by Linda Cann Pearson

Created on: February 04, 2010   Last Updated: November 03, 2010

Presidents’ Day has its origins in the earlier recognition of George Washington, our first President, and was celebrated on February 22, Washington’s actual birthday.  Now Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February and recognizes not only Washington but other presidents as well.  As many schools throughout the United States are closed on Presidents’ Day and also for that entire week, Presidents’ Day week has become a popular time for planning a family vacation.

People often plan winter vacations up north for the skiing while others go south seeking the sunshine.  But this is also a great week to plan a trip with a Presidents’ Day theme in mind.  Why not take advantage of the many historic and sightseeing opportunities available that pay homage to our presidents, both past and present?

There are a number of great options available if you are considering a vacation during Presidents’ Day week.  Two suggestions offered by Vacationrentals.com include Washington, DC and historic Williamsburg in Virginia.

No other destination could possibly offer as much presidential history and educational sightseeing as a visit to our nation’s capital.  If you do go there, try to stay in the area awhile as there is so much to take in, including historic landmarks, memorials, government buildings and museums, which will take several days of exploring on your part.

Stop by the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, the White House, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Senate, House and Supreme Court buildings, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Arlington National Cemetery, where many of our veterans and several of our presidents are buried, including JFK.  A visit to the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, boasting over 120 million natural science specimens, is another favorite.

If time allows after your tour of DC, take a side trip to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, located on the Potomac River in Virginia.  Mount Vernon is considered a National Historic Landmark and is open to tourists every day, including all holidays.  Walk around the plantation grounds and tour the home for a real glimpse into Washington’s life.  Did you know that Washington was once one of our country’s largest whiskey distillers?  A few years ago Washington’s original distillery at Mount Vernon was updated and whiskey is once again being produced

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