America at 250
The largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in the nation’s history will have a major impact on tourism • By Randy
Mink
Group travel organizers, state and local tourism bureaus, and merchandisers of all stripes are hoping to reap big rewards in 2026, when
the United States will be celebrating the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the Declaration of Independence.
The red-letter day will be July 4, the day our nation’s groundbreaking document was signed, but commemorative events will be taking place in the months before and after. America250, the official non-partisan entity charged by Congress with
planning the anniversary, is spearheaded by the congressionally appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
Many are already comparing America250 celebrations to the country’s bicentennial bash in 1976, a star-spangled year that, for those old enough to remember, evokes memories bathed in red, white and blue. There were sculptures and monuments created for the occasion, special museum exhibitions, historical reenactments, USA-branded keepsakes, parades, and other festivities in towns big and small. Existing festivals took on patriotic and Revolutionary themes.
Former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios, who heads America250 as chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, fondly recalls observing bicentennial fetes as an
11-year-old in Northern California, where she grew up with eight siblings raised by a single mother, an immigrant from Mexico. She watched sailing ships gather in Boston and New York harbors on her family’s black-and-white television, visited the national Freedom Train exhibit when it stopped in Oakland and witnessed the Fourth of July fireworks.
“I remember feeling a strong love of country during the bicentennial in 1976,” Rios said. “I want my kids— and all Americans—to experience that same feeling for the upcoming semiquincentennial.”
So far, 43 U.S. states and territories have established a 250 commission to coordinate festivities in their respective jurisdictions. Much of the focus in 2026
will be on the Eastern Seaboard, where colonial America had its beginnings.
Sharing Ideas
In March 2024, more than 450 attendees from 34 states and more than 50 Virginia localities met to share ideas at Colonial Williamsburg for the second annual “A Common Cause to All” conference. Hosted by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, it offered inspiration and networking opportunities for the educators, historical institutions, and political and civic leaders who gathered. A theme running throughout the forum was how the 250 commemoration can bring together and unite Americans, much as the Bicentennial did in 1976. Observance of the milestone can also increase interest in American history for all ages, but particularly for children, as many speakers emphasized. Sessions focused on teacher resources, digital content, multi-state collaboration, Gen Z engagement, democracy in polarizing times, and engaging diverse and underserved communities.
“Once again, we come together in common cause to continue building collaborative programming and events to commemorate our nation’s semiquincentennial,” said Carly Fiorina, board chair of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “We are committed to educating our fellow Americans about the entirety of the complex but nevertheless inspiring story of our nation’s founding, engaging with every community and ultimately inspiring our fellow citizens to continue the work to form a more perfect union.”
Ken Burns’ Documentary
Attendees in Williamsburg got a sneak peak at Ken Burns’ new documentary “The American Revolution,” which will air on PBS stations in 2025. Already
THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
Halifax, NC
Once upon a time, in the heart of North Carolina, there was a place where history whispered through the streets and where the spirit of independence was born. That place was Halifax County, and its gem, Historic Halifax, is a portal to a different era. The “Birthplace of American Independence” has embarked on an extraordinary journey through time, a two-year-long celebration of America’s 250th year! The State of North Carolina and the County of Halifax are hosting a revolutionary celebration!
Make plans now to walk the footpaths and visit centuries-old buildings that stand as a living testament to the courage of those who once gathered here. It was in this very place, on April 12, 1776, that the Halifax Resolves were adopted—an audacious call for complete independence from Great Britain. This document paved the way for America’s declaration of independence and left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Special tours, events, and reenactments will be staged throughout the two years leading to the Grand Celebration of our Nation’s Independence in July 2026.
On August 1, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read in North Carolina for the first time at the Courthouse Site in Historic Halifax. Make plans to attend Independence Comes to NC on August 1 at 7:00 pm for a reenactment of the historic moment!
While in Halifax, stroll down King Street and enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Hen & The Hog. This Halifax eatery supports local farmers, and flavors change with the season. Two Doors Down offers a lighter fare, and The Trophy Room is a local pub with a “wild” atmosphere. Plan to shop in a multi-merchant venue, The Bass House, for locally made products.
