Looking to travel but don’t want to deal with the hassle of airport security? Read on. You don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in history, family fun, luxury and outdoor fun. It’s all just a short drive away.
A Trip Back in Time – Gettysburg
When you think Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, one thing comes to mind: history. And rightly so. For those who weren’t wowed by the subject in school, a trip to the place where the most instrumental Civil War battle raged on some 152 years ago probably doesn’t rank high on the “to-do” list. But it should, and here’s why.
A trip to the small town is so steeped in history that you’re forced to be interested. Every building in the downtown district has a story. The battlefield transports you to 1863; in touring it you feel like you really are in another place, another time.
Making the 1.5- to 2-hour trek from spots in Berks is easy and well worth your while, be it for the day or overnight, but we recommend you spend the night.
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Check In Here
If you’re looking for unique luxury, a cabin at The Lodges at Gettysburg is a sure bet. Our cabin was beautifully appointed with a kitchenette (and a Keurig), two bedrooms, a large bathroom and no one attached to our left or right; we didn’t want to leave after our one-night stay. In warmer months, the Lodges property allows guests to enjoy fishing in its stocked lake. For those seeking relaxation, there’s a spa on site too. Massage anyone?
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Get Out and Explore
Need a refresher on the Civil War and just what unfolded in Gettysburg? Make Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center your first stop. Don’t just walk through the museum though. Get tickets for The Film and Cyclorama. A New Birth of Freedom, narrated by Morgan Freeman, gives you the foundation you need to immerse yourself in the rest of the Gettysburg experience and to fully appreciate what you’ll see upon entering the “theatre in the round” called the Cyclorama, built upon the 1880s painting by French artist Paul Philippouteaux. Creating the work was no small feat. The canvas creation took the artist and a team of assistants more than a year to finish, measures 377 feet in circumference and is 42 feet high. At the Visitor’s Center, the image showing the clash at Pickett’s Charge has been transformed into a three-dimensional diorama with a light show and storytelling feature that makes it come to life in an extraordinary experience.
After you’ve explored the Visitor’s Center, you’ll want to be sure to visit the battlefield. Make no mistake: it’s immense, and touring is a feat of dedication, but it's well worth it. There are many ways to tour it, too: by bus, horseback and more. We recommend a new way to tour Gettysburg: the auto iPad tour. At the Gettysburg Heritage Center, you can rent an iPad featuring a program by insitegettysburg.com that will allow you and your crew to load up in your car and follow the “auto tour” signs – with the iPad sensing and directing your every move – to nearly 20 historical stops, including the famous Devil’s Den, Little Round Top and more, complete with “augmented reality scenes” that transport you back into time and onto the battleground before you. How long the tour lasts is up to you, but it averages between 2-4 hours. Cost: $35.
Ghosts – Oh My!
If history is the first thing that comes to mind when you think Gettysburg, ghosts probably come a close second. For those intrigued by the supernatural or just liking a good spook, we recommend you book one of Gettysburg’s ghost tours. The nighttime jaunts are particularly fun. There are many options here too, but we enjoyed our trip around town on the Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tour.
Started by Mark Nesbitt, the tours feature tales from Nesbitt’s books, which include the bestselling Ghosts of Gettysburg series. Many of the author’s tales have been seen and/or told on The History Channel, A&E, The Travel Channel, Unsolved Mysteries and more. In July of 2004, the series was awarded the titles “Best True Hauntings Collection” and “Best ‘Local Haunt’ Guidebook” from a national paranormal group. Children under 7 years of age tour free. Adults are $9.50 per person, plus tax. Reservations are highly recommended.
When to go: In warm weather months. You’ll be spending much of your time outdoors, so we recommend you travel when temperatures are on the mild side.
Festivals galore: Gettysburg loves its festivals. Just a touch of what’s coming in 2015 includes: the town’s own Gettysburg Fest in June (gettysburgfestival.org), a Brew Fest in August (gettysburgbrewfest.com) and a Wine & Music Festival in September (gettysburgwine.com).
