NORTHEAST
Experience the High of Visiting
THE OBSERVATORY of the World’s Highest Inclined Tower
America’s Historical Hotspot very year, as Mother Nature paints the Northeastern landscape with its mosaic of vibrant colors, the region is a treasure trove for visitors, each place offering something different, but sharing its abundance of scenic wonders, historic sights, small-town charm and home-grown flavors.
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History abounds in New England and all the way down the Atlantic coast. The Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, and in nearby Concord the “shot heard ’round the world” started the American Revolution. Boston abounds with colonial connections, and Mystic Seaport in Connecticut celebrates America’s seafaring traditions. Summer and winter, visitors come to New England to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s to hike or ski in Vermont’s Green Mountains or enjoy an
Boston
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Philadelphia Olympic Park. A unique site and an experience you don’t want to miss. Ride in a cable car up to the observatory of the world’s highest inclined tower for an eye-popping view of Montréal and its surroundings. And while you’re here, take our surprising guided tour and learn everything there is to know about the history of the Stadium, from its construction to the present day. Olympic Park and its many peripheral attractions– just wait till you see! 1
evening concert on the village green. In fall, sightseers flock to New England and all the Northeast for “leaf peeping.” The vibrant reds, oranges and golds of autumn are spectacular, but don’t stop there. Discover the dazzling white of snow-covered mountains or cottoncandy pink of apple orchards in the spring. The Northeast, moreover, overflows with culinary delights, from Maine lobster and blueberries to Vermont maple syrup, Cape Cod cranberries, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and Maryland crab cakes. Many itineraries focus exclusively on food and wine. The Mid-Atlantic is among the most ethnically diverse areas in the world. From colonial times onward, it has been home to a kaleidoscope of people, and many neighborhoods are still steeped in their Old World ethnicity. Visitors appreciate the area’s authentic cuisine and are fascinated by heritage festivals and traditional ceremonies.
Travelers can tour the homes and villages of famous Americans to learn more of their lives and contributions to the world. American icons like Benjamin Franklin, Edgar Allen Poe and Babe Ruth all left their marks. The Mid-Atlantic’s metropolitan areas include some of the largest cities in the country and sizzle with first-rate nightlife and entertainment. Notable museums offer outstanding collections of art and antiquities. Majestic theaters present world-class productions. Visitors to the region also find maritime villages, towns stepped in history and paved with cobblestones, and some of the country’s most glorious public gardens. Each season highlights a different hue of Northeastern charm. Whether you’re leaf-peeping in New England, blasting through the United States’ most historical hotspots or catching up on the New York City arts scene, new seasons usher in new reasons to visit this vibrant mecca of distinctly American culture and beauty. LGT June 2009 53
Calvert County – Charm of the Chesapeake
Calvert County, Maryland
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Hunt for fossils on the beaches • Trace early history at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum • Learn about our rich maritime history at Calvert Marine Museum • Hungry? Savor succulent seafood at one of our many restaurants • Find treasures in our museums, galleries and shops
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: The Twin Beaches Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay’s western shore, the neighboring towns of North Beach and Chesapeake Beach epitomize the “land of pleasant living.” The seven-block waterfront in North Beach contains a public fishing pier, boardwalk and bike path. At Bayside History Museum learn about the Chesapeake Bay environment and the cultures of the bayside communities. Take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk, browse quaint boutiques, art galleries, sweet shops and antique stores. Ask about our special “Brown Bag Tour,” where all participants receive a small gift at participating shops. Take a glimpse back in time at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. Board one of the headboats at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Dock and cruise the Chesapeake Bay. For dinner, crack a few crabs at a local crab house, enjoy lite fare, steaks or seafood at a café as you watch the sunset.
DAY 2: Solomons Island Where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, you will find a place of uncommon charm and unspoiled beauty, Solomons Island. Visit the Calvert Marine Museum, to trace the rich maritime history and diversity of the Chesapeake Bay. Climb through the hatch of the Drum Point Lighthouse or take a shuttle to the Cove Point Lighthouse, the oldest continuously working light in Maryland. A short cruise on the museum’s historic “bug-eye” boat, the Wm. B. Tennison, gives a view of Solomons that is unique and unforgettable. At the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory learn more about the ecology and natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay. One of the mid-Atlantic area’s treasures, Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center features outdoor displays of sculpture, many on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. At the new Arts Center view changing exhibits or take a class. This quaint town has many restaurants; one is sure to suit your taste and price point. From waterside dining to steaks, your group will receive a delicious meal and great service. End
the day with a sunset cruise and listen to the sounds of the river as you enjoy the calm Patuxent River and watch the sun set over the bridge.
