SAMPLE ITINERARIES
MULTI-DAY TOURS
FALL FOLIAGE MYSTERY TOUR
Day #1
5:00PM-7:15PM Arrive and check in at the Riverside Inn, a Victorian hostelry situated on the banks of beautiful French Creek. In operation since it was built in 1885, the Inn restorers have been meticulous in recreating everything that the aura of the Victorian time had to offer. A delicious dinner will be served in The Concord Dining Room followed by a tour of the facility. Recreational opportunities at the Inn include a swimming pool, tennis court, shuffleboard and a golf course.
Day #2
8:00AM-9:45PM After a full buffet at the hotel, depart for The Erie Maritime Museum where exhibits and programs illustrate the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and serves as the home port of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Next a delicious lunch will be served on the Victorian Princess paddle wheel boat while cruising the calm waters of Presque Isle Bay. A visit to The Tom Ridge Environmental Center offers 7,000 square feet of interactive and whimsical exhibits that highlight Presque Isle, its nature, animals, fish, unique sand formations, and its top birding migration points. Depart for Mason Farms for a home baked cookie and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Here you will see gorgeous flowers on display, wonderful home baked goods, flavored coffees, candies, jams/jellies, decorations and a gift shop. * Next it's on to Presque Isle Downs & Casino, one Pennsylvania's newest casino and race track. Here receive slot play dollars and a coupon for a full buffet dinner at the Triple Crown Buffet.
(*This stop can be replaced with dinner theater at The Station Dinner Theater for a wonderful night of entertainment.)
5:00PM-7:15PM Arrive and check in at the Riverside Inn, a Victorian hostelry situated on the banks of beautiful French Creek. In operation since it was built in 1885, the Inn restorers have been meticulous in recreating everything that the aura of the Victorian time had to offer. A delicious dinner will be served in The Concord Dining Room followed by a tour of the facility. Recreational opportunities at the Inn include a swimming pool, tennis court, shuffleboard and a golf course.
Day #2
8:00AM-9:45PM After a full buffet at the hotel, depart for The Erie Maritime Museum where exhibits and programs illustrate the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and serves as the home port of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Next a delicious lunch will be served on the Victorian Princess paddle wheel boat while cruising the calm waters of Presque Isle Bay. A visit to The Tom Ridge Environmental Center offers 7,000 square feet of interactive and whimsical exhibits that highlight Presque Isle, its nature, animals, fish, unique sand formations, and its top birding migration points. Depart for Mason Farms for a home baked cookie and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Here you will see gorgeous flowers on display, wonderful home baked goods, flavored coffees, candies, jams/jellies, decorations and a gift shop. * Next it's on to Presque Isle Downs & Casino, one Pennsylvania's newest casino and race track. Here receive slot play dollars and a coupon for a full buffet dinner at the Triple Crown Buffet.
(*This stop can be replaced with dinner theater at The Station Dinner Theater for a wonderful night of entertainment.)
Day #3
7:30AM -1:30PM After another delicious full buffet breakfast at the Riverside Inn, the group will depart for Meadville, PA to visit the "Wal Mart" of the turn of the century. The Meadville Market House, built in 1870, is the oldest, continuous working market house in the state and offers crafts by local artists, home made candies, pastas, and maple sugar products. Next depart for Pymatuning Lake, the state's largest man made lake to visit our famous Linesville Spillway to feed masses of fish while the ducks walk on their backs competing for the tossed food. According to the Wall Street Journal, this destination is number one in numbers of visitors in the state of Pennsylvania. It truly is a sight to see! Next a plated lunch will be served at Silver Shores Restaurant located on the shores of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania's largest natural lake. Here the group will be able to look out at the lake and watch local boaters and fishermen taking part in vacation land's most popular activity, water sports. Then it's on to one of the area's premier destinations, the Conneaut Cellars Winery. Learn how this internationally acclaimed winery produces their fine product. Tasting these delicious wines will be a treat for all and there will be a drawing for a few bottles after getting back on board the motorcoach. Drop off guide and depart for home.
7:30AM -1:30PM After another delicious full buffet breakfast at the Riverside Inn, the group will depart for Meadville, PA to visit the "Wal Mart" of the turn of the century. The Meadville Market House, built in 1870, is the oldest, continuous working market house in the state and offers crafts by local artists, home made candies, pastas, and maple sugar products. Next depart for Pymatuning Lake, the state's largest man made lake to visit our famous Linesville Spillway to feed masses of fish while the ducks walk on their backs competing for the tossed food. According to the Wall Street Journal, this destination is number one in numbers of visitors in the state of Pennsylvania. It truly is a sight to see! Next a plated lunch will be served at Silver Shores Restaurant located on the shores of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania's largest natural lake. Here the group will be able to look out at the lake and watch local boaters and fishermen taking part in vacation land's most popular activity, water sports. Then it's on to one of the area's premier destinations, the Conneaut Cellars Winery. Learn how this internationally acclaimed winery produces their fine product. Tasting these delicious wines will be a treat for all and there will be a drawing for a few bottles after getting back on board the motorcoach. Drop off guide and depart for home.
TAKE A SNOOZE ON CASEY'S CABOOSE
Day #1
3:00PM-6:30PM Check in at one of the top destinations in the state, The Caboose Motel, 21 self contained train cars with heat, air conditioning, brass beds, full baths, coffee pots, TV's, phones and outside decks. After relaxing, the group will head to Cross Creek Resort, nestled in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, for a scrumptious plated dinner. Returning to the motel the balance of the evening can be spent in the train car just relaxing or a walk to Titusville, PA a few blocks away is always a pleasnt option.
Day #2
9:00 AM-10:15 PM After a continental breakfast at the train depot, the group will board the
O. C. & T. Railroad, for a ride "through the valley that changed the world". Hear narrations of how the oil boom created towns almost overnight and learn how Colonel Edmond Drake, in 1859 figured out how to get the oil out of the ground by drilling the first successful, commercial oil well in the world. A box lunch will be served on the train on the return trip from Rynd Farm. After leaving the the train, there will be a short walk to the Drake Well Replica, the exact spot where Colonel Drake drilled his famous well. Next it's on to Tyred Wheels Museum, where 25 antique working cars, 5,000 minature vehicles and antique toys are displayed and there's even a real "General Lee" and a 1912 bus! Now the group will depart for the Riverside Inn for a delightful Dinner Theater. The Riverside is the number one spot for the areas best shows throughout the season not to mention this beautiful, Victorian Inn was built in the late 1800's for the rich and famous during the water boom days.
Day #3
8:30AM-10:30AM After a wonderful full buffet breakfast at the Cross Creek Resort, the group will drop off the guide and depart for home.
Day #2
9:00 AM-10:15 PM After a continental breakfast at the train depot, the group will board the
O. C. & T. Railroad, for a ride "through the valley that changed the world". Hear narrations of how the oil boom created towns almost overnight and learn how Colonel Edmond Drake, in 1859 figured out how to get the oil out of the ground by drilling the first successful, commercial oil well in the world. A box lunch will be served on the train on the return trip from Rynd Farm. After leaving the the train, there will be a short walk to the Drake Well Replica, the exact spot where Colonel Drake drilled his famous well. Next it's on to Tyred Wheels Museum, where 25 antique working cars, 5,000 minature vehicles and antique toys are displayed and there's even a real "General Lee" and a 1912 bus! Now the group will depart for the Riverside Inn for a delightful Dinner Theater. The Riverside is the number one spot for the areas best shows throughout the season not to mention this beautiful, Victorian Inn was built in the late 1800's for the rich and famous during the water boom days.
Day #3
8:30AM-10:30AM After a wonderful full buffet breakfast at the Cross Creek Resort, the group will drop off the guide and depart for home.
OLD COUNTRY CHARM MYSTERY TOUR
Day #1
3:00-5:30 Arrive, meet your guide and check in at Tara, A Country Inn, inspired by the movie “Gone With the Wind”. Tara offers an everlasting impression of the old south with its rooms lovingly named to reflect the décor of the mansions that embodied Southern Hospitality. Each of the 27 rooms is named after the characters of the movie and most have a Jacuzzi tub to enjoy. There’s even an autographed picture of Clark Gable and few are aware that Mr. Gable spent the summers of his childhood in Crawford County and your guide will tell his story when the group visits the Conneaut Lake/ Meadville, PA area. A delicious plated dinner will be served by the staff dressed in period clothing then a tour of the building where you will enjoy the history of how it came to be. Don’t forget your bathing suit, there a beautiful indoor pool!
Day#2
7:30 Bags outside of guest rooms.
