September 25 – October 9, 2008
15 Days – $1,798.00
Besides the brilliant colors that we always 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, the tall steeple churches, and the isolated homesteads tucked in among the color. We get off the interstates and take lots of secondary, scenic by-roads to get a real flavor of the very rural Northeast. Year after year, we find color somewhere along our route, not always knowing just where it will show up. The vivid oranges, the deep reds, the bright yellows, the almost translucent peaches, and left over greens make the hillsides a brilliant splash of vibrant color.
Day 1: On a cool crisp morning we depart to begin our tour to enjoy the beautiful colors that nature is preparing for us. We will enjoy getting acquainted with each other as we head north and east for some beautiful fall colors and interesting places. Our first night out will be in Brooklyn, IA.
Day 2: An early morning departure from the motel will put us into the Amana Colonies to meet our local guide. They will show us the interesting points in the Amanas, including the Bakery, Woolen Mills, Broom Shop, and the Communal Church, as we learn about the history of the Amana Community. After a delicious included dinner, 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 ready in case we are asked to show them at the border. Then it’s on to London, Ontario, for the night.
Day 4: As we travel across this lower part of Ontario, we will enjoy seeing the farming areas. Before lunch, we will arrive in the town of Niagara Falls. What mighty power is displayed. 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. You may even want to ride the tram across the whirlpool rapids. This evening, we will ride up to the top of the Skylon Tower for a view of the lighted falls, after dark, from the observation deck. Overnight in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Day 5:We’ll be back in the U.S.A. as we cross the Rainbow Bridge this morning. This afternoon, we will be getting into the Adirondack Mountains where hopefully, we will begin to enjoy the colors of the fall foliage. This area normally has the brilliant colors on the mountainsides as we make our way through the small hamlets on this scenic route. After some time for picture stops, 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 downtown, 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 summer training centers for the athletes who come to Lake Placid to train for the Olympics. We may see skiers or ice skaters in training. 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. At this stop, we will learn about boiling sap in the old sugarhouse, and view a slide presentation of sap gathering. After our treat of “sugar on snow,” we’ll continue to St. Johnsbury, Vermont for the night.
Day 7: In store for us this morning is an unforgettable 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, the highest point in the Northeast, we will be able to view, on a clear day, four states limited only by the curvature of the earth. Some days you literally climb above the clouds, and other days through the snow - what an experience!! DRESS WARM for this trip up the mountain, which rivals the climate of the Antarctic. Our drive after lunch takes us into Maine. We’ll drive all the way to the coast and into Portland. After checking into our motel, we’re out for the evening for our short cruise to an island for an old-fashioned 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. You’ve seen it on many posters, calendars, and postcards. 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. Late afternoon, we will arrive in Plymouth to view the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock. 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 the 2 hour cruise to the Island of Nantucket. The Island has a history of seafaring greatness. Over 800 homes built between 1740 - 1840 by brave whaling men still stand lovingly 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, the homes of the rich and famous, and other fascinating sights. There is something for everyone at this unforgettable, funloving, sophisticated Nantucket. It’s an all day affair!!! Back to the same motel for the night.
Day 11: This morning we will add two more states to our list of states visited, as we drive by the capital of Rhode Island in Providence, and cut across the corner of Connecticut, all the while enjoying the fall colors. We hope you enjoy these scenic routes, as we get off the interstates. Back into Massachusetts we will visit the Sturbridge Village where we turn the clock back 170 years. What was life like in the 1830’s? Here we will experience the life, work and celebrations of a rural New England community. Our afternoon break stop will be at the Yankee Candle Company with its interesting story of how the Yankee Candle was born. After a scenic drive on the Mohawk Trail across the Berkshire Mountain Range, we will arrive in Williamstown, MA area for the night.
Day 12: Continuing west we will enjoy a very scenic drive while viewing the brilliant colors on the hillsides. Mid afternoon, will find us at the Corning Glass Center. On display are treasures dating back to 1500 B.C. and continuing to the present. We can watch the masterpieces being blown at the Steuben Factory by world-renowned artists. Overnight is just outside of Corning.
Day 13: Today our motor coach will be pushing westward as we get serious about heading home. Most of the day will be driving, as we leave the state of New York, going through Pennsylvania, Ohio and arriving in Richmond, IN for the night.
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) the museum and film 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. Hopefully there will be time to view the film and for those who wish, 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.