Tourism:
Destinationgettysburg.com
Lodging:
The Lodges at Gettysburg
877.607.2442
Gettysburgaccommodations.com
Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center
Gettysburgfoundation.org
InSite Gettysburg iPad Tours
Insitegettysburg.com
Ghosts of Gettysburg Tours
Ghostsofgettysburg.com
Family Fun Under the Sea in Baltimore
There’s a reason that if you say you’re going to visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the first question from the person you’re sharing the news with is “To the aquarium, right?”
With its unique pointed glass peak, the aquarium building is a stand-out in the harbor setting, and it’s a don’t miss stop – but more on that later. The Inner Harbor, just a 2.5-hour drive from most spots in Berks, is brimming with family fun. Be it catching a baseball game, boarding a dragon boat or snacking on some crab cakes, there’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay over for at least a night.
Get a Hyatt Room with a View
Mirroring the glass building look of the famous aquarium and set in the heart of the Inner Harbor is the Hyatt Regency Baltimore. Kids will love zooming in the crystal-like elevators and looking out at the harbor view before them as they jet to their rooms. Adults will love the convenience to the harbor. After all, there’s a walkway that eliminates the need to deal with street traffic if you’re looking to connect with all the Harborplace action. Both will love the views of the harbor at night if you get that view from your room (definitely worth asking for). Oh – and the rooms? Think comfortable and classic. You’re staying in a AAA four-diamond property, after all.
So Much to See and Do
But, alas, there’s so much to see and do that you’re absolutely going to want to get out and explore. The kids will be tugging at your sleeves begging to get over to the aquarium. Some advice? Do it early. We’d recommend you purchase tickets in advance online and select the first entry time available. Don’t worry – if your room at the Hyatt isn’t ready, they’ll stow your luggage until later.
Upon entering, you’ll immediately see why the aquarium gets rave reviews. Further exploration will unveil favorites like the popular dolphin show, the sharks of Blacktip Reef and Shark Alley, an Amazon Rainforest environment, the Jellies invasion and much more. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours. Tickets: Adults: $34.95, Seniors (65+): $29.95, Children (3-11): $21.95, Children younger than 3 admitted free. Hours are dependent on season; visit online for details.
If the kids are still in search of fun, it’s just a short walk away to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Part kooky kitschy and just-plain-weird artifacts, part interactive fun, Ripley’s makes time really fly. Make sure to take a trip through the mirror maze, complete with laser lights. Also offered are a couple of short shows in the 4-D Theatre. And being that “odd” is the name of the game here, you might want to plunk down a few bucks for the stop’s signature souvenir: customized wax hand statues of your very own digits. Tickets for a 3-way combo featuring the Odditorium, Mirror Maze and 4-D Theatre: $25.99 online.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Love America’s favorite pastime? You’re in the right spot! Oriole Park at Camden Yards is arguably one of the country’s most exquisite ballparks. From the first step onto Eutaw Street, you’re immersed in the experience. Check out the bronze baseball plaques of homerun balls that have landed far beyond the bleacher seats, sample Boog’s famous bbq and grab a Natty Boh beer before heading to your seat. If you have little ones in tow, make sure to visit the Kids Corner by Gate C for free fun in the form of a moon bounce, speed pitch, batting cage, oversized Oriole bird bobbleheads and more.
When to go: Spring, summer or early fall. Again, you’ll want to be enjoying time by the water, and the Bay breeze can be chilly if it’s already on the cool side.
Foodie fun: Love a good brunch? Make sure to visit Miss Shirley’s Cafe, a short walk from the aquarium. Voted “Best Brunch” and “Best Family Friendly Restaurant” by readers of Baltimore Magazine, the 750 E. Pratt St. location is well-loved for its inventive French toast creations, as well as its Southern-style specialties like “Shirley’s Affair with Oscar” (missshirleys.com).
