Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: joroas on January 06, 2014, 10:09:07 AM
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As we are retiring this year, my wife decided to treat me to a Civil War tour. Now these tend to be short and pricey but readers of my last road trip may recall this from 2013:
(http://www.archersdirect.co.uk/uploads/tad/maps/00-3206Z(11).gif)
So, as a sharing event I suggested that we could do this instead:
(http://www.archersdirect.co.uk/uploads/tad/maps/00-8720I-3720Z.gif)
We are staying an extra 3 days in Alexandria so that we can spend two days in Washington (Smithsonian, Archives and Ford's Theatre), but thought a trip to Manassas was possible, as its only 35 miles away. What is public transport like or are there coach trips to places?
Apologies for Dollywood, but we saw her in concert and that has to be done.......
DAY 1 : UK - Washington DC.
Fly to Washington where you will transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2 : Washington DC area - Gettysburg.
Today's included sightseeing with a local guide shows you the graves of American heroes, including those of John F Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Your guided sightseeing tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, and visits to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and National WWII Memorials. Afterwards, cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania with a visit to the hallowed Gettysburg Battlefield, site of the decisive campaign of the Civil War, and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in November 1863.
DAY 3 : Gettysburg - Harpers Ferry - Luray Caverns - Shenandoah National Park.
Head for Harpers Ferry, where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the US arsenal. En route to Shenandoah, stop at Luray for a guided tour of the spectacular caverns, before continuing up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
DAY 4 : Shenandoah National Park - New River Gorge - Beckley.
Journey through lumber and limestone country into wonderful West Virginia. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a Civil War battlefield, travel to Fayetteville with a stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world's third longest steel-span bridge rising 876 feet above the river. Then on to Beckley, the heart of West Virginia's 'smokeless' coal industry.
DAY 5 : Beckley - Lexington.
Before entering Kentucky we stop in the state capital - Charleston, the one time home of Daniel Boone. As you cross the state border, the scenery changes to the green pastures and columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country and the backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit. Arrive in Lexington, the 'Heart of the Bluegrass'. This afternoon, it's time for a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park. Legends like Man o' War and Secretariat conquered the racing world from here. The visit includes the International Museum of the Horse, the Hall of Champions, where famous horses from the past enjoy their retirement, the Parade of Breeds, and many other exhibits and demonstrations.
DAY 6 : Lexington - Bardstown.
Travel the Bluegrass Parkway and stop at Sinking Spring Farm, where Abraham Lincoln was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine. Next, visit a working whiskey distillery and learn about the production of the very finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, for which Kentucky is famous. Overnight in Bardstown, Kentucky's second-oldest city.
DAY 7 : Bardstown - Gatlinburg.
This morning's journey takes you along Kentucky's scenic backroads. After lunch it's on to Corbin for a short visit to Colonel Sander's original fried chicken restaurant, which is now a museum. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Appalachia, with 65 acres of farmland and a number of historic cabins, barns, and other buildings, even a frontier privy! The next two nights are in Gatlinburg, nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.
DAY 8 : Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg, one of America's most popular mountain retreats, offers something for everyone. You might want to spend a day at world famous Dollywood, an 88 acre landscaped theme park inspired by Dolly Parton and her love for the mountains, family, and country music. Tonight's optional outing features the Dixie Stampede, an action packed evening filled with thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, and phenomenal music.
DAY 9 : Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Asheville area.
Drive right through the centre of the Smokies, along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road peaking at 5,046 feet, then into North Carolina. Stop at the 7,500 acre grounds of Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then onto the dramatic Chimney Rock. Take an elevator carved through solid rock up to the granite monolith for views over Hickory Nut Gorge. Overnight in the Asheville area, hometown of American author Thomas Wolfe.
DAY 10 : Asheville area - Lexington area.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 470 mile route. Take in a portion of the Parkway today, from Fancy Gap to Roanoke. Stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots in the country. Next is a visit to Natural Bridge, a 215 foot high arch in a wooded setting, once owned by Thomas Jefferson. George Washington's initials are still visible on the cliffside, from his work here as a young surveyor.
DAY 11 : Lexington area - Richmond - Williamsburg.
A guided tour of the Stonewall Jackson House lets you experience the pre-war life of Confederate General Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson and introduces you to the man who became a legend. Visit Lee Chapel and Museum, preserved as Robert E. Lee left it for the last time on September 28 1870. This afternoon's highlight is the graceful home of the third President, Thomas Jefferson. The estate, named Monticello, reflects Jefferson's skills as an artist, architect, and designer. It is the only house in the US that is on the United Nations' World Heritage List of international treasures. Next is a short sightseeing tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War. The day ends in Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest European settlers established their first colonies.
DAY 12 : Williamsburg.
Today is dedicated to Colonial Williamsburg, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays. Take a stroll down quaint streets and browse through homes, gardens, taverns, shops and exhibits. In the Hall of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence.
DAY 13 : Williamsburg - Washington DC area.
The day begins with a visit to Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the banks of the Potomac River. Afterwards, drive back to Washington. This evening, join the optional evening outing which features dinner followed by an illumination tour of Washington's famous memorials.
DAY 14 : Washington DC area - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Washington.
DAY 15 : Home landing in the UK.
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can I come with you? ;D :D ;) :) :o :P :-* >:D lol
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I have space in my case....... :D
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No need to apologise for your musical tastes. While I have no desire myself to visit her theme park (if that's the right phrase), I consider the woman herself to be a genuine, bona fide legend. So there.
Have fun storming Cemetary Ridge! Don't forget to pack a ridiculous beard and matching voice-overed philosophical monologue. :)
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can I come with you? ;D :D ;) :) :o :P :-* >:D lol
sounds cosy ;D
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No need to apologise for your musical tastes. While I have no desire myself to visit her theme park (if that's the right phrase), I consider the woman herself to be a genuine, bona fide legend. So there.
Have fun storming Cemetary Ridge! Don't forget to pack a ridiculous beard and matching voice-overed philosophical monologue. Smiley
We've also seen Kenny Rogers!!!!!
Yes, you can't beat Gods and Generals and Gettysburg for all-time over the topness!!!! Still, not much decent ACW filmery out there.
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I can't believe I spelled Cemetery Ridge wrongly. What an idiot, eh? :)
I like the Gettysburg movie, myself. But I do also like poking fun at it. I have the other one on DVD but am too scared to watch it, because everyone says how terrible it is.
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It is a bit whimsy, but the battle scenes are good.......
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We are staying an extra 3 days in Alexandria so that we can spend two days in Washington (Smithsonian, Archives and Ford's Theatre), where we will use the Metro Subway, but thought a trip to Manassas was possible, as its only 35 miles away. What is public transport like or are there coach trips there?
Is there a decent cheap Mall in the area with, say, JC Penney and Wahlgreen prices?
Thanks
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Go and get at a glass plate picture take of the two of you in civil war costume if you have time. My wife and I did this during our visit to Gettysburg last summer for the 150th (and my 40t!). It really is a unique souvenir. We have it on the mantelpiece at home and it usually takes visitors a few minutes to realise that it's us in the pic and not some ancient ancestor. lol
Good luck with the trip, you'll love it I'm sure.
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I may well do that, I've seen Dave Bickley's one, so they look good quality.
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thought a trip to Manassas was possible, as its only 35 miles away. What is public transport like or are there coach trips there?
The VRE line should get you out as far as Manassas:
http://www.vre.org/service/systmmp.htm
Bear in mind that it's a commuter service, so it's Monday to Friday only. The battlefield is about ten miles away from the train station.
To be honest, you'd be much better off renting a car for the day.
Is there a decent cheap Mall in the area with, say, JC Penney and Wahlgreen prices?
In Manassas? There are a few malls with the likes of JC Penny, Sears in them.
