After a day at the nearby Creation Museum - or the evening before - it's the perfect time for a Dearborn County Twilight Tour. (Timing is apporximate, and is for planning purposes only.)

4pm
Check in your Lawrenceburg, Indiana hotel just five miles from the Creation Museum. Freshen up, then venture down the Ohio River Scenic Byway to dine in historic Aurora's landmark estates.

5-7pm
Hillforest Victorian House Museum
Gather in the double parlors for an elegant catered dinner followed by a tour of the mansion and visit to the gift shop.

Home to industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1891, the mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.

7-9pm
Veraestau Historic Site
Explore Veraestau as you relax and enjoy the ambience, the grounds and the beautiful view. Help yourself to coffee or tea and the delightful dessert buffet.

Experience Indiana's architectural history and the historic preservation practiced by generations of two families. Veraestau is operated by Historic Landmarks Foundations of Indiana and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

MENU
Twilight Tour Dinner served at the Hillforest Mansion includes entree, choice of salad and two sides, rolls or bread, and drink. (Entire group must select same menu items.)
* Entrees: Roasted pork tenderloin, Beef lasagna, Vegetable lasagna, Baked cod with lemon butter, Grilled chicken breast, Chicken parmesan, Roast Beef, Baked ham
* Salads: Tossed salad, Spinach salad broccoli salad, Caesar salad, Pasta salad, Coleslaw, Fruit salad
* Sides: California medley, Broccoli with cheese sauce, Green beans almondine, Green beans with ham and onions, Glazed baby carrots, Buttered sweet corn, Roasted red potatoes, Buttered parsley potatoes, Rice pilaf, Mashed potato, Garlic mashed potatoes, Scalloped potatoes

Twilight Tour Dessert Buffet served at Veraestau Estate includes coffee or tea and a selection of homemade desserts reflecting the season. Choices may include strawberry pie, lemon meringue pie, chocolate cake, cream cake, angel food cake with berries, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, etc. Delish!

Dearborn County Convention and Visitor Bureau
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 
Phone: (812) 265-6999
Phone: (800) 322-8198
Fax: (812) 265-6384 
E-mail: smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com 
Web: www.visitsoutheastindiana.com 
www.tourforthecure.info

Custom design a Boomer adventure incorporating flexible schedule options for those independent sprirts! Explore historic Aurora, Indiana and discover its shops and sights along the way.

Activities could include:
* Self-guided architectural or alley tours
* Barge watching
* Art Gallery/Studio visit
* Microbrew tasting
* Riverside dining
* Historic jail visit
* Self-guided church tour
* Self-guided Windows of Aurora murlas tour

Or schedule a fit & active adventure for those "one the go" or multigenerational groups:
* European-style karting
* Snow skiing or tubing
* Ziplining

Take a look at our Boomers Adventures brochure!

Dearborn County Convention and Visitor Bureau
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 
Phone: (812) 265-6999
Phone: (800) 322-8198
Fax: (812) 265-6384 
E-mail: smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com 
Web: www.visitsoutheastindiana.com 
www.tourforthecure.info 

This 2-day Girlfriend Getaway is packed with special activities and hands-on fun - one-of-a-kind experiences that will keep passengers smiling from morning 'til night. Turn great times into great news on a Tour for the Cure® supporting the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer(SM). (Timing is approximate, and is only for planning purposes)

Day One
10:45am
Arrive in Aurora, Indiana. Make a quick "comfort stop" at the newly restored Romanesque Revival city hall. While there, make sure to see the historic jail.

11:15am-2:15pm
Step into the Victorian era during your visit to Hillforest Victorian House Museum, a beautiful National Historic Landmark overlooking the Ohio River and the picturesque town of Aurora, and accompany your costumed guide on a tour of the mansion.

Gather in the elegant double parlors and enjoy a "linens & luxury" luncheon in true Victorian style.

