Autumn in New England

Day 1

Day 1: Saturday, Sept. 23
Join us this morning from the available departure location of your choice. Meet your friendly onboard host and driver, then settle in for a great day of travel.
We overnight tonight at the homey Essenhaus Inn in Middlebury, Indiana – right in the middle of Indiana’s “Amish Country!” It is only fitting that while here we partake in an authentic Amish meal in an Amish home. After, return back to your ‘home away from home’ for the night to relax and perhaps enjoy some of the hotel’s homey sitting areas for a hand of cards or a quick boardgame.

Day 2

Day 2: Sunday, Sept. 24
It’s up and at ‘em this morning with breakfast at the hotel before we depart for Rochester, New York today. It will be a day of travel, but our friendly Tour Host will help to keep you entertained with a few games, snacks and perhaps a movie. After checking into our hotel, have a bit of time to freshen up before we depart for dinner at the local Olive Garden with your included gift card.

Day 3

Day 3: Monday, Sept. 25
Fuel up on breakfast before we check out of the hotel this morning and make our way to the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Here, you will learn that farming was at the heart of all Shaker communities. Through agricultural experimentation and wise use of technology, the Shakers made their farms into models of efficiency and innovation. Hancock Shaker Village is still a working farm today, with vegetables, herbs, and a barn full of livestock. In their quest to live in a heaven on earth, the Shakers created a distinctive material world. Unique dwellings housed men and women whose labors produced the furniture, textiles, and agricultural and household equipment in what we now call Shaker style. Lunch today will be on your own at Bimi’s Café featuring locally sourced and freshly prepared foods harvested from the farm located on the grounds.
We check in to our Hampton Inn hotel in Chicopee, Massachusetts and get settled for a two-night stay. Enjoy a small welcome reception provided by the hotel before we depart for dinner this evening at the Salem Cross Inn. Enjoy the beautiful country backroads as we make our way to a destination that you will have fond memories of for years to come. Experience the crackling fires in the fieldstone fireplaces and the glorious smells of delicious food being prepared especially for us. It’ll be the perfect ending to a perfect day!

Day 4

Day 4: Tuesday, Sept. 26
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel this morning and then we load up to explore Springfield, MA for the day! We begin at the Springfield Museums, located in the heart of downtown Springfield. Here you will have access to five world-class museums including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. This is one not to be missed! It is the newest museum on the quadrangle and is devoted to Springfield native Theodor Geisel, aka, Dr. Seuss! The first floor has interactive exhibits exploring his Springfield roots and provides opportunities to experiment with new sounds and vocabulary and invent stories – all in line with Geisel’s revolutionary role in changing how we learn to read. The second floor is curated by his two stepdaughters and great nephew and recreates his studio and living room (with the furniture and art materials he used) and features never before publicly displayed art, family photos, letters and the original Geisel Grove sign which used to hang in Forest Park. Also included in the group of museums are the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Springfield Science Museum, Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
It’s then off for an experience of a lifetime at The Big E!, America’s premier exposition and the world’s only multi-state fair, representing all six New England states, with entertainment, unique foods and more. Repeatedly voted as an ABA (American Bus Association) Top 100 Event you will soon understand why. It comes complete with top-named entertainment, and you can taste fabulous fair food, walk the iconic Avenue of States, enjoy the agriculture, and go behind the scenes in the historic Storrowton Village Museum. Nestled in a quiet corner of the Big E, the Museum is an authentic recreation of a 19th century village, consisting of 9 historical buildings assembled around a traditional Green. Later you will have plenty of time to view the daily Parade from the sidelines with high school marching bands, specialty floats, antique vehicles and more. We gather back together this evening as a group at Storrowton Tavern located in the Storrowton Village on the Big E Fairgrounds for a delicious authentic New England dinner in an elegant historic setting. Providing exceptional dining and the freshest ingredients, Storrowton Tavern will ensure you have a most enjoyable experience. After dinner, we depart to return back to the hotel for the remainder of the evening for a great night of rest after such a big day of exploration!

Day 5

Day 5: Wednesday, Sept. 27
Today we leave our Chicopee hotel after breakfast and begin our journey to the state of Maine. Along the way we visit the Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast which depicts a rural New England town of the 1830’s. Step inside more than 40 original buildings, explore homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, water-powered mills, and trade shops – all situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals. Lunch will be on your own this afternoon at the Bullard Tavern in the Village. Originally called the Village Inn, the Bullard Tavern was built to serve food and beverages to visitors at Old Sturbridge Village. Today, it is named for Cromwell Bullard, who owned and operated a tavern in Sturbridge in the 1830’s.
Then it is off to “Vacationland” also known as Maine! There is a reason it is called “Vacationland.” Maine offers a unique natural setting that has been luring summer vacationers here for decades. Thanks to its vast, tranquil, and temperate setting, a visitor can find endless things to do and places to explore. We will make a stop at Maine’s southernmost lighthouse in Cape Neddick for a photo opportunity and to take in the picturesque view before we check in to our south coast resort for two nights. The Meadowmere Resort offers the comforts of an indoor pool, jacuzzi, pub and movie theater. It’s also within walking distance of the Marginal Way shoreline path.
This evening, at the resort, you’ll need to don your souvenir Maine “Lobster Hat” and head on down for the lobster bake! You’ll feast on your choice of boiled Maine lobster or barbecued chicken, plus chowder, steamed mussels, corn on the cob, Maine potatoes and blueberry crumb cake. There’s even an added bonus – sing-along entertainment! Take the time to enjoy exploring more of the grounds of the resort this evening before retiring to your room.

Day 6

Day 6: Thursday, Sept. 28
Have breakfast at the resort this morning before we leave to meet up with our local guide for the day. One of our first stops will be Kennebunkport, Maine. Widely known as one of New England’s most popular tourist destinations, this charming coastal town isn’t just a great place to visit, it’s also full of history! It should be, it is one of the oldest European-settled towns in the United States. It was first settled in 1653 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. We will drive past the sandy beaches and rocky coastline, past the George Bush estate at Walker’s Point, hear the history of this shipbuilding town and the legend of the Wedding Cake House. We also visit the seaside Franciscan Monastery with its beautiful landscaping, outdoor shrines, and chapel.
Then, it is off to Portland, Maine to visit this restored seacoast town and largest city in Maine. Downtown Portland is known for its beautifully restored historic districts, including the arts district and the popular Old Port waterfront. The New England Today says: “Wandering the Old Port district in Portland, Maine, you may feel as though you’ve stepped onto a movie set. With its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, fishing piers, and location overlooking the Fore River, the southeastern side of Portland has a historical feel (and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places), while its boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightlife make it a popular destination for modern-day tourists.” You will have an opportunity to choose your lunch, on your own, at one of these restaurants today while having some time to enjoy this waterfront district complete with cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and galleries. Later this afternoon, enjoy a Portland Harbor Lights Cruise and pass through the Calendar Islands of Casco Bay and past several lighthouses. Keep your eyes open as you are likely to spot a harbor seal while you are listening to the maritime history of Maine’s largest seaport. Note, you will be on a large tour boat equipped with restrooms, snack bar and indoor/outdoor seating available on two levels.
Before we return to the resort this evening, we will enjoy an included dinner at a local favorite restaurant and bid farewell to our local guide.

Day 7

Day 7: Friday, Sept. 29
We bid farewell to the resort after breakfasting this morning and venture on to the beautiful state of New Hampshire and Lake Winnipesaukee with a M/S Mount Washington Cruise! Lake Winnipesaukee may be one of the state’s most recognizable natural features. Covering 69 square miles in the foothills of the White Mountains it is the third largest lake in New England and this beauty is a must-visit for many. While it’s gorgeous any time of the year, the lake comes alive with color in the fall, and you will get to see it in one of the best ways – from right on the water. Travel one-way across the lake with a narrated cruise from Weirs Beach to Wolfeboro.
Upon arriving in Wolfeboro, you’ll have free time to explore the village shops and galleries. Do remember to take time to have some lunch, on your own, today. And, just so that you are ‘in the know,’ Wolfeboro, NH is known as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort” as it sits on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and cradled between two mountain ranges with borders on six different lakes and ponds. The last colonial governor of New Hampshire chose Wolfeboro for his summer home which he built on Lake Wentworth in 1763 thus giving the distinction of being the oldest resort in America.
We move on to the Castle in the Clouds Mansion where you will enjoy an overview program followed by free time to explore the castle grounds and the two-story mansion, built in 1914, at your own pace. Here is a little info about the original owners before it was re-named as the Castle in the Clouds Mansion.
After earning his fortune in the shoe industry at the turn of the 20th century, Tom Plant focused his attention on the Ossipee Mountains in Moultonborough, New Hampshire where he and his wife, Olive, built a unique and stunning country estate, which they called Lucknow. The property spanned 6,300 acres and featured a 16-room Arts and Crafts mansion, stable and six-car garage, two gatehouses, a greenhouse, a golf course and tennis court, a man-made lake, a boathouse on Lake Winnipesaukee, and miles of carriage and bridle trails.
Owned and operated by Castle Preservation Society since 2006, Lucknow is now open to the public for guests to enjoy. Revel in the beauty of the views, while taking in the magnificent features Mr. Plant had installed in his home. Enjoy a self-guided tour as if time stood still in the early 1900s. Rooms are set up as if Tom and Olive had just stepped out for the day, and vintage apparel adorns the house in closets. Experience life through the eyes of the Plants and imagine yourself living in the Lucknow mansion with spectacular views from every room. Search for the innovations of the time – central vacuuming, ammonia brine refrigeration, and intercom systems.
Tonight, we will have dinner before we arrive to the hotel for the rest of the evening. At the Holiday Inn Express in Lincoln, NH we will settle in for another two-night stay. They have coffee and tea available in the lobby 24/7 and you can also enjoy an indoor pool and whirlpool too. Rest up, tomorrow is another big day!

Day 8

Day 8: Saturday, Sept. 30
Today should promise to be a day full of Autumn color and splendor, so fuel up on breakfast at the hotel before we head out for a full day of exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire with our local guide! What a way to start off the day with a panoramic view of the beautiful White Mountains from the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram in Franconia Notch State Park! Board the aerial tram taking you to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. On a clear day, you can also see the mountains for four states and even into Canada! Have your camera ready for the beautiful views of the distant valleys and mountains. We will also be able to partake in some other areas of the park where there are some great scenic overlooks.
We depart on our way, but we must be sure to take a quick stop for a great photo-op of one of New Hampshire’s most picturesque areas, the Mount Washington Hotel Scenic Overlook and Crawford Notch. Hear the history and stories of the area as we continue the loop tour through Crawford Notch with some stupendous views!
Then it’s off to North Conway, NH, a village filled with charming boutiques, outlets and even a classic 5 & 10! You are sure to find a quaint place to have some lunch on your own. With a backdrop of over 700,000 acres of protected White Mountain National Forest North Conway also boasts of having the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington, standing at 6,288 feet.
We continue our colorful journey today as we depart North Conway and start across the scenic Kancamagus Highway, as affectionately referred to by the locals as “the Kanc.” The Kanc is a portion of NH Route 112 spanning east to west from Lincoln to Conway and is a 34.5-mile drive recognized as a National Scenic Byway. It is truly considered to be one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the world.
Be sure to have yourself and your camera ready - you are going to be seeing waterfalls, rivers and breath-taking mountain vistas providing you with many beautiful memories. You’ll have all kinds of views as we twist through the White Mountain National Forest. While traveling along, we will make a stop at the Albany Covered Bridge, built in 1858 as a one-lane bridge, 120 feet long. There are some great photo chances here! We also take in Rocky Gorge, a powerful narrow gorge where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. Carved by glaciers, you will find this a breathtaking scenic area with a 10-foot drop and rapids.
After such a day of adventure we are sure you will have worked up an appetite and we have just the thing for you – the Café Lafayette Dinner Train. Located in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, a trip on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train offers something totally different and we promise that you will enjoy a memorable dining experience. Featuring a two-hour train ride complete with a 5-course dinner aboard 1950’s restored vintage rail cars, the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is a dining experience of a lifetime.
We return to the hotel for the remainder of the evening so that you can rest up for even more adventures tomorrow!

