History is Alive with the Vacation Destinations of Historical Presidents

Often we only remember the highlights of our textbooks in history class.   There is nothing like the yawn-inducing boredom of textbook history.   That’s why visiting places that we were not beat over the head with can be such a pleasant surprise, especially for young people.   History can come alive!

That being said, most of us are aware of some of the most popular homes of former U.S. presidents – the log cabin of Abraham Lincoln folklore or Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. But there’s a good chance that you’ve come across a different type house that has presidential historical significance – the little-known summer homes of former U.S. presidents.

Skeptical? We don’t blame you. After all, there aren’t a whole lot of presidents, and only some of them actually had summer homes. But if you haven’t come across these little-known summer homes, maybe that’s good news, because you can go out and find a new historical experience using one of these three little-known summer homes:

1. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Forest, VA.

Thomas Jefferson is a well-established icon of Virginia, having been crucial in its initial shaping and having founded the University of Virginia itself. So it makes sense that Jefferson also left, in Virginia, a small sample of the summers he enjoyed.

Why visit? Because he also wrote “A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.” So take it from Jefferson and swing by Forest, VA when you get your next chance.

If you go on the July 4th weekend, you can expect a full display of marching soldiers, mock battles for kids to join in, drums, harp music, pottery making, a dugout canoe, weaving, basket making, speeches, patriotic songs and plenty of leisurely time to roam Poplar Forest and see the beauty of Jefferson’s summer home.

2. Martha’s Vineyard – Ulysses S. Grant.

When you think summer Massachusetts getaway, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about another president – John F. Kennedy, perchance? – than one of the heroes of the civil war. But Ulysses S. Grant did visit Martha’s Vineyard in the 1870s, only to be followed in tradition by presidents like JFK and Bill Clinton. Today, Martha’s Vineyard continues to host a number of famous celebrities and notable people, but that tradition was started a long time ago.

Considering the entirety of the history around Martha’s Vineyard and Massachusetts in general, Martha’s Vineyard is not only a great vacation spot but an interesting place to bring people who are interested in American history. If you visit The Vineyard from mid-September through mid-October, you can take part in the annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. This small island boasts many unique attractions year round throughout the many small towns. Oak Bluffs is perhaps the most visitor friendly with events and attractions throughout the year including being home to the nation’s oldest carousel – Flying Horses, annual chili festival, fireworks hosted by the local fire dept., portuguese feast in mid-July and more.

3. Eisenhower’s “Summer White House.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower was a hero of World War II and a president who lasted two terms. His own morsel of summer history is in the “Summer White House,” his summer getaway in Newport, Rhode Island. Eisenhower used this “Summer White House” later in his administration and only for a few years, but now that the home is owned by the State of Rhode Island, it’s available for general public visitation.

As the Summer White House now hosts a variety of private events, adding it as a venue for your next big event can allow you to insert some historical trivia into your Newport getaway. Of course, that assumes that your guests are presidential history buffs – but even if they aren’t, you’ll find that this still-living piece of history makes an attractive option for wedding receptions, summer parties, and other events that you’d like to host in Newport.

Paul Moore is a resident of the VA area, near the Thomas Jefferson home.  He is also actively involved with the lakeside housing of this beautiful location in the Smith Mountain Lake community.  Home to quiet residents and gentle host to movie producers alike, the lake is a beautiful accent to the state of VA.