Northeast on our radar
Happily for travel planners, the Northeast has some exciting tours and exhibitions on tap for 2010
Here are just some of the things making news on the East Coast: tory and science through hands-on activities and encourages visitors of all ages to step into the roles of lock tender, canal engineer, crane operator and canal boat captain. Divided into four sections relating to key canal structures – locks, masonry arches, cranes and aqueducts – each area features accompanying inter-
CONNECTICUT Building America’s Canals, an interactive exhibition revealing the construction and operation of the nation’s humanbuilt waterways, just opened at Mystic Seaport and runs through Oct. 11. Organized by the National Canal Museum of Easton, Penn., the exhibit blends his-
pretive panels with photographs, diagrams and text detailing the historical context for America’s canals. A computer game with virtual dynamite tests a player’s skill in operating a canal lock. (mysticseaport.org/canals) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The replica of Abraham Lincoln’s wool overcoat, which has been on display in the Ford’s Theatre lobby, will be replaced in February by the original Brooks Brothers coat. The original will remain on view until June. The National Park Service with the support of Ford’s Theatre Society has agreed to display the Lincoln coat for six months annually in an effort to balance conservation of and public access to the historic artifact worn by Lincoln on the night he was shot at the theater. The coat has been on display in the lobby since February 2009, when the theater reopened to the public following a $25-million renovation. (nps.gov/foth, fords.org).
NEW YORK Dutchess County Tourism offers Hudson Valley Experiential Tours, a new series of 13 group tours that provides interactive experiences and go behind the scenes. At the Staatsburgh State Historic Site, for example, visitors on the “1914 Gilded Age Experience Tourâ€? are invited to the play the part of an aristocrat or guest in the mansion of Ogden and Ruth Mills. On the “Servants to Stewards Tourâ€? at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, guests are assigned the character of servant and learn about the meticulous running OUR TRIP IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT A STOP AT THE WORLD FAM OTHING COMPARES TO THE EXPERIENCE OF STANDING FACEˆTOˆF of the Vanderbilt household as they MOST FASCINATING HISTORICALƒ POLITICAL AND ICONIC FIGUR tour the home from behind the scenes. OOK YOUR GROUP BY ECEMBER ĂŒĂ? ƒ Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹ AND RECEIVE ĂŒ TICKET WITH EVERY ĂŒĂ‹ TICKETS PURCHA At the 1752 Historic Joseph Horton
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with scones and finger sandwiches, an indepth home tour and live operatic serenade. The group also can share in activities like soap making and wool spinning. Another tour features a gourmet lunch or dinner with culinary demonstration at Gigi Hudson Valley. At Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, guests immerse themselves in the lives of George and Martha Washington. (845-463-5444, destinationdutchess)
Plan a visit to the Mid-Atlantic region’s finest woodland wildflower garden. Let our unparalleled collection of native plants inspire you. Spring and Summer Group Tours are available by reservation from
PENNSYLVANIA President’s House Commemorative Site on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall will be unveiled on July 4. It will be open around the clock so that visitors can see the exposed underground remains of the home where Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms. Through interpretive panels, videos and a spot for silent reflection, the site recognizes the nine slaves who served two presidents who were ironically leading the young country in its pursuit of freedom and equality. (215-597-0060, phila.gov/presidentshouse)
April 13th—July 31st. Call 302.239.4244 to sign up today.
Tour the beautiful gardens of the Brandywine Valley.
Greenville, DE www.mtcubacenter.org
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You love Philadelphia’s favorites…
Let’s talk. 800-CALL-PHL ext. 2
Now it’s time to experience the rest. Explore new tour ideas with us.
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