Trips & Getaways » November / December 2007 Issue

Immerse Yourself in a Charles Dickens ‘Christmas Carol’ Village

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:46:34 +0000

Prepare to be entranced, thrilled and feel like a kid again as you enter the Dickens Village at Macy’s Center City in Philadelphia, Pa. This exhibit, in the spirit of Strawbridge’s “A Christmas Carol,” which has been a beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition for more than 20 years, opens on Nov. 23. This is the second year the village has made its home in the famed Wanamaker Building. Last year, the village was restored, rebuilt and reanimated so visitors could once again take a trip back in time to 1840s London, where they could stroll through animated scenes telling the classic tale of Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge. Located on Macy’s third floor, visitors will step into a 6,000 sq. ft. animated interpretation of Ebenezer Scrooge’s meeting with the true spirit of Christmas. More than 100 fully animated figures re-enact 26 of the most memorable scenes from “A Christmas Carol.”

With authentic reproductions of period dress, along with period furniture and more, visitors will feel they have crossed over the time barrier into mid-19th century London. The heart-warming scenes, recreated to reflect the spirit of the season and the streets of London, set the stage for the story of Scrooge to unfold. From flickering candles and twinkling street lamps to sounds of church bells and horses clattering on cobblestones streets, “A Christmas Carol” is a time-honored tradition that will continue to enchant generations to come. Children and adults alike will thoroughly enjoy taking in such scenes as the appearance of Marley’s Ghost; the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future; the Cratchit home; the longed-for turkey hanging in the window of the poulterer; dancing at Fezziwig’s; and, of course, Scrooge on Christmas morning, greeting the villagers with joy. You will be joyful as you immerse yourself in the scenes, taking in every detail.

At the end of your walk through “A Christmas Carol,” Santa will greet you (and your children) personally, inquiring as to what each girl and boy would like for Christmas. You can have your photo taken with Santa and pick up your photos as you leave the exhibit.

Wanamaker Grand Organ concerts

Throughout the holiday season, visitors to Macy’s Center City will be treated to concerts on the Wanamaker Grand Organ. The concerts are 45 minutes in length and are free to the public. Concerts usually take place every day (except Wednesday and Saturday) at noon and 5:30 p.m. An additional concert is usually scheduled on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. For up-to-date information on this year’s concerts, call 866-494-1717.

Christmas Light Show

Since 1956, the Christmas Light Show has delighted shoppers and visitors to the famed Grand Court in the historic Wanamaker Building (now Macy’s Center City). This brilliant holiday spectacular, featuring more than 100,000 lights combining to create magical, computerized images, invites visitors to celebrate the season all month long. Shows are every other hour starting on the hour. For more information, visit http//www.philadelphiaholidayfestival.com.

Have an old-fashioned holiday in Colonial Williamsburg

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:16:04 +0000

Colonial Williamsburg is known for putting the magic into the Christmas season for families, children and couples. From the splendor of Grand Illumination to the elegant beauty of distinctive natural decorations, the unusual programming, delicious food, and festive music make Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area unforgettable.

Holiday fun for children

In Colonial Williamsburg, children will discover something magical about stepping back in time to discover what a colonial Christmas was like. To help them do that, on four weekends in December, a special program is offered for young guests and their families, which explores seasonal traditions of yesteryear, focusing on interpretations and activities for families. Programs include dressing up for the holidays; 18th-century music, dance, storytelling and a puppet show; celebrating several religious traditions; participating in food preparation; playing games like Loo (a popular card game) and introduction to British holiday traditions.

What was life like before video games? A visit to the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is a great way to find out. The holiday exhibit explores how children recreate the adult world from their own perspective through play and toys. Dollhouses, toy trains and other playthings bring back fond memories of childhood.

Williamsburg welcomes the Christmas season with candles, fireworks and music during the Grand Illumination Dec. 2. A variety of entertainment is offered on multiple outdoor stages throughout the Historic Area, including costumed performers and a Fife and Drum corps playing music popular two centuries ago. As twilight gives way to full dark, candles are lit in public buildings, shops and homes and fireworks are launched at the Governor’s Palace, Magazine and Capitol just as they were in colonial times to celebrate major events. And, if you are fortunate enough to be in Williamsburg on Christmas Eve, you will witness an 18th-century tradition, the firing of the Christmas guns on Duke of Gloucester Street, the main thoroughfare.

