Oh man, dwooddon, I guess that I'm going to have to change my screen name.... At least you didn't correct my spelling errors: Deleware, Charlottesville, and Bedford and for that I thank you! (Proofread kids, proofread!)

As you seem to be familiar with the area, however, let me ask you a question. There's a small museum in Dayton VA that has an excellent electronic battle map of Jackson's campaign in the valley. Do you know the name of that facility? That would be in the Shenendoah Valley

Or...

Black Hills SD - see Wild Bill and Calamity Jane's graves in the Deadwood cemetery, then see Mt Rushmore, then head west to the Little Big Horn Battlefield in eastern Montana, via Sheridan WY and numerous other places that combine history and scenic beauty. Plus in July you won't need to wring out your clothes a few times a day.

Retired_Teacher: I'd guess you are talking about the Shenandoah Valley Heritage Museum in Dayton. There is (was?) also a similar map at the Gettysburg Battlefied Visitor's Center that allowed visitors to see the progression of the battle over its three days. Twenty minutes looking at that put Gettysburg in more perspective for me than all the reading I had ever done about the battle.

Never fear, I would never correct anyone's spelling on a forum. No matter how much I proof read, I always seem to let at least one "fat-finger" mistake slip through, often more.

girlonthego - your suggestions sound wonderful. Having never been to any of these places before...how long would you stay at each place? Thanks!

My husband, too, is a Civil War buff. About 10 years ago we did a driving trip from Ohio to Colonial Williamsburg (4 days), the Outer Banks (for me!), various battlefields in Virgina and ending up at Appotomatox Court House. Here is my comment, thank goodness for A/C in the car! We did this in August with 95% humidity and 95 degree heat. He was very disappointed I wouldn't tramp the battlefields. ACH had a visitor center but no cold soda machine let alone an ice cream to cool you off. Williamsburg was great, stay on the property if you go and definitely make a trip to the Trellis restaurant (it's the chef who created the Death by Chocolate dessert)

tdmort: I would plan to spend a few days in Washington DC. You will just get an overview. There is simply too much to see, but you can get a taste of the Smithsonian.
I would head down 95 amnd make a brief stop in Richmond (maybe a day and night). (I live in the suburbs of Richmond and there isn't too much to see here although I am not a history buff!) Next I would drive down Rt 5 west towards Williamsburg. You can stop and have lunch at a plantation. I would plan to spend a 3-4 days in Colonial Williamsburg. Busch Gardens is here and you can visit Jamestown and Yorktown from here. Head west to Virginia Beach and spend a couple of days on the ocean!! Head back westbound on Rt 64. There are civil war trails all over Virginia!!
Have fun!

How could y'all leave out New York City?

George Washington was sworn in as our first President of the United States at The Federal Building in the Financial District. There is tons of history in NYC!

What a fun trip (whatever you decide on). There are so many options, I wouldn't know where to start. I recently made a trip to Boston and Phildalphia, primarily to see historical sites. If you are interested in the details, my trip blog is at www.lostinfounders.blogspot.com. I had a great time in both cities. My only real regret was not going to Valley Forge while I was in Philly.

Since you are going in July, I think I would recommend somewhere in New Englad. DC and places south will be hot...unless you are in the mountains.

Wherever you go, let us know how it went!

Thanks girlonthego. I think I'm about to overload. There are so many places to choose from....we are so lucky to live here in the good ole US of A. My husband read all the posts and decided on the Boston area. We were planning on going the last week of June. The HarborFest starts on June 28th - July 4th. Will we still be able to get a room? Will it be a zoo? Our vacation time isn't carved in stone - maybe we should go earlier in June? Although the HarborFest might be fun. Any suggestions? Thanks again to all!

I have been to Boston and it is a great town! You will most likely be cooler in June in Boston than down here in the sweltering south!! Good luck on your plans.

I want to second the suggestions for St. Augustine - it is wonderful.

We love the Black Hills although it is not strictly historical.

Winchester - that is the town where there were 12 battles during the Civil War. Knew someone would mention the name and it would come back to me. By the way if you are planning to stay in the greater d.c. area, md, and pa and if you want a beach you might consider Chincoteague, VA (sp). In July they round up the wild ponies of the island and I've never seen this but that would be a great site to see if you want something to do with nature.

If your not set on a date, look at hotel room cost. They can be very high, especailly if there are any graduations going on. Priceline is good for discounts, but sometimes you can get a small room.

Plan on walking and subways once you are in Boston, not driving. Red Sox tickets are VERY hard to get.

By far my most FAVORITE history trip I ever took was to Monticello in Charlottesville VA. You will be AMAZED at the things Thomas Jefferson did.
Architecture
Horticulture
Ice cream
Politics
Slavery
Inventions.
Really, you will want to see this in your lifetime. He was an amazing person...and the grounds and history are wonderful.
I learned while visiting Monticello Thomas Jeferson took a trip to France and barged down the Canal Du Midi..an engineeering feat itself.. 3 years ago for my 50th I followed in my historical heros footsteps and barged down the Canal Du MIdi too.
Check out www.Monticello.org.

Thank you dwooddon, the Shenandoah Valley Heritage Museum is the name of the facility I was inquiring about! Actually, my husband is the Wargamer and CW buff, but I've learned a lot about military history through his eyes. Electronic maps such as the two that have been mentioned in our dialogue are very helpful to me before touring a battlefield as I don't have much background in regimental strengths, line of sight, flanking maneuvers/manoeuvers (Don't you just love the various spelling options available to us in the English language), range and accuracy of weaponry, etc. While at Gettysburg, did you view the Gettysburg Miniature Battlefield Diorama? It's privately owned and is located along Artillery Ridge at a campground facility.

No, I did not see that diorama - I'm sorry I missed it. Maybe next time. I also like the electronic maps and I wish more of the battlefields had them.

Your comment about spelling variations reminds me of Churchill's comparison of the English and Americans: Two peoples separated by a common language.

I haven't gone back through the replies so this may have been mentioned previously. Compared to Michigan, you are going to find the areas we have been discussing hotter and more humid than you are used to. Keeping hydrated, wearing sun hats and glasses and doing early morning and evening tours will help you enjoy the expereince.

Have a wonderful trip.

You have received so many good suggestions that you can make lots of trips already, but I want to add Kentucky to your list. We have the Cumberland Gap that the first hunters and settlers came through. There is Fort Boonesborough and Fort Harrod, two Shaker villages, the Perryville Civil War battle site, Lincoln's birthplace, and Mammoth Cave National Park among other things.

Also, one of my friends drove the Lewis and Clark trail from St. Louis to Oregon. I think that sounds fascinating, especially since I read the Stephen Ambrose book Undaunted Courage.

Have fun in Boston, and have a clam roll for me.