4 of the Best Museums and Attractions to Visit In the Eastern U.S.

With 2020 putting a major halt on travel plans, it stands to reason that those who normally love to get out on the open road look forward to COVID-19 vaccines returning the world to normal. And since the rollout is sweeping the country, it’s time to at least make tentative travel plans, even if you don’t have a specific date in mind. Not only might the planning phase raise your spirits and give you hope for the pandemic nightmare to end, but you have some time to really delve into your options.

Part of what makes traveling to new places interesting is seeing all they have to offer, and a big part of exploring local culture, both past and present, is to visit the museums and attractions. So, if your plans include a trip up and down the United States’ east coast, here are four places you want to add to your list.

Traveling to the South

If you or your kids love space exploration, the NASA Kennedy Space Center must be on your list of museums to visit. Located in Merritt Island, FL, the Space Center offers a look at Apollo treasures to explore, including moon dust, space suits, and other space artifacts. You can talk to an actual astronaut, experience what it’s like to live and work on Mars, and learn how rockets work.

There’s a memorial on the grounds to honor fallen astronauts, an indoor play center for kids, and a space shuttle display with over 60 interactive exhibits. Plus, the admission price includes most of the exhibits, making this museum experience one you can’t miss.

Heading North to Carolina

In Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll find the Biltmore Estate at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built from 1889 to 1895 by George Vanderbilt as a country home, the estate spanned over four acres when the construction ended. The home and land expanded to include dining, shopping, a winery, outdoor activities, and a hotel. The Biltmore shows southern hospitality at its finest while remaining environmentally friendly with 8,000 acres of gardens, solar energy, working farms, and forest preservation.

Tour the estate itself decorated with fine art painting masterpieces, vintage furniture and clothing, an extensive library, and items from George and Edith Vanderbilt’s personal antique collection of treasures.

Stepping Back in Time

Although you do step back in time a bit at the Biltmore Estate, if you want to experience a living, breathing historical site, plan a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Located in Williamsburg, VA, as you might guess, Colonial Williamsburg takes you back to colonial times with historical trades, archaeological sites, and family homes. You can take a carriage ride through the site to view people dressed in period clothing and visit the many museums capturing the times.

The Big Apple

Traveling further north and closer to modern times, if you plan to visit New York, you have to make a stop at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The September 11th Memorial is free to visit and pay respects to the fallen, and the museum is available to learn more about the events that day in 2001, so you’ll always remember. Some places in the museum remain closed to the public, but the history and education are available to view and reflect on the heroes who lost their lives that day.

Lots to See and Do

Choosing where to go on your travels can overwhelm anyone, especially with so many places to visit and experience. But taking this time to plan your future escapades can take some of the stress off today’s troubles and focus it on more optimistic times yet to come.