This year, the U.S. is celebrating America’s 250th
anniversary– the semi quincentennial marking the signing of the Declaration of
Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.
It’s not only America that has cause to celebrate this
occasion with festive parades and other numerous events held throughout the
year, but other destinations and hotels within the U.S. that have reasons to
applaud and rejoice in their own special achievements and milestones.
Here is a sampling of these special events:
Historic Route 66
Probably one of the most notable events in U.S. history
happens to be the 100thanniversary
of Route 66, part of the original U.S highway system.
The historic route highlighting roadside Americana that
starts in Chicago, Illinois and ends in Santa Monica, California runs
approximately 2,448 miles, spanning eight states.
Springfield, Missouri, the birthplace of Route 66 will
celebrate the momentous occasion with festivals and parades in April and August
of this year, capped by the signature Telegraph Ball honoring the 1926 naming
of Route 66.
As the western terminus of Route 66, not only will Santa
Monica celebrate the 100th anniversary, but has a reason to toot its
own horn as it honors the 150th year with citywide exhibits,
workshops and performances including the photo exhibition “Our Pier: Moments from
a Century at the picturesque Santa Monica Pier.”
In an attempt to set an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORD, Tulsa,
Oklahoma is inviting participants and visitors to its Capital Cruise
Classic Car Centennial Parade set to kick off on May 30. The event, sponsored
by the city’s Mother Road Market will solidify Tulsa’s place in the history
books.
Texas Route 66 100th anniversary takes place in
Amarillo, one of the most well-known stops on the historic route thanks to the
iconic Cadillac Ranch. Beyond Amarillo, the Texas stretch of Route 66 is dotted
with several quirky, must-see stops. In addition, 2026 represents the 140th
anniversary of the State Fair of Texas, the nation’s first and oldest state
fair held in Dallas.
Finger Lakes New York
The scenic Finger Lakes Region of New York has two notable
museums marking special milestones this year. The Rockwell Museum, a
Smithsonian affiliate will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and
The Corning Museum of Glass, it’s 75th birthday. And the town’s
biggie: Corning Incorporated’s 175th anniversary.
Las Vegas, NV
Glitzy, glamorous Las
Vegas has some exciting milestones in 2026. Standouts include The Flamingo
Las Vegas, opened December 26, 1946 by notorious gangster Bugsy Siegal, representing
the oldest continuous hotel in operation on the Las Vegas strip. The iconic
Caesars Palace will celebrate its 60th anniversary and The Golden
Gate Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street, the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, marks
120 years in operation.
The ’Neon Capital of the World’ is also highlighting Elvis
Presley’s debut at the New Frontier Hotel in 1956 and Binion’s
Horseshoe/Binion’s Gambling Hall in ‘Glitter Gulch’ will celebrate its 75th
anniversary.
Philadelphia, PA
As the nation marks its 250th birthday,
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence will host yearlong
celebrations across culture, history and pop culture. Marking 50 years, the
city will salute the official “Rocky” film, Valley Forge Historical Park,
Highmark Mann, Philadelphia’s iconic outdoor music venue and its Please Touch
Museum.
Memorial Hall, originally built for the 1876 Centennial
Expedition, will offer visitors a rare chance to explore one of the last
remaining structures from the original World’s Fair.
The Philadelphia skyline (Photo Credit: Adobe)
Richmond, VA
The capital city of Virginia, perched on the scenic James
River, has reason to celebrate 2026 with Maymont, its 100-year-old, 100-acre Gilded
Age estate, the iconic NASCAR short track Richmond Raceway’s 80th
birthday and the 40th anniversary of the Black History Museum and
Cultural Center set in a beautifully restored historic armory honoring four decades
of Virginia’s rich Black history.
Columbus, Ohio
Combining historic community heritage with contemporary
hotel and cultural experiences, Columbus’ historic public and food hall, North
Market, made up of independent merchants and farmers, marks its 150th
anniversary.
Mohonk Mountain House (Photo Credit: Mohonk Mountain House)
Historic Hotels
Intercontinental New York Barclay is celebrating a century
of family traditions with a ‘Journey to 100’ package inviting guests to experience
a different decade of the hotel’s storied past with a two-night stay, Roaring
Twenties-inspired cocktails, reimagined 1920s and 1930s iconic cuisine and
more.
Another centennial milestone is happening at The Boca Raton
on South Florida’s Gold Coast. Resort guests can partake in immersive
experiences in 2026 that mark the historic inn’s iconic hospitality.
Mohonk Mountain House in Hudson, New York, the birthplace of
murder mystery, is celebrating 50 years during its annual Murder Mystery weekends
from February 27 through March 1 at the iconic 1869 Victorian castle resort set
against the stunning Catskill/Eastern Shawangunk Ridge.
Another New York state resort, luxury beachfront Gurney’s
Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is celebrating its 100th
anniversary with a refreshed lobby, dining and common spaces honoring an entire
century of classic hospitality in the eastern tip of Long Island.
On the west coast, Fairmont Breakers Long Beach in
California, officially celebrates its 100th anniversary. The 1926
hotel that once welcomed Hollywood legends, hosted countless milestone
celebrations over the past century, and served as the Airwatch headquarters for
Long Beach Harbor during WWII will showcase numerous centennial moments
throughout the year.
Fairmont Breakers Long Beach (Photo Credit: Fairmont)
Festivals
Michigan’s 100th National Cherry Festival in
Traverse City will celebrate this year’s special event with an eight-day festival
from July 4-11 with parades, live music, contests, an air show and community
events.
Jamboozie’s 25th anniversary in Laredo, Texas
kicks off on March 21 with a musical festival held in the historic downtown around
Plaza San Augustin and Iturbide Street turning into a fun and vibrant hub of
performances and activities.
Uniworld in Egypt (Photo Credit: Uniworld)
Cruise Lines
Uniworld is celebrating 50 years of luxury cruising in 2026,
marking five decades of transforming the river cruising experience on the world’s
most iconic waterways. In honor of its Golden Anniversary, Uniworld
will offer a collection of new cruises, experiences and commemorative
moments for guests.
Australian-owned adventure travel company, Aurora
Expeditions marks 35 years of exploration. Founded by mountaineering
legend, Greg Mortimor, the company is offering discounts on select curated
expeditions across Antarctica, the Arctic and Small Ship journeys in 2026 and
2027.
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