Photo courtesy of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

 

Published Jan. 3, 2019

 

By Maryann Hammers

 

If the new year has you feeling nostalgic for yesteryear, these hotels and attractions will transport you back to the good old days.

CALIFORNIA

Once considered the world’s grandest ocean liner, then transformed to a World War II troopship, the Queen Mary carried more than 2 million passengers — including 810,000 military personnel — throughout her active lifetime. Today, the ship serves as an iconic attraction with 1930s artwork and art-deco style. Military members save 10 percent off the $40 admission, which includes tours and exhibits. Call (562) 499-1739.

Knott's Independence Hall in Buena Park is the nation's only exact replica of the original Philadelphia landmark. Admission and parking free.

At Farrell’s Ice Creamery in Buena Park, servers in pin-striped vests and cane hats contribute to the atmosphere of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Military members get a 10-percent discount. Call (717) 484-2674.

 

COLORADO

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has traveled between Durango and the mining town of Silverton for over 130 years. With vintage steam locomotives, the family-friendly railway offers spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. Regular rates range from $69 to $95, but active duty and retired military members and disabled veterans (and up to three immediate family members) get a 20-percent discount. Call (970) 247-2733.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

The 52-room luxury HarbourView Inn — Charleston’s only waterfront hotel in the Historic District — includes six rooms housed in a former 1930s cotton warehouse. On the private rooftop terrace, guests enjoy live music, beer and wine sampling, and skyline tours hosted by a local historian. Rates start at $189, but active duty military members and veterans get a 20-percent discount.

   

WEST VIRGINIA

 

The 14-room, pet- and family-friendly Elkhorn Inn & Theatre in Landgraff (between Eckman and Kimball) is housed in a 1922 building that once was used as a coal miners’ clubhouse and rooming house. Dan Clark, retired from the Army, and his wife, Elisse, a Coast Guard artist, bought and restored the property in 2003, preserving architectural details including transom windows, wood trim, and the window where miners collected their pay. A “Museum Room” displays memorabilia from the area’s railroading and coal mining history. “We have excellent bird-watching, two nearby lakes, a state park and forest for hiking, a mountain golf course, and [nearby] historic sites,” says Elisse. Active duty and retired military members get a 10 percent off regular rates, which start at $130 for rooms with private baths featuring antique claw-foot tubs. Continental breakfast is included. Call (304) 862-2031, and ask for the military discount.  

   

WISCONSIN

 

The iconic Pfister Hotel , a 125-year-old Milwaukee landmark famous for its Victorian art collection, offers active duty military members a 25-percent discount on wedding packages or receptions, as well as military functions, events, or groups. The hotel also will waive cancellation fees for any wedding reception that must be canceled or rescheduled because of deployments. Call (414) 273-8222.

   

Deals are available as of Jan. 3, 2019, and may be subject to change.