Historic attractions
Mar 1st, 2010, 01:14 PM
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Let me elaborate. I'm looking to take my family on a vacation that will be an enriching experience, but need to stay in the region (Carolinas, Virginia). Any opinions out there about the places I mentioned?
Mar 1st, 2010, 02:24 PM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is quite difficult to rank/rate such differing attractions. I've been to all but one of those & I would choose Charleston hands down w/Asheville (Biltmore) a close 2nd. Williamsburg is a bit of a sideshow & DC is another animal altogether. W/Charleston you also bring the islands & Plantations into play. Of course if this is a Summer trip, I likely choose Asheville.
Mar 1st, 2010, 02:50 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 700
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Those are all places that I love, but they are all pretty different. In terms of history, I think that Washington DC and Charleston are going to offer the most historic attractions, but you need to decide what sort of environment you want for your vacation. If you're leaning toward urban/citylife, then I would chose DC. If you would like city with a touch of beach, then I would choose Charleston.
Mar 1st, 2010, 03:13 PM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I lived in DC for years. I went to the Smithsonian all the time and never saw everything. DC also has all the other great monuments as well. If you're going in summer know that it gets HOT.
Now I'm in Charleston. It's a beautiful city with nice people and gorgeous gardens. The historic sites are numerous. The kids may enjoy seeing the excavation of the Hunley, the Civil War submarine, and Fort Sumter- a boat rides you to it through the harbor.
Now I'm in Charleston. It's a beautiful city with nice people and gorgeous gardens. The historic sites are numerous. The kids may enjoy seeing the excavation of the Hunley, the Civil War submarine, and Fort Sumter- a boat rides you to it through the harbor.
Mar 1st, 2010, 05:40 PM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am a huge fan of Asheville, Charleston and Washington, but I suggest you consider Winston Salem, NC as part of your equation. Old Salem is one of the great historical jewels in the USA. For the most part what you see is the original buildings not reconstructions and the accuracy of the historical interpretation is high. Old Salem is just off I-40 if you decide on Asheville as your ultimate destination. It is worth a stop.
www.oldsalem.org
www.oldsalem.org
Mar 2nd, 2010, 03:10 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies. Very helpful! I hadn't thought about Old Salem. I notice no one mentioned Tryon Palace in New Bern. I recently heard about it and was wondering if it was worth a look. Thoughts?
Mar 2nd, 2010, 03:48 AM
#8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Beaufort and will occasionally stop in New Bern on my way. If I were planning a stop in New Bern a visit to Tryon Palace would be a very nice diversion. I would not however plan a trip with that as my objective. I hope that is responsive to your question. I feel much the same way about Biltmore. It is a gorgeous house and I have enjoyed visiting it several times, but as far as a great historical spot, it just isn't in a league with the others.
Enjoy your trip, you have a lot of great possibilities.
Enjoy your trip, you have a lot of great possibilities.
Mar 2nd, 2010, 05:46 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think it depends on the ages and interests of your group. I love Asheville but would never consider the Biltmore to be a historic attraction in comparison to the Williamsburg area, Charleston or Washington DC. If I wanted to go to the beach as part of the trip, I'd pick Charleston. If I wanted to go to a lot of museums and monuments, I'd pick Washington. If I wanted family friendly historic attractions, I'd go to Williamsburg. If I wanted to include hiking and other outdoor activities, I'd go to Asheville. I wouldn't plan a trip around going to Tryon Palace but I'd go there if I was passing by it.
Mar 2nd, 2010, 11:07 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again for the detailed posts. Interesting that Williamsburg would be perceived as a "sideshow" and that Biltmore isn't viewed as being in the same league with some of the other locations in terms of historical significance. Anybody else feel that way?
Mar 2nd, 2010, 01:04 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Suewoo - no problem about the double. My pup is constantly putting her paws all over my keyboard. It's why we love them, right? Also, sorry if I came across as judgmental about the comments. Didn't mean to. You are right that the advice has been awesome. Just thought some of the comments were interesting and wanted to see if others felt the same way. I guess I'm looking to facilitate discussions between people that have experienced these places first hand, then glean insights from the comments that might help us make an informed decision. Thanks again!