Halifax County
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America will look to the past while planning for the future in 2026.
six years in the making, the six-part, 12-hour series will look at the fight for America’s independence and the birth of the United States.
America Waves
Rios is helming the America Waves campaign, which will encourage everyone to pause their personal celebrations on Independence Day in 2026 at 2:50 p.m. and collectively wave their American flags. Also on that day, a time capsule containing memorabilia from all 50 states will be buried at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Leading America250 efforts in
New England, Masschusetts held a weekend-long event honoring the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in December 2023. During that monumental event leading up to the Revolution, colonists protested taxes imposed by the British by destroying 92,000 pounds of London’s East India Company tea on December 16, 1773. Re-enactments in Boston were staged at Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House, Boston’s Downtown Crossing and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
In Yorktown, Virginia from November 7-10, 2024, a similar re-enactment will commemorate the Yorktown Tea Party, a
less famous cousin of the Boston protest. On November 7, 1774, rebellious colonists stormed the waterfront, climbed aboard the ship Virginia and emptied two half chests of tea into the York River. Similar protests against British taxation and lack of colonial representation in Parliament occurred in other colonies as well.
“It’s crucial to remember that the Boston Tea Party was not an isolated incident,” said Michael Steen, director of education of the Watermen’s Museum and chair of the Yorktown Tea Party 250th Anniversary Planning Committee.
As one of the three points in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, Yorktown—
along with Williamsburg and Jamestown—promises to be a focus of VA250 celebrations for the next two years. Perennially popular with group tours, it is home to the highly regarded American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, two other premier living history museums, also will appear in many Virginia itineraries, as will Historic Jamestowne museum and archaeological excavation site and Yorktown Battlefield, a National Park Service unit.
Multiple Virginia towns and historical attractions this fall will observe the Lafayette Grand Tour 200th Anniversary, which commemorates the 1824-1825 U.S. tour made by France’s Major General Marquis de Lafayette on his return to the country for which he helped gain independence. He was feted in 24 states with parades, balls and other festivities. Lafayette bicentennial events will take place in Fredericksburg, Yorktown, Loudoun County, Charlottesville (Monticello), Fairfax County (Mount Vernon) and other locations. The Fredericksburg Area Museum just unveiled the exhibition Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.
A Fleet of Tall Ships
In June of 2026, Sail250 Virginia will feature an international fleet of tall ships and military vessels in Norfolk and other ports in the Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay region. Offering free visits to the public, the fleet also will sail into Boston, New York, Baltimore and New Orleans.
A signature VA250 exhibition will run from March 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond. Titled Give Me Liberty: Virginia and the Forging of a Nation, it intends to inspire appreciation for the actions of
iconic and ordinary individuals who brought about a model of democratic government. The opening coincides with the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. The spellbinder, to
be reenacted at St. John’s Church on March 23, 2025, galvanized the revolutionary spirit.
Other upcoming exhibitions at the museum include Free Black People in Virginia (June 14, 2025 to July 5, 2026), a
look at how free black Virginians achieved their freedom, fought for civil rights and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal. We the People (March 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027) will spotlight those who have made Virginia the place it is and the impact of the immigrant experience throughout the Commonwealth’s history.
The small town of Halifax, which claims the title “Birthplace of American Independence,” is the focal point for North Carolina’s America250 observances. Its two-year celebration kicked off in April at Halifax State Historic Site, which commemorates
the Halifax Resolves, a document generally considered the first official act of any colony to sever ties from Great Britain. Created by North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress in Halifax, it empowered North Carolina representatives to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to vote for independence and urged the other 12 colonies to follow suit.
In anticipation of America250 celebrations, Princess Cruises is offering a “Historic America” cruisetour in 2025 that combines a seven-night land tour with overnight stays in Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Staunton, Gettysburg and
Philadelphia prior to boarding a sevenday Canada/New England cruise on the Enchanted Princess roundtrip from New York City. Departure dates are August 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; and October 4, 11 and 18, 2025. Rates start at $4,529 per person.
Land highlights on the cruisetour include Washington, D.C. monuments and museums, Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, Jamestown Settlement and a full day in Colonial Williamsburg. Ports of call on the cruise are Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Portland, Maine; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Multiple towns and historical attractions across the country will observe the semiquincentennial.
