Full Steam Ahead On the Historic Rails and Rivers of The East Coast

Packages Available Summer and Fall

7 Days - 6 Nights

 

Welcome aboard for a ride through vibrant autumn foliage on rails and rivers traveled by our ancestors. Visit renowned historic sites in Hyde Park and explore the charming town of Jim Thorpe. Cruise along the Hudson River and dine at the prestigious Thayer Hotel in West Point. Step into the Gilded Age in Newport’s grand mansions and experience the magic of the railroad like never before, aboard the Rail Explorer. This tour is a must for history buffs and train lovers alike! Day One: Arrive in Jim Thorpe, PA by 3:00 pm. Upon arrival, visit the Mauch Chunk Museum Cultural Center. This is the ideal location to introduce you to the fascinating history of the town of Jim Thorpe. The museum’s core exhibition is “The Story of Mauch Chunk.” Knowledgeable guides will lead you on a tour through the ages, beginning with the unique geological formation of coal in prehistoric times and through the events that created the present day town of Jim Thorpe. The lush, mountainous landscape inhabited by the Lenape Indians was forever changed by the discovery and mining of “black diamonds” (anthracite coal) by early European settlers and their subsequent scramble to build waterways and railroads to transport coal to the eastern seaboard cities. Determination and ingenuity gave rise to industrial marvels such as the unique Switchback Gravity Railroad while the settlement

of Mauch Chunk grew and flourished in its Victorian golden age. Following a period of decline, the town of Mauch Chunk was renamed and revived as the town of Jim Thorpe—repository for the body of the great Native American Olympian. Depart the Museum and travel down the street to your overnight destination, The Inn at Jim Thorpe, an historic landmark hotel in the heart of downtown. This hotel was originally built in 1833 to accommodate the thousands of Mauch Chunk’s visitors during its era as a booming coal transportation hub. The hotel was rebuilt after the great fire in 1849 and renamed the New American Hotel.  Many dignitaries including General Ulysses S. Grant, President William H. Taft, Buffalo Bill, Thomas Edison and John D. Rockefeller chose to spend the night under its roof. The Inn fell into disrepair during the Depression, as Mauch Chunk, along with many of the region’s coal towns, suffered from the economic downturn. In 1988 the new owner, John Drury,  restored it to its original splendor. His son David is the Inn’s General Manager and a partner in the company, which also includes his brother Dale. The Inn’s restoration served as one of the major catalysts in Jim Thorpe’s exciting revitalization during the 1980’s, and stands proudly today as the landmark gem of Broadway. Once you have checked into your rooms, there will be time to relax and refresh before dinner. Gather in the lobby and prepare to walk to your dinner destination, The Harry Packer Mansion. The mansion's impressive facade could have been taken from a Gothic novel, so much so that the building's design caught the eye of Disney Imagineers and it became the inspiration for Walt Disney World's "Haunted Mansion!" The interior, however, is anything but spooky. Fifteen-foot ceilings, marble fireplaces and gilded mirrors reflect the elegance of the Victorian Age. Your visit starts with a buffet dinner, including a glass wine. After dinner, there will be time to explore this magnificent home on your own. Walk back to the Inn after dinner. Those who wish may stop at one of the local taverns for a nightcap and perhaps some live entertainment. Day Two: Your included breakfast is served at the Broadway Grille that is adjacent to the Inn. Check out of your rooms after breakfast. Before you depart Jim Thorpe, you simply must visit the historic St. Mark and John Episcopal Church. Completed in 1869, it is a prominent example of Gothic Revival architecture designed by that style's leading proponent, Richard Upjohn. It is one of Upjohn's last designs, and was largely funded by Asa Packer, a local millionaire whose fortunes were made in the coal fields. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.  The interior is lavishly appointed, with English tile, imported mahogany and stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany and others. Your visit includes a guided tour.

