Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Let’s Travel‑Collette tour marked the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence with a 9‑day itinerary across historic New England and Mid‑Atlantic sites.
- Participants experienced immersive Revolutionary‑War locations, from Lexington’s first shots to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, complemented by educational visits to West Point and military installations.
- The tour highlighted pivotal moments such as Washington’s command at Valley Forge, the strategic importance of the Hudson River, and memorable ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Travel logistics emphasized comfort and learning, including guided walks, museum tours, Broadway performances, and evenings spent in iconic venues like New York’s Broadway and Washington, D.C.’s monuments.
- Upcoming tours for 2026 and 2027 are already being promoted, with opportunities to join future “Discover New England Holiday” and New England‑to‑Nashville itineraries, contactable via Jerri McBay.
Historical Overview
The adventure began on April 6 when Let’s Travel’s group departed for a nine‑day Collette tour designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The first morning arrived in Cambridge with a light dusting of snow that, while not historic, was welcomed by the Texas participants. From Cambridge, the travelers followed the same routes the British took as they marched through Lexington and Concord. At Lexington’s Commons, 77 colonial militiamen—farmers and merchants—stood ready to defend their town, surprising the advancing British force of 700 soldiers. The British pressed on to Concord, where additional resistance forced them into a retreat back to Boston. These skirmishes marked the opening engagements of an eight‑year war that ultimately secured American independence.
Military Leadership
By mid‑June 1775, George Washington was appointed Commander of the Continental Army. His forces endured severe hardships while confronting British control of New York and Philadelphia. To weather the winter, Washington established a strategic encampment at Valley Forge, where, with assistance from a French officer, the troops developed disciplined routines of training and daily life. Washington recognized the critical importance of controlling the Hudson River and regarded West Point as a vital defensive stronghold during the conflict.
Educational Stops at West Point The itinerary included a comprehensive tour of West Point Academy, where participants observed a training exercise featuring a Lakota helicopter and four paratroopers. Knowledgeable guides explained the rigorous cadet curriculum that blends academic study with extensive military instruction. The visit provided insight into the blend of scholarly and tactical preparation required for future Army leaders, reinforcing the historical significance of the institution.
Urban Exploration in New York City
Next, the group explored New York City, strolling through Central Park, visiting the 9/11 Memorial, and pausing at St. Paul’s Chapel—a site where President Washington prayed after his inauguration. The walking route continued past Trinity Church, where Alexander Hamilton rests. A highlight was lunch at Fraunces Tavern, a 1762 establishment that served as the venue where Washington celebrated the departure of British troops, making it a poignant historical landmark for the travelers.
Cultural Evening in New York
The final New York evening was spent enjoying a Broadway performance of Hamilton. The musical not only entertained but also underscored the tour’s thematic connection to America’s founding narratives, allowing participants to experience the nation’s revolutionary story through contemporary art. Independence Hall and Philadelphia Landmarks
The following day, the tour moved to Philadelphia, where the party toured Independence Hall, seeing the very rooms where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Visitors also reflected at the Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American freedom. Before departing, the group captured photos on the famed “Rocky Steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, adding a light‑hearted moment to the historic agenda.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
En route to Washington, D.C., the travelers entered Valley Forge National Historical Park. A knowledgeable park guide led them through reconstructed log cabins representative of those inhabited by soldiers during the 1777‑78 winter. Period‑dressed volunteers demonstrated daily camp life, offering a vivid glimpse into the challenges faced by Washington’s troops.
Washington, D.C. Monuments and Memorials
The final leg of the journey settled in Washington, D.C., the capital city originally selected by George Washington. The itinerary featured solemn visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, each providing reflective spaces to honor the nation’s military sacrifices.
Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony
At Arlington National Cemetery, participants traversed the expansive grounds via tram, stopping at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, where the eternal flame burns. The experience culminated at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the group observed a wreath‑laying ceremony and the changing of the guard—a dignified tribute that cemented the day’s somber remembrance.
Capitol Tour and Mt. Vernon
A guided tour of the U.S. Capitol highlighted both historic foundations and contemporary legislative activity, reminding travelers of the ongoing story of American governance. After a lunch in the Capitol cafeteria, the group visited Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s estate, to explore the first president’s home and learn about the domestic management of the early Republic.
Group Details and Future Opportunities
The tour included participants from various towns—Don and deLou Corbitt; Ray and Connie Jones of Mexia; Cindy Hillis; Masami Lemaster; Hanida Oliver; Sheree Wood; Donna Gipson; Jerri McBay; and Sharon Wilson—all of whom shared a collective enthusiasm for American history. Interested travelers can still join future 250th‑anniversary tours by contacting Jerri McBay at 903‑388‑2243. Additionally, Let’s Travel announced a December 2026 “Discover New England Holiday” itinerary featuring a Boston Symphony concert, a two‑night stay at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, and a cookie‑decorating class, with registration required before May 15. Plans for 2027 include a June trip to Mackinac Island and Niagara Falls, followed by a December tour that will travel from Nashville to the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville.
Conclusion Overall, the nine‑day tour offered a richly layered experience that combined battlefield history, educational immersion at military academies, cultural performances, and reflective memorial visits, all while providing avenues for future travel adventures through Let’s Travel’s upcoming itineraries. The detailed schedule illustrates how modern tourism can effectively bring America’s Revolutionary heritage to life for contemporary audiences.