Enjoy a quick course on beauty secrets practiced in the late 1800s. Sample lotions concocted from period recipes and learn a few tips that are practical today.
* Tour, $5/person
* Luncheon, $20/person
* Victorian Beauty Secrets Program, $3/person
* Escort &amp Driver Comps

2:15-3:45pm
Stretch your legs during a walking tour of Aurora, the "City of Spires". Tour the Windows of Aurora murals project with your guide, one of the primary muralists of the project. Colorful murals depict life in Aurora in the early 1900s. Discover the sights and shops along the way and visit the Southeast Indiana Art Guild Studio & Gallery. The murals & Gallery are both featured in the Canals & Rivers Artisan Trail of Southeast Indiana.

3:45pm
Drive to Lawrenceburg

4pm
Hotel check-in. With Hollywood Casino's Tour for the Cure® Package, you'll find great rooms, great food options and great games!

5-7:30pm
The Girlfriends are going to love the Pink Paradise Arty Party at The Framery!
* Appetizers and pink drinks
* Massage session
* Fused glass pendant class
*Yoga or Latin rhythm dance class
* Behind-the-scenes session of framing tips.
*Complete "Arty Party", $34/person
* Escort & Driver Comps
* The Framery will donate $1 per person to Tour for the Cure®.

7:30-???
To continue your evening of entertainment, try your luck at the casino. Relax and enjoy dinner on your own at one of Hollywood Casino's many dining options.

Day Two
7:15-8:30
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

8:30-10am
Roll up your sleeves and let those creative juices flow at McCabe's Greenhouse & Floral. Enjoy a Garden party and create a fab floral project.
* Hands-on container herb garden project, $25/person (Apr-mid-July)
* Hands-on mini-pumpkin floral arrangement, $20/person (fall)
* Hands-on fresh greens door swag, $25/person (Nov/Dec)
* Hands-on fresh greens wreath, $30/person (Nov/Dec)
* Escort & Driver Comps
* McCabe's will donate $1 per person to Tour for the Cure® for these hands-on projects.

10-10:15
Short drive to Mt. Tabor Alpaca Farm

10:15-11:15am
This popular agritourism spot is home to a large herd of alpacas, the gentle animals prized for their super-soft fiber. Enjoy a special behind-the-scenes tour of these scenic farm and meet the farm's other inhabitants, including goats, honeybees and horses.
* Tour, $5/person
* Escort & Criver Comps

11:15-11:30am
Return to Lawrenceburg

11:30am-1:30pm
Enjoy a "good for you" Tour for the Cure® Luncheon at Whisky's Family Restaurant named after Lawrenceburg's nickname - "Whiskey City". Choice of signature entree salad topped with house-smoked atlantic salmon, cajun chicken or shrimp, beverages - and dark chocolate-dipped strawberries for an antioxidant boost!
* Lunch, $12.70/person inclusive
* Escort & Driver Comps
* Whisky's will donate $1 per person to Tour for the Cure® for each Tour for the Cure® Luncheon purchased.

1:30-1:45pm
Drive to Aurora

1:45-3pm
Gather the gals and grab the cameras. The view of the Ohio River Valley is spectacular from the lawn of Veraestau Historic Site. After a casual tour, kick back, relax and explore the grounds and carriage house with its collection of vinatge carriages

3pm - Departure

HAVE FUN, GIVE HOPE.
Ask for information about Tour for the Cure® when booking this tour. It's easy to participate.

Dearborn County Convention and Visitor Bureau
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 
Phone: (812) 265-6999
Phone: (800) 322-8198
Fax: (812) 265-6384 
E-mail: smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com 
Web: www.visitsoutheastindiana.com 
www.tourforthecure.info 

Visit Southeast Indiana and "Celebrate the Season"
(Just 20 minutes west of Cincinnati Timing is approximate &amp for planning purposes only)

3pm
Arrive in Lawrenceburg, check into hotel and freshen up for a fun evening in nearby Aurora.

4pm
Begin your visit in the historic community of Aurora, the "City of Spires", where many buildings preserve its river city characteristics.

Main Street Aurora's Miracle on Main invites you to feel the magic of another small town - one of the largest Dickens Village displays in the IN-OH-KY Tri-state area. This private collection features 240+ lighted pieces, a smoking chimney, running water, two HO trains and numerous animated & accessory pieces. (free)

Explore the sights and shops of the quaint downtown on your way to Aurora City Hall for a quick peek into the historic jail.

5:30-7:30pm
Relax and enjoy the home-style dinner specialities of fried chicken, twin pork chops or grilled chicken breast at Applewood on the River. After dinner, spend the eveing at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg.
* Dinner at Applewood, $15.95/person all inclusive (based on these three listed entrees)
* Escort & Driver Dinner Comps

Day Two
?-9:15am
Breakfast at hotel and check-out.

9:30-10:45am
Enjoy a seasonal hands-on gardening project at McCabe's Greenhouse &amp Floral. Create a traditional door swag or wreath of fresh greens, or enjoy a seasonal three-project floral demo. Shop for home & garden accessories in the gift shop, and enjoy the plentiful poinsettias and holiday decorations.
* Fresh Door Swag, $25/person
* Fresh Wreath, $30/person
* Floral Demo option, $100/group (arrangements go home with group)
* Escort & Driver Comps

10:45-11am
Short drive to Aurora

11am-1pm
Step into the Victorian era at Hillforest Victorian House Museum, a beautiful National Historic Landmark overlooking the Ohio River and the picturesque town of Aurora.

Gather in the double parlors for a sumptuous 3-course tea (scones, finger sandwiches, sweets.) Accompany your costumed guide on a tour of the mansion and Victorian Christmas exhibit showcasing decorations, toys and textiles of the season. Save some time to visit the gift Shop!
* Tea, $20/person
* Tour, $5/person
* Escort & Driver Comps

1:15pm - Deaprt for home

HAVE FUN, GIVE HOPE. Make this Holiday Itinerary a Tour for the Cure(R)!
Dearborn County's hotels and McCabe's Greenhouse are Tour for the Cure(R) partners. Ask for information when booking this tour to learn how motorcoach tours to Southeast Indiana can deliver good times and make a difference.
It's Easy to Participate

Dearborn County Convention and Visitor Bureau
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 
Phone: (812) 265-6999
Phone: (800) 322-8198
Fax: (812) 265-6384 
E-mail: smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com 
Web: www.visitsoutheastindiana.com 
www.tourforthecure.info 

Spend a day along the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Dearborn County/Southeast Indiana, just 20 minutes west of Cincinnati. Enjoy history and hands-on fun with river views, mansion tours, historic towns and a make-it-and-take-it class. (Timing is approximate and for planning purposes only.)

9-9:30am
Grab a camera and enjoy the views! Begin your visit in the Lawernceburg Historic District with a walk along the Ohio River Levee. The river played a major role in the early development of Lawrenceburg. Westward moving settlers first came to the region in the late 1700s by flatboats on the Ohio River. Founded in 1802, the city quickly became a trading center for all of southeastern Indiana. View the river below, where a bustling river wharf boat once moored flatboats and paddle wheelers in the 1800s. In 2002 the Lawrenceburg Bicentennial Committee commissioned the levee's town clock and bell tower, constructed by Verdin Company of Cincinnait as a Memorial to the Common Man.

9:40-11:10am
Get ready to find your green thumb at McCabe's Greenhouse and Floral. Enjoy a great hands-on gardening project (or a three project floral demo) and shop for home & garden acessories in the gift shop.
* Hands-on mini-pumpkin arrangement, $20/person (fall)
* Hands-on fresh greens door swag, $25/person wreath, $30/person (Nov/Dec)
* Hands-on potted herb garden, $25/person (Apr-early July)
* Three project demo, $100/group (group keeps demo arrangements available any season)
* Escort & Driver comps

11:10-11:40am
Take a short drive to the historic community of Aurora, the "City of Spires", bordering a prominent bend in the Ohio River. Industry and river traffic were the pillars of Aurora's 19th century economy, and today many unique and historic buildings preserve its river city characteristics. Stop at Aurora City Hall for a quick comfort stop and a peek into the historic jail.

11:40am-1:45pm
Step into the Victorian era at Hillforest Victorian House Museum. Gather in the double parlors for a relaxing "linens & luxury" luncheon (or a sumptuous 3-course tea.) Accompany your costumed guide on a tour of this beautiful National Historic Landmark overlooking the Ohio River and the picturesque town of Aurora.
* Tour, $5/person
* Luncheon or 3-Course Tea, $20/person
* Escort & Driver Comps

2-2:45pm
Stretch your lets during a walking tour of Aurora. Tour the Windows of Aurora murals project with your guide, one of the primary muralists of the project. Colorful murals depict life in Aurora in the 1900s. Discover the sights and shops along the way and visit the Southeast Indiana Art Guild Studio & Gallery. The murals and gallery are featured in the Canals & Rivers Artisan Trail of Southeast Indiana.
* Tour guide, $50/group

3-4pm
Visit Aurora's Veraestau Historic Site, a property of Indiana Landmarks Foundation. This estate captures a long sweep of Indiana's architectural history and exemplifies the historic preservation practiced by generations of two families. Explore the house and grounds, and enjoy the incredible view of the river valley below.
* Tour, $5/person
* Escort &amp Driver Comps

4pm - Departure

Dearborn County Convention and Visitor Bureau
320 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 
Phone: (812) 265-6999
Phone: (800) 322-8198
Fax: (812) 265-6384 
E-mail: smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com 
Web: www.visitsoutheastindiana.com 
www.tourforthecure.info

Morning

Arrive in Indiana, Pennsylvania at the Jimmy Stewart Museum

Start your visit out with Jimmy's hometown tour. The bus travels past the site of where he was born, his boyhood home, his grandfather's home and the statue in his honor. The group will enjoy the humorous tales of Jimmy's life as he grew up in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Tour of the Jimmy Stewart Museum

In the Museum, the group will see how the town has preserved a collection of Stewart memorabilia that represents his accomplishments as an actor, military figure, a civic leader, a family man and a world citizen. The Museum is over 5,000 square feet and consists of murals, personal items from both Stewart's movie and military careers, a gift shop and a 50 seat theater. While at the Museum, the group will view a biography of Mr. Stewart. You may even be greeted by a "special character", such as Clarence, Harvey or a Jimmy Stewart impersonator.

Lunch - Amish Wedding Feast

Enjoy a traditional wedding dinner complete with a narrator explaining Amish wedding traditions as well as customs of the Amish folk.

Afternoon

Shopping in Smicksburg

The town of Smicksburg is in the heart of Amish country. Over 300 Old Order Amish families reside in the rolling hills surrounding the town. Shop for pottery, primitive country crafts, furniture, quilts, handmade wreaths and unique gifts.

Windgate Vineyards and Winery

Tour the largest winery in the County, located in the Amish countryside of Smicksburg. The stop will include a tour of the winery and sampling of wines.

Windgate Antiques and Art Gallery

Shop for antiques, American and English furniture, old maps, original art and prints and much more.

This itinerary can be adjusted in several different ways. It can be expanded into a 2 day tour and it could also be done as a Mystery tour. There are several different choices for restaurants and we are very willing to revise this sample itinerary to suit your individual group needs.

Indiana County Tourist Bureau
2334 Oakland Ave
Indiana, PA 15701
Phone: (724) 463-7505
Fax: (724) 465-3819
E-mail: pperman@visitindianacountypa.org
Web: www.visitindianacountypa.org

If it’s your group’s first time in the District of Columbia, or if they just have a few days to see it, start with these must-see sights — perfect for visitors of all ages.

Day One

The National Mall, home to many of the significant museums of the Smithsonian Institution, is a great place to start. See magnificent jewels, dinosaurs and mammals on display at the National Museum of Natural History, the airplanes and interactive flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum and the stories, arts and crafts at the National Museum of the American Indian. Free tours are available to groups with advance reservations.

There’s more to explore on the National Mall than just the Smithsonian. Art lovers should visit the National Gallery of Art, while the National Archives is a must for any history buff. 

In the evening, enjoy a quick dinner downtown or at a Capitol Hill neighborhood eatery, then go to Union Station. The glorious station is the departure point for tours of the monuments at moonlight offered by Tourmobile and Old Town Trolley. Bike the Sites and City Segway Tours (ages 16 and older) also offer evening tours in season departing from other points in the city. 

If you’ve booked a private charter, resist the temptation to see all of the monuments during the day and stop on your way back from dinner to see a few of them at nighttime. 

Day Two

Head to U Street for breakfast at a D.C. institution — Ben’s Chili Bowl. Or, if you’re visiting on a weekend, visit the farmer’s market at Dupont Circle or Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. 

After breakfast, tour the Capitol Hill neighborhood and explore the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and Supreme Court. The area also is home to Union Station and the Folger Shakespeare Library, which houses the largest collection of Shakespeare memorabilia outside of England. 

For lunch, take Metro to downtown’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. Options range from casual barbecue to elegant French fare. 

Go undercover at the International Spy Museum where you can crack codes, take on covers and let your group take on its own covert operation. Or, stop by the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Art Museum, the Smithsonian system’s newest addition.

Admire the sight of the Washington Monument (it’s temporarily closed to tours after the earthquake last August) or head to the Old Post Office Pavilion for a panoramic view of the city. Animal lovers will be delighted with a visit to the National Zoo. 

In the evening, discover D.C.’s theater scene. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage offers free performances nightly. Other theaters, such as the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Warner Theatre and National Theatre regularly present familiar classics. 

Day Three

Begin the morning in one of D.C.’s prized neighborhood attractions, such as Anacostia Community Museum, The Phillips Collection, Washington National Cathedral or Hillwood Museum & Gardens. Then head to Georgetown for shopping and sightseeing. 

Step back in time with a mule-driven barge ride on Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and stop for lunch at a bistro. 

In the evening, sports fans can watch the Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Capitals or DC United in action. Groups seeking nightlife will enjoy U Street for live jazz or Adams Morgan for more international fare.

Brand USA
(202) 536-2060
www.thebrandusa.com

Learn about the region’s rural roots and taste its authenticity on this two-day tour.

Day One

Union and Confederate soldiers camped on the grounds and alongside the Big Pipe Creek at the Union Mills Homestead and Grist Mill. Retrace the steps of history as you tour the 1797 homestead, which was home to six generations of Maryland’s Shriver family. Then, watch 19th-century technology at the restored mill and buy some stone-ground flour at the gift shop.

Imagine rural farm life in the 19th century as you arrive at the Carroll County Farm Museum. Lively history is on the costumed guide’s mind as she escorts the group through the main house. Self-directed choices abound on the grounds of the 140-acre site, and a stroll in the old-fashioned garden may follow. Craft demonstrations may include pottery, wood carving or quilting in the old dormitory. 

Kountry Kafe and Katering prepares a box lunch filled with sandwiches, pasta salad and assorted goodies to complement the ambience of a relaxing picnic in the country. 

Explore the area with the Historical Society of Carroll County. The campus offers a look at town life in the early 1800s through a guided tour of the Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House (1807) and Gardens. Antiquities and artifacts from bygone days abound in the Shriver-Weybright Gallery. You can even find some things from Francis Scott Key among the treasures. Also, don’t miss The Shop at Cockey’s. Be sure to spot the well-preserved Moses Brown House in Sykesville during your travels. 

Day Two

Begin the day at the Antrim 1844 Country House hotel. Nestled in historic Taneytown, this award-winning mansion will tickle and entice your decorating instincts. The grand images are a wonderful introduction to the specially prepared and served luncheon with all the trimmings that will complete your visit to this restored plantation (low heels are requested). 

Next, check out the SERRV Gift Shop, offering thousands of carefully handcrafted, museum-quality items from more than 30 countries.

Locals naturally slow down and breathe deeply when driving through Uniontown, a one-street village frozen in time. See the post office and country store, one-room schoolhouse and the charming architecture of the private homes. Enjoy the ride through this 200-year-old town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Carroll County legend is Baugher’s Farm Market and its delectable fruits and vegetables. Be sure not to depart without some tasty hand-dipped ice cream, homemade jams and jellies or Ma Baugher’s cakes, cookies and pies.

Carroll County Visitor Center
(800) 272-1933
www.carrollcountytourism.org

This three-day tour in Delaware weaves together tales of Swedish colonists, patriots, religion and small town life.

Day One

Begin your group’s tour at Fort Miles Historical Area, located in oceanfront Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

During World War II, Fort Miles provided protection for the Delaware River, which was a critical coastal trading route for Wilmington and neighboring areas. Enjoy guided tours by uniformed interpreters or climb a concrete spotting tower offering vistas of the seascape and surrounding locale.

Next, experience salt air, sun and the serenity of Rehoboth Beach. Dubbed the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” visitors descend upon the beach yearly for vacations and relaxing getaways. Be sure also to visit the Rehoboth Beach Museum, housed in the town’s former Ice House.

Then, take a stroll with dignitaries on the Governor’s Walk in Milton. Located in the heart of this riverside community, Governor’s Walk honors the five local residents who served as state governors. 

After completing your walk, visit the Milton Museum or stop for a treat at King’s Ice Cream, located in one of the oldest commercial structures in the state.

Day Two

The first stop is a visit to the symbolic heart of Delaware — The Green in Dover. 

Established by William Penn in 1683, The Green is the seat of county government and center for community life since Colonial days. Must-see historic structures in Dover are many, and include the Old State House, home of Delaware’s legislature from its completion in 1791 to 1933. 

Rejoice with more history at Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica. Constructed in 1780, this simple-but-stately brick house of worship is recognized as “The Cradle of American Methodism.” History states that Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury met in 1784 to plan for the establishment of the Methodist Church as an independent denomination.

Next, celebrate the history of small town life at the Smyrna Museum Complex. Owned and operated by the Duck Creek Historical Society, the complex comprises two historic buildings: the Plank House, a small frame structure representative of 18th-century architecture, and the Barracks, constructed in the 1790s and including furnishings dating from the early Federal to late Victorian eras. 

While in town, take time to see the restored Old Town Hall and Opera House. Constructed in 1869, such luminaries as Frederick Douglass and perennial presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan once occupied the stage.

Day Three

Visit Holy Trinity Church, a national landmark in Wilmington. 

Erected in 1698–99, the site provides the perfect starting point for learning about the Swedish colonists who established Delaware’s first permanent European settlement in 1638.

Nearby is Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, where groups can visit the New Sweden Centre to learn more about the pioneering settlers. Visit Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the ship of the same name that landed the first settlers of New Sweden nearby at present-day Fort Christina Park. 

Next, travel to Fort Delaware, a top group travel destination in the state. Enjoy the half-mile ferry ride from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island, arriving to experience a day of hands-on history. Help the blacksmith hammer out new cannon parts and be there when the eight-inch Columbiad gun fires a live gunpowder charge. 

The last stop is the Wilmington & Western Railroad. 

Delaware’s Red Clay Valley provides the backdrop for this fun and educational experience. Established in 1867, the Wilmington & Western is a living link to the days when Delaware’s economic fortunes were tied to rail lines.

