The Family Heritage Experience, a permanent exhibition that explores the connections between us and our ancestors, opens to the public on April 25 in Boston's Back Bay.
History buffs know: Pennsylvania is ripe with opportunity to be truly immersed in the places where countless notable events took place.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has long been recognized as one of America's premiere travel destinations.
Situated in picturesque Adams County, it offers breathtakingly spectacular landscapes, a wide variety of outdoor activities, eclectic dining and—most notably—an unsurpassed look back at our nation's dramatic and inspiring past. Guests from all across the country return again and again to rediscover its unparalleled history, enduring charm, recreational fun, agricultural and beverage attractions, and famous hospitality.
No trip here is complete without a firsthand appreciation of its rich backstory. Witness the hallowed battlefield in Gettysburg National Military Park and feel the full weight of its solemn significance. Among the powerful memorials, the enormous impact of our shared past resonates deeply. See it as the soldiers did, with a horseback tour led by a Licensed Battlefield Guide—or ride atop a double-decker bus, hearing the tale of the famous battle with the wind in your hair. Pause for a moment of inspiration in the Gettysburg National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his legendary "Gettysburg Address."
Gettysburg's many contemporary museums and intimate house tours offer fascinating insight into every aspect of the Civil War. From strategy to weaponry, from politics to timelines—you'll get to know the details of the conflict from an up–close perspective. Then explore the story beyond the battlefield, discovering the local aftermath of the war, and enabling you to stand in the footsteps of everyday civilians whose lives were turned upside down by three fierce days of fighting in the place they called home. For those interested in other historic subjects, there are also exceptional museums specifically dedicated to both the second world war and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose Gettysburg farm is a National Historic Site.
Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through the historically preserved downtown area encircling beautiful Lincoln Square. Discover our nation's gripping legacy at interactive attractions, state-of-the-art education centers, and virtual reality experiences. Find the perfect gift at quaint shops filled with one-of-a-kind antiques, handmade treasures, enchanting Christmas specialties, and authentic Civil War artifacts. If the spirit is willing, snuggle close together when darkness descends for an eerie evening ghost tour of famous haunts.
There's no other town in America quite like Gettysburg. Come see why it was recently recognized as the "Most Welcoming City in the United States" by Booking.com, the third-largest travel website in the world! Don't wait—plan your Gettysburg getaway today.
Courtesy of Destination Gettysburg.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hess.
The nation's capital bursts with seasonal cherry blossom experiences, an international Pride celebration and more.
Experiencing the National Cherry Blossom Festival and seeing the iconic flowers along the Tidal Basin while they're in peak bloom are a favorite DC experience for a reason. However, they're not the only exciting reason a visit to DC in the coming months is a great idea.
Six weeks after peak bloom, Washington, DC and its vibrant local LGBTQ+ community will play host to WorldPride 2025, a landmark three-week event celebrating love, diversity, unity and 50 years of Pride celebrations in the city from May 17 – June 8.
"When the cherry blossoms are blooming, it feels as though the entire city comes alive and there isn't a more special place to be than Washington, DC," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC. "This year, that sense of seasonal celebration across the city will also be felt during WorldPride DC 2025, a unifying opportunity with a series of meaningful events, cultural festivities, star-studded concerts and more."
Peak bloom for the cherry blossoms is expected to occur March 28-31, the National Park Service has announced. The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts a few days before and after peak bloom begins, although the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions. Taking place March 20 – April 13, the National Cherry Blossom Festival plays host to events and hotel deals across the city. From pop-up bars to high teas, hotels, restaurants and cultural institutions throughout DC are planning cherry blossom-themed activations groups will love.
OFFICIAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL EVENTS
In addition to the events below, Destination DC has a complete guide for group travel planners looking for all the ins and outs of planning a stellar DC Cherry Blossom experience.
- 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival | March 20-April 13
- Stumpy's Petals and Paddles Race | March 20
- Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage, Presented with the National Park Service | March 22-April 6
- Opening Ceremony, Co-Presented with the Japan Foundation | March 22
- Blossom Kite Festival, Presented by Amazon | March 29
- Petalpalooza® at Capitol Riverfront Presented by Chase | April 5
- Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5k and Kids Run | April 5-6
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade ® Presented by Events DC | April 12
- Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival | April 12-13
CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING TIPS AND TRICKS
Common viewing sites for groups looking for the best cherry blossom views:
- The Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Small clusters of trees can also be found along the National Mall, just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument.
Additional spots that still bring the bloom:
- The Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks
- U.S. National Arboretum
- East Potomac Park/Hains Point Loop Trail
- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Alternative ways to soak up Cherry Blossom bliss:
- ON THE WATER: Lunch, brunch and dinner cruises and water taxis with CityCruises; Private boating experience with Embark DC; Party to the Petals aboard a floating bar with SeaSuite Cruises; Kayak or pedal boat with Boating in DC
- ON FOOT: Walking and self-guided audio tours with DC by Foot
- BY BIKE: Blossoms by Bike Tour with Unlimited Biking
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, offers hotel deals for both events of international interest, expert tips to see the flowers, reasons to travel for major sporting events and a plethora of hot new restaurants to try.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photos courtesy of Washington.org
Over the years, Broadway has seen a number of stage adaptations of popular films, ranging from Beetlejuice to The Band's Visit to Mean Girls.
