There’s a quote from Midnight In Paris that states,
“Nostalgia is denial – denial of the painful present. The name for this denial is Golden Age Thinking – the erroneous notion that a different time period is better than the one one’s living in. It’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.”
Do you agree? Like most things in life, nostalgia isn’t quite so black and white. Sometimes, it’s nice to daydream of days gone by or read about a famous figure from the past. Whether you get wrapped up in nostalgia for a bygone era or your own, personal, history, we have a few locations listed below that will help you tap into a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Savannah, GA
The storied streets of Savannah are covered in history. From gruesome tales of the Slave Trade to one of the bloodiest Civil War battles, you don’t have to go far to hear a tale or two from the past. The air is also filled with riveting ghost stories. One visit to The Olde Pink House might give you a chance encounter with the ghost of Mr. Habersham, Civil War garb and all.
Boston, MA
Three words: The Freedom Trail. One stroll down this invigorating trail will lead you to countless historical buildings, including King’s Chapel, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Boston Massacre Site, and Paul Revere’s house. Every step is a step back in time and the key to a nostalgic’s heart.
Mackinac Island, MI
At the tippy top of Michigan, you can board a ferry and land on an island where the main form of transportation is a horse-drawn carriage. Indeed, there’s very little car traffic on this island and the entire town is frozen in (a most glorious) time. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the early 1900s, parasol and all. Before you go, watch the movie Somewhere In Time to be dazzled and delighted by what you’re about to see.
Philadelphia, PA
As an American historian, does it get any more exciting than visiting the hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed? Or, for added inspiration, how about a seat in one of Benjamin Franklin’s chairs? You can do all this and more at Independence Hall before taking a gander at the Liberty Bell. When the day is done, head over to Rittenhouse Square for a bite to eat at Parc, featuring some of the world’s finest French cuisine.
Boonsboro, MD
Come again? Yes, a tiny little town that appears as little more than a dot on a map can whisk you back in time on several fronts. First, if you’ve ever read a book by one of the most prolific authors of our time, Nora Roberts, you can stay at the inn she created in one of the town’s most beautiful historical buildings. When you awake from a night’s rest in those sumptuous sheets, you can drive to any number of Civil War sites to take in a bit of history and, perhaps, even brush past a ghost or two.
San Antonio, TX
The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution, taking place between February 23 and March 6, 1836. If you’ve ever been fascinated by Texan history, San Antonio will be happy to deliver the goods. Isn’t it incredible to think that Texas was not only part of Mexico once, but also an independent nation? What would America be like today without that great state? After your visit to the Alamo, be sure to spend your evening at the San Antonio River Walk for some fine dining and a nightcap or two.
New York, NY
Frank Sinatra said it himself: “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.” New York’s history is brimming with stories of determination, grit, and steely spines. Visit The Tenement Museum to see how people really lived when they first arrived on the isle of Manhattan and were fighting to make it there, too. Head to Midtown to wonder over the paintings in the museums that fill up Museum Mile. And, when you’re ready for a mid-day break, savor some Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel.
Lake Placid, NY
Lake Placid hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1980. So, if your love for history gravitates toward the amazing accomplishments of professional athletes, Lake Placid will be happy to tell a tale or two. Head to the Lake Placid Olympics Museum to hear those stories before wandering around their lovely downtown for a savory bite to eat.
Hershey, PA
Who didn’t grow up nibbling on a Hershey bar from time to time? Maybe it was your grannie’s favorite way to sneak you a snack. Hershey Park, PA will satiate any chocolate lover’s sensations, whether or not they were raised on Hershey bars. It’s a fun-filled family time with a lovely resort to book into for the weekend and make some delicious new memories.
Newport, RI
The Gilded Age, anybody? Whether you’re fascinated by the time period or the TV show, Newport is also able to whisk you back in time. Even Cora’s mom (from Downton Abbey) had a “cottage” in Newport where she loved to entertain guests. And, by cottage, she meant a mansion large enough to fill a city block. Another family that had a “cottage” in Newport was the Vanderbilt’s. One visit to The Breakers will reveal the grandest one of all while beautifully displaying the pre-eminence of the Gilded Age.
Walt Disney World, FL
If it isn’t Hershey chocolate, but Disney movie marathons, that bring up warm memories of your childhood, then a visit to Walt Disney World is in order. Whether it was The Little Mermaid or, more recently, Harry Potter, both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios will be happy to stoke the fires of reminiscence in your heart. To help you plan your stay, here are ten of the best hotels near Disneyland for a magical stay.
St. Augustine, FL
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in America. Fifty-five years before the English landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish had already established this beautiful city as the nation’s first settlement. Today, you can still find over 30 buildings with colonial origins and lovely pedestrian-only lanes lined with shops. Start your history tour at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a fort set up by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route.
Sonora, CA
Not quite as famous as Sonoma, Sonora is still a fascinating city. It dates back to the early 1800s and serves as an interesting example of another bygone era: the Gold Rush. You can still find many historical buildings from that time period here. Washington Street, in particular, has a few fascinating museums, especially the Tuolumne County Museum, that brings this bustling time back to life.
Nashville, TN
Of course, if you’re a country fan, you have to put on your cowboy boots and let them walk you through the Country Music Hall of Fame. But, like Savannah and Boonsboro, it also featured prominently in the Civil War. In 1862, it was the first state capital to be taken by Union forces. The Tennessee State Museum on Deaderick Street will be happy to tell you all about it.
New Orleans, LA
Deep in the bayou, New Orleans knows how to weave a ghost story or two, just like Savannah. With the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, and its own unique style of jazz, this beautiful city has maintained its poise for centuries. Parts of its past are harrowing, like the War of 1812 and the outbreak of yellow fever. But, the other parts, like the artistry and cuisine still stand tall and proud today, making the city a worthwhile destination for national travel.
Washington, D.C.
How many history textbooks did we read in elementary school? Did your school take a class trip to D.C.? A trip to the nation’s capital will bring all those memories back to life. Visit the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. Pay for a ticket to The National Archives to see the actual Declaration of Independence. Stroll along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool while playing Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech. Together, we, too, can hope for a nation that will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.
Somewhere In Time
What do you say? Shall we get lost somewhere in time? What’ll it be? Mackinac Island or Newport? Wherever the road takes you, we hope you enjoy a healthy dose of nostalgia, be it historical or personal.
When you start planning, take a look at our library of destination guides. Surely, there’s something in there to help you craft a most enjoyable itinerary. Until we meet along The Freedom Trail or alongside the Reflecting Pool, we wish you safe and happy travels.