Delaware Tourism Office
(302) 672-6804
www.visitdelaware.com

Become immersed in as vibrant an art scene as any you’ll find in Pennsylvania or the Northeast, and enjoy unique dining experiences aboard a tall ship and a trolley car in greater Valley Forge.

Day One

Morning — Tour Brandywine River Museum, a century-old grist mill converted to a modern art museum exhibiting works by three generations of Wyeths and other famous artists. Its collections include landscape and genre painting, still life and portraits and American illustration. The museum celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011, and it has drawn nearly 6 million visitors in its history. 

Afternoon — Visit the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art. It boasts one of the world’s largest collections of art, including American and European paintings, decorative arts, period rooms, arms and armor and 20th-century art. Enjoy a private, guided tour of works by Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne or Henri Matisse. Group dining options are available, with lunches prepared by Granite Hill or one of Philadelphia’s landmark restaurants. 

Dinner — Dine aboard the world’s oldest and largest four-masted tall ship. The Moshulu Restaurant & Bar is a unique venue and features adventuresome American cuisine. The boat was launched in 1904 and has traveled around Cape Horn 54 times. It’s hauled coal, coke, copper ore, nitrate, lumber and grain. 

Day Two

Morning — Wharton Esherick Museum is a unique hilltop studio and residence handcrafted over 40 years by the Arts and Crafts master wood sculptor. Explore the home and a collection of his woodwork and sculpture, with more than 200 of his works on exhibition. Above the studio, Esherick built a bedroom with his bed at window height so he could watch deer, enjoy the sunrise and see the farms spread out in the valley below.

Afternoon — Tour the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. The artist’s first American home houses a small museum of his major works on paper and several original oil paintings. More than 175 species of birds and more than 400 species of plants have been identified on the grounds at Mill Grove, which feature five miles of walking trails. 

Dinner — Enjoy creative American fare served in an elegant 1893 Victorian setting at Columbia Bar & Grille. 

Day Three

Morning — Visit the 19th-century stone Victorian mansion, Woodmere Art Museum, to see the work of Philadelphia-area artists. The museum first opened its doors to the public in 1940, and today houses a permanent collection of more than 2,500 works of art. Guided tours by trained docents are available. Advance reservations are required for groups of eight people or more. 

Lunch — Eat in the 1948 Trolley Car Diner, which features classic diner food and friendly service. 

Afternoon — Explore an innovative center for contemporary art and nationally recognized sculpture garden at Abington Art Center, located on 27 acres in Jenkintown. The center also features a gallery shop, which sells hand-crafted jewelry, ceramics, prints, textiles, lamps and glass.

Valley Forge CVB
(610) 834-1550
http://valleyforge.org

Golf and wine — in many ways the characteristics of these delights take on a similar flavor in Salem County. Both are distinctly rural and refreshingly unpretentious. Now, mix in a picturesque trek along the Salem River and you have a sense of how enjoyable Salem’s simple pleasures truly are. 

Day One

Start the weekend on Friday evening at the Enoteca at Auburn Road Vineyard and Winery. 

Every Friday, Auburn Road hosts caterers, chefs and special guests from throughout the area who create their favorite comfort food for you to enjoy. Experience a great meal, awesome wine, cool live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Before leaving, be sure to pick up a bottle or two to share with your friends — and to stock your home cellar. Reservations are recommended, and special wine-tasting weekends are offered throughout the year.

Day Two

On Saturday, enjoy a day of play at one of the county’s four public courses: Centerton Country Club, Running Deer Golf Club, Town and Country Golf Links and Wild Oaks Country Club. Abundant trees, rolling landscapes, water hazards and well-manicured playing conditions create a memorable golf outing. Your group will find a variety of amenities including full-service pro shops offering equipment rental and apparel, custom club fitting, club repair, driving ranges, putting and chipping greens and clubhouse facilities. 