Of course, not all colonial kids were the children of plantation owners or townspeople and shopkeepers. Some were slaves. There is a special program at Great Hopes Plantation that depicts the holiday season for enslaved African Americans. Visitors can participate in the type of field work performed by slaves, followed by a circle dance that was an integral part of slaves’ observance of the holidays. Interpreters at the Great Hopes site interpret slave culture, agricultural and carpentry work performed on an 18th-century plantation.

Seasonal shopping

At this time of the year, all the shops and homes in the district display beautiful holiday decorations. You can learn the secrets of making those decorations during several how-to programs. Colonial Williamsburg’s landscape staff demonstrates tips and tricks on how to make traditional holiday decorations using fresh greens and fruit. “The Christmas Decorations Walking Tour” takes a look at their work throughout December.

If you need to give Santa Claus a hand this year in choosing gifts for friends and family, the Colonial Williamsburg Products Program is a great way to go. The program features products of all kinds inspired by the local gardens, architecture and antiques collections. For a free catalog, call 1-800-446-9240 or visit www.Williamsburg Marketplace.com.

Immersed in history

To experience Colonial Williamsburg from the mundane to the grand, stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street where you may visit several historic trade shops and take the pulse of mercantile life, humming now as it did more than 200 years ago. Fine shops serve not only the nearly one million visitors here each year but also the local residents.

The Capitol is just one of the attractions in the 301-acre Historic Area that the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation began reconstructing in 1926. In the succeeding years, restoration has continued. Today, the Capitol, Governor’s Palace and other major edifices stand on their original foundations or have been rebuilt and refurbished inside and out to original specifications.

Probably the largest program of 18th-century trades in the world can be found in the busy shops scattered throughout the colonial capital. Here you can find a blacksmith, shoemaker, gunsmith, printer, cabinetmaker and wigmaker plying their trades, just as they did in colonial times. They use colonial period tools to fashion articles of beauty, utility and character. At the same time, you’ll learn much of the daily activities of the “middling sort” — men and women who conducted respectable small businesses.

Accommodations

Although you have a choice of any number of comfortable and well-appointed motels and suite hotels, for a truly magical experience, consider a stay in one of the colonial houses in the Historic Area where citizens of the Revolution once lodged. The Colonial Houses offer 75 guest accommodations in colonial style in 26 houses, some as small as one room and others as large as 16 rooms. Thomas Jefferson was one of Market Square Tavern’s first lodgers, and Patrick Henry opened an account there the day after he was inaugurated as the first governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Resort Collection of Colonial Williamsburg offers five choices: Colonial Houses-Historic Lodgings, Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites and the Governor’s Inn.

For additional information and reservations or to request a free copy of Colonial Williamsburg’s 2007 Holiday Planner, highlighting unique holiday programs, concerts and special dining events, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com.

GETTING AROUND

Williamsburg is easy to tour. Ample parking is available at the Visitor Center, and shuttle buses depart every few minutes for the Historic Area. Each major attraction within the district has its own bus stop.

Visitors with wheelchairs will find the streets, most gardens, and outdoors activities in the Historic Area easily accessible. While portable ramps and wheelchair lifts are available at selected exhibitions, many of the buildings require at least a few steps. The Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, and shops are largely accessible. Special parking arrangements are available for easier access to the Historic Area.

A limited number of folding wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center. These are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. The rental fee is $7 per day and a credit card imprint is required as a deposit. No motorized chairs are available.

Go back in time at Historic Savage Mill

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:12:18 +0000

If you haven’t been to Savage Mill lately or have never been there, now is the time to go. With the holidays coming up, you couldn’t find a better place to discover that perfect gift. Located off Route 1 in Savage, Md., the mill is within easy reach and is waiting to take you back in time.

Filled with more than 200 antique shops offering everything from life-size carousel horses and other figures to furniture and delicate christening gowns, the Savage Mill antique center is the perfect place to find a unique holiday gift. If antiques are not your thing, browse the quilt shop, game store (you can play a game while you are there), art galleries, curio shops and much more in one of the several interconnected buildings. Need fine art restored? Bring it to Savage Mill.

A 19th-century textile mill, Savage Mill was once a producer of canvas from raw cotton. Through the process of carding, spinning and weaving — and with help from the Little Patuxent River that flowed over a 30-foot water wheel — the millworks turned and churned, working their magic to supply canvas for clipper ship sails, tents for American troops in both World Wars, and painted backdrops for silent movies.

As you walk the halls of the Spinning and Carding buildings, you are on the same wood floors the 1800s mill workers knew. Threads embedded in the wood planks are from old weaving machinery. In the Paymaster Office, you will see where workers received their pay either in scrip to be used only in the company store or in dollars.

Savage Mill is now a place to visit when life has become too much. It will appeal to your senses and your need to get away from it all. As you walk from the parking lot to the entrance, you are soothed by the sound of the running waters of the Little Patuxent River. Entering the mill, you will find the bright holiday decorations inviting as you search for that perfect holiday treasure. You can visit the art galleries, home décor shops, fashion and jewelry stores, gifts and games shops, and get craft ideas and technical assistance from the craft shops.

If you are feeling hungry or just want to treat yourself, check out the Bonaparte Bakery, Mike’s Deli, or Scoops at the Mill. Mike’s offers sandwiches and salads to satisfy your hunger, and around the corner at Scoops you can top off your meal with a cone of ice cream or a milkshake. Enjoy your food outside at one of the conveniently located tables. For a meal more substantial, Rams Head Tavern offers a diverse menu and over 100 beers in an atmosphere that is warm and friendly.

If you are planning an event, don’t forget the Great Room and the Historic Savage Mill Manor. Both offer a beautiful setting for weddings and special occasions.

Before you leave the mill, take a walk around the grounds and see the country’s last-standing Bollman Truss semi-suspension bridge, brought to Savage Mill in 1860 and recognized as a national treasure. You can even take a walk on the bridge, which also offers a good view of the Little Patuxent River.

Savage Mill is open Sunday, 11 a.m.

to 6 p.m.; Mon-Wed, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thurs-Sat, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information, call 1-800-788-6455 or visit

www.savagemill.com.

Fredericksburg offers Southern hospitality for the holidays

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:09:16 +0000

By Elissa Simmons

Tired of the holiday shopping frenzy at the mall? Girlfriends, listen up! How does an overnight holiday shopping getaway in historic Old Town Fredericksburg, Va., sound? Holiday shopping takes on a whole new feel when combined with a stay at The Richard Johnston Inn.

The Richard Johnston Inn offers a number of special packages, including a Girlfriends’ Holiday Shopping Getaway, which includes an overnight stay, breakfast and a five-course dinner at La Petite Auberge. After a full day of shopping and sightseeing, indulge in an in-house, 30-minute massage.

Prior to dinner, get your taste buds flowing with a selection of wine and cheese. Along with all the other pleasurable features of this package is a special lunch offer and discount certificates to selected area shops. Old Town is filled with over 100 unique shops in which to find that perfect gift.

The inn was built in 1770 by architect John Taylow, one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. In the 1800s it was the home of Fredericksburg’s mayor Richard Johnston. The inn’s ambience, decor and furnishings depict the bygone days typical of the colonial era. Elaborate holiday decorations are up by Nov. 10, which includes 14 trees inside, three trees in the courtyard and – new this year – a Christmas garden train display.

The inn, which is located just three blocks from the Amtrak Station, is only an hour by train from Washington, D.C., so leave the car at home and take the train. With 24 hours notice the inn staff will pick you up.

Dining and activities

Numerous restaurants are within walking distance of the inn. One worth mentioning is Clairbournes. Located in the town’s working train station, it is elegant dining at its best. Also consider a meal overlooking the Rappahannock River at Brock’s Riverside Grill or afternoon tea at Tea Tyme and What Nots.

Worth mentioning is the Riverside Dinner Theater, where you can experience outstanding shows and a tasty sit-down dinner. For information, call 888-999-8527 or visit www.riversidedt.com.

Also consider the Old Time Carriage Tours (540-371-0094) or a Trolley Tour (540-898-0737) to get an overview of the town. Both tours depart from the visitor’s center, which is across the street from the inn. The Rappahannock River Cruise departs daily except Mondays, April through November. Call 800-598-2628 for information.

Historical Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg area is a classic blend of modern life and small-town charm. Conveniently located on I-95, between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Va., the region boasts of rolling countryside, Civil War battlefields, wineries and a charming Old Town.

In Old Town, find chef-owned restaurants, art galleries and studios and antique and specialty shops. George Washington grew up at Ferry Farm, and the great early 20th-century artist, Gari Melchers, lived and painted the local scene at his estate, Belmont. Four major Civil War battles were fought in the region, and more than 7,000 acres of hallowed ground are preserved by the National Park Service.

The charm and captivating aura of Historical Fredericksburg, Va., and The Richard Johnston Inn entices visitors, so plan a new experience and some Southern hospitality for the holidays or anytime.

For information, visit www.visitfred.com and www.richardjohnstoninn.com.

Come home for the holidays to Lewisburg, W.Va.

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:06:20 +0000

If you are looking for somewhere to go for the holidays, other than patented tourist attractions, take a scenic drive through the Allegheny Mountains into Greenbrier County, W.Va. There you will find Lewisburg, a 221-year-old small town with many 18th-and 19th-century buildings, where the steeple clock still tolls the hour and the church bells ring out on Sunday mornings.

You will also find old structures, converted to new purposes, are still in use, and antebellum homes (often remaining in the same families for generations) are still occupied. The town offers antique shops, fine arts and crafts, live year-round theater and music. Located on the Midland Trail, a National Scenic Byway and the site of the 1862 Battle of Lewisburg, it is an ideal location to explore our nation’s history and enjoy the charm of going “home” for the holidays. In 1978, a 236-acre area in the heart of Lewisburg was designated a National Register Historic District.

Lewisburg, nestled in the heart of the Greenbrier Valley, offers visitors a unique shopping experience, elegant (or casual) dining, and an opportunity to explore its history. There is always something to do, from fantastic live entertainment to community-wide celebrations.

Starting in November, downtown Lewisburg ramps up its holiday spirit by offering a Christmas Open House the weekend of Nov. 17–18. Visitors can start the holiday season early with street performances, in-store refreshments and other seasonal activities. Year-round, every first Friday of the month, there are special happenings after 5 p.m. in downtown Lewisburg. The event features live music, refreshments, artist receptions and over 30 shops open until 9 p.m.

The Greenbrier Valley Theatre at 113 E. Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg was named West Virginia’s Official Year-Round Professional Theatre in 2006. This holiday season, the theatre will present “Plaid Tidings” and “A Christmas Carol.” For information, visit www.gvtheatre.org.

Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg? One of only four remaining Carnegie Halls in the world, this 400-seat historic theatre presents live performances throughout the year, from internationally acclaimed musicians to special events and regional favorites. The hall is located at 105 Church Street. Don’t miss The Greenbrier Valley Chorale Holiday Performance on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Visit www.carnegiehallwv.com or call 304-645-7917 for information on events.

You can also ring in 2008 in Lewisburg. On New Year’s Day, there will be a Shanghai Parade in downtown Lewisburg, a 150-year tradition featuring wacky costumes and a float-filled parade.

Visit www.lewisburg-wv.com or www.greenbrierwv.com for information.

General Lewis Inn

The General Lewis Inn, a historic country inn and restaurant in Lewisburg, is the ideal setting for a weekend getaway. Located at 301 E. Washington Street, it is a short walk to downtown Lewisburg.

The inn, which opened in 1929, is located on the site of an 1862 Civil War battle. Civil War and Revolutionary history lives around every corner of this historically preserved town. Beginning with its meticulously clean, cozy bedrooms, you will be surrounded by period pieces of early American history in 25 very different guest rooms. All accommodations offer full private baths, individual climate control, telephones and cable TV. The inn offers access for disabled visitors and one barrier-free guest room. Room prices range from $105 to $150 per night.

Enjoy an old-fashioned meal in the dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is no smoking throughout the inn.

From Dec. 1 through March 31, the inn offers a Romantic Getaway package that includes lodging, breakfast and dinner for two on any two consecutive days for $350. Holidays and special events not included.

Lewisburg, as well as the General Lewis Inn, is named in honor of the Revolutionary War era patriot, General Andrew Lewis. The town of Lewisburg grew around a natural spring, which today is enclosed in a stone springhouse three blocks from the General Lewis Inn and is believed to be the location of the original Fort Union.

For information, visit www.GeneralLewisInn.com or call 1-800-628-4454.

Celebrate the season at Cape May

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:03:18 +0000

The heat of summer first drew the crowds to Cape May, N.J., the nation’s oldest seaside resort that has been welcoming visitors since 1761, but it’s the Victorian houses that twinkle with lights and a six-week long Victorian Christmas celebration that bring visitors to Cape May in the winter.

Cape May, a peninsula located on the southern-most tip of New Jersey, boasts over 600 late-Victorian wood structures, most within a two-plus mile area.

Cape May invites you to step back in time into the Victorian era. There’s plenty to do to enjoy the ambience of the town. Evening rides in the heated trolley are delightful as tour guides tell you about Victorian Christmas customs while you feast your eyes on the twinkling holiday decorations. Or take your sweetheart, bundle up in warm blankets and go on a romantic carriage ride.

In fact, the town enjoys the holiday season so much that it begins on Nov. 16 with a holiday preview weekend that includes a “Taste of Christmas Tour,” a walking tour of Cape May’s historic district. Visitors can then lunch at the Carriage House at the Physick Estate, the local Victorian House Museum.

Kids will enjoy a trolley ride with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from Nov.17 through Dec. 22 that ends with cookies and a warm drink. The whole family will enjoy the tree lighting at the Physick Estate.

Dress warmly and watch the 42nd annual West Cape May Christmas Parade that begins at the fire hall and proceeds to the Washington Street Mall, a three-block long outdoor pedestrian mall that contains a variety of shops, many family-owned, that feature unique gifts you won’t find in regional malls.

Take a self-guided tour of the town to see five of Cape May’s finest bed and breakfast inns all decked out for the holidays on the Lamplighter Christmas Tour. The Christmas Candlelight House Tour, another self-guided tour, features homes, inns, hotels and churches decorated for the holidays. This tour also includes caroling, strolling musicians and warm refreshments.

If theater is more your style, go back in time and immerse yourself in the story of “Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas,” playing at the East Lynne Theater, or visit Cape May Stage’s presentation of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told,” billed as “a madcap romp through all the holiday traditions.”

The Queen Victoria

Bed and breakfasts abound in Cape May. In the heart of the historic district, The Queen Victoria is just one block from the ocean beach and the quaint shops and restaurants of Washington Street Mall. Open every day of the year, travelers longing for the total escape of a romantic getaway enjoy tastefully decorated rooms as well as suites with gas log fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Romantic amenities are in-room massages, champagne and fresh flowers available as options.

Innkeepers Doug and Anne Marie McMain welcome guests royally. During the holiday season, they place stockings on the doors of the guest rooms with small presents. They also offer holiday specials, such as Stay and Play, where guests receive complimentary tickets to a play at the Cape May Stage. Check out the website for details.

Decorated Christmas trees are everywhere and there are three very special ones that are decorated as they would have been during the Victorian age. Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert was German and the tradition of Christmas trees comes from Germany. There’s an 1840 early Victorian tree that’s decorated in fruit and nuts that were given as gifts; an 1870, mid-Victorian tree, that now includes, along with fruit and nuts, gifts tied on the tree, handmade wooden toys and small dolls; and an 1890s late Victorian tree, with beautiful glass ornament and toys under the tree, reflecting more prosperous times of the Industrial age.

Mid-Atlantic

Center for the Arts

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts operates out of the Physick Estate, once the home of Dr. Emlen Physick and his mother and aunt. The history of the estate comes to life with guided tours and living history performances. While visiting the estate, many visitors stop at the Carriage House on the estate to partake of a tea luncheon that includes traditional tea sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese, scones and freshly baked treats.

The museum in the Carriage House at the estate features “An Old Fashioned Christmas Exhibit,” that runs from Nov. 16 to Jan 1. The exhibit showcases holiday traditions through the years including vintage Santas, model trains, trees and toys. It is here that the town gathers for the lighting of the holiday tree sponsored by MAC.

For information on Cape May’s Victorian Christmas, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org.

Celebrate the first Thanksgiving at Virginia’s Berkeley Plantation

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:00:19 +0000

You probably learned in elementary school that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Mass., in 1621. A fact not as well known is that two years earlier, on Dec. 4, 1619, in Virginia, the first official Thanksgiving was proclaimed when Captain John Woodlief and 37 men arrived from England at what is now known as Berkeley Plantation. In accordance with instructions from the Berkeley Company, which owned the land, they held a short religious ceremony, reading a proclamation stating that their arrival date would be “yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

The Virginia Thanksgiving Festival was founded in 1958 at Berkeley Plantation to commemorate this 1619 event. It is held the first Sunday in November at the plantation, located between Richmond and Williamsburg, Va.

