Art Museum, the nation’s museum for self-taught artists.

Maritime Heritage 

Maryland, with its beautiful Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast beaches, offers a plethora of outdoor charms. From the picturesque towns like St. Michaels to the stunning beaches and the wild horses of Assateague Island, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a treasure trove of surprises. Be sure to check out the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, an 18-acre interactive museum home to a collection of artefacts, exhibitions, and vessels. Annapolis, the capital of Maryland and ‘America’s Sailing Capital’, adds to the state's allure with its abundance of restaurants, museums, and opportunities for waterfront fun. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, boating, and savouring the Old-Line State’s signature blue crabs. Dive into the city’s colonial scandals or discover the impactful stories of women who changed American history through themed Watermark walking tours. Learn more about the region’s maritime heritage on a tour of the US Naval Academy campus and museum or at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. 

Military History 

Virginia, home to historical luminaries like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, witnessed intense battles during the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Today, historic sites and trails tell the tale of these significant events (see here). Explore Colonial Williamsburg to immerse yourself in 18th-century heritage through re-enactments, tours, and museum collections. Nearby, Jamestown and Yorktown offer insights into America’s origins and the Revolutionary War. At the American Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, visitors can take flight over the Atlantic coastline in the museum’s World War II era aircraft. In northern Virginia, Arlington is home to Arlington National Cemetery and several military memorials including the iconic U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. To embark on a fascinating journey through this historically rich region, consider a fly-drive adventure. Discover the stories and landscapes that shaped the nation.

Music and Movies 

For the music aficionados among you, seeking concerts and live theatre, Washington, DC offers the historic National Theatre and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Both venues host traveling Broadway shows as well as performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. Country music lovers will want to visit the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia, home to The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Carter Family Fold, and The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail. 



The Capital Region, with its iconic landmarks such as the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, has been a popular location for numerous films due to its expansive and diverse settings. The National Mall in Washington, D.C., has served as the backdrop for classics like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' the Academy Award-winning 'Forrest Gump,' and the action-packed 'Independence Day.' Along the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums play a prominent role in film history. The second instalment of the Night at the Museum series, 'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,' features several artifacts from these museums. The Smithsonian also offers Night-time Adventures at the Natural History Museum, including occasional sleepovers where families can experience their own night at the museum. During the day, a must-visit is the nearby Smithsonian National Museum of American History, showcasing iconic film artifacts like Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz,' the beloved Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular TV series such as 'M*A*S*H' and the film 'Hairspray' in Baltimore. 


Scenic Drives 

The Capital Region is the ideal destination for a fly-drive adventure, offering diverse activities to suit every holiday preference. Consider taking the family on a road trip of a lifetime in a motorhome, exploring and staying in beautiful and unique areas. Charlottesville, a dynamic and historic city in Virginia, stands out thanks to the amenities of its neighbouring Albemarle County. Voted as the Wine Enthusiast region of the year, Charlottesville boasts the estates of three former U.S. presidents, over 35 vineyards, a vibrant culinary scene, and a robust arts community. It also serves as a great home base for visiting Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, ‘America’s Favourite Scenic Drive’. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Catoctin Mountains, Frederick, Maryland features numerous scenic byways and three historic covered bridges. Steeped in American Civil War history, the city’s 50-block downtown area offers over 200 specialty shops and dozens of restaurants. Explore wineries, breweries, and distilleries—more than anywhere else in Maryland. The region promises a memorable and diverse getaway for all types of travellers. See here for a fantastic holiday idea.

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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