Girlfriend Fun, Pennsylvania Style

on location: northeast ❖

melinda hughey

Girlfriend Fun,

Pennsylvania Ladies sip, savor, shop and sightsee to their heart’s content in Hershey, Lancaster County and Philadelphia

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t’s like dying and waking up in Chocolate Heaven. It’s hitting the shopping jackpot along a nearly endless trail of charming galleries, shops, farmers markets and flea markets, with an amazing array of outlet malls thrown in to kick up the variety about 10 notches. And it’s like scoring a bonus in the form of a mindbending blend of gardens, history, culture, arts and entertainment.

“It” is the Southern Pennsylvania corridor bounded by Philadelphia on the east and Hershey on the west, with a fabulous filling of Lancaster County in the middle. And “it” represents the ideal place for a girlfriend escape – whether a carload or a coach-load.

Without a doubt, Pennsylvania Dutch Country is one of my favorite destinations for a senior adult tour, but to think about it in terms of a girlfriend getaway required a serious paradigm shift. But very quickly, I found Hershey, Lancaster County and Philadelphia form the perfect trifecta for those times when “girls just wanna have fun!”

Historic Hotel Hershey

Girlfriends indulge at The Spa at Hotel Hershey, a luxury retreat.

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Any doubts I harbored melted as I blew into Philly in late March, an F-1 tornado hot on my heels, and sped the short distance to Hershey, arriving just in time to take refuge at the historic Hotel Hershey. And, voila! As if I needed a tangible sign this place is tailor-made for a girlfriend respite, it appeared before me as a group of pajama-clad, chocolate martini-sipping ladies having a big time in their commanLeisureGroupTravel.com

Gallery Row on Prince Street (left and center) anchors downtown Lancaster’s vibrant arts scene.

Right: Longwood Gardens, a horticultural extravaganza, is a can’t-miss sight in the Brandywine Valley.

deered corner of the Iberian Lounge.

What we all discovered within the walls of this crown jewel of Milton Hershey’s company town is a treasure trove of luxury and service, from the award-winning cuisine of the world-famous Circular Dining Room to the endless pampering of the Chocolate Spa. Don’t miss the Cocoa Facial Experience – a signature treatment. Chocolate-scented creams, lotions and scrubs that smell good enough to eat (but don’t!) are available for purchase to continue the experience at home.

As part of its just-celebrated 75th anniversary, the “grand dame on the hill” is undergoing a multi-million-dollar Grand Expansion. By its scheduled completion at the end of 2009, the project will have upgraded the Circular Dining Room and the hotel’s entrance as well as added 10 uber-elegant cottages (perfect for a girlfriend group) in a wooded area behind the hotel. Very near the cottages, a new restaurant opens this summer as well an elaborate recreational area featuring an aquatic facility with an adults-only lap pool, cabanas and snack bar, plus year-round ice skating, tennis, hiking trails and more.

Tempting as it may be never to leave the hotel, no trip to Hershey would be complete without a tour of The HerLeisureGroupTravel.com

shey Story – newly opened just this year. A high-tech, interactive journey through the life of chocolate magnate Milton Hershey, this gleaming new facility on Chocolate Avenue (aka Main

enter a chocolate lab and turn food scientist with a class in chocolate tempering or truffle-making, among other topics, or indulge in a full-on chocolate tasting offering a half-dozen samples of liquefied chocolates from around the world. (hersheystory.org)

Chocolate Nirvana

Hershey’s Chocolate World offers a tour, show and irresistible candy shop.

Street) could be an all-day experience.

Fascinating exhibits convey Hershey’s rise to success (following several notable business failures), while Cafe Zooka is a perfect choice for lunch or some serious snacking. For a nominal fee, visitors can

Don’t leave town without stopping at Hershey’s Chocolate World. A Disneyesque attraction devoted to – you guessed it – all things chocolate, features a 3-D animated musical show as well as Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour. The latter takes visitors on a musical journey through the art of chocolate-making as told by animatronic cows. At the end of this jaunt, get ready to shop for all things Hershey – and Reese’s and York – well, think Chocolate Heaven. If sugar coma hasn’t set in, there’s an ice cream parlor and bakery offering treats so decadent, they defy description! (hersheypa.com) Well-stocked and well-stuffed, we departed Hershey en route to Lancaster.

Halfway there, we arrived in the village of Mount Joy and had a memorable dining experience at Bube’s Brewery.

This National Register historic building houses three very different restaurants (The Alois Experience, The Bottling August 2009 53

Works & Biergarten and The Catacombs) and an inn whose 12 individually themed rooms take kitsch to a delightful level.

A tour of this historic brewery led us down level upon level, ending 35 feet underground in The Catacombs and its medieval-themed dining rooms festively illuminated with strings of white lights and candles. Our server, Elizabeth, regaled us with ghost stories while we perused an extensive menu. The food, the wine and the ambience were all delightful, but the peanut butter pie remains wedged in our memory forever!

Downtown Lancaster On to the city of Lancaster, where we checked into the all-suite Best Western Eden Resort, with rooms spacious enough to accommodate a queen-sized pajama party. The next morning, it was off to breakfast at the nation’s oldest farmers market in the heart of downtown.

Lancaster Central Market, housed in an 1889 Victorian building, has operated continuously since 1730. Today there are 57 stands, each owned by a local person, family or business and offering not only fresh produce, but fresh baked desserts and breads, jams, candies, meats, flowers, crafts and gifts. The market op-

erates each Tuesday and Friday from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m., so plan accordingly. (lancastercentralmarket.com) Within a two-block radius of the market are intriguing museums and galleries, including the not-to-be-missed Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum (lancasterquiltmuseum.com) with its collection of authentic 19th and early 20th century Amish quilts and decorative needlework.

Just up the street is the Heritage Center Museum, filled with furniture, textiles and other decorative artifacts from the Amish, Mennonites, Quakers and Moravians. And art-loving girlfriends will go wild exploring the more than 30 studios along Lancaster’s Gallery Row. By now, any average girlfriend crew would be approaching sensory overload, but downtown Lancaster offers just a preview of the treats that line Old Philadelphia Pike corridor. It’s easy to get distracted by the allure of antique shops, farmers markets and villages, each progressively more appealing than the ones before. But, Kitchen

Girlfriends in Pennsylvania Dutch Country find gifts and goodies at the Lancaster Central Market (left) and treasure-filled antique malls.

54 August 2009

Photos by Melinda Hughey

on location: northeast ❖

The “Cannin’ and Jammin’ Experience” at Kitchen Kettle Village lets guests make a jar of jam to take home.

Kettle Village in Intercourse, with its 42 shops and restaurants surrounding Lancaster County’s leading canning kitchen, tops them all.

Shops devoted to pottery, brass, flowers, dolls, bags, quilts, art, potpourri, soaps and even a boutique called Girls Day Out encircle the Jam & Relish Kitchen, where more than 80 varieties are prepared and available for tasting and purchase. Their “Cannin’ & Jammin’ Experience” lets participants roll up their sleeves and make a jar of jam to take home. Kitchen Kettle Village even offers a customized Girlfriends Package with overnight lodging at The Inn at Kitchen Kettle Village (and late check-out!), breakfast, dinner, free jam and relish sampling, quilt stitching, and the choice of a guided walking tour of the Village, the Cannin’ & Jammin’ tour or a starter Pandora or Brighton charm bracelet for each girlfriend. (kitchenkettle.com) Rounding out this region are a massive number of outlet malls as well as plenty of options for evening entertainment, including the Sight & Sound and American Music Theaters, or dining in an Amish home.

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Lancaster County’s lush, rolling farmland scenery faded from view as we made our way toward Philadelphia. Detouring through the Brandywine Valley, we stopped at Longwood Gardens, with its 1,050 acres of stunning scenery.

It was our good fortune to visit during the annual Orchid Extravaganza. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the 40 outdoor and indoor gardens with four acres of heated greenhouses thrown in for good measure. Developed by industrialist and philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont, this magnificent horticultural showplace also incorporates an expansive gift shop, dining options and du Pont’s home. (longwoodgardens.org)

Philadelphia Freedom Thirty miles later, we rolled into Philadelphia and found our lodging at the Holiday Inn Historic District, ideally situated within easy walking distance of major sites, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Following an impromptu recommendation, we strolled to City Tavern, where we enjoyed dinner amidst 18th century ambience. Calling itself “the birthplace of American cuisine” (and, rightfully so, having been established in 1773), no less than members of the Second Continental Congress dined here regularly.

With its contrast of historic and contemporary, Philadelphia presents a profusion of eclectic delights for girlfriend groups of every stripe. We hopped aboard the Philadelphia Trolley Works for an overview of the city and found it to be an excellent and affordable way to navigate. With 20 strategic stops, the trolley enables energetic girlfriends to hit the world-class Philadelphia Museum of Art (with its current Matisse exhibit through October 25, to be followed by special showings of the works of Picasso and Renoir LeisureGroupTravel.com

in 2010), Antique Row, Penn’s Landing and the Waterfront, Chinatown and the Historic District in a single day.

