The U.S. government shutdown is forcing fall vacationers who planned to visit any one of the hundreds of national parks and forests, landmarks and historical sites, monuments and memorials, scenic trails and cemeteries across the country to find vacation alternatives. For those who were planning a weekend getaway close to home, this might be a minor inconvenience and they can reschedule another time. Others, like my Danish friends who had to alter their vacation plans during the shutdown, will not be able to experience some of the U.S. sites they planned to visit on their itinerary. The financial cost of a do-over vacation for foreign visitors makes it unlikely that they will return soon to see the parks and sites they couldn’t visit this trip. Highly valued U.S. tourism receipts will suffer from this ridiculous stalemate and we all hope there are not continuing economic consequences.

I won’t dwell on the negative impact to tourism here – I could bend your ear for a while – but instead I’ll offer some suggestions of alternative activities that vacationers can enjoy. Since the number of federally run facilities that are shutdown is so large, I’ll limit my recommendations to some four favorite mid-Atlantic destinations and their vacation alternatives.

Mid-Atlantic Vacation Alternatives Due to Government Shutdown

Philadelphia, PA – Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are off limits for now, but a non-profit organization called Historic Philadelphia, Inc. operates tours and shows at the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square and the Historic Philadelphia Center. Other major attractions that remain open include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute with its Benjamin Franklin Memorial and the Philadelphia Zoo.

Washington, DC – There’s really no substitute for the historic monuments of our nation’s capital and the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums – or is there? Washington, DC has many privately funded museums that are good alternatives if you can’t change your travel plans. You might consider Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, as a substitute for the Museum of American History, or visit the Baltimore Aquarium instead of the Washington Zoo. The Washington Post put together a terrific list of alternative sightseeing that you can consider during the shutdown.

Shenandoah National Park, VA – if your plans include a leaf peeping tour along the picturesque Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, you’re not completely out of luck. Although Skyline Drive is currently closed, the caves that dot the Shenandoah Valley are spectacular and fascinating. Two of my favorites are Grand Caverns in Grottoes and Luray Caverns in Luray and the drive along the valley between the two caves is gorgeous any time of year. I actually just visited both recently and can attest that they are strange and wonderful experiences.

 

 

From the Beach to the Mountains in NC – You won’t be climbing any of the historic lighthouses or visit the Wright Brothers Memorial until the shutdown is resolved, but delicious seafood continues to be served up at dozens of independent restaurants and the tides keep going in and out, so don’t let the shutdown scare you away from a late season beach retreat in the Outer Banks. Although all facilities of the Smokey Mountain National Park will be closed, the entire 469 miles of the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open from the Smokies into Virginia. The many local craft shops, restaurants and private hotels count on the fall leaf season and will be happy to see you.

The point is this: Don’t let a bunch of stubborn politicians ruin your vacation. This country has a wealth of privately run sites of great interest, beauty and character. The knowledgeable vacation agents at Covington Travel have lots of suggestions and alternatives for your vacation plans during the shutdown. We’re here for you!