Tourism:
Visit Baltimore
Baltimore.org
Lodging:
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
410.528.1234
Baltimore.hyatt.com
National Aquarium
aqua.org
Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
Ripleys.com/baltimore
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Orioles.com
New York, New York – A Fashion & Art Mecca
Closer to a three-hour drive mark overall, New York City is bursting with things to do. For those looking to celebrate style, luxury and amazing art, there’s no place like the Big Apple. With big names like Fifth and Park avenues, fashion is all the rage. In fact, Manhattan plays host to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week twice annually: this month from Feb. 12 to 19, and again in the spring (mbfashionweek.com).
Don’t want to deal with driving and traffic? You’ve got options with Klein Transportation (kleintransportation.com) or Bieber Tourways (biebertourways.com), or trek up to Staten Island, NY, and ferry over. The view of Lady Liberty from the left side of the boat is breathtaking.
Splurge on your Stay
Seeking luxury accommodations? Look no further than the Upper East Side’s Loews Regency on Park Avenue. Its recent $100 million renovation sets the standard for city sophistication from the moment you set foot in the door. Upon entering your room, you’ll see something not-so-standard when it comes to city stays: lots of space. That’s right, the room is just that – roomy. No expense has been spared. Details include Frette linens and bathrobes, state-of-the-art technology in the form of Smart TVs (there’s even one in your bathroom mirror!), free Wi-Fi and more. You’ll want for naught at the Loews Regency, as the staff is all about taking care of its guests. Need a wine bar suggestion? Ask the concierge. You’ll get a list of options. Don’t feel like hailing a cab? Arrange for a free ride to your desired location in the house car or FIAT. What’s not to love? It’s so easy and so gorgeous that the only problem is you won’t want to leave!
Jet to The Met
But there’s so much to see and do, you’ve got to venture out. If you’re an art enthusiast, there’s no better spot than The Metropolitan Museum of Art, affectionately termed “The Met.” There’s so much to see it’s hard to say where to start or what’s a must-do. And art is expressly individual. We suggest you visit online ahead of time to map out a game plan. A complete overview is offered, as well as itinerary options.
One thing we absolutely recommend you put on your Met to-do list if you’re visiting in early May through October is make the trip up to Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar (open weather permitting). The informal outdoor setting offers panoramic views of Manhattan. Hours: Sun-Thur, 10am-4:30pm; Fri & Sat, 10am-8:15pm.
Splurge on Shopping
If you’ve got the bank account to support it, shopping in New York City is spending at its finest. Put these stores on your must-see list: Barney’s, 660 Madison Avenue between 60th and 61st streets (barneys.com); Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue at 58th Street (bergdorfgoodman.com); Cartier, 653 Fifth Avenue at 52nd Street (cartier.com); Bloomingdale’s, 59th Street and Lexington Avenue (bloomingdales.com); Louis Vuitton, 19 E. 57th Street at Fifth Avenue (louisvuitton.com); Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets (saks.com); and Tiffany & Co., 727 Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th streets (tiffany.com), to name just a few.
Dine in Style
Looking to enjoy a memorable meal? Be sure to make reservations at the iconic Russian Tea Room, celebrating its 88th anniversary in 2015. The establishment plays host to New York’s elite and visitors from around the world. It’s graced the world of film, too, seeing Dustin Hoffman film scenes for Tootsie. And did you know the Queen of Pop, Madonna, once worked in the coat room? We recommend you book the Royal Afternoon Tea with Champagne, offering such selections as Caviars on Blinis, a Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich with Raisins and Pecans and much more. Priced at $115 per person.
When to go: Anytime! The fashion district stores mentioned above are particularly beautiful to visit during the holiday season when you can gaze upon the spectacular window displays.
On Broadway: We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend you catch a Broadway theatre production while in the city if time allows. It’s really an experience like no other. Want to know what’s playing? Visit broadway.com for list, a synopsis of each and even video clips.