7:30
Bags outside of guest rooms.8:30-4:30 After a hot, buffet breakfast at Tara it’s off to Venango County to enjoy a train ride “through the valley that changed the world” on the O. C. & T. Railroad. While on the train, mail a souvenir post card on the only rolling, train post office left in the country and delicious box lunch will also be served.
5:30-7:30 Then to Crawford county to check in at The Riverside Inn and enjoy and evening at the dinner theater. Arrive at the Riverside Inn to check in for the evening. This Cambridge Springs hostelry situated on the banks of beautiful French Creek, has been in continuous operation since 1885 and was built at the time to accommodate wealthy patrons during the “mineral water boom”. Listed on the National Historic Registry, the Riverside restorers have been meticulous in recreating everything that the aura of Victorian time had to offer.
There are no telephones or televisions in the guest room as this is in keeping with the era in which the Inn was built. (However, there are TV’s in the hospitality rooms on each floor and your guide will give your group a phone number for the desk that they can call on their cell phones if they need assistance.) There is a warm, inviting front and back lobby with a TV, wood burning fireplace, game table and comfortable couches where visitors can meet and chat, put a jigsaw puzzle together or play Scrabble. The days are so full, most of the time our groups are just happy going to sleep!
Also, there are no elevators in the building so guests must be aware of this before hand. When reserving rooms we alwaystry to book the second floor and a few handicapped rooms on the first floor. But the floors are easily accessible as there are 15 steps then a landing and 15 more making it easy for even the seniors the climb. We rarely have a guest complain about the stairs as the Riverside is one of our premier destinations and everyone is thrilled with the décor, the history and the Victorian flavor of this wonderful hotel.
7:00 The Riverside is famous for its dining and exceptional Dinner Theater and the most popular is “The Medieval Feast”. This comedy sensation returns for it 21st hilarious season where guests take a journey back to the age of kings and queens and knights and damsels. The knaves and wenches not only perform but also serve a delicious and plentiful feast….EATEN WITHOUT UTENSILS! Other shows during the year are just as wonderful and the 2010 schedule is already in place.
Day#3
7:30 Bags outside guest rooms.
8:30-4:30 Breakfast at the Concord Dining Room and then depart for The Market House, the Commonwealth’s oldest, continuously operating Market House. It offers a variety of products including fresh baked goods, candies, pastas, coffees, maple sugar products, local artist consigned crafts, gifts, souvenirs, and fresh flowers and produce. Other shops and Art Galleries are located in Meadville and we will be able to spend some time browsing.
Lunch will be served at the Silver Shores Restaurant 'slocated on the banks of Conneaut Lake, PA's largest natural lake. After lunch we will board the “Barbara J”, a 64 passenger stern wheeler, for a one hour cruise. We will hear a narration from Captain Jack telling tales of the Indian settlement, mastodon bones and how this beautiful lake was formed. Then on to the Conneaut Cellars Winery for a taste and tour of this international award winning winery and learn how the master winemakers acquire this wonderful flavor fit for any pallet.
5:30 Check in at The Radisson Sharon in Hermitage, PA. A four star hotel, this Radisson is owned by the same couple that owns Tara and offers sleep number beds, indoor pool and whirlpool, restaurants and evening entertainment. (This is optional as we could hub and spoke from either the Riverside or Tara. Again, we can customize a tour for you to include any or all of the destinations listed.)
8:00 We will depart for the Slovak Crafts Display where we will find colorful hand made pottery, jewelry, and hand cut crystal none of which is available anywhere else in the US. The most incredible piece of artistry is an animated woodcarving that has 82 moving figures measuring 17 feet wide X 6 feet deep and 8 feet tall and depicts life in Slovakia. It took 3 wood carvers 2 ½ years to make and everyone who sees this carving is in awe of the size and the amount of labor it took to produce this unusual carving.
Day #4
7:30 Bags outside guest rooms.
9:00-1:30 After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for The Avenue of the 444 Flags which is the largest display of our flag anywhere in the country. Here you will see 444 flags, one for each day of the Iranian hostage crisis and some for our fallen heroes of the latest conflicts we have engaged in over the past ten years. The flags come from all over the country and almost all of the original flags had been draped on the casket of an American veteran. There is also a new etched glass memorial located in the center of the display with the names of recent fallen heroes. This beautiful display is a must see for all Americans who are proud of our country and proud of our stars and stripes. It brings tears to the eyes of all who have experienced its splendor.
Bags outside guest rooms.9:00-1:30 After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for The Avenue of the 444 Flags which is the largest display of our flag anywhere in the country. Here you will see 444 flags, one for each day of the Iranian hostage crisis and some for our fallen heroes of the latest conflicts we have engaged in over the past ten years. The flags come from all over the country and almost all of the original flags had been draped on the casket of an American veteran. There is also a new etched glass memorial located in the center of the display with the names of recent fallen heroes. This beautiful display is a must see for all Americans who are proud of our country and proud of our stars and stripes. It brings tears to the eyes of all who have experienced its splendor.
How about a chocolate break! See huge chocolate characters at the World's Largest Candy Store. This title was recently given to Daffins Candy Store by the travel channel.
We can’t leave the area without a visit to the World’s Largest Shoe Store, Reyers and the World’s Largest Off Priced ladies fashion store, The Winner. (A mens lounge is located on the first floor offering snacks, drinks and a TV to watch until the ladies finish shopping.) There are several places to have lunch on your own in down town Sharon before departing for home.
THE “WRIGHT STUFF” TOUR
Day #1
Approx. 10:15 AM arrive New Stanton, meet local guide.
11:15-12:45 PM tour Kentuck Knob. One of the last homes completed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Kentuck Knob has a sense of beauty, comfort, serenity, and harmony not only in the house but in the surroundings as well.
1:00-2:00 PM lunch buffet/sandwich/salad/dessert/beverages included enroute to Fallingwater
2:30-4:15 PM tour Fallingwater. This beautiful country home is considered Wrights greatest work integrating bedrock, stone walls, waterfalls, and all that nature has to offer into a one of a kind experience.
4:45-5:45 PM tour and tasting at Christian W. Klay Winery where “Locally grown grapes produce award winning wines”.
6:00 PM check in to Historic Summit Inn Resort, an historic, mountaintop landmark known for its panoramic, five county views and Victorian décor. Listed on the Register of Historic Places, the Summit Inn offers such amenities as an indoor pool, billiards area, internet phone portals, cable TV, hot tub and a video game room.
Day #2
Leisurely start with breakfast buffet.
9:00 AM depart hotel. From a boarding point at Connellsville, PA your soft adventure begins on the Youghiogheny River. From the comfort of a large inflatable raft seating 10-12 adults you experience the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains from river level. Floating through small riffles and calm pools, you become intimate with the river and its scenery.
This is a true float…there’s no straddlin’ and no paddlin!’ Assistance is provided into and out of the rafts. Then you just sit and relax while a professional boatman does all the work! Depending on water levels this trip lasts approximately 2 hours.
At the conclusion of the float trip you meet your coach and travel to a nearby church where a delicious meal has been prepared for you. YOU MAY CHOOSE (in advance) EITHER a ham loaf dinner OR picnic style meal featuring hamburgers and hot dogs along with picnic style salads and side dishes. The food and hospitality are outstanding!
Next you arrive at the Cochran House, a beautifully decorated Victorian home located in the town of Dawson. Step back into an era of Victorian elegance in this lovingly cared-for home.
The Cochran Mansion cost over two million dollars when it was finished in 1913, and much of the original furnishings were imported for Mrs. Cochran by Joseph Hornes of Pittsburgh. There are 35 rooms, 27 fireplaces, 13 bath and powder rooms, a finished white tiled basement with a game room complete with billiard tables and bowling alleys. The Mansion has 8,720 sq. ft. to each of its four floors and is 188 ft. long by 40 ft. wide.
Approx. 3:30 PM drop guide back at New Stanton and continue your trip home.
DAY TOURS (Sample itineraries)
ITINERARY FOR CELEBRATE ON THE LAKE TOUR
9:30 Meet step-on guide at Burger King,16733 Conneaut Lake Road (Route 322 West), Meadville, PA
9:45 Depart for Conneaut Lake Historical Museum
10:00 Arrive at the Museum
10:45 Depart for lake cruise aboard the Barbara J
11:00 Arrive at the Barbara J
12:00 Depart for lunch at the historic Hotel Conneaut
12:15 Arrive for lunch
1:15 Depart for the Spillway
1:30 Arrive at the Spillway
2:15 Depart for the fish hatchery
2:20 Arrive at the hatchery
3:00 Depart for the Berry Basket
3:15 Arrive at the Berry Basket
3:45 Depart for the winery
3:50 Arrive at the winery
4:30 Depart to drop off guide and head home
ITINERARY FOR BUS BINGO BONANZA
9:45 Meet the step on guide at Vanity Fair Store past the Food Court at The Grove City Outlets located off Rte. I 79, Grove City exit. Before the tour begins, each person will receive coupons for the outlets. The group will have approximately 2 hours to shop at the outlets.