Your last stop in Jim Thorpe is at the Old Jail Museum.  The jail was built in 1869–1870 and is a two-story, fortress-like rusticated stone building. It has thick, massive walls and a square, one-story guard turret above the main entrance. It features arched windows on the main facade and on the turret. The building is most notable as the jail where a number of suspected "Molly Maguires" were imprisoned while awaiting trial in 1875–1876. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 8, 1974. In one cell, there is a handprint left by Alexander Campbell, a "Molly Maguire" who was hanged in 1877, to proclaim his innocence. Legend has it that despite many attempts to remove it, including building a new wall, the mark still remains today. After your guided tour, board the coach and depart Jim Thorpe. Arrive about 12:30 pm at the Radisson Lackawanna Station House Hotel. Originally a French Renaissance-style train station in 1908, the hotel retains its nostalgic charm. Marvel at the marble columns and the Tiffany stained-glass ceiling. Gather for an included luncheon served at the hotel’s Carmen’s 2.0 Restaurant. Make certain to walk around the lobby area and observe the amazing architectural details. After lunch board the coach and travel down the street to the Steamtown National Historic Site. Feel the heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil and hear the whistle blow. Feel the ground vibrate and watch as one-ton drive-rods turn steel wheels. Remember the sound of "chuff-chuff" from the smokestack? Today, you will learn the history of steam railroad transportation, and the people who built, repaired and rode, as the museum works to preserve a special era in America's industrial history. Depart the Historic Site and travel to your overnight destination in Kingston, NY where you will arrive about 5:30 pm. After you have settled in, gather for a Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception. An included dinner is served at a locally owned restaurant located just minutes from the hotel. Winner of many Mid-Hudson Valley Choice Awards, Christina’s Restaurant recently celebrated 25 years in business. The décor is absolutely beautiful and the food……delizioso! Day Three: Board the coach after breakfast in the hotel and travel south along the Hudson River to Val-Kill, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. FDR encouraged Eleanor Roosevelt to develop this property as a place where she could develop some of her ideas for work with winter jobs for rural workers and women. She named the spot Val-Kill, loosely translated as waterfall-stream from the Dutch language common to the original settlers of the area. Val-Kill was the only place Eleanor Roosevelt called home. It was here that she pursued her political and social interests, wrote her “My Day” column and worked on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Your next stop is at the home, museum and library of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Your visit begins with a guided tour of the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. This National Historic Site preserves the Springwood Estate, the birthplace, lifelong home and burial place of the 32nd President of the United States. Learn the story of the Roosevelt presidency beginning in the depths of the Great Depression and continuing through the New Deal and World War II. You will also visit the Presidential Library and Museum. By this time, you will be ready for lunch. Visit the on-site, Uncle Sam’s Canteen for lunch on your own. Your last stop is the Vanderbilt Mansion, one of America’s premier examples of the country palaces built by wealthy industrialists. A superb example of its type, the mansion provides a glimpse of estate life, the social stratification of the period and the world of the American millionaire during the era historians refer to as the Gilded Age. Situated on the east bank of the Hudson River, the property includes beautiful grounds with views of the river and the distant Catskill Mountains, formal gardens, natural woodlands and numerous auxiliary structures. The site’s main feature is a 54-room mansion designed and built between 1896 and 1899. Depart Hyde Park about 1:45 pm and travel back to Kingston where you will board the Catskill Mountain Railroad for a 3:00 pm departure this heritage tourist railroad that began operations in 1982. Steam locomotives were the technology that helped build America’s railroads. This steam locomotive was built by Baldwin in 1924 for the American Viscose Co. of Roanoke, Virginia. In the 1960s it was sold to Gem City Iron & Metal in Pulaski, Virginia. Scott Symans of Dunkirk, NY, purchased the locomotive in 2004 and restored it to operating condition in 2007. Because of its small size, it can be trucked anywhere in the country to operate on any railroad. During your ride you will witness the natural beauty of the Catskills as you travel along in vintage coaches. Debark the train at 4:30 pm and return to your hotel. There will be time to relax and refresh before dinner. Board the coach and travel a short distance to your dinner destination situated on the banks of the Hudson River on the historic Rondout Waterfront. The building is part of the former Cornell Steamboat Company shops. The Cornell Steamboat Company was the dominating towing company on the Hudson from 1880 to the 1930’s. The building was a “boiler shop.” Boilers for the ships were both built and repaired at this site. The menu seeks to celebrate the fresh and inspired cooking and culture of the American South with an inventive twist on classic Southern cuisine. The South is about succulent,