Thanksgiving festival activities

This year’s celebration occurs Nov. 4 from 12 to 5 p.m. on the plantation’s spacious lawn. Activities include a re-enactment of the 1619 landing by the Fort Lee Colonial Players and a reading of the proclamation by Richmond radio personality Bill Bevins. The Chickahominy Indian Redman Dancers will talk about their history and their connection to the early settlers and lead everyone in a friendship dance. Other activities include traditional colonial games for the kids; readings from a new children’s book by Norfolk, Va., author, Lisa Suhay; and a keynote address from Gov. Gerald Baliles (Virginia’s governor from 1986 to 1990). Food will be available for purchase, and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

A visit to Berkeley Plantation

Thanksgiving is not the only time to visit the Berkeley Plantation. If in your busy rush-a-day life, you have forgotten the feeling of peace and serenity — or think you will never find them again — the plantation awaits you. Peace and serenity will sneak up on you when you least expect them — maybe as you are meandering through the plantation’s five terraced gardens, surrounded by the sounds of birds and the lapping of the James River on the shore.

As you begin your visit, you might feel rushed to see everything — to move quickly to the next item on your list. But suddenly you will slow down, take a deep breath, actually see the beauty of the magnificent magnolias and tall pines, feel the breeze, and be dazzled by the view of the James River. In this altered state, you will be able to take in all that Berkeley Plantation is and has been for the past several hundred years.

After strolling the grounds, you might take a guided tour of the plantation house, which was built in 1726. The tour begins with a short film describing the various events that have taken place there. You’ll learn about the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison, who was born in the house, and about his grandson, 23rd president Benjamin Harrison. Your guide will also tell you about some of the tragic history of the plantation, such as the 1622 Indian massacre that wiped out all but one person, a young boy. You can learn what happened to him during your visit. Another tragic event was the death of Benjamin Harrison IV, father of Benjamin V (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), who was killed by lightning as he was closing shutters against a storm.

You will learn about the “firsts” that occurred at the plantation. It was the first commercial shipyard, distillers created the first bourbon whiskey here, “Taps” was composed here and played for the first time and the first 10 presidents visited the plantation.

You will be told of the prophecy of the brother of the Shawnee chieftan Tecumseh, which not only predicted that William Henry Harrison would become president and would die before his term was finished but also that every president elected every 20 years thereafter would die in office. The prophecy would prove to be true until the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan (first elected in 1980) failed. (The last president to die in office was John F. Kennedy, who was elected in 1960.)

Your guide will reveal facts about the Civil War and how the house and the land played a role in that war. A descendant of the drummer boy for Union commander George McClellan’s forces, who occupied the house and lands during the Civil War, is now the owner of the plantation. Civil War bullets and other war items can be seen on display in the plantation museum, located in the basement of the house. There are surprising and fun facts waiting to be discovered at the Berkeley Plantation. You will feel history there.

For information, visit www.berkeleyplantation.com or call 804-829-6018 or 1-888-466-6018.

Capture the magic of the holidays in Jim Thorpe, Pa.

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:56:04 +0000

Capture the joy and magic of the holidays with a mountain getaway to Jim Thorpe, Pa. Nestled between three breathtaking mountains high in the Poconos, with the Lehigh River running right through the center of town and train tracks beside it, the charming village of Jim Thorpe is like stepping inside a Currier & Ives Christmas card.

Dubbed the “Little Switzerland of America,” this small mountain town is filled with history, outdoor adventure,

delightful attractions, specialty shops, unique restaurants, Victorian bed and breakfasts, and much more.

The Old Time Christmas Celebration is held the first two weekends in December. Families can experience the small-town charm of a tree lighting ceremony in Packer Park, caroling throughout town and train rides with Santa on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

Everyone will find something to do in historic Jim Thorpe. A walking tour of downtown Jim Thorpe will uncover many local treasures. Broadway Street and Historic Stone Row on Race Street have over 50 unique shops and world-class art galleries. The shops carry everything from outdoor wear and designer clothing, imported goods, unique crafts and handmade jewelry to souvenirs and “5 and dime” items. Dine in a variety of wonderful and eclectic eateries. Take in a show at the historic Opera House, visit the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center, or take an old-fashioned train ride through the mountains around the Lehigh River.

History of Jim Thorpe

Who is Jim Thorpe and why was a town named after him? Jim Thorpe, a native American hero of the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, was buried here in 1953 when the towns of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged and changed their names to honor his memory.