These shows are not simply retellings but reimaginings that bring a fresh perspective to beloved stories. Read on for a look at some of the current Broadway shows that transitioned from the silver screen to the Broadway stage.
The Outsiders: Forming the World Before It Forms You
S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders quickly became a cultural phenomenon as a novel. Director Francis Ford Coppola, a major admirer of Hinton's work, adapted the book into a 1983 movie starring Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise. The tale of a close-knit group of young friends from the wrong side of the tracks in 1960s Oklahoma paved the way for a new generation of young Hollywood talent.
Fast forward to 2025, and The Outsiders is a Tony®-winning stage musical, led by director Danya Taymor, playwright Adam Rapp, musicians Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine, and a producing team that includes Angelina Jolie. The show, which earned four Tonys®, is a powerful reinterpretation of the story, staying true to the spirit of the film while also bringing new elements to the table. This heartfelt exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the struggles of adolescence features the kind of intensity and intimacy that only live productions can offer.
Aladdin on Stage: Magic Lamps and Broadway Dreams
Disney's Aladdin first became a fan favorite as an animated film in 1992, telling the story of a young man who discovers a magical lamp and meets a genie who grants him three wishes. The story, inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, quickly became a beloved classic, celebrated for its colorful animation, unforgettable songs, and Robin Williams's iconic performance as the Genie.
In 2014, Aladdin made its way to Broadway, transforming the animated adventure into a live theatrical experience. The stage adaptation retained the film's character while adding new elements to captivate theatre-goers. Featuring music by the original film's composer, Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin, the show includes beloved songs like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me." The Broadway production offers audiences dazzling choreography, colorful costumes, and a few surprises that bring the magic of the film to life in a new way.
Photo courtesy of Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical: From Silver Screen to Stage
Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film Moulin Rouge! transported viewers to the heart of bohemian Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The visually striking movie, known for its passionate love story and eclectic pop music soundtrack, tells the tale of penniless writer Christian (Ewan McGregor), who falls in love with Satine (Nicole Kidman), the star courtesan of the title nightclub, and its bold style and emotional depth turned it into a box-office hit and cult classic.
On Broadway, Moulin Rouge! The Musical continues to dazzle audiences with its adaptation of the film's visual splendor. The Tony®-winning musical has been lauded for capturing the film's unique blend of romance and spectacle. The creative team, including book writer John Logan and director Alex Timbers, has brought the movie's distinct style to the stage, creating an engaging experience that echoes the film while also expanding the musical repertoire to include more recent songs from artists such as Adele, Sia, Britney Spears and Katy Perry.
The Lion King: Experience the Circle of Life Live
Disney's beloved 1994 animated classic tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who must navigate the rigors of growing up and claiming his rightful place as the king of the Pride Lands. The movie, known for its stunning animation, compelling narrative, and unforgettable music, has captivated audiences of all ages for three decades.
On Broadway since 1997, The Lion King continues to captivate audiences. The musical has been lauded for its innovative puppetry, costumes, and stagecraft. Under the direction of Julie Taymor (the first female director of a musical to ever win a Tony®), the show seamlessly blends actors with their animal counterparts using finely detailed masks and puppet rigs designed by Taymor and Michael Curry. The score incorporates the film's well-loved songs as well as some new additions, composed by Elton John and Tim Rice.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
Death Becomes Her: Reviving a Cult Classic
Released in 1992, Death Becomes Her is a dark comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis that stars Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The movie follows the story of two rival women, Madeline and Helen, who vie for the affection of a plastic surgeon. After discovering a potion that grants eternal life, Madeline and Helen find themselves locked in an eternal battle for beauty and love, with increasingly disastrous and comedic consequences.
In 2024, Death Becomes Her found a new life as a hit Broadway show. Known for its darkly comedic exploration of vanity and immortality, this cult classic offers a rich tapestry of colorful themes and characters. The movie's blend of biting wit, supernatural elements, and larger-than-life personalities perfectly translates into Broadway musical format. Directed by Tony® winner Christopher Gattelli, and starring Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, this show offers a visually stunning and engaging performance that pays homage to the original film with its own theatrical flair.
These shows bring together the best of stage and screen and there's no better time than now to check out one of these standout productions. Whether you're a longtime fan of the films or a newcomer, these productions promise a fun night out on Broadway. And for those planning to attend with friends or family, Broadway Inbound offers group discounts, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy these cinematic stories in a whole new light.
Courtesy of Broadway Inbound.
Main photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy.