It may be someplace you visited on a field trip years ago, but since then a lot has changed in Appomattox drawing thousands of visitors from around the country and the world each year. For this week's one tank trip, you'll need just a quarter of a tank to go a place where history comes alive.

It's the summer of 2008, but at Appomattox Court House National Park, it's always spring of 1865.

Historical Interpreter - "There was a couple hundred of boys who came to town."

Where people dress and play the part of actual historical figures, like a Confederate soldier living back home in Appomattox after the surrender.

Ernie Price, Park Ranger - "These are actually people with real experiences... that you can talk to not just attend their formal programs, but have a conversation with them and learn a lot."

Not only can you talk to history, but actually be surrounded by it.

Price - "And also you are standing in where the history took place on the stage road where confederates stacked their arms."

Like in the McLean house, where Lee and Grant stood to discuss the terms of the surrender.

Cool off with a trip to Holliday Lake. Where kids love splashing around at the sandy beach.

Brandon Nash, Visiting from Lynchburg - "My dad's out there fishing and I'm in here swimming."

Margaret - "You can see him from here?"

Brandon - "Yeah, see that boat out there, that's him!"

It's a kid friendly beach patrolled by lifeguards.

Christine Morgan, Visiting from NC - "It's a safe place to bring a family and feel comfortable."

Unwind some more by hiking one of the trails.

Robert Chapman, Park Manager Holliday Lake State Park - "We are secluded away from a lot of the amenities of the towns and cities and people enjoy coming out here and get back to the basics and enjoy what nature has to offer."

Finish the day sinking your teeth into a piece of history.

Margaret - "So it's that long? That's a big sandwich."

The General Grant comes in at 2 feet long. Just one more way Appomattox is bigger and better than you remember.

Both Appomattox Court House National Park and Holliday Lake are offering special programs for kids this summer and they're free. Click here for more information on the Appomattox Court House National Park. Click here for more information on Holliday Lake State Park.

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