October 1 – 15, 2009 15 days $2,063.00
Besides the brilliant colors that we see on this tour, one of the things
we want to experience here in the New England States is the rural
hamlets along our scenic routes, the small picturesque fishing villages
along the coast, and the isolated homesteads tucked in among the
color. We get off the interstates and take scenic routes to get a real
flavor of the very rural Northeast.
Day 1: On a cool crisp morning we will enjoy getting acquainted as we head
north and east for some beautiful fall colors. Our first night out will be in
Brooklyn, IA.
Day 2: This morning we meet a local guide who will show us the interesting
points in the Amanas, including the Bakery, Woolen Mills, Broom Shop, and
the Communal Church, learning about the history of the Amana Community
afterwards enjoying an included lunch, we continue north and east for a long
afternoon of driving, crossing Illinois, and on to Michigan City, Indiana.
Day 3: On this day, by noon, most of the State of Michigan will lie behind
us as we arrive in Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit, where we will tour the very
interesting and educational museum of Henry Ford. Late afternoon, we will
cross into Canada. Be sure to have your passport. Then it’s on to London,
Ontario, for the night.
Day 4: Before lunch we will arrive in the town of Niagara Falls. We will
enjoy the sights of the falls from the Canadian side, including the Floral
Clock, Botanical Gardens, ride the Maid of the Mist, and have some time for
the gift shops, relaxing and viewing along the falls. This evening, we will ride
up to the top of the Skylon Tower for a view of the lighted falls, after dark.
Overnight in Niagara Falls.
Day 5: We’ll be back in the U.S. as we cross the Rainbow Bridge. This
afternoon, we will be getting into the Adirondack Mountains where
hopefully, we will begin to enjoy the colors of the fall foliage. Late afternoon
we will arrive in the beautiful world-famous Adirondack Village of Lake
Placid, NY, host for the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympics. It’s a quaint little
town. You will enjoy the many little shops and restaurants, all within walking
distance of the motel.
Day 6: This morning we learn about the town, the Olympics and the area
with our local step-on guide. We’ll enjoy seeing the Olympic Center. After
lunch, we will continue east to Lake Champlain for our short scenic ferry
ride into Vermont. Since Vermont is known for its maple syrup, a tour to this
area would not be complete without a stop to explore the maple syrup
industry. We’ll continue to St. Johnsbury, Vermont for the night.
Day 7: In store for us is a journey to the top of New England on the world’s
first mountain-climbing cog railway. This 3 mile route to the summit of Mt.
Washington is the second steepest railway in the world. Upon getting to the
summit, we will be able to view, on a clear day, four states. DRESS WARM for
this trip up the mountain, which rivals the climate of the Antarctic. Our drive
after lunch takes us into Maine. After checking into our motel, we’re out for
the evening for our short cruise to an island for an old-fashioned included
lobster bake, put on by the locals. (weather permitting)
Day 8: Before leaving Portland this morning, we will visit the Portland
Head Lighthouse which is the oldest lighthouse in continuous use in the
country, and commissioned by George Washington. Heading on south, finds
us on a scenic route which will take us through many picturesque villages along
the coast. Our stop in the small fishing village of Ogunquit will be interesting
as we learn more about the lobster industry. Continuing south into Boston
we will arrive at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. This memorial
includes exhibits of the President’s Oval Office, his desk, many documents,
tape recordings and films on the life and times of our 35th President. Our motel
tonight is in the Boston area.
Day 9: This morning, our local guide will direct us to spots in Historical
Boston. There we learn more about the Boston Tea Party, visit the North
Church where Paul Revere got his signal for the famous ride, Concord and
Lexington, the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War along with
many other points of historical interests. We will go back in time as we visit
the
Mayflower replica in Plymouth. Our lodging tonight is in Middleboro where
we will be two nights.
Day 10: What an exciting day is in store for us today! After our drive down
to Cape Cod, we’ll board a boat for a cruise to the Island of Nantucket. Over
800 homes built between 1740-1840 by brave whaling men still stand
preserved. Within walking distance are the quaint boutiques and antique
stores of downtown. Then it’s around the island on a guided bus tour, which
includes views of the Whaling Museum, the cobblestone Main Street, homes
of the rich and famous, and other fascinating sights. Back to the same motel
for the night.
Day 11: Rhode Island is our destination today with a lighthouse cruise in
Narragansett Bay. We will view 60 miles of coastline showcasing 10 majestic
lighthouses. Back on land we will head to New Haven, CT for our overnight.
What a day to remember!
Day 12: We will start our day at Yale University where we will enjoy a
guided walking tour of the campus and its prestigious 300 year history. The
tour includes the Gothic Sterling Memorial Library and the rare collection
including the Gutenberg Bible. Continuing west our overnight will be in
Bellefonte, PA.
Day 13: Today is mostly another day of driving west with the exception of
a stop at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. We will view more than
80,000 square feet of exciting exhibits highlighting the greats of pro football.
Overnight will be in Richmond, IN.
Day 14: This morning it is west to Indianapolis. For those of you who have
never raced on a speedway, this is your day to do it!! The ride around the
track, (track schedule permitting) and the museum will acquaint us with the
Indy 500. By late afternoon, we will be at the famous Gateway Arch in St.
Louis, soaring 630 feet above the Mississippi. For those who wish, you can go
to the top in the tram for a spectacular view from above. We will retire just
west of town.
Day 15: Today again, it’s Westward-Ho. We will enjoy reminiscing about
the interesting and educational things we have seen and enjoyed together the
last 15 days. This is always a memorable tour.