At the end of the day, choose from a variety of dining options from casual to more upscale in one of the area’s dozen townships. The diversity of menus and settings ensures everyone will find something to please their palates.  If in Salem, be sure to check out the stately Old Salem County Courthouse. Built in 1735, it’s the second oldest continuously active courthouse in the United States.

Day Three

Spend the day paddling along the 30-mile-long Salem River, running through the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, the Mannington Meadows and the Salem River Wildlife Management Area. It covers more than a third of Salem County, and it is one of the largest tributaries to the Delaware River. Along with a few historic 18th-century farmhouses, keep your eye out for falcons, osprey and maybe even a bald eagle along the way. 

A good spot to put in and take out is the public boat ramp on Sinnicksons Landing Road in Elsinboro. From there, you can cruise through the Supawna National Wildlife Refuge all the way to the Delaware River and back via numerous routes. Because this portion of the river is tidal, check a tide table when planning your trip. Also, the tidal flow here is noteworthy, so this stretch is best for experienced paddlers.

Salem County Department of Tourism
(877) 658-6871
(856) 935-7510
www.visitsalemcountynj.com

Experience the Lake George area’s stunning beauty and tour attractions that have a strong connection with novelist James Fenimore Cooper’s French and Indian War masterpiece.

Day One

Begin with a quick stop at The Queensbury Hotel in downtown Glens Falls. The lobby is home to a Griffith Bailey mural depicting the cave made famous in Cooper’s novel Last of the Mohicans. The story takes place during the French and Indian War, chronicling the massacre of the Colonial garrison and a fictional kidnapping of two pioneer sisters. Hawkeye is portrayed lighting the entrance to the cave for the characters Cora, Alice and Major Howard and his Mohican friends, Chingachgook and his son, Uncas. 

The next stop is Cooper’s Cave Lookout on the Hudson River. The romance and natural beauty of the Lake George area, along with the “dark and silent caves” found in the heart of the Hudson River, inspired Cooper to use this setting in Mohicans. Visitors can walk to the viewing platform to see the caves and read about Cooper and the Mohican tribe that inhabited the area. 

Another must-see is the Hyde Collection, a world-class art museum and historic home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hyde House Library contains both American (volumes I-II) and British (volumes I-III) first editions of Mohicans. 

Possible afternoon activities include a drive or hike to the summit of Prospect Mountain to view the 32-mile-long Lake George that was once named Lac du St. Sacrement. Look over the Village of St. George and note the strategic location of Fort William Henry at the southernmost point of the lake. 

Wind down the day with a dinner cruise on the Queen of American Lakes. Enjoy a narrated cruise with a delicious dinner and lively entertainment on Lake George and better understand the historic significance of the lake and the strategic role it played in the war. A spectacular evening fireworks display over the lake is a perfect ending to any cruise.

Day Two

Rise and shine with an interactive walking tour or bus ride that includes points of historic interest in and around the Village of Lake George related to the French and Indian War. An 18th-century military catalog map is available and optional. Local, step-on guides add extra pizzazz to this tour, donning period dress. 

Be sure to visit Fort William Henry Museum. It offers an educational tour of the authentically restored French and Indian War Fort that portrays life from 1755–1757. Military demonstrations, guided tours and Colonial artifacts captivate history buffs.

In the afternoon, opt for a guided tour of Sacred Heart Church. The stained-glass windows tell the story of Father Isaac Jogues, a missionary and the first European to see Lake George. The beautiful panels depict the missionary’s preaching among the Hurons and Mohicans, the discovery of Lake George, the capture of Jogues and the story of the Blessed Kateri Tekawitha.

Wrap up the visit with an evening performance at the Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama. This theatrical production is a brand new adaptation based on the timeless novel. Relax beneath a canopy of stars and witness the excitement of military skirmishes and the majesty of Native American dances.

Warren County Department of Tourism
(800) 365-1050
www.visitlakegeorge.com