Women’s History Month Travel Article
When March begins, everyone gets excited about warmer temperatures, the possibility of adventuring outdoors, and the turn to spring. Each year it also brings us Women’s History Month and celebrating women’s accomplishments of the past, present, and progress towards the future to create an equal footing with men. As we adventure into the warmer weather and the celebration of the history of women, why not celebrate with travel focused on them. Here’s a guide of a few unique places to vagabond with your female besties to celebrate women.
Washington D.C
It comes as no surprise that Washington D.C. should be at the top of your list. It is a wonderful place to celebrate from their multitude of exhibits, festivals, and museums dedicate to women. Stay at the Hotel Zena, branded a “female empowerment hotel” that will highlight nine “Urban Queen Leaders,” in an art exhibit. These leaders made deep change in their communities. The hotel will also host weekly chats with women in a multitude of industries throughout the month.
Next, head to the National Archives to deep dive into the past through historical documents and images with an in-depth look at women’s role in American history. For the month NARA will also host a multitude of events educating and celebrating Women’s History Month.
For another enriching stop, tour the National Museum of Women in the Arts as it is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. The museum addresses the gender imbalance in the presentation of art by exhibiting and preserving important women artists of the past and present throughout.
And, lastly, head to the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum to look at the special exhibit honoring Native American women. It features more than eighty artworks and examines their artistic achievements with the “Hearts of Our People: Native American Artists” special exhibit.
As you walk around the city, don’t forget to take in D.C.’s peak blooming time of Cherry Blossoms at the end of March and beginning of April for some gorgeous views of the delicate pink flowers along anywhere around the Tidal Basin.
Hotel Zena in Washington DC
New Orleans, Louisiana
Known as a bucket-list city for its voodoo, southern food, and music, New Orleans is a wonderful place to visit to celebrate Women’s History Month. There are many guided tours by The Historic Orleans Collection that take you around multiple sites and revisit the stories of women who changed everyday life in the city. Take the time on one of the 45-minute tours to appreciate the history of the mid-20th century decaying French Quarter, which was revitalized by Native American and transcontinental trade women.
If you’re a history buff, the National WWII Museum is a perfect opportunity to learn more about women’s role in the war effort, with more than 19 million women in the workforce and 350,000 women having served in the U.S. Armed forces at the time. The museum is a wonderful opportunity to understand the accomplishments and struggles of the women who contributed to the war effort both at home and abroad with their various exhibitions and online media.
Also learn the story of Margaret Haughery and her philanthropy; she volunteered with the Sisters of Charity, which cared for orphans. Through her hard work and dedicated care, she opened a larger orphanage and an Asylum. Admire the statue in the Lower Garden District, erected in 1884, which was the first statue of a woman in the U.S.
Lisbon, Portugal
Looking to go abroad and enjoy the adventure focused on women? The tour company Wild Terrain has the perfect group trips all centered around exploring the world with women and supporting local women-owned businesses in the area. Their Lisbon, Portugal trip specifically connects you with female artists and winemakers for some great creative boosts and fun itineraries, from learning about graffiti with Vanessa Teodoro and taking part in a unique tasting menu paired with wines by the country’s top female winemakers.
Portugal is also well known for its rich history in ceramics so you can continue your celebrations at the Museu Nacional do Azuejo learning about the large role in contemporary Portuguese ceramics women played. It was once a sacred ground, but now displays the rich legacy of more than 300 beautifully ornate patterns of tiles. The exhibits feature iconic artists such as Maria Keil, Vieira da Silva, Graca Morais, and Joana Vasconcelos that will educate you about the history of women in art. The museum also features collections from the first important woman collector of Portugal, Queen Leonor who lived in the golden age of the country.
After seeing the sites, head to Bacalhoaria Moderna, the only Portuguese restaurant dedicated to salted codfish, one of the country’s most iconic foods. Chef Ana Moura, who opened the restaurant in 2019, created a girl boss atmosphere and celebrated the versatility of cod.
Laramie, Wyoming
If cowboys and cool western towns are your thing, head to Laramie. The state is nicknamed the “Cowboy State” as well as the “Equality State” for its dense history of women rights. Begin your journey with the Wyoming House for Historic Women in downtown Laramie. It has a statue of America’s first female voter, Louisa Swain, outside of it. You can take a tour to find out more about her journey as the first woman to vote under laws granting women equal political rights with men.
Next, head to the University of Wyoming’s University Library. Grace Raymond Hebard was appointed as University Librarian in 1908 and held the title until 1919. During her time, she tirelessly worked to create many of the historical markers throughout the state for momentous events, as well as being extremely active in the cause of the women’s suffrage movement. She collected many books, articles, and pamphlets that contained the racism and stereotypes common in her era that were criticized as historically inaccurate and poorly written when they were published due to the critics trying to avoid the truth. The library holds many records and information to dive even deeper to appreciate the history.
Shop at Mountain Meadow Wool, a woman-owned business, dedicated to supporting local ranchers and raising awareness about the traditional culture of the American West through natural wool products. The full-service mill creates yarn in a wide range of textures and colors for various uses and products. Tours are available at the mill for those interested in looking to learn more about the products and process.
Lastly, go to the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper to view female curated shows of past and present artists. Bria Hammock is one of the artists exhibited and her work has been exhibited across the western Front Range and in Cheyenne, WY.
Monte-Carlo, Monaco
For a foreign “Princess Diaries” type of Women’s History Month travel experience, go to Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Grace Kelly, an American actress famous in the 1950s, lived here. Prince Rainer III of Monaco fell in love with her on and off the screen. They married in 1956 making her Princess of Monaco where she left a large legacy for women’s rights. Some of the larger sites are the Irish Library, Monaco Cathedral, La Roseraie, and the Princess Grace Foundation. At any of these locations you can learn more about their specific history and commemorate her.
If you go with a group, take a tour or rent a boat at Port Hercule, which has magnificent views of the Monaco Cathedral. One of the things the country is famous for is the yachts, waterways, and water activities. Spend an afternoon having some fun sailing around feeling like a princess.
Dine at Elsa, named after the pianist Elsa Maxwell, an American music hall pianist. She became famous to Monaco due to her part in helping boost summer tourism in the country in the 1920s, throwing raucous parties like you would imagine from the Great Gatsby that went down in history. The Michlin-starred restaurant carries her legacy of excellence.
Article by Caroline Milo, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