11:45 Board the motorcoach and each person will receive their paper bingo cards.
12:00 Arrive at My Brother's Place for a buffet luncheon.
1:00 Depart for Volant
1:15 Arrive at the Shops of Volant village.
2:45 Depart for The Apple Castle
3:15 Arrive at The Apple Castle
4:00 Depart for The Cheese House
4:15 Arrive at The Cheese House.
5:00 Depart for the outlets to drop off your guide and depart for home.
9:45 Meet the step on guide at Vanity Fair Store past the Food Court at The Grove City Outlets located off Rte. I 79, Grove City exit. Before the tour begins, each person will receive coupons for the outlets. The group will have approximately 2 hours to shop at the outlets.
11:45 Board the motorcoach and each person will receive their paper bingo cards.
12:00 Arrive at My Brother's Place for a buffet luncheon.
1:00 Depart for Volant
1:15 Arrive at the Shops of Volant village.
2:45 Depart for The Apple Castle
3:15 Arrive at The Apple Castle
4:00 Depart for The Cheese House
4:15 Arrive at The Cheese House.
5:00 Depart for the outlets to drop off your guide and depart for home.
ITINERARY FOR MUSICAL WHEELS AND THE “GENERAL LEE” TOUR
9:45 Meet you local step on guide at Debence Music World Museum located at 1261 Liberty Street
(Route 8), Franklin, PA 1632311:00
Depart for Cross Creek for lunch11:30Arrive at Cross Creek
Arrive at Cross Creek12:30Depart for the train ride
Depart for the train ride12:45Board the O. C. & T Railroad
Board the O. C. & T Railroad 3:00Depart the train for a short walk to the Drake Well Museum and replica
Depart the train for a short walk to the Drake Well Museum and replica 4:00Depart for Tyred Wheels Museum
Depart for Tyred Wheels Museum 4:15Arrive at Tyred Wheels
Arrive at Tyred Wheels 5:00Depart for Franklin to drop off guide and head for home
Depart for Franklin to drop off guide and head for home ITINERARY FOR "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP"
10:00 Meet the your guide at the Burger King, Peach Street exit of I-90 East.
10:15 Arrive at the Erie Maritime Museum. The museum illustrates the Battle of Lake Erie during the Battle of 1812 and serves as the home port of the U. S. Brig Niagara. This historically accurate reconstruction of the relief flagship was completed and dedicated in 1990. Groups are invited to board the ship for a narrated tour. Other exhibits include the Front Street Generating Station, Orientation Theater, the Hall of Honor and a fully rigged section of the Niagara’s rig that reaches the ceiling of the museum.
11:30 Depart for the Victorian Princess, Erie’s only authentic stern wheel paddle boat. Once boarded, you will enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon while cruising Presque Isle Bay. This beautiful boat is fully air conditioned, is licensed to hold 149 passengers and has a topside, open air observation deck.
11:45 Arrive at the Victorian Princess.
1:30 Depart for the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. This 65,000 square foot center offers interactive educational exhibits, an orientation theater showcasing Presque Isle State Park, a Food Court and a specialty Nature Gift Shop. This beautiful state of the art facility houses classrooms, research labs, interpretive panels and a 4 story tower that gives a panoramic view of Lake Erie and Presque Isle.
2:30 Arrive at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
3:30 Depart for a motor coach tour of Presque Isle State Park roadway which is part of the Seaway Trail, Pennsylvania’s only nationally designated “American Byway”. Due to its unique ecological composition, Presque Isle has also been designated a National Natural Landmark. It is also recognized as one of the top ten U. S. birding spots. While at the park we will visit the Perry Monument and read the newly installed interpretive panels detailing the history of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and those who fought in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. (You’ll also learn that Commodore Perry was afraid of cows!)
4:30 Depart for Mason Farms, one of Erie’s premier destinations. Here you will find produce, home baked good, fresh flowers, candies, taste tempting jams and jellies, and a great gift shop.
5:45 Arrive at Burger King to drop off your guide and head for home.
