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East Coast Historic Road Trip: May 14 – May 31, 2026

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Washington, DC

Morning: Arrive at Dulles International Airport on Allegiant Air and collect your rental car. Check‑in at a centrally located boutique hotel near the National Mall.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk to the National Archives and view the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Evening: Dine at a historic tavern in Georgetown and enjoy a sunset stroll along the Potomac River.

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Day 2: Washington, DC Museums

Morning: Explore the National Museum of American History and see the Star‑Spangled Banner and the First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns.

Afternoon: Visit the National Air and Space Museum followed by the Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center at Chantilly for the space shuttle and aircraft exhibits.

Evening: Experience the intrigue of the International Spy Museum and finish with a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the Capitol.

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Day 3: Gettysburg, PA

Morning: Depart Washington, DC via scenic Route 15, stopping at historic farms along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive at the Gettysburg National Military Park for a guided battlefield tour and visit the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center.

Evening: Check into a historic inn in Gettysburg and enjoy a ghost‑tour of the town’s haunted sites.

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Day 4: Lancaster Amish Country, PA

Morning: Drive the scenic by‑roads of the Amish countryside, watching horse‑and‑buggy processions.

Afternoon: Stop at the Amish Farm and House for a hands‑on tour and savor a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch lunch.

Evening: Return to Lancaster for a quiet dinner at a farm‑to‑table restaurant and stay overnight in a charming B&B.

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Day 5: First State National Historical Park, Delaware

Morning: Cross into Delaware via scenic Route 41, enjoying river views along the Christina River.

Afternoon: Explore the First State National Historical Park, visiting the historic New Castle Court House and the Old Custom House.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood in historic downtown Wilmington and stay at a boutique hotel.

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Day 6: Mystic, CT

Morning: Travel the coastal Route 1 through New Jersey’s pine barrens to Connecticut.

Afternoon: Tour the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, learning about New England’s maritime heritage.

Evening: Enjoy a lobster dinner on the waterfront and spend the night in a historic inn.

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Day 7: Boston – Freedom Trail Begins

Morning: Arrive in Boston via scenic Route 2, checking into a hotel in the historic Beacon Hill district.

Afternoon: Begin the Freedom Trail at Boston Common, visiting the Massachusetts State House and Paul Revere’s House.

Evening: Savor New England clam chowder at a classic tavern and take a twilight walk along the waterfront.

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Day 8: Boston – Freedom Trail Continued

Morning: Continue the Freedom Trail to the Old North Church and the USS Constitution Museum.

Afternoon: Explore the historic North End, sampling cannoli and visiting the Old Sugar House Museum.

Evening: Attend a performance at the Boston Symphony Hall and return to your Beacon Hill lodging.

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Day 9: Salem & Plymouth Rock, MA

Morning: Drive the coastal Route 3 to Salem for a witch‑trial museum tour and a walk through historic Salem streets.

Afternoon: Continue to Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, learning about the Pilgrims’ arrival.

Evening: Return to Boston for a relaxed dinner in the Seaport District and overnight stay.

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Day 10: Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters, Burlington, VT

Morning: Depart Boston on Route 2, enjoying the Green Mountain scenery en route to Burlington.

Afternoon: Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters and ice‑cream factory, sampling limited‑edition flavors.

Evening: Stroll the Church Street Marketplace and stay at a lakeside inn overlooking Lake Champlain.

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Day 11: Vermont Scenic Loop

Morning: Take Route 100 through the Green Mountains, stopping at the historic Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock.

Afternoon: Visit the Bennington Battle Monument and enjoy a farm‑to‑table lunch at a local inn.

Evening: Return to Burlington for a quiet dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 12: Adirondack Mountains, NY

Morning: Travel north on Route 9W, winding through the scenic Hudson Valley into the Adirondacks.

Afternoon: Hike a short trail near Lake Placid and explore the Olympic Museum.

Evening: Stay at a rustic lodge in the Adirondack Park and enjoy a campfire dinner.