Mar 2nd, 2010, 02:21 PM
#17
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 700
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Part of what I would recommend depends on how long a vacation you're talking about. If it's 3-4 days, then Asheville/Biltmore would be fine. If you're talking a week, then I would go to Charleston, since you're ruling out Washington DC.
I love Biltmore, and have been there three times, but as others have said, I wouldn't plan an entire vacation around it. You can see basically everything on the estate in a day. There are some other historic attractions in the Asheville area, such as Carl Sandburg's home, if you are willing to travel around a bit and use Asheville as a base. Asheville is a fun and quirky town to explore and you do have the mountains at your disposal, if hiking interests you.
However, if you really want "historic", I would lean toward Charleston. I think it has such a nice blend of historic sites, plus great dining and shopping, plus the beach. You have multiple forts (Moultrie and Sumter), several plantations, tons of historic homes, the Battery, the USS Yorktown, and the Hunley. There are lots of historic walking tours, Gullah tours, ghost tours, carriage rides, etc.
I love Biltmore, and have been there three times, but as others have said, I wouldn't plan an entire vacation around it. You can see basically everything on the estate in a day. There are some other historic attractions in the Asheville area, such as Carl Sandburg's home, if you are willing to travel around a bit and use Asheville as a base. Asheville is a fun and quirky town to explore and you do have the mountains at your disposal, if hiking interests you.
However, if you really want "historic", I would lean toward Charleston. I think it has such a nice blend of historic sites, plus great dining and shopping, plus the beach. You have multiple forts (Moultrie and Sumter), several plantations, tons of historic homes, the Battery, the USS Yorktown, and the Hunley. There are lots of historic walking tours, Gullah tours, ghost tours, carriage rides, etc.
Mar 2nd, 2010, 02:44 PM
#18
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi There,
I've grown up in NC and am VERY familiar with all of the sites. My family did Revolutionary War re-enacting when I was growing up, so I got to see the "inside view" of most of these areas. Do you have younger children or are they more adult? The reason I ask, is that it makes a difference as to what to do and the interest factor. If I had to make a choice my rankings would be from best to worst:
Williamsburg (a bit theatrical, but it's impossible NOT to have fun, grown up or as a kid, and of all my trips as a child I remember this place with fondest memories,recently made strides to include African American perspectives which really enriches the experience. You are so close when at Williamsburg you might as well check out Jamestown and catch a ride on one of the reconstructed 17th cent. vessels. Keep you eye peeled for wild horses along the back roads)focus: Rev. war, colonial history
Historic Charleston (kinda boring if you are a little kid, GREAT when you get older- make sure to take the ferry to Fort Sumter, the "touristy" part is fun, but expensive, and the town is built around encouraging spending. Fun, but if your budget minded, this may be a tough trip.) Focus: Civil War, Antebellum South, some 18th cent.
The Smithsonian (The greatest suite of museums EVER! Great for kids, adults, everyone. A bit pricey, but so worth it. Take several days to check them all out. DC is a cool city, but very expensive, I would suggest you stay with friends nearby if possible, or stay just outside of DC on the west side. Mt. Vernon -home of Washington, is nearby and if you are into 18th cent. plantations, its pretty interesting.)focus: you name it, they have it.
Tryon Palace (18th cent. and very interesting for local NC history. They have annual re-enactments here, and at Williamsburg, so if you get a chance to go on a weekend when those re-enactments are going on, I think it would enrich the experience. The reenactments are usually in the late spring/ early summer and have folks teaching 18th century things such as cooking over an open fire, they have in the past had a lady come and teach kids how to make corn husk dolls, they teach you how to fire a "Brown Bessy" the musket that helped win the Revolutionary war for America. Little hokey things like that, which add up to alot of fun.) focus: NC colonial history
It's not on your list but, Old Salem. I grew up living next door to the town and it is a lot of fun. It should only take you a day to visit the town, there are about 9 buildings to visit, a historical tavern you can eat in, the best Bakery ever in existence, and activities geared towards various age groups kid-adult. The town was built by a religious people called the Moravians, and many of their decendents still live in the town. Think German- methodists. It is in Winston Salem, NC.