Day 9

Day 9: Sunday, Oct. 1
Take in breakfast before we leave today for the state of Vermont! Vermont is known for many things including maple sugar/syrup and cheese. Today we visit the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Vermont’s oldest maple family, serving up delicious maple syrup for friends and neighbors for 8 generations! Nestled on a hilltop just outside of Montpelier (Did you know that Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the USA?) you’ll see that this farm is a throwback to a simpler, quieter time when generations of the same family worked together to carve out a living on the land. See an entertaining and informative sugar making video presentation, visit the sugarhouse, visit the Morse Farm goats, visit the gift shop for syrup to take home and get a local treat – Sugar-On-Snow! A personal favorite from past trips to Morse Farm are the hard maple candies – be sure to try some.
We head on out to the Quechee Gorge Village and the Cabot Cheese Store. Enjoy browsing their fantastic collection of Cabot products and many other Vermont specialty foods. From a selection of Vermont microbrews, hard ciders, as well as local and international wines to their impressive selection of Vermont artisanal cheese, you’ll be delighted with the unique products available here.
Be sure to allow time to see and photograph the Quechee Gorge. It is the deepest glacier-created gorge in Vermont at 165-feet, estimated to have been formed by glacial activity over 13,000 years ago. It’s a great view right from Route 4!
Load back up on the motorcoach because we are off to Woodstock, VT to visit the Billings Farm & Museum. On a past tour, we went through Woodstock only to hear the groans from the passengers that they sure would have liked to have some time there. While it is a busy place, we are making certain you get to stop this time! Picture-perfect Woodstock, Vermont is right in the heart of the Green Mountains and the Billings Farm is just a short scenic stroll from the village center and is regarded as one of the finest outdoor history museums around. Plus, you can’t visit Vermont without seeing a few cows, that’s where all that great Vermont cheese comes from! You will tour the working dairy farm and explore inside the restored 1890 farmhouse. A boxed lunch will be included and then you may enjoy some free time to explore the charming village of Woodstock. We continue to our hotel for the night, the Hampton Inn Rutland where we check in and freshen up a bit before a group dinner this evening.

Day 10

Day 10: Monday, Oct. 2
Have breakfast before we check out of the hotel this morning and start our journey back home to the Midwest. It is a day of travel, but we do take the time to visit a small, quaint museum in Seneca Falls, NY – the “It’s a Wonderful Life” Museum. Welcome to the “Real” Bedford Falls from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Browse amongst the nostalgia with displays and memorabilia from the film. This 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, was based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift, which Philip Van Doren Stern self-published in 1943. Today it is considered a definite “Christmas Classic!”
We continue on our way to the Hyatt Place Buffalo in Amherst, NY where we will check in and have a bit of time to freshen up for dinner this evening. Some of the hotel’s amenities include a lobby bar, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and free internet access. Dinner this evening will be at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store with your included $15 meal card. There is always something for everyone at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – proud sponsor of the Grand ‘Ole Opry! Return back to the hotel to enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Day 11

Day 11: Tuesday, Oct. 3
Grab some breakfast and we are off to Cleveland, Ohio and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as we continue on our journey back home. In 1985, when the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was deciding where to open its physical museum, Cleveland threw its hat into the ring for consideration. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame threw open its doors on September 2, 1995 and celebrated with a blockbuster benefit concert at nearby Cleveland Municipal Stadium. It is dedicated to bringing the museum’s vision of engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll to life. Full of exhibits from Michael Jackson’s glove to the leather pants of Mick Jagger, you’ll see displays from artists spanning the years. With 5 levels to explore there is really never ‘enough’ time, but this stop will get you a good taste and may make you want to come back someday for more! We continue today ending once more where we began at the Essenhaus Inn. Dinner this evening will be on your own at the Das Dutchman with everything from an Amish buffet, to plated entrees, sandwiches, and of course, pie! You may need to take a quick stroll around the grounds before retiring for the evening.

Day 12

Day 12: Wednesday, Oct. 4
Our adventure to the states of New England comes to an end as we depart for our own homes after breakfast this morning. We hope you will have enjoyed your time, have made some new friends, and have come home with some fabulous memories!