fall-off-the-bone barbecue, fried chicken and pecan pies as much as it is about great bourbon and craft beers. This is certain to be one of your new favorite restaurants! Day Four: Check out of your rooms after breakfast in the hotel. Board the coach and travel south along the Hudson River to Newburgh. Climb aboard for a 2-hour narrated cruise on the Hudson River. Cruise along this historic shoreline and see sites such as West Point, the United States Military Academy, World’s End, the deepest point of the Hudson River, the Saugerties Light House, Bannerman Island, an historic island known for its warehouse, built to resemble a Scottish Castle and others. After your cruise, board your coach and travel along the Hudson River and to the historic Thayer Hotel at West Point. This property is a national treasure visited by past U.S. Presidents, world leaders and celebrities alike. Discover a captivating blend of over 200 years of military history combined with some of the finest food and service along the Hudson River. This renowned restaurant sets the stage for a truly unique luncheon experience. Depart the Thayer and travel to your overnight destination, The Inn at Middletown in CT, where you will arrive about 3:30 pm. This historical hotel is steeped in New England charm and is located steps away from the Main Street shops and restaurants. Once you have checked in, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening to explore Middletown on your own. Downtown Middletown boasts over 75 great places to eat and shop. Discover unique boutiques and specialty clothing stores for all styles, as well as a variety of gift stores and card shops for special occasions. Have dinner on your own at the Inn or at one of the many local eateries. Day Five: Start your day with a leisurely breakfast buffet served at the Inn before your 10:00 am departure. For early risers, there will be time for a leisurely stroll along Main Street. Depart Middletown and travel southeast along the Connecticut River to Essex, CT for a ride on the Essex Steam Train. Climb aboard for a 1-hour, narrated ride through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. The picturesque countryside includes pristine meadows, a quaint farm, a millpond with waterfall, and trestles and bridges over rivers and creeks. Debark the train when it returns to the station at noon, board the coach and travel to Stonington, where you will arrive in Old Mystick Village about 12:45 pm. This recreated 18th century New England Village offers a refreshing change from shopping malls. There will be time to have lunch on your own in this charming destination.

Depart Connecticut and make your way east to Rhode Island where your first stop will be at the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame. This maritime museum is dedicated to the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, yachting and the America's Cup. The Herreshoff Manufacturing Company (1878-1945) was most notable for producing sailing yachts, including eight America's Cup defenders, and steam-powered vessels.  The Museum is situated on the grounds where the manufacturing company once stood, and has a collection of over sixty boats including Nathanael Greene Herreshoff's Clara, built in 1887, Harold Vanderbilt's Trivia, and the 1992 IACC yacht, Defiant. The Nathanael Greene Herreshoff Model Room contains over 500 yacht and steam yacht models and the Rebecca Chase Herreshoff Library holds a collection of books and manuscripts related to the company, the Herreshoff family and yachting. The museum also hosts symposia related to yacht design and operates a sailing school. Depart the Museum and arrive about 5:00 pm at your home for two nights, The Holiday Inn Express, Middletown, RI. Relax and recharge before you head out for dinner. Your dinner destination boasts coastal cooking with a New England flare. You will be surrounded by stunning sunset and water views as you dine in a casual atmosphere. Day Six: The last full day of your vacation promises to be a most memorable one! After breakfast at the hotel, board the coach and travel less than 10 minutes to the station for Rail Explorers, Rhode Island Division. Prepare yourself for a pedal-powered adventure! Pedal powered rail vehicles date back to at least the 1850’s, when maintenance workers used hand-cars and ‘rail bikes’ to travel along the tracks. They were used to transport crew and materials for track inspection and repairs. Present day Rail Explorers are the latest development of this technology and are the global leader in safety, design and ease of operation. The Rail Explorers may be coupled together so that larger groups may stay together and combine their leg power! Your pedal powered adventure is presented by the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad and takes you on a leisurely expedition along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay with views only visible from the unique perspective of the railroad. The route traverses private waterfront estates, 2 golf courses, the Newport Preservation Society’s Topiary Gardens and the Audubon Society Nature Preserve. Board the coach that will be waiting for you at the end of your one-way rail excursion. Travel a short distance into Newport’s “downtown” area. There will be time at your leisure to visit Bannister’s Wharf, the social and commercial lifeline to colonial Newport. It has been home and hostelry, a place to buy bread and a place to break bread. Always it has celebrated a certain "joie de vivre." This is the place where people come to experience the ambiance that is expressly Newport. Explore the shops, admire the boats in the harbor and have lunch on your own at one of the local eateries.

