It’s hard to believe how quickly the summer has passed. Suddenly, it’s time to go back to class. Before the first school bell rings, why not squeeze in one more family trip? You can count on IHG® Army Hotels to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We hope these trip ideas will inspire you to visit one of our posts or take time for an adventure in your hometown.
Make History with a visit to our nation’s capital.
Your kids will be ready to write the ultimate ‘What I Did Over the Summer’ essays and score top marks in history class after a visit to Washington, DC. The B&B-inspired IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall on Fort Myer is the perfect place to stay during your visit. Savor a made-to-order breakfast in the morning, and snack on complimentary muffins, cookies, and coffee 24/7. And team up for bowling, bingo, and sports activities, all available on-site. A short metro ride will deliver your troops to hundreds of historic sites and museums.
Most of the city’s museums are free, thanks to the Smithsonian Institute (https://washington.org/smithsonian-institution-museums). Be sure to visit the National Air & Space Museum to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo space mission. Relive the awe and wonder the world felt when man took his first steps on the moon.
The National Museum of American History houses past and present treasures. You can scrutinize every stitch of the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, examine the top hat worn by President Lincoln when he was assassinated, and click your heels next to the ruby slippers Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Your little caped crusaders will marvel at the Superheroes exhibit that runs through early September 2019. It features displays of superhero costumes and memorabilia used in popular movies and television shows.
The National Zoo is another family favorite. Join visitors from around the world to gaze upon the country’s most famous panda family: Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Bei Bei.
Monuments are a must-see when you visit the city. Walk or take a bus tour along the National Mall to pay tribute to the country’s forefathers and those who fought for our freedom. The two-mile stretch, known as “America’s Front Yard,” is home to the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, as well as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. On your way back to IHG Army Hotels, there may even be time to visit the John F. Kennedy gravesite and observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Experience thrill rides and the simple life in Pennsylvania.
Before it’s time to hit the books, take your family on an eye-opening road trip to Pennsylvania. You’ll discover rides that’ll make you scream and a quaint town that will make you dream of a time gone by. Make the IHG Army Hotels on Carlisle Barracks your home base during your stay. It’s distinguished by the three historic buildings that make up the guest quarters. The restored and updated buildings have spacious guest rooms that are decked out with modern amenities such as high-speed internet, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
If your kids need to blow off some steam before heading back to school, spend a day at Hersheypark® (https:/www.hersheypark.com/) in Hershey, PA. At the world’s sweetest amusement park, your family can ride 14 roaring rollercoasters, dive into a water park, go wild at the zoo, or snap selfies with the entire cast of Hersey’s chocolate characters. Gulping down a king-sized Reese’s® shake topped with gummy worms is also highly recommended.
Keep the adventure going in Lancaster, PA, where you can navigate a corn maze, conquer a zip lining course, and lick your way through the Turkey Hill ice cream experience. (https://www.turkeyhillexperience.com).
For a lesson on how to put down your mobile device, pay a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch Country (https://lancasterpa.com/) in Lancaster. Learn all about the Amish way of life and how they make it through the day without cars or electricity. Take a look inside the sparse quarters of a homestead and trot to town in a horse and buggy. The Amish are known for their sturdy wares that are handed down through generations.
Make IHG® Army Hotels part of your next adventure.
As the sun sets on summer, the fun doesn’t have to end. Whether you are stationing or vacationing, find the perfect IHG Army Hotels location (https://www.ihg.com/armyhotels/content/us/en/installations) for your next adventure.