Sightseeing conquered, foodies can take a culinary tour that guides them through a myriad of tasting experiences (ours consisted of cheese, chocolate and exotic teas), graze their way through the Reading Terminal Market or take in an elegant High Tea at the posh Four Seasons Hotel.

Shoppers should tackle Rittenhouse Row, which is actually more of a district that encompasses The Avenue of the Arts and bordered by Broad, 22nd, Pine and Market streets. Everything from high fashion to funky boutiques, chain stores and bistros are here. Live theater in Philadelphia ranges from Broadwaycompany productions at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts to cozier productions at the Walnut Street Theatre, America’s oldest (1809) as well as the official state theater of Pennsylvania. For the super-energetic (or insomniacs), nightclubs offer every music genre imaginable.

With enough activity in each place to sustain a week-long getaway, taking the time to plot strategy and plan a balanced itinerary based on your group’s preferences is well worth the effort.

After my journey to Southern Pennsylvania, I can’t wait to return – this time with a full coach! LGT

PLAN IT! Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau: 717-231-2992, hersheyharrisburg.org Pennsylvania Dutch CVB: 717-735-0311 padutchcountr y.com Philadelphia CVB: 215-636-3300 philadelphiausa.travel

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washington, D.C.’s National Geographic Museum will be the final stop for Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the largest collection of ancient artifacts to ever travel to the U.S. from China. Running Nov. 19-March 31, 2010, the exhibition features 15 lifesized terra cotta figures unearthed from the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, who ruled from 221-210 B.C. Considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the First Emperor’s enormous tomb complex contains thousands of terra cotta warriors intended to protect him in the afterlife. The terra cotta warriors were discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi’an in Shaanxi province. To capitalize on the buzz and record-breaking attendance the exhibition has generated in its prior U.S. stops (Orange County, Calif., Atlanta and Houston), DC’s cultural and tourism communities are planning a citywide promotion of Chinese culture and cuisine, complete with hotel packages and special restaurant menus. (warriorsdc.org) MARYLAND The 17-acre Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park is planned for Dorchester County, close to Cambridge and adjacent to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. It would include a visitor center, memorial garden, exhibits, trails and picnic pavilions. Officials at the Maryland Tourism Office expect the visitor center to open by 2013 – possibly in spring 2012 – coinciding with the state’s plans to honor Tubman’s life on the 100-year anniversary of her death.

Federal legislation was introduced in 56 August 2009

there during the first 29 years of her life. After she escaped, she returned to the region to ferry enslaved people out of Maryland during the years leading up to the Civil War.

The terra cotta warriors of Xi’an, China, will be on exhibit in Washington, D.C.

2008 to create Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks in Maryland and Auburn, New York – where Tubman spent the second half of her life. The bill enables the federal government to include the Tubman state park in the proposed national park, allowing the National Park Service to co-manage it with the state of Maryland. Tubman was born in Dorchester County. She was enslaved

NEW YORK New York City Vacation Packages (NYCVP) is offering two indoor viewing venues for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Its “Insider’s View Parade Breakfasts” will take place at the Marriott Marquis’ 8th floor Broadway Lounge and on the 2nd floor of the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Both events include full buffet breakfasts and wide window space overlooking the parade route. Participants will have the opportunity to take a motorcoach tour on Wednesday afternoon to the balloon inflation area to see the parade begin to take shape - and to see the giant balloons as they’re slowly inflated.

The price for a complete commissionable package begins at $1,198 per person (based on two adults sharing a room) for four nights’ accommodations at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Tower, the “Insider’s View Parade

African American Museum of Philadelphia’s new core exhibit explores freedom.

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Breakfast,� all taxes and free admission to several attractions. Airfare, Broadway shows, Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets, sightseeing, Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet and other meals are additional. (877-692-8747, nyctrip.com) PENNSYLVANIA The African American Museum in Philadelphia just opened its first core exhibition, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 – 1876.

The state-of-the-art interactive exhibit gives visitors a face-to-face encounter with the people who dared to challenge conventional attitudes and celebrate their belief that African Americans had the right to be free. In Gallery 2, visitors will be surrounded by what appear to be 10 full-size figures of trailblazers from 18th century Philadelphia. The figures are actually full-size video projections, patiently waiting for a visitor to approach and actively engage them. Once activated, the individual trailblazer delivers an impassioned monologue about life in Philadelphia during the time period.