EDIT: Actually, looking at the weather forecast, tomorrow or Saturday mightn't be the best days for a trip to the battlefield as we seem to be in for quite a bit of rain or sleet. Sunday might be your best bet - it's forecast to be 11C, with only a 10% chance of rain.
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Thanks, I did look at the VRE, but the train timetables are opposite to what I wanted. But Fredericksburg is another option.
The Malls would be easier to get to in the DC area, rather than Manassas.
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Are you in the US at the moment, or is this all due to happen at some point in the future?
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Amtrak runs down to Fredericksburg with regular service back to DC (I used it to do a day trip to Historicon two years ago). It drops you in the old town -- some of the buildings still have pock-marked walls from the Union attack. From there you'd have to rent a car or email the Fredericksburg Visitor bureau to see if there's a bus tour to get out the Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania, etc.
You can easily go over to Arlington Cemetery to see Arlington House, Lee's home.
Seriously, if you're three days in the DC area, it is worth considering renting a car.
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Are you in the US at the moment, or is this all due to happen at some point in the future?
No, the plan is to do this trip on 30/8/14 and, as I will be a retired teacher then, this will be the first time I have ever been able to go on holiday/vacation in September. The tour ends on day 14, so we will be in Washington the weekend around the 14th of September. :D
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You can easily go over to Arlington Cemetery to see Arlington House, Lee's home.
We did Arlington last year, but it was, literally, a walk to the Kennedy graves and a toilet stop at the visitor centre. Is there anything to see at Lee's old mansion?
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I saw the ACW exhibit at the Smithsonian last year, but noticed that there is also an African-American ACW Museum and Fort Stevens, are these worth a look?
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We did Arlington last year, but it was, literally, a walk to the Kennedy graves and a toilet stop at the visitor centre. Is there anything to see at Lee's old mansion?
That depends on what interests you. If you're looking for something that's exclusively focused on the Civil War and you have a limited amount of time to spend in the US, then perhaps not.
On the other hand, if you're interested in the history of a very powerful Virginia family who had connections to pretty much everybody who was anybody from the Declaration of Independence right through to the Civil War and who certainly made their mark on American history, then I would say that there certainly is.
I saw the ACW exhibit at the Smithsonian last year, but noticed that there is also an African-American ACW Museum and Fort Stevens, are these worth a look?
Again, the answer to this is a bit like the answer to the question about the Lee residence. Obviously, there's a narrower focus in that the museum focuses exclusively on African-Americans in the Civil War, but it's not a battlefield, is it? I think you need to decide whether you want to spend your time schlepping around museums and exhibitions during your visit (and you may well want to do just that, nothing at all wrong with it if that's your thing), or spend your time getting out onto the actual battlegrounds and seeing them for yourself.
For my first trip, I left the indoor exhibitions more or less alone and spent as much time as I could outside and on the battlefields. Obviously, I live here now, so I can go to a museum any time I feel like it, but even after the best part of six years here I'd choose a walk on the banks of the Bull Run or Antietam Creeks on a fine morning or afternoon over being jostled in downtown D.C. any day of the week. But that's just me.
Your mileage, as the fella said, may vary.
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Seriously, if you're three days in the DC area, it is worth considering renting a car.
What have been telling you for weeks now,John? Rent a car like the man says!
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I was at Gettysburg in April - I took a shuttle from the hotel in the city centre to the airport and hired a car and drove from there - that way i avoided driving in the city itself
I found it really strange driving on the "wrong" side of the road though I've done it lots in Europe before in my own car - the difference was that this time it was more of a challenge because everything inside the car was on my right side rather than on my left as well ??? ???
My wife really enjoyed Gettysburg as well but we made a point of hiring a guide for about 4 hrs and he was superb, driving the rental car around the battlefield
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Well, holiday booked for August 30th and, as an EX-teacher, this will be my first ever holiday in September! ;D
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Well, holiday booked for August 30th and, as an EX-teacher, this will be my first ever holiday in September! ;D
Ex-sounds great doesn't it? The reality is even better, take it from me! :D