Local Whole Foods Markets: Ponce de Leon opens in a new tab, Briarcliff opens in a new tab, West Paces Ferry opens in a new tab, Sandy Springs opens in a new tab
Washington, DC
It’s hard to find a part of Washington, DC that’s not tied to some part of history, whether recent or long ago. After you make the obligatory stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a tour opens in a new tab (don’t forget to submit a request through a Member of Congress prior to your trip!), make sure to visit the many monuments and memorials opens in a new tab nearby. For a wide array of museums, check out the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum opens in a new tab, the International Spy Museum opens in a new tab and the Smithsonian Institution opens in a new tab, a multi-campus complex including 19 museums and galleries, including the National Zoological Park, the American History Museum, Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. Don’t forget to visit the Library of Congress opens in a new tab and the Supreme Court Building opens in a new tab if you’re a budding history buff!
Local Whole Foods Markets: Georgetown opens in a new tab, P Street opens in a new tab, Tenleytown opens in a new tab
San Antonio
One of the most famous lines to come out of San Antonio has to be the well-known battle cry, “Remember the Alamo!” The site of a critical stand-off during the Texas Revolution, the Alamo opens in a new tab was defended and lost by legends like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. (Fun fact: Did you know that rock musician Phil Collins owns what may be the largest private collection of Alamo memorabilia in the world?) Just a few steps away from the Alamo, you can cruise opens in a new tab or walk along the River Walk opens in a new tab, which stemmed from one of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, establishing a scenic path along the San Antonio River. For a slightly different take on history, visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas opens in a new tab, an amusement park with a theme representing the six flags that flew over the state at various times—France, Spain, Mexico, the Confederacy, Texas and the United States.
Local Whole Foods Markets: Alamo Quarry opens in a new tab
Philadelphia
Until 1830, Philadelphia was the largest city in the United States. Nicknamed “the City of Brotherly Love,” Philly is home to many points of historical interest, including the Liberty Bell opens in a new tab, the National Constitution Center opens in a new tab and Independence Hall opens in a new tab, which are all within blocks of each other. For glimpses of famous people past, visit the Betsy Ross House opens in a new tab to see where the wife, working mother and entrepreneur lived when she made the first American Flag, stop by the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site opens in a new tab or follow Benjamin Franklin’s footsteps opens in a new tab in a walking tour. (Tasty tidbit: Not to be overshadowed by Philly cheesesteaks, Philadelphia opens in a new tab once had a pretzel museum and is considered home to the soft pretzel.)
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Birmingham
A city founded at the crossing of two railroad tracks, Birmingham flourished on its iron and steel industry in the first part of the 20th century. Reflecting that history is the city’s unofficial city symbol, Vulcan opens in a new tab, patterned after the mythical Roman god of the forge (and the largest cast iron statue in the world). In the 1960’s, change began as the city became infamous for its clashes over race equality. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opens in a new tab remembers that time by promoting civil and human rights worldwide, as well as in the Birmingham History Center opens in a new tab, whose exhibits also explore other facets of Birmingham’s rich history.
Local Whole Foods Markets: Mountain Brook opens in a new tabDoes your city have some cool pieces of history? Leave a comment to let us know where we can find some glimpses of the past!
