Summer is all about taking time off to enjoy the warm, sunny weather with your loved ones. If you’re on the lookout for great places to hit up with your family this season, this list may be of help. The best vacation spots are those that provide wholesome fun while also being transformative and educational. The following locations have all that and more, and you might even check a few items off your bucket list while you’re at it. You’re guaranteed to plan a trip that your family will enjoy and remember for years to come.
Kirtland
Kirtland is the best area to plan an inspiring LDS trip. There are plenty of sites here that hold a special significance to the Church. You’ll be able to reconnect with your roots when you visit the city’s many historic sites, such as the Ohio homes that Joseph and Emma Smith once resided in. You can also pay a visit to The Johnson Home, where John and Elsa Johnson welcomed Joseph and Emma after Isaac Morley sold his house to move his family to Missouri.
The highlight of your trip will most likely be visiting Kirtland Village where you’ll find Kirtland Temple, which is where the Savior showed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The historical village of Kirtland also houses the Newell K. Whitney home, the LDS Visitors Center, and the Newell K. Whitney store where the Word of Wisdom, among many other revelations, was received.
Fayette
The township of Fayette has plenty of noteworthy attractions that you and your family will love learning about. The town is home to the Peter Whitmer Farm where the Church was officially recognized. After Fayette, you pay a visit to Colesville nearby. This is where the restored home of Joseph Knight, who helped Joseph and Oliver translate the Book of Mormon, is located.
Head down to Harmony, PA and the Susquehanna River afterwards where the Priesthood and both Joseph and Oliver were baptized. You’ll also find the Isaac Hale Home, the Joseph and Emma Smith Home, and another beautiful and informative LDS Visitors Center.
Lastly, pay a visit to the Palmyra/Manchester area of New York where Joseph Smith Sr. and his family settled in 1816. Other important stops include the Grandin Press, the Sacred Grove, the Palmyra Temple, and the Hill Cumorah.
Nauvoo
The small city of Nauvoo has plenty to offer in terms of historical sights to see and activities to do. If you’re travelling with younger children, pay a visit to Brigham Young’s home, the Nauvoo Printing Office or the Webb Brothers’ Blacksmith shop. There are fun things for them to try out, such as learning how to make candles and ropes. They’ll also love the delicious gingerbread cookie treats from Scovil Bakery.
Summer is the best time to visit since there are tons of free summer shows to catch in the area. These include anything from short skits performed on the street to variety shows to celebrate Nauvoo’s history. Most people come for the British and Nauvoo Pageants, which re-enact the history of the settlement of Nauvoo.
These interesting locations have a little bit of everything for everyone in the family to enjoy. Get started on planning the ultimate summer trip that everyone will enjoy and remember for years to come.
