Vermont and New Hampshire: Fall Splendor

Vermont and New Hampshire: Fall Splendor

Trip Duration: 6 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Basin at Franconia Notch

This large pothole in the Pemigewasset River was formed over 25,000 years ago as the Ice Age came to a close. Water flowing from the melting glacier that filled Franconia Notch eroded the solid granite bedrock.

 

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

A cable car brings you to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states and Canada! At the summit, you'll find spectacular scenic views.

 

Rocks Estate

The Rocks Estate has become a destination for local residents and tourists alike. Known as a popular New Hampshire Christmas tree farm, the 1,400-acre property offers much more. Beyond the neat rows of Christmas trees lined by perfect stone walls lies a world of histor, wildlife, and experiential learning. Enjoy a presentation by the Estate staff.

 

Hobo Railroad

Enjoy an early turkey dinner while riding the rails. Departing Hobo Junction Station in the restored vintage coaches, you'll travel south along the banks of the Pemigewasset River on the historic rail system that dates back to the late 1800's when logging was the area's primary industry. The tracks were built in one year between 1882-1883 by the Boston, Concord, & Montreal Railroad.

 

Rock of Ages Granite Quarry

The Rock of Ages Granite Quarry attracts thousands of people from all over the globe to see the world's largest dimension granite quarries located in Barre, Vermont, "The Granite Center of the World." Upon arrival, a guide will board our coach and take you to the active quarry.

 

Watch the quarriers as they cut the granite from the sheer face as the guide explains the recovery method and some interesting geology and history. Afterwards in the Visitor's Center, view a video presentation about the quarry, browse the gift shop for fine-quality granite gifts, look at the historic photos and watch the artisans at work in the factory adjacent to the Visitor's Center.

 

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

The Morses, Vermont's oldest maple family, have been serving up delicious maple syrup for friends and neighbors for 8 generations. Multimedia displays in a real woodshed theater, a nature trail, country store, and an outdoor Vermont farm life museum make up the Morse Farm experience, and sprinkled throughout, are whimsical carved folklife characters created by Burr Morse.

 

Vermont State House

The Vermont General Assembly and the Friends of the Vermont State House welcome you and invite you to view one of the nation's oldest and best preserved state capitols. As you tour the halls and chambers you will develop a sense of what makes this historic building and the state for which it was built unique. After 140 years, the Vermont State House still commands the landscape of Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. The House and Senate chambers are the oldest legislative chambers in their original condition anywhere in the country.

 

Vermont Teddy Bear Company

Visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company and see how they lovingly create their handmade teddy bears. Take the tour and watch them come to life before your eyes. Browse for bears in the retail shop.

 

Shelburne Museum

The museum houses diverse collections of 19th-century American paintings; Impressionist paintings (Monet, Manet, Degas and Mary Cassatt); folk art; decorative arts; tools and trade artifacts; historic architecture; and delightful Americana of all shapes and sizes. Shelburne's 39 exhibition galleries and structures create a village-like setting and include a covered bridge, an 1840's general store, a 1950's period house, and the 200-foot Historic Landmark Steamboat Ticonderoga. With over 150,000 artifacts and new exhibitions each year, there's always something new to discover at Shelburne Museum.

 

Shelburne Vineyard

Enjoy a Wine Tasting at the Shelburne Vineyard. Established in 1998, Shelburne Vineyard is dedicated to producing fine wine from the grapes grown on their spectacular vineyard site overlooking Lake Champlain.

 

Church Street Marketplace

Enjoy free time at the historic Church Street Marketplace. Downtown Burlington Vermont's award-winning open air mall is a hub of activity where you'll find historical architecture, year-round festivals, street entertainers, music, over 100 places to shop and dine, and even quiet places to ponder.

 

Spirit of Ethan Allen Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a narrated Harvest Dinner cruise on Lake Champlain aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Once aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen, the Captain's narration will fascinate you with Lake Champlain's rich history - including the Revolutionary War, the adventures of Ethan Allen, and Abnaki Indian lore. He will point out geographic formations, sights of ship wrecks and the natural beauty that is unique to our corner of the world. And, for the curious minded, there is always the chance to search for "Champ" the Lake's elusive monster.

 

UVM Morgan Horse Farm

The University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Morgan Horse through breeding and selection. Designated as a site on the National Register of Historic Places, the farm is also home to significant Morgan history and a variety of educational programs. Enjoy a film and guided tour of the barns and facilities. Our visit concludes with a riding demonstration.

 

Pulp Mill Covered Bridge

Stop for a picture at Pulp Mill Covered Bridge. This wooden bridge is the unique wooden double barreled bridge crossing the Otter Creek.

 

Woodchuck Cidery

Enjoy a self-guided tour of Woodchuck Cidery, home of Vermont's famous Hard Cider. After your tour enjoy a sampling of their specialty brews!

 

Wilson Castle

This architectural masterpiece was built in the middle of the 19th Century in the heart of the Green Mountains. The Castle stands as a monument to the heritage of the past. The Castle has been the home of five generations of the Wilson family. It's design is a blend of European styles. Part of the estate is presently in the Wilson Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, to preserve its longevity. The façade of the Castle is set with English brick and marble, and is dominated by nineteen open proscenium arches and shadowed by a towering turret, parapet, and balcony.

 

 

Need to Know:

Basin at Franconia Notch: some areas may be uneven terrain.

 

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: not wheelchair accessible Shelburne Museum: there is quite a bit of walking between exhibits and sometime on uneven terrain. A wheelchair-accessible jitney provides transportation around the museum.

 

Church Street Marketplace: cobblestone sidewalks Wilson Castle: no elevator available

 

 

Accessibility:

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Accommodations Days 1 and 2: Mountain Club on Loon, Lincoln, NH Whether delighting in the awe-inspiring views of Loon Mountain or countless other White Mountain peaks, your everyday world is a distant memory within minutes of arriving at The Mountain Club on Loon. The Mountain Club on Loon features a Health Club with indoor pool and Spa. (Spa services are an additional charge.)

 

Seasons Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Black Diamond Pub serves New England dishes and traditional ski lodge fare. Guestrooms include coffee maker and hairdryer.

 

Accomodations Days 3 and 4: Holiday Inn Express, South Burlington, VT The hotel features a heated indoor pool, indoor whirlpool, and fitness center. Guest rooms include coffee maker, iron/board and hairdryer.

 

Accomodations Day 5: Comfort Inn Trolley Square, Rutland, VT The Comfort Inn Trolley Square, a Rutland hotel is located near the Green Mountain National Forest and the Vermont State Fairgrounds. The hotel features an indoor pool & whirlpool Guestrooms include coffeemaker and hairdryer.