Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Visiting Historic Estates

If experiencing culture and history is your goal, you may be able to get everything you’re looking for by visiting an estate.

Consider it a one-stop shop for art collections, gardens, architecture, and local history. In Washington, D.C., the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens was purchased by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, to showcase her collection of 18th and 19th century Russian and French art. But a day at the estate isn’t just for art lovers. The property also has extensive gardens, and a greenhouse that holds at least 2,500 orchids.

The Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library was founded by one of the du Ponts, who were integral to the development of the state of Delaware. It has a huge collection of American art and a 60-acre garden. But you know what I really like about this place? The book collection: they’ve got thousands of books dating from the 17th to early 20th centuries.

The Mount Estate and Gardens in Lenox, Massachusetts was built and designed by Edith Wharton, using British, Italian and French architectural influences. And what’s cool is it’s part of a consortium, so during the high season, you can purchase an American Icons pass for discounted admission to the Mount.

For more cultural travel activities, visit our cultural travel section.

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