New England in the Summertime 23

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach to "The Green Mountain State," Vermont, to begin our New England in the Summertime tour! Before checking into the North Star Lodge for the next two nights, we are treated to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that serves up great local flavors. Our accommodations are centrally located in the town of Killington, Vermont, and are set amidst spectacular mountain views.

Day 2

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a day of Vermont sightseeing. We begin at the Ben & Jerry Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, Vermont, where we will enjoy a tasting of selected Ben & Jerry Ice Cream. Next enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon and Austrian pastries served at the luxurious Trapp Family Lodge. Following lunch, we meet with the resident expert on the Trapp Family history, for a Trapp History Tour. An informative talk about the lodge and property is included. We will learn about the Trapp Family members, where they are today, and what they are doing. Our final stop of the day will be at Cabot Cheese Annex. Here, we will have time to browse the fantastic selection of Cabot products, sample their award-winning cheeses, and purchase many other Vermont specialty foods. Additionally, take time to visit the nearby Lake Champlain Chocolates Store & Café. Discover the exceptional pleasures of irresistibly smooth chocolate truffles, handcrafted nut clusters filled with golden caramel, or the awe-inspiring sensation of Lake Champlain Chocolates legendary 5 Star Bars. A dinner stop will be made en route to the lodge. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and travel to "The Granite State," New Hampshire, stopping along the way for a photo-stop at a covered bridge and at the 165-foot deep, mile-long Quechee Gorge, "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon" for a photo-stop. The next stop of the day will be a visit at the Franconia Notch Visitors Center where we will view an orientation film and exhibits about the State Park and the White Mountains. Also, we will visit The Basin. Thousands of years of rushing water has eroded the rock into a smooth, circular cave-like formation. Below the Basin is another water-eroded rock formation called The Old Man's Foot. We'll meet some critters that inhabit the Granite State, as we continue our day of touring with a stop in Holderness, New Hampshire at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Observe animals up-close, and experience the Centers hands-on exhibits, which are designed to provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of New Hampshire's native wildlife and the natural world. Most of the animals on exhibit are either orphaned, injured, or otherwise unable to survive in the wild, and now they serve as ambassadors of their species. Also visit the Howling Coyote Gift Shop which features many items produced by local and regional artisans. After departing the Nature Center, we check into the Silver Fox Inn for the next two nights, before being treated to a delicious dinner at the Inn. Located at the center of Waterville Valley Resort, the Silver Fox Inn is within walking distance to the Town Square and Shops.

Day 4

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a day of New Hampshire sightseeing. We begin on board a pontoon boat for a narrated cruise on Squam Lake. This unforgettable boat cruise has something to delight everyone! Learn about the natural history of the lake, the wildlife that makes Squam so special, and the people who have enjoyed these lakes for over 5,000 years. View locations where the movie "On Golden Pond" was filmed over 30 years ago. Watch for Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and other wildlife. Lunch is on your own. Next, we travel to Moultonborough, New Hampshire and have some leisure time to explore the Moultonborough Country Store. A visit to New England isn't complete without a stop at the Moultonborough Country Store for an eclectic mix of gifts, candy, and cast-iron signs and hooks. The store is among the oldest in the country and one of the oldest surviving businesses of any kind. It has been the scene of town meetings in the early 1800's, and again in the 1900's; the library; post office for over 100 years; and a stage stop. Our final stop today will be in Meredith, New Hampshire to climb aboard the Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for an exciting excursion while dining on a roast turkey dinner. The relaxing train trip travels along the shoreline of the lake, and provides terrific views of this sparkling lake and its summer cottages. Following the train ride, we return to our lodge for a restful night's sleep.

Day 5

After breakfast settle back and enjoy the movie "On Golden Pond" on our drive home, while reminiscing about Vermont and New Hampshire's rich history, diverse landscapes ranging from beautiful farmland to majestic mountains and inland lakes, a scenic boat cruise and a delightful train excursion, all highlighted with the colors of summer!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner