Historical Slideshow : Presidential Vacations & Retreats

"For more than two centuries the White House has been the great destination and golden prize of American politics. But having scrambled to the top, many presidents can't seem to wait to tell people they've stumbled into a gilded prison."

Larry Knutson

Sports & Recreation / Facts & Trivia

Golf, tennis, bowling, jogging, swimming, and many other sporting pursuits have eased the strain of the executive office on dozen of presidents. Learn about a handful of the more memorable ones.

Presidential Vacations and Retreats  LAWRENCE KNUTSON

Referencing his book Escaping the Gilded Cage: An Illustrated History of Presidential Vacations and Retreats, historian Lawrence Knutson discusses the modern tradition of presidential vacationing in this six-part video interview.

"A Remarkable Tradition," Presidents and Baseball

On April 5, 2010 President Obama threw out the ceremonial opening day first pitch at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., continuing a tradition that started 100 years ago. President William Howard Taft began the custom on April 14, 1910 at Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C. Click the title link to view this chronological slideshow.

Recreation & Leisure @ President's Park

Part five of this seven part tour documentary covering the White House Gardens & Grounds presents the long history of presidential and first family recreation & relaxation at the White House.