America’s 250th: What Destinations Shouldn’t Miss
Imagine your biggest, best-ever Fourth of July celebration. Now add in a whole year (or more!) of fireworks, historic reenactments, museum exhibits, cultural festivals and once-in-a-lifetime events stretching from sea to shining sea. That’s America250, the nation’s largest celebration ever commemorating the 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With July 4 only months away, destinations across the U.S. have already started the party. Here are some ways to get revved up and join in.
America’s 250th: Get into the 1776 Mix
Destinations, states, towns, parks, museums and national agencies have been buzzing about America’s 250th for a while now, with many launching their own special red, white and blue go-tos. Everything from multi-day heritage events to commemorative bike races, tavern talks with 1776 reenactors, revolutionary itineraries, battlefield tours, 5K runs, you name it. Expect to see a lot of heritage-themed merchandise popping up everywhere. Get in on the action with a patriotic nod to your logo on items like t-shirts and tote bags. Consider adding some patriotic souvenirs to your gift shop offerings as well.
250 Years of Stars, Stripes and Stories to Tell
Tourism is expected to see a big boom as visitors head out to explore historic locales, dine and stay in historic inns and get up close to landmarks that they’ve only read about in textbooks. If your destination has a storied, revolutionary past, now is the time to let people know about it. Travelers are hungry for the stories behind the places they visit. Give your visitors unforgettable ways to step directly into your past. Guided tours and living history demos are excellent options.
Salute America’s Patriotic Personalities
Keep in mind America’s 250th year is more than just a huge birthday bash that celebrates historic places. It honors the people and ideas that have shaped our county as we journey toward this historic milestone — hometown heroes to civil rights crusaders, inventors, freedom-seekers on the Underground Railroad, patriots and pioneers. Showcase the faces that have stayed, battled, marched and lived at or near your location. Give visitors the opportunity to learn from and connect with the past in the present day.
Highlight 250 Years of Heritage
Heritage travel has become one of the fastest-growing niches in the travel arena in recent years. With America250 on the horizon, heritage travelers are looking for destinations that bring our nation’s 250-year story to life. America250 celebrations give visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors including those who may have fought in the Revolutionary War. Immersive experiences including cultural paths that focus on Black history or women’s contributions also lead to personal connection.
More Ways to Lean into America’s 250th
Think big! Or not so big. There are many ways to tap into America’s 250th anniversary energy that are creative and crowd-pleasing — at a level that works for you. Firework shows, live bands, special “250 Years” promo packages, historic walking tours, interactive, insta-worthy installations, colonial-themed cocktails, 1776-inspired menus, countdowns on social, short reels that highlight local stories, and hashtag campaigns that boost your awareness with user-generated content. America’s birthday is a bring-everyone-together moment from big cities to tiny towns — and it’s one your destination will definitely want to be a part of.
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