Neil and I are both fascinated by history, too, and we’ve been enjoying reading up on the places that we visit. We’re in Sturbridge, MA right now, and it is stepped in history that goes all the way back to before the Revolutionary War. In fact, Benjamin Franklin visited Sturbridge in his role as Postmaster General to the 13 Colonies.

I find it so much more meaningful to visit all of these places first hand rather than just reading about them. The travel is also helping me make more sense of American regionalisms which are largely baffling to me as an outsider.

And speaking of history, have the three of you ever gone to Colonial Williamsburg? Neil and I spent a weekend there in February this year and absolutely loved it. (We were also blessed wit ha off-season rates and unseasonably warm weather.) I grew up going to historic re-enactment parks like Barkerville and Fort Steele on family vacations, and as a kid I dreamed of working at one.

In fact, we’re waiting for a break in the weather here so that we can go to Old Sturbridge Village.

I hope Jackie catches your enthusiasm and that all of the history comes alive for her, too!