Tourism:
NYC The Official Guide
Nycgo.com
Lodging:
Loews Regency Hotel
800.233.2356
Loewshotels.com/regency-hotel
Metropolitan Museum of Art
metmuseum.org
Russian Tea Room
Russiantearoomnyc.com
Get Away – Just the Girls – in Bedford Springs
Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of life? From work? Household chores and demands? Then we’ve got the spot for you in the Omni Bedford Springs, nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains just outside the town of the same name.
Even driving to the resort is easy. Just about half of the trek is on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where, despite the Omni offering a quiet getaway in the heart of nature, it’s a quick on and off from the major roadway. Who knew?
Your Room
Everything about the Omni Bedford Springs screams stately, yet serene, and the rooms are no exception. After all, it is a National Historic Landmark. The cool yellow tones with light blue and cream accents help guests just fall into a relaxed state upon entering. Special touches include French doors that open out to a spacious balcony, complete with rocking chairs. And the bathrooms? Forget about it! A session in the deep-soaking tub, followed by some lounge time in your plush robe, is the perfect way to cap off an evening before heading to bed in one of the most comfortable kings you’ve ever slept upon.
No Need to Leave
Looking for something to do? You’re all set upon check in. With activities in abundance, there’s no need to leave the property. Love to cook? Then the Resort Cooking Demonstration is a must. Gather your girlfriends for a lesson in the exhibition kitchen on Fridays and Saturdays at 11am or 3pm for $30 per person. Love the outdoors? From tennis to hiking, biking, fly fishing and more, you can do it at Bedford Springs. The resort also boasts its own spectacular golf course designed by Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghaust. Beginners can book a lesson with a pro, and pros can just head straight to the green and go, go, go. Should you want to venture off site, other opportunities for fun include whitewater rafting, kayaking on the nearby Shawnee Lake, ice skating, wine tasting and more.
Fine Food and Wine
Those looking for a gourmet dinner and a fine glass of wine can find it at the resort’s 1796 Room, which pays homage to the resort’s history. Did you know the resort has played host to 10 United States presidents, seven while still in office?
The restaurant is the resort’s signature steak and chop house, and sources much of its food locally. Meats are prepared in a 1700-degree infrared broiler to ensure they are juicy and tender when served. Dishes include a delicious Beef Tenderloin or Veal Chop, and there’s always a fish and game special of the week to consider. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The Center of it all: The Spa
No trip to the Omni Bedford Springs would be complete without some time spent at its 30,000-square-foot Springs Eternal Spa. After all, all water-related treatments are supported by the property's iconic eight mineral springs – hence the name. If there’s one essential “must try” experience, it’d have to be the signature bath ritual, which sees visitors spend some time in a hot jetted warm bath (again supported by the natural springs), followed by time in a cool tub and a visit in a steam room. The experience is complimentary with any scheduled spa treatment, which include various massage, facial, hair, nail and makeup services. After or between booked appointments, spa guests are also able to enjoy a relaxing quiet area to unwind, which offers teas, granola, fruit, magazines and more. Note: At press time, the spa was undergoing a treatment menu transformation to reflect the Omni's rich Native American history.
A Trip Back in Time
Bedford Springs has played host to a fair share of monumental occasions throughout its 200+ year existence. Some being:
- 1796 – Dr. John Anderson discovers the mineral springs of Bedford, long known by the Native Americans, and purchases the property.
- 1821 – Future U.S. President James Buchanan makes his first visit to Bedford Springs, which later became his "summer White House" during his time in office.
- 1905 – One of the first indoor pools in the United States is built at Bedford Springs, complete with a mineral water-fed swimming pool, solarium and hydrotherapy rooms.
- 1941-1943 –The U.S. Navy occupies the resort, using it as a training facility for radio operators.
- 2007 – The property is restored to its historic grandeur after a $120 million restoration.
When to go: It depends. If you want to take advantage of the property’s outdoor opportunities, visit during more temperate times of the year. If you want to hole up in the spa on a colder day and just enjoy some warm tea or a fine glass of wine and a steak dinner, you can do that any time!
Lodging:
Omni Bedford Springs
814.623.8100
omnihotels.com/hotels/bedford-springs