Adjacent to each full-size screen will be a small touch-screen complete with a menu of topics that the trailblazer will discuss upon activation. The museum is close to the National Constitution Center and Independence Visitors Center.

(215-574-0380, aampmuseum.org) The nation’s largest and most comprehensive permanent robotics exhibition recently opened at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. Called “roboworld,� the $3.4-million exhibition features more than 30 hands-on, interactive exhibit stations in three thematic areas focusing on robotic sensing, thinking and acting.

Visitors can try to out-shoot Hoops, a basketball shooting industrial arm, or beat a robot at air hockey. They can experience the world as a robot sees it through a series LeisureGroupTravel.com

of sensors, discover how robots can read facial expressions and even chat with a robot. Visitors can have a picture taken with their favorite science fiction robots in the Robot Hall of Fame. (412-237-3400, carnegiesciencecenter.org)

VERMONT Finer Vermont Tours of Killington offers “Fun Foods and Family Farms of Vermont,� a new four-day/three-night tour for 2010. Highlights include an apple orchard and cider mill, cheese farm, alpaca

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%JTDPWFS POF PG /FX &OHMBOE¾T GBWPSJUF HSPVQ USBWFM BUUSBDUJPOT Explore a wonderland of fun ... visit with Santa ‌ catch snowflakes year ’round in the Black Forest ‌stroll through our authentic Bavarian Christmas Village ‌ learn how candles are made in our Candlemaking Museum ‌ create your own special souvenirs – multi-scented jar candles, wax hands and custom dipped candles at WaxWorks™‌ and so much more!

Shop for a wide range of home furnishings, seasonal decorations, collectibles, gourmet foods, unique toys, and distinctive gifts for every occasion.

Plus, satisfy every food craving with dinner at our award-winning Chandler’s Restaurant, sandwiches and more at Mrs. Claus Bakery & CafÊ or the sweet taste of our famous fudge.

Contact our Group Tour Department today to learn more! grouptour@yankeecandle.com

* &YJU Â… (SFFOGJFME 3PBE Â… 4PVUI %FFSGJFME ." Â… XXX ZBOLFFDBOEMF DPN

August 2009 57

on our radar: northeast ❖

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farm and maple sugar farm. Also featured are Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory tour, Danforth Pewter and Green Mountain Coffee. A gourmet luncheon at an inn includes a cooking demo. The package (from $297 double) includes lodging in the Killington/Rutland area and some meals. The company’s other tours include “The Best of Vermont and New Hampshire” (three nights), plus spring, late fall and Christmas packages featuring the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. (802-4223040, finervermonttours.com) The Rowland Agricultural Center is the newest attraction at Hildene, the Manchester estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln. An example of small-scale niche farming in Vermont, it shows the entire cheese-making process, from milking Hildene’s herd of Nubian goats through processing and packaging to the aging room.

Most of the furniture in the 24-room Hildene mansion is original to the Lincolns as no other family ever occupied the home. The last Lincoln descendant living at Hildene died in 1975. Among rare artifacts on exhibit are one of three remaining Abraham Lincoln stovepipe hats still in existence and the White House dressing room mirror he used before the assassination at Ford’s Theatre. Groups also can

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tour the estate’s various gardens and enjoy lunch in the picnic pavilion adjacent to the newly renovated Welcome Center. A bag lunch from one of Manchester’s cafes is $10. Contact: Paula Maynard, Tour Group Coordinator, 802-367-7961, paula@hildene.org. (hildene.org).

The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa just opened a full-service, 21,000-square-foot spa with a 25-yard indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, 10 treatment rooms, spa cuisine, a fitness center and locker rooms featuring steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas. The 120-room Burlington-area resort, formerly known as The Inn at Essex, has expanded its reach by offering more activities, including a challenge course complete with twin, fourstory ziplines, climbing wall and ropes course. An Orvis-endorsed fly casting pond also is new, and guided trips to Northern Vermont’s trout-rich waters are available. A cooking theater hosts a variety of classes in partnership with the New England Culinary Institute, which provides the resort’s restaurants with NECItrained chefs and student interns. Other activities include golf, tennis, hiking, biking, swimming in a heated outdoor pool and hot air balloon rides. Within walking distance of the AAA Four Diamond resort is a designer shopping mall. (800-7274295, vtculinaryresort.com)

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