Top U.S. Historic Resorts

Founded as the Union House, Theodore Fischer renamed the boarding house "Fischer’s Hotel" in 1888. Since then, Fischer’s Hotel has transformed into the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, in coordination with Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth. A stay at Bavarian Inn is a step into traditional Germany. View authentic German architecture such as the Glockenspiel, indoor and outdoor murals, and traditional wood carvings amongst other sites. In addition to the traditional German sites, the inn carries the German spirit into its entertainment. Enjoy genuine German music each night as well as shops filled with attire and other goods. A stay at Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth is like stepping foot in Germany, but to really take in the true German experience, dining at Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a must. Grandma Dorothy’s classic German dishes keep the crowds coming. Dive into golden chicken, warm breads, noodle soup, schnitzel, sauerbraten, and homemade ice cream. Bavarian Inn is your one stop shop for all things German on the banks of the Cass River.

Address

One Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Fun facts

Glockenspiel is the German term for "bells play" or "musical bells." The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel is a 35-bell carillon and illuminated clock all from Germany!

Related Onsite Offerings

While staying at Bavarian Inn, check out their indoor water park with four pools and two water slides. They also have an outdoor pool and hot tub just for adults.

Built in 1883, this hotel and spa is on the National Register of Historic Places and makes for a perfect historical vacation. The healing powers of the Eureka Springs were discovered in 1850 by Dr. Alvah Jackson and make for a great destination on your vacation! Soon after the discovery of the healing water, the Grand Central Hotel was built in 1880 as a stagecoach terminal. As many as 100 people a day would head through the hotel to get to the healing waters. In 1985, the true potential of the building was recognized and a massive reconstruction took place. In 1987 the upper two floors were redone and the lobby was rebuilt to what it is today. This grand hotel now houses a massage parlor, nail salon and grand ballroom. Visit this historic destination and enjoy the onsite Grand Taverne restaurant, local shopping and dining and onsite spa which offers a variety of services and packages!

Address

The Grand Central Resort 37 North Main Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632

Highlights

The spa offers four different packages which allow you to stay at the hotel and pamper yourself at the same time!

Fun facts

The hotel was originally a stagecoach terminal for passengers coming to Eureka Springs from the North.

Take a trip back 200 years in the small Virginia town of Williamsburg during your stay at The Historic Powhatan Resort, and you will find yourself amidst the culture and daily life of the colonial era. The Historic Powhatan Resort offers a touch of colonial flair with the Manor House, which was established in 1735. With a face of brick and paned windows, the Manor House reflects the style of the “New World,” but inside, visitors are welcomed with warm and modern accommodations. The one- to four-bedroom apartments provide generous living space with kitchens and master bed and baths. The decor is rich yet clean, welcoming a comfortable stay. While staying at the Powhatan Resort, exploring the streets and history of Williamsburg and the surrounding cities is like stepping back in time. Watch a blacksmith at work at James Anderson’s Public Armoury or head only six miles down the road to the first American Settlement in Jamestown as well as the Museum of the American Revolution at the Yorktown Victory Center. Or, if you’re looking for some more modern thrills, Head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where you will scream from the tops of the roller coasters.

Address

3601 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188

Related activities

The Powhatan Bar and Grille is open seasonally for breakfast and dinner dining, or check out King's Arms Tavern for a more classic, colonial dining experience.

Getting there

From the airport take I-64 to exit 242A (Jamestown/ Route 199 West). Follow Route 199 West for 5.5 miles to the fifth traffic light. Turn left onto Route 5W (John Tyler Hwy). Continue for 1.8 miles to the second traffic light. Turn right onto Route 615 (Ironbound Road). Powhatan is located just under a mile on the left hand side. From Richmond take the I-64 to exit 234 (199E). Follow Route 199 East for approximately 8.5 miles to the first traffic light. Turn right onto John Tyler Hwy (Route 5). Continue for 1.8 miles to the second traffic light. Turn right onto Route 615 (Ironbound Road). Powhatan is located just under a mile on the left hand side.

Trapp Family Lodge is a place where the grass is greener, the snow is pristine, and autumn's colors are brilliant. Where the sights of nature and the sound of music create a vivid symphony for the senses—and where families come to renew.

The Trapp Family Lodge has an incredible and famed history that you might be surprised to learn. The von Trapp family, originally from Austria, escaped to the United States in the early 1940s, where they toured the country as the Trapp Family Singers. They settled in Stowe in 1942, as the beautiful mountain setting reminded them of their Austrian homeland. It wasn't until 1950 that they began welcoming guests to their family home, and after a fire in 1980, their original farmhouse was replaced by the current and beautiful Austrian-inspired lodge that you see today. The von Trapp family has been depicted in a couple of works of media, most notably the Broadway musical and subsequent Hollywood film, The Sound of Music! The lodge continues to be owned and operated by the von Trapp family, so plan your next vacation here to discover a little of Austria and the von Trapp legacy!

Address

700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, Vermont 05672

Related activities

Here you will find a 9-hole disc golf course, four tennis courts, two swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall, and a cross-country ski center.

Fun facts

The lodge continues to be owned and operated by the von Trapp family, so plan your next vacation here to discover a little piece of Austria and the von Trapp legacy!

Here is your real 19th-century Victorian castle experience.

Mohonk Mountain House is one of the great 19th-century mountain resorts, and one of the oldest family-owned properties in the U.S. You will find this unique castle at the top of Shawangunk Ridge. Everything began when Albert Smiley opened a 40-room inn in 1869. Now, an inclusive Hudson Valley family resort awaits you. Stroll around hiking trails or among the gardens and the Victorian Maze. Or if you prefer, rejuvenate at the award-winning spa. Mohonk Mountain House is located on 40,000 acres of forests in the Shawangunk Mountains where you can relax and take in the view. Explore this historic resort with your loved ones, and unique experience that you can't miss!

Address

1000 Mountain Rest Rd. New Paltz, NY 12561 US

Highlights

Mohonk Mountain was given a National Historic Landmark designation in 1986

Fun facts

Mohonk Mountain House has been owned and operated by descendants of the Smiley brothers since 1869

Blending Southern history and modern amenities, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort fuses the past and present to create an unforgettable stay!

Situated on St. Simons Island, this stay bursts with history, from the streets (which are lined with live oaks and Spanish moss) to the quaint boutique shops. Sink your toes in the sand, as the resort is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Opened in 1935, this historic hotel has been updated throughout the years, yet retained its warm Southern hospitality. Make a splash in the sparkling blue swimming pools, which overlook the ocean, or stay dry with a round on the resort's award-winning golf course. Relax at the Royal Treatment Cottage with a selection of massage treatments. Beach villas, suites, and rooms include amenities like hot tubs, gas grills, beach access, and stunning ocean views. A historically fun stay awaits!

Address

201 Arnold Road,St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522

Related activities

Enjoy the finest in Southern golf when you tee it up on the 18-hole, par-72 course, which bends around towering oaks, and across lakes and lagoons.

Related Onsite Offerings

Stop by ECHO, the resort's oceanfront restaurant that features classic coastal cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere, or sample some lighter fare at The Sea Shack Bar + Bites.

Did you know that Moody Gardens was a horse barn and riding area?

Yes! The Moody Gardens convention center was a horse barn until in 1988 sand was barged in from across the Gulf of Mexico, that started this revolutionary new concept. This way the Production Area, the hotel and spa, and the Discovery Pyramid, and all the other attractions were taking part in this great project. For instance, The Rainforest Pyramid is one of the most authentic rainforest recreations in the world, I was added to the park in 1993 and features more than 1,000 species of exotic plants and animals. Today, Moody Gardens is without a doubt a one-of-a-kind experience on the Gulf!

Address

One Hope Boulevard Galveston, TX 77554 US

Total area

The Moody Gardens is an educational tourist destination settled on 242 acres full of the best entertainment.

