17‑Day Historic Road‑Trip Adventure (May 14 – May 30 2026)

Day 1: Arrival in Washington, D.C.

Morning: Depart Knoxville on Allegiant Air, landing at Dulles Airport. Collect rental car and head to your downtown hotel via the scenic Dulles‑Loudoun Route 7 corridor.

Afternoon: Unwind with a leisurely walk around the National Mall, taking in the view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a historic tavern in the Penn Quarter and get an early night’s rest for a full day of museums.

Day 2: Washington’s Iconic Museums – Part 1

Morning: Explore the National Archives to see the original Declaration of Independence, followed by a visit to the National Museum of American History for the Star‑Spangled Banner.

Afternoon: Head to the National Air and Space Museum for its soaring exhibits, then wander the intrigue‑filled International Spy Museum.

Evening: Stroll through the National Postal Museum and dine in the historic Chinatown district.

Day 3: Washington’s Museums – Part 2 & Udvar‑Hazy Center

Morning: Delve into the National Museum of American History (if missed) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (optional).

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Fairfax County roads to the Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center at Chantilly, marveling at the restored SR‑71 and space shuttle.

Evening: Wander the historic streets of Georgetown, enjoying waterfront views and a classic Maryland crab cake dinner.

Day 4: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Morning: Depart Washington on the scenic US‑15 corridor, passing rolling farms and small towns.

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

Evening: Dine in Gettysburg’s historic downtown and overnight in a boutique inn.

Day 5: Lancaster Amish Country

Morning: Travel the picturesque PA‑340 “Scenic Byway” to Lancaster.

Afternoon: Experience an authentic Amish farm tour, followed by a ride on the historic Strasburg Railroad.

Evening: Savor a farm‑to‑table dinner at an Amish family home and stay at a local B&B.

Day 6: Lancaster – Deep Dive

Morning: Visit the Lancaster Central Market and the Amish Farm and House for hands‑on crafts.

Afternoon: Explore the Long’s Park trails and the historic covered bridge at Herr’s Mill.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening in the town square with local music.

Day 7: First State National Historical Park, Delaware

Morning: Drive south via scenic Route 41 and Route 13 into Delaware, crossing the Brandywine Valley.

Afternoon: Tour the First State National Historical Park, including the Old Court House and the historic town of New Castle.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood in Wilmington and stay at a waterfront hotel.

Day 8: Delaware Coast & History

Morning: Stroll the historic streets of New Castle, visiting the Amstel House and the Old Custom House.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic coastal Route 9 to enjoy the beaches at Rehoboth and the Cape Henlopen State Park.

Evening: Return to Wilmington for a relaxed night.

Day 9: Mystic, Connecticut

Morning: Depart Delaware on the tranquil US‑301 and Route 44, crossing the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.

Afternoon: Explore the maritime heritage at Mystic Seaport Museum and wander the historic downtown.

Evening: Enjoy a lobster dinner on the Mystic River and stay at a cozy inn.

Day 10: New Haven & Coastal Connecticut

Morning: Drive the scenic Shoreline Route 1 to New Haven, visiting the historic Yale University campus (exterior only).

Afternoon: Continue along the coast to the charming towns of West Port and Old Saybrook, stopping at lighthouse overlooks.

Evening: Return to Mystic for a quiet night.

Day 11: Boston, Massachusetts – Freedom Trail Begins

Morning: Travel the scenic Route 2 and US‑202 into Massachusetts, crossing the Berkshires.

Afternoon: Arrive in Boston and start the Freedom Trail at Boston Common, visiting the Massachusetts State House and the Granary Burying Ground.

Evening: Dine in historic Beacon Hill and settle into a downtown hotel.

Day 12: Boston – Freedom Trail & Harbor

Morning: Continue the Freedom Trail through the Old State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution Museum.

Afternoon: Explore the Boston Public Garden and take a short harbor cruise for views of the skyline.

Evening: Enjoy seafood at the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Day 13: Salem, Massachusetts Day Trip

Morning: Drive the scenic coastal Route 1A to Salem.

Afternoon: Visit the Salem Witch Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, and the historic waterfront.

Evening: Return to Boston for a relaxed dinner.

Day 14: Plymouth, Massachusetts Day Trip

Morning: Take Route 3A north to Plymouth.

Afternoon: See the iconic Plymouth Rock and tour the living history museum at Plimoth Plantation.

Evening: Head back to Boston for a nightcap in the North End.

Day 15: Burlington, Vermont – Ben & Jerry’s HQ

Morning: Depart Boston on the scenic Route 2 through the Green Mountains.

Afternoon: Arrive in Burlington and join the guided tour at the Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters factory, sampling iconic flavors.

Evening: Stroll Church Street, dine at a farm‑to‑table restaurant, and stay at a boutique hotel.

Day 16: Return to Washington, D.C.

Morning: Begin the long scenic drive south via Route 7, crossing the Hudson River and the Appalachian foothills.

Afternoon: Stop for a leisurely lunch in the historic town of Harrisburg, then continue through the Shenandoah Valley.

Evening: Arrive back in Washington, D.C., and relax at the hotel.

Day 17: Departure from Dulles

Morning: Take a final walk around the National Mall and snap photos of the monuments.

Afternoon: Return the rental car and board the Allegiant Air flight back to Knoxville.

Evening: Arrive home with memories of a historic road‑trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• National Archives – 1 hour – $0
• National Museum of American History – 2 hours – $0
• National Air and Space Museum – 2 hours – $0
• International Spy Museum – 1.5 hours – $25
• National Postal Museum – 1 hour – $0
• Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center – 2 hours – $15
• Gettysburg National Military Park – 3 hours – $20
• Amish Farm Tour (Lancaster) – 2 hours – $30
• Strasburg Railroad – 1.5 hours – $35
• First State National Historical Park – 3 hours – $0
• Mystic Seaport Museum – 2 hours – $28
• Freedom Trail (Boston) – 4 hours – $0
• USS Constitution Museum – 1 hour – $10
• Salem Witch Museum – 1 hour – $14
• Plymouth Rock & Plimoth Plantation – 3 hours – $30
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour – 2 hours – $20
• Rental Car (17 days, scenic routes) – – $850
• Airfare (Round‑trip Knoxville‑Dulles) – – $340
• Accommodations (16 nights average $150/night) – – $2,400
• Meals & Miscellaneous – – $1,200
• Total Estimated Cost – – $5,152

Tips

To shorten the trip, consider dropping the Connecticut leg and the Burlington visit, which reduces travel time by three days. Conversely, add an extra day in Washington, D.C. to explore the Smithsonian gardens and the nearby Mount Vernon estate, or spend an additional night in Boston to enjoy a day‑trip to Cape Cod.