Trolls in The Forest 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Join us for a fall foliage getaway featuring a relaxing drive to scenic Benezette, Pennsylvania, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds and home to the largest free-roaming elk herd in the northeastern United States. This exciting "New Tour" offers the perfect blend of comfort, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Our journey begins in Benezette with a visit to the Elk Country Visitor Center, where we will experience Pennsylvania's majestic elk up close. Explore interactive exhibits that tell the story of elk restoration, conservation, and wildlife habitat in the region. Enjoy panoramic viewing areas overlooking elk habitat and learn about these magnificent animals through engaging displays and educational presentations. Lunch is included during our visit. Following our visit, we travel to Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where we check into the historic Penn Wells Lodge for a two-night stay. Located in the heart of Wellsboro, this charming hotel, built in 1869, transports guests to an earlier era with its rich décor, warm hospitality, and wood-burning fireplace in the lobby. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, an indoor pool, fitness room, and an on-site restaurant and lounge, all within walking distance of Wellsboro's quaint shops and the town's famous gas-lit streetlamps. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Afterwards, relax with a cocktail in the cozy lounge before retiring for the night in your comfortable room.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for a full day of sightseeing in charming Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, located along historic Route 6. Our day begins with a visit to Highland Chocolates, a unique non-profit chocolate factory and retail store that provides vocational training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. During our visit, enjoy a guided tour of the factory, learn about the chocolate-making process, and receive a special goodie bag filled with their delicious treats. Highland Chocolates is famous for their pretzel bark and offers hundreds of molded chocolates, fresh fudge, sweet snack mixes, and handcrafted chocolate gifts. Next, we travel to the breathtaking Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. Located within a beautifully developed state park, this area offers some of Pennsylvania's most spectacular natural scenery. From the scenic overlooks, take in the sweeping panoramic views and, during the fall season, the magnificent display of colorful foliage. There will be free time to enjoy the views, visit the Visitor Center, and browse the gift shop. A Cowboy Cookout Lunch is included today, offering a fun and memorable dining experience in a beautiful outdoor setting. After lunch, sit back and relax as we embark on a Covered Wagon Tour of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Enjoy a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride approximately seven miles into the canyon along the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share the history, folklore, and natural beauty of this remarkable area. Keep your eyes open for wildlife such as deer, bear, otters, beaver, ducks, geese, and even majestic bald eagles that are sometimes spotted in the canyon. Later, we return to Wellsboro, where you will have time to explore the town's picturesque downtown area, known for its charming gas-lit streets, unique family-owned shops, and inviting restaurants. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening before we return to our hotel after a wonderful day in Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon region.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for Patterson Maple Farm in Westfield, Pennsylvania, where we will visit a working maple farm and learn how pure Pennsylvania maple syrup is made - from tree to table. Enjoy a guided tour of the sugarhouse and take home a sweet maple treat. Next, we travel to Ulysses, Pennsylvania to visit the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum. Here, you will explore the fascinating history of Pennsylvania's lumber industry through engaging indoor exhibits and authentic outdoor displays. Discover how the region's vast forests and hardworking lumberjacks helped shape the Commonwealth and enjoy time to browse the museum shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. Lunch is included during our visit. This afternoon, we continue to Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania for a stop at the Kinzua Bridge & Visitor Center. Stretch your legs and take in breathtaking fall foliage and spectacular views from the Kinzua Skywalk, where you can walk out over the valley on the remains of what was once the world's longest and tallest railroad viaduct. We then continue on to Bradford, Pennsylvania, where we check into the Holiday Inn Express for a one-night stay. After time to relax and freshen up, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional flavors - the perfect ending to a memorable day of sightseeing in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where we will discover the fascinating story behind two iconic American brands - Zippo lighters and Case knives. Explore engaging exhibits showcasing rare and historic pieces, learn about the craftsmanship behind these world-famous products, and see how this company became a symbol recognized around the globe. Time will be available to browse the museum gift shop, featuring unique collectibles and souvenirs. Next, the anticipation is over as we set out to visit the famous Bradford Troll. Discover one of the whimsical giant trolls created by internationally known artist Thomas Dambo. Built entirely from recycled and repurposed materials, these imaginative sculptures celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the joy of discovery. Dambo's goal is to place trolls in all 50 states, making each one part of a unique treasure hunt for visitors. The trolls in McKean County are the first permanent trolls in Pennsylvania, making this a truly special experience. Before departing for home, we will visit the Kane Troll and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Please note: There will be a short walk on a hard-surface and limestone path to view both trolls. Do not forget your camera as we visit the first-ever trolls placed in the Keystone State. We depart for home with wonderful memories of a fun and unique tour filled with Americana history, artistic creativity, and the simple joy of discovering something unexpected.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner