No trip to D.C. is complete without seeing the iconic White House. You can’t go inside without advance clearance, but the Visitor Center nearby has a virtual tour that gives a good sense of the rooms and history. From the outside, it’s interesting to watch the comings and goings, and the lawn and gardens are worth a stroll if you’re nearby.

The Branson Scenic Railway offers a 40-mile round trip through the Ozark Mountains, showcasing breathtaking views of rugged landscapes, historic tunnels, and bridges. Departing from Branson’s restored 1905 depot, the journey lasts about two hours, with narration providing insights into the region’s history and the railway’s legacy. Passengers can choose seating in restored vintage cars from the 1940s and 1950s, including dome cars for panoramic views. The experience includes a concession car, and from April through November, a luxurious four-course dinner train enhances select Saturday evenings. Reservations are highly recommended for special events like the dinner train.

Craigievar Castle looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. Completed in 1626, it stands as a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, and both interior and exterior are jaw-dropping in their beauty, attention to detail and lavishness.

The Fernleigh Track, part of the decommissioned Adamstown-Belmont coal train line, now serves as a destination for a highly enjoyable 15-kilometre bike ride. The track starts in the centre of Newcastle, at Adamstown train station, and goes through brick tunnels, attractive bushland and wetlands. The track is well-maintained for safe cycling, jogging and walking. The gradients are gentle, as befits an old train line, so there won't be any steep ups and downs. Stop at the Fernleigh Café in Adamstown for a delicious bite before heading back.