Day 1 Tuesday, September 19
Today we begin our journey, traveling south through PA to Harrisonburg, Virginia for an overnight stay.
This evening after check-in our group with enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Wednesday, September 20
After breakfast at our hotel, we check out and depart for the Greenbrier’s Bunker Tour – During your visit a most unusual history tour awaits. You visit The Greenbrier’s Cold War Bunker. Built by the Eisenhower Administration. It was a Fall Out Shelter for Congress in the event of a Nuclear Attack. This secret facility existed for 30 years, in plain sight, yet hidden from both hotel employees and guests. It’s a fascinating story and you will learn how the pantries were stocked and replenished with fresh produce and supplies. At any moment there was enough fresh water and food here to support the entire House & Senate for 60 days.
Continuing this afternoon, you will check in for a 2-night stay at the new Corduroy Inn & Lodge, the only upscale Boutique Hotel at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Ski Resort. This beautiful resort hotel sits atop the second highest peak in West Virginia with incredible sunrise and sunset views. All rooms have a stone fireplace and are appointed with the finest linens. The hotel has a fine dining restaurant and bar, as well as a coffee shop and is walking distance to Snowshoe Village.
This evening you partake of a wonderful Almost Heaven Sunset Dinner prepared by the hotels, farm-to-table “Appalachia Kitchen” and served in the fourth floor Terraced Banquet Hall. Here you have an undisturbed western view of a West Virginia Mountain sunset from the terrace or through the large windows and glass walls that adorn the Western side of the rooms and allow in plenty of natural light.
In addition to a wonderful meal and superb views your evening includes a local musician to serenade the sunset, who is required to perform the John Denver song “Country Roads.”
Day 3 Thursday, September 21
After a leisurely breakfast at the Inn, we depart for the Greenbrier Wilderness Train – This morning you ride West Virginia’s newest train which leaves from Cass, WV on a four-hour excursion into the wilderness of the Greenbrier River Valley. Framed by forested hills on both sides of the river this remote, rugged, unpopulated region is home to Bald Eagles, Osprey, Black Bear and Coyotes. You may spot these species and others as you ride with lunch onboard included.
Next, we’ll tour the National Radio Astronomy Observatory – Leaving Snowshoe Mountain you travel into the nearby mountain valley past Cass and find it filled with giant satellite dishes. This is the Green Bank Radio Astronomy Observatory intentionally located in one of America’s most quiet spots. Here our scientists are listening for sounds from outer space.
Returning to Snowshoe for a free evening. Those of you who wish will have a chair lift ticket and can ride down to scenic Shaver’s Lake. There are several shops and recreational activities available as well.
Dinner is on your own to either explore the restaurants in the Village or enjoy the hotels three food facilities They have an upscale casual dining at The Appalachia Kitchen, casual American fare on the slope at Tuques Bar & Grill and wood-fired artisan pizza and gelato at The Pizza Slice.
Day 4 Friday, September 22
After enjoying another leisurely breakfast, we checkout and depart for Cass Scenic Railroad – The highlight is your four-hour ride to Bald Knob the third highest point in West Virginia. Panoramas of the lofty Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher and higher. At one point you will suddenly realize that you have entered a completely different eco-system because of the change in trees, flowers, and atmosphere. Lunch included.
Built in 1901 to transport lumber through the mountains of West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad helps to preserve the look and feel of America’s locomotive legacy. Enjoy a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip jaunt up to Bald Knob—the highest summit of Back Allegheny Mountain at 4,842 feet.
Picked by Conde Nast Traveler having the Most Stunning Views in the U.S.
Following the train ride you return to the town of Cass, which remains relatively unchanged since its founding in 1901. It was built as a company town for the loggers who worked in the nearby mountains. You’ll have time to visit the Company Store, which houses a gift shop and The Last Run Restaurant and Soda Fountain, as well as an artisans co-op and the Cass Historical Theater and Museum.
This evening you’ll check into your hotel in Elkins, West Virginia. This new 69-room property is located near the heart of historic downtown Elkins, nestled in the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, Elkins is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Plateau.
Tonight, you’re in for a treat at Gandy Dancer Dinner Theater, a tribute to Musical Legends. After enjoying a wonderful plated dinner, sit back and enjoy this amazing show! Menu: Chicken cordon bleu w/bearnaise sauce, sliced beef brisket, California blend of vegetables, pasta salad, cake and beverage.
Day 5 Saturday, September 23
After breakfast at your hotel, we checkout and take a wilderness excursion on the New Tygart Flyer, departing from the town of Elkins. This route features an “S” curve tunnel, a high bridge and miles of unspoiled mountain views. The vintage diesel-powered locomotive climbs along the cascading Shavers Fork of the Cheat River to the High Falls which are accessible only by train. The closest road is literally five miles away. Enjoy the view relaxing aboard a comfortable climate-controlled passenger coaches. Lunch included.
Following the train ride our group motors north to Cumberland, MD for an overnight stay.
Day 6 Sunday, September 24
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we begin our travel home sharing all our many adventures!
Package Price Per Person: Single $2,180 | Double $1,680 | Triple $1,530 | Quad $1,430