DAY 3: Fossils and Farmscapes The towering cliffs on the Chesapeake Bay are etched with imprints of creatures that lived in sands of years ago. As the cliffs level out, you will find where people have left their mark on the landscape, in the form of rolling farms and open fields. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum is situated on 560 acres along the Patuxent River and St. Leonard Creek. Explore the Visitor and Exhibit Center, Children’s Discovery Room and recreated Eastern Woodland Indian Village. Learn about archaeology through a “behind the scenes” tour of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. Walk the trails or take a slow stroll along the boardwalk at Flag Pond Nature Park. Once a thriving pound net fishery, the “Buoy Hotel” now houses a fascinating exhibit on the Bay’s old-time fishing industry. At Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, a boardwalk trail winds through one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees in North America. Learn more in the nature center through exhibits and demonstrations. On the Patuxent Wine Trail, sample and sip your way through Calvert County, which boasts five wineries. Tour the vineyards, talk with the vintners and taste your favorite varietals. By the time you are finished, you’ll have new ideas for pairings, answers to your wine questions and enough bottles of your dream chardonnay or shiraz to last until your next trip!
CONTACT: Calvert County Tourism
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Joyce Stinnett Baki • www.ecalvert.com Courthouse, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Phone: 800-331-9771 • Email: bakija@co.cal.md.us
➤ Patuxent Wine Trail ➤ The War of 1812 – The Battles of St. Leonard Creek ➤ Cooking Maryland Style
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Historic National Road and Grantsville
Garrett County, Maryland
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Grantsville Community Museum • Casselman Inn (Drover’s Inn) • White cast-iron mile marker • Casselman River Bridge State Park • Spruce Forest Artisan Village
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Come to Garrett County and join the Historic National Road and Grantsville tour. Travel the route that General Edward Braddock and volunteer officer George Washington used on their ill-fated march from Fort Cumberland to Fort Duquesne in 1755 at the start of the French and Indian War. Four of General Braddock’s encampment sites are located within present-day Garrett County. When the National Road came through in 1815, the settlement of Grantsville was a half mile away along the old Braddock Road. Recognizing an opportunity, the citizens of Grantsville decided to move a dozen buildings from their Braddock Road location to just west of the Casselman Bridge, to what is today the town of Grantsville. They wanted to take advantage of the new road and prosperity it would bring. Come tour Grantsville and all it has to offer! At the Grantsville Community Museum, see the Leo Beachy (18741927) photography exhibit that chronicled the mountains, villages and travelers who passed along the National Road. You will feel the town come alive as you tour the Casselman Inn (Drover’s Inn), a major overnight stop for cattle drovers with a large outdoor corral next door for
their animals. See the white cast-iron mile marker, one of many that were installed in 1835 when the State of Maryland took over responsibility for the National Road from the federal government. Don’t miss the Casselman Bridge at Casselman River Bridge State Park. A picturesque relic of Maryland’s early transportation history, the bridge was the longest single-span stone ach bridge (80 feet) in the world during the era of the National Road. The area’s history also is showcased at Spruce Forest Artisan Village, a settlement that consists of restored historic buildings moved to the site from various locations in Western Maryland. The mission of the village is to preserve and showcase Appalachian culture by educating visitors and promoting artisan crafts. Garrett County offers a variety of tours for everyone. Adventure, relaxation, history – we’ve got it all!
CONTACT: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Katie Tasker • www.garrettchamber.com 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541 Phone: 301-387-4386 • Email: Katie@garrettchamber.com
➤ Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Garrett County itinerary ideas
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Experience Philadelphia Like Never Before
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the birthplace of our nation • 117 year-old public food and vendor market – Reading Terminal Market • World-renowned art and cultural museums • Tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes • Experiential and voluntourism tour options
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Morning: Load your group on board a double-decker bus, historic trolley, or land-and-sea “duck” for a 90-minute tour of Center City Philadelphia. Professional guides will provide a wealth of facts about the city’s history, attractions and architecture. Unload at Independence National Historical Park for a walking tour of “America’s most historic square mile,” including the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, and soon, the President’s House commemorative site. Don’t miss the oldest street in America, Elfreth’s Alley, or famous flag-maker Betsy Ross’ House. Lunch: Fill your groups’ appetites with delicious food from more than 80 merchants at Reading Terminal Market, an authentic farmers market in the heart of Center City. Your groups can select from Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, world-famous mac ’n cheese and cuisine from around the globe. Afternoon: Continue your tour of the Historic District with a visit to the National Liberty Museum or the Independence Seaport Museum on the waterfront. Build some of the 25 free historical sites into your afternoon, including Christ Church and Franklin Court, home to America’s first post office and print shop. End your afternoon at the National Constitution Center, where you can view the U.S. Constitution. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a Colonial-style tavern, City Tavern or pub in the Historic District.
DAY 2: Morning: Visit the city’s most renowned cultural museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose steps were made famous in the Rocky films. Other options include the sculptures at the Rodin Museum or American paintings at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Lunch: Dine at the Water Works Restaurant overlooking Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River.
Afternoon: Explore the world’s largest urban landscaped park via I-Glide, Philadelphia’s version of a Segway® Tour. A short distance away is Eastern State Penitentiary located in the Fairmount neighborhood, where your group can tour Philadelphia’s famous prison that once housed Al Capone. (During September and October, the Penitentiary hosts a frighteningly wonderful haunted tour that welcomes groups.) Dinner/Dancing: View the city skyline from the Delaware River as your group departs from Penn’s Landing on a Spirit of Philadelphia dinner cruise.
DAY 3: Morning: The day starts before the sun rises in the Italian Market. With more than 125 years of history and tradition, you won’t want to miss the place film character Rocky Balboa made famous. Enjoy some free time to shop for produce, cheeses and breads. Or take a behind-the-scenes tour of Termini Brothers Bakery. Whether you take the tour or not, enjoy the famous cannoli and coffee in their cafe. Lunch: Sample the selection of cuisine along famous South Street. Choose from dozens of restaurants, then shop the eclectic boutiques, listen to live music, or just sit back and take in the bustling street at an outdoor cafe. Afternoon: Head west through Antique Row to the Avenue of the Arts, where you can record yourself singing one of Gamble and Huff’s famous songs at The Sound of Philadelphia souvenir shop. Take a tour of City Hall – the tallest municipal building in the world – and then head across the street to Macy’s for tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes. Dinner: Wear your new Philadelphia outfit for a group dinner at one of the world-class restaurants along the Avenue of the Arts or in the trendy Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
CONTACT: Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Ryan O’Connor, Tourism Sales Manager • www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel 1700 Market Street, Suite 3000, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: 215-636-3312 • Fax: 267-479-6312 • Email: RyanO@pcvb.org
➤ Philadelphia Culinary Tour ➤ Philadelphia for Students ➤ Philadelphia Free Attractions
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Discover the Charms of History and Natural Beauty
Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • History excursion inside and out featuring life-sized exhibits • World’s largest gourd company • Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse • A Smithsonian-quality museum • A quaint resort town with a lake that bubbles
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Begin the day brushing up on your cooking skills with the Kitchen Shoppe Inc. This fun atmosphere presents an interactive hands-on demonstration, a great way to energize your breakfast taste buds. Then journey to find out why Mike Rowe’s Discovery Channel TV show “Dirty Jobs” featured the world’s largest gourd-crafting company, Meadowbrooke Gourds. Take a tour to see how they grow them, clean them, and create baskets, birdhouses and vases. Our next stop, Kings Gap State Park, features a mountaintop, 32-room, Italian villastyle mansion surrounded by 1,500 acres of wildlife and vegetation. Eat lunch in the mansion dining room or out on the terrace that overlooks the valley. Sightseeing and shopping are on tap for this afternoon. Stroll through Historic Downtown Carlisle, where antique treasures and eclectic boutiques abound. Meander through Carlisle’s treelined streets admiring 200-year-old architecture, including Dickinson College’s “Old West” built in 1802. If time allows, experience an afternoon tea at Camellia’s Sin Tea Parlor. For dinner, choose from a selection of English-style fare at Market Cross Pub and Brewery.
DAY 2: Today begins by saluting a proud military past at the Army Heritage & Education Center, the primary facility for U.S. Army research. Continue your excursion outside on a mile-long, storied trail through life-sized military exhibits. Follow a family of local potato chip makers, piece together the history of the Carlisle Indian School and unveil the mystery of the Underground Railroad at the Cumberland County Historical Society. The next stop is the charming town of Boiling Springs. Enjoy a savory lunch at the historic Boiling Springs Tavern, built in 1832. Relax
and re-energize along the banks of Children’s Lake, a seven-acre lake with perfectly clear water that literally bubbles. Check out the awardwinning Village Artisans Gallery. Complete your day at the renowned Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse - an 18th-century country estate. Top off your evening with a dinner buffet and tickets to a show at thecountry’s longest running Murder Mystery Weekend theatre.
DAY 3: The Oakes Museum houses 40,000 Smithsonian-quality African and North American exhibits; an anchor is the 200-specimen collection of African mammals. Continue to Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses for a garden tour and shopping. Wander through the country store, greenhouses and enjoy a scrumptious snack fresh from the bakery. Then off for lunch to the Union Hotel, an 1860 landmark. Spend your afternoon in the Victorian town of Mechanicsburg, beginning with a tour at the Mechanicsburg Museum, followed by two additional historical locations including the hands-on Frankeberger Tavern. Our next stop, Eckels Drugstore, served as a backdrop for the 1999 Hollywood hit “Girl Interrupted”, starring Angelina Jolie. Take time for ice cream or a milkshake from the 1929 soda fountain and check out the display of herbal remedies from the 1800s. Enjoy the local shops such as Civil War and More, Gallerie 13, and the eco-friendly Providence Boutique. End your evening with a picturesque sunset dinner along the Susquehanna River at Rock Bass Grill, Duke’s or Dockside Willies.
CONTACT: Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Dawn M.S. Rickenbach, Sales Manager • www.visitcumberlandvalley.com 401 E. Louther St., Suite 209, Carlisle, PA 17013 Phone: 717.240.7191 • Email: dawn@visitcumberlandvalley.com
➤ Culinary Bound ➤ Green Eco Fun
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