In Until his death, Jim Thorpe had no direct connection with this area. the 19th century, the two Mauch Chunks were thriving commercial centers during Spearheaded by Asa Packer, one of the nation’s the Industrial Revolution. wealthiest tycoons and founder of Lehigh University, Mauch Chunk was a center The area became a popular summer for railroading, canal trade and coal shipping. resort, attracting thousands of wealthy visitors each year to marvel at the However, with the decline scenic beauty of the mountains and the Lehigh River. of the coal mining and railroading after the Great Depression, the towns settled into a period of slow decline.

In 1912, he was at the A similar thing happened to Jim Thorpe the athlete. He took the Stockholm Olympics by storm, breaking height of his power and fame. record after world record and setting a point total unprecedented in the modern But soon after the Olympics, a reporter discovered that Thorpe had Olympiad. The played a season of professional baseball in North Carolina for $60 a month. Olympic Committee stripped him of his medals on the grounds that Thorpe had forfeited his amateur status.

Thorpe died in 1953, and his widow discovered that his native state of When she Oklahoma would not assist in developing a suitable memorial to him. learned how the communities of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk were also struggling for economic survival, she visited the town and asked for assistance. A group of local citizens thought this would be an opportunity to end decades of sectional rivalries by merging the towns, naming them in honor of Jim Thorpe, and hoping that the change would give added impetus to positive thinking in the They were right; the town not only survived but thrived. Visitors community. will find many ways to experience the exciting history of the town.

Must-see sites

Your trip to the Poconos should include riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park on a 1920s train. For the 16-mile roundtrip, visitors ride the former mainline of the Jersey Central Lines leaving Jim Thorpe. The train follows the winding Lehigh River, rounding curve after curve until it reaches Old Penn Haven. For information, visit www.lgsry.com.

The Asa Packer Mansion, overlooking the Old Mauch Chunk National Historic District, home to entrepreneur and philanthropist Asa Packer, is not a restoration; it exists essentially as it was when the Packers lived in it from 1861 to 1912. The 11,000 sq. ft. home and furnishings were given to the Borough of Mauch Chunk, and the home is open seasonally for tours. For information, call 570-325-3229 or visit www.asapackermansion.com.

Where to stay

Accommodations in the Historic District and surrounding area reflect the Many of the B ambience of the town.&Bs and various lodgings are located in Most of the accommodations are open year round. Victorian mansions and houses. Many Jim Thorpe hotels, inns and resorts offer special getaway packages, which typically include accommodations, some meals, spa treatments, shopping and entertainment.

The Inn at Jim Thorpe, which is located in the heart of the town, combines old– world charm with modern amenities. This historic hotel features 45 elegant guest rooms and suites. Each room is furnished with handsome Victorian reproductions, and the suites offer whirlpools and a fireplace. You will find spa services, meeting rooms, exercise facilities and grand balcony overlooking the village of Jim Thorpe. Visit www.innjt.com for information on various packages.

For a gorgeous panoramic view of the area, take a ride five miles up the mountain from Jim Thorpe to Penn’s Peak, where you can eat at Roadie’s Restaurant or take in first-class entertainment. Penn’s Peak can comfortably seat up to 1,800 concert-goers. Visitors can enjoy the majestic mountain view while taking in performances of various artists of every genre.

Visit www.pennspeak.com for details.

Visit www.800poconos.com, or contact Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau at 1-800-POCONOS for information on other seasonal activities.

OLD TIME CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

For information, visit www.jimthorpepa.com.

The Greenbrier

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:50:21 +0000

The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort nestled on 6,500 acres in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Greenbrier County, W.Va. If your taste is for high-end, luxury resorts, The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs should be on the top of your list.

The 250-year old resort has been a gathering place of the most fashionable and powerful members of society, attracted to the healing waters of the sulphur springs since before the Civil War. Five U.S. presidents vacationed here to escape the pressures and heat of Washington, D.C.

A National Historic Landmark, this full-service resort has 721 guest rooms, including 33 suites and 96 guest and estate houses.

The Greenbrier also offers more than 50 recreational activities, including a luxurious spa, three championship golf courses, the Golf Digest Academy, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, sporting clays, The Greenbrier’s Off-Road Driving School, croquet, horseback riding and carriage rides.

It also offers falconry, fishing, trap and skeet shooting, hiking, walking, jogging and bike trails, indoor and outdoor pools, bowling, nightly movies and more than 30 shops. Nonregistered guests can also take advantage of most of its amenities.

