By Maryann Hammers

 

Houston

 

Houston’s Museum District includes an impressive 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius. Many offer free admission and/or military discounts. Of special military interest: The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum preserves the legacy of African-American soldiers who have served in every American war, with artifacts, videos, and memorabilia. (Military members get half-price admission; general admission is free of charge on Thursdays.) The Holocaust Museum Houston remembers Holocaust victims and honors survivors. (Military members and seniors get a 25-percent discount; the museum offers free general admission on Thursdays.)

 

Memorial Park was created in 1924 in memory of World War I soldiers who trained at Camp Logan. Nearly 1,000 of those soldiers lost their lives in the war; an additional 6,200 were wounded. Today, that forested training base is a park with an arboretum, nature center, trails, a wildlife habitat, an 18-hole golf course, playgrounds, and picnic tables.

 

After a day of museum hopping, relax at the just-renovated Royal Sonesta Houston. Accommodations for military members are $118 (you save up to 50 percent). For information, call (800) 766-3782, or book online using code GOV.

 

New Orleans

 

The National World War II Museum tells the story of why the war was fought, how it was won, and what it means to us today, with films, re-creations, exhibits, music of the era, and interactive experiences. World War II veterans get free admission; admission for other military members starts at $14. (General admission starts at $23.)

 

Where should you stay in New Orleans? Active-duty military members will save at the seven hotels that are part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection. All offer special military rates, year-round. Choose from Audubon Cottages, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel New Orleans Airport, Dauphine Orleans Hotel, Hotel Le Marais, Hotel Mazarin, and The Whitney. Discount varies by hotel; use the “Military” promo code.

 

Brunswick, Maine

A quilt: Garden of Sacrifice, by quilt artist Crystalanne Duarte, Newport News, VA

 

 

The Maine Maritime Museum boasts 21,000 artifacts and offers a trolley tour of Bath Iron Works, one of the nation's largest shipyards, which specializes in the design and production of Navy destroyers. If you’re 65 years old or older, you get a discount on admission. (Your $13 ticket includes a second free day, too.)

 

Brunswick’s recently decommissioned Naval Air Station is now “Brunswick Landing,” a marina where visitors can explore, dine, and play a round atop former captains’ quarters at Mere Creek Golf Course. It’s also home to the Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens, with a chapel, gardens, artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.
The Amtrak Downeaster — the train from Brunswick to Boston and points in between — is the car-free, hassle-free way to get around. Active-duty and former military personnel and their families get a 10-percent discount; anyone over age 62 gets a 50-percent discount; and veterans and active-duty servicemembers can ride on the 11th day of each month for $11. (Reservations must be made three days in advance of travel, using promotion code v159.) Get more info or call (800) 872-7245.

 

After a day of seeing the sights, you’ll want a place to rest your head. Here are two options: Hilton Garden Inn (call (207) 865-1433) in nearby Freeport (about a 10-minute drive from Brunswick), and Hampton Inn (call (207) 443-1624) in Brunswick both offer a “Military Family Rate” with a 15-percent discount. Breakfast and free WiFi are even thrown in.

 

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

 

Admission is free to active military in uniform at the Virginia Quilt Museum . With three floors of textile art, the museum is located in an antebellum home used as a hospital during the Civil War. The place even has a resident ghost — a young confederate soldier who died in the house after being wounded at Gettysburg. Folks say his spirit is often spotted at the top of the stairs, still wearing his uniform. Call (540) 433-3818 for information.

 

While you’re in the area, stay at Skyland Resort (at Skyline Drive milepost 41.7) or Big Meadow Lodge (milepost 51) in Shenandoah National Park. Accommodations range from lodge rooms (some are pet-friendly) and suites to rustic cabins. Military members get a 20-percent midweek discount , Sunday through Friday. Call (877) 847-1919 and use promo code “Military.” Call (877) 847-1919 for reservations and information.