Cross Country Road Trip (Part 1 of 2)

Despite its reputation as a gambling haven, Atlantic City, New Jersey, invites families of all sorts to enjoy its spas, dining and proximity to the ocean. Casinos sprung up in the 1970s, but the city still retains much of its beach-resort character from before that time.

After World War II, the city began rebuilding and refashioning itself as a tourist destination, nodding to its rich history with sites that commemorate the country’s first Miss America Pageant as well as organizations such as the South Jersey Cultural Alliance that hosts plays and cultural events in the area. The city became a bit run-down after gaming became a main industry, but the arrival of the decidedly upscale Borgata Hotel a few years ago helped usher in an era of improvements. 

Stroll between the beach and the rest of town on the Boardwalk, which has been renovated thanks to hurricanes, and cuts a line between amusement piers and hotels, restaurants and shops—you can also opt to be pushed around in a rolling chair, a popular way to travel. Delight the kids with a trip to Lucy the Elephant, a 65-foot tall landmark shop shaped like an elephant, where visitors can shop for funky gifts.

Philadelphia, the birthplace of modern American democracy, was founded by William Penn in the late 17th century. The city’s name translates to “City of Brotherly Love” and has been a symbol of freedom since its inception. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is the country's fifth-largest city.

Philly’s Old City houses its most historic attractions (the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Independence Hall), as well as a burgeoning young artist and student community.

Philadelphia is one of America’s most walkable cities, which adds to its tourist appeal. Philly is marked extremely well by “Walk! Philadelphia” signs on each block (sometimes only several feet apart) that guide visitors toward shopping, dining, art galleries, cultural attractions and public transportation. Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to many museums such as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (from the Rocky movies).

Philadelphia has the largest collection of public art in America, courtesy of the city’s innovative Mural Arts Program, designed to stop graffiti and enliven the city’s buildings. Other notable public art includes the many glass mosaics found throughout the city; a sampling can be seen on South Street east of Broad.

For being the first state, Delaware doesn’t receive nearly enough credit. The tiny (but not tiniest) state is often overlooked as a destination thanks to the popularity of its other New England neighbors. However, the state can be a real treasure if you know where to look.

Escape to Chateau Country, where you will see beautiful landscapes and historic mansions. Located just outside of Wilmington, the state’s largest city, the Hagley Museum and Library, Nemours Mansion and Gardens, and the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate offer a glimpse into the life of the prestigious DuPont family.

Head out to the coast and experience Delaware’s white sand beaches. The state’s beach towns are probably some of the area’s busiest tourist destinations. When the whether starts warming, Delaware residents and other New Englanders flock to Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach, the most popular seaside escapes. Families will love the relative quiet of Bethany Beach, while college students and other travelers looking for a good time may prefer the liveliness of Dewey Beach. Lewes is home to a beautiful historic district as well as Cape Henlopen State Park, a favorite of bird watchers and home to a large seabird nesting colony. Rehoboth Beach is known for its famous wide boardwalk and seasonal festivals.

Dover is the state’s capital and features one of the most beautifully preserved capital complexes in the nation within First State Heritage Park. But no matter where you are in the Blue Hen State, go shopping. The state does not impose sales tax, so feel free to shop ‘til you drop!

Atlanta is Georgia’s capital and largest city. In the late 20th century, the city experience tremendous growth and became a major commercial center: It is home to Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS and CNN, among other large companies. Atlanta was also one of the major centers of the American Civil Rights movement. Martin Luther King was born in the city, and his boyhood home and his tomb at the center of the reflecting pool at The King Center are popular attractions for visitors interested in history.

Downtown Atlanta contains much of the commercial activity of the city. All the places to see here are within a 10-minute walk of each other. Highlights include Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the world) and Imagine It! Children’s Museum. You can also take a tour of the World of Coca-Cola and get a drink of various Coke products from around the world. Midtown Atlanta is the area immediately north of Downtown and is a major restaurant and arts quarter.

Families with children may enjoy the Fernbank Science Center and Museum of Natural History, with its planetarium, dinosaurs and IMAX theater.