Biltmore estate (As a kid I found it excruciatingly dull. It was alot of big, fancy furniture, and you can't run or explore. As an adult, after a glass of wine it is considerably better. They have an onsite vineyard which offers wine tours as well. Make sure to go in the summer time if you have kids, so that they can get out their energy on the trails around the property. Asheville is a really cool town though, and even if you don't go to the Builtmore, you should check out Asheville sometime. They have fantastic hiking, water craft activities, golfing, camping, etc. It's one of my favorite places.)
Good luck with the vacation planning. Sorry for any typos, after half a pot of coffee, my brain gets ahead of my fingers. Take Care!
MT
I've grown up in NC and am VERY familiar with all of the sites. My family did Revolutionary War re-enacting when I was growing up, so I got to see the "inside view" of most of these areas. Do you have younger children or are they more adult? The reason I ask, is that it makes a difference as to what to do and the interest factor. If I had to make a choice my rankings would be from best to worst:
Williamsburg (a bit theatrical, but it's impossible NOT to have fun, grown up or as a kid, and of all my trips as a child I remember this place with fondest memories,recently made strides to include African American perspectives which really enriches the experience. You are so close when at Williamsburg you might as well check out Jamestown and catch a ride on one of the reconstructed 17th cent. vessels. Keep you eye peeled for wild horses along the back roads)focus: Rev. war, colonial history
Historic Charleston (kinda boring if you are a little kid, GREAT when you get older- make sure to take the ferry to Fort Sumter, the "touristy" part is fun, but expensive, and the town is built around encouraging spending. Fun, but if your budget minded, this may be a tough trip.) Focus: Civil War, Antebellum South, some 18th cent.
The Smithsonian (The greatest suite of museums EVER! Great for kids, adults, everyone. A bit pricey, but so worth it. Take several days to check them all out. DC is a cool city, but very expensive, I would suggest you stay with friends nearby if possible, or stay just outside of DC on the west side. Mt. Vernon -home of Washington, is nearby and if you are into 18th cent. plantations, its pretty interesting.)focus: you name it, they have it.
Tryon Palace (18th cent. and very interesting for local NC history. They have annual re-enactments here, and at Williamsburg, so if you get a chance to go on a weekend when those re-enactments are going on, I think it would enrich the experience. The reenactments are usually in the late spring/ early summer and have folks teaching 18th century things such as cooking over an open fire, they have in the past had a lady come and teach kids how to make corn husk dolls, they teach you how to fire a "Brown Bessy" the musket that helped win the Revolutionary war for America. Little hokey things like that, which add up to alot of fun.) focus: NC colonial history
It's not on your list but, Old Salem. I grew up living next door to the town and it is a lot of fun. It should only take you a day to visit the town, there are about 9 buildings to visit, a historical tavern you can eat in, the best Bakery ever in existence, and activities geared towards various age groups kid-adult. The town was built by a religious people called the Moravians, and many of their decendents still live in the town. Think German- methodists. It is in Winston Salem, NC.
Biltmore estate (As a kid I found it excruciatingly dull. It was alot of big, fancy furniture, and you can't run or explore. As an adult, after a glass of wine it is considerably better. They have an onsite vineyard which offers wine tours as well. Make sure to go in the summer time if you have kids, so that they can get out their energy on the trails around the property. Asheville is a really cool town though, and even if you don't go to the Builtmore, you should check out Asheville sometime. They have fantastic hiking, water craft activities, golfing, camping, etc. It's one of my favorite places.)
Good luck with the vacation planning. Sorry for any typos, after half a pot of coffee, my brain gets ahead of my fingers. Take Care!
MT
Apr 14th, 2010, 07:18 AM
#20
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Asheville is a great place to visit, however historically speaking, Biltmore would be at the bottom of the list. It's a lovely house to visit with some history as to the Biltmores, but I wouldn't consider it anywhere close to any of the other places listed for history. It's basically about one family. If Asheville is your choice, then definitely see Biltmore while you're there, but I wouldn't plan a vacation around Biltmore. Charleston is lovely, don't know if you'd want to go as far as Savannah, but I love Savannah, lots of history there. Noone mentioned the Outer Banks of NC, lots of history there with the Wright Brothers, Lost Colony, plus our wonderful beaches.