America’s 250th: A Historic Opportunity for Travel & Exploration
This anniversary is a chance to reflect on the past and look toward the future
• By Rosie Rios
In two short years, our nation will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence – a remarkable milestone built on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and equality.
While two years may feel like an eternity, the planning for the 250th commemoration is already well underway. This anniversary, 250 years in the making, is about so much more than just a date in the history books – it’s a historic opportunity for all Americans to pause, reflect on our past, and envision our shared future.
It’s a chance to explore.
To rediscover what being an American means to each of us.
To encourage our children to experience history outside of the classroom.
And to learn something new, whether it’s in our own backyards or halfway across the country.
Already, education and exploration are at the heart of the national effort to celebrate the 250th through initiatives like America’s Field Trip, a nationwide scholastic contest inviting students to reflect on what America means to them, with awardees receiving behindthe-scenes experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. Beginning this July, the first cohort of students will begin embarking on trips across the country, experiencing unforgettable sites like the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, and Fort Point for the very first time. The contest will start again in the Fall, and continue to expand for more students and with new experiences in the leadup to 2026.
But America’s Field Trip is just the start. Museums and historic institutions across the country have already
begun planning their programming and sharing resources. Businesses large and small are eagerly getting involved, and plans from the federal to the state and local level are well underway to ensure that this is the largest and most inclusive commemoration in American history. This effort goes well beyond well-known landmarks and the 13 original colonies, including countless lesser-known historical sites in every corner of the country. From Fairbanks to Philadelphia, every city, every state, every territory, and every American has a story to share – and there’s never been a better opportunity to share it.
And while there’s no question that we live in divisive times, it’s precisely because of these challenges that an effort like this is so needed and welcome. This is an anniversary for all Americans – a chance for us to take a step back and to learn from each other and our history – the tragedy, the triumph, and the untold stories in between.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege to crisscross the country – from Milwaukee to Los Angeles, New York City to Montevallo and so many cities in between – speaking with business and civic leaders, nonprofits, historians, and community organizations about the upcoming 250th. And the message I’ve heard is loud and clear – we’re ready to meet this moment, together.
I will never forget the awe and wonder of experiencing the Bicentennial as a child in 1976. I still have my Bicentennial quarter and will always remember the sights and sounds of the Freedom Train, and the feeling that I could accomplish anything. As we inch closer to July 4th, 2026, my goal is to capture that same feeling for millions of Americans, and for us all to feel that this is the land of opportunity all over again.
Rosie Rios is Chair of America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
CelebrateAMERICA’S 250 TH ANNIVERSARY with
Join the movement to honor America’s remarkable 250-year journey! Leisure Group Travel is your destination for all things related to the America 250 commemoration. Whether you’re a destination, attraction, or group tour planner, this is your opportunity to be part of history in the making.
Why Join the America 250 Campaign?
• Elevate Your Visibility: Showcase your destination or attraction in front of thousands of group travel planners looking for patriotic and heritage-themed itineraries.
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• Features on top destinations and events across the country.
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Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the celebration. Visit our America at 250 page for more details on how you can showcase your destination or service or contact us at 630.794.0696, email advertising@ptmgroups.com.
ROUND TRIPS, ROAD TRIPS AND FIELD TRIPS
Travel Inspiration to Rediscover America in 2025
By Rosie Rios, Chair, America250
Anew year always inspires new travel dreams. A vacation to a remote tropical island. A playcation with friends on a bucket list adventure. Or even a family staycation camping out in the backyard.
The possibilities are endless.
But have you considered a U-S-A-cation?
Imagine visiting the birthplace of American
democracy, standing in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia.
Or marveling at the pristine landscapes of Yellowstone, America’s first national park and a testament to our nation’s commitment to conservation and natural beauty.
Or celebrating America’s creative spirit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
America is poised to celebrate its history.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Imagine your child standing where history was made or exploring the wonders of our natural and cultural heritage.
Students may submit their entries through April 16, then awardees will embark on these special experiences and behind-the-scenes tours across the country this summer. The contest will start again in the Fall for more students and with new experiences in the summer of 2026.
