Summer Vacations That Won’t Break the Budget
By Becky Cardon Smith
This is the perfect year to visit some of our Church historical sites. Because of economic concerns, some of us may have decided to postpone a trip to Europe or an oceanic cruise. But don’t give up on a vacation altogether – consider taking your family to visit some Church historical sites. Visiting Sharon , Palmyra , Kirtland, Nauvoo, or any of the many other historical areas will have a lasting impact on you and your family.
The Sacred Grove
President Hinckley said that it is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. Imagine learning about the Prophet Joseph at his birth site in Sharon, Vermont, or walking with your children and grandchildren in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York.
Carthage Jail
Relive the last moments of the Prophet’s life inside Carthage Jail, or feel worldly cares drain away as you gaze up at the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple. Is there a better time to put oil in your family’s lamp as you listen, relive, and discuss the legacy of our early pioneers?
The Nauvoo Temple
Church history will come alive as you visit these sites. Our course of study in Sunday School this year is Doctrine and Covenants and Church history, while our lessons in Priesthood and Relief Society are from the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. How about a family fieldtrip back to the places where the events we discuss actually took place?
Are you concerned that no vacation is complete without a roller coaster ride? You can still have one! Cedar Point Amusement Park , often referred to as the roller coaster capitol of the world (with 16 roller coasters), is located just west of Cleveland and can easily be incorporated into your visit to Kirtland.
How about seeing a lock on the Erie Canal while having a picnic in a scenic park in Palmyra, or watching a Kansas City Royals baseball game as you visit Independence and Liberty, Missouri?
If you’re interested in learning about the Amish, stop in Jamesport near Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri, or Middlefield, near Hiram, Ohio. Visit a working farm not far from Sharon, Vermont, and learn the process of making maple syrup and sample tasty Vermont cheddar cheese.
Niagra Falls
Have you ever been to Niagara Falls ? It’s located just 90 miles west of Palmyra , New York . Everyone will enjoy the breathtaking experience of getting up close to the falls as you take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist.
While driving from western Missouri to Nauvoo, take a rest stop in Hannibal , Missouri . Old and young alike will enjoy reliving the story of Tom Sawyer or taking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River in Mark Twain’s boyhood home.
Interested in American history? You can see Harry S. Truman’s home and the Truman Presidential Museum near Independence, or James A. Garfield’s home in Kirtland, Ohio.
Lincoln’s family home in Springfield, Illinois
Did you know that this year is the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth? Consider stopping in Springfield, Illinois, on your way to or from Nauvoo and tour Lincoln’s family home where he lived with his wife, Mary, and their children, or visit the Presidential Museum and Library.
Have I whet your desire to visit the Church sites with your family? Let’s start planning!
Next week on Meridian: a complete guide to touring Topsfield, Massachusetts, and other Church historical sites in New England.
Interested in going on a fall tour of the Church sites? Visit our website at www.ldsfamilytravel.com.