After you leave Bannister’s Wharf, you will be joined by “Mrs. Astor” herself. She will lead you on a windshield tour that offers an insider’s look at the colorful, and often scandalous, history of Newport, as you view spectacular coastal scenery along the famed Ocean Drive. Leave “Mrs. Astor” behind and return to your hotel. There will be time to refresh before you head out for your farewell dinner. Board the coach and travel a short distance back into the Newport Station for The Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. This evening is your chance to enjoy a classic railroad travel and dining experience on vintage “streamlined” era passenger cars. Step back in time and experience the way society’s elite used to travel to Newport to summer at the famous mansions, yacht clubs and beaches. See how the railroad helped to build Newport into one of the premiere tourist destinations that it is today.  The Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience returns you to the golden days of rail travel with a multi-coarse dinner in “Pullman style.” Day Seven: Check out of the hotel after breakfast. Board the coach and begin your travels north toward the airport. About 10:00 am, you will arrive at Blithewold, (Old English for happy woodland) a grand English Manor-style mansion situated on a dramatic waterfront site. Developed in the early 20th Century on 33 landscaped acres, the estate is emblematic of the “Country Place” era. The stunning grounds feature a unique combination of Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts and contemporary gardens. You will enjoy a special guided tour that includes the house, the magnificent Great Lawn and the surrounding gardens. At the end of your visit, gather for tea on the Breakfast Porch. Before you depart Bristol, gather for an included lunch served at the Lobster Pot. Since 1929, the Lobster Pot has provided Rhode Islanders with the very best in dining experiences. Bristol is steeped in history and home to the oldest Independence Day celebration in the country. The restaurant’s Bristol Harbor location, provides one of the most spectacular views of Rhode Island’s greatest treasure, Narragansett Bay. Depart the restaurant about 1:00 pm and begin your travels back home. Your package Includes:

• 6 Nights accommodations • 6 Breakfasts • 3 Lunches • 1 Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception • 5 Dinners-including the Newport Dinner Train! • Admission to the Mauch Chunk Museum Cultural Center

• Time to explore Jim Thorpe • Self-guided tour at the Harry Packer Mansion • Guided tour at the St. Mark and John Episcopal Church • Guided tour at the Old Jail Museum • Guided tour at Val-Kill • Guided tour at the FDR Home • Admission to the FDR Library and Museum • Guided tour at the Vanderbilt Mansion • Ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad • Hudson River Cruise • Ride on the Essex Steam Train • Free time in Old Mystick Village • Admission to the Herreshoff Marine Museum • Ride on the Rail Explorers • Free time on Bannister’s Wharf • Guided tour of Newport, led by Mrs. Astor • Guided tour at Blithewold followed by Tea on the Porch • Souvenir Gift • Baggage service for one piece of luggage per traveler • Accommodations, baggage service, group meals and admissions for the coach

driver • Taxes and Gratuities (Note: Gratuities for the local guides and coach driver are

not included and are at your discretion based on service.) Pricing Information: Call for custom pricing.

824 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3, Colchester, Vermont 05446 802-881-0661Copyright2019NotchAboveTours,Inc