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These four U.S. hotels are celebrating the spirit of America 250 in style

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Waldorf Astoria DC drinks
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

America’s 250th anniversary celebration is kicking into high gear lately as we inch closer to the summer. Leading up July 4th (America’s birthday, of course), hotels around the country are crafting unique celebrations and activations to engage guests for this special celebration. From America-inspired afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington D.C. to a two-day celebration with an eight course founding fathers dinner at The Inn at Little Washington, there’s no shortage of fun festivities to get involved in. If you want to get in on the celebration, check out four U.S. hotels that are celebrating the spirit of America 250 in style.

Waldorf Astoria, Washington D.C.

Waldorf Astoria DC drinks
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

Waldorf Astoria in Washington D.C. is known for it’s quiet luxury, set in the structure of a historic post office on Pennsylvania Avenue. During my recent visit to Washington D.C., I got a chance to preview a little taste of what’s coming to celebrate America 250. Starting May 21st, this hotel will debut a full lobby and exterior transformation to celebrate America’s birthday, complete with aWashington Monument-inspired centerpiece, archival photography installations, and red, white, and blue floral moments, plus vintage American cars during select activations.

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This hotel is also known for classic Afternoon Tea, which will be transformed to a Red, White, and Brewed Afternoon Tea, which will include elevated takes on nostalgic classics like PB&J on brioche, BBQ sliders, and cherry pie-inspired pastries. Plus, guests will be able to order new American 250 cocktails (P.S. they’re fantastic — can confirm).

Hotel Du Pont, Wilmington, DE

Hotel Du Pont
Hotel Du Pont

The iconic Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, DE is inviting guests to step into a living narrative with their “Homage to 1776” experience. Officially appointed Historian in Residence, Tom Santora, a local legend with over 45 years of service, who will lead the charge in bringing the property’s storied past to life. Available from May 1st to July 31st (starting at $1,776 per night), a few of the many amenities the Homage to 1776 Experience includes are:

  • A multi-course dinner from the hotel’s French brassiere Le Cavalier, featuring a special “250 Series” menu, complete with a Chef-designed four-course dinner celebrating the evolution of American cuisine across the past 250 years, with curated wine selections.
  • Bespoke, era-inspired welcome amenities
  • A one night stay in one of the hotel’s newly renovated Signature Suites, inclusive of breakfast for two 

The Ryder Hotel, Charleston, SC

Ryder Hotel
Ryder Hotel

Situated in one of the country’s most historic cities, The Ryder Hotel is leaning into the 250 celebrations with their limited-time summer package, A Summer of Time: Toasting 250 Years of American History. This package includes two tickets to Bulldog Tour’s Drunk History Bar Crawl, two speciality cocktails, time capsule turndown service, and ·patriotic pajamas by Elby. With its prime downtown location and one of Charleston’s only hotel pools, The Ryder offers a great home base for travelers celebrating America’s 250th — complete with local storytelling, nostalgic cocktails, and poolside downtime.

The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, VA

The Inn at Washington
The Inn at Washington

Situated just one hour from Washington D.C., the historic village of Washington, Virginia is celebrating America 250 at the Inn at Little Washington. The Inn at Little Washington is hosting an exclusive, two day “House Party” for 24 overnight guests, complete with an eight course founding fathers–inspired tasting menu in the Michelin-starred dining room. This party will also include a live concert by former U.S. Marine Band director, Colonel John Bourgeois and a private fireworks display over the Inn’s scenic lake, viewed from the Inn’s “Garden of Scents. Guests will even get old fashioned, horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic village and “Boston Tea Party”- inspired afternoon tea experience.

Emily Caldwell
Emily Caldwell
Contributor
Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving…
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