There is so much to see and do
But you don’t have to be in school to experience the wonders of our great nation — consider planning your own trip to explore America with family or friends. These historic and cultural landmarks offer an opportunity for all of America to come together and rediscover our country all over again.
Visit the Alamo in San Antonio to honor the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom.
Fort McHenry in Baltimore Independence Hall in Philadelphia
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
sites in every corner of the country. Reconnect with America’s roots. Reflect on our shared heritage. And reground ourselves in the values that unite us: freedom, opportunity, and hope.
As we countdown to July 4, 2026, let this year be your year to discover the landmarks closest to you or plan a memorable trip to explore these iconic destinations, celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy, and create new memories with family and friends — rediscovering America, together.
Rosie Rios, chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, served as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and was the CEO of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Augusta County is your gateway to Virginia’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. Explore historic landmarks, uncover stories of our nation’s founding, and immerse yourself in the landscapes that shaped our heritage. This picturesque region serves as the ideal base for celebrating Virginia’s legacy while embracing exciting outdoor adventures.
STAUNTON, AUGUSTA COUNTY, AND WAYNESBORO, VA
Jessica Williams
540-332-3865
williamsjb@ci.staunton.va.us
www.VisitStaunton.com
www.VisitAugustaCounty.com
www.VisitWaynesboro.com
AUGUSTA, VA
An Augusta County Adventure
DAY 1
Pay a visit to the 29th Division Museum to explore more than 280 years of Colonial, United States and World History through the story of the one United States Army Infantry Division. You can also see the Augusta Military Academy Museum to learn more about Virginia’s first secondary-level military academy formed after the Civil War. Admission to the museum is free.
For lunch, stop at the Valley Pike Farm Market , which preserves and celebrates history while supporting and promoting agritourism and small businesses within the Shenandoah Valley.
After lunch, visit the Blue Ridge Tunnel . Built in the 1850s to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the time of its completion, it was the longest railroad tunnel in the United States.
For dinner, savor a nice meal at Stable Craft Brewing , a four-season destination Brewery & Cidery serving hand-crafted beer, cider, sodas and a wide variety of local wines.
DAY 2
Discover the life and legacy of the 28th President at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum . Take a guided tour of the Presbyterian Manse where Wilson was born and spent the first year of his life. Next stop is the museum which includes Wilson’s Pierce-Arrow limousine, an interactive World War I trench and seven exhibit galleries which represent through historic photographs, documents and objects, the life and public service of Woodrow Wilson.
Next, head to downtown Staunton. Named “one of America’s Greatest Main Streets,” groups will be captivated by the development of Staunton from frontier settlement to booming 19th Century commercial center to today’s beautifully restored downtown featuring an eclectic mix of architectural styles. For dinner, head to Mill Street Grill, which features exceptional food.
DAY 3
Pay a visit to the Waynesboro Heritage Museum . Located in the historic First National Bank Building, in the heart of downtown Waynesboro, the museum portrays the history of Waynesboro through permanent and rotating exhibits covering history from the Beverly Grant under King George II of England in 1797, early Teasville (Teesville), Basic City, railroads, education, industry and more. For lunch, downtown Waynesboro features a dozen locally owned eateries within just a few blocks.
The Plumb House Museum is the oldest frame structure in Waynesboro, built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. In 1865, the house was in the center of the action of the Battle of Waynesboro – the last significant Civil War Battle in the Shenandoah Valley.
You can also enjoy a Waynesboro Downtown Historic Walking Tour . Waynesboro’s downtown district embraces the historic core of the city. Platted in 1798, the area developed into a place of business and residence over the course of the 19th century.
Niagara Falls USA is rich in history from a pre-Revolutionary War site to the rise of clean power and beyond. Take your groups on an adventure and explore the sites that tell the area’s story.
DESTINATION
NIAGARA USA
Tina Mt. Pleasant
Director of Travel Trade Sales
716-282-8992 x315 tmtpleasant@niagarafallsusa.com niagarafallsusa.com
Experience History in Niagara Falls
DAY 1
While the Falls formed approximately 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls State Park was established much later — in 1885 — making it the oldest state park in the United States. Begin the day with a ride on the Niagara Scenic Trolley to get acquainted with the history and layout of the state park.
