Vacations for History Buffs

Feb_Deal_History.jpg

By: MaryAnn Hammers

Wish you were there to see George Washington cross the Delaware? Wonder what life was like for Revolutionary War soldiers? Want to explore a World War II battleship? Travel back in time with these adventures - all with military discounts.

Los Angeles

The Battleship Iowa Museum is the West Coast's only battleship open to the public. Built in 1940, USS Iowawas designated the “World's Greatest Naval Ship” due to her big guns, heavy armor, speed, and longevity. The ship now serves as an interactive naval museum with self-guided tours, exhibits, free events, and a “Those Who Served” collection where veterans can search for shipmates or share their own snapshots, stories, and experiences. Active duty, retired, and reserve military members can buy tickets online for $14.95 (regular adult admission is $19.95). Veterans who notify the ship prior to their visit will be heartily welcomed aboard. (To notify the ship about your upcoming visit, email marketing@labattleship.com or call (877) 446-9261, ext. 706).

West Point, N.Y.

Owned and operated by West Point graduates, The Thayer Hotel offers active duty and retired military members the government rate on guestrooms. Plus, military members save 20 percent on dining at hotel restaurants. Located on U.S. Military Academygrounds, the hotel offers views of the Hudson River and is near the National Purple Heart Museum, Stony Point Historic Battlefield, Washington's Headquarters, and the nation's oldest winery, Brotherhood. Call (845) 446-4731.

Bucks County, Pa.

Founded in 1682 by William Penn, Bucks County is rich in historic sites and attractions - many with military discounts.

  • Take a ride on the antique coaches pulled by a historic steam locomotive of the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad . Military members with valid ID or DD Form 214 get 15 percent off. Buy tickets at the gift shop or ticket office, or purchase online (click here for info). Call (215) 862-2332.
  • Visit Pennsbury Manor , the 17th century house of William Penn, now serves as a living-history museum. The reconstructed 43-acre estate along the Delaware River offers a chance to experience colonial life. Active duty military members get free admission. Call (215) 946-0400.
  • Washington Crossing Historic Park marks the spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware River and offers reenactments, soldiers' graves, guided historic village tours, and more. Active duty military members get free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call (215) 493-4076
  • Bucks County Civil War Museum & Library holds an impressive collection of Civil War-era exhibits, artifacts, maps, photographs, and flags. Admission is free. The museum is open Saturdays.

San Antonio

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio (known as “Military City USA”) offers World War II veterans free admission to the “Our Part of Victory exhibit, which explores the contributions of Texas and Texans to achieving victory. Active duty military members and up to five dependents also get free admission from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. Call (210) 458-2300.

Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

At Colonial Williamsburg - the 18th century capital of the Virginia Colony and the world's largest living history museum - military members are honored yearlong with discounts and programs ranging from fife and drum marches to Revolutionary War military encampments, drills, and interpretive discussions. Call (888) 965-7254 for more info, and read on for some military offers.

  • Active duty military members and National Guard and Reserve personnel get complimentary single-day admission for themselves and up to three direct dependents once a year. Retired servicemembers and veterans get a 50-percent discount on single-day tickets or on annual passes for up to five dependents. Plus, all active duty and retired servicemembers, veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members and their direct dependents enjoy free admission during the Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.
  • These Colonial Williamsburg hotels offer a 10-percent military discount: The Williamsburg Inn, The Williamsburg Lodge, Colonial Houses, Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, Griffin Hotel, and Governor's Inn.
  • Military members (active duty, retired, veterans, and dependents) have exclusive, complimentary use of the Liberty Lounge during their visit.

Mount Vernon, Va.

At George Washington's Mount Vernon, members of the military, veterans, and military dependents get $3 off general admission prices. That includes access to the mansion, surrounding colonial buildings, gardens, farm, and museum. The working gristmill and distillery are open between April and October. Call (703) 780-2000.