Ten Great Historic Hotels: A Trip Along the U.S. East Coast

From Maine to Washington DC, you can relive history of the country from the mid-1800's through the 1950's.

Stay by the ocean in Maine.

Stop in Maine and stay a while at the spectacular Colony Hotel Kennebunkport, Maine. Sitting on a promontory above the Atlantic Ocean, the classic white wooden structure was built and opened in 1914. You will pay more for the ocean view but it may be worth it. Rates range from $129 for garden views to $200 and above for the ocean view.

Try something different in Massachusetts

The Porches Inn in North Adams, Massachusetts is across the street from the

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, known in the area as MASS MOCA. The Porches Inn is not a single structure but a row of late 19^th century laborers houses, joined by clever walkways and porches. Rooms start at $125.00

For political junkies in New Hampshire

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

Remember Dixville Notch, the town that gets up at midnight to cast the first ballots in the Presidential election each year. It is the site of a grand hotel, The BALSAMS operating continuously since 1866. Rooms range from $129 to 560 and suites are available.

Check out cows and cheese in Vermont's Champlain Valley

The Middlebury Inn in Middlebury Vermont, provides a elegant stay in a typical Vermont village. The inn also owns the Porter Mansion as an annex. The Inn was built in 1827 and the mansion in 1825. rooms range from 119 to 239 and suites are available.

Take the family to a special place in New York

The Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York seems to provide something for everyone in the family from porch sitting and carriage rides to hikes, skating, swimming and skiing. Started in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House is still owned and operated by the same family. The setting and the building are spectacular. Room rates include meals and range from $225 for a single and above to $445 and above for a double

Visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and stay for history.

The Gettysburg Hotel, in Gettysburg Pennsylvania was established in 1797 as a tavern and in 1922 as a hotel. The building was a witness to the battle that ranged around the town in the summer of 1863. Rooms start at $94.

Visit the start of our Country

Independence Park Hotel, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, sits in the heart of the area surrounding Independence Square in Philadelphia. The building dates from the 1850's and previously was a brewery and dry goods store before becoming a hotel. The major monuments of Independence National Park are an easy walk. Rooms start at $149.

Stay in the heart of Washington DC

The Morrison - Clarke Inn is a boutique hotel, consisting originally of two town houses, in the heart of the nations capital and with easy access to monuments, museums and restaurants. Rooms start at $189.

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, in Washington DC provides historic elegance on Connecticut Avenue within walking distance of the White House and just 3 blocks from Dupont Circle. Rooms start at $179 for a double.

Stay on the beach and walk the cliff path.

Newport Beach Hotel and Suites, Providence Rhode Island, is the only hotel on the beach in Providence and was originally opened in 1940. It sits near the world famous Cliff Walk. A morning's walk will take you past some of the most spectacular home in the United States, not to mention stunning ocean views. Rates start at $79.00 and do vary by season.