Once oriented, take a water-soaked voyage on the iconic, all-electric Maid of the Mist boat ride, which has been operating since 1846.
Next, head to the Cave of the Winds & The World Changed Here Pavilion. First, learn how Nikola Tesla harnessed the power of the Falls to create hydroelectricity. Then, don a poncho and descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge, making your way along the walkways and stairs that bring you within feet of the crashing Bridal Veil Falls.
Then, visit Oakwood Cemetery, the final resting place of many notorious Niagara Falls legends, including daredevil Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to survive a trip over the Falls in a barrel!
DAY 2
Go back in time to the creation of the Erie Canal on a guided sightseeing boat tour with Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. You’ll see five of the original locks on the Erie Canal — which in its entirety runs for 363 miles — and cruise beneath the widest bridge in the country.
Finish your time in Lockport by walking through the Erie Canal Discovery Center , which features interactive experiences to help visitors
better understand the history of this feat of engineering. It’s never too early for sweet treats! Continue to North Tonawanda with a visit to Platter’s Chocolate Factory , a local favorite since 1938. Try the signature orange-flavored chocolates and sponge candy, and watch the chocolate-making process unfold through the various viewing areas.
Afterward, take a spin on an original Alan Herschell carousel at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum , where visitors of all ages can ride antique carrousels, view historic exhibitions and galleries, and witness wood-carving demonstrations.
DAY 3
No trip to the region is complete without a stop at Old Fort Niagara , the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America. Wander original 18th-century buildings, watch musket and artillery firing demonstrations, and more.
Move onto the Civil War era with a visit to the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center , an experiential museum that tells the story of how the actions of the community — particularly the free Black American residents — coupled with the region’s natural geographic benefits and location on the border to Canada were critical in bringing countless individuals to freedom.
Visit the Niagara Power Vista , an electric experience highlighting the region’s hydroelectric power prowess. Peruse the 50 interactive exhibits on hydroelectricity and then sneak outside for a bird’s-eye view from the observation deck.
NIAGARA FALLS USA
Nestled in the lush countryside of Philadelphia, escape to Chester County’s Brandywine Valley. Discover fascinating histories, inspiring arts and hidden countryside gems.
Settle into vibrant downtowns lined with local shops, homegrown restaurants and small-town charms as a central hub for your visit.
CHESTER COUNTY’S BRANDYWINE VALLEY
Courtney Babcock, Director of Sales
484-840-7213
Courtney@BrandywineValley.com www.brandywinevalley.com
CHESTER COUNTY, PA
Savor History, Art and Antiques
DAY 1
Pay a visit to Nemours Estate in the Brandywine Valley, A.I. duPont’s 77-room French-inspired mansion and formal gardens, built in 1910. It is filled with arts, antiques and relics from the age of aristocracy. The estate also features 200 acres of French-inspired formal gardens, grounds and woodlands.
A must-see experience is Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, featuring 1,077 acres of botanical bliss, indoors and out. From May–October, plan an evening visit to experience an illuminated fountain performance. Guests can explore the history of the du Pont family and the creation of Longwood at the Pierre S. du Pont house. Groups can break for lunch at Longwood Gardens Café , which features a selection of ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads, hot entrée selections, freshly prepared desserts and its famous Longwood Gardens mushroom soup. A more upscale dining option is Brandywine Prime Restaurant in Chadds Ford, PA, a charming, upscale restaurant for modern American cuisine with excellent steaks, chops, and seafood along with a stellar wine selection. Wind down by visiting downtown Kennett , where you can shop, stroll and dine in the charming Mushroom Capital of the World.
DAY 2
Begin your day with a stop at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in the Brandywine Valley, the former 175-room estate and
surrounding natural gardens of H.F. du Pont. The museum boasts the most significant collection of American decorative arts and antiques. Guided tours and garden tram tours are available.
For lunch, Winterthur’s Visitor Center Café offers grab and go sandwiches, wraps, and salads, a soup of the day, sweet treats and snacks, coffee, tea and assorted bottled beverages. The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford is internationally recognized for its unparalleled collection and dedication to presenting Wyeth and American art. Located in West Chester, PA, the American Helicopter Museum is a family-friendly aviation museum. It is home to one of the world’s largest collections of rotorcraft. Marvel at the wonders of vertical flight through exciting, immersive and multisensory activities.