A rich history

To fully appreciate The Greenbrier, visitors must first understand the story of the grand resort first built in 1778 near a sulphur spring that was reported to have healing powers. Since then, visitors have come from far and wide to restore their health in the healing waters. In its first 125 years, the resort was known by the name White Sulphur Springs. Resort staffers currently offer history tours and tell the varied history of this grand place that has not only served its visitors but also its country well.

This is no ordinary resort. By the 1830s, the resort attained its first period of prominence as planters, judges, lawyers, and merchants from the southern states congregated in the mountain village.

By the eve of the Civil War, White Sulphur Springs’ reputation as the most fashionable social resort in the Southern states was well established. This led to the 1858 addition of the first large hotel on the property, officially named the Grand Central Hotel, but known to long-time patrons as The Old White Hotel.

Over the course of the Civil War, both sides occupied the grounds, using the hotel either as a military headquarters or hospital. For the next 100 years, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway brought visitors from all over the country. In 1914, President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson spent their Easter holiday here.

Ten days after the bombing at Pearl Harbor, the resort was put into service again, this time serving as diplomatic headquarters and an Army hospital where 25,000 soldiers were treated.

However, The Greenbrier is perhaps most famous for its use as an emergency location for the legislative branch of Congress for the U.S. Government from the late 1950s until 15 years ago. The bunker remained a secret until 1992 when the facility was exposed. Visitors can take tours of the bunker at $30 per adult and $15 per child ages 10–18. Minimum age is 10. Cameras, cell phones and electronic devices are not permitted. For information and reservations, call 304-536-7810.

For information, visit www.greenbrier.com or www.greenbrierwv.com.

Tee time at The Greenbrier

admin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:49:28 +0000

All over The Greenbrier, opportunities abound to follow in the footsteps of many famous and historical figures, and the resort’s three championship golf courses are no exception, having played host to pros and presidents alike. Golfers who have played at The Greenbrier include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nick Faldo and Tom Watson, to name a few.

President Woodrow Wilson was one of the first golfers to play the legendary Old White course, shortly after its opening in April 1914. In 1919 the Prince of Wales, later to become the Duke of Windsor, played the Old White as part of a visit to the United States. The Old White’s number 18 has the distinction of being the site of seven-time major championship winner Sam Snead’s final hole-in-one.

Named for the original Old White Hotel, which stood on the estate from 1858 to 1922 and designed by legendary golf course architect and World Golf Hall of Famer Charles Blair McDonald, the Old White course brings a Scottish links flavor to the mountains of West Virginia, with many of the holes modeled after famous European holes. The Old White’s No. 8 hole was styled after the Redan at North Berwick, No. 13 after the Alps at Prestwick and No. 15 after the Eden at St. Andrews.

The Old White is a par 70 that plays 5,034 yards with a slope rating of 129 from the red tees and 6,826 yards with a slope rating of 137 from the back tees. The course features generous fairways and undulating greens sure to provide a fun challenge for golfers of any skill level. The stunning mountain views all over the course, particularly from the elevated first tee, only add to the Greenbrier experience, as does the babbling mountain stream that meanders throughout the course—and, the stream is largely out of play, with the exception of an extremely errant tee shot. Because the stream is stocked with fish, golfers shouldn’t be startled to find fishermen there.

After your round be sure to stop at The Golf Club, where all three of the courses begin and end, and an experienced and friendly golf staff, lead by head golf professional Hill Herrick, and a well stocked pro shop can accommodate any golfer’s needs.

The Greenbrier also features the par 71 Meadows course and the par 72 Jack Nicklaus-designed Greenbrier course. The Greenbrier also has a spacious and well-groomed practice area that offers realistic target greens, as well as a large putting/chipping area. If your game is in need of a lift, you can sign up to get expert golf instruction provided by the professionals at the Golf Digest Academy.

Whether you are a scratch golfer or a regular hacker, you are sure to enjoy your golf experience at The Greenbrier. All three of The Greenbrier’s championship courses are also home to Junior Tees. Yellow (US Kids Personal) tee markers have been set throughout and special junior scorecards are available.

Daily greens fees include unlimited golf, use of practice facilities, golf cart for 18 holes, shoe drying and cleaning, complimentary club storage, bag handling and locker. The Greenbrier welcomes day visitors as well as registered guests.

For information or to request a tee

time, visit www.greenbrier.com or call

800-453-4858.