Related activities

Each November and December Moody Gardens hosts the Festival of Lights!

Within the Santa Cruz River Valley, set amidst the Tumacacori and Santa Rita Mountains is the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. A member of Historic Hotels of America, Tubac is housed on 500 acres of the Otero Ranch. In 1789, the King of Spain gave this land to Don Toribio de Otero, who began a ranch and dedicated the land to supplying food and weaponry to soldiers. Throughout generations, Otero Ranch became the largest cattle empire in Arizona, and the ranch remained in the family until 1941. But, it wasn’t until 1959 when the ranch became Tubac. Today, the resort’s Spanish architecture and Southwestern warmth hold the integrity of the original Otero name while providing guests with a historical and hospitable getaway. Tubac Golf Resort and Spa’s history resonates within modern accommodations and amenities. You’ll feel comfortable in one of four lodging options: Hacienda King Suites, Casita Suites, Posada Rooms, or the original Otero House. The resort’s pristine, 27-hole golf course includes breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding landscape, and the hacienda style spa will leave you feeling refreshed. You may also wish to indulge in the heated pool and Jacuzzi or the resort’s Stables Grille, where you’ll enjoy fine Mexican fare.

Address

1 Ave de Otero Road, Tubac, AZ 85646

Extra Stops

Add more history to your historic stay with a visit to Tubac Precidio State Park or Tumacacori National Historical Park.

Fun facts

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa was developed by a group of businessmen headed by Bing Crosby, who was fond of the game of golf.

Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are all right off your doorstep at King's Creek Plantation, where history comes to life. Relive the vivid story of the United States' birth in the streets of America's Historic Triangle. Then, return to the comfort of the resort, where Old World ambiance and modern amenities interweave.

Combining the classic charm of a village with the exceptional amenities of an upscale resort, King's Creek Plantation is a landmark in luxury. The Cottages, The Townes, and the Estates offer quaint cottages, spacious townhomes, and elegant houses. Sleeping anywhere from two to 14, there's enough space for every type of vacation. Make a splash in any of the many swimming pools, grab a bite to eat at the snack bar, or warm up in the sunroom. Flat-screen televisions, fireplaces, and wet bars add to the at-home feeling. Head into Williamsburg and be surrounded by American history. Horse-drawn carriages teeter along the streets, actors stroll around in the garb of the time, and historic architecture dots the city. Learn more at world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters. Find additional entertainment with sensational shopping, exquisite dining, outstanding golf and theme parks, and gorgeous scenic trails and waterways. History is around every corner at King's Creek Plantation!

Address

191 Cottage Cove Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Fun facts

Williamsburg was founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation as a fortified settlement on high ground between the James and York Rivers.

Related Onsite Offerings

Additional amenities abound like barbeque grills, basketball courts, and picnic areas. There's never a dull moment here!

On the north end of West Mountain in the Arkansas woodlands, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa overlooks the valley below. Built by the Eureka Springs Improvement Company and the Frisco Railroad and presented to the public on May 20, 1886, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa was and continues to be a luxurious getaway where Southern hospitality meets the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Today, the quaint mountain town still holds its quiet, clean nature, and that same atmosphere resonates at the 1886 Crescent. A stay at the 1886 Crescent means resting your head amongst a beautifully detailed headboard and wall decor rich in color and historical charm. You will savor the delicacies at the 1886 Steakhouse as well as the view and the fare at Sky Bar Gourmet Pizza. The New Moon Spa and Salon will rejuvenate you for exploring the Arkansas Art Trail, where you’ll find national and naturally spectacular sites.

Address

75 Prospect Ave, Eureka Springs AR 72632

Related activities

For a haunting stay, check out "America's Most Haunted Hotel," and learn about the legends of guests who have arrived but never left 1886 Crescent Hotel.

Related Onsite Offerings

The 1886 Crescent Hotel now presents the Crescent Theater. Enjoy performances highlighting the tales of Eureka.