Boston

Where: Boston

Why: The city’s red-brick 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a timeless trip through the American Revolution and allows students of all ages to put some images to all those history-book pages.

How: Less than three hours by air; at press time nonstop flights on Northwest started at about $300.

Stay: From its contemporary apartment-style rooms to its lofty roof deck overlooking the city, top-rated Fifteen Beacon is pure luxury. Rates range from $415 to $1,200.

Eat: A trip here isn’t complete without dining in the North End. Though many of its restaurants are touristy, we like the tiny and charming Carmen (33 North Sq., 617-742-6421) and follow up with cannoli at Bill Clinton’s favorite, the circa-1943 Mike’s Pastry (300 Hanover St., 617-742-3050).

Pack: Boston is a walking city so you’ll want really good shoes even at night—it can be hard to navigate the cobblestone streets in heels.

P.S.: When your feet have had it, take advantage of Fifteen Beacon’s complimentary sedan service—a Lexus can take you anywhere in town you need to go, including Logan Airport for the trip home.