How would you like to get up close and personal to the places that witnessed the birth and most important events in our great nation? Boy, do I have the road trip for you!

I have a 14 day itinerary that literally includes everything any fan of the USA wants and needs to experience.

The trip begins in our capital, Washington DC. You’ll see Arlington Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the White House, the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. You’ll even cross the Mason-Dixon Line for a visit to Gettysburg. You’ll leave DC and head to Harpers Ferry Historic National Park, and then crest the Blue Ridge Mountains for magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.

On day four you’ll travel through lumber and limestone country to wonderfully Wild West Virginia. After lunch in Lewisburg, a Civil War battlefield, you’ll travel to Fayetteville and stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world’s third longest steel span bridge, rising 876 feet above the river.

Day five introduces you to Charleston, West Virginia, the one-time home of none other than Daniel Boone. This afternoon will be spent at the Kentucky Horse Park, where Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world.

Day six will include a stop at Sinking Spring Farm, and the one room cabin where Abraham Lincoln was born. Your visit to the Lincoln Museum will be a fascinating introduction to his life and times.

Day seven includes a trip to Colonel Sander’s original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, and the fascinating Museum of Appalachia with 65 acres of farmland, cabins and historic barns. Gatlinburg is a fantastic mountain retreat; you’re going to enjoy a full day of leisure here. Why not go to Dollywood?

The Great Smoky Mountains are next on the tour, driving through them on your way to Asheville. The view from the 5,046 feet Newfound Gap Road will take your breath away. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, home of the Vanderbilt’s, must be seen to be believed.

Day ten includes seeing the initials of George Washington carved into a cliffside in Virginia from his days as a surveyor there.

Day eleven includes a tour of the Stonewall Jackson House, then on to the wonderful Monticello Estate, home of Thomas Jefferson.

Day twelve takes you to the Jamestown Settlement, for a guided tour and then the remainder of the day in Williamsburg, a fascinating living history museum where American heritage is proudly preserved.

Day thirteen includes Richmond, capitol of the Confederacy, and Mount Vernon, beloved home of George Washington.

Day fourteen is the final day of this amazing adventure-can you believe it went by so quickly?

Joy Gawf-Crutchfield owns and operates The Joy of Travel. Contact Joy at 918-339-4805

Historic America, American History Comes Alive