New York City, New York

Once upon a time, the southern tip of Manhattan was New Amsterdam, founded in 1600 by Dutch immigrants escaping religious persecution. Today, it's the Financial District (FIDI), a prime neighborhood to dive into the country's history. From Wall Street to Stone Street, there are many revolutionary stories to uncover down here. FIDI is also home to impactful landmarks like One World Observatory and National Museum of the American Indian, and the Brooklyn Bridge is a stroll away for Statue of Liberty views.

Sail4th 250 will be a highlight next summer and can be seen along the waterfront in FIDI. The largest-ever flotilla of tall ships will sail into the Port of New York and New Jersey on July 4th as part of a nationwide Sail250 project (other ports include New Orleans and Norfolk, Virginia).

Fraunces Tavern, the city's oldest existing restaurant, dating to 1792, and where General George Washington gave his farewell address to the Continental Army officers, is also here (it is a museum, too). And Delmonico's, near Wall Street, opened in 1837 and has bragging rights as having invented Baked Alaska — and for being the first restaurant to allow women to dine independently without men (1868).

Where to Stay

Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District, an IHG Hotel: A 180-guestroom hotel that gives various nods to New York City's beginnings, such as at its restaurant, Half Moon, which features Dutch dishes like bitterballen meat croquettes and stroopwafel).

The FIDI Hotel: This 131-room luxe boutique spot with trendy décor sits on iconic cobblestoned Stone Street and is a prime location for exploring Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and Fraunces Tavern.