5 Destinations for Patriots

While the appeal of Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C., to patriots is undeniable, have you considered some of these other destinations for patriotic-themed travel?

Gainesville, Texas

Named the "Most Patriotic Small Town in America" by Rand McNally and USA Today in 2014, Gainesville holds the unofficial slogan "Patriotism, It's What We Do." The town has been given the distinction of "Medal of Honor Host City," and has even established a 501(c)3 to help fund travel for Medal of Honor recipients, to make sure they can attend the events honoring them. The city's patriotism is on display year-round, not just on national holidays.

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is home to the Star Spangled Banner Museum and Flag House, which offers visitors the opportunity to tour the 1793 home where seamstress Mary Pickersgill spent six weeks sewing a 30-by-42-foot flag, featuring 15 stars in its stars-and-stripes design. Fort McHenry, the site of the bombardment that inspired Francis Scott Key's lyrics to our national anthem, is also located in Baltimore.

St. Louis, Missouri

Gateway to the West, St. Louis is where Lewis and Clark launched their Corps of Discovery more than 200 years ago, in order to discover what exactly had been acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. And outside of Washington, D.C., St. Louis has the next highest number of free museums and attractions.

Clermont, Florida

The Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont contains wax sculptures of all of the presidents, a replica of the White House, a mural of Ronald Reagan on its exterior, and a range of artifacts from various presidencies. The gift shop offers presidential action figures and other kitschy memorabilia. It's a history buff's must-see!

Simi Valley, California

Widely regarded as one of the best of the presidential libraries and museums, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum houses the Boeing 707 that served as Air Force One during the Reagan years, in addition to the limousine and helicopter that were used to transport the president. Videos, interactive displays, and stunning views of the Simi Valley make this stop popular with travelers of all political walks.

Photo courtesy of Visit Baltimore.