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Day 13: Lake Placid & High Peaks

Morning: Take a guided sunrise walk around Mirror Lake, followed by a hearty breakfast.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Route 73 to the High Peaks region for a moderate hike with panoramic views.

Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxing soak in a hot tub and an early night.

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Day 14: Journey to Niagara Falls, NY

Morning: Depart the Adirondacks on Route 30, passing charming small towns and farms.

Afternoon: Arrive at Niagara Falls State Park for a Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Evening: Watch the illuminated falls from the Observation Tower and stay at a hotel overlooking the water.

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Day 15: Niagara Falls Exploration

Morning: Explore the Niagara Gorge Trail for scenic vistas and wildlife spotting.

Afternoon: Visit the Old Fort Niagara historic site and learn about its role in the War of 1812.

Evening: Dine in the historic town of Lewiston and enjoy a quiet night at your hotel.

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Day 16: Rest Day – Niagara Region

Morning: Take a leisurely breakfast and optional spa treatment at your hotel.

Afternoon: Stroll through the charming streets of Niagara-on-the‑Lake, visiting boutique shops and the Fort George National Historic Site.

Evening: Sample local wines at a nearby vineyard and relax before the final leg of the trip.

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Day 17: Travel to St. Petersburg, FL

Morning: Begin the scenic drive south via Route 17, passing through the Allegheny foothills.

Afternoon: Continue along the Appalachian Trail‑adjacent byways, stopping for lunch in Roanoke, VA.

Evening: Arrive in St. Petersburg, check into a beachfront resort, and unwind after the long drive.

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Day 18: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final sunrise walk on St. Petersburg Beach and a leisurely breakfast.

Afternoon: Return the rental car at the airport and board the Allegiant Air flight from IAG to St. Petersburg.

Evening: Arrive home with memories of a historic East Coast adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Allegiant Air flight Knoxville → Dulles (Round‑trip): 2 hrs, $150 per person
  • Allegiant Air flight Niagara Falls → St. Petersburg: 2 hrs, $180 per person
  • Rental car (18 days, mid‑size, scenic routes): 18 days, $1,200 total
  • Hotel accommodations (average $150/night): 17 nights, $2,550 total
  • National Archives entry: 2 hrs, $0
  • National Museum of American History: 2 hrs, $0
  • National Air and Space Museum: 3 hrs, $0
  • Udvar‑Hazy Center: 3 hrs, $30 parking
  • International Spy Museum: 2 hrs, $25 admission
  • Postal Museum: 1.5 hrs, $10 admission
  • Gettysburg National Military Park tour: 4 hrs, $15 admission
  • Amish Farm and House: 2 hrs, $20 admission
  • First State National Historical Park: 3 hrs, $0
  • Mystic Seaport Museum: 2 hrs, $20 admission
  • Mystic Aquarium: 2 hrs, $30 admission
  • Freedom Trail guided tour (Boston): 4 hrs, $25
  • USS Constitution Museum: 2 hrs, $10 donation
  • Salem Witch Museum: 1.5 hrs, $15 admission
  • Plymouth Rock & Mayflower II: 2 hrs, $20 combined
  • Ben & Jerry’s Factory tour: 2 hrs, $15 admission + ice‑cream
  • Billings Farm & Museum: 2 hrs, $12 admission
  • Bennington Battle Monument: 1 hr, $10 admission
  • Lake Placid Olympic Museum: 2 hrs, $12 admission
  • Maid of the Mist boat tour: 1 hr, $25
  • Old Fort Niagara: 2 hrs, $12 admission
  • Fort George National Historic Site: 2 hrs, $12 admission
  • Meals (average $50/day per person): 18 days, $900 total
  • Gasoline (≈1,800 mi @ $3.50/gal, 25 mpg): $252
  • Total Estimated Cost: $7,468

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Adirondack segment and flying from Boston to Niagara Falls, reducing travel days by three. To extend the adventure, add a day in the Hudson Valley for winery tours or spend an extra night in St. Petersburg to enjoy the Gulf Coast beaches before heading home.

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