Presidents’ Day weekend is one of America’s most historic, but most overlooked holidays. There aren’t many celebrations marking the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington that will take place outside of social studies classrooms. However, the long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to take a trip to one of the many historic sites around the US. Which ones? Here are the top ten historic sites in the United States and the special events they will offer during the lead up to Presidents’ Day.

#1. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is easily the most recognizable monument in the US. You can sing happy birthday to the impressively large head of both Lincoln and Washington and take some snapshots of yourself in front of these famous busts. And, of course, Rushmore is located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, which feature many other tourist attractions such as the casinos of Deadwood and the souvenir shops of Rapid City. Considering it is not the low-season for tourists in the Black Hills, you won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the Rushmore viewing area to get that postcard-like picture that you plan to frame.

#2. Valley Forge

Valley Forge National Historical Park is located on the spot where the Continental Army spent a lean winter during the early part of the Revolutionary War. There are events to help commemorate this historic time and also the birthday of America’s first president. You can visit a living history presentation by “Martha Washington and George Washington” in the park’s Welcome Center on February 15th while listening to period music by the “Colonial Revelers.” ValleyForgePictures.com offers a virtual preview of the site.

#3. Springfield, IL

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL, commemorates the life of Abraham Lincoln. His Presidential Library, which houses 47,000 artifacts, is impressive in and of itself. There will be an added attraction on Sunday, February 12th, when Author Richard Fox will be presenting his book ‘Losing Lincoln.’ Other President’s Day events are scheduled throughout the Springfield area.

#4. Charlestown, Il

See what life was like when Abraham Lincoln was growing up. The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site features the 1840s farm of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, Honest Abe’s parents. There are theatrical re-enactments that give the site an interactive feel. On January 27, 2010, 10:00 am-4:00 pm the cabin will be the site of a special re-enactment of Lincoln’s farewell tour, which he embarked on before heading to the White House after being elected president. Visitors can get involved by greeting the “president-elect” during the festivities.

#5. Philadelphia

Before Washington D.C., Philadelphia was the political center of the US. Historic sites in the City of Brotherly Love include the Betsy Ross house, the Independence National Historical Park (Visitor Center), the nearby Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed).

#6. Gettysburg

When you think of Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the places indelibly tied to his legacy. It was on these grounds that he gave his famous Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in US history. The Soldier’s National Monument was the first memorial to be placed in Gettysburg and was part of the original plan for the cemetary. More than 10 million students nationwide will participate in Gettysburg National Military Park’s educational broadcast, “Big Deal at Gettysburg: The Value of Historical Places” on Feb. 12, 2010.

#7. New York City

George Washington is turning 267 years old and on Feb. 23, 2009, from 10 AM – 4 PM the National Park Service and the National Archives and Record Administration are throwing a special celebration for the first President’s birthday. Visit the Historical Society from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily to follow in Washington’s footsteps with the self-guided walking tour of “Washington’s New York.” Other special features include George Washington’s Inaugural Chair and the George Washington Inaugural Bible.

#9. Hildene near Woodstock, VT

Hildene is one of the lesser known sites related to Abraham Lincoln. Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, became chairman of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn of the 20th century. He built his Georgian Revival mansion “Hildene” in 1905. On Saturday, February 7, Hildene hosts its annual birthday party for President Lincoln at 10:00 am in the Beckwith Room. A parade up to the Lincoln Family Home and a chance to see Abe’s hat displayed in “The Personal Abraham Lincoln” exhibit will be part of the fun. Despite its relative obscurity, this is arguably one of the best places to get a view into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and his family.

#10. Mount Vernon and Washington, D.C.

Historic Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, celebrates his 278th birthday with a “Surprise Birthday Party.” The event will be held daily from February 13 through February 15. A living history performance shows how Washington might have celebrated his birthday while living on Mount Vernon.

Meanwhile, in nearby Washington, D.C. (home of both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument), celebrations around the area highlight not only George Washington and Abraham Lincoln but other Presidents as well as the history of the US Government. Special events, including walking tours around the city, will be provided free on Sundays throughout February. If you stop in at the White House Visitor Center on President’s Day, on Monday, February 15, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m you can enjoy free programs led by the National Park Service including games, crafts and theatrical performances.

Let other members know what “historic” deals are available in your area this Presidents’ Day by adding them in the comments below or letting us know on twitter.

Best travel deal secrets are revealed in today’s news! Learn how to fly from soggy Seattle to sunny Hawaii this month or next for less than half what it cost to get to Chicago over the Christmas holidays; discover what it takes to nab a room in a four-star hotel in Waikiki for well under $200 a night for six nights and get the seventh night free in Hawaii on sale: How to find deals on airfares, hotels and car rentals by Carol Pucci in today’s Seattle Times.

$99-$119 per night in Newport, Rhode Island’s Marriott, a waterfront hotel, on Thursday-Sunday stays through March 20. The Newport Marriott deal is available on Martin Luther King Day, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekends. The Newport Marriott is two miles from the International Tennis Hall of Fame and near Cliff Walk as well as the Newport Mansions and features an indoor pool, fitness center and Fathoms restaurant.

Stay at a Hot List Chicago Hotel for under $150, plus a $50 food or parking credit. The James, a stylishly relaxed 297-room hotel a block from the shopping and dining on the Magnificent Mile, and which has a full-service spa, has partnered with Travelzoo to offer rooms at $149 (after taxes), and this includes either free valet parking (usually costing $50), or a $50 food and beverage credit that can be used at the hotel’s David Burke’s Primehouse, the clubby JBar, or even for room service. The offer is good for stays through March 31, 2010.

If you’re in upstate NY, mark your calendar for Feb. 16th and check out ‘A Grape Escape’ in the Fingerlakes Region. Taste wines from wineries around the Little Finger Lakes area including Eagle Crest, Imagine Moore, Arbor Hill, and Deer Run wineries. Package includes tastings at each winery, one night accommodations, a bottle of Finger Lakes wine, and full morning-after breakfast, with transportation available upon request.

$99 Weeknights in Treehouses near Bryson City. For only a bit more than a hotel room, you get so much more, including: king-sized bed, private deck with hot tub & fire pit, full kitchen, indoor gas-log fireplace. Not valid during “super-peak” times, features leather furniture and luxury decor’ with private hot tub and fire pit, high-speed wireless internet, DirectTV satellite system with HBO, Bose speaker stereo with CD/DVD player and only minutes to NOC, Tsali, or Bryson City!

There are a number of great deals on Arizona 4- & 5-Star Resorts during peak season for $167 and up, when regular rates are traditionally over $400 per night. This offer is for travel on select dates for these three incredible resorts:

1. Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountain
   $167: Jan. 29-30; Feb. 5-6, 12-13, 20, 27; March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
2. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
   $239-$263: Jan. 23-26, 31; Feb. 3-7, 12-16; March 1-2, 5-6, 10-12, 17-18, 21
3. Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa
   $311: Jan. 22-27, 29-31; Feb. 1-3, 5-23, 25-28; March 1-3, 7-9, 13-15, 17-21

Spring break deals are already booking. In Canada, there’s the $199 & up for Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Montreal ‘Schools Out Spring Break Package’ where you can take the subway to the Insectarium, skate in the Old Port, relax at the hotel’s pool or discover the Underground City!

Of course, there’s always great hotel deals in Nevada, and spring break is no exception. The $48 & up Winter Special Sale in The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas is good on select midweek dates through June 30. High speed internet access is available in all rooms via wireless or data points at the desks, Sony Bravia 40″ LCD TV with first run movies on demand, Sony iPod Clock Radio, minibar, top-of-the-line exclusive bath amenities and ultra luxurious top of the line bedding, and you’re right in the middle of the action of Las Vegas.

So what’s your favorite Spring Break Spot? An upcoming post will detail the top five spring break deals, these are only the start. Members, feel free to submit the best deals you find and vote them up now! If you aren’t a member yet of Best Travel Deals, sign up! Did you know we even vote on luggage deals?