DAY 3
The Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site sits on 46 acres of the 1777 Continental Army encampment and offers step-on guided tours. A museum and visitor center tell the stories of the fighting that took place there.
Valley Forge National Historical Park encompasses 3,500 acres and is visited by nearly 2 million people each year. Visitors can see restored historic structures, reconstructed structures such as the iconic log huts, and monuments erected by the states from which the Continental soldiers came. Visitor facilities include a visitor center and museum featuring original artifacts.
The lessons learned from Gettysburg’s dramatic history have had a profound impact on how we see our country — and ourselves. The hallowed battlefields and powerful memorials tell the American story in a way that nowhere else can — as an unfiltered, personal experience. There has never been a better time to bring your group to Gettysburg.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. For The People.
Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia has plenty to discover. What makes Philadelphia so memorable is its blend of activities that must be experienced in person. Explore four centuries of history, beautiful neighborhoods, remarkable museum collections and endless shopping.
PHILADELPHIA CVB
Annie Jirapatnakul
215-636-3405
annie@discoverPHL.com discoverPHL.com
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Fabulous Fun in Philadelphia
DAY 1
Start your Philadelphia excursion with a visit to the Betsy Ross House. This historic house commemorates the life and accomplishments of Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia patriot believed to have made the first American flag.
Next, pay a visit to the Science History Institute, which illuminates the incredible science and technology that is “hidden in plain sight.”
For lunch, stop at Positano Coast. Head to this vibrant Italian restaurant in the Old City neighborhood for a group-friendly lunch. Opt for the seasonal Italian menu with a variety of choices that will please any palate.
The Penn Museum is a 136-year-old “must-see” cultural gem that expands access to archaeology and anthropology to everyone. The Penn Museum can provide group-friendly dinner options on-site before groups explore the cultures of Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean.
DAY 2
Start your second day by exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant street art scene. Take a guided Mural Arts Tour to see some of the city’s more than 4,500 murals. It’s a fantastic way to discover the culture and creativity embedded in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Guided tours are available.
After the mural tour, head to the National Liberty Museum, where you can learn about freedom’s history in America, from the Founding Fathers to modern-day activists.
For lunch, visit The Plough and The Stars , where you can savor traditional Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie or fish and chips.
For an unforgettable evening, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia. Experience stunning views of the city’s impressive skyline and landmarks from the water, while enjoying delicious food and lively entertainment.
DAY 3
Spend the morning wandering through Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods. Visit iconic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and learn about the early days of the United States.
Next, head to the National Constitution Center , where you can explore interactive exhibits about the U.S. Constitution.
Spend your afternoon exploring over 80 merchants at the Reading Terminal Market, a food lover’s paradise. Sample Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteaks, fresh produce, and delicious baked goods.
It’s also a great place to shop for local goods and souvenirs.
End your visit with a stroll to the Philadelphia Museum of Art , where you can not only admire impressive art collections but also recreate the iconic scene from Rocky by running up the museum’s 72 step entrance.
Start planning your next group adventure to Philadelphia at discoverPHL.com
Explore Philadelphia’s rich history and culture with your group. Visit iconic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street, explore the nation’s first zoo and uncover excitement at every turn.
Philadelphia will be the place to be in 2026 as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
Let your group discover the many wonders of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. The Historic Triangle offers the perfect blend of storied attractions, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and enriching entertainment for groups of all sizes and interests. Beyond the country’s largest living history museum, find delightful surprises including culinary gems, eclectic boutiques, and gravity-defying roller coasters.
Tap into the spirit of discovery and set epic memories in motion. Plan your group’s incredible getaway today.
Make History
Take the opportunity to commemerate history in the place that started it all. Immerse yourself in America’s rich heritage with one-of-a-kind living history museums, enjoy farm-to-table freshness, explore year-round adventures and many special events to commemorate the occasion. Visit Williamsburg is the ultimate resource for all of your group planning needs.
For inquires and updates on the upcoming events, please contact: 757-920-6294 | sales@visitwilliamsburg.com | visitwilliamsburg.com/events